SPORTS TRAINING DEVICE

Abstract

A sports training device is provided for use with hand held sporting equipment of the type including an elongated shaft portion. The sports training device includes an elongated hollow tubular body having an inside wall, open first and second ends communicating with the hollow of the body, and an outer gripping surface. The nominal dimension of the inside wall is contemplated to be greater than a maximum outer dimension of the elongated shaft, so that the tubular body is capable of fitting over the end of the shaft and of moving both longitudinally along the shaft and rotationally around the shaft. The outer hand-gripping surface includes dimensional contours extending longitudinally along the outer surface of the body for promoting hand grip and proper hand position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sports training device that may be used as a training tool for hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, field hockey sticks or other athletic equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hockey (ice, roller, deck, and others), lacrosse, field hockey and other athletics are high paced, physically demanding sports that require high levels of skill and endurance from the players. One key piece of equipment used by players during a game or practice is the hockey stick, lacrosse stick, and/or field hockey stick. It is the stick that is used to control the puck or ball and to move it around the playing surface during game play or practice. Possession of the puck or ball with the stick held by a player is generally required in order to effectively play the game. To stay on top of their game, players are in need of reliable training tools that enhance their game skills.

There are several different kinds of techniques that a player can use to maneuver their stick to maintain possession of the puck or ball. One important skill is known as stickhandling, cradling, and/or dribbling. The player holds onto the stick with one or two hands and rotates the stick in their hands in a manner that will allow the stick to move in a desired fashion in order to maintain possession of the puck or ball. Depending on player position and a variety of other factors, a player may stickhandle, cradle, and/or dribble with their hands in changing proximity to each other and/or rotate their wrists in a variety of ways.

There is a need for a training tool for players to develop their skills in stickhandling, cradling, and/or dribbling of a puck or ball. The contemplated invention allows players to enhance their skills requiring their hands to be in various positions along the length of the stick and to rotate their wrists in various directions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sports training device to be used with hand held sporting equipment, such as an ice hockey stick, a field hockey stick or a lacrosse stick, of the type including an elongated shaft portion. The sports training device in one embodiment is contemplated to include an elongated, preferably rigid, hollow tubular body or sleeve having an inside wall, open first and second ends communicating with the hollow of the body, and an outer gripping surface. The nominal dimension of the inside wall is contemplated to be greater than a maximum outer dimension of the elongated shaft, so that the tubular body is capable of fitting over the end of the stick shaft and of moving both longitudinally along the shaft and rotationally around the shaft. The outer hand-gripping surface includes dimensional contours extending longitudinally along the outer surface of the body for increasing friction and the effectiveness of the hand grip. The inside wall is preferably cylindrical and the openings at the first and second ends are preferably circular. Further, it is preferred that the inside wall comprises a uniform dimension along the longitudinal length of the body of the device.

It is further contemplated that the outer gripping surface may include a number of preferred forms. The dimensional contours may include a plurality of longitudinally extending flat surfaces and/or a series of ridges. The plurality of flat surfaces may be positioned at an acute angle with respect to one another to form the series of ridges between the flat surfaces. The dimensional contours of the outer gripping surface may form a hexagonal or octagonal cross section. Alternatively, two flat surfaces may be provided with separating curved ridge sections.

In a further embodiment, the dimensional contours of the outer gripping surface may include a combination of one or more tapered sections positioned between the first and second expanded outer end portions. The outer end portions may include an outside diameter that is greater than the outside diameter at the tapered sections. The respective outside diameters of the ends may be equal or vary in dimension relative to one another. Further, the dimensions of the outer surface may smoothly transition along the longitudinal length of the body between the outer end portions and the tapered sections. Further, the outer surface may undulate along the longitudinal length of the body, forming at least two bulbous portions with tapered sections adjacent thereto.

Other features of the present invention and combinations of features will become apparent from the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show one or more forms that are presently preferred. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a version of the contemplated sports training device in use, as an example, by an ice hockey player.

FIG. 1A shows a close-up view of the contemplated sports training device being held by the player of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the sports training device.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the sports training device as taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a top end view of another embodiment of the contemplated sports training device, with the cross section of a generic hockey stick shown within the hollow of the device body.

FIG. 5 shows a top end view of a further embodiment of the contemplated sports training device, with the stick shown within the device body.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of a still further embodiment of the contemplated sports training device.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of the contemplated sports training device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the figures, where like numerals identify like elements, there is shown various embodiments of a sports training device. As shown in FIG. 1, the device 10 is shown in use by a generic ice hockey player 12. The player 12 is shown with the device 10 wrapped around the shaft 24 of a hockey stick 14. The top end 16 of the stick 14 is engaged by the player's left hand 18. The device 10 is gripped by the player's right hand 20. It should be noted that a reversal of the hand positions may be used, if the player plays with the blade 22 of the stick 14 on the opposite side of the player's body from that shown in FIG. 1.

The device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 and in close-up in FIG. 2, is in the form of a sleeve placed over the shaft 24 of the stick 14. As more particularly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sleeve portion of the device 10 includes a hollow tubular body 26 that is elongated in a longitudinal direction. The two ends 30, 32 of the device 10 are open, with the openings communicating with the hollow of the body 26. The inside wall 28 of the hollow body 26 is shown as generally cylindrical, with a smooth inside surface. The open ends 30, 32 are preferably circular. Preferably, the inside wall 28 has a uniform diameter. Regardless of shape of the inside wall 28, the inside diameter has a nominal diameter ID that is greater than the maximum outer dimension of the shaft 24 of the stick 14. The purpose of the hollow center is to allow the device 10 to move along the shaft 24 of the stick 14, as well as to rotate (both clockwise and counterclockwise) around the shaft 24. The relative movement of the device 10 with respect to the shaft 24 of the stick 14 is created by the movement of the player's hand 20 in controlling the device 10 or by the player's other hand 18 controlling the movement of the stick 14.

The outer surface 34 of device 10 forms the gripping surface for the player 12. The grip on the outer surface 34 as shown in close-up view in FIG. 1A includes a longitudinally extending dimensional contour 36 to promote easy gripping and circumferential friction. In FIGS. 2 and 3 the dimensional contour 36 takes the form of a series of flat surfaces 38 extending along the length of the device 10. Adjacent flat surfaces 38 connect to one another at an acute angle, forming a longitudinally extended ridge 40. In the cross section of FIG. 3, it is shown that the outer contours 36 form an octagonal surface having eight equal flat surfaces 38 separated by eight ridges 40. In FIG. 4 there is shown an alternate embodiment having a hexagonal outer surface 34a, with six flat sides 38a and six ridges 40a positioned there between. In FIG. 5, the outer surface 34b of the device 10 is shown as having a pill shape with two ridges 40b, forming rounded edge portions, and two parallel flat portions 38b.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 2-5, the dimensions of the flats and ridges are shown as being relatively equal. Further, the flat sections are shown as being substantially straight, with each being extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body 26. Other variations of these structures may be defined, such as by increasing the number of flat sides, creating for example a decagonal or dodecagonal cross section. Preferably the number of sides is limited, so as to create circumferential gripping friction through the ridges formed by the transition between flat portions. Excessively increasing the number of flat or similar sides ultimately approaches a substantially cylindrical outer surface, and thus reduces the effect of the dimensional ridges on the outer surface. Further, the flats and ridges need not be equal in form. The dimensions may be varied as desired to form a more comfortable fit with the player's hand, or to promote engagement and friction. Further, the flats may be angled relative to the axis of the body or may include a curve so as to define a helix around the axis. The ridges may be formed as relatively sharp edges or may have curved or chamfered form. One or more additional ridges or grooves may be added to the outer surface, in addition to the other dimensional contours. These additional structures may be positioned at an angle to the other dimensional contours on the outside surface.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, the shaft 24 of the stick 14 is shown in cross section, illustrating a preferred inside diameter ID of the inside wall 28 relative to the maximum dimension XM of the shaft 24 of the stick 14. Sufficient clearance is desired so that the device 10 may slide along the shaft 24 and for the device 10 to be able to rotate around the outer surface of the shaft 24. Preferably, the amount of clearance is limited, so that the device 10 remains concentrically positioned about the stick. The length of the device further assists in deterring angular movement of the device relative to the stick shaft 24, so as to limit resistance with the shaft or harmful engagement between the device and shaft. Friction reducing coatings and chamfering (or similar structures) may also be included on the first and second ends 30, 32 to reduce the potential for harmful engagement of the shaft 24.

It is further contemplated that projection dimensional contours may be formed on the outer surface of the device in a manner to promote an effective grip. In FIG. 6, the outer surface 34c includes a tapered central portion or waist 42 and enlarged outer ends 44, 46. The transition from the ends 44, 46 to the waist 42 is contemplated to be relatively smooth. The ends 44, 46 as shown have an equal outer diameter and the waist 42 is shown as being positioned in the middle of the longitudinal length of the device 10. Undulating contours within the inner section of the outside surface of the device may assist different size hands in gripping the device during use and to promote proper hand position. The position and size of the dimensional contours may also vary to form a more comfortable fit with the player's hand. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the position of the tapered waste section 42 may be positioned off center and the outside diameter of the end portions 44, 46 may be unequal. Further, the preferably continuous and smooth transition between the end portions 44, 46 and the waist section 42 may vary in angle and form.

In FIG. 7, the outside surface 34d of the device 10 is shown as having an undulating outside contour with multiple bulbous portions 48, 50 and tapered sections 52, 54. The first bulbous portion 48 is positioned adjacent the top end 56 of the device 10. The first taper section 52 is positioned between the first and second bulbous portions 48, 50. As shown the second bulbous portion 50 has a maximum diameter that is less that the maximum diameter of the first bulbous portion 48. The second tapered portion 54 is positioned adjacent the second bulbous portion 50 and extends to the other end 58 of the outside surface. As shown, the length of the second taper 54 is approximately half of the overall length of the device 10. In use, the second bulbous portion 50 forms the primary gripping member, with the first bulbous portion 48 forming an abutment for the back edge of the hand. The second tapered section 54 forms the finger gripping surface. Again, the contours of this embodiment are contemplated to assist different size hands to grip the device during use and to promote proper hand positioning.

The purpose of the dimensional contours on the outer surface are intended to promote ergonomic fit and to place the hand in a proper position during use. The free movement of the stick within the center of the device promotes effective stick use in controlling the puck or ball. The ability of the device to slide along the length of the shaft further promotes proper stick engagement during training, and creating muscle memory for normal game experience. The outer surface and hollow inner surface extend for sufficient length to promote functional engagement, without creating harm to the stick. Further, the form of the device is applicable to different stick forms and shapes. For example, the rectangular shape of the hockey stick shown may vary in relative dimension. The stick may also have other cross sections, including circular, four sided or other side combinations. For example, a lacrosse stick is typically a hexagonal cross section, but other more complex shapes are known.

Preferably, the body of the device is integrally formed of a rigid plastic. The body may be extruded and cut to its desired length, may be injection molded or otherwise formed or assembled. Other contemplated materials include carbon-fiber reinforced polymer, metal, wood, or combinations thereof. Again, various edges on the device may be chamfered or otherwise formed to enhance movement of the over the shaft or to deter harmful engagement. Coatings or materials may be chosen to further reduce friction or enhance the sliding motion. The outer surface of the device may also include materials that enhance frictional gripping, such as, for example, a rubberized or neoprene sleeve surrounding the outer surface or positioned at a strategic location.

Preferably, the device has sufficient weight for assisting in the development of muscle strength during use. The thickness of the side wall of the tubular body may also be varied in order to adjust the overall weight of the device. The density of the material may further be chosen to create a desired weight. The overall weight of the device may further be adjusted by the addition of inserts or rings that are engaged within the body portion of the device. The inserts may be removable, if adjustment of the overall weight of the device is desired.

The present invention has been described and illustrated in a plurality of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood by those skilled in the art from the foregoing that various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, with the scope of the invention being described by the foregoing claims.

Claims

1. A sports training device to be used with hand held sporting equipment of the type including an elongated shaft, the sports training device comprising: an elongated hollow tubular body having an inside wall, open first and second ends communicating with the hollow of the body, and an outer gripping surface,the nominal dimension of the inside wall being greater than a maximum outer dimension of the elongated shaft, such that the tubular body fits over the elongated shaft and may move longitudinally along the shaft and rotationally around the shaft, andthe outer hand-gripping surface having dimensional contours longitudinally extending along the outer surface for promoting hand grip.

2. The sports training device of claim 1, wherein the inside wall is cylindrical and the openings at the first and second ends are circular

3. The sports training device of claim 1, wherein the inside wall has uniform dimension along the longitudinal length of the device.

4. The sports training device of claim 1, wherein the dimensional contours of the outer gripping surface comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending flat surfaces and plurality of ridges positioned there between.

5. The sports training device of claim 4, wherein adjacent flat surfaces within the plurality of flat surfaces are positioned at an acute angle with respect to one another to form the ridges.

6. The sports training device of claim 4, wherein the dimensional contours of the outer gripping surface form a hexagonal cross section.

7. The sports training device of claim 4, wherein the dimensional contours of the outer gripping surface form an octagonal cross section.

8. The sports training device on claim 4, wherein two flat surfaces are each separated by a curved ridge section.

9. The sports training device of claim 1, wherein the elongate tubular body is rigid.

10. The sports training device of claim 1, wherein the sporting equipment is selected from the group consisting of an ice hockey stick, a field hockey stick and a lacrosse stick.

11. The sports training device of claim 1, wherein the dimensional contours of the outer gripping surface comprise a tapered portion positioned between the first and second outer ends, and wherein the outside diameter of the first and second outer ends is greater than the outside diameter at the tapered portion.

12. The sports training device of claim 11, wherein the respective outside diameters of the outer ends are equal.

13. The sports training device of claim 11, wherein the outer surface smoothly transitions along the longitudinal length of the body between the outer ends and the tapered portion.

14. The sports training device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the outer surface undulates along the longitudinal length of the body, forming at least one bulbous portion with at least one tapered section positioned adjacent thereto.

15. A sports training device to be used with hand held sporting equipment of the type including an elongated shaft, the sports training device comprising: an elongated hollow tubular body having a cylindrical inside wall, open first and second ends communicating with the hollow of the body, and an outer gripping surface,the nominal dimension of the inside wall being greater than a maximum outer dimension of the elongated shaft of the hand-held sporting equipment, the tubular body freely fitting around the elongated shaft, such that the device may be moved longitudinally along the shaft and rotationally around the shaft, andthe outer hand-gripping surface having dimensional contours longitudinally extending along the outer surface comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending flat surfaces positioned at an acute angle with respect to one another and plurality of ridges positioned formed at the intersection of the adjacent flat surfaces.

16. The sports training device of claim 15, wherein the dimensional contours of the outer gripping surface form an octagonal cross section.

17. A sports training device to be used with hand held sporting equipment of the type including an elongated shaft, the sports training device comprising: an elongated hollow tubular body having an inside wall, open first and second ends communicating with the hollow of the body, and an outer gripping surface,the nominal dimension of the inside wall being greater than a maximum outer dimension of the elongated shaft of the hand-held sporting equipment, the tubular body freely fitting around the elongated shaft, such that the device may be moved longitudinally along the shaft and rotationally around the shaft, andthe outer hand-gripping surface having dimensional contours positioned along the outer surface comprising at least two expanded portions with tapered section positioned adjacent thereto.

18. The sports training device of claim 17, wherein the tapered section is positioned between the two expanded portions, and wherein the expanded portions are respectively positioned adjacent first and second outer ends

19. The sports training device of claim 18, wherein the outside diameter of the two expanded portions are equal.

20. The sports training device of claim 17, wherein the of the outer surface undulates along the longitudinal length of the body, the expanded portions forming at least two bulbous portions, and further comprising a second tapered section positioned adjacent to one outside end.