U.S. patent application number 10/766692 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for weighted training tape.
Invention is credited to Bayer, Michael, Bjugstad, Barry S..
Application Number | 20040259666 10/766692 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32772055 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040259666 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bjugstad, Barry S. ; et
al. |
December 23, 2004 |
Weighted training tape
Abstract
A weighted training device specifically adapted for use with
hockey equipment. The training device includes a hand-malleable,
weighted tape portion and a securement portion. The weighted tape
portion is hand conformable to the shape and cross-section of
hockey equipment, such as skates and sticks, while the securement
portion wraps tightly about the equipment to firmly retain the
position of the training device. The device has a substantially
flat orientation so as to be unobtrusive and not interfere with
game play during use. By varying the dimensional or material
characteristics of the weighted tape portion, the overall weight of
the training device can be modified so as to promote use by
individuals ranging from small children all the way to adults.
Application of the weighted training device requires no tools and
only a minimum level of physical strength and dexterity to use.
Inventors: |
Bjugstad, Barry S.; (Lake
Elmo, MN) ; Bayer, Michael; (Blaine, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON, THUENTE, SKAAR & CHRISTENSEN, P.A.
4800 IDS CENTER
80 SOUTH 8TH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Family ID: |
32772055 |
Appl. No.: |
10/766692 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60443085 |
Jan 28, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/437 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/12 20130101;
A63B 21/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/437 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A hockey training apparatus comprising: a weighted tape portion
having a malleable core member enclosed within a protective cover,
the weighed tape portion having a substantially flat configuration
wherein a tape width dimension is at least two times greater than a
tape thickness dimension, the core member being reusably
conformable about an external surface of a hockey device; and a
first securement strap fixedly attached to the weighted tape
portion for fixedly securing the weighted tape portion with respect
to the hockey device.
2. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the malleable
internal core member is comprised of lead.
3. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protective
cover comprises a polymeric coating.
4. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
securing buckle adapted to receive the first securement strap to
promote securement of the tape portion about the hockey device.
5. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1 comprising a second
securement strap, both the first securement strap and the second
securement strap being individually adapted to secure the tape
portion to the hockey device.
6. The hockey training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hockey
device is a hockey stick or an ice skate.
7. A method of using a weighted training tape with a piece of
hockey equipment comprising: placing a malleable, weighted training
tape in proximity to a hockey device; conforming the training tape
to an exterior geometry of the hockey device; and securing the
training tape to the hockey device using a first securement strap
fastened to the training tape, the first securement strap including
a securing means such that the securing strap retainably secures
the training tape to the hockey device.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the hockey device is a hockey
stick or an ice skate.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein securing the training tape
includes securing a second securement strap fastened to the
training tape, both the first securement strap and the second
securement strap having a securing means such that the first
securement strap and the second securement strap individually
secured the training tape to the hockey device.
10. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of: removing
the training tape from the hockey device by releasing the first
securement strap and reforming the training tape to a substantially
open position such that the training device is detached from the
hockey device.
11. An athletic training apparatus comprising: weighted wrapping
means, wherein said weighted wrapping means is hand malleable such
that it is conformable to an exterior geometry of an athletic
device; and securing means attached to the weighted wrapping means,
the securing means retaining the weighted wrapping means to the
athletic device when the weighted wrapping means has been conformed
to the athletic device.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/443,085, filed Jan. 28, 2003, entitled
"WEIGHTED TRAINING TAPE," which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
weight training devices for improving athletic skills. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a weighted training
tape capable of selectively imparting additional weight to an
athletic device by fixedly wrapping the tape around at least a
portion of the athletic device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The use of athletic training devices capable of imparting
additional weight to either a participant or their athletic
equipment during a training session are well known. Most typically,
these devices are used during practice sessions as the athletes
simulate the movements and activities they will employ during
competition. By practicing with additional weight, an athlete
develops strength, speed and endurance as their body works to
overcome the additional weight. In addition, practicing with these
devices creates an added sense of quickness and confidence in an
athlete when the weight is removed during a game situation.
[0004] These training devices are available in a wide variety of
configurations for a wide variety of activities. Examples include
baseball doughnuts for use in an on-deck circle, weighted vests
that slip over an athlete's torso, weighted pouches that include
straps for fastening around one's arms or legs, or replicas of
sports equipment that are designed to have the dimensions of
official equipment but having an increased mass.
[0005] Due to its unique rules and playing environment, a number of
unique training devices have been developed for the sport of
hockey. More specifically, much effort has been focused on training
devices for use in conjunction with a hockey stick. As the stick is
essential for passing, shooting, puck handling and defensive
purposes, weight training that promotes an athlete's use of their
stick will lead to significant improvement in their overall game.
One form of hockey stick training device includes weighted blade
attachments as represented by U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,146 to Loschiavo
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,386 to Sasko. Other stick training devices
include weighted shaft clamps such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,560 to
Gemmel and U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,666 to Manory. While such devices
can perform adequately, developments in stick design have led to
blades and shafts having a wide variety of sizes and shapes that
may prevent these devices from being easily transferable between
different sticks. In addition, these designs completely ignore
another critical item of hockey equipment, the skates.
[0006] Another style of training device that has been suggested for
use in conjunction with a hockey stick is a cylindrical, elongated
weight as represented by U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,325 to Heyer. While
this design is flexible enough to be used with a variety of stick
designs, the added bulk associated with a cylindrical cross-section
causes the device to severely protrude from the stick shaft leading
to increased drag and making it bulky enough as to be ineffective
for use during drills or scrimmages involving opposing players.
[0007] Another version of training device that has been suggested
for use in conjunction with a hockey stick is an apparatus
comprising a flexible body sheet having a plurality of weighted
pockets, a friction pad and fastening means as disclosed by
Canadian Patent 2,258,706 to Paul. While this provides a flexible
design that can generally conform to a variety of stick designs,
the added costs associated with constructing the individual
weighted pockets as well as the conformance limitations necessarily
introduced by having a finite number of pockets makes it less than
an ideal solution.
[0008] In addition to the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior
art, all of these designs fail to take into account additional
uses, for example, use in conjunction with an athlete's skates.
[0009] What is needed is a training device that is flexible enough
to be used with differing athletic designs from multiple
manufacturers, can be reliably secured when in use, and is
unobtrusive such that the training device does not interfere with
the training regimen.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The training device of the present invention meets the
requirements of versatility and unobtrusiveness. Through the use of
a weighted tape design, a player can apply the weighted tape in a
variety of locations during practice or training drills.
Application of the weighted tape requires no tools and only a
minimum level of physical strength and dexterity. Through the
combination of a malleable/moldable tape and a securing strap, the
weighted tape of the present invention can be used during vigorous
workouts without the risk that the weighted tape will come
unattached or change positions during use.
[0011] In a first embodiment, an athlete can use the weighted
training tape in conjunction with an ice skate. The
malleable/moldable tape can be wrapped tightly around the skate
boot while the securing strap securably retains the tape in
position.
[0012] In an alternative embodiment, an athlete can apply the
weighted tape to the shaft of a sporting device, such as a hockey
stick. By practicing with the increased weight on the stick, the
player can build strength and endurance in their wrists, arms and
shoulders. The malleable/moldable tape can be wrapped tightly
around the hockey stick shaft while the securing strap securably
retains the tape in position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a weighted
training tape.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the weighted training tape of FIG.
1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a section view of the weighted training tape taken
along line A-A in FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the weighted tape of FIG. 1
positioned for attachment to an ice skate.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of the weighted training tape of FIG.
1 positioned for attachment to an ice skate.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the weighted training tape
of FIG. 1 wrapped about the ice skate.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the weighted training tape
of FIG. 1 secured about the ice skate.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a weighted
training tape.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a side view of the weighted training tape of FIG.
8.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the weighted training tape
of FIG. 8 being secured about a hockey stick.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a side view of the hockey stick including the
weighted training tape of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a
weighted training tape 100 of the present invention comprises a
tape portion 102, a strap portion 104 and a buckle portion 106.
Tape portion 102 has a generally flat and elongated shape defined
by a first end 102 and a second end 104. Tape portion 102 is
further defined by a first end 108, a second end 110, a top surface
112, a bottom surface 114 and a pair of side surfaces 116a, 116b.
Tape portion 102 has a tape length 117 defined by the first end 108
and second end 110. Tape length 117 is preferably within the range
of 2.0 inches to 20.0 inches. Strap portion 104 is attached to the
tape portion 102 proximate the first end 108 using a first fastener
118 while the buckle portion 106 is attached to the tape portion
102 proximate the second end 110 with a second fastener 120. First
fastener 118 and second fastener 120 can comprise any suitable
fastener, for example, a rivet.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, tape portion 102 has a generally
rectangular cross-section 122 with rounded corners 124 at the
transition between the top surface 112, bottom surface 114 and side
surfaces 116a, 116b. Tape portion 102 comprises a malleable core
member 126 surrounded by a cover member 128. Malleable core member
126 is similarly shaped to the tape portion 102. Malleable core
member 126 preferably comprises a dense, hand-malleable, impact
resistant material. In the preferred embodiment, core member 126 is
made of lead. However, any material having a relatively high
density while remaining hand-malleable under ambient temperatures
could be used in place of lead. Cover member 128 functions as a
protective coating surrounding core member 126. Typically, cover
member 128 consists of a rubberized or plasticized coating. In a
preferred embodiment, the rubberized or plasticized coating 128 is
selected to promote an adherence or gripping quality to the
exterior of the cover member 128. This adherence or gripping
quality could include a quality of stickiness or other
characteristic for increasing friction and adherence. In addition,
cover member 128 is anticipated to be available in a plurality of
different colors so as to allow users to select a favorite color or
one that corresponds with their team colors.
[0026] Cover member 128 also serves a cushioning function to allow
safe use of weighted training tape 100. Most typically, cover
member 128 is applied over core member 126 by dipping core member
126 into a liquefied bath of the coating material. The core member
126 is removed from the bath and allowed to cool whereby cover
member 128 permanently resides over core member 126. Cover member
128 is preferably applied so as to have a generally uniform
thickness about the core member 126.
[0027] The combination of the core member 126 and the cover member
128 cooperatively define a tape width 130 and a tape thickness 132.
Generally, it is advantageous to maintain tape thickness 132 as low
as possible. In a preferred embodiment, thickness 132 is
approximately 0.067 inches. However, thickness 114 could range from
0.067 inches to a maximum of 0.5 inches. Most preferably, tape
width 130 is approximately 1.0-2.0 inches. However, it is
envisioned that tape width 130 could range from 0.5 inches to 4.0
inches. Preferably, a ratio of tape width 130 to tape thickness 132
of at least 2:1 should be maintained.
[0028] Strap portion 104 comprises a length of strap material 134
defined by an insertion end 136, an attachment end 138, an exterior
surface 140 and a fastening surface 142. As depicted, fastening
surface 142 includes a securing means 144. In a preferred
embodiment, securing means 144 can comprise hook and loop tape,
i.e. Velcro.RTM., or suitable alternatives such as snaps, buttons,
suitable latches or ties.
[0029] Buckle portion 106 comprises an attachment strap 146 and a
buckle 148. Buckle 148 includes a buckle opening 150 for attaching
to the attachment strap 146.
[0030] Generally, the weighted training tape 100 is constructed to
have an overall weight of between 2-16 ounces. This weight range
allows the weighted training tape 100 to be used successfully with
all ages of players ranging from children at the beginners level to
adults at more competitive, advanced levels. Typically, the overall
weight of the weighted training tape 100 is varied by altering the
dimensional characteristics of the tape portion 102, i.e., varying
the tape length 117, the tape width 130 and the tape thickness 132.
The overall weight can also be varied by using alterative materials
of construction for the core member 126 such that the material
density is altered.
[0031] FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 depict weighted training tape 100 in use
with a skate 152. In a preferred embodiment, skate 152 is a hockey
skate although the present invention is equally applicable for use
with figure skates, in-line skates or roller skates. As depicted,
skate 152 comprises a boot portion 154 and a blade portion 156.
Boot portion 154 includes an ankle region 158 to provide ankle
support during skating. Blade portion 156 comprises a blade holder
160 and a blade 162. Blade holder 160 is coupled to the bottom of
the boot portion 154 such that an opening 164 is defined. To use
weighted training tape 100, the user directs places the weighted
training tape 100 through the opening 164 as shown in FIG. 4 such
that the tape portion 102 is approximately centered on the boot
portion 154 with the bottom surface 114 facing the boot portion
154. Next, the user directs the first end 108 and the second end
110 upwards so that the tape portion 102 is tightly formed about
the boot portion 154 as shown in FIG. 6. Depending on the tape
length 117, first end 108 and second end 110 may be overlapped and
crisscrossed. Next, the strap portion 104 is wrapped around the
back of the ankle region 158. Insertion end 136 is inserted through
buckle opening 150 such that the strap portion 104 can be pulled
tightly back around the ankle region 158. When strap portion 104
has been pulled tight, strap portion 104 is secured in place using
securing means 144 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. In the case of
securing means 144 comprising hook and loop tape, the hook and loop
tape on the fastening surface 142 is pressed together such that the
overlapped strap portion 104 is securely retained in position. Once
strap portion 104 is secured, a user can skate with weighted
training tape 100 without concern that the training tape 100 will
fall off or move during use. The player places first end 102 in
proximity to front extension 154 and wraps tape 100 around front
extension 154 while conforming tape 100 to the shape of the front
extension 154.
[0032] An alternative embodiment of a weighted training tape 200 is
depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. Weighted training tape 200 comprises a
tape portion 202, a first strap portion 204 and a second strap
portion 206. Tape portion 202 is substantially similar to and
resembles tape portion 102 including a generally flat and elongated
shape defined by a first end 208, a second end 210, a top surface
212, a bottom surface 214 and a pair of side surfaces 216a, 216b.
Tape portion 202 has a tape length 217 defined by the first end 208
and the second end 210, a tape thickness 219 defined by the top
surface 212 and bottom surface 214 and a tape width 221 defined by
the pair of side surfaces 216a, 216b. Both first strap portion 204
and second strap portion 206 are attached to the tape portion 202
with a fastener 220. Fastener 220 can comprise any suitable
fastener, for example a rivet. Tape portion 202 comprises the same
method and materials of construction as previously described and
depicted in FIG. 3 for tape portion 102.
[0033] First strap portion 204 and second strap portion 206 each
comprise a length of strap material 222. Strap material 222
includes a top securing means 224 and a bottom securing means 226.
Top securing means 224 and bottom securing means can comprise
Velcro.RTM., snaps, latches or other suitable and cooperative
fasteners. First strap portion 204 has a first strap length 228 and
second strap portion 206 has a second strap length 229. In a
preferred embodiment, first strap length 228 and second strap
length 229 are equal in length.
[0034] Generally, the weighted training tape 200 is constructed to
have an overall weight of between 2-8 ounces. This weight range
allows the weighted training tape 200 to be used successfully with
all ages of players ranging from children at the beginners level to
adults at more competitive, advanced levels. Typically, the overall
weight of the weighted training tape 200 is varied by altering the
dimensional characteristics of the tape portion 202, i.e., varying
the tape length 217, the tape width 221 and the tape thickness 219.
The overall weight can also be varied by using alterative materials
of construction for the core member 126 such that the material
density is altered.
[0035] FIGS. 10 and 11 depict weighted training tape 200 in actual
use with a hockey stick 230. Hockey stick 230 is comprised of a
shaft 232 and a blade 234. It is anticipated that stick 230 can be
comprised of wood, plastic composites, graphite, fiberglass,
aluminum or any combination of such materials. It is also
anticipated that shaft 232 can comprise a plurality of differing
cross-sections including rectangular, rectangular with rounded
edges, oval, or any other commonly used shape. Generally, shaft 232
and blade 234 are joined in a transition area 236. While the
preferred embodiment is depicted and described with respect to a
hockey stick, the present invention is equally applicable for use
with other athletic devices, for example, a golf club, a tennis
racket, a lacrosse stick or a baseball bat.
[0036] In general, a player wraps the weighted training tape 200
around the hockey stick 230 in proximity to the transition area 236
as this will reduce any effect on the kickpoint or flex of stick
230. First, the player places first end 208 in proximity to the
shaft 232 with the bottom surface 214 facing the shaft 232. The
user proceeds to wrap the weighted training tape 200 around the
shaft 232, as shown in FIG. 10, such that the tape portion 202
tightly conforms to the shape of the shaft 232. Preferably,
weighted training tape 200 is wrapped so that at no point is the
tape portion 202 overlapped. By preventing overlap of the tape
portion 202 and conforming the tape portion 202 to the shape of the
shaft 232, the overall tape/stick cross-section is minimized
reducing any potential interference with other players during play
or practice. The malleability of core member 126 and the gripping
qualities of cover member 128 allow weighted training tape 200 to
promote attachment without requiring any overlapping of the tape
portion 202.
[0037] Once tape portion 202 is securely wrapped about the shaft
232, the first strap portion 204 is tightly wrapped and overlapped
about the shaft 232 such that the top securing means 224 and the
bottom securing means 226 are engaged. Next, the second strap
portion 206 is tightly wrapped and overlapped about the shaft 232
such that the top securing means 224 and the bottom securing means
226 are engaged. When tightly wrapped and fastened, the first strap
portion 204 and the second strap portion 206, in conjunction with
the wrapped tape portion 202, retain and hold the weighted training
tape 200 in a fixed position relative to the shaft 232 such that
the weighted training tape 200 does not become dislodged or loose
leading to potential injury or limiting its training effectiveness.
It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that tape 200 can be
similarly wrapped at any other suitable location on the hockey
stick 230, for example on the blade 234. In addition, tape 200 can
be wrapped over the top of a layer of friction or non-skid tape to
further limit movement of tape 200 relative to the shaft 232 during
use.
[0038] While the aforementioned embodiments have been described
with reference to the sports of hockey and figure skating, it will
be obvious to one skilled in the art that the weighted tapes of the
present invention can be similarly applied in other sports
requiring unobtrusiveness and versatility of application. Examples
of suitable applications include tennis, golf, lacrosse, bandy,
field hockey and baseball. In addition, weighted training tapes of
the present invention can also be used with almost any skate
configuration so as to allow use with inline skates and roller
skates. These examples are for illustrative purposes only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *