US20240299797A1

US20240299797A1 - Methods and apparatus for muscle resistance training wrap

Info

Publication number: US20240299797A1
Application number: US18/593,025
Authority: US
Inventors: James R. Cowhey, III
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-03-10
Filing date: 2024-03-01
Publication date: 2024-09-12

Abstract

A muscle resistance training wrap according to various aspects of the present technology is configured to provide increased gripping strength for sports equipment handles. In one embodiment, the wrap comprises a soft flexible element configured to be wrapped around the handle of a piece of sporting equipment such as a baseball/softball bat, tennis racquet, pickleball paddle, hockey stick, golf club, or other similar hand-held sports equipment. The soft flexible element increases a diameter of the handle of the sporting equipment and is compressible when the handle portion is gripped and squeezed. The compressible nature of the wrap provides increased muscular resistance to gripping ability to thereby increase a user's gripping strength while simultaneously allowing use of the sports equipment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/489,670, filed Mar. 10, 2023, and incorporates the disclosure of the application by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern athletes train to increase their overall strength and physical conditioning with the goal of improving their athletic performance. Improvements in physical conditioning often incorporate resistance exercises such as lifting free weights, using weight machines, resistance bands, and various exercising devices all with the intended purpose of increasing an athlete's strength. The use of weight training to increase and develop muscular strength is well known and frequently used by athletes in nearly all types of sports. In conventional training regimens, however, weight training occurs at one time, and the athlete participates in their sport, exercise, or activity at a completely separate time. Therefore, the two activities, physical conditioning and practice, must be performed at completely different times and often at different locations. For example, methods of training that include lifting weights using various hand-held exercising devices or resistance stretch bands can increase grip, wrist, forearm, and upper arm strength, but does not allow the athlete to simultaneously train, practice, or participate in a given sport.
In many sports, increased strength in an athlete's grip, wrist, and forearm muscles may help improve and increase the athlete's performance level. For example, in a sport such as baseball or softball, additional grip, wrist, and forearm strength increases the athlete's ability to swing a bat allowing for increased bat speed and power at contact. Existing training devices directed towards increasing grip and/or forearm strength do not lend themselves to use while a given sporting activity is taking place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A muscle resistance training wrap according to various aspects of the present technology is configured to provide increased gripping strength for sports equipment handles. In one embodiment, the wrap comprises a soft flexible element configured to be wrapped around the handle of a piece of sporting equipment such as a baseball/softball bat, tennis racquet, pickleball paddle, hockey stick, golf club, or other similar hand-held sports equipment. The soft flexible element increases a diameter of the handle of the sporting equipment and is compressible when the handle is gripped and squeezed. The compressible nature of the wrap provides increased resistance to gripping ability to thereby increase a user's gripping strength while simultaneously allowing use of the sports equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.

FIG. 1A representatively illustrates a muscle resistance wrap device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 1B representatively illustrates a side view of the muscle resistance wrap device shown in 1A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 2 representatively illustrates the muscle resistance wrap device of FIG. 1 before being applied to a piece of sporting equipment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 3 representatively illustrates the muscle resistance wrap device of FIG. 1 applied to a piece of sporting equipment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 4 representatively illustrates a muscle resistance wrap device configured to be wrapped around a handle portion of a piece of sports equipment more than once in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 5 representatively illustrates the muscle resistance wrap device of FIG. 4 before being applied to a piece of sporting equipment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 6 representatively illustrates the muscle resistance wrap device of FIG. 4 applied to a piece of sporting equipment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 7 representatively illustrates the muscle resistance wrap device of FIG. 1 before being applied to an alternative piece of sporting equipment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 8 representatively illustrates an alternative version of a muscle resistance wrap device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 9 representatively illustrates alternative version of the muscle resistance wrap device applied to a piece of sporting equipment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 10 representatively illustrates the alternative version of a muscle resistance wrap device on a second type of sports equipment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology; and

FIG. 11 representatively illustrates alternative version of the muscle resistance wrap device applied to the second type of sporting equipment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology.

Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, components that may be coupled together in the manner shown or in a different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present technology may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present technology may employ various types of materials, fabrics, and connection devices. In addition, the present technology may be practiced in conjunction with any number of hand-held sports equipment, and the system described is merely one exemplary application for the technology. Methods and apparatus for a muscle resistance training wrap device according to various aspects of the present technology may operate in conjunction with any suitable one or two handed sports equipment such as a baseball or softball bat, a pickleball paddle, a tennis or racquetball racket, a hockey stick, a golf club, and other similar hand-held types of sports equipment.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in a representative embodiment, a muscle resistance training wrap 100 may comprise a flexible body 102 suitably adapted to be wrapped around the handle portion of a piece of sporting equipment. The flexible body 102 may comprise a compressible material with a predetermined thickness 104 such that when the muscle resistance training wrap 100 is wrapped around a handle a user has to squeeze (compress) the muscle resistance training wrap 100 harder and with more force and effort to maintain a secure grip on the piece of sporting equipment as compared to the same handle without the muscle resistance training wrap 100. When not in use, the flexible body 102 may lie substantially flat.
The flexible body 102 may also be configured to return to its original size or shape after the user releases their grip. For example, and referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 7 , when the muscle resistance training wrap 100 is applied to the handle portion 204 of a piece of sports equipment 202, the diameter of the handle 204 increases from an initial diameter T₁corresponding to the handle 204 itself to a second diameter T₂corresponding to the combination of the handle 204 and the muscle resistance training wrap 100. The increase in diameter requires a greater gripping force to be exerted by a user while using the sports equipment as compared to the non-wrapped thinner handle. In addition, the compressible nature of the flexible body 102 creates additional muscular resistance to the hand, wrist, and forearm muscles when the user grips the sports equipment 202 because the muscle resistance training wrap 100 must be squeezed harder and with more force for the user to maintain an adequate grip on the sports equipment 202.
The increase in gripping force required to hold and maintain a firm secure grip on the sporting equipment 202 and additional muscular resistance from the flexible body 102 activates muscles in the hand, wrist, and forearm to provide muscular resistance training without the use of separate weights or training equipment. Over time, the user will build increased hand, wrist, and forearm strength simply from gripping and using the sports equipment 202 in its intended manner. In addition, the muscle resistance training wrap 100 may provide immediate performance improvements.
For example, the application of the muscle resistance training wrap 100 to the sports equipment 202 allows the user to swing, or otherwise use, the sports equipment 202 in its intended manner albeit with a larger diameter handle 204 portion. Using the sports equipment 202 with the muscle resistance training wrap 100 in place provides a training/practice opportunity to the user that helps increase the user's overall grip, wrist, and forearm strength while simultaneously using the sports equipment 202. Subsequently, when the user removes the muscle resistance training wrap 100 and there is no longer any muscular resistance resulting from the flexible body 102 or the larger diameter handle 204, the user is able to swing the sports equipment 202 faster and with greater power due to improved grip, wrist, and forearm muscular strength. In addition, if the muscle resistance training wrap 100 is used during a warm up session (e.g., a batter in the on deck circle or just prior to taking batting practice), the immediate sensation associated with a smaller thinner handle 204 requiring a lower gripping force after the muscle resistance training wrap 100 is removed may provide the user with a feeling that the sports equipment 202 is lighter and easier to swing. This feeling provides an immediate improvement to on-field or in-game performance because the user is able to swing the sports equipment faster and with greater power. As a result, the muscle resistance training wrap 100 can be used in place of existing products such as a much heavier and cumbersome donut or sleeve commonly placed over the barrel end of a baseball/softball bat to increase the swing weight and activate hand, wrist, and forearm muscles.
In another example, a pickleball player would use muscle resistance training wrap 100 on the grip of their paddle during a warm-up period and/or before playing a match. The muscle resistance training wrap 100 would be removed before the match begins and provide the user with the feeling that the grip of the paddle is smaller or thinner and paddle can be swung much faster and with more power during a match. The resulting effect is due to the activation of the hand, wrist, and forearm muscles by the larger compressible handle when wrapped with the muscle resistance training wrap 100.
The flexible body 102 of the muscle resistance training wrap 100 may comprise any suitable material that is compressible and capable of being repeatedly wrapped around the handle 204 of a piece of sports equipment 202. For example, in one embodiment, the muscle flexible body 102 may be formed of any soft, flexible, spongy, rubber-like or padded material such as: neoprene, natural or polyurethane rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), nitrile butadiene (NBR), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), extruded polystyrene (XPS), an all-natural, eco-friendly, laminated, foam type rubber, and the like having a durometer rating of between about 10 on the 00 scale and about 40 A. Similarly, materials such as jute, cork, and the like may be used in combination with foams or rubber to provide a more durable flexible body 102 that can withstand repeated compression and exposure to elements such as the sun, moisture, and soil.
The flexible body 102 may also be formed with separate materials joined together to provide a desired thickness and different outward facing surfaces. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in one embodiment, the flexible body 102 may comprise a first flexible material 110 having an outward facing surface texture configured to provide an improved gripping surface against the sports equipment 202 and a second flexible material 112 facing opposite the first flexible material that has a surface texture configured to provide a more comfortable gripping surface for the user. For example, the first flexible material 110 may comprise a compressible neoprene rubber having a textured surface on one side that is configured to reduce sliding along the handle portion 204. The second flexible material 112 may be joined or otherwise adhered to the opposing side of the first flexible material 110 and comprise a soft felt-like or foam material. Alternatively, the first flexible material 110 may comprise a textured surface and the second flexible material 112 may comprise a compressible material that provides the resistance required to activate the user's gripping muscles.
Edges of the flexible body 102 may be treated to withstand fraying or tearing to increase durability. For example, in one embodiment one or more external edges of the flexible body 102 may include a stitched or sewn seam 114 configured to prevent or disrupt a rip or tear initiated along a portion of an external edge from continuing inwardly. In an alternative embodiment, the external edges of the flexible body 102 may include a surface coating selected to prevent rips and tears from forming.
The thicknesses 104 of the flexible body may comprise any suitable amount and may be selected according to any number desired factors such as the type of sports equipment 202 being used, a desired amount of compression or muscle resistance, or a size of the handle portion 204. For example, in one embodiment, the flexible body 102 may comprise a thickness of between about 1/16 of an inch and about ¼ of an inch (1.6-6.4 mm) and be configured to provide only a slight increase to the second diameter T₂of the handle portion 204. In an alternative embodiment, the flexible body 102 may be configured to provide a greater increase to the second diameter T₂and comprise a thickness of between about ⅛ of an inch and about ½ of an inch (3.2-12.7 mm).
Increasing the thickness 104 of the flexible body 102 for a given material may also provide a greater amount of compressibility to the flexible body 102 resulting in a greater amount of gripping force required from the user to properly hold and swing the sports equipment 202. A one of skill in the art will appreciate, by varying materials and thickness forming the flexible body 102, it is possible to provide varying levels of compressibility to the flexible body 102 thereby allowing a user to continue to increase muscle development similar to how increasing the weight for a given free weight training exercise is used to increase muscle development. For example, some materials may not only compress when gripped, but they may also substantially conform to or mold around the user's hand and fingers when the handle portion 204 is squeezed during use.
Other dimensions of the muscle resistance training wrap 100 may be selected according to any suitable criteria. For example, a first width of the muscle resistance training wrap 100 may be selected for use with a baseball bat and a second smaller width may be selected for a pickleball or racquetball racket due to the shorter length of the handle portion 204 of the racket compared to the handle of a baseball bat. A length of the muscle resistance training wrap 100 may similarly be determined according to the intended type of sports equipment 202 to be used. For example, the length of the flexible body 102 should be sufficient to completely encircle or otherwise substantially cover the handle portion 204 of the sports equipment 202. In one representative embodiment, the dimensions of the muscle resistance training wrap 100 for a baseball bat or hockey stick may comprise a thickness 104 of about ⅛-¼ of an inch (3.2-6.4 mm) and have a length and width of approximately 6-9 inches by approximately 8-12 inches (15-23 cm by 20-30 cm) with a total weight of between about 1 and 6 ounces (28 g-170 g). In a second embodiment, the width and length of the muscle resistance training wrap 100 for a racket or paddle may comprise approximately 3-6 inches by 5-9 inches (7.6-15.2 cm by 12.7-22.8 cm) with a total weight of less than about 4 ounces (113 g).
In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the flexible body 102 to be wrapped around the handle portion 204 multiple times to provide a greater increase to the diameter of the handle portion 204 and/or the overall compressibility of the flexible body 102. Referring now to FIGS. 4-6 , in an alternative embodiment, the muscle resistance training wrap 100 may be configured to be wrapped around the handle portion 204 of a piece of sports equipment 202 more than once such that the diameter of the handle 204 increases from the initial diameter T₁corresponding to the handle 204 itself to a third diameter T₃corresponding to the combination of the handle 204 and several layers of the muscle resistance training wrap 100 that is larger than that if the muscle resistance training wrap 100 is only wrapped once around the handle portion 204. For example, if the length of the flexible body 102 allows it to be wrapped around the handle three times, it will be recognized that it will take more gripping strength to properly grip and swing the sports equipment 202 than if there was only a single layer of the flexible body 102 wrapped around the handle portion 204.
The flexible body 102 may further comprise one or more connectors that are configured to allow a user to temporarily secure the muscle resistance training wrap 100 to the sports equipment 202. The connectors may comprise any suitable type of connector or fastener capable of being selectively connected and disconnected. For example, in one embodiment and with continued reference to FIGS. 4-6 , the connectors 106, 402 may comprise a set of hook and loop fasteners positioned on opposite sides of the flexible body 102 such that they are aligned with each other after the muscle resistance training wrap 100 has been wrapped around the handle portion 204 of the sports equipment 202. In an alternative embodiment, the connectors 106, 108 may comprise a mating set of magnets (not shown) embedded into the flexible body 102 such that they are aligned and drawn towards each other when the muscle resistance training wrap 100 has been wrapped around the handle portion 204 of the sports equipment 202. In yet another embodiment and with particular reference to FIGS. 1-3 , an outwardly facing surface of the flexible body 102 may be comprised of a material or fabric (e.g., velvet, felt, looped nylon, fleece, and wool) that acts as the loop portion 108 of a hook and loop fastener such that only the hook side 106 of a hook and loop fastener need be connected to an opposite side of the flexible body 102 thereby allowing the flexible body 102 to conform to handle portions 204 having a variety of diameters.
Referring now to FIGS. 8-11 , in an alternative embodiment, the muscle resistance training wrap 100 may be formed as a tubular structure 800 that is sized to be slid over and end of the handle portion 204. The tubular structure 800 may have a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible inner wall and be comprised of a similar material as that described above for the flexible body 102. An outer facing surface of the tubular structure 800 may be comprised of a similar material as that described above for the flexible body 102. The tubular structure may also comprise a lengthwise slit or separation that is configured to allow the two lengthwise edges 802 to be spread apart to allow the tubular structure 800 to be fit around the handle portion 204 of the sports equipment 202.
The technology has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes, however, may be made without departing from the scope of the present technology. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any method or process embodiment may be executed in any order, unless otherwise expressly specified, and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus embodiment may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present invention and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples.
Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components.
As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present technology, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same. Any terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about,” and “approximate” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.
The present technology has been described above with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology, as expressed in the following claims.

Claims

1. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle, comprising:

a flexible body formed of a compressible material having a thickness of between one-eighth of an inch and one-half of an inch in thickness; and

a connector disposed along a first outward facing surface of the flexible body and configured to connect to an opposing second outward facing surface of the flexible body.

2. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 1, wherein:

the connector comprises a hook style connector; and

the second outward facing surface of the flexible body comprises a material that will couple to the connector on contact.

3. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 2, wherein the material of the second outward facing surface comprises a fabric formed from at least one of felt, nylon, fleece, and wool.

4. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 1, wherein the first outward facing surface of the flexible body comprises a textured surface configured to reduce sliding of the flexible body relative to the sports equipment handle.

5. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 4, wherein:

the first outward facing surface comprises a neoprene material; and

the second outward facing surface of the flexible body comprises a material having a loop style structure configured to engage the connector.

6. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 1, wherein at least one outer edge of the flexible body comprises an edge treatment configured to disrupt a tear along the outer edge from progressing inward.

7. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 1, wherein the flexible body is formed from a foam rubber material.

8. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 1, wherein the flexible body comprises:

dimensions of about four and one-half inches by six inches; and

a weight of less than about six ounces.

9. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 1, wherein the flexible body comprises:

dimensions of between about six and nine inches by about nine inches; and

a weight of less than about six ounces.

10. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle, comprising:

a first connector disposed along a first outward facing surface of the flexible body; and

a second connector disposed along an opposing second outward facing surface of the flexible body and configured to connect to the first connector.

11. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 10, wherein:

the first connector is disposed along a first end portion of the flexible body; and

the second connector is disposed along an opposing second end of the flexible body.

12. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 11, wherein the first and second connectors form a hook and loop style connection.

13. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 10, wherein the flexible body is formed from a foam rubber material.

14. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 10, wherein at least one outer edge of the flexible body comprises an edge treatment configured to disrupt a tear along the outer edge from progressing inward.

15. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 10, wherein the first outward facing surface of the flexible body comprises a textured surface configured to reduce sliding of the flexible body relative to the sports equipment handle.

16. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 10, wherein the flexible body comprises:

dimensions of about four and one-half inches by six inches; and

a weight of less than about six ounces.

17. A muscle resistance training wrap for a sports equipment handle according to claim 10, wherein the flexible body comprises:

dimensions of between about six and nine inches by about nine inches; and

a weight of less than about six ounces.