Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02730687 2011-01-31
STRENGTH TRAINING DEVICES FOR SKATERS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/300,234, filed February 1, 2010, the contents of which are
hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to methods and devices for conditioning and
the development of strength, particularly for skaters, while maintaining
proper skating
mechanics.
BACKGROUND
Individuals desiring to play hockey must first attain a minimal level of
skating in order to participate in the sport. Players seeking to perform at
higher levels,
whether novice, intermediate or experienced, must continually practice and
develop their
skating skills. Such skating skills may comprise, starting, stopping, edge
work,
transitioning, etc. All of these skating skills are dependent upon the
development of
muscles, particularly leg muscles.
As hockey players rely on timing and speed, one particular skating skill
necessary to achieve higher levels of play is acceleration. Acceleration
development is
generally based upon two factors, skating skill and strength. While skills may
be
achieved through repetitious drills, strength must be achieved by breaking
down muscle
fibers through resistance training. Much of the resistant training, other than
general
skating, is performed through off-ice exercises, e.g. biking, running and the
use of certain
large, complicated and expensive off-ice skating devices. However, little has
been done
to develop on-ice strength training while maintaining the natural dynamic
movement of
the skater.
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One on-ice device used for the development of skating strength comprises
large resilient ropes, such as large bungee cords, fixed at one end and
coupled to the waist
of a skater at the other end. As the skater moves along the length of the ice,
resistance is
continually increased until the skater can no longer move. While this does
provide a
level of resistant training, often the natural stride of the skater,
particularly the stride of a
stick handling hockey player, is altered. Also, the distance of strength
training is limited
by the length of the resilient rope. Another on-ice training device comprises
small
parachutes configured for capturing air traveling about the skater to provide
resistance.
However, such parachutes are time consuming in attachment. More so, these
parachutes
often collapse during low speeds and in turns and thus provides little to no
resistance.
Other devices utilized for hockey skill development, includes weighted
objects that can be pushed along an ice surface, via a hockey stick. Such
devices have
included weighted pucks, tires and other heavy objects. However, these devices
have
several inherent problems. First, as the player reaches a maximum speed,
usually within
3 to 5 strides, the weighted object has little resistance to movement and
easily glides
along the ice surface. Second, once these weighted objects obtain maximum
speed, they
become difficult to control. Third, due to the large weight differences
between skaters,
e.g. around a 30 lb to 250 lb, different weighted or resistant devices must be
used.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved methods and
devices for developing skating strength, while maintaining the natural stride
of the skater,
particularly a hockey player.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides methods and devices for strength training
of skaters, particularly hockey players. In one aspect, the present invention
provides a
device configured for engagement with a hockey stick, or other control device,
for
providing resistance to a skater, via the hockey stick or controller, while
providing the
ability of the skater to maintain a natural skate stride. The device of the
present invention
may be used on various surfaces such as ice, plastic, concrete or otherwise.
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In one embodiment, the present invention provides a strength training
device for skaters. The device includes a hollow receptacle defining a first
chamber in
fluid communication with a first opening for placement and removal of fluid
within the
first chamber. The device further includes a friction surface disposed
proximate a bottom
member of the hollow receptacle. The device also includes an engagement
feature for
releasable engagement with a controller suitable for causing movement of the
device,
wherein during movement the friction surface generates a reactionary counter-
force.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a strength training
device for skaters. The device includes a hollow plastic receptacle having an
upper
member, a lower member and a plurality of side members extending between the
upper
and lower members. The hollow plastic receptacle defines a chamber in fluid
communication with an opening for placement and removal of fluid within the
chamber.
The device further includes a friction surface disposed on the bottom member
of the
receptacle. The friction surface includes a plurality of friction members
disposed apart
and extending along a width of the device. The friction surface further
includes a friction
coating formed of rubber and abrasive material. The device also includes an
engagement
feature configured for engagement with a blade of a hockey stick. The
engagement
feature includes an opening extending between a front portion and rear portion
of the
device.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a
strength training device for skaters. The device includes a triangular hollow
plastic
receptacle having an upper member, a lower member and a plurality of side
members
extending between the upper and lower members. The hollow plastic receptacle
defines a
chamber in fluid communication with an opening for placement and removal of
fluid
within the chamber. The device further includes a friction surface integrally
formed on
the bottom member of the receptacle. The friction surface includes a plurality
of friction
members disposed apart and extending along a width of the device. The friction
surface
further includes a friction coating formed of rubber and abrasive material.
The device
further includes an engagement feature configured for engagement with a blade
of a
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hockey stick. The engagement feature comprises an opening extending between a
front
portion and rear portion of the device. The device further includes an
alignment guide for
stacking and maintaining the position of another strength training device on
the upper
member. The alignment guide comprises one or more projections and one or more
recesses formed on the upper member. The device also includes a handle
integrally
formed with the hollow plastic receptacle and recessed with respect to one of
the plurality
of side members.
The above-described and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from
the
following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects, features, advantages and details of the present invention
appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of
preferred
embodiments of the invention, the detailed description referring to the
drawings in which:
Fig. 1 a illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary training device
of the present invention;
Fig. lb illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplary training
device of the present invention;
Fig. 2a illustrates a bottom perspective view of the training device shown
in Fig. 1 a;
Fig. 2b illustrates a bottom perspective view of the training device shown
in Fig. 1 b;
Fig. 3a illustrates a top view of the training device shown in Fig. la;
Fig. 3b illustrates a top view of the training device shown in Fig. lb;
Fig. 4a illustrates a bottom view of the training device shown in Fig. 1 a;
Fig. 4b illustrates a bottom view of the training device shown in Fig. Ib;
Fig. 5a illustrates a rear view of the training device shown in Fig. 1a;
Fig. 5b illustrates a rear view of the training device shown in Fig. lb;
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Fig. 6a illustrates a side view of the training device shown in Fig. 1 a;
Fig. 6b illustrates a side view of the training device shown in Fig. lb;
Fig. 7a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the training device shown in
Fig. 3a;
Fig. 7b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the training device shown in
Fig. 3b;
Fig. 8a illustrates another cross-sectional view of the training device
shown in Fig. 3a;
Fig. 8b illustrates another cross-sectional view of the training device
shown in Fig. 3b;
Fig. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a training device of the
present invention with a removable friction member;
Fig. 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a training device of the
present invention with another removable friction member;
Figs. 11 through 14 illustrate exemplary embodiments of friction members
of the present invention;
Figs. 15 through 22a illustrate exemplary embodiments of friction
members and friction member patterns of the present invention;
Fig. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a training device of the present
invention showing an engagement feature;
Fig. 24 illustrates an alternate engagement feature of the training device
shown in Fig. 23;
Fig. 25 illustrates another alternate engagement feature of the training
device shown in Fig. 23;
Figs. 26 through 28 illustrate exemplary methods of use of an exemplary
training device of the present invention;
Fig. 29 illustrates an exploded perspective of multiple exemplary training
devices of the present invention; and
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Fig. 30 illustrates an exemplary stacking configuration of a training device
of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In general, the present invention relates to methods and devices for the
development of strength and speed of the skater, particularly for hockey
players, while
maintaining a natural skate stride. The features of the present invention are
predicated
upon a device configured to provide resistance to a skater through a friction
surface
formed on the device, which is controllable and can be adjusted to allow all
ages of
skaters to utilize the device. In one configuration, the device is configured
to engage a
hockey stick of a skater to control the device during skating. While engaged
with the
device, the skater develops strength and speed throughout many portions of
their body,
with little to no change in their natural skate stride.
Referring to Figs. 1 a through 10, several embodiments of training devices
10, 10', 10" of the present invention are shown. While three distinct
exemplary
embodiments are shown and described, it should be noted that the features of
any one
embodiment may be incorporated in any other embodiment or may replace a
similar
feature. Accordingly, the features of these embodiments are not limited to the
specific
embodiment shown but may be incorporated or combined with other features of
other
exemplary embodiments to create yet further embodiments.
Referring again to the three exemplary embodiments shown in Figs. 1 a
through 10, the training devices 10, 10', 10" include a top member 14, 14',
14" a bottom
member 16, 16', 16" and a plurality of side members 18, 18', 18" joining the
top and
bottom members 14, 14', 14" and 16, 16', 16", respectively. The training
devices 10, 10',
10" further include one or more guide engagement features 12, 12', 12" for
causing and/or
controlling movement of the training device 10, 10', 10" along a surface, such
as ice,
plastic, concrete or otherwise. In one exemplary embodiment, the guide
engagement
feature 12, 12', 12" is configured for engagement with a controller, such as a
hockey stick
20 or otherwise. The training devices 10, 10', 10" form a hollow receptacle
22, 22', 22"
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configured for receiving and storing a weighted object, such as fluid 24. The
training
devices 10, 10', 10" further include a friction surface 26, 26', 26" formed
with or disposed
on the bottom member 16, 16', 16" of the training device 10. In use, referring
to Figs. 26
through 28, the combination of fluid weight and the friction surface 26 causes
the training
device 10, 10', 10" to resist movement. Accordingly, when a skater 25 engages
the
training device 10, 10', 10" with a hockey stick 20, or other controller 83,
the training
device generates reactionary counter-force causing the player to develop
various muscle
groups within the body including, but not limited to, legs, arms, body core
(e.g. back,
stomach, etc.) or otherwise.
The hollow receptacle 22, 22', 22" forms one or more chambers 28, 28' for
receiving one or more weighted objects within the device 10, 10', 10". In one
configuration, the weighted object comprises a fluid 24, such a water or
otherwise.
Accordingly, as most skating arenas have an accessible water supply, it is
possible to add
weight to the training device 10, 10', 10" at the particular arena it is being
used at. It
should be appreciated that other fluids or fluid like materials may be used
including sand,
rocks, dirt or otherwise. Further, it is possible that the device may be used
without any
fluid, but instead be used with no additional weight or is used with other
solid weights,
such as pucks, lifting weights or otherwise. In any regard, each chamber 28,
28' is
configured to allow a particular volume of fluid or other weighted object to
be placed into
the chamber such that each chamber filled adds a specific amount of weight,
based upon
the density of the fluid or otherwise. In one configuration, referring to
Figs. 1 a through
8a, water is used to fill the chambers 28, wherein, each chamber, when filled,
adds 25 lb
of weight to the training device. In another configuration, referring to Figs.
1 b through
8b and 9 and 10, water is used to fill a single chamber 28', wherein, when
filled, 50 lb of
weight is added to the training device 10', 10". It should be appreciated that
the devices
10, 10', 10" can be used without any additional weight. In this use, it is
contemplated that
the sole weight comprises the device itself, which in one exemplary embodiment
comprises 8 lb. It is contemplated that other weight configurations are
possible.
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In one particular exemplary embodiment, referring to the exemplary
embodiment shown in Figs. 1 a through 8a, a plurality of chambers 28 are
provided for
incrementally adding weight to the training device 10. The plurality of
chambers 28 are
separated to prevent fluid flow between the chambers, which may be used to
limit lateral
or rotational forces during use. The separation of chambers 28 also provide
incremental
weight increase of the training device 10. In the particular configuration
shown, the
training device 10 includes a first chamber 30 and a second chamber 32
separated by a
barrier wall 34. The first chamber 30 is in fluid communication with a first
opening 36
and the second chamber 32 is in fluid communication with a second opening 38
for
receiving the fluid into the first and second chambers 30, 32, respectively. A
first cap 40
and a second cap 42 are configured for closing the first and second openings
36, 38 for
preventing fluid from leaving the first and second chambers 30, 32,
respectively. The
first and second caps 40, 42 are configured for threaded engagement with the
device but
may alternatively engage through snap-fittings or through other means to
positively
engage the device and to form a seal about the first and second openings 36,
38.
As shown, the first and second chambers 30, 32 are vertically aligned and
are configured to position the center of gravity of the fluid, within each of
the chambers
30, 32, generally over a center of gravity of the device 10. As such, whether
the first
chamber 30 is filled with fluid, the second chamber 32 is filled with fluid or
both, the
device 10 will remain generally balanced about a center of gravity of the
device 10. It
should be appreciated that the hollow receptacle 16 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6 or more
chambers. Other configurations are possible.
In another exemplary embodiment, referring to Figs. lb through 8b, a
training device 10' is provided including a single chamber 28'. The chamber
28' is in
communication with an opening 36' for receiving fluid or other weighted
objects within
the device. A cap, which can comprise the caps 40, 42 shown in Figs. 1 a
through 8a, is
provided for closing the opening 36' for preventing fluid from leaving the
chamber 28'.
The cap engages the device 10' through a threaded engagement, or other
suitable
engagement, for forming a seal about the opening 36'. In this configuration,
the opening
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36' and cap are recessed to prevent damage thereto during use of the device
10'. The
chamber 28' is generally vertically aligned with the device 10' to position a
center of
gravity of the fluid within the chamber with a center of gravity of the device
10' to
maintain balance of the device during use.
The friction surfaces 26, 26', 26" are configured for increasing drag or
friction coefficient of the training device 10, 10', 10". In one
configuration, referring to
Figs. I a through 9, the friction surface 26, 26' is particularly configured
for increasing
drag along an ice surface. In another configuration, referring to Fig. 10, the
friction
surface 26" is particularly configured for increasing drag along a cement,
concrete or
other similar type surface. The friction surface 26 can be integrally formed
with the
hollow receptacle and/or device 10, 10', 10", as shown in Fig. 1 a through 8b,
or may
comprise a separate component attached thereto, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10.
Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, the friction surface 26 is formed on a
removable friction plate 27, 27' and is removeably attached to the hollow
receptacle 22",
through fasteners or otherwise, such that the friction surface can be replaced
as it
becomes worn, damaged or as the device is used on different surfaces, such as
ice,
concrete or otherwise. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the friction
surface is
attached to the bottom member 16" of the device 10". However, the device 10"
may be
configured to attach the friction plate 27, 27' to a top, bottom or both
members of the
device 10". Accordingly, the top and/or bottom members 14", 16" may include
attachment features, such as threaded openings, configured for engagement with
corresponding attachment features, such as threaded screws. This allows the
device 10"
to have multiple friction surfaces available, which may have different drag
capabilities, or
the ability to use the device on either side, for example, when the device 10"
is
particularly suited for left or right handed hockey sticks, such as shown in
Fig. 25.
In a first friction surface configuration, referring to Figs. 1 a through 8b,
9
and 11 through 22, the friction surface is particularly suited for on-ice use.
In these
configurations, the friction surface 26 includes a plurality of friction
members 44
extending from the device 10, 10', 10". The friction members 44 may be
disposed
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randomly or in a particular pattern to achieve a particular drag result. The
friction
members 44 may be arcuate, substantially linear or a combination thereof. The
friction
members may be further disposed generally parallel or perpendicular with
respect to one
another. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the friction members 26 comprise
molded members extending from the device but may be formed through machining,
such
as grinding, sanding, knurling combinations thereof or otherwise. It is
further
contemplated that the plurality of friction members 44 may be separately
formed and
attached to the device through mechanical fasteners, adhesives or otherwise.
In one
exemplary embodiment, the friction members are spaced apart to create voids 45
therebetween. Such voids may comprise channels, grooves, pockets or other
recessed
configurations. The voids 45 are configured to collect ice remnants, direct
ice remnants
toward or away from the friction surface or a combination thereof. However, in
one
particular exemplary embodiment, the voids 45 collect ice remnants, between
the friction
members, which act to increase drag of the training device 10, 10' along an
ice surface.
Referring to Fig. 11, a first cross-sectional configuration of a friction
member 44 is shown. In this configuration, the friction member 44 is square or
rectangular in shape and includes rounded or generally sharp corners 46
joining a friction
edge 48 to lateral support edges 50. It is contemplated that the corners 46
can be self
sharpening due to the movement of the friction edge 48 along a coarse surface,
such as
ice, concrete or otherwise. In another example, referring to Fig. 12, the
friction member
is triangular in shape and includes a rounded or sharp corner 46 joining
lateral support
edges 50. In this configuration, the contact surfaces area between the
training device 10
and a support surface is reduced to increase pressure along the corner to
increase drag. In
yet another configuration, referring to Fig. 13, the friction member 44
includes a concave
portion 52 formed by a self-sharpening corner 46 connecting two arcuate
lateral support
edges 50. During movement across an ice surface, ice remnants are accumulated
and
optionally directed by the concave portion 52. In another configuration,
referring to Fig.
14, the friction member 44 includes a semi-circular portion 54 providing both
support and
contact with a support surface. Other configurations are possible such as
skate blade
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edge profiles or otherwise. It should be appreciated that the material forming
the friction
members may be formed of a material configured for sharpening, such as metal,
plastic or
otherwise, or configured of a material that maintains sharpness such as
carbide or other
hardened material.
In several exemplary embodiments, referring to Figs. 4a, 4b, 9 and 15
through 22, the friction surface comprises a plurality of friction members 44
extending
across the bottom member 16, 16' of the device 10, 10'. In one particular
exemplary
embodiment, the pattern is symmetrical about the training device, such as
about a
direction axis `A' of the training device 10. It is also contemplated that the
pattern is
configured to optimize drag of the training device by collecting and/or
directing ice
remnants. As an example, with particular reference to Figs. 15 and 16, it is
contemplated
that a first friction member, or set of friction members, are disposed at an
angle'a' with
respect to a second friction member, or set of friction members. Such angles
'a' include
between about 30 to 180 . In one exemplary embodiment, the angle 'a' is about
90 . It
is further contemplated that the friction members 44 are at an angle '(3' with
respect to the
movement axis `A' of the training device 10. The angle 'P' between the
direction of the
training device, during use, and the friction members may be between about 0
to 180 .
In one configuration, the angle '(3' is about 45 . Other configurations are
possible.
In greater detail, with respect to particular patterns, in a first
configuration,
referring to Figs. 4a and 4b, a generally uniform pattern of friction members
44 is
arranged. The pattern of friction members 44 is symmetric about a direction
axis `A' of
the training device. In this configuration, the friction members are arcuate
to collect ice
remnants between the friction members 44 thereby increasing drag of the
training device.
In another configuration, referring to Fig. 15, another generally uniform
pattern of
friction members is provided. The pattern of friction members is symmetric
about a
direction axis `A' of the training device. In this configuration, the friction
members are
at an angle '(3' with respect to the directional axis, which is opposite the
directional
movement of the training device 10. In this configuration, ice remnants
collected
between the frictions members 44 are gradually moved away from the directional
axis
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`A'. In a similar configuration, referring to Fig. 16, ice remnants collected
between the
friction members 44 are gradually moved towards the direction axis `A'. In
another
configuration, referring to Fig. 17, another symmetric pattern of friction
members is
provided. In this configuration, ice remnants are collected at a front portion
of the
training device and gradually directed away from the direction axis `A'. In
still another
configuration, referring to Figs. 18 and 18a, another symmetric pattern of
friction
members 44 is provided. In this configuration, a crisscross pattern is formed
generating
equal resistance in any direction of the training device 10, which is useful
while the
skater is turning. In another configuration, referring to Figs. 19 and 19b, a
pattern of
segmented friction members 44 is provided. The segmented friction members 44
are
arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein gaps 56 formed between the friction
members 44.
In one exemplary embodiment, friction members 44 are disposed on one or both
sides of
the gap, albeit in different rows, to provide a gradual cycling of ice
remnants through the
training device. In another configuration, referring to Figs. 20 and 20a, a
random pattern
of friction members 44 are formed of arcuate segments 58 and linear segments
60. In this
configuration, the random pattern provides generally equal resistance in any
movement
direction of the training device. In two additional embodiments, referring to
Figs. 21, 21a
and 22, 22a, patterns of friction members 44 are formed of geometric segments
62. In
these embodiments, the patterns provide generally equal resistance in any
movement
direction of the training device 10. It should be appreciated that the
friction members
shown through the drawings may include any of the cross-section configurations
shown
or described with respect to Figs. 11 through 14 or otherwise.
In one exemplary embodiment, the friction surface 28 includes a coating
for increasing the friction coefficient of the device 10, 10', 10", improving
durability of
the friction surface, or both. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the
coating is
configured for scraping or grinding along a surface of the ice to provide
increased drag.
Advantageously, the scraping and grinding along an ice surface results in the
formation
of ice remnants which enter the voids between the friction members 44 causing
further
drag. The coating may be applied to any portion of the device 10, 10, 10" and
in
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particular the top member 14, 14' and bottom member 16, 16'. Further, it may
be applied
to a separate component, such as shown in Fig. 9, and subsequently attached to
the
device. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the coating is applied over
the friction
members 44.
The coating may comprise any suitable coating for increasing friction
along an ice surface, particularly an ice surface that has been recently
resurfaced, such as
done through a Zamboni or other similar device. In one exemplary embodiment,
the
coating includes an additive for increasing friction. One non-limiting example
of a
suitable coating comprises a mixture of rubber and friction additive. In one
particular
exemplary embodiment, the friction coating is formed by a mixture of Plasti
Dip
Rubber, sold by Plasti Dip International, of Blaine, Minnesota, which can be
found at
http://www.plastidip.com/industrial.php and SharkGrip friction additive, sold
by
H&C and Sherwin-Williams , of Cleveland, Ohio, which can be found at
http://www.sherwin-williams.com/pro/products/hc sharkgrip/, the both of which
are
hereby incorporated by reference. Other friction coatings are possible.
In one exemplary embodiment, the friction coating is applied to the
bottom member 16, 16' 16" of the device 10, 10', 10". Application of the
friction coating
may be performed in any suitable manner, such as dipping, brushing, spraying
or
otherwise. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the friction coating is
sprayed onto
the device 10, 10', 10". The device having the friction coating is placed in
an oven and
heated to a temperature of approximately 150 to 180 for several minutes to
dry the
fiction coating. It should be appreciated that multiple coats of friction
material may be
applied to the device 10, 10', 10". To this end, it is contemplated that 2 or
more friction
coats may be applied to the device to achieve a desired thickness. For
example, it is
contemplated that the thickness of the friction coat is approximately 3 mils.
Other
thicknesses are possible.
In a second figuration, the friction surface is configured for off-ice use,
such as on concrete, cement, asphalt or other similar type surface. The device
10, 10',
10" can include one or more of the designs shown in Figs. 1 a through 9
including the
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friction surface 26, friction members 44, friction member patterns, coatings
or otherwise
as described herein. In one exemplary embodiment, referring to Fig. 10, the
device
includes a friction surface 26" comprising a plurality of wires extending from
the bottom
member 16" of the device 10". The wires extend over a substantial majority of
the
friction surface 26" and may be arranged in any of the friction member
patterns described
herein. In one particular exemplary embodiment, still referring to Fig. 10,
the wires are
disposed on a removable friction plate 27' that is removable from the bottom
member
16". The friction plate 27' can be attached to the device 10 using any of the
components
and means described with reference to the removable friction plate 27
described with Fig.
9. Advantageously, this allows the device 10" to be use both on-ice and off-
ice by
changing the removable friction plate 27, 27'.
As previously indicated, the training device 10 further includes one or
more engagement features 12 for engagement with a controller, such as hockey
stick 20
or otherwise. In one exemplary embodiment, referring to Figs. 5a, 5b, 7a, 7b,
8a and 8b,
the engagement feature 12 includes an opening 64 configured for receiving a
blade 66 of
a hockey stick 20. The opening 64 include a width `W' and a height 'H' and
extends from
a rear portion 70 to a front portion 68 of the training device. The depth 'D'
of the opening
64 extends to a back wall 72, which is particularly shaped to engage a toe of
the hockey
blade.
It should be appreciated that the opening 64 is configured for receiving the
blade 66 of a hockey stick, regardless to whether the bottom member 16 is
disposed
proximate a support ice surface or the training device 10 is inverted and the
top member
14 is disposed proximate the support ice surface. For example, referring to
Figs. 5a, 7a,
8a and 23, an opening 64 is formed that is suitable in size and shape for
receiving a right-
handed hockey stick or a left-handed hockey stick. The opening is defined by a
plurality
of side walls 74 extending between the rear portion 70 of the training device
and back
wall 72. In one embodiment, the training device 10 further includes a locking
feature 76
for maintaining engagement between the controller, e.g. hockey stick 20 or
otherwise,
and the training device. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 8a, a
locking
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feature is shown in phantom which includes a locking tab 78 extending from an
upper
side wall 74. The locking tab 78 includes a shape generally corresponding to
an average
lie of a hockey stick such that once the hockey stick is engaged with the
engagement
feature 12 and brought to a playing or skating position, the locking tab 78
engages a toe
80 of the hockey blade 66 to prevent it from disengagement with the engagement
feature
12.
In several other configurations, referring to Figs. 24 and 25, the opening is
shaped to provide improved and/or locking engagement with the blade 66 of the
hockey
stick 20. In the configuration shown in Fig. 24, the side walls 74 are non-
parallel
forming an opening 64 having a narrowing width `W' towards the front portion
68 of the
device 10 for causing engagement of two sides of the hockey blade 66 with side
walls 74.
It should be appreciated that this configuration provides two side engagements
of the
hockey blade with both left-handed and right-handed hockey sticks. In the
configuration
shown in Fig. 25, the side walls 74 are arcuate to have a shape generally
corresponding to
a right or left handed hockey stick. Advantageously, with a training device
having multiple friction surfaces 26, such as friction surfaces formed on or
disposed
proximate the top and bottom members of the training device, the training
device can be
inverted so as to engage a hockey stick having an opposite blade curve. It
should be
appreciated that the locking device 76 shown in Fig. 8a may also be
incorporated into the
configurations of Figs. 24 and 25 to provide further engagement between the
hockey stick
20 and the device 10.
It is further contemplated that the device may include a controller, in lieu
of a hockey stick 20, that is permanently or releasably attached to the
training device 10
for controlling movement. In this configuration, the controller is rigidly or
pivotally
attached to the hollow receptacle 22 at a first end and includes a handle
resembling a
griping portion of a hockey stick at a second end. Other similar
configurations are
possible.
In yet another configuration, referring to Figs. 26 and 27, the training
device 10 is configured for pulling along an ice surface. In this
configuration, the
CA 02730687 2011-01-31
training device 10 includes an additional or alternate engagement feature 81
for
engagement of the training device 10 with a skater 25. In one exemplary
embodiment,
the engagement feature 81 includes loops 84 forming eyelets for receiving
rope, straps,
the like or otherwise, that is attached to the training device 10 on a first
end and to the
skater 25 at a second end.
It is further contemplated that multiple training devices 10 may be stacked
to provide additional weight and drag. For example, referring to Figs. 29 and
30, the top
member 14 includes an alignment guide 91 including one or more projections 92
and one
or more recesses 94 formed on the top member 14 of the training device for
engagement
with one or more other projections 92 and recesses 94 formed on a top member
14 of
another training device 10. In one configuration, the projections and recess
92, 94 are
approximately 1 inch in height and 1 inch in diameter. This configuration
maintains
alignment and connection of multiple training devices 10 during use thereof.
In one exemplary embodiment, the training device 10 includes additional
features for carrying the device between ice rinks or otherwise.
Advantageously, the
fluid weight placed within the hollow receptacle 22 can be removed prior to
this
movement. In one exemplary embodiment, referring to Figs. 1 a and 2a, the
training
device 10 includes a carrying handle 82 configured for hand carrying the
device. In
another embodiment, the loops 84 forming eyelets 85 of the training device 10
may be
used for receiving rope 88, straps, or the like for carrying the training
device over the
shoulder. In another exemplary embodiment, referring to Figs. 1 b and 2b, the
training
device 10' includes a carrying handle 82' that is recessed. Advantageously,
this protects
the handle 82' from damage during use of the device 10'. Other configurations
are
possible.
The training device 10 is formed of material suitable in strength for use as
a hockey training device, in particular for cold use. It is contemplated that
the device is
suitable in strength to endure static forces applied by a controller, such as
a hockey stick
or otherwise, dynamic forces such as blunt forces encountered during impacts
with ice
rink boards, another device, skate, goal post or otherwise, and friction force
encountered
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CA 02730687 2011-01-31
by sliding along a support surface, such as an ice surface 90. It is also
contemplated the
material forming the device is relatively light so that the device is easily
carried about.
Accordingly, it is contemplated that the device may be formed of metal,
plastic, rubber,
ceramic, combinations thereof or otherwise. Further, it is contemplated that
the training
device 10 may be formed of multiple material having different strength,
friction
coefficients or otherwise.
In one exemplary embodiment, the material forming the training device
comprises plastic. The plastic comprises a high-strength plastic such as
linear low
density polyethylene (LLDPE), though other plastics are available. The plastic
materials
may include a filler, such as fibers or otherwise, for improving the strength
and
performance of the device.
The training device 10, 10', 10" of the present invention can be used in
different ways for developing strength of a skater. In a first and second
method of use,
referring to Figs. 26 and 27, respectively, the training device 10, 10', 10"
is pulled along a
surface of the ice, while attached to a skater 25 via a belt 89, rope 88,
controller 83, or
otherwise. In these configurations, the device is dragged while the skater is
moving
forward, e.g. Fig. 26, or backwards, e.g. Fig. 27. As the skater traverses
across the ice
surface 90, the friction surface 26 engages the ice surface 90 causing drag
and resistance
to the skater 25, via the rope 88 and/or controller 83. As the weight of the
training device
10 increases, through placement of fluid or otherwise within or on the
chamber(s), the
drag caused by friction surface 26 increases. Further, due to the
configuration of the
pattern of friction members 44 on the friction surface 26, the training device
maintains
general alignment with the skater during movement.
In a third method of use, referring to Fig. 28, the training device 10 is
engaged with a hockey blade 66 of a hockey stick 20. As a skater 25 traverse
across the
ice surface 90, the friction members engages the ice surface 90 causing drag
and
resistance to the skater, via the hockey stick 20. As the weight of the
training device 10
is increased, through placement of fluid or otherwise within or on the
chamber(s), the
drag caused by friction surface 26 increases. Further, due to the
configuration of the
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CA 02730687 2011-01-31
pattern of friction members 44 on the friction surface 26, the training device
maintains
general alignment with the skater during movement.
In a fourth method of use, referring to Figs. 26 and 28, it is contemplated
that a skater 25 utilizes two training device 10, one being dragged as shown
in Fig. 26
and one being pushed as shown in Fig. 28, for providing further skating
resistance. It
should be appreciated that yet additional weight may be added by stacking
training
devices as shown in Figs. 29 and 30. Further it should be appreciated that the
weight of
each training device 10 may vary by filling the chamber(s) of the training
devices. While
substantial weight may be used during training, due the friction surface of
the training
devices 10, upon discontinued use the training devices quickly slows and
stops, unlike
other on-ice training devices.
While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred
embodiment it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various
changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing
from the
scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from
the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not
be limited to
the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying
out this
invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of
the appended claims.
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