US20240293702A1

US20240293702A1 - Training ball

Info

Publication number: US20240293702A1
Application number: US18/663,236
Authority: US
Inventors: Glen Ross Rusan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-01-28
Filing date: 2024-05-14
Publication date: 2024-09-05

Abstract

A training ball that is operable to produce a different return trajectory versus a projected trajectory when thrown against a vertical wall as an apparatus and method of improving hand-eye coordination. The training ball includes a body that is partially elliptical in shape so as to have circumferential radius that will produce a second trajectory that is different from that of a first trajectory. The first trajectory occurs when the training ball is hurled at a vertical support surface. Furthermore, the second trajectory is the return trajectory. The method of use incorporates steps such as but not limited to tracking the training ball during its travel on its projected directory and its return trajectory.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to ocular and muscular coordination improvement, more specifically but not by way of limitation, an apparatus and a method that is operable to provide improved hand-eye coordination for those individuals whom have suffered a loss thereof.

BACKGROUND

Hand-eye coordination, or eye-hand coordination, is the ability to do activities that require the simultaneous use of our hands and eyes, like an activity that uses the information our eyes perceive referred to as visual spatial perception in order to guide our hands to carry out a desired movement. Our eyes to direct attention to a stimulus and help the brain understand where the body is located in space self-perception and subsequently where our hands need to move towards in order to execute a desired activity such as but not limited to catching a ball. Eye-hand coordination is a complex cognitive ability, as it calls for uniting our visual and motor skills, allowing for the hand to be guided by the visual stimulation our eyes receive. Hand-eye coordination is an important skill that adults use in countless activities on a daily basis. Most activities that you do in your day-to-day life use some degree of eye-hand coordination, which is why it's important to ensure that it is as developed as possible. Some examples of eye-hand coordination are writing, typing and driving. Additionally, almost every sport requires the use of hand-eye coordination to coordinate what you see with your eyes with the movement if your body.
Problems and disorders relating to brain injuries or other maladies can create a decrease in hand-eye coordination, which often results in an inability to perform some of the aforementioned tasks successfully. Any alteration to the visual or motor systems can significantly affect hand-eye coordination, like visual or muscular problems like strabismus, amblyopia, muscle hypotonia, balance problems, or crossed laterality. Brain damage to the motor areas (or areas related to motor areas), as well as perceptive areas may cause eye-hand coordination problems. Poor hand-eye coordination can affect many different activities, which may lead to developmental disorders, learning disorders. Academically those with poor hand-eye coordination can make mistakes when they take notes from poor hand-writing. Professionals in the workplace can lose their ability to proficiently type or assemble objects if working in a manufacturing environment. Lastly, even daily activities such as eating can become difficult depending on the severity of the loss of hand-eye coordination.
Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and a method that is operable to provide improvement of hand-eye coordination as a result of utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method operable to provide improvement in the hand-eye coordination of a user wherein the present invention includes a training ball.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus configured to provide improvement in the eye-hand coordination of the user so as to rehabilitate the user wherein the training ball is manufactured from a resilient material such as but not limited to rubber.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method operable to provide improvement in the hand-eye coordination of a user wherein the training ball includes a body having a shape that provides a return trajectory that is different than that of a projected trajectory when thrown against a vertical surface such as but not limited to a wall.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus configured to provide improvement in the eye-hand coordination of the user so as to rehabilitate the user wherein the training ball in a preferred embodiment of the present invention has a circular cross-section along a z-axis; a first truncated elliptical cross-section along a y-axis; and a second truncated elliptical cross-section along an x-axis; with the shape being symmetrical along at least two of the z-axis, the y-axis and the x-axis.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method operable to provide improvement in the hand-eye coordination of a user wherein the method of the present invention includes using one hand or both hands.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus configured to provide improvement in the eye-hand coordination of the user so as to rehabilitate the user wherein the method of the present invention incorporates repetitive motions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method operable to provide improvement in the hand-eye coordination of a user wherein the body shape of the training ball further provides alternate speed of return.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the training ball;

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of FIG. 1

FIG. 2B is an alternate embodiment of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a front view of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3B is an alternate embodiment of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary use of the training ball of the present invention being thrown against a wall; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the preferred method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a muscular and ocular development apparatus 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.
Referring in particular to FIGS. 1-4 submitted herewith, the muscular and ocular development apparatus 100 includes a training ball 10. The training ball 10 is formed as a body wherein the body is manufactured from a durable resilient material such as but not limited to rubber. The training ball 10 is intended to be grasped by a user and thrown towards a vertical surface such as but not limited to a wall as is illustrated herein in FIG. 4 .
The training ball 10 is partially elliptical in shape. The partially elliptical shape of the training ball 10 is important to the delivering of the method of the present invention. The partially elliptical shape of the training ball 10 ensures that the return trajectory of the training ball 10 will be different than the projection trajectory. The different trajectories of the training ball 10 require that a user must make the necessary physical adjustments with their hands in order to catch the training ball 10 while traveling on the return trajectory. This requires a hand-eye coordination to successfully implement a catch of the training ball 10 on the return trajectory and as such repetitive execution of throwing the training ball 10 will assist in the improved development of the hand-eye coordination of the user of the training ball 10.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the partially elliptical shape of the is derived from a circular cross-section on the z-axis, a first truncated elliptical cross-section on the y-axis and a second elliptical cross-section on the x-axis. The shape is symmetrical along at least two of the axes, and preferably all three axes. The first and second truncated elliptical cross-sections result in the creation of a band 15 around the training ball, preferably center of the equator of the training ball 10. The size of the band 15 may be varied, but is preferably at least a quarter of the diameter of the training ball along the z-axis.
In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B the training ball 10 may further include an attachment point 25 for a tether, either at the top of the training ball 10 of along the band 15. The tether may then be attached to an adjustable band which is secured to the user's body, to enable easier retrieval of the training ball 10 if it is missed on its return trajectory. The adjustable band may be secured where desired in accordance with the planned training, with the wrist, ankle and forehead being preferred options for the appropriate training regimen.
While the training ball 10 is illustrated herein in a preferred embodiment it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the training ball 10 could be formed in alternate shapes within the provided parameters so as to achieve the desired objective of generating a return trajectory that is different than that of the thrown projected trajectory. Furthermore, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the training ball 10 could be provided in alternate sizes and colors. Lastly, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the training ball 10 could be provided in varying weights.
Referring now to FIG. 5 , the method of the muscular and ocular development apparatus 100 is diagrammed therein. In step 301, a training ball 10 will be provided to a user that needs or is desiring to improve their hand-eye coordination. Step 303, the user will position themselves adjacent to a wall or a suitable vertical surface. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the vertical surface could be a any type of wall or board that has been set up for use with the muscular and ocular development apparatus 100. Additionally, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that an additional horizontal support surface could be positioned adjacent the vertical surface wherein the horizontal support surface is higher than that of the support surface on which the user is standing. In step 305, the user will grasp the training ball 10 in a desired hand.
Step 307, the user will project the training ball 10 towards the vertical surface. In step 309, as the training ball 10 travels on both the projected trajectory and the return trajectory the user will track the position of the training ball 10 with their eyes. Step 311, as the training ball 10 becomes more proximate the user during its return trajectory the user will position the desired hand in a location so as to successfully intervene along the return trajectory. In step 313, the user will catch the training ball 10 with the positioned hand. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the aforementioned sequence is repeated at least twenty times during an execution of the muscular and ocular development apparatus 100 in order to initiate and continue development of improved hand-eye coordination.
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A training ball, comprising:

a body, said body being manufactured from a resilient material, said body comprising a shape with:

a circular cross-section along a z-axis;

a first truncated elliptical cross-section along a y-axis; and

a second truncated elliptical cross-section along an x-axis;

wherein the shape is symmetrical along at least two of the z-axis, the y-axis and the x-axis, and

wherein the training ball produces an erratic return trajectory when thrown against a suitable vertical support surface.

2. The training ball of claim 1, wherein the combination of the first truncated elliptical cross-section and the second truncated elliptical cross-section forms an equatorial belt section in a region surrounding an equator of the body.

3. The training ball of claim 2, wherein the equatorial belt section covers at least a quarter of a diameter of the circular cross-section.

4. The training ball of claim 1, wherein the body is manufactured from one of: rubber, high-density foam, low density foam, and synthetic leather.

5. The training ball of claim 4, wherein the body further comprises an internal inflatable bladder which is surrounded by the resilient material.

6. The training ball of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable band connected to the body via a tether.

7. The training ball of claim 6, wherein tether is formed from an elastic material.

8. The training ball of claim 6, wherein the adjustable band is dimensioned to fit around a part of the human body.

9. The training ball of claim 8, wherein the part of the human body is one of: wrist, ankle, waist, and head.

10. The training ball of claim 2, further comprising an adjustable band connected to the body via a tether.

11. The training ball of claim 10, wherein the tether is connected to the body at the equatorial belt.