HOCKEY PUCK AND TRAINING SYSTEM

Abstract

A hockey puck for puck handling training, comprises a metal core, and one or more rings (made of metal or rubber-like material), concentrically fitted around the core to create a standard sized puck of varying weight. A concentrically arranged core and ring(s) are connected using bolts or screws inserted into holes in the core and ring(s) perimeter walls when said holes are aligned. By varying the size and weight of the metal core, as well as the number and weight of the rings, sets of hockey pucks are provided for player training on different surfaces. The perimeter wall of each hockey puck can be finished with a knurled, rubber-like material to provide a gripping means. A training system is provided for configuring hockey pucks with cores and rings to provide pucks with different weights, and may include a puck capture means, and/or puck shot imaging means.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of hockey pucks and puck handling training systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The background to the invention provides information about the state of the art relating to hockey pucks and puck handling training systems.

Puck handling (e.g. shooting and passing) skill development can involve intensive training protocols for professionals or be taken up recreationally by players of different ages and skill levels. The available types of pucks to accommodate both recreational and competitive skill development needs have been limited by various factors relating to how the pucks are configured.

The development of puck handling skills requires the use of pucks of different weights to improve strength, stamina and proficiency for a variety of puck handling techniques. Generally, the types of hockey puck available for these purposes have been designed so that the weight of the puck is varied by changing the composition of a puck core, and keeping the puck core dimensions unchanged (e.g. Canadian Patent Application Nos. 1209165, 2118310, 3022846). In these instances, the range of weights possible for the hockey puck are limited, and the weights achievable are overall too light for players training to play competitively.

Canadian Patent Application No. 2829470 provides a hockey puck that can be configured to variable weights ranging in one embodiment between 4 to 10 ounces and in another embodiment between 11 to 17 ounces. The puck has a cavity with a magnet for receiving a metal slug and another stronger magnet is used to remove the metal slug when it is desirable to exchange it with a differently weighted slug to change the overall weight of the puck. The design of this puck relies on partially boring out a rubber or plastic 3″ diameter puck to form the cavity and using metal slugs that are 1.5″ in diameter and of varying depths (heights) for insertion into the cavity. The design of this puck, however, has deficiencies for use in a full range of puck handling training, needed for full player development suitable for competitive and professional contexts. For example, the use of magnets to secure the slugs in the puck body cavity is unreliable and a potential liability for injuries especially for pucks shot a high speeds and hitting surfaces with high impact forces that can break apart the components dispersing them at high speeds in different directions.

Other puck designs do not mimic the actual size and feel of a game puck and as a result, players do not have a puck handling experience during training that is consistent with what they would experience during game play. In some instances, the puck design lacks certain features important to skill development, such as the presence of a gripping means around the perimeter wall of the puck.

There remains a need to provide a hockey puck and puck handling training system that can be used by players of different ages and throughout all stages of puck handling skill development.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a hockey puck and system for configuring hockey pucks. A hockey puck according to the present disclosure can be configured (assembled) using a core and one or more rings fitted concentrically about the core. In this way, pucks of standard sized (i.e. with a diameter of about 2⅞ inches to about 3 inches) and non-standard sized pucks are provided using a variety of materials with resulting puck configurations that can have a wide range of weights to meet a player's puck handling (e.g. for shooting and passing) training needs. The variety of core and ring configurations possible for a single puck makes a system of pucks amenable to efficient manufacturing, packaging into core and ring sets, and for parts replacement. Sets of cores and rings can also be configured into kits with other accessories for player use, to support skill development through a variety of ages and stages of training. Such accessories may include a puck capture means for use in an environment (e.g. netting or tarps), as well as imaging means to track puck handling (e.g. shots and passes) for review and skill assessment (e.g. using an application that can be downloaded onto a mobile device).

In one aspect there is provided a hockey puck comprising,

a) a metal puck core including a circular top side, a circular bottom side, an annular perimeter wall with a height, the annular perimeter wall joining the top and bottom sides; and one or more holes formed from the perimeter wall radially into the core towards a central axis through the top and bottom walls of the puck core, each hole configured for receiving a securing means;
b) one or more rings, each ring including a ring hole with a diameter defined by an inner ring wall that is large enough for the ring to be fitted around the perimeter wall of the puck core or another ring of the one or more rings, a height substantially the same as the height of the puck core, an outer wall opposite the inner wall, the distance between the inner and outer walls defining the width of each ring; and one or more holes formed radially through the outer and inner walls of each ring towards a central axis of the ring hole, each ring also being configured for receiving the same securing means as the holes of the puck core; and
c) one or more securing means, each for connecting the one or more rings to the puck core,
wherein the hockey puck is configured by fitting at least one of the one or more rings in a concentric arrangement around the puck core, aligning the holes of the puck core with the holes of the at least one of the one or more rings for receiving the securing means and connecting the puck core to the at least one of the one or more rings using the securing means.

In an embodiment of the hockey puck, the core is made of steel.

In another embodiment of the hockey puck, the at least one of the one or more rings is made of plastic, a rubber-like material, or steel.

In still another embodiment of the hockey puck, the hockey puck is configured with one, two, three, or four rings.

In yet another embodiment of the hockey puck, the puck core has a diameter of about 1.5 inches, about 2 inches, or about 2⅞ inches.

In a further embodiment of the hockey puck, the puck core has a weight of about 212 g, about 380 g or about 790 g.

In one embodiment of the hockey puck, the hockey puck is configured to provide a hockey puck with a diameter of about 3 inches.

In another aspect there is provided a puck handling training system for configuring two or more hockey pucks, each hockey puck comprising:

a) a metal puck core including a circular top side, a circular bottom side, an annular perimeter wall with a height, the annular perimeter wall joining the top and bottom sides; and one or more holes formed from the perimeter wall radially into the core towards a central axis through the top and bottom walls of the puck core, each hole configured for receiving a securing means;
b) one or more rings, each ring including a ring hole with a diameter defined by an inner ring wall that is large enough for the ring to be fitted around the perimeter wall of the puck core or another ring of the one or more rings, a height substantially the same as the height of the puck core, an outer wall opposite the inner wall, the distance between the inner and outer walls defining the width of each ring; and one or more holes formed radially through the outer and inner walls of each ring towards a central axis of the ring hole, each ring also being configured for receiving the same securing means as the holes of the puck core; and
c) one or more securing means, each for connecting the one or more rings to the puck core,
wherein the hockey puck is configured by fitting at least one of the one or more rings in a concentric arrangement around the puck core, aligning the holes of the puck core with the holes of the at least one of the one or more rings for receiving the securing means and connecting the puck core to the at least one of the one or more rings using the securing means.

In an embodiment of the system, each puck core is made of steel.

In another embodiment of the system, each of the at least one of the one or more rings used to configure each hockey puck is made of plastic, rubber-like material, or steel.

In another embodiment of the system, all of the at least one or more rings used to configure each hockey puck are made of the same material.

In yet another embodiment of the system, each hockey puck is configured with one, two, three, or four rings.

In still another embodiment of the system, each puck core has a diameter of about 1.5 inches, about 2 inches, or about 2⅞ inches.

In a further embodiment of the system, each puck core has a weight of about 212 g, about 380 g or about 790 g.

In a related embodiment of the system, each puck core has a different diameter and weight than another puck core in the system.

In one embodiment of the system, each hockey puck can be configured to have a diameter of about 3 inches.

In another embodiment of the system, the system is provided as a kit of three puck cores, instructions for the assembly of at least three hockey puck configurations, each configuration having an assembled weight in a weight range of about 300 g to about 900 g, a sufficient number of rings with selected dimensions, and a sufficient number of securing means to complete the configuration of the three hockey pucks according to the instructions.

In yet a further embodiment of the system, the system further comprises an additional metal puck core with a diameter of about 2⅞ inches, including a circular top side, a circular bottom side, an annular perimeter wall with a height, the annular perimeter wall joining the top and bottom sides; and a rubber-like ring sleeve which can be fitted around the additional metal puck core to create a friction contact interface that secures the rubber-like sleeve around the annular perimeter wall to configure an additional hockey puck with a diameter of about 3 inches.

In yet further aspects there are provided methods of improving puck handling skills comprising the step of a subject handling a hockey puck according to the present disclosure, or using a puck handling training system according to the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description, in which reference is made to the appended drawings.

FIGS. 1a and 1b: A ring of rubber-like material for connecting to an embodiment of a puck core according to the disclosure; and the ring connected to a puck core, respectively.

FIG. 2: A view of a knurled, rubber-like material on a perimeter wall of a hockey puck of the present disclosure, comprising the ring and core of FIGS. 1a and 1b connected with a securing means (bolt).

FIGS. 3a and 3b: A ring of rubber-like material for connecting to an embodiment of a puck core according to the disclosure; and the ring connected to a puck core, respectively.

FIG. 4: A view of a knurled, rubber-like material on a perimeter wall of a hockey puck of the present disclosure, comprising the ring and core of FIGS. 3a and 3b connected with a securing means (bolt).

FIGS. 5a and 5b: A ring of rubber-like material for connecting to an embodiment of a puck core according to the disclosure; and the ring connected to a puck core, respectively.

FIG. 6: A view of a knurled, rubber-like material on a perimeter wall of a hockey puck of the present disclosure, comprising the ring and core of FIGS. 5a and 5b connected with a securing means (bolt).

FIG. 7: A hockey puck according to the present disclosure comprising a puck core and series of two metal, concentric rings fitted around the puck core.

FIG. 8: The puck core of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9: A first ring configured to fit around the puck core of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10: A second ring configured to fit around the first ring of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11: A hockey puck according to the present disclosure comprising a puck core and series of three metal, concentric rings fitted around the puck core.

FIG. 12: The puck core of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13: A first ring configured to fit around the puck core of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14: A second ring configured to fit round the first ring of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15a: A third ring configured to fit around the second ring of FIG. 14.

FIG. 15b: An alternative third ring configured to fit around the second ring of FIG. 14 made of a different material, such as a rubber-like material.

FIG. 16: A hockey puck according to the present disclosure comprising a puck core and series of three concentric rings made of rubber-like material and fitted around the puck core.

FIG. 17: The puck core of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18: A first ring configured to fit around the puck core, and a second ring configured to fit around the first ring connected to the puck core of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19: A third ring configured to fit around the second ring shown in FIGS. 16 and 18.

FIG. 20: An alternative first ring configured to fit around the puck core made of metal (e.g. steel).

FIG. 21: A puck perimeter wall illustrating the application of knurling patterns. The first knurling pattern of hatched lines provides a full coverage textured surface for the perimeter wall and the second knurling pattern comprises small, dashed, horizontal lines (to assist with monitoring or the visualization of puck trajectories when shot or passed) on the surface of a rubber-like material used to encase a hockey puck of the present disclosure. Knurling patterns may have one or more pattern elements.

FIG. 22: A puck perimeter wall illustrating the application of knurling patterns. The first knurling pattern of hatched lines provides a full coverage textured surface for the perimeter wall and the second knurling pattern comprises large, dashed, horizontal lines on the surface of a rubber-like material used to encase a hockey puck of the present disclosure. Knurling patterns may have one or more pattern elements.

FIG. 23: A puck perimeter wall illustrating the application of knurling patterns. The first knurling pattern of hatched lines provides a full coverage textured surface for the perimeter wall, while the second knurling pattern comprises diagonal arrows and intermittent perpendicular lines, respectively, on the surface of a rubber-like material used to encase a hockey puck of the present disclosure. The second knurling pattern is an example of a pattern with two pattern elements.

FIG. 24: A puck perimeter wall illustrating the application of first and second knurling patterns. The first knurling pattern of hatched lines provides a full coverage textured surface for the perimeter wall and the second knurling pattern comprises sharply biased, diagonal, dashed lines on the surface of a rubber-like material used to encase a hockey puck of the present disclosure. Knurling patterns may have one or more pattern elements.

FIG. 25: A puck perimeter wall illustrating the application of first and second knurling patterns. The first knurling pattern of hatched lines provides a full coverage textured surface for the perimeter wall and the second knurling pattern comprises shallow biased, diagonal, dashed lines on the surface of a rubber-like material used to encase a hockey puck of the present disclosure. Knurling patterns may have one or more pattern elements.

FIG. 26: A puck perimeter wall illustrating the application of first and second knurling patterns. The first knurling pattern of horizontal line provides a full coverage textured surface for the perimeter wall and the second knurling pattern comprises round dots/bumps on the surface of a rubber-like material used to encase a hockey puck of the present disclosure. Knurling patterns may have one or more pattern elements.

FIG. 27: A puck perimeter wall illustrating the application of first and second knurling patterns. The first knurling pattern of hatched lines provides a full coverage textured surface for the perimeter wall and the second knurling pattern comprises large arrow heads on the surface of a rubber-like material used to encase a hockey puck of the present disclosure. Knurling patterns may have one or more pattern elements.

FIGS. 28a and 28b: Side views of a puck core according to the present disclosure, illustrating a hole formed from the perimeter wall radially into the core towards a central axis passing through the top and bottom sides of the puck core, and a securing means in said hole, respectively. The securing means in FIG. 28b is illustrated as a bolt.

FIGS. 29a and 29b: Top views of a puck core according to the present disclosure, illustrating the top side of the puck core without securing means, and the top side of the puck core and the equidistant, radially-oriented holes in the core, with securing means inserted therein, respectively. The securing means in FIG. 29b is illustrated as a bolt.

FIGS. 30A and 30B: A. Exemplary isometric view of a 1.5 inch puck core; B. Cross-sectional view of the puck core in ‘A’ illustrating holes (channels) spaced 120 degrees from one another around the annular perimeter wall of the puck core, for receiving securing means, such as bolts.

FIGS. 31A and 31B: A. Exemplary isometric view of a 2 inch puck core; B. Cross-sectional view of the puck core in ‘A’ illustrating holes (channels) spaced 120 degrees from one another around the annular perimeter wall of the puck core, for receiving securing means, such as bolts.

FIGS. 32A and 32B: A. Exemplary isometric view of a 2 inch ring with (bore) hole that can be fitted around a 1.5 inch puck core; B. Cross-sectional view of the 2 inch ring in ‘A’ illustrating holes (channels) spaced 120 degrees from one another around the ring for aligning with the holes (channels) of the 1.5 inch core.

FIGS. 33A and 33B: A. Exemplary isometric view of a 2.875 (2⅞) inches ring with a (bore) hole that can be fitted around a 2 inch puck core; B. Cross-sectional view of the 2 inch ring in ‘A’ illustrating holes (channels) spaced 120 degrees from one another around the ring for aligning with the holes (channels) of the 2 inch core. The holes (channels) are configured to receive bolts in their entirety, such that the head of the bolt can be recessed within the holes (away from the outer side wall of the assembled hockey puck) when fully threaded therein. The ring also includes bevelled faces (see feature 12) connecting the outer facing side wall of the rings to its top and bottom walls. An additional ring sleeve (see FIGS. 37A-37C) may or may not be used together with this illustrated ring to complete the assembly of a hockey puck according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 34A and 34B: A. Exemplary isometric view of a 2.875 (2⅞ inches puck core; B. Side view of the puck core in ‘A’ with holes (channels) configured to receive bolts in their entirety, such that the head of the bolt can be recessed within the holes (away from the outer side wall of the puck core or hockey puck) when fully threaded therein. The puck core also includes bevelled faces connecting the annular perimeter wall (face) of the core to its top and bottom walls (faces).

FIGS. 35A and 35B: A. Exemplary isometric view of a 3 inch (diameter) ring with (bore) hole that can be fitted around a 1.5 inch puck core, or otherwise used on its own for puck handling training; B. Cross-sectional view of the 3 inch ring in ‘A’ illustrating holes (channels) spaced 120 degrees from one another around the ring for aligning with the holes (channels) of the 1.5 inch core. The holes (channels) are configured to receive bolts in their entirety, such that the head of the bolt can be recessed within the holes (away from the outer side wall of the assembled hockey puck) when fully threaded therein.

FIGS. 36A and 36B: A. Exemplary isometric view of a 3 inch (diameter) ring with (bore) hole that can be fitted around a 2 inch puck core, or otherwise used on its own for puck handling training; B. Cross-sectional view of the 3 inch ring in ‘A’ illustrating holes (channels) spaced 120 degrees from one another around the ring for aligning with the holes (channels) of the 2 inch core. The holes (channels) are configured to receive bolts in their entirety, such that the head of the bolt can be recessed within the holes (away from the outer side wall of the assembled hockey puck) when fully threaded therein.

FIGS. 37A, 37B and 37C: A. Side view of a 3 inch diameter ring sleeve or puck grip (0.125 inches thick and 0.75 inches high) for fitting around a puck core with a diameter of 2.875 inches; B. Top view of the ring sleeve in ‘A’ with holes configured with bolt head ‘seat’ structures that extend radially inward from the inner facing wall of the ring sleeve for receiving bolts there-through such that the bolt head seat structures fit into the holes of the puck core. In this way, when the bolts are fully threaded through the holes of the sleeve and puck core it is fitted around, the bolt is recessed from the perimeter wall of the assembled hockey puck; C. Isometric view of the ring sleeve of ‘A’ and ‘B’.

FIG. 38: Exploded or pre-assembled view of a hockey puck according to the present disclosure, namely a 2.875 inch diameter puck core and a 3 inch diameter ring sleeve (0.125 inch thick) that can be fitted around the 2.875 inch diameter puck core. In this embodiment the ring sleeve would be made of a rubber-like material that is secured to the puck core by way of frictional forces at the interface between the inner wall of the ring sleeve and annular perimeter wall of the puck core. As a result, there is no need to provide for holes in the puck core or ring sleeve.

FIGS. 39A and 39B: A. Exploded or pre-assembled view of a hockey puck according to the present disclosure, namely a 2 inch diameter puck core, a 3 inch diameter ring that can be fitted around the 2 inch diameter puck core and bolts (securing means); B. The fully assembled hockey puck using the components shown in ‘A’.

FIG. 40: Exploded or pre-assembled view of a hockey puck according to the present disclosure, namely a 2.875 inch diameter puck core and a 3 inch diameter ring sleeve (0.125 inch thick) that can be fitted around the 2.875 inch diameter puck core. In this embodiment the ring sleeve could be made of a plastic (polymers), metal or rubber-like material that is secured to the puck core using bolts (securing means) threaded through holes in the ring sleeve and puck core once aligned with another.

FIGS. 41A and 41B: A. Exploded or pre-assembled view of a hockey puck according to the present disclosure, namely a 1.5 inch diameter puck core (see FIGS. 30A-30B), a 2 inch diameter ring that can be fitted around the 1.5 inch diameter puck core (see FIGS. 32A-32B), a 2.875 inch diameter ring that can be fitted around the 2 inch diameter ring (see FIGS. 33A-33B), a 3 inch diameter ring sleeve that can be fitted around the 2.875 inch diameter ring (see FIGS. 37A-37C), and bolts (securing means); B. The fully assembled hockey puck using the components shown in ‘A’.

FIGS. 42A and 42B: A. Exploded or pre-assembled view of a hockey puck according to the present disclosure, namely a 1.5 inch diameter puck core (see FIGS. 30A-30B), a 2 inch diameter ring that can be fitted around the 1.5 inch diameter puck core (see FIGS. 32A-32B), a 3 inch diameter ring that can be fitted around the 2 inch diameter ring (see FIGS. 36A-36B), and bolts (securing means); B. The fully assembled hockey puck using the components shown in ‘A’.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the illustrations in the Figures. The design factors, construction and use of the hockey puck and puck handling training system disclosed herein are described with reference to various examples representing embodiments which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described and claimed herein. The skilled technician in the field to which the invention pertains will appreciate that there may be other variations, examples and embodiments of the invention not disclosed herein that may be practiced according to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Definitions

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used herein in conjunction with the term “comprising” may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one” and “one or more than one.”

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including” and “containing,” and grammatical variations thereof, are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements and/or method steps. The term “consisting essentially of” when used herein in connection with a device, article, system, use or method, denotes that additional elements and/or method steps may be present, but that these additions do not materially affect the manner in which the recited device, article, system, method or use functions. The term “consisting of” when used herein in connection with a device, article, system, use or method, excludes the presence of additional elements and/or method steps. A device, article, system, use or method described herein as comprising certain elements and/or steps may also, in certain embodiments consist essentially of those elements and/or steps, and in other embodiments consist of those elements and/or steps, whether or not these embodiments are specifically referred to.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to an approximately +/−10% variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

The recitation of ranges herein is intended to convey both the ranges and individual values falling within the ranges, to the same place value as the numerals used to denote the range, unless otherwise indicated herein.

The use of any examples or exemplary language, e.g. “such as”, “exemplary embodiment”, “illustrative embodiment” and “for example” is intended to illustrate or denote aspects, embodiments, variations, elements or features relating to the invention and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terms “connect” and “connected” refer to any direct or indirect physical association between elements or features of the hockey pucks and puck handling training system of the present disclosure. Accordingly, these terms may be understood to denote elements or features that are partly or completely contained within one another, attached, coupled, disposed on, joined together, etc., even if there are other elements or features intervening between the elements or features described as being connected.

As used herein, the term “rubber-like” material refers to a material that comprises rubber, or that functions in a manner analogous to rubber by exhibiting one or more of its properties for application to construct components of a hockey puck according to the present disclosure. In one instance rubber-like materials are used to form sufficiently durable ring structures that can be fitted around a puck core, or other ring of a hockey puck, or puck handling training system. For example, in one embodiment a rubber-like material may be vulcanized rubber, which is used to construct standard game play hockey pucks. In another embodiment, a rubber-like material may be an elastic and flexible polymer composition used to make a ring sleeve as disclosed herein. Alternatively, a rubber-like material may be used to form a knurled surface structure for the perimeter (wall) of a hockey puck according to the present disclosure. In addition, a rubber-like material may comprise, for example, silicon, synthetic polymers and nanostructure reinforced materials. The rubber-like materials can be connected to puck cores in a variety of ways, for example, by gluing or bolting, the former being an option if the material is thin and not as amenable to bolting. Irrespective, many rubber-like materials may be secured to a puck core or around another ring structure relying on frictional forces arising when such material is in contact with another surface, e.g. made of plastic, metal surface or rubber-like material)

As used herein, the terms “wall”, “face”, “side” and “surface” denote a visible aspect of the puck core and ring structures/components illustrated in the Figures of the present disclosure and may be used interchangeably herein. A wall, face, side or surface of one component may come into contact with the referred to wall, face, side or surface of another component in order to assemble a hockey puck according to the present disclosure. In addition, bevelled edges are also understood to be a wall, face, side or surface that joins a perimeter wall, face, side or surface with a top and/or bottom wall, face, side or surface of a puck core or ring structure according to the present disclosure (e.g. see feature 12 of FIGS. 33A and 34A). When providing the specifications for the diameter of a core or ring structure, and the height of a perimeter of a core or ring structure, the bevelled edge(s), when present, will be factored into said dimensions.

It is contemplated that any embodiment of the compositions, devices, articles, systems, methods and uses disclosed herein can be implemented by one skilled in the art, as is, or by making such variations or equivalents without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Hockey Puck—Components

Exemplary hockey pucks and systems of hockey pucks according to the present disclosure are illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 42.

Puck Core

A hockey puck according to the present disclosure will have a cylindrical metal puck core. In one embodiment, each core has an annular perimeter wall height of about one inch or slightly less that joins a circular top wall (face, side, surface) and a circular bottom wall (face, side, surface) of the core. There may or may not be a bevelled edge sloped away from the perimeter of each of the top and bottom sides of the core and converging towards each other to meet the annular perimeter wall of the puck core.

In one embodiment, the annular perimeter wall is 0.975 inches high (when the puck core has no bevelled edges) and in another embodiment the annular perimeter wall is 0.935 inches high.

When a puck core has one or two bevelled edges at its perimeter, each edge face will have a height and a corresponding slope length and slope angle for joining the perimeter wall and top or bottom face of the puck core, while maintaining an overall diameter desired for the puck core according to the present disclosure, e.g. 1.5, 2 or 2.875 inches. In one embodiment, a sloped bevelled edge will have a slope length of about 0.09 inches and slope angle of about 45 degrees.

Metal puck cores may be provided with a variety of diameters generally ranging from about 1.5 inches to about 2⅞ inches. This range makes it possible for a subject training with the hockey pucks according to present disclosure to opt to train with a puck core as well as each is large enough to be gripped and handled using a hockey stick.

In puck configurations where the core accounts for the majority of the weight of the puck (e.g. is made of steel), this diameter range allows for a wide range of differently weighted pucks with the feel and look of a standard hockey game puck for use in puck handling training. In one embodiment, hockey pucks weighing between about 200 g to about 1000 g may be configured using the core and ring configurations of the present disclosure. In still another embodiment, hockey pucks weighing between about 325 g to about 875 g may be configured. In further embodiments, hockey pucks weighing between about 343 g to about 842 g, between about 343 g and about 875 g, and about 343 g to about 900 g may be configured.

Ring Structures (Rings)

One or more rings that may be fitted (concentrically) around a puck core to form a core and ring assembly. A ring can be fitted around the annular perimeter wall of the core, or around another ring of a core and ring assembly. Rings can be made of several different kinds of materials, such as plastics (polymers), rubber-like material, or metal.

The metal used to make a ring may be the same or different from metal used to make a puck core. In the case of both rings and puck cores, the metal (including alloys) used for their construction is selected to be strong enough to withstand multiuse at high impact without significant deformation in shape, and to provide pucks in the desired weight range for training purposes. Steel, or other metals (including alloys) with similar properties are examples of metal material for the construction of metal components used to configure (assemble) a hockey puck according to the present disclosure.

The plastic and rubber-like materials used to make a ring (structure) may be rigid, semi-rigid or very flexible, depending on their intended use as part of a configured (assembled) hockey puck according to the present disclosure. Polymer plastic (e.g. Delrin™) and rubber-like materials selected for ring structures intended to provide structural form and integrity for a hockey puck will be selected to be more rigid and durable against wear and tear. In general, plastics selected for this purpose will have low-friction and high-wear resistance with the high strength and stiffness. Rubber-like materials selected for this purpose will also have high-wear resistance with the high strength and stiffness, however, may not have as low friction properties as the some available polymer plastics.

As a result, a Delrin™ ring or metal ring be selected to configure a hockey puck according to the present disclosure for puck handling training on high friction surfaces like asphalt and cement (roads, and other hard surface, outdoor recreational play surfaces (such as skateboard arenas, and inline skating tracks). A ring made of rubber-like material or metal may be selected to configure a hockey puck for puck handling training on lower friction surfaces such as ice and other artificial play surfaces that mimic ice.

A ring structure configured to be a ring sleeve, as described in the present disclosure, will generally have a 1/16 thickness, be flexible and at the same time prone to quicker wear and tear than the puck core or other ring structures it surrounds, as the outer most ring in an assembled hockey puck. As such, the material selected for its construction will be a material that has some resiliency from tearing and at the same time is amenable to efficient manufacturing, for example, using moulds or 3D printing processes, to provide a ring sleeve replacement supply.

In one embodiment, the rubber-like materials used are rubbers (natural and synthetic) as is currently use to construct standard game play pucks. In another embodiment, the rubber-like materials are made by light curing photosensitive resins selected for their amenability to application in efficient manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing processes (vat polymerization), for example, stereolithographic (SLA) 3D printing using a dual extruder 3D printer. Exemplary materials for making rubber-like materials using 3D printing, include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and other thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Alternatively, flexible continuous liquid interface production (CLIP) resins can be used. (William McCollum article last updated Aug. 9, 2021, published by 43D and found at https://43dprint.org/3d-print-rubber/).

In one embodiment the outermost ring of a hockey puck is made of rubber-like material. In another embodiment, the outermost ring of a hockey puck is made of metal, e.g. steel. In still another embodiment, where two or more rings are used to configured a hockey puck (core and ring assembly) each ring may be made of different materials or of the same material. For example, a plastic ring insert may be used around a puck core and then encased with a rubber-like ring or ring sleeve to provide the outermost perimeter wall of the hockey puck. Alternatively, a hockey puck can be configured using multiple rubber-like rings with the same or different compositions (e.g. see FIG. 16), or multiple steel rings (e.g. see FIGS. 7 and 11).

In this way, similarly dimensioned ring structures made of different materials can also be interchanged with one another to configure two different hockey pucks (see Examples 2 and 3). For example, a ring structure made of metal (see FIG. 15a) could be interchangeably used around a puck core with a ring structure made of rubber-like material (see FIG. 15b). In another example, the ring 2 of FIG. 20 can be interchanged with the ring 2 of FIG. 18.

In another embodiment, rings may have bevelled edges (walls, faces, sides, surfaces), similar to those that may be provided with a puck core. Each bevelled edge (face) will have a height and a corresponding slope length for joining the outer perimeter wall the ring structure to the top or bottom sides of the ring structure. For thicker rings (e.g. 0.5 or 0.75 inch thick), a bevelled edge joining a perimeter wall to a top or bottom face of the ring will have a height and corresponding slope length and slope angle that maintains an overall diameter and thickness desired for the ring structure. In one embodiment, a sloped bevelled edge will have a slope length of about 0.09 inches and slope angle of 45 degrees.

In general, the application of bevelled edges to join top and bottom walls of a ring structure to the inner and/or outer perimeter (side) walls, allow for a ring structure (e.g. a ring sleeve) to be fitted around a puck core, or another ring, to have a slightly smaller (shorter) height, and may make it easier to fit and remove said ring structure, especially if made of rubber-like material. Finally, bevelling can also provide for a more finished and polished looking hockey puck once fully assembled according to the present disclosure.

The use of a ring sleeve (see FIGS. 37A-37C, 38, 40, 41A-41B) provides a puck gripping means when used with larger metal puck cores, or multi-ring configurations where the rings around the puck core are also made of metal. They may also be used around thicker rubber-like rings to provide an easy to replace component due to wear to tear that can be efficiently manufactured and sold separately (e.g using 3D printing). Ring sleeves also offer subjects using hockey pucks and training systems according the present disclosure the option to personalize the look of hockey pucks according to preferences, through branding elements, colour usage, as well as multiple knurling, other texturizing or visual pattern elements (see FIGS. 21-27). Again, this can be efficiently achieved through the application of 3D printing methods.

In one embodiment the thickness of a ring (between its inner and outer facing walls relative to the ring bore hole ranges between about 1/16 (0.625) inches to about 0.75 inches.

In a further embodiment, the height of a ring will range between about 0.75 inches to about 1 inch. In another embodiment, the ring height is about 0.875 inches. A shorter ring height of 0.75 inches may be selected, for example, when using a ring sleeve (made of rubber-like material) with a 2.875″ or 3″ inch core is so that its rubbery edge will not catch on the pavement and flip the puck end over end when shot or passed. With the grip slightly raised off the ground relative to the metal puck core (e.g. steel), the core glides smoothly over most shooting/passing surfaces i.e. ice, pavement, or artificial shooting/passing surfaces.

Securing Means

A core and ring assembly according to the present disclosure is held together by aligning holes formed into the core and through inner and outer walls of a ring structure and then applying a securing means such as bolts or screws. The holes will therefore have threading features and be dimensioned to accommodate the dimensions of a bolt, screw or rivet, including the stem and head of said securing means. FIGS. 30A to 37C provide detailed views of how holes in the puck cores and ring structures may be configured, including the addition of structures to provide for a sufficient hole (channel) length that can be fitted into the holes of the core or ring structure it will be aligned with for assembly of a hockey puck according to the present disclosure (see FIGS. 40 and 41A).

The design of using securing means such as bolts, screws or rivets, allows for a reliably assembled puck that can withstand the highest impact forces that may occur when shooting a puck at speeds as high 80, 90, 100 or more miles/hr.

In an embodiment, there is provided a core and ring assembly that does not require holes for receiving bolts or screws. Instead the securing means is the friction interface created when the perimeter wall of the core and inner facing wall of a ring sleeve come into contact with one another during assembly. This friction interface may be further secured by the application of suitable glues or other bonding agents that will allow for the removal and replacement of the ring sleeve as needed due to wear and tear.

Hockey Puck Configurations—Assembly of Hockey Puck (Core and Ring Assembly)

According to a general embodiment, a hockey puck 10 (also referred to as a core and ring assembly herein) and its component features according to the present disclosure are illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 42, including various configurations of puck cores 5 and rings structures 2, 6, and 7 that can be fitted concentrically around the puck cores 5. The inner wall 15 of a ring configured (dimensioned) to fit around a puck core 5 will come into contact with the annular perimeter wall 14 of the puck core. Each successively larger diameter ring used to assemble a hockey puck 10 will result in its inner wall 15 coming into contact with outer wall 16 of the ring with a diameter that is substantially equal to the size of the larger ring's (bore) hole 1.

The puck cores 5 are made of metal, for example, steel. Each puck core 5 has one or more holes 3 formed from the perimeter walls radially into the core 5 towards a central axis 17 (see FIGS. 39A and 42A), running through the top and bottom sides of the puck core 5. Securing means 4 (e.g. one or more screws or bolts) is/are used to connect ring structures 2, 6, 7 (which also have holes) to each other and to the puck core 5 using the holes 3. To ensure that the securing means 4 does not affect the use of the assembled hockey puck by affecting the ability of a hockey stick to grip the puck the holes of the puck cores 5 and ring structures 2, 6 and 7 are configured so that the securing means 4 (e.g. bolts) can be threaded and recessed from the side perimeter of the puck. For a ring sleeve the holes for receiving bolts are formed by extended structures 13 protruding inward towards a central axis point 17 of the ring bore hole 1

The annular perimeter 14 (wall) (see FIGS. 39A, 40, 41A, 42A) of the hockey pucks 10 may be encased by fitting a ring of rubber-like material with a primary knurling pattern 11, such as hatched lines or horizontal lines, or other features such as bumps. Secondary knurling pattern as illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 27 may also be provided referring to exemplary features 8 and/or 9. As seen in FIG. 23, a given secondary knurling pattern may have one or more pattern elements (8 and 9).

FIGS. 28a to 29b illustrate a puck core with threaded holes 3 from the perimeter wall oriented radially towards a central axis point through the top and bottom circular walls of the puck core for receiving bolts 4 used as a means to secure one or more rings fitted around a puck core 5.

FIGS. 30A to 37C provide further details and embodiments of the formation of holes formed into variously sized puck cores and through variously dimensioned ring structures.

FIGS. 38 to 42B show additional embodiments and features of puck core and ring configurations to provide hockey pucks according to the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, a system of hockey pucks used for puck handling training provides a number of cores and rings (sets of cores and sets of rings) to be able to configure a variety of hockey pucks, including pucks of a standard size, having an annular outer wall (perimeter) of about one inch and a diameter of about 3 inches. A system of hockey pucks according to the present disclosure will have two or more hockey pucks.

Where a puck core just under 3 inches is desirable to include in a system of the present disclosure, e.g. to provide for a heavier puck configuration, the core may be simply fitted with a rubber-like ring sleeve without requiring the use of a connecting securing means. The sleeve may be made of material that provides sufficient frictional force at the contact interface between the sleeve and annular perimeter wall of the puck core. One embodiment of such an additional hockey puck is illustrated in FIG. 39.

In an embodiment of the hockey puck, at least one ring is needed to configure a hockey puck. The at least one ring can be made of plastic, metal (e.g. steel), or of a rubber-like material and is sized to fit around the annular perimeter wall if the puck core such that the inner wall of the ring (relative to the ring hole) comes into contact with the annular perimeter wall. In still other embodiments, the hockey puck comprises one or more additional rings configured to fit around the puck core and at least one ring, to form a series of concentric rings that can be fitted around the puck core, again such that each inner wall of a ring contacts the outer wall of smaller ring it fits around. In still further embodiments of the hockey puck, each of the one or more additional rings has holes through their respective inner and outer ring walls that can be aligned with the holes through the inner and outer wall of the at least one ring and formed into the puck core from the annular perimeter wall, to receive the one or more securing means and thereby connect the series of rings and the puck core.

In one embodiment of the hockey puck, each of the one or more additional rings is made of the same material used to make the least one ring. In another embodiment of the hockey puck, at least one of the one or more additional rings is made of a material that is different than the material used to make the at least one ring.

Manufacturing

The manufacture of core and ring components can be done with versatility, relative ease and with the efficient use of materials because of the design of maintaining consistent core and ring heights for different puck configurations, while also offering many options to vary the weights of the assembled pucks. For example, a single sheet of steel with a height of about 1″ can be used to make a number of puck cores and rings dimensioned to be concentrically assembled with one another. Similarly, a single sheet of rubber or plastic of about 1″ can be used to make a number of rings dimensioned to be concentrically assembled with one another. In some embodiments ring structures can be made using 3D printing.

Puck Handling Training Systems and Use

Exemplary uses for the hockey pucks, and the core and ring systems used to make the hockey pucks, include weight resistance training for developing shooting and passing skills including proper form and endurance. In one embodiment, a threshold weight for puck core or ring structure used as a puck for puck handling training is greater than 340 g.

Use of these pucks, and/or their component parts of cores and rings incorporated into puck handling training system yield faster results than always handling a regulation (standard 3″ diameter, 170 g rubber) puck, or the weighted pucks of the prior art. Training with the pucks and systems of the present disclosure guides the player to shift and focus their weight to the proper areas when shooting or passing, resulting in quicker development of shooting, passing and other puck handling skills and technique. For the more advanced player, use of the pucks and core and ring systems strengthen and speed up the release of shots and passes (see also Example 1).

In one embodiment of a puck handling training system, the system comprises various puck core(s) and ring combinations of components selected from those listed in Example 1 below. The system is used to configure (assemble) pucks made from different core and ring configurations and can be based on up to three different (exemplary) core dimensions (diameters and weights), as provided.

The three different core dimensions have multi uses suitable for a range of player ages, strengths and abilities, and also support the development of skills for different types of shots, passes and other puck handling skills for individual players and multiple player interactions. For example, the lighter core and ring configurations are suitable for young players just starting to shoot as the heavier pucks can hurt or strain their under-developed wrists. At the same time, the lighter pucks that can be configured are useful for older/advanced players to develop and maintain skills to perform quick release shots. They can also be used for “one timers” (receiving a pass for a slap shot), as their wrists are strong enough and can benefit greatly by the lighter weight resistance. The heavier puck configurations using the larger cores and/or multi metal ring combinations/configurations with a smaller core are suitable for older, stronger players to work on their wrist shots, backhands, and passes.

Puck Handling Training Systems Provided as Sets and Kits of Components

In one embodiment a system set of components comprises a metal puck core, multiple interchangeable ring structures, namely similarly dimensioned ring structures made of plastic, rubber-like material and metal and corresponding securing means to assemble at least one hockey puck configuration. In another embodiment, a system comprises sets of puck cores and rings, each set having a metal puck core and corresponding ring structure(s), wherein all the ring structures are made of the same material, either plastic, rubber-like material, or metal. In still another embodiment, a system comprises sets of puck cores and rings, each set having a metal puck core and corresponding ring structure(s), wherein the ring structures for corresponding use with a given puck core include similarly dimensioned ring structures for interchangeable use, made of different materials selected from plastic, rubber-like material, and metal. In still a further embodiment, a system comprises a set of puck cores provided with a set of ring structures, wherein subsets of the ring structures can be used with two or more of the puck cores to assemble hockey pucks according to the present disclosure.

For systems configured as a kit of components (provided as one or more sets of components) for assembling hockey pucks according to the present disclosure, instructions are provided to direct the configuration of hockey pucks, suggest alternative hockey puck configurations with different ring structures, direct how to use different puck configurations to develop different puck handling skills, and may optionally include a puck capture means and/or imaging means for assessing skill form and development during puck handling training.

In one embodiment, a kit may be based on a set of components comprising a single puck core and one or more rings. In another embodiment, a kit may be based on providing sets of replacement or add-on components for another kit, including, for example, one or more puck cores of different weights, ring structures (including ring sleeves), and/or securing means (e.g. bolts and screws).

To gain a better understanding of the invention described herein, the following examples are set forth. It will be understood that these examples are intended to describe illustrative embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Exemplary Components for a Set of Hockey Pucks

The following dimensions represent exemplary components for assembling hockey pucks (hockey puck configurations) that can be packaged as single pucks or in a system of hockey pucks, e.g. as a kit. Each component may be provided as a replacement part for lost or damaged components. It is to be appreciated that a set or system of core and ring components used to construct hockey pucks (in this case up to three at a time given the three cores provided), need not include all of the possible ring structures provided below, or may provide additional ring structures not listed below.

Listing of Hockey Puck System Components, Dimensions and Weights

The following components listed are not intended to be exhaustive of the options available to configure hockey pucks and systems according to the present disclosure.

Dimensions of the different puck core sizes (diameter) and ring that can be fitted around the puck cores—all are 1″ high:

Core Diameters and Weights

• • (S1) 1.5″ Diameter-Weight: 7.5 oz or 212 g
  • (S2) 2″ Diameter-Weight: 13.4 oz or 380 g
  • (S3) 2⅞″ Diameter-Weight: 28 oz or 790 g

Steel Rings

• • (S4) 1.5″ Inner Diameter & 2″ Outer Diameter (0.25″ width between ring walls)-Weight: 6 oz or 170 g
  • (S5) 2″ Inner Diameter & 2⅞″ Outer Diameter ( 7/16″ or 0.4″ width between ring walls)-Weight: 14.3 oz or 405 g

Polymer (Plastic) Ring

• • (P1) 1.5″ Inner Diameter & 2″ Outer Diameter (0.25″ width between inner and outer facing ring walls)—Weight: 1 oz or 30 g

Rubber Puck Rings

• • (R1) 1.5″ Inner Diameter & 3″ Outer Diameter (0.75″ width between inner and outer facing ring walls)-Weight: 4.1 oz or 116 g
  • (R2) 2″ Inner Diameter & 3″ Outer Diameter (0.5″ width between inner and outer facing ring walls)-Weight: 3 oz or 86 g

Thin Rubber Sleeve (Nano-Compound or Structure Reinforced, or 3D Printed Material)

• • ⅞″ High (NOT the 1″ as others)
  • 2⅞″ Inner Diameter 3″ Outer Diameter
  • ( 1/16″ width between inner and outer facing ring walls)
    Overall Weights with the Rubber Ring(s) and Bolts (i.e. Fully Assembled) for Each Puck
  • 1.5″ Core Puck—12.05 oz or 343 g
  • 2″ Core Puck 17 oz or 478 g
  • 2⅞″ Steel Puck 29.7 oz or 842 g

The size of the holes in the puck cores are each ¼″ and threaded. The bolts used are socket cap bolts.

Testing of Assembled Steel Core and Non-Metal Ring Configurations for Pucks

The selection of 1.5″, 2″ and 2.875″ steel cores relates to the resistance impact when training to develop different puck handling skills. When testing a 1″ and 1¼″ (1.25″) diameter steel cores in hockey pucks according to the present disclosure using non-metal rings (e.g. made of rubber-like material), there was almost no or little difference in resistance when shooting and stick handling the puck that was felt versus a standard 3″ diameter puck made of rubber and weighing about 170 g.

When testing a 1½″ (1.5″) diameter steel core in a hockey puck according to the present disclosure (again using non-metal rings), the weight difference with a standard 3″ puck was noticeable for adults (including older teen youth), and would generally make them lean in a little with their body weight and press the stick into the shots and passes (focusing and harnessing our their energy to push through the weight resistance). For children, it was at this weight they had to take a step ahead of the puck in order to transfer their weight and shift the power when passing and shooting. They would similarly lean in a more pronounced manner than adults to shoot or raise their shots. A child using a 1½″ diameter core demonstrates a player form loading weight on a back leg and then shifting their weight to a front foot, essentially transferring weight and power through the body and into puck, rather than simply using their hands and arms to flick or flip puck, as is common with beginner players.

To up-level or provide additional resistance challenges for developing puck handling skills both 1¾″ and 2″ diameter steel core hockey pucks (using non-metal rings) according to the present disclosure were tested. Player (subject) feedback was that the 2″ diameter steel core puck weight difference compared to the ⅕″ diameter steel core puck, was more consistently noticeable. Children were not able to lift the 2″ diameter steel core puck practice shooting it for some time and without an exaggerated effort. Adults would start to take the step forward in a similar way as children did using the 1½″ diameter steel core puck. The observed form of adults changed in that they would lean in a more pronounced way and transfer their weight on the stick in order to propel the puck forward or lift it up, essentially applying a similar kind of effort as that demonstrated by children using the 1½″ steel core puck.

A 2⅞″ (or essentially a 3″ inch diameter) steel core puck was very challenging to shoot or lift for adults (and especially for teens), and is not intended for use by children. The use of such a hockey puck, according to the present disclosure, is well suited for passing practice incorporating some low repetition shooting. Again, it was observed how players would need to direct their focus and maximum effort on weight transfer in order to get their weight and power behind the puck (i.e. passing and shooting mechanics) in order to deliver the puck to its target (i.e. another player or net).

Example 2: Exemplary Configurations of Hockey Pucks in a Training System Based on a Single Puck Core

Every puck handling training system according to the present disclosure will have a sufficient number of core and ring components to be able to configure at least two different hockey pucks. In single puck core system, it is the variety ring structures provided that will allow multiple hockey puck configurations to be assembled. For example, FIGS. 16-20 illustrate a metal core configured into a hockey puck using three ring structures made of rubber-like materials (FIG. 16). One of the rubber-like ring structures 2 that fits around the puck core 5 in FIGS. 16 and 18 may be interchanged with a metal ring structure 2 shown in FIG. 20. This in effect replaces the weight of one rubber-like ring with a metal ring, thereby providing two differently weighted hockey puck configurations in the training system.

Similarly, the puck configurations using a metal puck core and metal rings shown in FIGS. 7-14, can be varied by replacing the outermost rings with a similarly dimensioned rubber like ring, or replacing an inner ring with a plastic ring. Again, interchanging rings in this manner gives rise to differently weighted hockey puck configurations.

It is also possible to interchange two rings used with a puck core, with a single ring that has a thickness equivalent to the combined thickness of the two rings. For example, ring 6 in FIG. 7 may be interchanged with rings 6 and 7 shown in FIG. 11. The advantage offered by using a puck configuration offering more rings over another puck configuration, is that a subject (player) may opt to train with a more nuanced range of puck weights without having to sacrifice too much on the overall size of the puck used, e.g. if it is desired to use pucks as close as possible in size to a standard 3 inch diameter puck size.

Example 3: Exemplary Configurations of Hockey Pucks in a Training System Based on Two or More Puck Cores

In one embodiment, the puck cores of Example 1 are provided as a kit. The kit may present the puck cores as a set and a set of rings that can be used with the puck cores. Alternatively, the kit may present sets comprising a puck core with its corresponding rings. Such training systems may also include options of ring structure interchangeability as described for Example 2. For example, two or more of the core and puck assemblies (configurations) illustrated in FIGS. 39A to 42B can be provided in systems according to the present disclosure as sets of components or in kits that may contain instructions for the assembly of the hockey pucks, and optionally additional system components such as a puck capture means for the retrieval of pucks after they are shot or passed, and other components for use to assess puck handling skill development progress and form (e.g. an imaging application installed on a mobile device or with use in conjunction with another camera device).

It is understood that multiples of the same component, e.g. ring sleeves, or the ring structure shown in FIG. 37C and used in the hockey puck configuration of FIG. 40 (with a puck core of about 2.875 inches in diameter) and in the hockey puck configuration of FIG. 41A (with a puck core of about 1.5 inches in diameter) may be provided in a set/kit of system components. Alternatively, a single ring structure can be provided for use to configure the different puck configurations using different puck cores, as shown in said figures.

The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, publications and database entries referenced in this specification are hereby specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each such individual patent, patent application, publication and database entry were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications as would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A hockey puck comprising,

a) a metal puck core including a circular top side, a circular bottom side, an annular perimeter wall with a height, the annular perimeter wall joining the top and bottom sides;

and one or more holes formed from the perimeter wall radially into the core towards a central axis through the top and bottom walls of the puck core, each hole configured for receiving a securing means;

b) one or more rings, each ring including a ring hole with a diameter defined by an inner ring wall that is large enough for the ring to be fitted around the perimeter wall of the puck core or another ring of the one or more rings, a height substantially the same as the height of the puck core, an outer wall opposite the inner wall, the distance between the inner and outer walls defining the width of each ring; and one or more holes formed radially through the outer and inner walls of each ring towards a central axis of the ring hole, each ring also being configured for receiving the same securing means as the holes of the puck core; and

c) one or more securing means, each for connecting the one or more rings to the puck core,

wherein the hockey puck is configured by fitting at least one of the one or more rings in a concentric arrangement around the puck core, aligning the holes of the puck core with the holes of the at least one of the one or more rings for receiving the securing means and connecting the puck core to the at least one of the one or more rings using the securing means.

2. The hockey puck according to claim 1, wherein the puck core is made of steel.

3. The hockey puck according to claim 1, wherein the at least one of the one or more rings is made of plastic, a rubber-like material, or steel.

4. The hockey puck according to claim 1, wherein the hockey puck is configured with one, two, three, or four rings.

5. The hockey puck according to claim 1, wherein the puck core has a diameter of about 1.5 inches, about 2 inches, or about 2⅞ inches.

6. The hockey puck according to claim 1, wherein the puck core has a weight of about 212 g, about 380 g or about 790 g.

7. The hockey puck according to claim 1, wherein the hockey puck is configured to provide a hockey puck with a diameter of about 3 inches.

8. A puck handling training system for configuring two or more hockey pucks, each hockey puck comprising:

a) a metal puck core including a circular top side, a circular bottom side, an annular perimeter wall with a height, the annular perimeter wall joining the top and bottom sides; and one or more holes formed from the perimeter wall radially into the core towards a central axis through the top and bottom walls of the puck core, each hole configured for receiving a securing means;

b) one or more rings, each ring including a ring hole with a diameter defined by an inner ring wall that is large enough for the ring to be fitted around the perimeter wall of the puck core or another ring of the one or more rings, a height substantially the same as the height of the puck core, an outer wall opposite the inner wall, the distance between the inner and outer walls defining the width of each ring; and one or more holes formed radially through the outer and inner walls of each ring towards a central axis of the ring hole, each ring also being configured for receiving the same securing means as the holes of the puck core; and

c) one or more securing means, each for connecting the one or more rings to the puck core,

wherein the hockey puck is configured by fitting at least one of the one or more rings in a concentric arrangement around the puck core, aligning the holes of the puck core with the holes of the at least one of the one or more rings for receiving the securing means and connecting the puck core to the at least one of the one or more rings using the securing means.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the puck core is made of steel.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein each of the at least one of the one or more rings used to configure each hockey puck is made of plastic, rubber-like material, or steel.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein all of the at least one or more rings used to configure each hockey puck are made of the same material.

12. The system according to claim 8, wherein each hockey puck is configured with one, two, three, or four rings.

13. The system according to claim 8, wherein each puck core has a diameter of about 1.5 inches, about 2 inches, or about 2⅞ inches.

14. The system according to claim 8, wherein each puck core has a weight of about 212 g, about 380 g or about 790 g.

15. The system according to claim 8, wherein each hockey puck can be configured to have a diameter of about 3 inches.

16. The system according to claim 8, wherein the system is provided as a kit of three puck cores, instructions for the assembly of at least three hockey puck configurations, each configuration having an assembled weight in a weight range of about 300 g to about 900 g, a sufficient number of rings with selected dimensions, and a sufficient number of securing means to complete the configuration of the three hockey pucks according to the instructions.

17. The system according to claim 8, wherein the system further comprises an additional metal puck core with a diameter of about 2⅞ inches, including a circular top side, a circular bottom side, an annular perimeter wall with a height, the annular perimeter wall joining the top and bottom sides; and a rubber-like ring sleeve which can be fitted around the additional metal puck core to create a friction contact interface that secures the rubber-like sleeve around the annular perimeter wall to configure an additional hockey puck with a diameter of about 3 inches.

18. The system according to claim 8, wherein the system further comprises a hockey net or tarp, and, optionally, an imaging means for tracking player puck handling manoeuvers.

19. A method of improving puck handling skills comprising the step of a subject handling a hockey puck according to claim 1.

20. A method of improving puck handling skills comprising the step of a subject using a system according to claim 8.