STICK HANDLING TRAINING SYSTEM AND HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE BASE FOR USE THEREIN

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a stick-handling training system for use in at least sports like hockey, ringette and field hockey. The system is comprised of height adjustable bases and cross members positioned in those bases. The height adjustable bases are vertically adjustable between a first and a second position and elevate the cross members from the ground at heights that can vary based on the object used to be passed underneath in stick-handling training.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,992,873 filed on Jan. 25, 2018. The contents of the above application is all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in its entirety

FIELD

The present disclosure is in the field of stick handling training system and more specifically to a height adjustable base for use in such a system.

BACKGROUND

Stick handling training systems are known and used by hockey players around the world. The conventional stick handling training systems are fixed systems for a certain height. Therefore, there is a need for a stick handling training system which has an adjustable height and can allow different items such as a puck, ball or any other item used for stick handling training exercises.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a height adjustable base for use in a stick handling training system and stick handling training system using a height adjustable base.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a height adjustable base for use in a stick handling training system comprising: an outer shell to be secured to a surface, the outer shell further comprising: at least one opening; and, an inner lip; and, an inner core secured to the outer shell and vertically adjustable between a first position and a second position relative to the outer shell, the inner core further comprising: at least one side button lockable within the at least one opening; and, an outer lip positioned at a bottom end of the inner core, wherein the first position is defined as when the at least one side button of the inner core is locked within the at least one opening of the outer shell, and the second position is defined as when the outer lip of the inner core abuts the inner lip of the outer shell.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a stick handling training system comprising: at least two height adjustable bases to be positioned on a surface, each of the at least two height adjustable bases comprising: an outer shell; and, an inner core secured to the outer shell and vertically adjustable between a first position and a second position relative to the outer shell; and, at least one cross member interconnected to the at least two height adjustable bases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will now be convenient to describe the disclosure with particular reference to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the drawings relate to one embodiment of the present invention only and are not to be taken as limiting the invention. Further more, it shall be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a random configuration that may be achieved using the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the cross member and height adjustable bases, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a perspective side view of the cross member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a magnified perspective side view of the cross-member end connector as shown in FIG. 3A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a perspective top view of the height adjustable base in a lowered position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a perspective top view of the height adjustable base in a raised position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4C is a detailed perspective exploded view of the height adjustable base according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an elevational cross-sectional view detailing a cross-member inserted into the connection socket of the height adjustable base, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is an elevational cross-sectional view detailing the height adjustable base in the elevated state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is an elevational cross-sectional view detailing the height adjustable base in its lowered state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a top view of the height adjustable base inner core according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the height adjustable base inner core according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7C is a perspective cross-sectional view detailing the height adjustable base inner core according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a top view of the height adjustable base outer shell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the height adjustable base outer shell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8C is a perspective cross-sectional view detailing the height adjustable base outer shell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a top view of a height adjustable base according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a first position of the range for the inner core of the height adjustable base shown in FIG. 9A, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9C is a second position of the range for the inner core of the height adjustable base shown in FIG. 9A, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and,

FIG. 9D is a transition position of the range for the inner core of the height adjustable base shown in FIG. 9A, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred and other embodiments of the invention are shown. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. The applicants, inventors or owners reserve all rights that they may have in any invention claimed in this document, for example the right to claim such an invention in a continuing application and do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stick-handling training system 001 is shown. The hockey stick-handling system 001 includes a plurality of cross members 100 and height adjustable bases 500. In operation, the height adjustable bases 500 are vertically adjustable and elevate the cross members 100 from the ground at optimum heights that can vary based on the object used for stick-handling (such as a hockey puck or ball) to pass underneath them. The height adjustable bases 500 also have multiple insertion points (cavities) 521 for cross members connectors 110 that allows a modular approach where more than one cross member 100 may be connected to a height adjustable base 500 and the cross members 100 can rotate about the cavities 521. The connection interface between the two parts is such that it easily enables the assembly to be lengthened or shortened as needed and collapses for easy transportation. The cross member 100, as shown in FIG. 3A is characterised by its elongated body that has, at both ends, cross member connectors 110 pointing downwards that effectively act as the pivot and connection point with the height adjustable base 500. These connectors 110 are further characterised by two distinctive features, the first one being the addition of a resistive member 111, which may be made of a soft-type material, that slightly extends past the side surface of the cylinder 110 up to a point where it creates a small resistance against unwanted rotational movement when inserted in the height adjustable base cavity 521. A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that a user may want some rotational movement of the cross members relative to the height adjustable bases; however, effortless and frictionless pivoting is not desired. The said feature is particularly useful where it allows for the user to effortlessly place the cross-member 100 at a desired angle in relation to the height adjustable base 500 but also provide for a locking force strong enough to keep the connectors 110 in place, was the object used for stick-handling training to come in contact with one of the members of the system 001. The second feature on the said connector 110 is the semi-circular shaped groove 115 around its axis that works in conjunction with a locking feature (that will be further detailed) intended to keep the cross-member 100 and height adjustable base 500 together in such a way that it prevents disassembly caused by a vertical motion. For example, if the system 001 is picked up by the user grabbing the cross-members 100 only, this locking feature will prevent the height adjustable bases 500 from falling down or being otherwise detached from the system 001.

With reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the height adjustable base 500 is shown in its lowered position, raised position and exploded position, respectively. The height adjustable base 500 can be raised up to increase clearance between the training ground and the cross-member 100, thus allowing a user to train with a wide variety of objects; whether it be low-laying (e.g. a hockey puck) or requiring additional clearance (e.g. ball). The height adjustable base 500 also features more than two cavities 521 where the cross-members 100 can be docked, allowing for a modular approach and enabling users to develop more intricate training patterns than when using a traditional chain-type product. The exploded view shown in FIG. 4C specifically displays the individual components making up the height adjustable base 500: the outer shell 510, the inner core 520, the base feet 530 and ice spikes 540.

With reference to FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B and 7C and according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner core 520 is characterized by the cylindrical cavities 521 having an opening on an upper surface of the inner cores 520, the cavities 521 used as connection points for the cross-member connectors 110. Those cavities 521 are each featuring a tab 522 that includes a protrusion 523 which, when a cross-member 100 is inserted, sits within the locking groove 115 of the cross-member connector 110, effectively preventing both the cross-member 100 and the height adjustable bases 500 to be separated when a force is applied along the axis of the cylindrical cavity 521 while still allowing for rotational movement about the said axis. The shape of the protrusion 523 corresponds to the cylindrical cavity wall 525, and slits 524 positioned on each side of the tabs 522 grant independent movement of the tab 522 from the cylindrical wall 525. The tab 522 also extends beyond a bottom surface of the cavity 526 so that the user can release the cross-member 100 from the height adjustable bases 500 by pushing the tab 522 away from the center of the cavity 521. The inner core 520 also features at least two buttons 527, located on opposite sides of the inner core 520, that extend slightly beyond the vertical sides 528 of the inner core 520. The buttons 527 are used to lock the inner core 520 in position in relation to the outer shell 510 in either the raised position (as shown in FIG. 6A) or the lowered position (as shown in FIG. 6B). When in the raised position, the button 527 of the inner core 520 sits atop of an upper edge 511 of the outer shell 510. In the lowered position, the openings 512, which are positioned on either side of the outer shell 510 and have a corresponding shape to that of the buttons 527, are pivotable about an axis and biased outwardly to allow for the buttons 527 to spring back in the rest position, keeping the inner core 520 in place in relation to the outer shell 510.

With reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer shell 510 features an opening 513 at the top, the opening 513 having a geometry corresponding to that of the inner core 520 to allows for the inner core 520 to slide within the outer shell 510. The internal sides 514 of the outer shell are vertical and act as a sliding guide for the inner core 520. The openings 512 are located on each side of the outer shell 510 in a manner that when the inner core 520 is in the lowered position, the side buttons 527 are released within those holes 512 and the top surfaces 501 of both the inner core 520 and outer shell 510 are flush and therefore sharing the same plane. The outer shell 510 also features feet 530 made of a soft material (e.g. rubber, or polyethylene) that provide grip to hold the apparatus 001 in place when in use on hard training surfaces. In situations where the height adjustable bases 500 are resting on slippery surfaces such as ice, sharp-tipped screws (ice spikes) 540, threaded into the outer shell 510, may be raised or lowered as deemed necessary by the user.

With reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a height adjustable base 500 is shown with a range of height defined for the inner core 520. With specific reference to FIG. 9B, the inner core 520 is in a first position 700 which is defined by the inner core being enclosed within outer shell 510. A second position 710 is defined with the inner core 520 extended away from the outer shell 510 as specifically shown in FIG. 9C. A transition position is shown in FIG. 9D with the inner core 520 being in the range in between the first and second positions 700 and 710. The range of inner core 520 is defined by the range of movement of the inner core 520 relative to the outer shell 510 in between the first and second positions 700, 710. With further reference to FIG. 9C and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, outer lip 550 on inner core 520 restricts the movement of the inner core 520 by contact with inner lip 560 on outer shell 510. The contact between lips 550, 560 assures that the inner core 520 will remain within the outer shell 510.

Claims

1. A height adjustable base for use in a stick handling training system comprising:

an outer shell to be secured to a surface, the outer shell further comprising: at least one opening; and, an inner lip; and,

an inner core secured to the outer shell and vertically adjustable between a first position and a second position relative to the outer shell, the inner core further comprising: at least one side button lockable within the at least one opening; and, an outer lip positioned at a bottom end of the inner core,

wherein the first position is defined as when the at least one side button of the inner core is locked within the at least one opening of the outer shell, and the second position is defined as when the outer lip of the inner core abuts the inner lip of the outer shell.

2. The height adjustable base of claim 1 wherein the outer shell is further comprised of feet.

3. The height adjustable base of claim 2 further comprised of ice spikes positioned into and protruding from the feet.

4. The height adjustable base of claim 1 wherein the inner core is further comprised of at least one cavity defined by a cylindrical wall.

5. The height adjustable base of claim 4 further defining a protrusion within the at least one cavity.

6. The height adjustable base of claim 5 wherein the protrusion is positioned on a tab, the tab having two slits positioned on each side of the tab to provide independent movement of the tab from the cylindrical wall.

7. The height adjustable base of claim 1 wherein the inner lip of the outer shell is substantially circumferential and wherein the inner core is comprised of four outer lips positioned at each corner of the inner core to provide multiple contact points between the inner lip and the outer lip.

8. A stick handling training system comprising:

at least two height adjustable bases to be positioned on a surface, each of the at least two height adjustable bases comprising: an outer shell; and, an inner core secured to the outer shell and vertically adjustable between a first position and a second position relative to the outer shell; and,

at least one cross member interconnected to the at least two height adjustable bases.

9. The stick handling training system of claim 8 wherein the inner core is further comprised of:

a cavity defined by a cylindrical wall; and,

a protrusion within the at least one cavity,

wherein the protrusion is positioned on a tab, the tab having two slits positioned on each side of the tab to provide independent movement of the tab from the cylindrical wall.

10. The stick handling training system of claim 8 wherein the at least one cross member is further comprised of at least two connectors, each of the at least two connectors further comprising a semi-circular shaped groove and a protruding resistive member.

11. The stick handling training system of claim 9 wherein the at least two connectors are positioned within each of the cavities of the at least two height adjustable bases, and wherein the protrusions are locked into the semi-circular shaped grooves and the resistive member provides a small resistance against undesired rotational movement of the at least two connectors.

12. The stick handling training system of claim 8 wherein the outer shell is further comprised of:

at least one opening; and,

an inner lip.

13. The stick handling training system of claim 12 wherein the inner core is further comprised of:

at least one side button lockable within the at least one opening; and,

an outer lip positioned at a bottom end of the inner core,

wherein the first position is defined as when the at least one side button of the inner core is locked within the at least one opening of the outer shell, and the second position is defined as when the outer lip of the inner core abuts the inner lip of the outer shell.

14. The stick handling training system of claim 8 wherein the outer shell is further comprised of feet and ice spikes positioned into and protruding from the feet to provide extra stability to the stick handling training system.

15. The stick handling training system of claim 8 wherein the inner lip of the outer shell is substantially circumferential and wherein the inner core is comprised of four outer lips positioned at each corner of the inner core to provide multiple contact points between the inner lip and the outer lip.