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Training deviceRelated Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Golf, Practice Swingable Implement Or Indicator Associated With Swingable ImplementTraining device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070066415, Training device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This application is filed with respect to the inventions disclosed in [0002] Disclosure Document Number 570713 filed with the USPTO on Feb. 17, 2005; [0003] Disclosure Document Number 571099 filed with the USPTO on Feb. 22, 2005; [0004] Disclosure Document Number 571687 filed with the USPTO on Feb. 28, 2005; [0005] Disclosure Document Number 572594 filed with the USPTO on Mar. 11, 2005; [0006] Disclosure Document Number 572623 filed with the USPTO on Mar. 14, 2005; [0007] Disclosure Document Number 574740 filed with the USPTO on Apr. 12, 2005; and [0008] Disclosure Document Number 574741 filed with the USPTO on Apr. 12, 2005. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0009] The present invention pertains to a training device, e.g., for use in sports training, and particularly is applicable to a training device for providing feedback regarding movement of a user's wrist. BACKGROUND [0010] A significant problem that many athletes encounter when playing sports is that the athlete bends his or her wrist at an inappropriate time during a particular movement, such as a golf putting stroke or a tennis swing. A variety of different techniques have been attempted to prevent this. However, all of such conventional techniques have significant disadvantages. For example, certain conventional training techniques use a brace to physically inhibit the wearer's wrist from bending. Unfortunately, such braces often are bulky and heavy, thereby interfering with other aspects of the wearer's natural movements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] FIG. 1 is a conceptual view showing the operation of a training device, according to a representative embodiment of the present invention, in use. [0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B are side elevational views of the device of FIG. 1, in two different rotational orientations. [0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a device according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. [0014] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing the operational modes of a device according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. [0015] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing how the evaluation mode of a device according to the present invention is activated according to certain representative embodiments thereof. [0016] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the processing performed in an evaluation mode according to certain representative embodiments of the present invention. [0017] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing how a device according to the present invention may be used, in accordance with certain representative embodiments. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) [0018] The present invention, in its various embodiments, provides feedback for monitoring a user's wrist movement. In certain embodiments, the feedback is instantaneous, thereby permitting the user to make real-time adjustments to a particular motion sequence that may include, not only wrist movement (or activity in which the wrist is supposed to remain stationary), but also movements of other parts of the body. In certain embodiments of the invention, information regarding wrist movement is stored for later analysis and/or both is provided in real-time and also is stored for later analysis. As will be readily appreciated, the present invention can be used beneficially in connection with sports training or in any other situation in which it is important to perform a sequence of motions properly, e.g., in the workplace where improper repetitive motions might lead to inefficiencies or even injury. [0019] In some of the preferred embodiments described below, the present invention concerns a golf putting training device to teach golfers to steady their hands during the practice stroke or the actual stroke, thereby promoting a smoother, more solid, sweet-spot putt. However, a device according to the present invention also can be used for other sports and/or in other training situations where it is important that the user maintains a steady wrist position (e.g., straight or at some other fixed angle). Preferred Configuration of Training Device [0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a conceptual view showing the operation of a training device 5 while in use. Preferably, training device 5 includes a base portion 10 (which, in turn, preferably includes the electronics for the device 5) and a sensor 12 that is mounted on top of base portion 10. [0021] In the present embodiment, training device 5 also includes a band 14 that may be worm, e.g., around the user's wrist or forearm. However, in an alternate embodiment training device 5 is mounted on top of a wristwatch or other device worn on the wrist or forearm (e.g., temporarily with a suction-cup or using any combination of clips, screws or the like), thereby obviating the need for a separate band 14. In a still further embodiment, training device 5 is incorporated into a wristwatch (which also tells time and date, in the same manner as a conventional watch). In any event, training device 5 preferably is worn on the user's wrist or forearm (e.g., close to the user's wrist). [0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 12 preferably is elevated above the user's wrist or forearm (as applicable). Such a configuration permits sensor 12 to have a clear path 20 to a point 22 on the back of the user's hand (e.g., either for transmitting and receiving a reflected beam or for simply detecting the spot 22). In this regard, sensor 12 preferably is a distance or motion sensor, but instead may be a simple binary detection sensor for sensing the absence or presence of a spot (e.g., taped or drawn) on the user's hand. In the latter case, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1 of the spot 22 will be visible to sensor 12 with the user's hand oriented as shown in FIG. 1, but will not be detected when the user bends his wrist forward such that the path 20 completely misses the back of the user's hand. [0023] More preferably, sensor 12 is an active sensor that emits a beam and receives its reflection from the target point 22 on the back of the user's hand, which information is then used to calculate motion (e.g., either directly using Doppler principles or based on changes in distance to point 22). Accordingly, in the preferred embodiments of the invention sensor 12 is implemented as a laser, LED (light-emitting diode), infrared, ultrasonic, or similar active sensor. For example, in one embodiment sensor 12 is implemented as a compact preferably battery-powered short-distance laser rangefinder (e.g., for measuring distances up to 24 inches). In alternate embodiments, sensor 12 is configured to detect speed or any other indication of motion. [0024] In still further embodiments, sensor 12 may be implemented as a passive sensor, e.g., by physically taping or marking the spot 22 on the back of the user's hand and optically detecting the spot 22. In such an embodiment, distance may be measured, e.g., using a multi-element sensor 12 and well-known principles of triangulation. [0025] Thus, in either embodiment sensor 12 generally will include a receiver, typically either an electromagnetic receiver (e.g., for receiving visible light, infrared or ultraviolet electromagnetic signals) or an acoustic receiver (e.g., for receiving audible or ultrasonic signals). [0026] A processor within device 5 (discussed in more detail below) preferably controls the operation of sensor 12, receives range or other sensor information from it, and causes the user to be alerted in real-time in the event of any inappropriate wrist motion or, depending upon the particular embodiment, of any specified wrist motion (e.g., with the user deciding whether the wrist motion occurred at an appropriate time). As indicated above, the processing and interface circuitry of device 5 preferably is included within the base portion 10, onto which sensor 12 is physically attached or mounted, thereby elevating sensor 12. Continue reading about Training device... Full patent description for Training device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Training device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Training device or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Ball retrieving device Next Patent Application: Method and apparatus for practicing putting stroke Industry Class: Games using tangible projectile ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Training device patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.25554 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Electronics: Semiconductor , Audio , Illumination , Connectors , Crypto , 174 |
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