US20230249044A1 - Face-off training device and method of use - Google Patents
Face-off training device and method of use Download PDFInfo
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- US20230249044A1 US20230249044A1 US18/137,082 US202318137082A US2023249044A1 US 20230249044 A1 US20230249044 A1 US 20230249044A1 US 202318137082 A US202318137082 A US 202318137082A US 2023249044 A1 US2023249044 A1 US 2023249044A1
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- stick
- heel
- connector
- training device
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0024—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for hockey
- A63B69/0026—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for hockey for ice-hockey
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/04—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters attached to static foundation, e.g. a user
- A63B21/0442—Anchored at one end only, the other end being manipulated by the user
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/055—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters extension element type
- A63B21/0552—Elastic ropes or bands
- A63B21/0557—Details of attachments, e.g. clips or clamps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
- A63B59/70—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00 with bent or angled lower parts for hitting a ball on the ground, on an ice-covered surface, or in the air, e.g. for hockey or hurling
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0024—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for hockey
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/14—Lacrosse
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/22—Field hockey
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2214/00—Training methods
Definitions
- the present invention(s) relates to training devices or tools for athletes practicing face offs, particularly with respect to face offs in ice hockey, lacrosse, roller and street hockey, etc., as well as generally to methods for practicing face offs in such sports.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,949,035 (Halsworth) is directed to a sports training device that includes a tethered bat or other sports equipment, such as a hockey stick, attached by flexible elastic to a fixed anchor point, or to a pulley and weight system.
- a swivel attachment is attached to the distal end of the training device and a yoke is attached to the swivel attachment, and an elastic cord is attached to the yoke at one end and to a fixed point at the other.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,189 discloses an exercise machine for hockey players that includes a cable elastically tethered to a frame on one end and to a blade of a hockey stick on the other.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,041 (Riivald) is directed to an ice hockey training apparatus for developing stick control and correct shooting movements while also increasing strength, balance and accuracy.
- U.S. Pat. No. 10,272,311 (Bear) is directed to a hockey face off training device which entails impacting of the impact member by a hockey stick of a practicing athlete to lift the lower end of the impact member from ground level, thereby simulating an act of sweeping or batting out an opponent's hockey stick during a face-off.
- One or more springs bias the impact member into the normal position to provide improved resistance. By sweeping or batting away the opponent's stick, the player would gain access to the puck in a real face off situation.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,002 (Beliakov) discloses an exercising apparatus for development of muscles in athletes, including hockey players.
- the apparatus uses two magnetic members for magnetic retention together with a predetermined magnetic force.
- the first magnetic member is affixed to a hockey stick to be manipulated by a hockey player.
- the second magnetic member is positioned at a restrained position from which an athletic stroke is initiated for magnetic retention together with the first magnetic member.
- the system permits an athlete to develop strength and speed and muscular reaction over an athletic stroke by manual manipulation of the athletic vehicle to overcome the predetermined magnetic force.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,121,964 (Dahm et al.) is directed to a hockey puck face-off method and apparatus. Disclosed is a system for dropping a hockey puck to facilitate or simulate hockey face offs.
- Canadian Patent No. 1221593 (Boni) is directed to an apparatus for simulation of ice hockey face offs. It is arranged to drop pucks intermittently, one at a time, from a stack for rapid succession face off simulations.
- While the aforementioned devices may be generally suitable for their intended uses, they still leave much to be desired from the standpoint of providing a training device for face offs and similar athletic moves in ice hockey, lacrosse, roller and street hockey, etc., that is lightweight, small enough to fit in a sports bag, easily portable, easy to use, cost effective, and that can be used almost anywhere a player feels like practicing. As such there is a need for such training devices and for methods of use thereof.
- the subject invention addresses those needs by providing a device and method of use that will develop muscle memory, strengthen the player, build confidence, and improve reaction time in the skill of winning face offs.
- the subject device and method of use enables an athlete or player to work solo and independent to develop his/her face off skills with a portable device that can travel easily with them. Such a device is usable at home, at the rink, outside, before a game as a warm-up, etc. Further still, the subject invention and method of use enables the user to focus on strength development, timing reflex, and overall skills development for face offs.
- One aspect of this invention is a training device for training a person to accomplish a battle for a puck or a ball in a sport making use of a stick having a heel.
- the training device comprises a base connector, an elongated resilient member, and a stick wrap.
- the base connector is configured to connect the device to a base.
- the base is in a form of a stationary member.
- the elongated resilient member has a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion. The proximal end portion is connected to the base connector.
- the resilient member is configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to a movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion.
- the stick wrap is configured to be releasably connected to the distal end portion.
- the stick wrap is formed of a blank of flexible material having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first and second sections are secured together and form a hollow pocket between the inner surface of the first and second sections.
- the hollow pocket is configured to receive the heel with one portion of the stick on a first side of the heel extending out of the pocket on a first side of the pocket and a second portion of the stick on a second and opposite side of the heel extending out of the pocket on a second and opposite side of the pocket.
- the third section is foldably connected to the second section by a foldable line and configured to be folded along the foldable line into releasably securable engagement with the first section to enclose the heel and releasably secure the stick wrap to the heel, whereupon the stick wrap is resistant to accidental displacement from the heel.
- the pocket is lined with a slip-resistant liner.
- the base connector is in a form of a loop configured to encircle the base.
- the base connector comprises an elongated base strap has a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a distal connector, and a proximal connector.
- the distal end portion of the elongated base strap is connected to the proximal end of the resilient member.
- the distal connector is secured to the elongated base strap adjacent the distal end portion of the elongated base strap.
- the proximal connector is connected to the proximal end portion of the elongated base strap.
- the distal connector and the proximal connector is releasably securable to each other to form the loop.
- the distal end portion of the elongated base strap includes a stop configured to engage a door jamb to releasably secure the base strap to the door jamb.
- the releasably securable engagement of the third section to the second section achieved by a first releasably securable connector located on the outer surface of the first section and by a second releasably securable connector located on the inner surface of the third section.
- the first section comprises an upper section.
- the second section comprises an intermediate section.
- the third section comprises a lower section, and the foldable line comprises a lower fold line.
- the upper section is foldably connected to the intermediate section along an upper fold line.
- the upper section and the intermediate section has a first side edge and a second side edge.
- the first side edge is located opposite the second side edge.
- the first side edge forming a first wrapping portion.
- the second side edge forming a second wrapping portion.
- the wrap is foldable along the lower and upper foldable lines, whereupon the first wrapping portion is wrapped about the first portion of the stick on the first side of the heel and the second wrapping portion is wrapped about the second portion of the stick on the second side of the heel, with portions of the inner surface of the stick wrap engaging a portion of the heel.
- the upper section is of a generally trapezoidal shape having congruent sides, and wherein the intermediate section is of the same shape and size as the upper section.
- the training device comprises one training device of a kit of plural training devices, wherein each of the training devices is of similar construction, but whose elongated strap provides a different amount of stretchability than the elongated strap of others of the plural training devices of the kit.
- the training device comprises a base connector, a resilient member, and a stick wrap.
- the base connector is configured to connect the device to a base in a form of a stationary member.
- the resilient member has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The proximal end portion is connected to the base connector.
- the resilient member is configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to a movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion.
- the stick wrap is configured to be releasably connected to the distal end portion.
- the stick wrap includes a first wrapping portion, a second wrapping portion, an intermediate portion, and releasably securable connectors.
- the intermediate portion interconnects the first and second wrapping portions and holds the first wrapping portion spaced apart from the second wrapping portion.
- the intermediate portion is connected to the distal end of the resilient member between the first wrapping portion and the second wrapping portion.
- the first wrapping portion is configured to be wrapped about and brought into engagement with a first portion of the stick on a first side of the heel.
- the second wrapping portion is configured to be wrapped about and brought into engagement with a second portion of the stick on a second side of the heel.
- the second side of the heel is opposite the first side of the heel, whereupon when the stick wrap is wrapped about the stick the releasably securable connectors are brought into engagement with each other to thereby releasably secure the stick wrap to the heel, whereupon the stick wrap is resistant to accidental displacement from the heel.
- the base connector is in a form of a loop configured to encircle the base.
- the base connector comprises an elongated base strap having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a distal connector, and a proximal connector.
- the distal end portion of the elongated base strap is connected to the proximal end of the resilient member.
- the distal connector is secured to the elongated base strap adjacent the distal end portion of the elongated base strap.
- the proximal connector is connected to the proximal end portion of the elongated base strap.
- the distal connector and the proximal connector are releasably securable to each other to form the loop.
- the distal end portion of the elongated base strap includes a stop configured to engage a door jamb to releasably secure the base strap to the door jamb.
- the stick wrap is formed of a blank of flexible material having an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper section, an intermediate section and a lower section.
- the lower section is foldably connected to the intermediate section along a lower fold line.
- the upper section is foldably connected to the intermediate section along an upper fold line.
- the upper section and the intermediate section have a first side edge and a second side edge.
- the first side edge is located opposite the second side edge.
- the first side edge forms the first wrapping portion.
- the second side edge forms the second wrapping portion.
- the wrap is foldable along the lower and upper foldable lines, whereupon the first wrapping portion is wrapped about the first portion of the stick on the first side of the heel and the second wrapping portion is wrapped about the second portion of the stick on the second side of the heel, with portions of the inner surface of the wrap engaging a portion of the heel.
- the releasably securable connectors comprise a first releasably securable connector located on the interior surface of the upper section, and a second releasably securable connector located on the exterior surface of the lower section.
- Another aspect of this invention is a method of a method of training a person to accomplish a battle for a puck or a ball in a sport making use of a stick having a heel and a shaft.
- the method comprises providing a training device including a base connector, a resilient member and a stick wrap.
- the resilient member has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The proximal end portion is connected to the base connector.
- the resilient member is configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to the movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion.
- the stick wrap includes a first wrapping portion, a second wrapping portion, and an intermediate portion connected to the first and second wrapping portions.
- the intermediate portion is connected to the distal end of the main resilient member.
- the base connector is utilized to secure the training device to a stationary base.
- the first wrapping portion is brought into engagement with a portion of the stick.
- the second strap portion is brought into engagement with another portion of the stick, whereupon the stick wrap is wrapped about the stick with a portion of the first strap portion located on a first side of the heel and a portion of the second strap portion located on a second side of the heel to thereby releasably secure the stick wrap to the heel, whereupon the stick wrap is resistant to accidental displacement from the heel.
- the sport is hockey and wherein the stick is a hockey stick having a blade connected to the shaft by the heel.
- the base connector is in the form of a loop configured to encircle the base.
- the stationary base comprises a door jamb
- the base connector includes a stop
- the method comprises locating the stop with respect to the door jamb to engage the door jamb to releasably secure the base strap to the door jamb.
- the training device is provided as a portion of a kit of plural training devices, with each of the training devices of the kit providing a different amount of resistance to the movement of the stick.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of one exemplary training device constructed in accordance with this invention for training a person for hockey face offs, with the training device being shown in use in a hockey rink, wherein the device is mounted between the door jamb and door to the rink, by the device's base connector and with an auxiliary resistance-providing member of the training device being shown in a stowed state;
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of the exemplary training device shown in FIG. 1 , but shown with the training device being mounted on a stationary member, e.g., an upstanding post, adjacent a playground surface;
- FIG. 3 A is an isometric view of the training device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 3 B is an isometric view of the training device shown in FIG. 3 A but with its auxiliary resistance providing member (i.e., its auxiliary resilient member), being shown in its extended state wherein it is connected in parallel to the main resistance-providing member (i.e., its main resilient member) of the training device;
- its auxiliary resistance providing member i.e., its auxiliary resilient member
- FIG. 3 C is an enlarged isometric view of a proximal portion of the training device shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3 B to show the details of its base connector;
- FIG. 4 A is an enlarged isometric view of one component, i.e., a stick wrap, of the training device shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 B ;
- FIG. 4 B is an enlarged isometric view of the stick wrap of FIG. 4 A shown being releasably secured to the heel of a hockey stick like shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 by means of a cleat;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged isometric view of the cleat shown in FIG. 4 B with the distal ends of the main resilient member and the auxiliary resilient member being connected to the cleat;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of the training device which is located between a door jamb and door to releasably mount the training device thereto as shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a training device constructed in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a kit of training devices, including the embodiment of FIG. 7 , each of the training devices being constructed in accordance with this invention;
- FIG. 9 A is an isometric view taken at an oblique angle from the front of one component, i.e., a foldable stick wrap, of the training device of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 B is another isometric view taken from the front of the foldable stick wrap component shown in FIG. 9 A ;
- FIG. 9 C is an elevation view taken from the back of the foldable stick wrap component shown in FIG. 9 A ;
- FIG. 9 D is a top view taken along line 9 D- 9 D of FIG. 9 C ;
- FIG. 10 A is a plan view of a blank of flexible material cut to form the stick wrap of FIGS. 9 A- 9 D , with the blank of flexible material composed of an upper section, a middle section and a lower section and oriented so that its outer surface of each section is facing upward;
- FIG. 10 B is a plan view of the blank of flexible material shown in FIG. 10 A but oriented so that the inner surface of each section is facing upward;
- FIG. 10 C is a plan view of the blank of FIGS. 10 A and 10 B being shown after it has been assembled, and ready to be opened to accept the heel of a hockey or other sports stick;
- FIGS. 11 A- 11 B are illustrations showing a sequence of operation showing the folding of the stick wrap of the training device of FIG. 7 being mounted on the heel of a hockey stick;
- FIG. 12 A is an illustration of the training device of FIG. 7 showing one step in the mounting of the stick wrap of the training device of FIG. 7 on the heel of a hockey stick;
- FIG. 12 B is an illustration of the training device of FIG. 7 show after the stick wrap has been mounted on the heel of a hockey stick;
- FIG. 12 C is schematic illustration of the training device of FIG. 7 shown being connected to a post when used by a person training for hockey face offs, like shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 12 D is schematic illustration of the training device of FIG. 7 shown being connected to a door jamb when used by a person training for hockey face offs, like shown in FIG. 1 , with the left side of the illustration being an isometric view, and the right side of the illustration (the portion within the broken line circle) being a side view;
- FIG. 13 is an illustration of use of the exemplary training device of FIG. 7 shown in use in a hockey rink, like shown in FIG. 1 ; and wherein the device is mounted between the door jamb and door to the rink, by the device's base connector; and
- FIG. 14 is an illustration of use of the e exemplary training device of FIG. 7 shown in use in a hockey rink, like shown in FIG. 2 ; and wherein the training device is mounted on a stationary member, e.g., an upstanding post, adjacent a playground surface.
- a stationary member e.g., an upstanding post, adjacent a playground surface.
- FIG. 1 one exemplary embodiment of a device 20 constructed in accordance with one exemplary preferred embodiment of this invention for training a person to accomplish a face-off in a sport making use of a stick having a heel.
- the training device basically comprises a base connector 22 , a main resilient member 24 , and a stick wrap 26 .
- the base connector 22 is configured for connecting the training device to a stationary base where the user of the training device will practice face-offs with an athletic stick (e.g., a hockey, lacrosse, or other athletic stick).
- the main resilient member 24 is configured to stretch from an unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to the movement of the athletic stick, when the user practices face-offs with the stick being moved to replicate a face-off motion.
- the stick wrap 26 serves to releasably secure the training device to the athletic stick, e.g., at the heel of the stick, so that it is resistant to accidental displacement therefrom during use of the training device. By so doing, consistency of training using the device is ensured.
- FIG. 1 the user 2 of the training device 20 is shown in a hockey rink 4 holding a hockey stick 6 to practice face-offs.
- the base connector 22 of training device is shown releasably mounted between a door 8 and its associated door-jamb 10 of the rink 4 .
- the manner of that releasable mounting will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 .
- the stick wrap 26 is shown releasably secured to the heel 6 A of the hockey stick 6 .
- the manner of the releasable securement of the stick wrap on the heel of the hockey stick will be described later with reference to FIG. 4 B .
- the training device 20 mounted as shown in FIG. 1 , when the user moves the hockey stick by its shaft 6 B to replicate a face-off motion, the movement of the blade 6 C of the stick will be resisted by the main resilient member 24 as it is stretched.
- the training device 20 is shown with its base connector 22 releasably secured to on a stationary member, e.g., an upstanding post 12 , adjacent a playground surface 14 so that the user 2 can practice face-offs using the hockey stick 6 adjacent the post 12 .
- a stationary member e.g., an upstanding post 12
- playground surface 14 adjacent a playground surface 14 so that the user 2 can practice face-offs using the hockey stick 6 adjacent the post 12 .
- the manner of releasably mounting the training device 20 to the post 12 will also be described later.
- the training device in addition to the base connector 22 , the main resilient member 24 , and the stick wrap 26 , the training device also includes a distal cleat 28 , an auxiliary resistance band or strap 30 , and a proximal cleat 32 .
- a distal cleat 28 in addition to the base connector 22 , the main resilient member 24 , and the stick wrap 26 , the training device also includes a distal cleat 28 , an auxiliary resistance band or strap 30 , and a proximal cleat 32 .
- a proximal cleat 32 The details of the construction and operation of those components will be described later, after a description of the base connector.
- the base connector 22 is in the form of an adjustable mounting or locking strap to releasably secure the training device to the interface between a door and door jamb, like shown in FIG. 1 , or to a stationary member, like the post shown in FIG. 2 , or any other stationary member about which the base connector can be looped.
- the details of the base connector are best seen in FIGS. 3 A, 3 B, 3 C and 6 .
- the base connector and includes an elongated base strap 34 formed of any suitable material, e.g., nylon webbing or any other flexible, but non-stretchable material.
- the base strap 34 has a distal end portion which is folded over itself to form two parallel strap sections 34 A and 34 B which are sewed together by lines of stitching 34 C to form a loop fixedly securing those sections to the proximal cleat 34 to it.
- the folded over portion of the strap sections 34 A and 34 B form a loop which extends through a slot 32 A in the cleat 32 .
- the parallel sections of the base strap 34 includes a knot at approximately the midpoint of its associated parallel strap section and closely adjacent the lines of stitching 34 B.
- the strap section 34 A includes a knot 34 D at approximately its midpoint.
- the strap section 34 B includes a knot 34 E immediately adjacent the knot 34 D.
- the two knots together form a bulge in the base strap 34 to serve as a stop to engage the adjacent surfaces of the rink door 8 and its door jamb 10 when the base strap is extended between the door jamb 10 and the door 8 like shown in FIG. 1 . That action prevents the base connector from being pulled out of the interface between the door and its jamb during use of the training device 20 .
- the strap section 34 A located proximally of the knot 34 D extends through a slot 36 A′ in one connector component 36 A of a snap-connector 36 and is doubled back towards the knot 34 D so that its end is located adjacent the knot 34 D and is secured in place by lines of stitches 34 F.
- the two webs of the doubled back strap section of 34 A are secured together by lines of stitching 34 G immediately adjacent the slot 36 A′ of the connector 36 A so that the connector 36 A cannot slide with respect to the strap section 34 A.
- the foregoing arrangement secures the strap section 34 A to the connector 36 A.
- the strap section 34 B which extends proximally of the knot 34 E is connected to the mating connector 36 B of the snap connector 36 .
- the free end of the strap section 34 B is extended in and out of a pair of slots 36 B′ in the connector 36 B and back over itself to adjustably secure that strap section to the connector 36 B.
- the snap connector 36 is a conventional component like that found in various products, such as back packs, belts, etc., wherein prongs 36 C of the connector 36 B are arranged to snap into associated slots in the connector 36 A, thereby releasably connecting the two connectors 36 A and 36 B together.
- the length of the strap section 34 B from the knot 34 E to the connector 36 B can be adjusted. That enables the user to adjust the size of the loop created by the strap section 34 B to surround any size stationary point, e.g., the post 12 .
- the resulting base connector includes a strap that is adjustable and includes at least one bulge to act as a stop when the base connector is used to releasably secure the training device to the interface of a door and door jamb.
- the main resilient member 24 is an elongated elastic component formed of any strong resilient material, e.g., rubber, etc. It can be either in the form of a cord of a single fiber or strand a cable of multiple fibers or strands, or it may be in the form of a flat web or strap and serves to provide resistance to the movement of the stick 6 when the training device is in use and the user is practicing face-off motions with the stick.
- the main resilient member 24 in the embodiment shown is in the form of an elastic cord whose proximal end is fixedly secured to the proximal cleat 32 . That securement is best seen in FIG.
- auxiliary resilient member 30 may merely be an extension of the main resilient member 26 extending away from the connector 38 .
- the distal end of the main resilient member 24 extends through a hole 28 A ( FIGS. 4 A, 4 B and 5 ) in the cleat 28 and is held in place by a plug 40 having a larger diameter than that of the main resilient member and located at the distal end thereof.
- the cleat 28 connects the distal end of the main resilient member to the stick wrap 26 .
- the stick wrap is configured to be releasably secured to the heel 6 A of the hockey stick 6 or the heel of any other athletic stick used in face-offs so that the user can practice face offs with the training device.
- the stick wrap is best seen in FIGS.
- a strip 26 A and 4 B is in the form of an assembly of a strip 26 A of strong flexible webbing material, e.g., nylon, webbing and two strips of a releasably securable, e.g., VELCRO® material 26 B and 26 C.
- the strip 26 A is folded over itself at its midpoint to extend through a slot 28 B in the cleat 28 .
- the folded over portions are sewn together by lines of stitches 26 D to secure the strip 26 to the cleat 28 .
- One end of the VELCRO® strip 26 B is fixedly secured to one end of the strip 26 A and a corresponding end of the other VELCRO® strip 26 C is fixedly secured to opposite end of the strip 26 A.
- One side of the portion 26 B′ of the VELCRO® strip 26 B that is located immediately adjacent the strip 26 A is in the form of a multitude of hooks.
- the remainder of the strip 26 B which forms the free end portion 26 B′′ includes a plush or multi-loop surface on the opposite side of the strip 26 B.
- one side of the portion 26 C′ of the VELCRO® strip 26 C that is located immediately adjacent the strip 26 A is in the form of a multitude of hooks.
- the remainder of the strip 26 C which forms the free end portion 26 C′′ includes a plush or multi-loop surface on the opposite side of the strip 26 C.
- the releasable securement of the stick wrap to the heel of the stick 6 is accomplished by tightly wrapping the end portion 26 B′′ of the strip 26 B about the shaft 6 B of the stick immediately to the side of the heel 6 A, whereupon the multitude of hooks 26 B′ on the strip portion 26 B engage the multitude of loops on the strip portion 26 B′′ to thereby releasably secure the strip 26 B to the stick.
- the end portion 26 C′′ of the strip 26 C is wrapped tightly about the blade 6 C of the stick immediately to the side of the heel 6 A, whereupon the multitude of hooks 26 C′ on the strip portion 26 C engage the multitude of loops on the strip portion 26 C′′ to thereby releasably secure the strip 26 C to the stick. That action completes the securement of the stick wrap to the heel of the stick, with the distal end of the main resilient member thus being connected to the heel of the stick.
- VELCRO® strips 26 B and 26 C may be used to hold the wrapped portion of the strip in place on the portion of the stick adjacent the stick's heel.
- the main resilient member which may also be referred to as the main resistance member, is configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when that force is released, whereupon it provides a resistance R(main) to the movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion.
- R(main) The value of R(main) would be appropriate for a wide variety of users of various ages and strengths.
- the training device may be provided in the form of a kit having plural main resilient members, each providing a different level of resistance so that the user can select the desired level of resistance that the training device will provide when the user uses it to practice face-offs.
- the use of the training device 20 will focus resistance at the correct spot of the stick to best train the user for accomplishing face offs.
- the stick wrap 26 is secured to the heel of the stick as just described it will be resistant to accidental displacement or movement away from the heel of the stick until the stick wrap is intentionally disconnected by the use and removed from the stick by the user. That feature provides consistent repeatability of resistance training by the user of the device in practicing face-offs since the same amount of resistance will always be applied at the same location on the stick.
- the auxiliary resilient member 30 which may also be referred to as the auxiliary resistance member, is an elongated elastic member constructed like the main resilient member and is provided to allow the user to add the additional resistance R(aux) to the training device 20 in addition to the resistance R(main) provided by the main resilient member 24 .
- the auxiliary resilient member 30 is configured to stretch from an unstretched state to a stretched state when a second force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when that force is released, whereupon it provides resistance R(aux) to the movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion.
- the auxiliary resilient member 30 is arranged to be connected in parallel to the main resilient member, as will be described shortly.
- the auxiliary resilient member 30 can be configured to provide the same level of resistance as the main resilient member 24 , in which case when connected in parallel with the main resilient member 30 , results in the training device providing resistance equal to the sum of the resistances R(main) plus and R(aux) provided by the both members 24 and 30 , i.e., double the resistance that is provided when only the main resilient member is used alone. If the auxiliary resilient member provides a different resistance than the main resilient member the composite resistance provided by the parallel combination of the two resilient members 24 and 30 will not be double R(main) but will be R(main) plus R(aux).
- the subject invention contemplates the use of multiple auxiliary resistance members that could be connected in parallel to the main resistance member.
- the training device of the subject invention may be provided as a kit. That kit may also include multiple auxiliary resistance members, each being of a different R(aux) resistance, and which could be used either singly or in multiples in parallel with the main resilient member to provide the desired amount of resistance.
- the auxiliary resilient member 30 is normally held in a rolled-up stowed state, like shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3 A , and is arranged to be unrolled from its stowed state to an extended state where it extends in parallel to the main resilient member.
- the auxiliary resilient member is of the same length as the main resilient member so that when they are connected in parallel both will be in their unstretched state until a force is provided to stretch them.
- the auxiliary resilient member is held in its rolled-up stowed state by use of any type of clip 42 , e.g., a strip of double-sided VELCRO® tape.
- the auxiliary resilient member 30 is in the form of an enlarged plug 44 .
- the cleat 28 includes a keyway shaped slot 28 C having an enlarged lower end through which the auxiliary resilient member 30 with its enlarged plug 44 is extended. Once the enlarged plug is extended through the enlarged lower end of the keyway slot, the auxiliary resilient member contiguous with the plug 44 is slid into the narrower keyway of the slot 26 C to releasably secure the distal end of the auxiliary resilient member to the cleat 28 .
- the training device 20 can be used to provide increase resistance to the motion of the stick replicating a face-off. If it is desired to no longer use the auxiliary resilient member with the training device, all that is required is to slide the distal end of the auxiliary resilient member down the keyway of the slot 28 C until it reaches the enlarged lower end of the slot, at which time the enlarged plug 44 can pass through the enlarged lower end of the slot. That action frees the distal end of the auxiliary resilient member so that it can be rolled up to the stowed state shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 , 3 A and 3 B .
- FIG. 7 there is shown another exemplary embodiment of a training device 120 constructed in accordance with this invention.
- the training device 120 is similar in many respects to the training device 120 in that it includes a base connector 122 , a resilient member 124 , and a stick wrap 126 .
- the details of the base connector 122 will be described later. Suffice it for now to state that it enables the training device 120 to be connected to either a stationary post or other similar structure, like described above, and also shown in FIGS. 12 C, and 14 or can be connected to a door jamb like described above and also shown in FIGS. 12 D and 13 .
- the details of stick wrap 122 will also be described in detail later.
- the stick wrap enables the training device to be readily connected to the heel of a hockey stick or another sport stick having a heel, by wrapping portions of the stick wrap around portions of the stick one opposite sides of the heel, to releasably secure the stick wrap to the stick against accidental displacement therefrom.
- the base connector 122 basically comprises an elongated base strap 134 formed of any suitable material, e.g., nylon webbing or any other flexible, but non-stretchable material.
- suitable material for the base strap is a nylon strap sewn in a tube shape and flattened out for double strength.
- the base strap 134 has a distal end portion which is folded over itself to form two parallel strap sections 134 A and 134 B which are secured together by stitching closely adjacent where they are folded over to form a small loop thereat. This small loop serves as the means for connecting the proximal end 124 A of the resilient member 124 .
- the opposite (proximal) end of the strap section 134 A terminates at one connector component, e.g., a female connector component, 136 A of a snap-connector 136 .
- the proximal portion of the strap section 134 B extends in and out through a pair of slots in the male connector component 136 B of the snap-connector 136 .
- the snap connector 136 is a conventional component like that found in various products, such as back packs, belts, etc., wherein prongs of the male connector component are arranged to snap into associated slots in the female connector component, thereby releasably connecting the two connector components together.
- the proximal end portion of the strap section 134 B extends in and out of the slots in the male connector component 136 B when the male and female connectors components are connected together that forms a loop 138 from the proximal portions of the strap sections 134 A and 134 B, with size of the loop 138 being adjustable by pulling on the free end 134 C of the strap section 134 B. That enables the user to adjust the size of the loop 138 to surround any size stationary point or object, e.g., the post 12 , up to nine inches in diameter. However, if desired the base connector can be constructed to accommodate larger stationary points or objects than those of nine inch diameter.
- the base connector 122 also includes a stop 140 that serves a similar purpose as the stop (e.g., the knot) 34 D of the training device 20 .
- the stop 140 instead of being a knot is in the form of wedge-shaped body or plug formed of any suitable material, e.g., a plastic or rubber.
- the stop 140 is fixedly secured to the strap sections 134 A and 134 B between the distal and proximal ends of those strap sections.
- the stop includes a front face 140 A, a rear face 140 B, and a pair of slots 140 C and 140 D extending parallel to each other between the front face and the rear face.
- An intermediate portion of the strap section 134 A extends through slot 140 D while the immediately adjacent intermediate portion of the strap section 134 B extends through the slot 140 C.
- the portion of the strap sections 134 A and 134 B immediately adjacent the front face 140 A are secured (sewn) together.
- the portion of the strap sections 134 A and 134 B immediately adjacent the rear face 140 B are secured (sewn) together. That action fixedly secures the stop to an intermediate portion of the strap sections 134 A and 134 B.
- the distal end or face 140 A of the stop is flat and configured to engage the interface of a door and door jamb, in a similar manner to the knot 34 D when the training device 120 is used in a setting like an ice rink as discussed above and as shown schematically in FIG. 12 D .
- the resulting base connector includes a strap that is adjustable and includes at least one bulge to act as a stop when the base connector is used to releasably secure the training device to the interface of a door and door jamb.
- the resilient member 124 is an elongated elastic component or cord formed of any strong elastic material.
- One particularly suitable elastic cord is a professional grade acrobatic shock cord having a soft expandable cotton cord jacket.
- it can be in the form of a cable of multiple elastic fibers or strands, or it may be in the form of a flat elastic web or strap, so long as it is suitable to provide resistance to the movement of the stick 6 when the training device is in use and the user is practicing face-off motions with the stick.
- the resilient cord 124 includes a proximal end portion 124 A and a distal end portion 124 B.
- the proximal end portion 124 A of the cord is fixedly secured to the distal end of the strap sections 134 A and 134 B by the small loop formed at the distal end of those strap sections.
- the proximal end portion of the elastic cord 124 is threaded through the small loop at the distal end of the strap sections 134 A and 134 B, and then is folded back over itself and secured in place by a crimpable C-shaped clamp or ferrule or some other clamping member to form a permanent joint in a manner similar to the securement of the distal end portion of the cord to the stick wrap 126 (to be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 C and 9 D ).
- a section heat shrinkable sleeve 130 is disposed over and covers the joint.
- the stick wrap is formed from a planar blank 100 of a flexible material, e.g., PVC coated polyester scrim.
- the blank has an inner surface 100 A ( FIG. 10 B ) and an outer surface 100 B ( FIG. 10 A ) and is cut, e.g., die-cut, into the shape as shown in FIGS. 10 A and 10 B .
- the stick wrap is in the form of an integral unit which includes an upper section 142 , an intermediate section 144 , and a lower section 146 .
- the upper section has a generally trapezoidal shape having a generally linear top edge 142 A, a pair of outwardly flaring congruent sides 142 B and 142 C and a bottom in the form of a foldable line 142 D where the upper section merges with the intermediate section 144 ,
- the intermediate section 144 is basically a mirror image of the upper section 142 .
- the top edge of the intermediate section is the foldable line 142 D.
- the congruent sides 144 B and 144 C of the intermediate section taper inward to the bottom of the intermediate section, which is in the form of a foldable line 144 D.
- the lower section is of a generally square shape having a generally linear lower edge 146 D, a pair of side edges 146 B and 146 C and a top in the form of the foldable line 144 D where the lower section 146 merges with the intermediate section 144 .
- the outer surface 100 B of the upper section 142 includes a patch 150 of a releasably securable connector, e.g., a multi-hook patch of a VELCRO® connector) fixedly secured thereto.
- the inner surface of the lower section includes a patch 152 of the cooperating releasably securable connector, e.g., a multi-loop or plush patch of the VELCRO® connector.
- the inner surface 100 A of the blank includes a liner patch 154 formed of a thin layer of neoprene fixedly secured to the inner surface by an adhesive and lines of stitches (not shown).
- the VELCRO® component patches 150 and 152 are configured to engage each other to releasably secure the stick wrap on the heel of the stick, when the stick wrap is folded and wrapped about the heel, as will be described later.
- the neoprene liner provides resistance to slippage of the stick wrap on the heel of the hockey stick when the stick wrap is in place, as will also be described later.
- the outer surface of the bottom section 146 may include a patch 154 fixedly secured thereto and carrying indicia which may be a product identifier, e.g., a “FACE OFF” trademark or logo, and/or instructions or ornamentation.
- a product identifier e.g., a “FACE OFF” trademark or logo, and/or instructions or ornamentation.
- the bottom edge of the top section 142 and the top edge of the intermediate section are arcuate.
- the bottom edge of the top section 142 from the ends of the foldable line 142 D outward are in the form of arcuate edges 142 D and 142 E.
- the top edge of the intermediate section 144 from the ends of the foldable line 142 D outward are in the form of arcuate edges 144 D and 144 E.
- the arcuate edge 142 D of the top section 142 is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn by a line of stitches 158 ( FIG. 10 C ), to the arcuate edge 144 D of the intermediate section 144 .
- the arcuate edge 142 E of the top section 142 is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn by a line of stitches 160 ( FIG. 10 C ), to the arcuate edge 144 E of the bottom section.
- the distal end portion 124 B of the elastic cord 124 is fixedly secured to the outer surface of the intermediate section 144 of the stick wrap 126 .
- a strip 164 of the same material as the blank 140 is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn, onto the outer surface of the intermediate section 144 to form a projecting loop 164 A.
- the free end 166 of the distal end portion 124 B of the elastic cord 124 is threaded through the loop 164 A and folded over itself and secured in place by a C-shaped clamp 168 , e.g., a so-called “hog ring for shock cords”.
- the open hog ring is disposed about the portion of the cord where its distal end 166 abuts the portion of the cord on the opposite side of the loop 164 , and then is crimped or squeezed closed by a crimping tool to secure those portions of the cord together to form a permanent joint thereat.
- a heat shrinkable tube 132 which had been located on the cord before the cord was connected to the loop 164 A is slid down over the joint once the joint had been secured by the crimping of the clamp 168 and heat applied to the heat shrinkable tube to shrink it about the joint, thereby completing the joint and permanently connecting the distal end of the cord to the stick wrap.
- the stick wrap is configured so that it can be mounted on either side of a right handed stick or a left handed stick, depending upon which stick manipulating motion the user wishes training. Attention is now directed to FIGS. 11 A and 11 B to describe the mounting and releasable securement of the stick wrap about the heel 6 A of a stick 6 .
- the stick wrap can be mounted on either side To that end, the heel of the stick is inserted into the pocket 162 , like shown in FIG. 11 A , whereupon the portion of the stick at the interface of the heel 6 A and the shaft 6 B which is located under the edges 142 C and 144 C form a first side edge 126 A of the stick wrap.
- the portion of the stick at the interface of the heel 6 A and the blade 6 C located under the edges 142 D and 144 D form a second side edge 126 B of the stick wrap.
- the first side edge forms a first wrapping portion of the stick wrap.
- the second side edge forms a second wrapping portion of the stick wrap.
- That action effectively releasably secures the stick wrap 126 to the heel of the stick so that it will be resistant to displacement, with the first wrapping portion being wrapped about the portion of the stick on one side of the heel and with the second wrapping portion being wrapped about the second portion of the stick on the opposite side of the heel.
- a slip-resistant neoprene liner patch 154 is secured on portions of the inner surface of the upper section 142 , portions of the inner surface of the intermediate section 144 , which together form the pocket 160 , to provide further means for preventing the stick wrap from being accidentally displaced from the heel of the stick.
- training device 120 Use of the training device 120 is the same as that described with respect to training device 20 . Thus, in the interest of brevity, the use of the device 120 will not be reiterated.
- the training device 120 forms one component of a kit of similar training devices, with each training device of the kit providing a different level of resistance depending upon the age, strength, and proficiency or skill of the user of the training device.
- a kit of similar training devices includes three training devices 120 A, 120 B and 120 C, shown in FIGS. 8 A- 8 C , respectively.
- the only difference in the construction of the training devices of the kit is the amount of resistance provided by the resilient cord 124 of each training device.
- the training device 120 B shown in FIG. 8 B is the training device shown in FIG. 7 and makes use of a resilient cord 124 having a 9 mm cross-sectional diameter which is suitable for training of persons up to approximately 17 years of age.
- the training device 120 A of FIG. 8 A makes use of a smaller diameter cord 124 , e.g., a 6 mm cross section diameter, to provide less resistance than the cord 124 of the training device 120 B. That training device is suitable for training persons up to approximately 12 years of age.
- the training device 120 C of FIG. 8 C makes use of a larger cross-sectional area cord 124 , e.g., 12 mm cross-section diameter, to provide greater resistance than the cord 124 of the training device 120 B and is suitable for elite level users.
- the training devices of the kit are color coded.
- the heat shrinkable sleeves 130 and 132 are chosen to be of one color, e.g., yellow, for the training device 120 A, another color, e.g., red, for the training device 120 B, and a third color, e.g., black, for the training device 120 C.
- the kit can contain any number of training devices and such devices can provide any amount of resistance.
- the training device includes some means to releasably secure its proximal end portion to some stationary structure to mount the device for use.
- the training device should provide a connector for connecting the distal end of the device to the heel or some other desirable portion of a stick used in some sport involving face-offs so that it is resistant to accidental displacement therefrom and a resilient member configured to provide a desired level of resistance between the distal and proximal end portions of the training device when the device is used with a stick replicating a face-off motion.
Abstract
A training device and methods for training a person for face-offs in athletic activities and games. The device includes a base connector, a resilient elongated cord or strap, and a stick wrap. The stick wrap is connected to the distal end of the cord. The base connector is connected to the proximal end of the cord. The stick wrap is a foldable member that is configured to be readily connected to the heel of the stick and once so connected be resistant to displacement therefrom. The base connector is configured to be connected to a stationary structure. The resilient member provides a desired level of resistance to a face-off motion of the stick by the user. The training device may be part of a kit of plural devices, each constructed to provide a different level of resistance for the user of the device.
Description
- This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/337,826 filed on Jun. 3, 2021, entitled Face-Off Training Device And Method Of Use, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/037,803, filed on Jun. 11, 2020, entitled “Face Off Training Tool”, the disclosures of all of which applications are specifically incorporated by reference herein.
- The present invention(s) relates to training devices or tools for athletes practicing face offs, particularly with respect to face offs in ice hockey, lacrosse, roller and street hockey, etc., as well as generally to methods for practicing face offs in such sports.
- There are a variety of sports training devices, apparatus, methods, and exercise machines to assist athletes, players, and others improve their skills in various sports, games, and athletic activities. For example, there are swinging aids and methods designed to improve the swing or other moves of golfers, baseball players, hockey players and other persons in other sports.
- Many of those devices, apparatus, methods, and machines use flexible or elastic cables or other types of cords to provide or enable resistance when used by users, such as during batting practice or practicing their golf swing. Some involve complex equipment using pulleys and weight systems that can only be used at one location. And some require the assistance of a second person.
- The patent literature includes various devices for training persons to play hockey. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,949,035 (Halsworth) is directed to a sports training device that includes a tethered bat or other sports equipment, such as a hockey stick, attached by flexible elastic to a fixed anchor point, or to a pulley and weight system. In one embodiment, a swivel attachment is attached to the distal end of the training device and a yoke is attached to the swivel attachment, and an elastic cord is attached to the yoke at one end and to a fixed point at the other.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,189 (Frank) discloses an exercise machine for hockey players that includes a cable elastically tethered to a frame on one end and to a blade of a hockey stick on the other.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,041 (Riivald) is directed to an ice hockey training apparatus for developing stick control and correct shooting movements while also increasing strength, balance and accuracy.
- U.S. Pat. No. 10,272,311 (Bear) is directed to a hockey face off training device which entails impacting of the impact member by a hockey stick of a practicing athlete to lift the lower end of the impact member from ground level, thereby simulating an act of sweeping or batting out an opponent's hockey stick during a face-off. One or more springs bias the impact member into the normal position to provide improved resistance. By sweeping or batting away the opponent's stick, the player would gain access to the puck in a real face off situation.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,002 (Beliakov) discloses an exercising apparatus for development of muscles in athletes, including hockey players. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus uses two magnetic members for magnetic retention together with a predetermined magnetic force. The first magnetic member is affixed to a hockey stick to be manipulated by a hockey player. The second magnetic member is positioned at a restrained position from which an athletic stroke is initiated for magnetic retention together with the first magnetic member. The system permits an athlete to develop strength and speed and muscular reaction over an athletic stroke by manual manipulation of the athletic vehicle to overcome the predetermined magnetic force.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,121,964 (Dahm et al.) is directed to a hockey puck face-off method and apparatus. Disclosed is a system for dropping a hockey puck to facilitate or simulate hockey face offs.
- Canadian Patent No. 1221593 (Boni) is directed to an apparatus for simulation of ice hockey face offs. It is arranged to drop pucks intermittently, one at a time, from a stack for rapid succession face off simulations.
- While the aforementioned devices may be generally suitable for their intended uses, they still leave much to be desired from the standpoint of providing a training device for face offs and similar athletic moves in ice hockey, lacrosse, roller and street hockey, etc., that is lightweight, small enough to fit in a sports bag, easily portable, easy to use, cost effective, and that can be used almost anywhere a player feels like practicing. As such there is a need for such training devices and for methods of use thereof. The subject invention addresses those needs by providing a device and method of use that will develop muscle memory, strengthen the player, build confidence, and improve reaction time in the skill of winning face offs. Moreover, the subject device and method of use enables an athlete or player to work solo and independent to develop his/her face off skills with a portable device that can travel easily with them. Such a device is usable at home, at the rink, outside, before a game as a warm-up, etc. Further still, the subject invention and method of use enables the user to focus on strength development, timing reflex, and overall skills development for face offs.
- All of the references as cited herein are specifically incorporated by reference.
- One aspect of this invention is a training device for training a person to accomplish a battle for a puck or a ball in a sport making use of a stick having a heel. The training device comprises a base connector, an elongated resilient member, and a stick wrap. The base connector is configured to connect the device to a base. The base is in a form of a stationary member. The elongated resilient member has a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion. The proximal end portion is connected to the base connector. The resilient member is configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to a movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion. The stick wrap is configured to be releasably connected to the distal end portion. The stick wrap is formed of a blank of flexible material having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first and second sections are secured together and form a hollow pocket between the inner surface of the first and second sections. The hollow pocket is configured to receive the heel with one portion of the stick on a first side of the heel extending out of the pocket on a first side of the pocket and a second portion of the stick on a second and opposite side of the heel extending out of the pocket on a second and opposite side of the pocket. The third section is foldably connected to the second section by a foldable line and configured to be folded along the foldable line into releasably securable engagement with the first section to enclose the heel and releasably secure the stick wrap to the heel, whereupon the stick wrap is resistant to accidental displacement from the heel.
- In accordance with one preferred aspect of the training device the pocket is lined with a slip-resistant liner.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device the base connector is in a form of a loop configured to encircle the base.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device the base connector comprises an elongated base strap has a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a distal connector, and a proximal connector. The distal end portion of the elongated base strap is connected to the proximal end of the resilient member. The distal connector is secured to the elongated base strap adjacent the distal end portion of the elongated base strap. The proximal connector is connected to the proximal end portion of the elongated base strap. The distal connector and the proximal connector is releasably securable to each other to form the loop.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device the distal end portion of the elongated base strap includes a stop configured to engage a door jamb to releasably secure the base strap to the door jamb.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device the releasably securable engagement of the third section to the second section achieved by a first releasably securable connector located on the outer surface of the first section and by a second releasably securable connector located on the inner surface of the third section.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device the first section comprises an upper section. The second section comprises an intermediate section. The third section comprises a lower section, and the foldable line comprises a lower fold line. The upper section is foldably connected to the intermediate section along an upper fold line. The upper section and the intermediate section has a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge is located opposite the second side edge. The first side edge forming a first wrapping portion. The second side edge forming a second wrapping portion. The wrap is foldable along the lower and upper foldable lines, whereupon the first wrapping portion is wrapped about the first portion of the stick on the first side of the heel and the second wrapping portion is wrapped about the second portion of the stick on the second side of the heel, with portions of the inner surface of the stick wrap engaging a portion of the heel.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device the upper section is of a generally trapezoidal shape having congruent sides, and wherein the intermediate section is of the same shape and size as the upper section.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device the training device comprises one training device of a kit of plural training devices, wherein each of the training devices is of similar construction, but whose elongated strap provides a different amount of stretchability than the elongated strap of others of the plural training devices of the kit.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device the training device comprises a base connector, a resilient member, and a stick wrap. The base connector is configured to connect the device to a base in a form of a stationary member. The resilient member has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The proximal end portion is connected to the base connector. The resilient member is configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to a movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion. The stick wrap is configured to be releasably connected to the distal end portion. The stick wrap includes a first wrapping portion, a second wrapping portion, an intermediate portion, and releasably securable connectors. The intermediate portion interconnects the first and second wrapping portions and holds the first wrapping portion spaced apart from the second wrapping portion. The intermediate portion is connected to the distal end of the resilient member between the first wrapping portion and the second wrapping portion. The first wrapping portion is configured to be wrapped about and brought into engagement with a first portion of the stick on a first side of the heel. The second wrapping portion is configured to be wrapped about and brought into engagement with a second portion of the stick on a second side of the heel. The second side of the heel is opposite the first side of the heel, whereupon when the stick wrap is wrapped about the stick the releasably securable connectors are brought into engagement with each other to thereby releasably secure the stick wrap to the heel, whereupon the stick wrap is resistant to accidental displacement from the heel.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device of this invention the base connector is in a form of a loop configured to encircle the base.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device of this invention the base connector comprises an elongated base strap having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a distal connector, and a proximal connector. The distal end portion of the elongated base strap is connected to the proximal end of the resilient member. The distal connector is secured to the elongated base strap adjacent the distal end portion of the elongated base strap. The proximal connector is connected to the proximal end portion of the elongated base strap. The distal connector and the proximal connector are releasably securable to each other to form the loop.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device of this invention the distal end portion of the elongated base strap includes a stop configured to engage a door jamb to releasably secure the base strap to the door jamb.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device of this invention the stick wrap is formed of a blank of flexible material having an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper section, an intermediate section and a lower section. The lower section is foldably connected to the intermediate section along a lower fold line. The upper section is foldably connected to the intermediate section along an upper fold line. The upper section and the intermediate section have a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge is located opposite the second side edge. The first side edge forms the first wrapping portion. The second side edge forms the second wrapping portion. The wrap is foldable along the lower and upper foldable lines, whereupon the first wrapping portion is wrapped about the first portion of the stick on the first side of the heel and the second wrapping portion is wrapped about the second portion of the stick on the second side of the heel, with portions of the inner surface of the wrap engaging a portion of the heel.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the training device of this invention the releasably securable connectors comprise a first releasably securable connector located on the interior surface of the upper section, and a second releasably securable connector located on the exterior surface of the lower section.
- Another aspect of this invention is a method of a method of training a person to accomplish a battle for a puck or a ball in a sport making use of a stick having a heel and a shaft. The method comprises providing a training device including a base connector, a resilient member and a stick wrap. The resilient member has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The proximal end portion is connected to the base connector. The resilient member is configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to the movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion. The stick wrap includes a first wrapping portion, a second wrapping portion, and an intermediate portion connected to the first and second wrapping portions. The intermediate portion is connected to the distal end of the main resilient member. The base connector is utilized to secure the training device to a stationary base. The first wrapping portion is brought into engagement with a portion of the stick. The second strap portion is brought into engagement with another portion of the stick, whereupon the stick wrap is wrapped about the stick with a portion of the first strap portion located on a first side of the heel and a portion of the second strap portion located on a second side of the heel to thereby releasably secure the stick wrap to the heel, whereupon the stick wrap is resistant to accidental displacement from the heel. The person grasps the stick by the handle moving the stick to replicate a face-off motion to cause the resilient member to stretch, whereupon the stretching of the resilient member provides resistance to the face-off motion of the stick.
- In accordance with one preferred aspect of the method of this invention, the sport is hockey and wherein the stick is a hockey stick having a blade connected to the shaft by the heel.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the method of this invention the base connector is in the form of a loop configured to encircle the base.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the method of this invention the stationary base comprises a door jamb, and the base connector includes a stop, and wherein the method comprises locating the stop with respect to the door jamb to engage the door jamb to releasably secure the base strap to the door jamb.
- In accordance with another preferred aspect of the method of this invention the training device is provided as a portion of a kit of plural training devices, with each of the training devices of the kit providing a different amount of resistance to the movement of the stick.
-
FIG. 1 is an illustration of one exemplary training device constructed in accordance with this invention for training a person for hockey face offs, with the training device being shown in use in a hockey rink, wherein the device is mounted between the door jamb and door to the rink, by the device's base connector and with an auxiliary resistance-providing member of the training device being shown in a stowed state; -
FIG. 2 is an illustration of the exemplary training device shown inFIG. 1 , but shown with the training device being mounted on a stationary member, e.g., an upstanding post, adjacent a playground surface; -
FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the training device shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 3B is an isometric view of the training device shown inFIG. 3A but with its auxiliary resistance providing member (i.e., its auxiliary resilient member), being shown in its extended state wherein it is connected in parallel to the main resistance-providing member (i.e., its main resilient member) of the training device; -
FIG. 3C is an enlarged isometric view of a proximal portion of the training device shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B to show the details of its base connector; -
FIG. 4A is an enlarged isometric view of one component, i.e., a stick wrap, of the training device shown inFIGS. 1-3B ; -
FIG. 4B is an enlarged isometric view of the stick wrap ofFIG. 4A shown being releasably secured to the heel of a hockey stick like shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 by means of a cleat; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged isometric view of the cleat shown inFIG. 4B with the distal ends of the main resilient member and the auxiliary resilient member being connected to the cleat; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of the training device which is located between a door jamb and door to releasably mount the training device thereto as shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a training device constructed in accordance with this invention; -
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a kit of training devices, including the embodiment ofFIG. 7 , each of the training devices being constructed in accordance with this invention; -
FIG. 9A is an isometric view taken at an oblique angle from the front of one component, i.e., a foldable stick wrap, of the training device ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9B is another isometric view taken from the front of the foldable stick wrap component shown inFIG. 9A ; -
FIG. 9C is an elevation view taken from the back of the foldable stick wrap component shown inFIG. 9A ; -
FIG. 9D is a top view taken alongline 9D-9D ofFIG. 9C ; -
FIG. 10A is a plan view of a blank of flexible material cut to form the stick wrap ofFIGS. 9A-9D , with the blank of flexible material composed of an upper section, a middle section and a lower section and oriented so that its outer surface of each section is facing upward; -
FIG. 10B is a plan view of the blank of flexible material shown inFIG. 10A but oriented so that the inner surface of each section is facing upward; -
FIG. 10C is a plan view of the blank ofFIGS. 10A and 10B being shown after it has been assembled, and ready to be opened to accept the heel of a hockey or other sports stick; -
FIGS. 11A-11B are illustrations showing a sequence of operation showing the folding of the stick wrap of the training device ofFIG. 7 being mounted on the heel of a hockey stick; -
FIG. 12A is an illustration of the training device ofFIG. 7 showing one step in the mounting of the stick wrap of the training device ofFIG. 7 on the heel of a hockey stick; -
FIG. 12B is an illustration of the training device ofFIG. 7 show after the stick wrap has been mounted on the heel of a hockey stick; -
FIG. 12C is schematic illustration of the training device ofFIG. 7 shown being connected to a post when used by a person training for hockey face offs, like shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 12D is schematic illustration of the training device ofFIG. 7 shown being connected to a door jamb when used by a person training for hockey face offs, like shown inFIG. 1 , with the left side of the illustration being an isometric view, and the right side of the illustration (the portion within the broken line circle) being a side view; -
FIG. 13 is an illustration of use of the exemplary training device ofFIG. 7 shown in use in a hockey rink, like shown inFIG. 1 ; and wherein the device is mounted between the door jamb and door to the rink, by the device's base connector; and -
FIG. 14 is an illustration of use of the e exemplary training device ofFIG. 7 shown in use in a hockey rink, like shown inFIG. 2 ; and wherein the training device is mounted on a stationary member, e.g., an upstanding post, adjacent a playground surface. - Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in
FIG. 1 one exemplary embodiment of adevice 20 constructed in accordance with one exemplary preferred embodiment of this invention for training a person to accomplish a face-off in a sport making use of a stick having a heel. The training device basically comprises abase connector 22, a mainresilient member 24, and astick wrap 26. - The details of the construction and operation of those components will be described later. Suffice it to state that the
base connector 22 is configured for connecting the training device to a stationary base where the user of the training device will practice face-offs with an athletic stick (e.g., a hockey, lacrosse, or other athletic stick). The mainresilient member 24 is configured to stretch from an unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to the movement of the athletic stick, when the user practices face-offs with the stick being moved to replicate a face-off motion. Thestick wrap 26 serves to releasably secure the training device to the athletic stick, e.g., at the heel of the stick, so that it is resistant to accidental displacement therefrom during use of the training device. By so doing, consistency of training using the device is ensured. - In
FIG. 1 theuser 2 of thetraining device 20 is shown in ahockey rink 4 holding ahockey stick 6 to practice face-offs. In that application thebase connector 22 of training device is shown releasably mounted between adoor 8 and its associated door-jamb 10 of therink 4. The manner of that releasable mounting will be described later with reference toFIG. 6 . Thestick wrap 26 is shown releasably secured to theheel 6A of thehockey stick 6. The manner of the releasable securement of the stick wrap on the heel of the hockey stick will be described later with reference toFIG. 4B . - With the
training device 20 mounted as shown inFIG. 1 , when the user moves the hockey stick by itsshaft 6B to replicate a face-off motion, the movement of theblade 6C of the stick will be resisted by the mainresilient member 24 as it is stretched. - In
FIG. 2 thetraining device 20 is shown with itsbase connector 22 releasably secured to on a stationary member, e.g., anupstanding post 12, adjacent aplayground surface 14 so that theuser 2 can practice face-offs using thehockey stick 6 adjacent thepost 12. The manner of releasably mounting thetraining device 20 to thepost 12 will also be described later. - As best seen in
FIG. 3A , in addition to thebase connector 22, the mainresilient member 24, and thestick wrap 26, the training device also includes adistal cleat 28, an auxiliary resistance band orstrap 30, and aproximal cleat 32. The details of the construction and operation of those components will be described later, after a description of the base connector. - The
base connector 22 is in the form of an adjustable mounting or locking strap to releasably secure the training device to the interface between a door and door jamb, like shown inFIG. 1 , or to a stationary member, like the post shown inFIG. 2 , or any other stationary member about which the base connector can be looped. The details of the base connector are best seen inFIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 6 . Thus, as can be seen the base connector and includes anelongated base strap 34 formed of any suitable material, e.g., nylon webbing or any other flexible, but non-stretchable material. Thebase strap 34 has a distal end portion which is folded over itself to form twoparallel strap sections proximal cleat 34 to it. In particular, the folded over portion of thestrap sections slot 32A in thecleat 32. The parallel sections of thebase strap 34 includes a knot at approximately the midpoint of its associated parallel strap section and closely adjacent the lines ofstitching 34B. In particular, thestrap section 34A includes aknot 34D at approximately its midpoint. Thestrap section 34B includes aknot 34E immediately adjacent theknot 34D. The two knots together form a bulge in thebase strap 34 to serve as a stop to engage the adjacent surfaces of therink door 8 and its door jamb 10 when the base strap is extended between the door jamb 10 and thedoor 8 like shown inFIG. 1 . That action prevents the base connector from being pulled out of the interface between the door and its jamb during use of thetraining device 20. - The
strap section 34A located proximally of theknot 34D extends through aslot 36A′ in oneconnector component 36A of a snap-connector 36 and is doubled back towards theknot 34D so that its end is located adjacent theknot 34D and is secured in place by lines ofstitches 34F. The two webs of the doubled back strap section of 34A are secured together by lines of stitching 34G immediately adjacent theslot 36A′ of theconnector 36A so that theconnector 36A cannot slide with respect to thestrap section 34A. The foregoing arrangement secures thestrap section 34A to theconnector 36A. - The
strap section 34B which extends proximally of theknot 34E is connected to themating connector 36B of thesnap connector 36. In particular, the free end of thestrap section 34B is extended in and out of a pair ofslots 36B′ in theconnector 36B and back over itself to adjustably secure that strap section to theconnector 36B. Thesnap connector 36 is a conventional component like that found in various products, such as back packs, belts, etc., whereinprongs 36C of theconnector 36B are arranged to snap into associated slots in theconnector 36A, thereby releasably connecting the twoconnectors strap section 34B extends in and out of theslots 36B′ the length of thestrap section 34B from theknot 34E to theconnector 36B can be adjusted. That enables the user to adjust the size of the loop created by thestrap section 34B to surround any size stationary point, e.g., thepost 12. It should be pointed out that other types of connectors and other arrangements of the strap sections can be used so long as the resulting base connector includes a strap that is adjustable and includes at least one bulge to act as a stop when the base connector is used to releasably secure the training device to the interface of a door and door jamb. - The main
resilient member 24 is an elongated elastic component formed of any strong resilient material, e.g., rubber, etc. It can be either in the form of a cord of a single fiber or strand a cable of multiple fibers or strands, or it may be in the form of a flat web or strap and serves to provide resistance to the movement of thestick 6 when the training device is in use and the user is practicing face-off motions with the stick. The mainresilient member 24 in the embodiment shown is in the form of an elastic cord whose proximal end is fixedly secured to theproximal cleat 32. That securement is best seen inFIG. 3A and is accomplished by the proximal end of thecord 24 extending through ahole 32B in thecleat 32 and terminating in aconnector 38. The proximal end of the auxiliaryresilient member 30, whose details will be described shortly, is fixedly secured to theconnector 38. In fact the auxiliaryresilient member 30 may merely be an extension of the mainresilient member 26 extending away from theconnector 38. - The distal end of the main
resilient member 24 extends through ahole 28A (FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5 ) in thecleat 28 and is held in place by aplug 40 having a larger diameter than that of the main resilient member and located at the distal end thereof. Thecleat 28 connects the distal end of the main resilient member to thestick wrap 26. The stick wrap is configured to be releasably secured to theheel 6A of thehockey stick 6 or the heel of any other athletic stick used in face-offs so that the user can practice face offs with the training device. The stick wrap is best seen inFIGS. 4A and 4B and is in the form of an assembly of astrip 26A of strong flexible webbing material, e.g., nylon, webbing and two strips of a releasably securable, e.g.,VELCRO® material strip 26A is folded over itself at its midpoint to extend through aslot 28B in thecleat 28. The folded over portions are sewn together by lines ofstitches 26D to secure thestrip 26 to thecleat 28. One end of theVELCRO® strip 26B is fixedly secured to one end of thestrip 26A and a corresponding end of the otherVELCRO® strip 26C is fixedly secured to opposite end of thestrip 26A. One side of theportion 26B′ of theVELCRO® strip 26B that is located immediately adjacent thestrip 26A is in the form of a multitude of hooks. The remainder of thestrip 26B which forms thefree end portion 26B″ includes a plush or multi-loop surface on the opposite side of thestrip 26B. In a similar manner one side of theportion 26C′ of theVELCRO® strip 26C that is located immediately adjacent thestrip 26A is in the form of a multitude of hooks. The remainder of thestrip 26C which forms thefree end portion 26C″ includes a plush or multi-loop surface on the opposite side of thestrip 26C. - The releasable securement of the stick wrap to the heel of the
stick 6 is accomplished by tightly wrapping theend portion 26B″ of thestrip 26B about theshaft 6B of the stick immediately to the side of theheel 6A, whereupon the multitude ofhooks 26B′ on thestrip portion 26B engage the multitude of loops on thestrip portion 26B″ to thereby releasably secure thestrip 26B to the stick. In a similar manner, theend portion 26C″ of thestrip 26C is wrapped tightly about theblade 6C of the stick immediately to the side of theheel 6A, whereupon the multitude ofhooks 26C′ on thestrip portion 26C engage the multitude of loops on thestrip portion 26C″ to thereby releasably secure thestrip 26C to the stick. That action completes the securement of the stick wrap to the heel of the stick, with the distal end of the main resilient member thus being connected to the heel of the stick. - It should be noted that in lieu of VELCRO® strips 26B and 26C, other strips including any type of releasably securable fastener (e.g., buttons, press studs (snaps), hook and eyes, etc.), may be used to hold the wrapped portion of the strip in place on the portion of the stick adjacent the stick's heel.
- The main resilient member, which may also be referred to as the main resistance member, is configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when that force is released, whereupon it provides a resistance R(main) to the movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion. The value of R(main) would be appropriate for a wide variety of users of various ages and strengths. Moreover, the training device may be provided in the form of a kit having plural main resilient members, each providing a different level of resistance so that the user can select the desired level of resistance that the training device will provide when the user uses it to practice face-offs.
- As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art with the stick wrap being releasably connected as just described the use of the
training device 20 will focus resistance at the correct spot of the stick to best train the user for accomplishing face offs. Moreover, once thestick wrap 26 is secured to the heel of the stick as just described it will be resistant to accidental displacement or movement away from the heel of the stick until the stick wrap is intentionally disconnected by the use and removed from the stick by the user. That feature provides consistent repeatability of resistance training by the user of the device in practicing face-offs since the same amount of resistance will always be applied at the same location on the stick. - The auxiliary
resilient member 30, which may also be referred to as the auxiliary resistance member, is an elongated elastic member constructed like the main resilient member and is provided to allow the user to add the additional resistance R(aux) to thetraining device 20 in addition to the resistance R(main) provided by the mainresilient member 24. Thus, the auxiliaryresilient member 30 is configured to stretch from an unstretched state to a stretched state when a second force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when that force is released, whereupon it provides resistance R(aux) to the movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion. - The auxiliary
resilient member 30 is arranged to be connected in parallel to the main resilient member, as will be described shortly. The auxiliaryresilient member 30 can be configured to provide the same level of resistance as the mainresilient member 24, in which case when connected in parallel with the mainresilient member 30, results in the training device providing resistance equal to the sum of the resistances R(main) plus and R(aux) provided by the bothmembers resilient members - It should be pointed out at this juncture that the subject invention contemplates the use of multiple auxiliary resistance members that could be connected in parallel to the main resistance member. Moreover, as mentioned above the training device of the subject invention may be provided as a kit. That kit may also include multiple auxiliary resistance members, each being of a different R(aux) resistance, and which could be used either singly or in multiples in parallel with the main resilient member to provide the desired amount of resistance.
- The auxiliary
resilient member 30 is normally held in a rolled-up stowed state, like shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3A , and is arranged to be unrolled from its stowed state to an extended state where it extends in parallel to the main resilient member. The auxiliary resilient member is of the same length as the main resilient member so that when they are connected in parallel both will be in their unstretched state until a force is provided to stretch them. The auxiliary resilient member is held in its rolled-up stowed state by use of any type ofclip 42, e.g., a strip of double-sided VELCRO® tape. When it is desired to use the auxiliary resilient member to provide additional resistance to thetraining device 20, the clip is released and the rolled-up auxiliary resilient member un-rolled. The distal end of the auxiliaryresilient member 30 is in the form of anenlarged plug 44. Thecleat 28 includes a keyway shapedslot 28C having an enlarged lower end through which the auxiliaryresilient member 30 with itsenlarged plug 44 is extended. Once the enlarged plug is extended through the enlarged lower end of the keyway slot, the auxiliary resilient member contiguous with theplug 44 is slid into the narrower keyway of theslot 26C to releasably secure the distal end of the auxiliary resilient member to thecleat 28. Once so connected thetraining device 20 can be used to provide increase resistance to the motion of the stick replicating a face-off. If it is desired to no longer use the auxiliary resilient member with the training device, all that is required is to slide the distal end of the auxiliary resilient member down the keyway of theslot 28C until it reaches the enlarged lower end of the slot, at which time theenlarged plug 44 can pass through the enlarged lower end of the slot. That action frees the distal end of the auxiliary resilient member so that it can be rolled up to the stowed state shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B . - Turning now to
FIG. 7 there is shown another exemplary embodiment of atraining device 120 constructed in accordance with this invention. Thetraining device 120 is similar in many respects to thetraining device 120 in that it includes abase connector 122, aresilient member 124, and astick wrap 126. The details of thebase connector 122 will be described later. Suffice it for now to state that it enables thetraining device 120 to be connected to either a stationary post or other similar structure, like described above, and also shown inFIGS. 12C, and 14 or can be connected to a door jamb like described above and also shown inFIGS. 12D and 13 . The details ofstick wrap 122 will also be described in detail later. Suffice it for now to state that the stick wrap enables the training device to be readily connected to the heel of a hockey stick or another sport stick having a heel, by wrapping portions of the stick wrap around portions of the stick one opposite sides of the heel, to releasably secure the stick wrap to the stick against accidental displacement therefrom. - As best seen in
FIG. 7 , thebase connector 122 basically comprises anelongated base strap 134 formed of any suitable material, e.g., nylon webbing or any other flexible, but non-stretchable material. One particularly suitable material for the base strap is a nylon strap sewn in a tube shape and flattened out for double strength. Thebase strap 134 has a distal end portion which is folded over itself to form twoparallel strap sections proximal end 124A of theresilient member 124. The opposite (proximal) end of thestrap section 134A terminates at one connector component, e.g., a female connector component, 136A of a snap-connector 136. The proximal portion of thestrap section 134B extends in and out through a pair of slots in themale connector component 136B of the snap-connector 136. Thesnap connector 136 is a conventional component like that found in various products, such as back packs, belts, etc., wherein prongs of the male connector component are arranged to snap into associated slots in the female connector component, thereby releasably connecting the two connector components together. Inasmuch as the proximal end portion of thestrap section 134B extends in and out of the slots in themale connector component 136B when the male and female connectors components are connected together that forms aloop 138 from the proximal portions of thestrap sections loop 138 being adjustable by pulling on thefree end 134C of thestrap section 134B. That enables the user to adjust the size of theloop 138 to surround any size stationary point or object, e.g., thepost 12, up to nine inches in diameter. However, if desired the base connector can be constructed to accommodate larger stationary points or objects than those of nine inch diameter. - The
base connector 122 also includes astop 140 that serves a similar purpose as the stop (e.g., the knot) 34D of thetraining device 20. However, thestop 140, instead of being a knot is in the form of wedge-shaped body or plug formed of any suitable material, e.g., a plastic or rubber. Thestop 140 is fixedly secured to thestrap sections front face 140A, arear face 140B, and a pair ofslots strap section 134A extends throughslot 140D while the immediately adjacent intermediate portion of thestrap section 134B extends through theslot 140C. The portion of thestrap sections front face 140A are secured (sewn) together. The portion of thestrap sections rear face 140B are secured (sewn) together. That action fixedly secures the stop to an intermediate portion of thestrap sections face 140A of the stop is flat and configured to engage the interface of a door and door jamb, in a similar manner to theknot 34D when thetraining device 120 is used in a setting like an ice rink as discussed above and as shown schematically inFIG. 12D . - It should be pointed out that other types of connectors and other arrangements of the strap sections can be used so long as the resulting base connector includes a strap that is adjustable and includes at least one bulge to act as a stop when the base connector is used to releasably secure the training device to the interface of a door and door jamb.
- The
resilient member 124 is an elongated elastic component or cord formed of any strong elastic material. One particularly suitable elastic cord is a professional grade acrobatic shock cord having a soft expandable cotton cord jacket. Alternatively, it can be in the form of a cable of multiple elastic fibers or strands, or it may be in the form of a flat elastic web or strap, so long as it is suitable to provide resistance to the movement of thestick 6 when the training device is in use and the user is practicing face-off motions with the stick. - The
resilient cord 124 includes aproximal end portion 124A and adistal end portion 124B. Theproximal end portion 124A of the cord is fixedly secured to the distal end of thestrap sections elastic cord 124 is threaded through the small loop at the distal end of thestrap sections FIGS. 9C and 9D ). A section heat shrinkablesleeve 130 is disposed over and covers the joint. - Turning now to
FIGS. 9A-10C the details of thestick wrap 126 will now be described. To that end, the stick wrap is formed from a planar blank 100 of a flexible material, e.g., PVC coated polyester scrim. The blank has aninner surface 100A (FIG. 10B ) and anouter surface 100B (FIG. 10A ) and is cut, e.g., die-cut, into the shape as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B . When so cut it is in the form of an integral unit which includes anupper section 142, anintermediate section 144, and alower section 146. The upper section has a generally trapezoidal shape having a generally lineartop edge 142A, a pair of outwardly flaringcongruent sides foldable line 142D where the upper section merges with theintermediate section 144, Theintermediate section 144 is basically a mirror image of theupper section 142. Thus, the top edge of the intermediate section is thefoldable line 142D. Thecongruent sides foldable line 144D. The lower section is of a generally square shape having a generally linearlower edge 146D, a pair of side edges 146B and 146C and a top in the form of thefoldable line 144D where thelower section 146 merges with theintermediate section 144. - As best seen in
FIG. 10A theouter surface 100B of theupper section 142 includes apatch 150 of a releasably securable connector, e.g., a multi-hook patch of a VELCRO® connector) fixedly secured thereto. The inner surface of the lower section includes apatch 152 of the cooperating releasably securable connector, e.g., a multi-loop or plush patch of the VELCRO® connector. In addition, theinner surface 100A of the blank includes aliner patch 154 formed of a thin layer of neoprene fixedly secured to the inner surface by an adhesive and lines of stitches (not shown). - The VELCRO
® component patches - The outer surface of the
bottom section 146 may include apatch 154 fixedly secured thereto and carrying indicia which may be a product identifier, e.g., a “FACE OFF” trademark or logo, and/or instructions or ornamentation. - As best seen in
FIGS. 10A and 10B the bottom edge of thetop section 142 and the top edge of the intermediate section are arcuate. In particular, the bottom edge of thetop section 142 from the ends of thefoldable line 142D outward are in the form ofarcuate edges intermediate section 144 from the ends of thefoldable line 142D outward are in the form ofarcuate edges top section 142 is folded along thefoldable line 142D over the intermediate section so that the inner surfaces of those sections are confronting each other. Once in that orientation thearcuate edge 142D of thetop section 142 is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn by a line of stitches 158 (FIG. 10C ), to thearcuate edge 144D of theintermediate section 144. Similarly, thearcuate edge 142E of thetop section 142 is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn by a line of stitches 160 (FIG. 10C ), to thearcuate edge 144E of the bottom section. Once those edges are secured, e.g., sewn, a pocket 162 (FIGS. 9A and 9B ) is created between the inner surfaces of the confronting upper andintermediate sections - As mentioned above the
distal end portion 124B of theelastic cord 124 is fixedly secured to the outer surface of theintermediate section 144 of thestick wrap 126. In particular, as best seen inFIGS. 9C and 9D , astrip 164 of the same material as the blank 140 is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn, onto the outer surface of theintermediate section 144 to form a projectingloop 164A. Thefree end 166 of thedistal end portion 124B of theelastic cord 124 is threaded through theloop 164A and folded over itself and secured in place by a C-shapedclamp 168, e.g., a so-called “hog ring for shock cords”. In particular, the open hog ring, is disposed about the portion of the cord where itsdistal end 166 abuts the portion of the cord on the opposite side of theloop 164, and then is crimped or squeezed closed by a crimping tool to secure those portions of the cord together to form a permanent joint thereat. Aheat shrinkable tube 132 which had been located on the cord before the cord was connected to theloop 164A is slid down over the joint once the joint had been secured by the crimping of theclamp 168 and heat applied to the heat shrinkable tube to shrink it about the joint, thereby completing the joint and permanently connecting the distal end of the cord to the stick wrap. - As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the stick wrap is configured so that it can be mounted on either side of a right handed stick or a left handed stick, depending upon which stick manipulating motion the user wishes training. Attention is now directed to
FIGS. 11A and 11B to describe the mounting and releasable securement of the stick wrap about theheel 6A of astick 6. The stick wrap can be mounted on either side To that end, the heel of the stick is inserted into thepocket 162, like shown inFIG. 11A , whereupon the portion of the stick at the interface of theheel 6A and theshaft 6B which is located under theedges first side edge 126A of the stick wrap. The portion of the stick at the interface of theheel 6A and theblade 6C located under theedges second side edge 126B of the stick wrap. The first side edge forms a first wrapping portion of the stick wrap. The second side edge forms a second wrapping portion of the stick wrap. With the heel of the stick in the pocket like shown inFIG. 11A , thelower section 146 will be facing upward as shown clearly in that figure. The lower section is then folded downward along thefoldable line 144D to bring the plush or multi-loopVELCRO® patch 154 on its inner surface into engagement with the cooperating multi-hookVELCRO® patch 150 on the outer surface of theupper section 142 like shown inFIG. 11B . That action effectively releasably secures thestick wrap 126 to the heel of the stick so that it will be resistant to displacement, with the first wrapping portion being wrapped about the portion of the stick on one side of the heel and with the second wrapping portion being wrapped about the second portion of the stick on the opposite side of the heel. As mentioned earlier a slip-resistantneoprene liner patch 154 is secured on portions of the inner surface of theupper section 142, portions of the inner surface of theintermediate section 144, which together form thepocket 160, to provide further means for preventing the stick wrap from being accidentally displaced from the heel of the stick. - Use of the
training device 120 is the same as that described with respect totraining device 20. Thus, in the interest of brevity, the use of thedevice 120 will not be reiterated. - In accordance with one preferred aspect of this invention the
training device 120 forms one component of a kit of similar training devices, with each training device of the kit providing a different level of resistance depending upon the age, strength, and proficiency or skill of the user of the training device. One such exemplary kit includes threetraining devices FIGS. 8A-8C , respectively. The only difference in the construction of the training devices of the kit is the amount of resistance provided by theresilient cord 124 of each training device. Thetraining device 120B shown inFIG. 8B is the training device shown inFIG. 7 and makes use of aresilient cord 124 having a 9 mm cross-sectional diameter which is suitable for training of persons up to approximately 17 years of age. Thetraining device 120A ofFIG. 8A makes use of asmaller diameter cord 124, e.g., a 6 mm cross section diameter, to provide less resistance than thecord 124 of thetraining device 120B. That training device is suitable for training persons up to approximately 12 years of age. Thetraining device 120C ofFIG. 8C makes use of a largercross-sectional area cord 124, e.g., 12 mm cross-section diameter, to provide greater resistance than thecord 124 of thetraining device 120B and is suitable for elite level users. - In order to enable a user of the kit to easily select the appropriate training device for his/her use the training devices of the kit are color coded. For example, the heat
shrinkable sleeves training device 120A, another color, e.g., red, for thetraining device 120B, and a third color, e.g., black, for thetraining device 120C. It should be noted that the kit can contain any number of training devices and such devices can provide any amount of resistance. - The
exemplary embodiments - Without further elaboration the foregoing will so fully illustrate my invention that others may, by applying current or future knowledge, adopt the same for use under various conditions of service.
Claims (20)
1. A training device for training a person to accomplish a battle for a puck or a ball in a sport making use of a stick having a heel, said training device comprising:
a base connector configured to connect said device to a base, said base being in a form of a stationary member;
an elongated resilient member having a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion, said proximal end portion being connected to said base connector, said resilient member being configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to said unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to a movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion; and
a stick wrap configured to be releasably connected to said distal end portion, said stick wrap being formed of a blank of flexible material having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first section, a second section, and a third section, said first and second sections being secured together and forming a hollow pocket between said inner surface of said first and second sections, said hollow pocket being configured to receive the heel with one portion of the stick on a first side of the heel extending out of said pocket on a first side of said pocket and a second portion of the stick on a second and opposite side of the heel extending out of the pocket on a second and opposite side of said pocket, said third section being foldably connected to said second section by a foldable line and configured to be folded along said foldable line into releasable securable engagement with said first section to enclose the heel and releasably secure said stick wrap to the heel, whereupon said stick wrap is resistant to accidental displacement from the heel.
2. The training device of claim 1 , wherein said pocket is lined with a slip-resistant liner.
3. The training device of claim 1 wherein said base connector is in a form of a loop configured to encircle the base.
4. The training device of claim 1 , wherein said base connector comprises an elongated base strap having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a distal connector, and a proximal connector, said distal end portion of said elongated base strap being connected to said proximal end of said resilient member, said distal connector being secured to said elongated base strap adjacent said distal end portion of said elongated base strap, said proximal connector being connected to said proximal end portion of said elongated base strap, said distal connector and said proximal connector being releasably securable to each other to form said loop.
5. The training device of claim 4 , wherein the distal end portion of the elongated base strap includes a stop configured to engage a door jamb to releasably secure said base strap to said door jamb.
6. The training device of claim 1 wherein said releasably securable engagement of said third section to said second section achieved by a first releasably securable connector located on said outer surface of said first section and by a second releasably securable connector located on said inner surface of said third section.
7. The training device of claim 1 wherein said first section comprises an upper section, said second section comprises an intermediate section, said third section comprises a lower section, and said foldable line comprises a lower fold line, said upper section being foldably connected to said intermediate section along an upper fold line, said upper section and said intermediate section having a first side edge and a second side edge, said first side edge being located opposite said second side edge, said first side edge forming a first wrapping portion, said second side edge forming a second wrapping portion, said wrap being foldable along said lower and upper foldable lines, whereupon said first wrapping portion is wrapped about the first portion of the stick on said first side of the heel and said second wrapping portion is wrapped about the second portion of the stick on the second side of the heel, with portions of the inner surface of said stick wrap engaging a portion of the heel.
8. The training device of claim 7 , wherein said upper section is of a generally trapezoidal shape having congruent sides, and wherein said intermediate section is of the same shape and size as said upper section.
9. The training device of claim 1 wherein said training device comprises one training device of a kit of plural training devices, wherein each of said training devices is of similar construction, but whose elongated strap provides a different amount of stretchability than the elongated strap of others of the plural training devices of the kit.
10. A training device for training a person to accomplish a battle for a puck or a ball in a sport making use of a stick having a heel, said training device comprising:
a base connector configured to connect said device to a base, said base being in a form of a stationary member;
a elongated resilient member having a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion, said proximal end portion being connected to said base connector, said resilient member being configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to said unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to a movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion; and
a stick wrap configured to be releasably connected to said distal end portion, said stick wrap including a first wrapping portion, a second wrapping portion, an intermediate portion, and releasably securable connectors, said intermediate portion interconnecting said first and second wrapping portions and holding said first wrapping portion spaced apart from said second wrapping portion, said intermediate portion being connected to said distal end of said resilient member between said first wrapping portion and said second wrapping portion, said first wrapping portion being configured to be wrapped about and brought into engagement with a first portion of the stick on a first side of the heel, said second wrapping portion being configured to be wrapped about and brought into engagement with a second portion of the stick on a second side of the heel, the second side of the heel being opposite the first side of the heel, whereupon when said stick wrap is wrapped about the stick said releasably securable connectors are brought into engagement with each other to thereby releasably secure said stick wrap to the heel, whereupon said stick wrap is resistant to accidental displacement from the heel.
11. The training device of claim 10 wherein said base connector is in a form of a loop configured to encircle the base.
12. The training device of claim 10 , wherein said base connector comprises an elongated base strap having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a distal connector, and a proximal connector, said distal end portion of said elongated base strap being connected to said proximal end of said resilient member, said distal connector being secured to said elongated base strap adjacent said distal end portion of said elongated base strap, said proximal connector being connected to said proximal end portion of said elongated base strap, said distal connector and said proximal connector being releasably securable to each other to form said loop.
13. The training device of claim 12 , wherein the distal end portion of the elongated base strap includes a stop configured to engage a door jamb to releasably secure said base strap to said door jamb.
14. The training device of claim 10 , wherein said stick wrap is formed of a blank of flexible material having an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper section, an intermediate section, and a lower section, said lower section being foldably connected to said intermediate section along a lower fold line, said upper section being foldably connected to said intermediate section along an upper fold line, said upper section and said intermediate section having a first side edge and a second side edge, said first side edge being located opposite said second side edge, said first side edge forming said first wrapping portion, said second side edge forming said second wrapping portion, said wrap being foldable along said lower and upper foldable lines, whereupon said first wrapping portion is wrapped about the first portion of the stick on the first side of the heel and said second wrapping portion is wrapped about the second portion of the stick on the second side of the heel, with portions of the inner surface of said wrap engaging a portion of the heel.
15. The training device of claim 14 , wherein said releasably securable connectors comprise a first releasably securable connector located on said interior surface of said upper section, and a second releasably securable connector located on said exterior surface of said lower section.
16. A method of training a person to accomplish a battle for a puck or a ball in a sport making use of a stick having a heel and a shaft, said method comprising:
providing a training device including a base connector, a resilient member and a stick wrap, said resilient member having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, said proximal end portion being connected to said base connector, said resilient member being configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to said unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to the movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion, said stick wrap including a first wrapping portion, a second wrapping portion, and an intermediate portion connected to said first and second wrapping portions, said intermediate portion being connected to said distal end of said main resilient member;
utilizing said base connector to secure said training device to a stationary base;
bringing said first wrapping portion into engagement with a portion of said stick, bringing said second strap portion into engagement with another portion of said stick, whereupon said stick wrap is wrapped about said stick with a portion of said first strap portion being located on a first side of the heel and a portion of said second strap portion being located on a second side of the heel to thereby releasably secure said stick wrap to said heel, whereupon said stick wrap is resistant to accidental displacement from the heel; and
the person grasping the stick by the handle moving said stick to replicate a face-off motion to cause said resilient member to stretch, whereupon the stretching of said resilient member provides resistance to the face-off motion of the stick.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the sport is hockey and wherein the stick is a hockey stick having a blade connected to the shaft by the heel.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein said base connector is in the form of a loop configured to encircle the base.
19. The method of claim 16 , wherein the stationary base comprises a door jamb, and said base connector includes a stop, and wherein said method comprises locating said stop with respect to the door jamb to engage the door jamb to releasably secure said base strap to said door jamb.
20. The method of claim 17 , wherein said training device is provided as a portion of a kit of plural training devices, each of said training devices of said kit providing a different amount of resistance to the movement of the stick.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/137,082 US20230249044A1 (en) | 2020-06-11 | 2023-04-20 | Face-off training device and method of use |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US202063037803P | 2020-06-11 | 2020-06-11 | |
US17/337,826 US11883726B2 (en) | 2020-06-11 | 2021-06-03 | Face-off training device and method of use |
US18/137,082 US20230249044A1 (en) | 2020-06-11 | 2023-04-20 | Face-off training device and method of use |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/337,826 Continuation-In-Part US11883726B2 (en) | 2020-06-11 | 2021-06-03 | Face-off training device and method of use |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20230249044A1 true US20230249044A1 (en) | 2023-08-10 |
Family
ID=87522147
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US18/137,082 Pending US20230249044A1 (en) | 2020-06-11 | 2023-04-20 | Face-off training device and method of use |
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US (1) | US20230249044A1 (en) |
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2023
- 2023-04-20 US US18/137,082 patent/US20230249044A1/en active Pending
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