STICKHANDLING TRAINING DEVICE

Abstract

A number of variations may include a stickhandling training device that may include a body portion that may include a generally concave first face opposite a generally convex second face and having an outer perimeter edge such that the body portion may be generally shell shaped. A plurality of ribs may be disposed on the body portion and arranged in a crossing pattern, the plurality of ribs being constructed and arranged to provide structural support to the body portion. At least one fastener may be mechanically connected to the body portion and constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the stickhandling training device to sports equipment. The stickhandling training device may be constructed and arranged to at least partially obstruct the line-of-sight of a wearer thereby training hand-eye coordination and awareness.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field to which the disclosure generally relates includes products and methods for improving hand-eye coordination, situational awareness, hockey puck control, and stickhandling training.

BACKGROUND

A stickhandling training device may be used to enhance a hockey player's hand-eye coordination, hockey stick control, puck control, and preventing the player from looking down at their stick and or puck during use. This may enable a player to further develop their sense of vision and control over a hockey stick and puck during practice and play.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A stickhandling training device may include a body portion that may include a first face opposite a second face and having an outer perimeter edge and at least one fastener mechanically connected to the body portion and constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the stickhandling training device to sports equipment such as a hockey helmet.

A stickhandling training device may include a body portion may include a generally concave first face opposite a generally convex second face and having an outer perimeter edge such that the body portion may be generally shell shaped; at least one fastener mechanically connected to the body portion and constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the stickhandling training device to sports equipment; and wherein the stickhandling training device may be constructed and arranged to at least partially obstruct the line-of-sight of a wearer.

A stickhandling training device may include a body portion may include a generally concave first face opposite a generally convex second face and having an outer perimeter edge such that the body portion may be generally shell shaped; a plurality of ribs disposed on the body portion and arranged in a generally crossing pattern, the plurality of ribs being constructed and arranged to provide structural support to the body portion; at least one fastener mechanically connected to the body portion and constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the stickhandling training device to sports equipment; and wherein the stickhandling training device may be constructed and arranged to at least partially obstruct the line-of-sight of a wearer.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will be clear to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the description explain the principles and operations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully described in, or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric side view of one variation of a stickhandling training device;

FIG. 2a depicts a side view of one variation of a shell-style stickhandling training device;

FIG. 2b depicts a top view of one variation of a shell-style stickhandling training device;

FIG. 3a depicts a side view of one variation of a bill-style stickhandling training device;

FIG. 3b depicts a top view of one variation of a bill-style stickhandling training device;

FIG. 4a depicts a side view of one variation of a stickhandling training device having a collar; and

FIG. 4b depicts a top view of one variation of a stickhandling training device having a collar.

FIG. 5a depicts a top plan view of a stickhandling training device having a collar and fasteners.

FIG. 5b depicts a side plan view of the stickhandling training device of FIG. 5a.

FIG. 5c depicts a bottom plan view of the stickhandling training device of FIG. 5a.

FIG. 6a depicts a top plan view of a stickhandling device having fasteners for attachment to user gear.

FIG. 6b depicts a side plan view of the stickhandling training device of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 6c depicts a top plan view and a side plan view of a clip configured for use with the stickhandling training device of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 6d depicts a perspective view of a stickhandling training device according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment(s), and examples of which is/are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application, or uses. The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, products, and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, products, and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and still are within the scope of the invention.

A number of variations may include a stickhandling training device constructed to an arranged to obstruct or obfuscate the downward view and line-of-sight of a user. The stickhandling training device may include a body portion and a means of connecting the body portion to a hockey player's hockey gear, such as a helmet, facemask, chest protection, shoulder pads, neck guard, jersey, or other protective gear.

A number of variations may include a stickhandling training device constructed and arranged to obstruct or obfuscate the downward view of a user. The stickhandling training device may include a generally concave body portion constructed and arranged to obstruct or obfuscate the downward view of a user when the body portion is affixed to hockey gear such as a hockey helmet by means of a fastener. The stickhandling training device may be constructed and arranged to not obstruct or obfuscate the forward view or line-of-sight of a user.

A number of variations may include a stickhandling training device constructed and arranged to obstruct or obfuscate the view of the user such that a user is prevented from seeing their hockey stick and or hockey puck while the stickhandling training device is in use. The stickhandling training device may include body portion that may include a generally shell or half shell style shape. The body portion may include a generally flat or bill style shape. The body may include materials such as plastics and rubbers such as thermoplastics or other suitable material which may have sufficient rigidity to maintain the body's size and shape but which may be flexible enough to collapse or elastically bend on impact or when a force is applied to the stickhandling training device. In this way, physical contact typically associated with sports may still occur without risk of damaging the stick handling training device. The body may be opaque, translucent, or partially transparent such that a user's view may be only partially obscured. The body may include decorative features. The shape of the body portion as disclosed herein is considered to include a variety of shapes, sizes, and arrangements constructed and arranged to accomplish the function of obstructing or obfuscating the view of the user. Shapes, sizes, and arrangements of the stickhandling training device mentioned within this disclosure are not to be considered limiting. Shapes, sizes, and arrangements of stickhandling training devices not mentioned in this disclosure are still considered to fall within the scope of the invention.

A number of variations may include a stickhandling training device that may include a body portion that may define at least one through hole constructed and arranged to mechanically engage with the means for connecting the body portion to a hockey players hockey gear. The body portion may also include or define a plurality of structural ribs constructed and arranged to provide rigidity to the body. The body portion may also include or define one or a plurality of surface features to enhance the structural integrity of the body portion, increase air flow through the body portion, reduce the weight of the body portion, provide light pass-through of the body portion, or to otherwise provide texture to the first face or second face of the body portion. The body portion may also include or define a plurality of through holes, slits, slots, or passages through which air may be allowed to pass but which are small enough to prevent a user from seeing therethrough.

A number of variations may include a stickhandling training device that may include a body portion that may include a first face opposite a second face, and an outer perimeter edge defining the body portion. The outer perimeter edge may be generally angular in shape, generally smooth or curving in shape, or any other suitable shape such that the view of a user may be obstructed or obfuscated in a downward direction. According to one variation, the body portion may be integrated with a portion of a hockey helmet including, for example, a face mask portion or cage portion of a hockey helmet. The first face of the stickhandling training device maybe generally concave in shape and structure, and the opposite, second face of the stickhandling training device may be generally convex in shape and structure such that first face and the second face for the body for portion form a generally shell, cup, or generally concave shape when viewed from within a hockey helmet. That is, the concave first face is facing the wearer such that the wearers field of vision is obstructed at least partially.

A number of variations may include a stickhandling training device that may include at least one fastener for connecting the body portion to a hockey players hockey gear. As non-limiting examples, the stickhandling training device may be affixed to the helmet of a hockey player by means of hook and loop fasteners, straps, magnets, nut-and-bolt, adhesives, hook and clasp, touch fasteners, buckles, zip ties, double ring fasteners, and clasps. According to one variation, the fastener may include a belt and clasp arrangement constructed and arranged to engage with pre-existing clasps already present on conventional hockey helmets. According to one variation, the fastener may include a zip tie or buckle style fastener constructed and arranged to engage a cage or slotted type face mask on conventional hockey helmets. The types of fasteners mentioned in this disclosure are not to be considered limiting and types of fasteners not mentioned in this disclosure are still considered to fall within the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a stickhandling training device 10 may include a body portion 12 including a first face 14 opposite a second face 16 and defined by a perimeter edge 18. The first face 14 may be generally concave and the second face 16 may be generally convex in shape. The stick handling training device 10 may include at least one fastener 20 constructed and arranged to assist in mechanically attaching the stickhandling training device 10 to protective gear 50 such as a hockey helmet. The body portion 12 may additionally include a decorative feature 24.

Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, a stickhandling training device 10 may include a generally shell shaped body portion 12 including a first face 14 opposite a second face 16 and defined by a perimeter edge 18. The body portion 12 may be generally concave in shape such that it approximately conforms to the shape of protective gear 50 such as a helmet or face mask. The at least one fastener 20 may be constructed and arranged to mechanically fasten the stickhandling training device 10 to the gear 50. The body portion 12 may include or define at least one through hole 22 constructed and arranged to mechanically mate with the at least one fastener 20 such that the stickhandling training device 10 may be attached to protective gear 50.

Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, a stickhandling training device 10 may include a generally bill shaped body portion 12 including a first face 14 opposite a second face 16 and defined by a perimeter edge 18. The body portion 12 may include at least one structural feature 26, or a plurality of structural features 26 constructed and arranged to provide rigidity to the body portion 12. At least one fastener 20 may be constructed and arranged to assist in mechanically fastening the stick handling training device 10 to gear 50 such as a helmet or shoulder pads or jersey.

Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, a stickhandling training device 10 may include a body portion 12 that may include a concave first face 14 opposite a convex second face 16 and having a perimeter edge 18. The body portion 12 may include at least one structural feature 26 in addition to at least one surface feature 30. The at least one surface feature 30 may include at least one through hole, slot, pinhole, slit, bump, impression, or transparent or semi-transparent or translucent portion. The stick handling training device 10 may additionally include a collar 28 extending approximately perpendicular from the perimeter edge 18 and being constructed and arranged to mechanically mate with gear 50 such as a hockey helmet or shoulder pads or jersey. The collar 28 may be shaped similar to that of the concave first face 14 opposite this convex second face 16 and may generally conform to the shape of the gear 50. The at least one fastener 20 may be mated with the collar to facilitate attachment of the stickhandling device 10 to gear 50.

Referring to FIGS. 5a-5c, in one embodiment a stickhandling training device 100 can include a body portion 102 that can have a concave first face 105 opposite a convex second face 110 and a having a perimeter edge 115. The body portion 102 may include at least one structural feature 120 and at least one surface feature 130. Surface feature 130 may include at least one through hole, slot, pinhole, slit, bump, impression, or transparent or semi-transparent or translucent portion. The stick handling training device 100 can include a collar 135 extending from the perimeter edge 115 and configured to mechanically mate with, for example, a hockey helmet, shoulder pads, or a jersey. The collar 135 may be shaped similar to that of the concave first face 105 and may generally conform to the shape of the gear 50. Fastener 140 may be mated with the collar 135 to facilitate attachment of the stickhandling training device 100 to gear 50.

Referring to FIGS. 6a-6d, in one embodiment a stick handling training device 100 can include a body portion 102 that can have a concave first face 105, a convex second face 110 opposite to concave first face 105, and a perimeter edge 115. In some embodiments, fastener 140 can be configured to couple to connecting plate 142, which connecting plate 142 can be configured to couple to clip 145 for attachment to gear 50. In one embodiment, stickhandling training device 100 can be configured to obstruct a line of sight at, for example, L45 45-degrees, L60 60-degrees, L80 80-degrees, or in the range of approximately 30-degrees to approximately 85-degrees, relative to a horizontal plane. In certain embodiments, stick handling training device 110 can include, or be coupled to, collar 150, which collar 150 can be configured to fit on the neck of a user. Collar 150 can include, for example, neck strap 155 that facilitates securing collar 150 on the neck of the user. It is to be understood that a user will typically wear gear 50 for protection during the activity.

According to variation 1, a stickhandling training device may include a body portion may include a first face opposite a second face and having an outer perimeter edge and at least one fastener mechanically connected to the body portion and constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the stickhandling training device to sports equipment.

Variation 2 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in variation 1 wherein the first face may be generally concave, and the second face may be generally convex such that the body portion may be generally shell shaped.

Variation 3 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 1 through 2 wherein the first face may be generally concave, and the second face may be generally convex such that the body portion may be a generally elongated bill shaped.

Variation 4 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 1 through 3 wherein the at least one fastener may be a plurality of fasteners.

Variation 5 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 1 through 4 further may include at least one structural feature constructed and arranged to provide structural support to the body portion.

Variation 6 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 1 through 5 wherein the at least one structural feature may be a plurality of ribs arranged in a pattern of crossing ribs.

Variation 7 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 1 through 6 further may include at least one surface feature in the body portion constructed and arranged to provide at least one of enhancing the structural integrity of the body portion, increasing air flow through the body portion, reducing the weight of the body portion, providing light pass-through of the body portion, or providing texture to the first face or second face of the body portion.

Variation 8 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 1 through 7 wherein the at least one surface feature may be a plurality of through-holes.

Variation 9 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 1 through 8 further may include a collar extending from the edge of the body portion and wherein the collar may be constructed and arranged to mechanically mate with at least one piece of equipment.

According to variation 10, a stickhandling training device may include a body portion may include a generally concave first face opposite a generally convex second face and having an outer perimeter edge such that the body portion may be generally shell shaped; at least one fastener mechanically connected to the body portion and constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the stickhandling training device to sports equipment; and wherein the stickhandling training device may be constructed and arranged to at least partially obstruct the line-of-sight of a wearer.

Variation 11 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in variation 10 wherein the stickhandling training device may be constructed and arranged to at least partially obstruct the downward line-of-sight of a wearer.

Variation 12 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 10 through 11 wherein the at least one fastener may be a plurality of fasteners.

Variation 13 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 10 through 12 and further may include at least one structural feature constructed and arranged to provide structural support to the body portion.

Variation 14 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 10 through 13 wherein the at least one structural feature may be a plurality of ribs arranged in a pattern of crossing ribs.

Variation 15 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 10 through 14 and further may include at least one surface feature in the body portion constructed and arranged to provide at least one of enhancing the structural integrity of the body portion, increasing air flow through the body portion, reducing the weight of the body portion, providing light pass-through of the body portion, or providing texture to the first face or second face of the body portion.

Variation 16 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 10 through 15 wherein the at least one surface feature may be a plurality of through-holes.

Variation 17 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 10 through 16 and further may include a collar extending from the edge of the body portion and wherein the collar may be constructed and arranged to mechanically mate with at least one piece of equipment.

According to variation 18, a stickhandling training device may include a body portion that may include a generally concave first face opposite a generally convex second face and having an outer perimeter edge such that the body portion may be generally shell shaped; a plurality of ribs disposed on the body portion and arranged in a crossing pattern, the plurality of ribs being constructed and arranged to provide structural support to the body portion; at least one fastener mechanically connected to the body portion and constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the stickhandling training device to sports equipment; and wherein the stickhandling training device may be constructed and arranged to at least partially obstruct the line-of-sight of a wearer.

Variation 19 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in variation 18 wherein the stickhandling training device may be constructed and arranged to at least partially obstruct the downward line-of-sight of a wearer.

Variation 20 may include a stickhandling training device as set forth in any of variations 18 through 19 and further may include at least one surface feature in the body portion constructed and arranged to provide at least one of enhancing the structural integrity of the body portion, increasing air flow through the body portion, reducing the weight of the body portion, providing light pass-through of the body portion, or providing texture to the first face or second face of the body portion.

In this disclosure, the descriptions of the various embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. Thus, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments, which may be made by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A stickhandling training device, comprising:

a body portion comprising a first face opposite a second face and having an outer perimeter edge; and

at least one fastener mechanically connected to the body portion and constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the stickhandling training device around a neck of a wearer, wherein the device further comprises a collar extending from the outer perimeter edge and sized to encircle the neck of the wearer, the collar including a neck strap configured to secure the collar on the neck, and wherein the body portion is configured to obstruct a downward line-of-sight of the wearer at a selectable angle between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 85 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

2. The stickhandling training device of claim 1, wherein the first face is concave, and the second face is convex such that the body portion is shell shaped, wherein the shell shape conforms to the curvature of the neck to provide a stable attachment.

3. The stickhandling training device of claim 1, wherein the first face is concave, and the second face is convex such that the body portion is a elongated bill shaped extending forward from the neck to provide a visual obstruction below the horizontal plane of sight.

4. The stickhandling training device of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener is a plurality of fasteners.

5. The stickhandling training device of claim 1, further comprising at least one structural feature constructed and arranged to provide structural support to the body portion wherein the at least one structural feature includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs configured to resist deformation upon impact.

6. The stickhandling training device of claim 5, wherein the at least one structural feature is a plurality of ribs arranged in a pattern of crossing ribs, wherein the crossing ribs provide reinforcement while maintaining a lightweight structure.

7. The stickhandling training device of claim 1, further comprising at least one surface feature in the body portion constructed and arranged to provide at least one of enhancing the structural integrity of the body portion, increasing air flow through the body portion, reducing the weight of the body portion, providing light pass-through of the body portion, or providing texture to the first face or second face of the body portion, wherein the at least one surface feature is configured to prevent fogging or condensation buildup on the surface.

8. The stickhandling training device of claim 7, wherein the at least one surface feature is a plurality of through-holes constructed and arranged to provide ventilation while maintaining visual obstruction.

9. The stickhandling training device of claim 1 further comprising a collar extending from the edge of the body portion and wherein the collar is constructed and arranged to attach around the neck of the wearer and wherein the collar is constructed and arranged to flexibly conform to the concave first face.

10. A stickhandling training device, comprising:

a body portion comprising a concave first face opposite a convex second face and having an outer perimeter edge such that the body portion is shell shaped and contoured to conform to a wearer's neck region for a secure attachment;

at least one fastener mechanically connected to the body portion and constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the stickhandling training device around a neck of a wearer, wherein the at least one fastener is selected from the group consisting of adjustable straps, hook-and-loop fasteners, snap-fit connectors, or mechanical clips, configured to provide a detachable and reconfigurable attachment; and

wherein the stickhandling training device is constructed and arranged to at least partially obstruct the line-of-sight of a wearer without obstructing the forward field of vision, wherein the body portion is configured to extend outwardly from the wearer's neck region at a predefined angle to create a controlled visual obstruction optimized for stickhandling training, wherein the body portion extends outwardly from the wearer's neck region at a predefined, selectable angle between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 85 degrees relative to a horizontal plane to create a controlled visual obstruction optimized for stickhandling training, and further comprising a collar sized to encircle the wearer's neck with a neck strap to retain the predefined angle during use.

11. The stickhandling training device of claim 10 wherein the stickhandling training device is constructed and arranged to at least partially obstruct the downward line-of-sight of a wearer.

12. The stickhandling training device of claim 10, wherein the at least one fastener is a plurality of fasteners.

13. The stickhandling training device of claim 10, further comprising at least one structural feature constructed and arranged to provide structural support to the body portion.

14. The stickhandling training device of claim 13, wherein the at least one structural feature is a plurality of ribs arranged in a pattern of crossing ribs.

15. The stickhandling training device of claim 10, further comprising at least one surface feature in the body portion constructed and arranged to provide at least one of enhancing the structural integrity of the body portion, increasing air flow through the body portion, reducing the weight of the body portion, providing light pass-through of the body portion, or providing texture to the first face or second face of the body portion.

16. The stickhandling training device of claim 7, wherein the at least one surface feature is a plurality of through-holes.

17. The stickhandling training device of claim 1 further comprising a collar extending from the edge of the body portion and wherein the collar is constructed and arranged to flexibly conform to the concave first face.

18. A stickhandling training device, comprising:

a body portion comprising a concave first face opposite a convex second face and having an outer perimeter edge such that the body portion is shell shaped;

a plurality of ribs disposed on the body portion and arranged in a crossing pattern, the plurality of ribs being constructed and arranged to provide structural support to the body portion;

at least one fastener mechanically connected to the body portion and constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment of the stickhandling training device around a neck of a wearer; and

wherein the stickhandling training device is constructed and arranged to at least partially obstruct the line-of-sight of a wearer, the body portion being configured to set an obstruction angle between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 85 degrees relative to a horizontal plane, and further comprising a collar with a neck strap to maintain the obstruction angle during use.

19. The stickhandling training device of claim 18 wherein the stickhandling training device is constructed and arranged to at least partially obstruct the downward line-of-sight of a wearer.

20. The stickhandling training device of claim 19, further comprising at least one surface feature in the body portion constructed and arranged to provide at least one of enhancing the structural integrity of the body portion, increasing air flow through the body portion, reducing the weight of the body portion, providing light pass-through of the body portion, or providing texture to the first face or second face of the body portion.