Hockey Trainer

Abstract

A hockey training device includes a shaft coupled to a hockey stick, and a weight defining a hole therein. The shaft is configured to be positioned in the hole in the weight. The weight is configured to be moved along a surface using the hockey stick.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/174,269 filed on Apr. 30, 2009 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/312,928 filed on Mar. 11, 2010, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Developing specific physical powers for stick skills in ice hockey, roller hockey, field hockey, floor ball, street hockey, floor hockey, and other similar sports is important. Existing equipment and exercises are not combined in an organized way to optimize the skill movements with resistance levels that are necessary to improve strength in this area.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a hockey training device includes a shaft coupled to a hockey stick, and a weight defining a hole therein. The shaft is configured to be positioned in the hole in the weight. The weight is configured to be moved along a surface using the hockey stick.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a hockey training device.

FIG. 2 shows additional details of the hockey training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows additional details of the hockey training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a hockey training device.

FIG. 5 shows additional details of the hockey training device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows additional details of the hockey training device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a weight.

FIG. 8 shows an opposite side of the weight of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows the weight of FIG. 7 and the hockey training devices of FIGS. 1 and 4.

FIG. 10 shows the weight of FIG. 7 and the hockey training devices of FIGS. 1 and 4.

FIG. 11 shows the weight of FIG. 7 and the hockey training devices of FIGS. 1 and 4.

FIG. 12 shows the weight of FIG. 7 and the hockey training devices of FIGS. 1 and 4.

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of a hockey training device.

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of a hockey training device.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a dish of the hockey training device of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the dish of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of a hockey training device.

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a hockey training device.

FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of a hockey training device.

FIG. 20 shows one embodiment of an adapter for a hockey stick.

FIG. 21 shows one embodiment of a head of a hockey training device.

FIG. 22 shows another embodiment of a head of a hockey training device.

FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of a head of a hockey training device.

FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of a head of a hockey training device.

FIG. 25 shows another embodiment of a head of a hockey training device.

FIG. 26 shows another embodiment of a head of a hockey training device.

FIG. 27 shows another embodiment of a hockey training device.

FIG. 28 shows additional details of the hockey training device of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 shows additional details of the hockey training device of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 shows additional details of the hockey training device of FIG. 27.

FIG. 31 shows additional details of the hockey training device of FIG. 27.

FIG. 32 shows additional details of the hockey training device of FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to helping hockey players (e.g., ice hockey, roller hockey, field hockey, floor ball, street hockey, and floor hockey players) improve their stick handling, shooting, and passing skills through resistance strength training exercises.

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to increase strength, power, muscle stamina, quickness and agility through specific weight training exercises. With increased physical power, hockey player stick skills have the potential, when practiced, to improve dramatically. A player develops muscle stamina, which allows the player to have higher quality stick handling repetitions for longer periods of time, which leads to faster, quicker skill development over shorter periods of time. Overall strength (e.g., in fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, upper arms, shoulders, back, low back, chest, stomach, butt (gluts), thighs, lower legs, and feet) can be improved, which leads to quickness and higher levels of control while performing ice hockey, roller hockey, field hockey, floor ball, street hockey, floor hockey, and other similar sports stick skills. Muscle memory is improved and transfers quickly when coupled with stick handling, shooting, and passing ice hockey pucks and roller hockey pucks and floor hockey pucks.

In example embodiments, a player can start out in a stationary position, then progress to moving slowly at first, then, gradually moving quicker.

FIGS. 1-12 illustrate aspects of a first embodiment of a device 100 of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, a shaft 110, such as a bolt, is threaded onto the end of a hockey stick shaft 120, plug, or something that resembles a hockey stick shaft (minus the hockey stick blade). One or more washers 125 can be placed on the shaft 110 (see FIG. 3). For example, in one embodiment, two washers are used. In addition, a diameter of the washers can be varied to optimize engagement with the hole in the weight.

The shaft 110 with the washers 125 extends from the hockey stick shaft 120 sufficiently so that the shaft 110 can catch a weight 200. See FIGS. 7-12.

If a hockey stick plug is used, the plug is first be inserted into a hockey stick shaft that was manufactured to hold the plug. See, e.g., FIG. 20. Once the plug is attached, a person can move a weight around a flat surface in patterns or randomly. Resistance that varies in weight can be used.

In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, two hose clamps 127 or another type of clamp are used with the shaft 110 and 1-3 washers 125 and a hockey stick shaft 120 or something that resembles a hockey stick shaft (minus the hockey stick blade). The shaft 110 with the washers 125 applied is clamped onto the shaft 120 of a hockey stick or something that resembles a hockey stick shaft. A head 115 of the shaft 110 with washer or washers 125 extends from the hockey stick shaft 120 enough to catch a weight in the middle of it, on the sides. The weight then can be moved around a flat surface in patterns or randomly.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, a system 300 including the device 100 and the weight 200 is shown. In example embodiments, the system 300 can include one or more devices 100 and one or more weights 200.

The weights 200 can be stamped out and made of various materials. For example, in one embodiment, the weights 200 are made of steel that is laser cut then dipped in a chemical bath to impede rusting. Other materials, such as stainless steel, can also be used to minimize rust. The weights 200 can be custom-made for the system 300, or can be standard weights. The weights 200 can be of various sizes and shapes. In some examples, the weights 200 can be provide in increments of 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and/or 5 pounds. For smaller weights that are relatively thin, a cylindrical lip can be extended from the opening in the middle of the weights to allow for more surface area for the shaft 110 to engage. Other configurations are possible.

Each weight 200 includes an aperture or hole 210 into which the shaft 110 is placed. The shaft 110 and the washers 125 (if included) engage a wall 212 forming the hole 210 when the hockey stick shaft 120 is placed over the weight 200. The user, while grasping the hockey stick shaft 120 or another shaft attached thereto, can move the weight 200 across a surface 310 upon which the weight 200 is placed. As the weight 200 is moved, the user develops muscles and coordination that assists the user in playing hockey.

As shown in FIG. 8, in some examples, the weight 200 includes a pad 220 (e.g., felt) or other material that is applied to the weight 200 to allow the weight to be moved more easily across the surface 310 without marring.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, another example system 400 is shown. The system includes a dish 410 that is used to hold one or more of the weights 200. In the example shown, the dish 410 is round, although other shapes, such as oval, square or rectangle, can also be used. The weights 200 sit within or on a surface 419 of the dish 400. The dish 400 has a central hole 417 formed by a wall 415 for receiving the end of the hockey stick shaft 120.

The dish 410 is made of a tough durable plastic that will hold up when it is pushed across concrete, asphalt, carpet, linoleum, ice, or any surface. A bottom 418 of the dish 410 can be made of thick plastic, and can include multiple bumps 432 (see FIG. 16) that allow the dish 410 to move across the noted surfaces. In other examples, the bottom 418 can include Velcro or Teflon tabs to allow for ease in movement of the dish 410 along a surface.

The weights 200 can be stacked within the dish 410. In some examples, the weights 200 are locked within the dish 410, as noted below. In others, the weights 200 are simply stacked within the dish 410. The weights 200 can be stacked within the dish 410 when done to provide for ease in clean up and organization.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, one or more locking mechanisms can be used to hold the weights 200 within the dish 410. In the example shown, a central locking nut 262 can be threaded onto the wall 415. The nut 262 has a diameter that is large enough to interfere with the weights 200 so that the weights cannot be removed from the dish 410 until the nut 262 is removed.

Also shown in the example are two pivoting locks 412 and 452. The lock 412 is positioned on an outer wall 411 of the dish 410. The lock 412 pivots between an open position (as shown in FIG. 16) and a closed position. In the open position, the lock 412 is positioned outside of the dish 410 so that the weights 200 can be added and removed from the dish 410. In the closed position (shown in phantom), the lock 412 extends within the dish 410 to hold the weights 200 therein.

The lock 452 pivots between a closed position (shown in FIG. 16) and an open position. In the closed position, the lock 452 extends horizontally over the weights 200 to maintain the weights 200 within the dish 410. In the open position (shown in phantom), the lock 452 extends vertically. In this position, the weights 200 can be positioned to engage the lock by placing a hole 252 formed in the weights 200 through a pedestal 452 associated with the lock 452. Once in position, the lock 452 is pivoted from the horizontal to the vertical position to maintain the weights 200 within the dish 410.

Other configurations for the optional locks are possible. In some embodiments, no locks are used. In other embodiments, one or more of the locks 262, 412, and 452 are used.

This system 400 can be advantageous because of its storage capabilities and flexibility. For example, switching the weights 200 can be done easily by adding or removing the weights 200 from the dish 410. Once use is complete, the weights 200 can be stored in the dish 410 until further use.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, other example systems 500, 600, 700 are shown. These are more inexpensive versions. In the system 500, a dish 510 is used to hold one or more of the weights 200. The weights 200 can have varying diameters. In the system 600, a dish 610 holds the weights 200, and a pillar 620 extends through the hole 210 in the weights 200 to hold them in place. Finally, in the system 700, a disk 710 without curved edges. An aperture 720 in the weight 200 receives the shaft 110.

The bottom of each dish/disk is made of a heavy-duty durable plastic, as described above. The heavy duty plastic is a flat disk or a dish (bowl with sides) that is inexpensive to produce.

The weights 200 could vary. In examples, the weights 200 can be made of a material that resists rust. The weights 200 could be existing weights or stamped out metal (water cut) made of stainless steel.

The plastic dishes/disks would be boned to each other. In some examples, the weights can be coupled to the disk by an adhesive (e.g., glue), Velcro, or other ways of attachment. In other examples, the weights could simply be loosely positioned on top of the disk, and the stick positioned with a central hole within the weights could maintain the weights on the disk. Other configurations are possible.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-26, the head of the hockey stick could be modified. In FIG. 20, an adapter 810 is shown. The adapter 810 includes a portion 185 sized to receive the end of the hockey stick shaft 120 (without the blade), such as a stick formed as a hockey stick without the head of the stick. The shaft extends from the portion 185 and can have various heads attached thereto.

For example, as shown in FIG. 21-26, the devices could be configured with or without heads. For example, the shaft 110 can be bent into desired configurations (FIGS. 25 and 25). In other examples, heads 812, 814, 816, 818 can be provided. The heads could be various configurations, and could be configured to be stationary or rotate when engaging the disks/weights. Examples of head configurations include stationary or swivel heads, ball/joint connections, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 27-32, another example system 900 is shown. The system 900 includes the dish 410, the weights 200, and the adapter 810 positioned on the end of the hockey stick shaft 120. With the head 818 of the adapter 185 placed into the hole 417 in the dish 410, the dish 410 can be moved using the hockey stick shaft 120 to increase muscle endurance and agility.

The size of the dishes/disks and the weights can be varied depending on the intended use. For example, the dishes can come in various diameters that hold weights of various sizes. In one example, the dishes come in sizes including youth, junior, and Pro. The youth is smaller in size and configured to hold up to 5 pounds in weights. The junior is sized to hold up to 10 pounds, and the Pro is sized to hold more than 10 pounds in weights. Each size can hold less weight, and more weights can be added or removed to increase or decrease the resistance provided as the dish is slid across the surface.

The example embodiments described herein will help players increase strength and power so that they can improve their stick skills more quickly for hockey.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to be limiting. Various modifications and changes that may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A hockey training device, comprising:

a shaft coupled to a hockey stick; and

a weight defining a hole therein;

wherein the shaft is configured to be positioned in the hole in the weight; and

the weight is configured to be moved along a surface using the hockey stick.

2. hockey training device of claim 1, further comprising:

a dish including a base, a first wall extending about an outer periphery of the dish, and a dish central aperture;

wherein the base is sized to receive the weight that is positioned in the dish, the first wall being positioned to maintain the weight in the dish;

wherein the dish central aperture is sized to receive an end of the shaft that is coupled to the hockey stick; and

wherein the dish is configured to be moved by the hockey stick along a surface.

3. The hockey training device of claim 2, wherein the dish is round.

4. The hockey training device of claim 2, wherein the dish includes a second wall that forms the dish central aperture.

5. The hockey training device of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of weights, wherein the second wall is received in the central aperture of each of the weights that is added to the dish.

6. The hockey training device of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of weights.

7. The hockey training device of claim 6, further comprising the hockey stick.

8. The hockey training device of claim 2, further comprising the hockey stick.

9. The hockey training device of claim 8, further comprising an adapter coupled to the shaft, the adapter being sized to receive an end of the hockey stick.

10. The hockey training device of claim 2, further comprising an adapter coupled to the shaft, the adapter being sized to receive an end of the hockey stick.

11. The hockey training device of claim 10, further comprising a head at an end of the shaft, the head being sized to engage the dish central aperture.

12. The hockey training device of claim 2, further comprising a locking mechanism structured to maintain the weight in the dish.

13. The hockey training device of claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism is threaded onto a central wall of the dish.

14. The hockey training device of claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism pivots between closed and open positions.

15. The hockey training device of claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism maintains the weight in the dish when the locking mechanism is in the closed position.

16. A hockey training device, comprising:

a round dish including a base, a first wall extending about an outer periphery of the dish, and a second wall forming a dish central aperture;

one or more round weights, each weight having a central aperture;

a hockey stick;

an adapter coupled to the hockey stick; and

a locking mechanism structured to maintain the weights in the dish;

wherein the base is sized to receive the weights that are positioned in the dish so that the second wall is received in the central aperture of each of the weights that is added to the dish, the first wall being positioned to maintain the weights in the dish;

wherein the dish central aperture is sized to receive an head that is coupled to the adapter; and

wherein the dish is configured to be moved by the hockey stick along a surface.

17. The hockey training device of claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism is threaded onto a central wall of the dish.

18. The hockey training device of claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism pivots between closed and open positions.

19. A method for training for hockey, the method comprising:

providing a dish including a first wall extending about an outer periphery of the dish, and a central aperture;

placing one or more weights in the dish, the first wall being positioned to maintain the weights in the dish;

placing an end of a shaft that is coupled to a hockey stick in the central aperture; and

wherein the dish is configured to be moved by the hockey stick along a surface.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising locking the weights into the dish.