U.S. patent application number 13/129919 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-29 for hockey stick apparatus for stick handling training and locking mechanism for same.
Invention is credited to Jean-Maurice Martin.
Application Number | 20110237364 13/129919 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40299608 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110237364 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martin; Jean-Maurice |
September 29, 2011 |
HOCKEY STICK APPARATUS FOR STICK HANDLING TRAINING AND LOCKING
MECHANISM FOR SAME
Abstract
According to one aspect, a hockey stick for training a person in
stick handling, including an elongate upper stick portion
configured to be gripped by a control hand of the person, an
elongate lower stick portion rigidly coupled to the upper stick
portion and configured to rotate therewith, and an elongate middle
stick portion positioned between and collinear with the upper stick
portion and the lower stick portion and configured to be gripped by
a directional hand of the person. The middle stick portion is
rotatably coupled to the elongate coupling member so that rotation
of the upper stick portion causes the lower stick portion and the
blade member to rotate without rotating the middle stick portion
gripped by the directional hand. The hockey stick may include at
least one locking mechanism coupled to the middle stick portion and
at least one of the upper and lower stick portions. Each locking
mechanism is movable between an unlocked position wherein the
middle stick portion is rotatable relative to the upper stick
portion and the lower stick portion, and a locked position wherein
the upper stick portion, the lower stick portion and the middle
stick portion are secured together so that rotation of the middle
stick portion with respect to the upper and lower stick portions is
inhibited.
Inventors: |
Martin; Jean-Maurice;
(Cambridge, CA) |
Family ID: |
40299608 |
Appl. No.: |
13/129919 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
November 18, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA09/01661 |
371 Date: |
May 18, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/560 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/10 20151001;
A63B 60/50 20151001; A63B 69/0026 20130101; A63B 59/70 20151001;
A63B 60/28 20151001; A63B 2102/24 20151001; A63B 69/0024 20130101;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 60/16 20151001; A63B 60/06 20151001;
A63B 60/14 20151001; A63B 60/08 20151001; A63B 60/32 20151001; A63B
2102/22 20151001; A63B 60/20 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/560 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/14 20060101
A63B059/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 18, 2008 |
US |
12/273489 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A hockey stick for training a person in stick handling,
comprising: a. an elongate upper stick portion configured to be
gripped by a control hand of the person; b. an elongate lower stick
portion rigidly coupled to the upper stick portion and configured
to rotate therewith; c. an elongate middle stick portion positioned
between and collinear with the upper stick portion and the lower
stick portion and configured to be gripped by a directional hand of
the person, the middle stick portion being rotatably coupled to the
upper stick portion and lower stick portion; and d. at least one
locking mechanism coupled to the middle stick portion and at least
one of the upper and lower stick portions, each locking mechanism
movable between: i. an unlocked position wherein the middle stick
portion is rotatable relative to the upper stick portion and the
lower stick portion; and ii. a locked position wherein the upper
stick portion, the lower stick portion and the middle stick portion
are secured together so that rotation of the middle stick portion
with respect to the upper and lower stick portions is
inhibited.
22. The hockey stick of claim 21, wherein the at least one locking
mechanism comprises: a. a first body portion coupled to one end of
the middle stick portion; and b. a second body portion coupled to
one of the upper stick portion and lower stick portion and
positioned adjacent the first body portion; c. one of the first and
second body portions having at least one locking member therein,
each locking member configured to be extended and retracted, and
the other of the first and second body portions having at least one
bore therein, the at least one bore configured to receive the at
least one locking member when in the extended position so as to
secure the first and second body portions together and inhibit
rotation of the middle stick portion.
23. The hockey stick of claim 22 wherein the at least one locking
member and at least one bore are offset from the rotational axis of
the middle stick portion.
24. The hockey stick of claim 22, wherein the first body portion
comprises the at least one locking member and the second body
portion comprises the at least one bore.
25. The hockey stick of claim 22, further comprising at least one
actuator coupled to the at least one locking member, each actuator
configured for moving the at least one locking member between the
extended and retracted positions.
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. The hockey stick of claim 21, wherein the upper stick portion,
lower stick portion and middle stick portion have matching outer
stick profiles, and the locking mechanism is configured so that the
outer stick profiles align when the locking mechanism in the locked
position.
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. (canceled)
34. A hockey stick for training a person in stick handling,
comprising: an elongate upper stick portion configured to be
gripped by a control hand of the person; an elongate lower stick
portion having a blade member extending outwardly therefrom; an
elongate coupling member for rigidly coupling the upper stick
portion to the lower stick portion; an elongate middle stick
portion positioned between and collinear with the upper stick
portion and the lower stick portion and configured to be gripped by
a directional hand of the person, the middle stick portion having a
bore for receiving the elongate coupling member therein so that
rotation of the upper stick portion causes the lower stick portion
and the blade member to rotate without rotating the middle stick
portion gripped by the directional hand; a first coupler at a first
end of the elongate coupling member adapted to rigidly couple the
elongate coupling member to the upper stick portion; and a second
coupler at a second end of the elongate coupling member adapted to
rigidly couple the elongate coupling member to the lower stick
portion
35. The hockey stick of claim 34, wherein the first coupler
includes an upper insert adapted to be received in an upper hollow
portion of the upper stick portion.
36. The hockey stick of claim 34, wherein the second coupler
includes a lower insert adapted to be received in a lower hollow
portion of the lower stick portion.
37. The hockey stick of claim 34, wherein the first coupler
includes a hollow portion adapted to receive another stick portion
therein.
38. The hockey stick of claim 34, wherein the second coupler
includes a hollow portion adapted to receive another stick portion
therein.
39. The hockey stick of claim 34, wherein the first and second
couplers include at least one hollow portion provided on at least
one of the stick portions, each hollow portion adapted to securely
receive at least one other portion of another stick portion
therein.
40. The hockey stick of claim 39, wherein the at least one hollow
portion includes an upper hollow portion in the upper stick
portion, the upper hollow portion adapted to receive an upper
insert of the middle stick portion.
41. The hockey stick of claim 39, wherein the at least one hollow
portion includes a lower hollow portion in the lower stick portion,
the lower hollow portion adapted to receive a lower insert of the
middle stick portion.
42. A rotational assembly for use with a hockey stick having a
lower stick portion with a blade member extending outwardly
therefrom, the rotational assembly comprising: an elongate coupling
member; a middle stick portion having a bore sized and shaped to
receive the elongate coupling member therein; a first coupler at a
first end of the elongate coupling member; and a second coupler at
a second end of the elongate coupling member, the second coupler
adapted to be coupled to the lower stick portion; the first and
second couplers and elongate coupling member adapted to rotatably
couple the lower stick portion to the middle stick portion so that
rotation of the first coupler causes the lower stick portion to
rotate without rotating the middle stick portion when the middle
stick portion is gripped by a directional hand.
43. The rotational assembly of claim 42 wherein the first coupler
is adapted to be coupled to an upper stick portion of the hockey
stick so that rotation of the upper stick portion causes the lower
stick portion to rotate without rotating the middle stick portion
when the middle stick portion is gripped by the directional
hand.
44. The rotational assembly of claim 42 wherein the first coupler
includes an upper stick portion of the hockey stick.
45. The rotational assembly of claim 42 wherein the first coupler
includes an upper insert adapted to be received in an upper hollow
portion of an upper stick portion.
46. The rotational assembly of claim 42 wherein the second coupler
includes a lower insert adapted to be received in a lower hollow
portion of the lower stick portion.
47. The rotational assembly of claims 42, wherein the first and
second couplers include at least one hollow portion, each hollow
portion adapted to securely receive at least one other portion of
another stick portion therein.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The teachings disclosed herein relate to hockey training,
and in particular to hockey stick apparatus for stick handling
training.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] Hockey has become a highly competitive sport, and requires
specialized skills to play at all levels. One specialized skill
relates to the ability to control a game element (e.g. a puck or
ball) during play, also known as "stick handling". Stick handling
involves manipulation of the hockey stick to control the game
element as the hockey player moves about on the playing surface.
For example, by moving an ice hockey stick along the ice surface
when playing ice hockey, a hockey player can use the blade of the
stick to control the movement of a puck on the ice surface. Stick
handling is an important skill for shooting, passing and generally
controlling possession of the game element.
[0003] According to some stick handling techniques, hockey players
are taught to use their upper hand as a control hand to control the
angle and rotational position of the blade of the hockey stick to
move the puck or ball, while the lower hand is used as a
directional hand to change the overall orientation of the stick
without rotating the stick.
[0004] Accordingly, the inventor has identified a need in the art
for improved apparatus and methods for stick handling training for
hockey.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a
hockey stick for training a person in stick handling, comprising an
elongate upper stick portion configured to be gripped by a control
hand of the person, an elongate lower stick portion having a blade
member extending outwardly therefrom, an elongate coupling member
rigidly coupling the upper stick portion to the lower stick
portion, and an elongate middle stick portion positioned between
and collinear with the upper stick portion and the lower stick
portion and configured to be gripped by a directional hand of the
person, the middle stick portion being rotatably coupled to the
elongate coupling member so that rotation of the upper stick
portion causes the lower stick portion and the blade member to
rotate without rotating the middle stick portion gripped by the
directional hand.
[0006] The upper stick portion and the middle stick portion may be
sized and shaped such that the control hand and the directional
hand may be spaced apart by an operational distance during use. In
some embodiments, the operational distance may be greater than
about 6 inches.
[0007] In some embodiments, the upper stick portion and the middle
stick portion may each have generally matching rectangular outer
stick profiles.
[0008] In some embodiments, the middle stick portion comprises at
least one coupling guide sized and shaped to rotatably engage the
coupling member therein.
[0009] In some embodiments, the upper stick portion has an upper
insert therein configured to securely engage a first end of the
coupling member, and the lower stick portion has a lower insert
therein configured to securely engage a second end of the coupling
member so as to rigidly couple the upper stick portion to the lower
stick portion. The lower insert may have a first friction-reduced
bushing portion protruding outwardly from the lower stick portion,
and the first coupling guide may have a second friction-reduced
bushing portion protruding outwardly from the lower end of the
middle stick portion, wherein the first and second bushing portions
are configured to slidably engage with each other to facilitate
rotation of the lower stick portion with respect to the middle
stick portion.
[0010] In some embodiments, the upper insert has a third
friction-reduced bushing portion protruding outwardly from the
upper stick portion, and the second coupling guide has a fourth
friction-reduced bushing portion protruding outwardly from the
upper end of the middle stick portion, wherein the third and fourth
bushing portions are configured to slidably engage with each other
to facilitate rotation of the upper stick portion with respect to
the middle stick portion.
[0011] In some embodiments, the lower insert is permanently secured
to the lower stick portion and the upper insert is permanently
affixed to the upper stick portion. In other embodiments, the lower
insert is removably secured to the lower stick portion and the
upper insert is removably secured to the upper stick portion. In
yet other embodiments, the upper insert is integral with the upper
stick portion, and the lower insert is integral with the lower
stick portion.
[0012] In some embodiments, the middle stick portion further
comprises at least one coupling guide integral therewith, the at
least one coupling guide being sized and shaped to rotatably engage
the coupling member therein.
[0013] In some embodiments, the upper stick portion has an upper
gripping portion configured to receive the control hand, and the
middle stick portion has a middle gripping portion configured to
receive the directional hand, the upper and middle gripping
portions sized and shaped such that the control hand and the
directional hand may be spaced apart by an operational distance
during use.
[0014] The coupling member may be a rod member having at least one
portion with a cylindrical outer profile. The middle stick portion
may be at least 12 inches long, and the upper stick portion may be
at least 4 inches long.
[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a hockey stick for training a person in stick handling,
comprising an elongate upper stick portion configured to be gripped
by a control hand of the person, an elongate lower stick portion
rigidly coupled to the upper stick portion, the lower stick portion
having a blade member extending outwardly therefrom, and an
elongate middle stick portion positioned between and collinear with
the upper stick portion and the lower stick portion and configured
to be gripped by a directional hand of the person, the middle stick
portion being rotatably coupled to the upper stick portion and
lower stick portion so that rotation of the upper stick portion
causes the lower stick portion and the blade member to rotate
without rotating the middle stick portion gripped by the
directional hand.
[0016] The hockey stick may further comprise an elongate coupling
member for rigidly coupling the upper stick portion to the lower
stick portion, the middle stick portion having a bore therein for
receiving the coupling member.
[0017] In some embodiments, the upper stick portion has an upper
length and the middle stick portion has a middle length, the upper
length and middle length selected such that the control hand and
the directional hand may be spaced apart by an operational distance
during use.
[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a rotational assembly for use with a hockey stick,
comprising a lower insert sized and shaped to be received in a
first hollow portion of a lower stick portion of the hockey stick,
an upper insert sized and shaped to be received in a second hollow
portion of an upper stick portion of the hockey stick, an elongate
coupling member rigidly coupled to the lower insert and the upper
insert, and an elongate middle stick portion rotatably coupled to
the coupling member so that, when the upper insert is received in
the upper stick portion and the lower insert is received in the
lower stick portion, rotation of the upper stick portion causes the
lower stick portion to rotate without rotating the middle stick
portion.
[0019] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of stick handling training, comprising providing
a hockey stick having an elongate upper stick portion, an elongate
lower stick portion rigidly coupled to the upper stick portion and
having a blade member extending outwardly therefrom, and an
elongate middle stick portion positioned between and collinear with
the upper stick portion and the lower stick portion, the middle
stick portion being rotatably coupled to the upper stick portion
and the lower stick portion, gripping the upper stick portion using
a control hand, gripping the middle stick portion using a
directional hand, rotating the upper stick portion in a first
direction using the control hand, causing the lower stick portion
and the blade member to rotate in the same first direction, and
inhibiting the middle stick portion from rotating using the
directional hand.
[0020] According to another aspect there is provided a hockey stick
for training a person in stick handling, comprising an elongate
upper stick portion configured to be gripped by a control hand of
the person an elongate lower stick portion rigidly coupled to the
upper stick portion and configured to rotate therewith an elongate
middle stick portion positioned between and collinear with the
upper stick portion and the lower stick portion and configured to
be gripped by a directional hand of the person, the middle stick
portion being rotatably coupled to the upper stick portion and
lower stick portion, and at least one locking mechanism coupled to
the middle stick portion and at least one of the upper and lower
stick portions. Each locking mechanism is movable between an
unlocked position wherein the middle stick portion is rotatable
relative to the upper stick portion and the lower stick portion,
and a locked position wherein the upper stick portion, the lower
stick portion and the middle stick portion are secured together so
that rotation of the middle stick portion with respect to the upper
and lower stick portions is inhibited.
[0021] In some embodiments, the at least one locking mechanism
comprises a first body portion coupled to one end of the middle
stick portion; and a second body portion coupled to one of the
upper stick portion and lower stick portion and positioned adjacent
the first body portion; one of the first and second body portions
having at least one locking member therein, each locking member
configured to be extended and retracted, and the other of the first
and second body portions having at least one bore therein, the at
least one bore configured to receive the at least one locking
member when in the extended position so as to secure the first and
second body portions together and inhibit rotation of the middle
stick portion.
[0022] The at least one locking member and at least one bore may be
offset from the rotational axis of the middle stick portion.
[0023] The first body portion may comprise the at least one locking
member and the second body portion may comprise the at least one
bore.
[0024] The hockey stick may further comprise at least one actuator
coupled to the at least one locking member, each actuator
configured for moving the at least one locking member between the
extended and retracted positions.
[0025] The actuator may further include at least one tab coupled to
the at least one locking member, each tab protruding outwardly
beyond the exterior surface of the body portion. Each tab may be
sized and shaped so as not to interfere with the use of the hockey
stick but is sufficiently large so that it may be manipulated by
the person using the stick to move the locking members between the
extended and retracted positions.
[0026] The hockey stick may further comprise at least one slot
configured to receive the at least one tab therein, each slot sized
and shaped so that the locking member can be moved between the
extended and retracted positions.
[0027] The locking member may include at least one elongate
pin.
[0028] In some embodiments, the upper stick portion, lower stick
portion and middle stick portion have matching outer stick
profiles, and the locking mechanism is configured so that the outer
stick profiles align when the locking mechanism in the locked
position.
[0029] The at least one locking mechanism may include a first
locking mechanism coupled to the lower stick portion and a lower
end of the middle stick portion. The at least one locking mechanism
may include a second locking mechanism coupled to the upper stick
portion and an upper end of the middle stick portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various
examples of systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present
specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is
taught in any way. In the drawings:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hockey stick for training
a person in stick handling according to one embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hockey stick of FIG. 1
shown with the upper stick portion and lower stick portion in a
rotated orientation;
[0033] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the hockey stick of FIG.
1;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a side view of the hockey stick of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a partial cut-out side view of the hockey stick as
shown in FIG. 4;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the hockey stick of FIG.
4 taken along line 6-6;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a close up detail view of the middle stick portion
and the lower stick portion of the hockey stick of FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a close up detail view of a middle stick portion
and a lower stick portion of a hockey stick according to another
embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a close up detail view of a middle stick portion
and a lower stick portion of a hockey stick according to another
embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a close up detail view of a middle stick portion
and a lower stick portion of a hockey stick according to yet
another embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a hockey stick according to
yet another embodiment wherein the hockey stick has a goalie stick
shape;
[0042] FIG. 12 is a close up detail view of a middle stick portion
and a lower stick portion of a hockey stick having a locking
mechanism in the locked position according to yet another
embodiment (with one of the locking members omitted for
clarity);
[0043] FIG. 13 is a close up detail view of the hockey stick of
FIG. 12 shown with the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;
and
[0044] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the hockey stick of FIG. 12
with the locking mechanism in the unlocked position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Turning to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is a hockey stick 10
for training a person in stick handling according to one
embodiment.
[0046] The hockey stick 10 includes a generally elongate upper
stick portion 12, a generally elongate lower stick portion 14
having a blade member 16 extending outwardly therefrom, and a
generally elongate middle stick portion 18 positioned between the
upper stick portion 12 and the lower stick portion 14. As shown,
the middle stick portion 18 is also collinear with the lower stick
portion 14 and the upper stick portion 12.
[0047] The upper stick portion 12 is generally configured to be
gripped by a first hand or control hand A of the person training in
stick handling. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the person is
using their right hand as the control hand A by gripping a gripping
portion 13 of the upper stick portion 12. As will be described in
greater detail below, the control hand A may be used to control the
angle and rotational position of the blade member 16 of the hockey
stick 10 to move a game element (e.g. a puck or ball) along a
ground surface (e.g. a sheet of ice).
[0048] Similarly, the middle stick portion 18 is configured to be
gripped by a second hand or directional hand B of the person
training in stick handling. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the
person is using their left hand as the directional hand B by
gripping a gripping portion 15 of the middle stick portion 18. As
will be described in greater detail below, the directional hand B
may be used to change the overall orientation of the hockey stick
10 (e.g. the position of the hockey stick 10 with respect to the
person) without rotating the blade member 16.
[0049] As detailed below, the lower stick portion 14 and the upper
stick portion 12 are rigidly coupled together, while the middle
stick portion 18 is rotatably coupled to the upper stick portion 12
and the lower stick portion 14.
[0050] During use, the person training in stick handling can use
their control hand A to rotate the upper stick portion 12 of the
hockey stick 10. The rotation of the upper stick portion 12 causes
the lower stick portion 14 and the blade member 16 to rotate in the
same direction, as shown for example in FIG. 2. However, as the
middle stick portion 18 is rotatably coupled to the lower stick
portion 14 and upper stick portion 12, the directional hand B
gripping the middle stick portion 18 generally inhibits the middle
stick portion 18 from rotating.
[0051] In this manner, the hockey stick 10 may be useful as a
training tool for stick handling, as it tends to teach the person
using the stick 10 to control the rotational movement of the blade
member 16 using the control hand A and without using the
directional hand B. The blade member 16 can therefore be used to
control the movement of a game element (e.g. a puck or ball).
[0052] In some embodiments, the upper stick portion 12 and lower
stick portion 14 are freely rotatable with respect to the middle
stick portion 18 such that little or no gripping force must be
applied by the directional hand B to inhibit rotation of the middle
stick portion 18.
[0053] In other embodiments, the rotation of the middle stick
portion 18 may be partially restricted or resisted (for example due
to drag or frictional forces generated between the rotating upper
stick portion 12, the middle stick portion 18, and the lower stick
portion 14) such that the directional hand B must apply a
non-trivial gripping force to inhibit the rotation of the middle
stick portion 18.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper stick portion 12 and the
middle stick portion 18 are generally sized and shaped so that
during use the control hand A and the directional hand B may be
spaced apart by an operational distance S selected as appropriate
for proper stick handling training.
[0055] It will be understood that the operational distance S may
vary in different circumstances. For example, different persons
(e.g. youth or adults) using the stick may prefer different
operational distances S between the control hand A and the
directional hand B when using the hockey stick 10. Furthermore, the
same person may choose to vary the operational distance S between
the control hand A and the directional hand B during use, for
example to provide a different stick handling feel.
[0056] In some embodiments the operational distance S may be
greater than about 3 inches. In other embodiments the operational
distance S may be greater than about 6 inches. In other
embodiments, the operational distance S may greater than about 12
inches. In yet other embodiments, the operational distance S may be
between about 3 inches and 24 inches.
[0057] As shown, the upper stick portion 12 has an upper length Lu
and the middle stick portion 18 has a middle length Lm. The upper
length Lu and middle length Lm may be selected so that the
operational distance S provides a predetermined spacing between the
control hand A and the directional hand B to inhibit interference
therebetween when the person is using the hockey stick 10 for stick
handling training.
[0058] For example, in some embodiments, the upper length Lu may be
between about 3 inches and 20 inches. In other embodiments, the
upper length Lu may be between about 8 inches and 16 inches. In yet
other embodiments, the upper length Lu may be between about 10
inches and 12 inches. In yet other embodiments, the upper length Lu
is at least 6 inches.
[0059] In some embodiments, the middle length Lm may be between
about 6 inches and 36 inches. In other embodiments, the middle
length Lm may be between about 12 inches and 30 inches. In yet
other embodiments, the middle length Lm may be between 18 inches
and 27 inches. In yet some other embodiments, the middle length Lm
may be about 24 inches. In yet other embodiments, the middle length
Lm may be at least 12 inches.
[0060] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, one or more
of the upper stick portion 12, the lower stick portion 14 and the
middle stick portion 18 have rectangular outer stick profiles
indicated generally as P. The outer stick profiles P may be
selected so that the hockey stick 10 has a similar outer profile or
appearance to a conventional hockey stick. Thus, the hockey stick
10 tends to be useful as a training tool as the outer profile P of
the hockey stick 10 mimics the outer profile of conventional hockey
sticks.
[0061] In some embodiments, the hockey stick 10 may also include a
knobbed portion 20 at the upper end of the upper stick portion 12
(generally at the end of the hockey stick 10 opposite from the
blade 16). The knobbed portion 20 may be formed integrally with the
hockey stick 10 or may be built up by the application of tape or
another material to the hockey stick 10. The knobbed portion 20 may
make it easier to pick up the stick 10 if dropped, as it tends to
create a small gap between the upper stick portion 12 and the
playing surface. Furthermore, the knobbed portion 20 may assist a
person using the hockey stick 10 in gripping the upper stick
portion 12 with the control hand A.
[0062] Turning now to FIGS. 3 to 7, the construction of the hockey
stick 10 according to the illustrated embodiment will be described
in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments the
hockey stick 10 may be made of a plurality of components that can
be assembled together (e.g. the upper and lower stick portions 12,
14 may be coupled together using a rotational assembly
therebetween). In particular, the upper stick portion 12, the lower
stick portion 14 and middle stick portion 18 may be discrete
components that are coupled together at rotatable coupling joints
21.
[0063] As shown, the hockey stick 10 may include an upper insert 22
that is sized and shaped to be securely received in an upper hollow
portion 12a of the upper stick portion 12, and a lower insert 24
sized and shaped to be securely received in a lower hollow portion
14a of the lower stick portion 14. The upper and lower inserts 22,
24 may tend to act as reinforcement portions within the upper and
lower stick portions 12, 14. Furthermore, as described below, the
upper and lower inserts 22, 24 are generally used to secure the
upper stick portion 12 and lower stick portion 14 together.
[0064] The hockey stick 10 may also include a rigid coupling member
30, which may be shaped as a shaft or rod. The coupling member 30
is generally sized and shaped so as to pass through a bore 18c of
the middle stick portion 18 when the stick 10 is assembled.
Accordingly, a first end 30a of the coupling member 30 may be
rigidly secured to the upper insert 22, while a second end 30b of
the coupling member may be rigidly secured to the lower insert 24.
In this manner, the coupling member 30, upper insert 22 and lower
insert 24 cooperate so as to rigidly couple the upper stick portion
12 to the lower stick portion 14.
[0065] Generally, the coupling member 30 can be secured to the
upper insert 22 and lower insert 24 in any suitable manner. For
example, as shown in FIG. 6, the coupling member 30 may be secured
to the lower insert 22 using at least one fastener 40b, such as a
screw that is threadably engaged in a cross-drilled hole provided
in the lower stick portion 14, the lower insert 22 and the coupling
member 30.
[0066] In other embodiments, the coupling member 30 may be secured
to the upper and lower inserts 22, 24 using locking tabs,
adhesives, by press-fitting the coupling member 30 into the inserts
22, 24, or according to any other suitable technique.
[0067] In some embodiments, the coupling member 30 may be made of
any suitable rigid material, for example a metal (e.g. aluminum or
steel), a suitable plastic (e.g. an ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene (UHMW PE) or a polyoxymethylene such as Derlin.TM.),
or a composite (e.g. a carbon fiber, an aramid, or fiberglass).
[0068] In some embodiments, the coupling member 30 may be tubing
made from Carbon Fiber Braid and Unidirectional Fabrics, such as
tubes provided by DragonPlate.TM.. In such embodiments, the
coupling member 30 may be made using any suitable process, for
example, filament winding, pulltrusion, or lay-up.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, the rigid coupling member 30 generally
has a length greater than the middle length Lm of the middle stick
portion 18 such that the first end 30a extends into the upper stick
portion 12 and the second end 30b extends into the lower stick
portion 14.
[0070] The coupling member 30 generally has at least one portion
with a cylindrical outer profile such that the middle stick portion
18 may be rotatably engaged thereto as will be described in detail
below. For example, as shown the coupling member 30 may be a
cylindrical rod member with a cylindrical outer profile along the
length thereof.
[0071] The hockey stick 10 may include a first coupling guide 26
sized and shaped to be received in a lower end 18a of the middle
stick portion 18, and a second coupling guide 28 sized and shaped
to be received in an upper end 18b of the middle stick portion 18.
Generally, the first and second coupling guides 26, 28 each have a
bore therein sized and shaped to receive the outer profile of the
coupling member 30, allowing the middle stick portion 18 to be
rotatably engaged to the coupling member 30. For example, as shown
in FIG. 7, the first coupling guide 26 may have a cylindrical bore
27 with a first diameter D1 sized slightly larger than the diameter
D2 of the cylindrical coupling rod.
[0072] In this manner, as the coupling member 30 is used to rotate
the lower stick portion 14, the coupling guides 26, 28 allow the
coupling member 30 to rotate so that the directional hand B may
inhibit the middle stick portion 18 from rotating.
[0073] Generally, the various components of the hockey stick 10 may
be made using any suitable materials that are known in the art of
manufacturing hockey sticks. For example, in some embodiments, any
one or more of the upper stick portion 12, the lower stick portion
14, the blade member 16 and the middle stick portion 18 may be made
of wood, aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, extruded composites,
laid-up composites (e.g. carbon fiber, or aramids such as
Kevlar.TM.), and titanium, or any combination thereof.
[0074] The upper insert 22, the lower insert 24, and the first and
second coupling guides 26, 28 may be made of any suitable material.
For example, in some embodiments, any one or more of the upper
insert 22, the lower insert 24, and the first and second coupling
guides 26, 28 may be made of wood, aluminum, fiberglass, plastic
(e.g. ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE), extruded
composites, and titanium, or any combination thereof.
[0075] Turning now specifically to FIGS. 3 and 7, in some
embodiments the lower insert 24 may include a friction-reduced
first bushing portion 32 that protrudes outwardly from the lower
stick portion 14. In some embodiments, the first coupling guide 26
may also have a friction-reduced second bushing portion 34
protruding outwardly from the lower end 18a of the middle stick
portion 18.
[0076] During use of the hockey stick 10, the first bushing portion
32 tends to slidably engage with the second bushing portion 34 so
as to inhibit frictional forces therebetween, thus facilitating
rotation of the lower stick portion 14 with respect to the middle
stick portion 18. For example, the first bushing portion 32 may
have a first bushing surface 32a configured to slidably engage with
a second bushing surface 34a on the second bushing portion 34.
[0077] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper insert 22 may have
a friction-reduced third bushing portion 36 protruding outwardly
from the upper stick portion 12, and the second coupling guide 28
may have a friction-reduced fourth bushing portion 38 protruding
outwardly from the upper end 18b of the middle stick portion 18b.
Similar to as described above, during use of the hockey stick 10,
the third bushing portion 36 tends to slidably engage with the
fourth bushing portion 38 so as to inhibit frictional forces
therebetween, thus facilitating rotation of the upper stick portion
12 with respect to the middle stick portion 18. For example, the
third bushing portion 36 may have a third bushing surface 36a
configured to slidably engage with a fourth bushing surface 38a on
the fourth bushing portion 38.
[0078] Generally, the bushing portions 32, 34, 36 and 38 may be
made of any suitable material, such as a friction reduced plastic
(e.g. Teflon.TM. or ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW
PE)).
[0079] As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments the first and second
bushing portions 32, 34 may be separated by a small gap G. In other
embodiments, the first and second bushing portions 32, 34 may be
engaged directly against each other with no gap therebetween.
[0080] In some embodiments, no bushing portions may be provided on
the hockey stick 10. In other embodiments, a single bushing portion
may be provided for each coupling joint 21 without a corresponding
bushing on the opposing side. For example, the lower insert 24 may
include the friction-reduced first bushing portion 32 that engages
against the middle stick portion 18 or against the first coupling
guide 26 without the second bushing portion 34.
[0081] In some embodiments, at least one of the upper insert 22,
the lower insert 24, the first coupling guide 26 and the second
coupling guide 28 may be removably secured to the upper stick
portion 12, the lower stick portion 14, and the middle portion 18,
respectively. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the upper
insert 22 may be removably secured to the upper stick portion 12
using a first fastener 40a, and the lower insert 24 may be
removably secured to the lower stick portion 14 using a second
fastener 40b. The first and second fasteners 40a, 40b may be any
suitable fastener, for example a screw, bolt, or nail.
[0082] In other embodiments, locking pin mechanisms may be used to
secure the inserts 22, 24 and coupling guides 26, 28 to the stick
portion 12, 14, 18. For example, illustrated in FIG. 8 is a close
up sectional view of a hockey stick 50 according to another
embodiment of the invention. The hockey stick 50 is generally
similar to the hockey stick 10, and like features are identified by
like reference characters.
[0083] As shown, the lower stick portion 14 of the hockey stick 50
includes a lower insert 52 that is coupled to the lower stick
portion 14 via a locking pin mechanism 54. Similarly, the middle
stick portion 18 has a coupling guide 53 coupled thereto also using
a locking pin mechanism 54. Each locking pin mechanism 54 generally
includes a pin member 56 mounted on a spring member 58 such that
the pin member 56 may be removably received in a bore 59 in the
lower stick portion 12 and/or the middle stick portion 18. By
depressing the pin members 56, the lower insert 52 and the coupling
guide 53 may be removed from the lower stick portion 14 and middle
stick portion 18, respectively.
[0084] In some embodiments, when the upper insert 22, the lower
insert 24, the first coupling guide 26 and the second coupling
guide 28 are removable, they may be replaced or repaired due to
damage or wear resulting from use of the hockey stick 10.
[0085] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the removable inserts 22,
24 and coupling guides 26, 28 may allow the upper stick portion 12,
lower stick portion 14 and/or the middle stick portion 18 to be
changed. For example, the middle stick portion 18 could be replaced
with a different middle stick portion that has a different length
(e.g. to accommodate a person of smaller stature who wants to use
the stick 10). Similarly, the lower stick portion 14 could be
changed (e.g. to replace a right-handed blade member 16 with a
left-handed or a straight blade member, or to replace the lower
stick portion 14 with a goalie blade member).
[0086] In other embodiments, one or more of the upper and lower
inserts 22, 24 and the first and second coupling guides 26, 28 may
be permanently secured to the lower stick portion 14, the upper
stick portion 12 and the middle stick portion 18. For example, in
some embodiments the upper and lower inserts 22, 24 may be hot
melted or glued to the upper and lower stick portions 12, 14,
respectively. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first and second
coupling guides 26, 28 may be hot melted or glued to the middle
stick portion 18.
[0087] In other embodiments, one or more of the upper and lower
inserts 22, 24 and the first and second coupling guides 26, 28 may
be permanently secured to the lower stick portion 14, the upper
stick portion 12 and the middle stick portion 18 by press fitting.
For example, the upper insert 22 may be sized slightly larger that
the upper hollow portion 12a of the upper stick portion 12 such
that when the upper insert 22 is inserted therein, sufficient
frictional forces are generated between the upper insert 22 and
upper stick portion 12 so as to generally retain the upper insert
22 therein.
[0088] In some embodiments, the fasteners 40a, 40b may be
non-removable fasteners (e.g. rivets), in which case the upper and
lower inserts 22, 24 may not be removable. In other embodiments,
other suitable techniques may be used for securing the inserts 22,
24 and the coupling guides 26, 28 to the stick members 12, 14,
18.
[0089] Turning now to FIG. 9, illustrated therein is a close up
cross-sectional view of a hockey stick 60 according to yet another
embodiment. The hockey stick 60 is generally similar to the hockey
stick 10 described above, and like features are identified by like
reference characters.
[0090] The hockey stick 60 generally includes a lower stick portion
62 similar to the lower stick portion 14 and a middle stick portion
64 similar to the middle stick portion 18, and has a coupling
member 30 for rigidly coupling the lower stick portion 62 to an
upper stick portion (not shown). However, in this embodiment, the
lower insert and upper insert are formed as integral components of
the lower stick portion 62 and upper stick portion. For example,
the lower stick portion 62 has a lower insert 66 that is integral
therewith. Furthermore, in this embodiment the coupling guides are
formed as part of the middle stick portion 64. For example, as
shown, the middle stick portion 64 has a first coupling guide 68
that is integral therewith.
[0091] The lower stick portion 62 and lower insert 66 and the
middle stick portion 64 and the coupling guide 68 may be formed
according to any suitable technique. For example, where the hockey
stick 60 is made of a composite material, the lower insert 66 may
be formed integrally with the lower stick portion 62 by molding the
lower insert 66 and lower stick portion 62 together. Similarly, the
coupling guide 68 may be formed integrally with the middle stick
portion 64 such as by molding the coupling guide 68 and the middle
stick portion 64 together.
[0092] Similarly to as described above, the coupling member 30 may
be rigidly secured to the lower insert portion 66 in any suitable
manner (e.g. using a fastener, adhesive, by press-fitting, etc.),
while the coupling member 30 is rotatably engaged with the coupling
guide portion 68.
[0093] Turning now to FIG. 10, illustrated therein is a close up
cross-sectional view of a hockey stick 70 according to yet another
embodiment. The hockey stick 70 is generally similar to the hockey
stick 10 described above, and like features are identified by like
reference characters.
[0094] In this embodiment, the hockey stick 70 has a generally
solid (e.g. non-hollow) lower stick portion 72 and a generally
solid (e.g. non-hollow) middle stick portion 74. The lower stick
portion 72 has a first bore 76 therein, and acts as a lower insert
sized and shaped to rigidly receive the coupling member 30 (e.g. by
press-fitting, or using adhesives, fasteners, etc). Similarly, the
middle stick portion 74 has a second bore 78, and acts as a
coupling guide sized and shaped such that the coupling member 30
may be rotatably engaged with the middle stick portion 74.
[0095] For example, where the hockey stick 70 is made of wood or a
solid material (e.g. plastic, composite, etc.), the hockey stick 70
may be formed by drilling the first and second bores 76, 78,
rigidly securing the coupling member 30 to the lower stick portion
72, and then sliding the second bore 78 of the middle stick portion
74 onto the coupling member 30. An upper stick portion (not shown)
may then be secured to the stick 70 in a similar manner.
[0096] Turning now to FIG. 11, illustrated therein is a hockey
stick 80 according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The
hockey stick 80 is generally similar to the hockey stick 10
described above but is shaped as a goalie stick. The hockey stick
80 may be used, for example, to train goalies in proper stick
handling techniques.
[0097] The hockey stick 80 includes an upper stick portion 82
having a length Lu, a lower stick portion 84 having a widened blade
region 85 and blade member 86 extending outwardly therefrom, and a
middle stick portion 88 having a length Lg and being generally
positioned between and collinear with the upper stick portion 82
and the lower stick portion 84.
[0098] As above, the lower stick portion 84 and the upper stick
portion 82 are rigidly coupled together, while the middle stick
portion 88 is rotatably coupled thereto. Accordingly, a person can
use their control hand A to rotate the upper stick portion 82 of
the hockey stick 10 causing the lower stick portion 84 and the
blade member 86 to rotate, while the middle stick portion 88 may be
inhibited from rotating using the directional hand B.
[0099] Turning now to FIGS. 12 to 14, illustrated therein is a
hockey stick 110 according to yet another embodiment. The hockey
stick 110 is generally similar to the hockey stick 10 as described
above, and where applicable similar features have been identified
by similar reference characters, except that the hockey stick 110
includes a locking mechanism 150 as will be described in greater
detail below.
[0100] The hockey stick 110 generally includes an elongate upper
stick portion 112, an elongate lower stick portion 114, and an
elongate middle stick portion 118 positioned between and collinear
with the upper stick portion and the lower stick portion 114.
[0101] Similar to the hockey sticks as described above (e.g. hockey
sticks 10, 50, 60, 70, 80), the upper and lower stick portions 112,
114 are rigidly coupled together, and the middle stick portion 118
is rotatably coupled thereto so that the middle stick portion 118
can be rotated with respect to the upper and lower stick portions
112, 114.
[0102] In particular, the hockey stick 110 may include an upper
insert 122 sized and shaped to be received in the upper stick
portion 112, a lower insert 124 sized and shaped to be received in
the lower stick portion 114, first and second coupling guides 126,
128 sized and shaped to be received in the middle stick portion
118, and a rigid coupling member 130 that couples the upper stick
portion 112 to the lower stick portion 114 and which passes through
the coupling guides 126, 128 in the middle stick portion 118.
[0103] The locking mechanism 150 is configured for selectively
locking the middle stick portion 118 to one or both of the upper
and lower stick portions 112, 114 so as to inhibit relative
rotation of the middle stick portion 118 with respect to the other
stick portions 112, 114.
[0104] For example, the locking mechanism 150 may be movable
between a locked position wherein the middle stick portion 118 is
rigidly secured to at least one of the upper and lower stick
portions 112, 14 (e.g. as shown in FIG. 12) and an unlocked
position wherein the middle portion 118 is free to rotate (e.g. as
shown in FIG. 13).
[0105] When the locking mechanism 150 is in the unlocked position,
the stick 110 generally operates similarly to the hockey sticks as
described above (e.g. sticks 10, 50, 60, 70, 80). However, when the
locking mechanism 150 is in the locked position, the upper stick
portion 112, lower stick portion 114 and middle stick portion 118
are secured together, and the stick 110 operates similarly to a
conventional hockey stick, with relative rotation between the
middle portion 118 and upper and lower portions 112, 114 being
inhibited.
[0106] This locking of the middle stick portion 118 may be useful
for training the person to transition from using a training stick
(e.g. stick 10) to a conventional stick when stick handling, or for
performing other activities with the puck or ball (e.g. shooting a
puck). For example, a person can use the hockey stick 110 when the
locking mechanism 150 is in the unlocked position to train certain
skills (e.g. stick handling), and then move the locking mechanism
150 into the locked position to use the stick 110 for training
other skills where rotation of the middle portion 118 may be
undesirable (e.g. shooting). Thus, the hockey stick 110 may be used
as a multi-purpose stick.
[0107] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 150 may include a
first body portion 160 coupled to one end of the middle stick
portion 118 and a second body portion 164 coupled to one of the
upper stick portion 112 and lower stick portion 114, and with the
second body portion 164 adjacent the first body portion 160. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 160
is located on a lower end of the middle stick portion 118, and the
second body portion 164 is coupled to the lower stick portion 114
and is adjacent the first body portion 160.
[0108] In some embodiments, one of the body portions (e.g. the
first body portion 160) has at least one movable locking member 170
therein (e.g. an elongate pin as shown). Generally, each locking
member 170 can moved between an extended position (as shown in FIG.
12) and a retracted position (as shown in FIG. 13) so as to
selectively lock and unlock the middle stick portion 118.
[0109] The other body portion (e.g. second body portion 164 in the
illustrated embodiment) has at least one corresponding bore 172
that is sized and shaped for receiving each locking member 170 when
the locking members 170 are in the extended position.
[0110] As shown, there are two locking members 170 and two bores
172 in this locking mechanism 150. However in other embodiments,
there may be greater or lesser numbers of locking members and
bores.
[0111] The locking members 170 (e.g. pins) and bores 172 are
generally offset from the axis of rotation of the middle stick
portion 118 and are sized and shaped so that when the locking
members 170 are extended and received in the bores 172, the locking
mechanism 150 in the locked position and rotation of the middle
stick portion 118 relative to the other stick portions 112, 114 is
inhibited.
[0112] Conversely, when the locking mechanism 150 is in the
unlocked position, the locking members 170 are in the retracted
position, and are removed from the bore 172 so that the middle
stick portion 118 can rotate relative to the other stick portions
112, 114.
[0113] In some embodiments, the locking members 170 and the bore
172 may have similar or complementary shapes. For example, both the
locking members 170 and the bore 172 may be cylindrical. In other
examples, the locking members 170 and bore 172 may have different
shapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the locking member 170 is
an elongate cylindrical pin and the bore 172 is a rectangular (e.g.
square shaped) opening.
[0114] The locking mechanism 150 generally includes one or more
actuators 180 for moving the locking members 170 between the
extended position and the retracted position so as to lock and
unlock the middle stick portion 118 to at least one of the other
stick portions 112, 114.
[0115] For example, in the illustrated embodiments, the actuator
180 may include a tab 182 coupled to each of the locking members
170. Each tab 182 may be received in a slot 184 located on one of
the body portions (e.g. the first body portion 160) and be sized
and shaped so that the tab 182 extends outwardly from the body
portion and can be manipulated by the player to extend or retract
the locking members 170.
[0116] In some embodiments, the tabs 182 are sized and shaped so as
to not interfere with the use of the stick 110 (e.g. during stick
handling training), but are sufficiently large so that the tabs 182
may be manipulated by the player (e.g. using a hand that may be in
a hockey glove).
[0117] Each slot 184 is generally elongate and allows the tab 182
to slide forwards and backwards therein so the locking member 170
can be moved between the extended and retracted positions.
[0118] As shown, each tab 182 may be integrally formed with a
respective locking member 170, and may extend outwardly therefrom
at a perpendicular angle (e.g. 90 degrees) to the longitudinal
length of the locking member 170. In other embodiments, the tabs
182 may be separate pieces that are coupled to the locking members
170.
[0119] In some embodiments, one or more of the inserts (e.g. insert
124 as shown) may have complementary bores (e.g. bores 173) sized
and located to accommodate and receive a portion of the locking
members therein 170.
[0120] In some embodiments, the body portions 160, 164 may be
secured to the stick portions 118, 114 in various ways. For
example, as shown, the second body portion 164 may be secured to
the insert 124 that is received in the lower stick portion 114.
[0121] In other embodiments, the body portions 160, 164 may be
secured to the stick portions 118, 114 using other permanent or
removable techniques, for example using screws, bolts, nails,
rivets, adhesives, press-fitting, etc.
[0122] In some embodiments, the first and second body portions 160,
164 may be integrally formed with the stick portions 118, 114 (e.g.
the body portions 160, 164 may be formed as part of a composite or
wood stick).
[0123] In some embodiments, one or more of the body portions (e.g.
the first body portion 160 and second body portion 164) may be
provided as part of one or more of the inserts. For example, as
shown the first body portion 160 may be provided as part of the
insert 126 that received in the middle stick portion 118.
[0124] While the hockey stick 110 has been described and shown with
the second body portion 164 on the lower stick portion 114, it will
be understood that the locking mechanism 150 could be provided in
other locations, such as between the middle stick portion 118 and
the upper stick portion 112. For example, the first body portion
160 may be provided on an upper end of the middle stick portion 118
and the second body portion 164 may be secured to the upper stick
portion 112.
[0125] Furthermore, while the locking mechanism 150 as shown has
locking members 170 that extend out of the first body portion 160
and into bores 172 on the second body portion 164, in some
embodiments this configuration could be reversed. In particular
embodiments, the locking members 170 could be provided on the
second body portions 164 and extended into bores 172 provided on
the first body portion 160 on the middle stick portion 118 to lock
or secure the stick portions 112, 114, 118 together.
[0126] In some embodiments, there may be more than one locking
mechanism 150 provided on the stick 110. For example, one locking
mechanism 150 may be coupled to the upper stick portion 112 and
upper end of the middle stick portion 118, and another locking
mechanism 150 may be coupled to the lower stick portion 114 and the
lower end of the middle stick portion 118.
[0127] In some embodiments, the upper stick portion 112, lower
stick portion 114, and middle stick portion 114 may have generally
similar or matching outer stick profiles. For example, the stick
portions 112, 114, 118 may be shaped with a rectangular
cross-section sized and shaped to provide an outer profile that
approximates a conventional hockey stick.
[0128] Furthermore, the locking mechanism 150 may be configured so
that the outer stick profiles of the stick portions 112, 114, 118
are aligned when the locking mechanism 150 is in the locked
position. Conversely, when the locking mechanism 150 is in the
unlocked position, the middle stick portion 118 may be rotated
relative to the other stick portions 112, 114 so that the outer
profiles may be misaligned (e.g. as shown in FIG. 14).
[0129] In some embodiments, the body portions 160, 164 may be
generally sized and shaped to correspond to the stick profile and
be of similar size and shape. In this manner, the locking mechanism
150 tends not to interfere with the use of the hockey stick 110. In
particular, when the outer profile of the locking mechanism 150 is
similar to the outer profile of the stick portions 112, 114, 118,
the player using the stick 110 may be provided with a look and feel
that more closely mimics a conventional hockey stick thus providing
for a more realistic training experience.
[0130] It will appreciated that the embodiments describe herein are
not limited to ice hockey sticks used for training stick handling
of a puck. In particular, one or more of the hockey sticks and
training methods described herein may be used for example to train
stick handling of other game elements, such as a ball for ball
hockey. In other embodiments, one or more of the hockey sticks and
training methods described herein may be used to train field hockey
players or roller hockey players.
[0131] While the above description provides examples of one or more
methods and apparatuses for stick handling training, it will be
appreciated that other methods and apparatuses may be within the
scope of the present description as interpreted by one of skill in
the art.
* * * * *