Hitting training device

• US 9,950,239 B1
• Filed: 11/01/2016
• Issued: 04/24/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kevin Harvey
• Original Assignee: Kevin Harvey
• Inventors: Harvey, Kevin
• Primary Examiner(s): LEGESSE, NINI F
• Application Number:
  US15/340,050
• Time in Patent Office: 539 Days
• Field of Search: 473207, 473209, 473212, 473215, 473219, 473221, 473223, 434247-258
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0008 for batting
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0627 when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0655 Tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0666 worn on the head or face, e.g. combined with goggles or glasses
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/18 Inclination, slope or curvature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/836 Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3608 Attachments on the body, e.g. for measuring, aligning, restraining A63B69/0059, A63B69/3673 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/38 for tennis A63B61/006, A63B69/0073 and A63B69/0097 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0038 Sports

Abstract

The hitting training device is a training device used for practicing a swing by an athlete. The hitting training device is an earbud that contains a level sensor. The earbud is worn during the practice of a swing. The level sensor detects if the head of the athlete tilts off level off during the swing. In this circumstance, the level sensor activates a buzzer that audibly and physically indicates that the head tilted inappropriately. The hitting training device comprises an earbud, a level sensor, a signaling unit and a power system. The level sensor, signaling unit and the power system are contained within the earbud. The earbud is worn in the ear of the athlete much like a Bluetooth earbud commonly used with cellular phones.

Claims

1. A training device comprising:

an earbud, a level sensor, a signaling unit and a power system;

wherein the level sensor, signaling unit and the power system are contained within the earbud;

wherein the earbud is worn in an ear of an athlete;

wherein the athlete is further defined with a head;

wherein the training device is a used for practicing a sport that involves a swinging motion;

wherein the earbud is worn during the practice of the swing;

wherein the level sensor detects if the head of the athlete tilts off level off during the swing;

wherein the level sensor activates the signaling unit that audibly and physically indicates that the head tilted inappropriately;

wherein the earbud comprises a housing, a speaker, and a flexible tube;

wherein the earbud is worn over the ear of the athlete such that a speaker is inserted into the ear;

wherein the housing is a chamber that contains the level sensor and the power system;

wherein the speaker contains a transducer that generates electrical signals into audible sounds and a vibration;

wherein the speaker is connected to the housing using a flexible tube;

wherein the flexible tube is a hollow tubular semi-rigid structure;

wherein the hollow tubular semi-rigid structure is not elastic;

wherein the level sensor determines the position of the head relative to gravity;

wherein the level sensor is positioned within the housing such that when the head of the athlete is in the proper position the level sensor is perpendicular to the force of gravity;

wherein the level sensor is a tilt switch;

wherein the signaling unit comprises a buzzer;

wherein the buzzer generates an audible sound and a physical vibration when a voltage is applied to the buzzer;

wherein the buzzer is mounted within the speaker of the earbud;

wherein an electrical cable connecting the buzzer to the tilt switch and the power system is threaded through the hollow tubular semi-rigid structure of the flexible tube;

wherein the power system comprises a battery and a port;

wherein the battery powers the buzzer when the training device is in use;

wherein the battery is recharged through the port.

2. The training device according to claim 1

wherein the tilt switch is a metal ball tilt switch that completes an electrical circuit whenever the head of the athlete is not perpendicular to the force of gravity;

wherein the closure of the electrical circuit activates the signaling unit.

3. The training device according to claim 2

wherein the power system further comprises a diode;

wherein the diode is installed between the port and the battery such that electricity flow is limited to the direction from the port to the positive terminal of the battery.

4. The training device according to claim 3

wherein the power system further comprises a switch;

wherein the switch disables the operation of the training device when the training device is not in use.

5. The training device according to claim 4 wherein the switch is connects to a series circuit comprising the tilt switch and the signaling unit.

6. The training device according to claim 1

wherein the tilt switch is a mercury tilt switch that completes an electrical circuit whenever the head of the athlete is not perpendicular to the force of gravity;

wherein the closure of the electrical circuit activates the signaling unit.

7. The training device according to claim 6

wherein the power system further comprises a diode;

wherein the diode is installed between the port and the battery such that electricity flow is limited to the direction from the port to the positive terminal of the battery.

8. The training device according to claim 7

wherein the power system further comprises a switch;

wherein the switch disables the operation of the training device when the training device is not in use.