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Hockey stick-handling device with sensor and effects

Hockey stick-handling device with sensor and effects description/claims

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/059,287, filed Mar. 31, 2008, now pending, which claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/921,736, filed Apr. 4, 2007, both disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The disclosed embodiments generally relate to a hockey training aid. More particularly, the disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for providing a hockey stick-handling device that is capable of multiple configurations and may be expanded and collapsed without repeated assembly, and includes sensors for timing and illumination.

A key skill in the sport of hockey is stick-handling. As a result, hockey players of all ages consistently strive to improve their stick-handling abilities, often through drills that utilize training aids. In most applications, it is desirable that the stick-handling training aid be durable, portable, easy to assemble, and adaptable to different drills, players, and surfaces.

Prior art stick-handling training aids present significant disadvantages for their users. Some training aids, such as the SweetHands Hockey Trainer produced by Sweet Hockey Products, L.L.C., are portable and capable of being expanded. However, the SweetHands device is capable of only one configuration (a straight line) and requires a multi-step take-down and reassembly process following each use of the device.

Thus, a need has long existed for an improved hockey stick-handling training aid that is capable of multiple configurations and may be expanded and collapsed without repeated assembly. The disclosed embodiments overcome the problems associated with prior art hockey stick-handling training aids by providing a versatile and convenient hockey stick-handling device that is durable, easy to assemble, and adaptable to a variety of drills, players, and surfaces.

As described and claimed in the parent application, the hockey stick-handling device includes cross members and support columns wherein the support columns elevate the cross members from a training surface to allow an object for stick-handling to be passed underneath. The cross members are rotatable with respect to one another to allow the hockey stick-handling device to be arranged in various configurations for stick-handling as well as to be collapsed for storage. The hockey stick-handling device is modular in nature such that it can be lengthened or shortened to a desired length. As disclosed and claimed herein, the utility of the stick-handling device has been improved by providing sensors and lights for illumination to assist the trainee in training and developing stick handling skills.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a hockey stick-handling device in an expanded, zig-zag configuration;

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an upper cross member of the stick-handling device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of a lower cross member of the stick handling device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of an upper support disc of the stick handling device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of a lower support disc of the stick handling device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates an elevational view of a hockey stick-handling device segment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of a hockey stick-handling device portion;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of the process of using a hockey stick-handling;

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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