Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
HOCKEY STICKHANDLING TOOL, METHOD OF USE, AND SYSTEM
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to tools for improving hockey stickhandling
strength
and speed. The present invention relates to methods of use for improving
hockey
stickhandling strength and speed by utilizing a hockey-stickhandling-tool. The
pre-
sent invention relates to systems for improving hockey stickhandling strength
and
speed by utilizing the hockey-stickhandling-tool.
Background
For a hockey player (player) to improve at playing the sport of hockey,
players have
traditionally practiced, exercised and trained with various added weights.
Much like
weight training is used in a multitude of sports to increase both strength and
speed.
With respect to hockey specifically, the art teaches four mechanisms of weight
train-
Mg. These four mechanisms are: (1) weighted hockey pucks, (2) taping hockey
pucks
to hockey sticks; (3) attachable weights, and (4) a Puck Sock . Each of these
weight-
training mechanisms has problems associated with the particular mechanism that
this
invention remedies.
For example, players using only weighted hockey pucks may not safely perform
some
drills, such as shooting drills at a live goalie.
Taping hockey pucks to the hockey stick is time consuming both in preparing
the
hockey stick and in removing the tape after training is finished for a
session. Addi-
tionally, the weight distribution of where the hockey puck is taped to the
hockey stick
may vary from one training session to the next, which may not be an optimal
way to
weight train.
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Attachable weights are generally a weight, which may be retrofitted onto the
hockey
stick. Such attachable weights are not desirable because they increase the
traveling
weight of overall hockey gear that must be transported, which without such
added
1N/eig11t is already considerable.
The Puck Sock may be a sock which removably- attaches to the hockey stick and
the
sock may hold the hockey puck for weight. The Puck Sock however has several
problems associated with its use.
First, the Puck Sock may take too long to securely attach to the hockey-
stick, be-
cause the sock and its associated metal ring must be first be slid down the
handle to-
wards the blade. Then the Puck Sock must be zippered closed around the blade.
It
would be desirable if the weighted mechanism could be attached (and detached)
more
quickly to the hockey stick.
Secondly, because the Puck Sock entirely circumscribes the blade, when
practicing
with the Puck Sock the player will wear down material of construction of the
Puck
Sock over time. That is, a bottom portion of material will consistently be
struck
against the surface of a practice medium, such as a concrete driveway surface.
This
repeated striking and frictional rubbing would prematurely wear the material
down. It
would be desirable if the weighted mechanism did not completely circumscribe
the
blade to avoid this problem.
Thirdly, because ice hockey is played on ice, any weighted mechanism will
become
wet. Once the Puck Sock becomes wet, its weight will increase. Furthermore, a
wet Puck Sock because of is fabric materials of construction, is prone to
mildew and
mold degradation of the product. It would be desirable if the weighted
mechanism
did not change its weight when weight and was resistant to mildew and mold
degrada-
tion.
Fourthly, the Puck Sock does not allow for good hockey puck control of hockey
pucks remaining on the training surface medium, such as the hockey rink
surface.
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CA 02852532 2014-05-20
That is, the lateral sides of the Puck Sock do not resemble the lateral and
flat suifac-
es of the blade of the hockey stick. Thus training with the Puck Sock it is
difficult
to control hockey pucks. Furthermore, this problem is exacerbated by the Puck
Sock being able to slightly move around when attached to the hockey stick
(both
longitudinal and vertical movement are permitted), since it is only the metal
ring
which prevents the Puck Sock from slipping all of the hockey stick. This
slight
movement makes it difficult for consistent training since where hockey pucks
strike
the lateral sides of the Puck Sock may vary from strike to strike due to this
slight
movement. It would be desirable if the weighted mechanism had flat lateral
surfaces
areas that resembled the blade's surface areas. Furthermore, it would be
desirable if
the weighted mechanism once removably attached to the hockey stick did not
have
any longitudinal nor vertical movement of the weighted mechanism with respect
to
the hockey stick.
There is therefore a need in the art for a weighted device that addresses the
above
problems. It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.
Summary of the Invention
To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other
limitations that will
be apparent upon reading and understanding- the present specification, the
present in-
vention describes a hockey-stickhandling-tool, methods of use, and a system
for im-
proving a player's hockey stickliandling strength and/or speed. The hockey-
stickhandling-tool may comprise: a puck-receiver and a stick-attachment-means.
The
puck-receiver may be sized to removably hold the at least one hockey puck, by
the
puck-receiver providing at least one wall to partially enclose the at least
one hockey
puck. For example, the at least one wall may partially enclose the at least
one hockey
puck against the hockey-stickhandling-tool, such that the at least one hockey
puck
may be removably held when the player practices with the hockey-stickhandling-
tool.
The stick-attachment-means may be configured to removably attach to the hockey
4
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
stick (e.g. by frictional gripping). The puck-receiver and the stick-
attachment-means
may attached to each other such that use of the puck-receiver does not
interfere with
the stick-attachment-means and use of the stick-attachment-means does not
interfere
with the puck-receiver. When -the player may consistently practices with the
hockey
stick, wherein the hockey stick may be removably attached to the stick-
attachment-
means, and wherein the puck-receiver may be remobably holding the at least one
hockey puck, the player may improve (and/or increase) hockey stickhandling
strength
and/or speed.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a hockey-stickhandling-
tool
wherein because of the structure, geometry, and materials of construction, the
overall
weight of the hockey-stickhandling-tool is minimized. In some exemplary embodi-
ments, this overall weight of the hockey-stickhandling-tool may be less than
0.5 lbs.
Minimizing overall weight of the hockey-stickhandling-tool may be desirable
for
transporting the hockey-stickhandling-tool to and from areas of practice,
training, and
exercise.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandlin2-tool
that may removably hold different weights.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that may removab1,7 hold one or more hockey pucks, including weighted hockey
pucks, wherein the one more hockey pucks function as weights.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that may be removably hold one or more hockey pucks, such as weighted hockey
pucks, affixed to the hockey stick, such that the player may practice
normally, but
with an effectively weighted hockey stick, including running shooting drills
on a live
goalie.
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CA 02852532 2014-05-20
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that may be removably hold one, two, three, four, five, or six hockey pucks,
including
weight hockey pucks.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
such that the hockey pucks which may be removably held, may be ice-hockey
pucks
of a cylindrical geometry and/or spherical hockey pucks.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that may be removably attached to the hockey stick.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that may be removably attached to the hockey stick in a way that may be faster
than
existing alternatives.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that may be removably attached to the hockey stick by a frictional gripping
means.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that may be removably attached to the hockey stick by snapping and/or clipping
the
hockey-stickhandlin2-tool onto the hockey stick in one continuous motion that
may
be executed quickly.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that once removably attached to the hockey stick minimizes any translation
between
the hockey-stickhandling-tool and the hockey stick.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a sin,* hockey-
stickhandling-
tool that may be shared and/or utilized for team training because the single
hockey-
stickhandling-tool may be transferred from hockey stick to hockey stick in a
quick
fashion.
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It is another objective of the present invention provide a single hockey-
stickhandling-
tool that may be removably attached to either a left-handed hockey stick or a
right-
hanged hockey stick.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a single hockey-
stickhandling-
tool that may be removably attached to either a junior hockey stick or a
senior (pro-
fessional) hockey stick.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that may not completely circumscribe the blade when the hockey-stickhandling-
tool
may be removably attached to the blade.
It is another objective of thc present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that may not change significantly in weight when the hockey-stickhandling-tool
be-
comes wet.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that may resist mildew and mold degradation.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that may resist cold weather, such as present in ice hockey environments.
It is another objective of the present invention provide a hockey-
stickhandling-tool
that may resist repeated striking upon hard and often cold surfaces.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a hockey-
stickhandling-
tool that may comprise lateral sides (e.g. planar-extensions) which may
resemble the
surfaces of the blade to aid in better stickhandling control of hockey pucks.
These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described
herein
with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of
ordinary
skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention
and how to
make the present invention.
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CA 02852532 2014-05-20
Brief Description of the Figures
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred
embodi-
ments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best
un-
derstood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in
each of
the several diagrams are labeled with like numerals, and where:
Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hockey-stickhandling-tool, a blade
por-
tion of a hockey stick, and several hockey pucks, all shown from longitudinal
side
view;
Fig. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hockey-stickhandling-tool, shown
from
a longitudinal side view;
Fig. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hockey-stickhandling-tool, shown
from
a longitudinal side perspective view;
Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hockey-stickhandling-tool, shown
from
a transverse width side view;
Fig. 5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hockey-stickhandling-tool, shown
from
a top perspective view;
Fig. 5(a) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hockey-stickhandling-tool,
remova-
bly attached to a left handed hockey stick, all shown from longitudinal top
view;
Fig. 5(b) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hockey-stickhandling-tool,
remova-
bly attached to a right handed hockey stick, all shown from longitudinal top
view;
Fig. 6 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hockey-stickhandling-tool, shown
from
a top and side perspective view;
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CA 02852532 2014-05-20
Fig. 7 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hockey-stickhandling-tool adjacent
to a
hockey stick, shown from a perspective view; and
Fig. 8 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hockey-stickhandling-tool that may
be
removably attached to the blade of the hockey stick, shown from a perspective
view.
Detailed Description of the Invention
A hockey-stickhandling-tool is described and disclosed. Various embodiments of
the
hockey-stickhandling-tools may be designed to removably attach to hockey
sticks and
provide a means for adding additional weight to the hockey sticks, such that
players
may practice with the added weight. In exemplary embodiments, the weights may
be
hockey pucks that may be removably held to the hockey-stickhandling-tool.
Players
consistently practicing, exercising, and training with said hockey-
sticlthandling-tools,
which may be removably holding one or more hockey pucks may increases their
hockey stickhandling strength and speed.
In various exemplary embodiments, the hockey-stickhandling-tool may comprise a
puck-receiver and a stick-attachment means. The puck-receiver may be sized to
re-
movably hold at least one hockey puck by the puck-receiver providing at least
one
wall to partially enclose the at least one hockey puck. For example, the at
least one
wall ma.y partially enclose the at least one hockey puck against the hockey-
stickhandling-tool, such that the at least one hockey puck may be removably
held
when the player practices with the hockey-stickhandling-tool. The stick-
attachment-
means may be configured to removably attach to the hockey stick. For example,
and
without limiting the scope of the present invention, the stick-attachment-
means may
be by frictional gripping. The puck-receiver and the stick-attachment-means
may be
attached to each other such that use of the puck-receiver may not interfere
with the
stick-attachment-means. The puck-receiver and the stick-attachment-means may
be
attached to each other such that use of the stick-attachment-means may not
interfere
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CA 02852532 2014-05-20
with the puck-receiver. In some embodiments, the puck-receiver and the stick-
attachment-means may be integral to each other, such that the puck-receiver
and the
stick-attachment-means are a single article of manufacture.
In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and
applications
of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that
form a
part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific
embodi-
ments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that
other em-
bodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the
scope of the invention.
Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hockey-stickhandling-tool 100, a
blade
901 portion of a hockey stick 900, and two hockey pucks 950, all shown from
longi-
tudinal side view. As depicted in Fig. 1, hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 may be
in the
process of being removably attached to hockey stick 900. In some exemplary
embod-
iments, hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 may be removably attached specifically
to
blade 901. Whereas, in other embodiments, hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 may be
removably attached specifically to a handle 902 or both blade 901 and to
handle 902,
these latter embodiments are not depicted.
In an exemplary embodiment, hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 may be removably at-
tached blade 901such that a longitude of hockey-stickhandling-tool 100
substantially
matches a longitude of blade 901. In some exemplary embodiments, openings for
removably attaching hockey-sticichandling-tool 100 to blade 901 may be found
at a
bottom of hockey-sticldiandling-tool 100, such that hockey-stickha.ndling-tool
100
may be slid onto a top of blade 901.
Figs. 1-5 inclusive each provide exemplary embodiments of a hockey-
stickhandling-
tool 100, wherein a coupling-means may comprise an accordion-structure 150.
Whereas, the coupling-means in an exemplary embodiment of hockey-stickhandling-
tool 200 may comprise a flexible-union-member 250, as depicted in Fig. 6.
Exempla-
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
ry embodiment hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 is discussed first, as depicted in
Figs.
2-5 inclusive.
Fig. 2 depicts exemplary embodiment of hockey-stickhandling-tool 100, shown
from
a longitudinal side view. Fig. 3 depicts the exemplaty embodiment of Fig. 2,
shown
from a longitudinal side perspective view. Fig. 4 depicts the exemplary
embodiment
of Fig. 2, shown from a transverse width side view. Fig. 5 depicts the
exemplary- em-
bodiment of Fig. 2, shown from a top perspective view.
Hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 may comprise a puck-receiver and a stick-
attachment-
means. The puck-receiver may be sized to removably hold at least one hockey
puck
950 by the puck-receiver providing at least one wall to partially enclose the
at least
one hockey puck 950. For example, the at least one wall may partially enclose
at
least one hockey puck 950 against the hockey-stickhandling-tool 100, such that
at
least one hockey puck 950 may be removably held when the player practices with
hockey-stickhandling-tool 100. The stick-attachment-means may be configured to
removably attach to hockey stick 950. The puck-receiver and the stick-
attachment-
means may be attached to each other such that use of the puck-receiver may not
inter-
fere with the stick-attachment-means.
The puck-receiver and the stick-attachment-means may be attached to each other
such
that use of the stick-attachment-means may not interfere with the puck-
receiver. In
some embodiments, the puck-receiver and the stick-attachment-means may be inte-
gral to each other, such that the puck-receiver and the stick-attachment-means
are a
single article of manufacture. When the puck-receiver removably holds at least
one
hockey puck 950 and the stick-attachment-means is removably attached to hockey
stick 900, a player practicing, exercising, and training with hockey-
stickha.ndling-tool
100 may increase the player's hockey stickhandling strength and speed.
In some embodiments, the at least one wall (of the puck-receiver) may
comprise: a
longitudinal-side-wall 101, a first-width-side-wall 102, a second-width-side-
wall 103,
and a bottom-wall 104. First-width-side-wall 102 may be substantially parallel
with
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CA 02852532 2014-05-20
second-width-side-wall 103. Longitudinal-side-wall 101 may be disposed between
first-width-side-wall 102 and second-width-side-wall 103. Bottom-wall 104 may
be
substantially perpendicular to longitudinal-side-wall 101, to first-width-side-
wall 102,
and to second-width-side-wall 103. Longitudinal-side-wall 101 may be
substantially
perpendicular to first-width-side-wall 102 and to second-width-side-wall 103.
If the
bottom of hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 were resting upon a flat surface, then
longi-
tudinal-side-wall 101, first-width-side-wall 102, and second-width-side-wall
103 may
all be vertical; while bottom-wall 104 may be horizontal.
In some embodiments, first-side-wall 102 may connect to longitudinal-side-wall
101.
Longitudinal-side-wall 101 may be connected to bottom-wall 104 and connected
to
second-width-side-wall 103. In some embodiments, such connections between
walls
may be integral, such that all the walls are manufactured as a single article
of manu-
facture. In some embodiments, such connections between the walls may form
seams
and/or edges.
In some embodiments, first-side-wall 102 may connect to longitudinal-side-wall
101
at a substantially 90' angle. Longitudinal-side-wall 101 may be connected to
bottom-
wall 104 at a substantially 90' angle and connected to second-width-side-wall
103 at
a substantially 90' angle. In other embodiments, other angles may be possible
be-
tween two adjacent walls.
In some exemplary embodiments, longitudinal-side-wall 101, first-width-side-
wall
102, second-width-side-wall 103, and bottom-wall 104 may bound an interior 106
of
a pocket. The pocket may further comprise an opening 107. Opening 107 may pro-
vide access to interior 106 of the pocket. Interior 106 may be sized to
removably hold
at least one hockey puck 950. In some embodiments, interior 106 may be sized
to
removably hold at least one hockey puck of a cylindrical shape. Interior 106
may be
sized to removably hold at least one spherical hockey puck, i.e. a ball.
Note in some embodiments, the puck-receiver of hockey-stickhandling-tool 100
may
not comprise a back side wall (i.e. a side wall disposed opposite of
longitudinal-side-
12
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
wall 101). In such embodiments, the back side wall function may be provided by
blade 901 (or handle 902). However in some other embodiments, the at least one
wall
may further comprise a stick-side-wall 108. Stick-side-wall 108 may be
substantially
parallel with longitudinal-side-wall 101. Stick-side-wall 108 may be separated
from
longitudinal-side-wall 101 by first-width-side-wall 102 and second-width-side-
wall
103. Stick-side-wall 108 may be closer to hockey stick 900 (particularly to
blade 901
in some embodiments) when the stick-attachment-means may be removably attached
to hockey stick 900 than longitudinal-side-wall 101.
Longitudinal-side-wall 101 may be named as such because longitudinal-side-wall
101
may be substantially parallel with the longitude of hockey-stickhandling-tool
100.
Longitudinal-side-wall 101 may be named as such because longitudinal-side-wall
101
may be substantially parallel with the longitude of blade 901, when the stick-
attachment-means is removably attached to blade 901. First-width-side-wall 102
and
second-width-side-wall 103 may be named as such because each width-side-wall
(e.g.
102 and 103) may comprise a linear dimension that accommodates fitting a width
of
hockey puck 950. Bottom-wall 104 may be named as such because bottom-wall 104
may provide bottom support to hockey puck 950. Stick-side-wall 108 may be
named
as such because stick-side-wall 108 may be closer to hockey stick 900 (e.g.
blade
901) than longitudinal-side-wall 101 is. That is, stick-side-wall 108 may
function as a
back side wall.
In some embodiments, bottom-wall 104 may transition into first-width-side-wall
102
by a first-curved-segment 109. Bottom-wall 104 may transition into second-side-
wall
by a second-curved-segment 110. Each of the two curved-segments may include a
substantially similar radius. Each substantially similar radius may resemble a
radius
of at least one hockey puck 950.
In some exemplary embodiments, longitudinal-side-wall 101 may comprise planar-
extensions 170. Planar-extensions 170 may extend from longitudinal-side-wall
101.
See e.g. Fig. 2. Planar-extensions 170 may be within a same plane as
longitudinal-
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CA 02852532 2014-05-20
side-wall 101. Planar-extensions 170 may be substantially rectangular and
flat. Pla-
nar-extensions 170 may be configured to resemble a surface area of blade 901
of
hockey stick 900. Planar-extensions 170 may have a similar (e.g. comparable)
sur-
face area as the surface area of blade 901. When hockey-stickhandling-tool 100
may
be removably attached to blade 901 (via the stick-attachment-means), planar-
extensions 170 may provide a substantially vertically flat surface to engage
hockey
pucks that may not be removably held by the puck-receiver. Planar-extensions
170
may allow the player to have better hockey puck control when using hockey-
stickhandling-tool 100.
In sonic exemplary embodiments, the puck-receiver may comprise at least one
pair-
of-puck-receivers. The at least one pair-of-puck-receivers may comprise a
first-puck-
receiver 120 and a second-puck-receiver 121. See Fig. 5. Each of these two
puck-
receivers, first-puck-receiver 120 and the second-puck-receiver 121, may
comprises
one longitudinal-side-wall 101, one first-width-side-wall 102, one second-
width-side-
wall 103, one bottom-wall 104, one interior 106, one opening 107, and one
pocket as
discussed above. Each interior 106 may be configured to removably hold at
least one
hockey puck 950. The at least one pair-of-puck-receivers may contain two
hockey
pucks 950.
In some embodiments, first-puck-receiver 120 may be attached to second-puck-
receiver 121 at two regions, a first-attachment-region 130 and a second-
attachment-
region 131. First-attachment-region 130 may be formed by first-width-side-wall
102
of the first-puck-receiver 120 merging into first-width-side-wall 102 of
second-puck-
receiver 121. Second-attachment-region 131 may be formed by second-width-side-
wall 103 of first-puck-receiver 120 merging into second-width-side-wall 103 of
sec-
ond-puck-receiver 121. These areas of width-side-wall merging may be at a top
of
hockey-stickhandling-tool 100. See e.g. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. First-attachment-
region
130 ma.y be integral with first-width-side-walls 102 of first-puck-receiver
120 and
second-puck-receiver 121. Second-attachment-region 131 may be integral with
sec-
ond-width-side-walls 103 of first-puck-receiver 120 and second-puck-receiver
121.
14
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
Longitudinal-side-wall 101 of first-puck-receiver 120 may be substantially
parallel
with longitudinal-side-wall 101 of second-puck-receiver 121. First-puck-
receiver 120
may be separated from second-puck-receiver 121 by a width of hockey stick 900
(e.g.
by a width of blade 901).
In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one pair-of-puck-receivers may com-
prise a first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 and a second-pair-of-puck-receivers
141. See
e.g. Fig. 2. Hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 may further comprise a coupling-
means.
The coupling-means may be configured to couple first-pair-of-puck-receivers
140 to
second-pair-of-puck-receivers 141. The coupling-means may connect second-
attachment-region 131 of first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 to first-attachment-
region
130 of second-pair-of-puck-receivers 141. Second-width-side-walls 103 of first-
pair-
of-puck-receivers 140 may be separated from first-width-side-walls 102 of
second-
pair-of-puck-receivers 141 by the coupling-means.
In some embodiments, each single pair-of-puck-receivers (e.g. 140 or 141) may
re-
movably hold two hockey pucks 950. Two pairs of the pair-of-puck-receivers
(e.g.
140 and 141) may removably hold four hockey pucks 950.
In some exemplary embodiments, the coupling-means may comprise an accordion-
structure 150. Accordion-structure 150 may comprise a first-strut 151 and a
second-
strut 152. Each strut (151 and 152) may connect second-attachment-region 131
of
first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 to fi rst-attachment-region 130 of second-
pair-of-
puck-receiver 141. See Fig. 5. Each strut (151 and 152) may comprises a zigzag
ge-
ometry, hence the element name of "accordion-structure." First-strut 151 may
be
substantially parallel to second-strut 152. First-strut 151 may be separated
from sec-
ond-strut 152 by the width of blade 901.
In some exemplary embodiments, accordion-structure 150 may permit some flexion
between first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 and second-pair-of-puck-receivers
141.
Longitudinal-side-walls 101 of first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 may not be
parallel
with longitudinal-side-walls 101 of second-pair-of-puck-receivers 141 when the
stick-
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
attachment-means may be removably attached to a curved blade 901 of hockey
stick
900. Such flexing functionality of accordion-structure 150 may permit hockey-
stickhandling-tool 100 to be removably attached to either a left-handed hockey
stick
(lefty stick) (see Fig. 5(a)) or a right-handed hockey stick (or righty stick)
(see Fig.
5(b)). Such accordion-structure 150 flexion may also be depicted in FIG. 3. In
both
Fig. 5(a) and Fig. 5(b) hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 may be removably
attached to
blade 901. Hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 may have been removably slid on (and
clipped on) top of blade 901, such that the longitude of hockey-stickhandling-
tool 100
substantially matches the longitude and the curved blade 901. The ability to
substan-
tially match the curved blade 901 may be permitted by accordion-structure 150.
In some embodiments, the coupling-means (e.g. accordion-structure 150) may be
in-
tegral with respect to first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 and second-pair-of-
puck-
receivers 141, such that the coupling-means, first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140,
and
second-pair-of-puck-receivers 141 may all one article of manufacture. The
coupling-
means (e.g. accordion-structure 150) may be integral with respect to second-
attachment-region 131 of first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 and with respect to
first-
attachment-region 130 of second-pair-of-puck-receivers 141.
In some embodiments, the coupling-means may connect second-attachment-region
131 of first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 to first-attachment-region 130 of
second-pair-
of-puck-receivers 141 by one or more connection-means selected from the group
comprising ultrasonic welding, heat welding, solvent bonding, chemical
adhesive
bonding (e.g. gluing), and the like.
In some embodiments, the coupling-means may connect second-attachment-region
131 of first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 to first-attachment-region 130 of
second-pair-
of-puck-receivers 141 by one or more structural-connection-means selected from
the
group comprising snap connectors, Velcro , locking protrusions and
complimentary
protrusion receiving ports, threading and complimentary threading, and the
like.
16
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
In some exemplary embodiments, the stick-attachment-means may comprise a pair-
of-stick-attachment-means. The pair-of-stick-attachment-means may comprise a
first-
stick-attachment-means 160 and a second-stick-attachment means 161. First-
stick-
attachment-means 160 and second-stick-ariachment-means 161 may each comprise a
clip. The clip may comprise a clip-opening 162. Each clip-opening 162 may be
dis-
posed opposite of each opening 107 of each pocket. The clip may be configured
to
frictionally grip blade 901 of hockey stick 900. In other embodiments, the
clip may
be configured to frictionally grip handle 902 of hockey stick 900 (e.g. in a
neck re-
gion). In some embodiments, the clip may comprise a spring, to increase
frictional-
gripping.
In some embodiments, first-stick-attachment-means 160 may be located at first-
attachment-region 130 extending downwards away from openings 107 of the
pockets.
Second-stick-attachment-means 161 may be located at second-attachment-region
131
extending downwards away from openings 107 of the pockets. First-pair-of-puck-
receivers 140 may comprise at least one first-stick-attachment-means 160 and
at least
one second-stick-attachment-means 161, such that first-pair-of-puck-receivers
140
may comprise two clips. Second-pair-of-puck-receivers 141 may comprise at
least
one first-stick-attachment-means 160 and at least one second-stick-attachment-
means
161, such that second-pair-of-puck-receivers 141 may comprise two clips.
Hockey-
stickhandling-tool 100, which may comprise first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140
and sec-
ond-pair-of-puck-receivers 141, may then comprise four clips. In other
embodiments,
a different number of stick-attachment-means (e.g. clips) may be used.
In some embodiments, the stick-attachment-means may be configured to removably
attach to either junior or senior (i.e. professional) hockey sticks 900.
In some exemplary embodiments, hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 may be
substantially
constructed of a plastic suitable for forming with injection molding. In some
embod-
iments, hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 may be substantially constructed of one
or
more materials selected from the group comprising acrylonitrile-butadiene
styrene
17
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
(ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (low density PE and/or high
density,
i.e. HDPE), polypropylene, polycarbonate, nylon, acrylic, fiberglass, carbon
fiber, and
the like. Various plastic formulations may comprise fillers to alter various
properties
of the cured and formed plastic, such as adding glass fibers for increasing
tensile
strength. It may be desirable for the cured and formed plastics to retain
structural in-
tegrity (and avoid becoming brittle) in cold weather commonly associated with
play-
ing- of ice hockey. It may be desirable for the cured and formed plastics to
retain
structural integrity (and avoid becoming brittle) upon repeated striking
against hard
surfaces, such as a surface of a hockey rink, which may be ice or other
surfaces.
Fig. 6 depicts an exemplary embodiment of hockey-stickhandling-tool 200, shown
from a top and side perspective view. A main difference between hockey-
stickhandling-tool 200 and hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 may be in the
coupling-
means. As noted above, in hockey-stickhandling-tool 100, the coupling-means
may
comprise accordion-structure 150. Whereas, in hockey-stickhandling-tool 200,
the
coupling-means may comprise flexible-union-member 250.
In some exemplary embodiments, flexible-union-member 250 may be a separate
component from first-pair-of-puck-receives 140 and second-pair-of-puck-
receives
141. In some exemplary embodiments, flexible-union-member 250 may comprise a
first-attachment-end 251 and a second-attachment-end 252. First-attachment-end
251
may be configured to attach to second-attachment-region 131 of first-pair-of-
puck-
receivers 140. Second-attachment-end 252 may be configured to attach to first-
attachment-region 130 of second-pair-of-puck-receivers 141.
In some embodiments, flexible-union-member 250 may connect second-attachment-
region 131 of first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 to first-attachment-region 130
of sec-
ond-pair-of-puck-receivers 141 by one or more connection-means selected from
the
group comprising ultrasonic welding, heat welding, solvent bonding, chemical
adhe-
sive bonding (e.g. gluing), and the like. These connection-means may be
permanent.
18
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
In some embodiments, flexible-union-member 250 may connect second-attachment-
region 131 of first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 to first-attachment-region 130
of sec-
ond-pair-of-puck-receivers 141 by one or more structural-connection-means
selected
from the group comprising snap connectors, Velcro , locking protrusions and
com-
plimentary protrusion receiving, ports, threading and complimentary threading,
and
the like. These structural-connection-means may be permanent or removable.
For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the
structural-
connection-means of how flexible-union-member 250 links first-pair-of-puck-
receivers 140 to second-pair-of-puck-receivers 141 may be removable, such that
one,
two, or three pairs-of-puck-receivers may be removably connected to each
other, in a
modular fashion, and then subsequently removably attached to hockey stick 900
(e.g.
at blade 901). Note, due to inherent length limitations within blade 901 (and
handle
902) there are inherent limitations to the number of the pairs-of-puck-
receivers that
may be removably attached to each other and then subsequently removably
attached
to hockey stick 900 (e.g. at blade 901).
In some exemplary embodiments, flexible-union-member 250 may be a different ma-
terial from materials of first-pair-of-puck-receives 140 and second-pair-of-
puck-
receives 141 In some exemplary embodiments, flexible-union-member 250 may be
substantially constructed of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments,
flexible-
union-member 250 may be substantially constructed of various silicones,
various rub-
bers (natural and/or synthetic), polyether block amides (PEBA),
chlorosulfonated
polyethylene (e.g. HypalonR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and the like.
In some exemplary embodiments, flexible-union-member 250 may permit some flex-
ion between first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 and second-pair-of-puck-receivers
141.
Longitudinal-side-walls 101 of first-pair-of-puck-receivers 140 may not be
parallel
with longitudinal-side-walls 101 of second-pair-of-puck-receivers 141, when
the
stick-attachment-means is removably attached to the curve of blade 901. Such
flex-
ing functionality of flexible-union-member 250 may permit, hockey-
stickhandling-
19
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
tool 200 to be removably attached to either the left-handed hockey stick
(lefty stick)
or the right-handed hockey stick (or righty stick).
Figs. 7 and 8 depict exemplary embodiments of a sleeve embodiment, of hockey-
stickhandling-tool 300. Fig. 7 depicts an exemplary embodiment of hockey-
stickhandling-tool 300 adjacent to hockey stick 900, shown from a perspective
view.
Fig. 8 depicts an exemplary embodiment of hockey-stickhandling-tool 300 that
may
be removably attached to blade 901, shown from a perspective view.
In an exemplary embodiment of hockey-stickhandling-tool 300, the stick-
attachment-
means may comprise a sleeve 360. Sleeve 360 structurally and geometrically may
comprise a cylinder wherein a hollow cavity of the cylinder may be configured
to fit
snugly around blade 901. Such snugly fitting of sleeve 360 around blade 901
may be
a frictional fit. In such embodiments, may be pulled onto (and off of) blade
901.
Such a hollow cylindrical structure may be constructed of a single cylindrical
materi-
al, such as a fabric and/or an elastomeric material formed, stitched, welded,
and/or
glued into the single cylinder.
In some exemplary embodiments, sleeve 360 may be substantially constructed of
an
elastomeric material. In some embodiments, sleeve 360 may be substantially con-
structed of various silicones, various rubbers (natural and/or synthetic),
polyether
block amides (PEBA), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (e.g. HypalonS), ethylene
vinyl
acetate (EVA), and the like. In addition, various elastomeric materials in a
foam or
foam like formulation may be used for substantially constructing sleeve 360,
such as
various ester foams, polyurethanes. EVA in foam formulations, and Neoprene .
Sleeve 360 may be flexible. Sleeve 360 may be substantially constructed of a
fabric,
a natural fabric (e.g. cotton, wool, hemp, and the like) and/or a synthetic
fabric (e.g.
Neoprene ).
In some embodiments, sleeve 360 may be formed from a substantially rectangular
material, as opposed to a single cylindrical material, wherein two opposing
edge of
the substantially rectangular material may be attached to each other to form
the single
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
cylindrical structure. In such embodiments the two opposing edges may be
remova-
bly attached to each other by various means, such as Velcro , zippers, snap
connect-
ors, straps with various connectors (e.g. side release buckles, and the like).
In exemplary embodiments, sleeve 360 tnay comprise an exterior-surface 361. At
least one puck-receiver 370 may be located on exterior-surface 361. Puck-
receiver
370 may comprise different types of puck-receivers (i.e. utilizing different
means for
removably holding hockey puck 950). Puck-receiver 370 may comprise puck-
receiver-single-strap 371, puck-receiver-tri-strap 372, puck-receiver-pocket
373,
puck-receiver-with-cover 374, and the like.
Puck-receiver-single-strap 371 may comprise a single strap. See Fig. 8. The
single
strap may be configured to frictionally hold at least one hockey puck 950. For
exam-
ple, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the single strap
may be
substantially constructed of an elastic material to frictionally hold at least
one hockey
puck 950.
Puck-receiver-tri-strap 372 may comprise a longitudinal strap as well as a
strap ele-
ment providing support for the bottom of at least one hockey puck 950. See
Fig. 8,
for example. The longitudinal strap and the strap element may be substantially
per-
pendicular to each other. The longitudinal strap and the strap element may be
sub-
stantially constructed of the elastic material. The longitudinal strap and the
strap ele-
ment may be integral to each other, being a single article of manufacture. The
longi-
tudinal strap and the strap element may be two separate articles of
manufacture which
are joined together, for example by stitching, ultrasonic welding, heat
welding, sol-
vent bonding, chemical adhesive, and the like.
Puck-receiver-pocket 373 may comprise a pocket structure for removably holding
at
least one hockey puck 950. See Fig. 7, for example. Puck-receiver-with-cover
374
may comprise the pocket structure for removabling holding at least one hockey
puck
950 and a cover structure for mitigating against unintentional removal of
hockey puck
21
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
950 from puck-receiver-with-cover 374. The cover structure may be removably
seal-
able to the pocket structure, e.g. with Velcro or other removable closures.
In various embodiments, materials of construction for the various embodiments
of
puck-receiver 370 may be the same as the materials for sleeve 360. It should
be ob-
vious to one of ordinary skill in the art, that other embodiments of puck-
receiver 370,
in addition to the above four embodiments, may also be used and still fall
within the
scope of the present invention.
In some embodiments, hockey-stickhandling-tool 300 may comprise at least one
puck-receiver 370. In some embodiments, hockey-stickhandling-tool 300 may corn-
prise one, two, three, four, five, or six puck-receivers 370. An exemplary
number of
puck-receivers 370 may be four, with two to each side of blade 901, as shown
in Figs.
7 and 8. There is a practical limitation upon the number of puck-receivers 370
that
may be accommodated upon blade 901, due to blade 901 inherent length
limitations.
In some embodiments, all puck-receivers 370 present may be of the same type of
puck-receiver 370.
In some embodiments, puck-receiver 370 may removably hold hockey puck 950 to
blade 901, such that a flat surface of hockey puck 950 may be substantially
parallel
with a flat surface of blade 901. This may be important for when the player
actually
utilizes hockey-stickhandling-tool 300 in practicing, exercising, and training
to pro-
vide a flat surface area to engage hockey pucks 950 which may not be removably
held
by puck-receiver 370, i.e. the hockey pucks 950 that may be laying upon the
rink sur-
face that the player is working with.
Note, some embodiments of hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 and hockey-
stickhandling-tool 200 may be exemplary over some embodiments of hockey-
stickhandling-tool 300. This may be so, because hockey-stickhandling-tool 100
and
hockey-stickhandling-tool 200 may comprise planar-extensions 170 which may pro-
vide the flat surface area that more resembles the fiat surface area of blade
901, as
compared to exterior surfaces of puck-receivers 370, which subsequently may
result
22
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
in hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 and hockey-stickhandling-tool 200 allowing
for bet-
ter hockey puck 950 control (of hockey pucks 950 which are not being removably
held).
This may be so, because hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 and hockey-stickhandling-
This may be so, because hockcy-stickhandling-tool 100 and hockey-stickhandling-
This may be so, because hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 and hockey-stickhandling-
This may be so, because hockey-stickhandling-tool 100 and hockey-stickhandling-
tool 200 may be removably attached and removably detached from hockey stick
900
faster than with hockey-stickhandling-tool 100.
23
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
Note with respect to all the various materials of construction noted above, it
is not de-
sired nor intended to thereby unnecessarily limit the present invention by
reason of
such restricted disclosure.
In various exemplary embodiments, players consistently practicing, exercising,
and/or
training with hockey-stickhandling-tools (100, 200, and/or 300), which may be
re-
movably holding one or more hockey pucks 950 may improve and/or increase their
hockey stickhandling strength and/or speed by players by making use of a
method
comprising the following steps (method steps):
Step 1: Removably attaching hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300) to
hockey
stick 900 may be by use of the stick-attachment-means. In some embodiments, re-
movably attaching hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300) to hockey stick
900
by use of the stick-attachment-means may take under one second, regardless if
hock-
ey stick 900 may be left handed, right handed, junior, or senior. In some
embodi-
ments, removably detaching hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300) from
hock-
ey stick 900 by use of the stick-attachment-means may take under one second,
regard-
less if hockey stick 900 may be left handed, right handed, junior, or senior.
Step 2: Placing at least one hockey puck 950 within the puck-receiver such
that the
puck-receiver may removably hold at least one hockey puck 950. In some embodi-
ments, for each hockey puck 950 removably held by the puck-receiver, it takes
about
one second to slide hockey puck 950 into the puck-receiver. In some
embodiments,
for each hockey puck 950 removably held by the puck-receiver, it takes about
one
second to slide hockey puck 950 out of the puck-receiver. Each removably held
hockey puck 950 within the puck-receiver may be held with enough frictional
pres-
sure to be held in place when the player conducts sweeping motions typical of
playing
hockey.
Step 3: Player then practicing, exercising, and/or training with hockey stick
900
which may be removably attached to hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or
300),
and wherein the puck-receiver may be removably holding at least one hockey
puck
24
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
950. The player may practice, exercise, and/or train with hockey stick 900
which
may be removably attached to hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300), and
wherein the puck-receiver may be removably holding at least one hockey puck
950,
as if hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300) was not removably attached
to
hockey stick 900. Player may use planar-extensions 170 to engage hockey pucks
950
which may be laying upon the rink's surface.
In some embodiments, Step 1 may be replaced by Step la, Step lb, or Step lc.
In
Step la, hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300) stick-attachment-means
may be
removably attached to blade 901. In Step lb, hockey-stickhandling-tool (100,
200, or
300) stick-attachment-means may be removably attached to handle 902. In Step
lc,
hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300) stick-attachment-means may be
remov-
ably attached to both blade 901 and to handle 902, about the neck of hockey
stick
900.
In some embodiments, Step 2 may be replaced by steps wherein two, three, four,
five,
or six hockey pucks 950 are removably held by the puck-receivers. Such
removably
held hockey pucks 950 may be weighted above the normal game playing weight of
hockey puck 950.
In some embodiments, a method for improving (and/or increasing) hockey
stickhan-
dling strength and speed of the play may comprise the steps:
Step A: removably attaching hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300) to
hockey
stick 900 (e.g. to blade 901) by use of the stick-attachment-means. As noted
above,
hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300) may comprise: the puck-receiver
and the
stick-attachment-means. The puck-receiver may be sized to removably hold at
least
one hockey puck 950 by the puck-receiver providing at least one wall to
partially en-
close at least one hockey puck 950. For example, the at least one wall may
partially
enclose at least one hockey puck 950 against hockey-stickhandling-tool (100,
200, or
300). The stick-attachment-means may be configured to removably attach to
hockey
stick 900. The puck-receiver and the stick-attachment-means may attached to
each
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
other such that use of the puck-receiver does not interfere Nvith the stick-
attachment-
means and use of the stick-attachment-means does not interfere with the puck-
receiver.
Step B: Place at least one hockey puck 950 within the puck-receiver such that
the
puck-receiver may removably hold at least one hockey puck 950.
Step C: The player then practices with hockey stick 900, wherein hockey stick
900
may be removably attached to the stick-attachment-means, and wherein the puck-
receiver may be removably holding the at least one hockey puck 950.
In some embodiments, the puck-receiver may be configured to removably hold
one,
two, three, four, five, or six hockey pucks 950. At least one hockey puck 950
may
comprise one, two, three, four, five, or six hockey pucks. The puck-receiver
may be
removably holding one, two, three, four, five, or six hockey pucks 950. In
some ex-
emplary methods of use embodiments, the puck-receiver may be removably holding
four hockey pucks 950, two to each side of blade 901.
A system for improving and/or increasing the player's hockey stickhandling
strength
and/or speed may comprise: hockey stick 900, at least one hockey puck 950, and
hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300). The player may practice,
exercise,
and/or train with hockey stick 900 which may be removably attached to hockey-
stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300), and wherein the puck-receiver may be
remova-
bly holding at least one hockey puck 950, as if hockey-stickhandling-tool
(100, 200,
or 300) was not removably attached to hockey stick 900.
In some embodiments, a system for improving (and/or increasing) the player's
hockey
stickhandling strength and/or speed may comprise: hockey stick 900, at least
one
hockey puck 950, and hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300). Hockey
stick
900 may blade 901, neck and handle 902. The neck may be disposed between blade
901 and handle 902, i.e. the neck may join blade 901 to handle 902.
26
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
As noted above, hockey-stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300) may comprise: the
puck-receiver and the stick-attachment-means. The puck-receiver may be sized
to
removably hold at least one hockey puck 950 by the puck-receiver providing at
least
one wall to partially enclose at least one hockey puck 950. For example, the
at least
one wall may partially enclose at least one hockey puck 950 against hockey-
stickhandling-tool (100, 200, or 300). The stick-attachment-means may be
config-
ured to removably attach to hockey stick 900. The puck-receiver and the stick-
attachment-means may be attached to each other such that use of the puck-
receiver
does not interfere with the stick-attachment-means and use of the stick-
attachment-
means does not interfere with the puck-receiver.
In such systems, when the player may consistently practices with hockey stick
900,
wherein hockey stick 900 may be removably attached to the stick-attachment-
means,
and wherein the puck-receiver may be removably holding at least one hockey
puck
950, the player may improve (and/or increase) hockey stickhandling strength
and/or
speed.
In SOMe embodiments, such systems the puck-receiver may be configured to
remova-
bly hold one, two, three, four, five, or six hockey pucks 950. At least one
hockey
puck may comprise one, two, three, four, five, or six hockey pucks 950. The
puck-
receiver may be removably holding- one, two, three, four, five, or six hockey
pucks
950. In some exemplary system embodiments, the puck-receiver may be removably
holding four hockey pucks 950, two to each side of blade 901.
In some embodiments, at least one hockey puck 950 may be an ice hockey puck
950
of the cylindrical geometry and/or the spherical hockey puck 950. In some
embodi-
ments, at least one hockey puck 950 may comprise the weighted hockey puck 950.
A hockey-stickhandling-tool, a method using such hockey-stickhandling-tools,
and
various systems have been described. The foregoing description of the various
exem-
plary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of
illustration
27
CA 02852532 2014-05-20
and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention
to the pre-
cise form disclosed.
It should thus be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more
modifications be-
sides those already described are possible without departing from the
inventive con-
cepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted
except in
the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the
specification and
the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner
consistent
with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should
be in-
terpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive
manner,
indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present,
or uti-
lized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not
expressly
referenced.
28
