Games using tangible projectile – Playing field or court game; game element or accessory... – Practice or training device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-24
2001-12-11
Passaniti, Sebastiano (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Playing field or court game; game element or accessory...
Practice or training device
Reexamination Certificate
active
06328664
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an ice hockey training device which can be used by hockey players to reflect back a puck shot against it.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the game of hockey, it is important for a player to develop the fundamental skills of skating, shooting, passing and receiving. However, it is difficult to practice passing and receiving without the presence of another player. Therefore, there is a need for a suitable and practical device that would allow a player to practice his puck passing and receiving skills in isolation.
A hockey practice device is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,045, issued to Hammett et al on Nov. 8, 1994. This hockey practice device comprises at least two support members with an elongated elastic band placed in tension between the support members so that a puck shot against the elastic band will rebound to the shooter.
There are several drawbacks associated with the Hammett et al device. More particularly, it is desirable that the puck rebound from the device at substantially the same velocity with which it is shot at the device. The elastic band rebounds the puck at a lesser velocity. In addition, the elastic band often deflects when hit with a puck at a certain velocity and angle, with the result that the puck can pass beneath it or can get wedged underneath it. In either instance, the practice session would have to be stopped so that these problems can be rectified. Another drawback associated with the Hammett et al device is that there is a “dead zone” of approximately 2 inches on either side of the post where the puck will not rebound with sufficient speed to return to the shooter. Finally, the elastic band loses its resilience over time and has to be replaced.
The present invention addresses these concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, the puck-rebounding device is a three-dimensional, solid, resilient body formed of elastomer chips or strips held together with adhesive. The body has a vertical side edge or face for rebounding a puck at substantially the same velocity with which the puck is shot against it. In a preferred form, the body is formed of tire chips, has an equilateral triangular or rectangular shape and has flat, parallel top and bottom surfaces.
The benefits of having an ice hockey training device comprised of a solid mass of resilient material are numerous. There are no moving parts to be concerned with and no adjustments necessary to ensure proper resilience of the device. There are no “dead zones” anywhere on the face of the device and therefore the puck will be returned to the shooter regardless of where on the face the puck is shot.
In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the resilient body forms one or more openings for receiving pins operative to secure the body to an ice surface. The openings preferably have an enlarged diameter on the bottom surface to allow fingers to easily grasp the pins for removal. The pins have sharp ends for penetrating the ice to allow the device to sit flush against the ice. Once in position, the device cannot be easily moved. Hence, there is no possibility that the puck can get lodged beneath the device.
Broadly stated, the invention is an ice hockey training device for rebounding a puck shot against it, said device comprising a three-dimensional, solid, resilient body having a flat bottom surface for lying flush on an ice surface, said body being made from elastomer chips or the strips and adhesive, said body having a side surface capable of rebounding the puck with a velocity substantially the same as the velocity with which it was shot.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4366632 (1983-01-01), Bente
patent: 4492728 (1985-01-01), Zurkinden
patent: 5362045 (1994-11-01), Hammett et al.
patent: 5580048 (1996-12-01), Mullen et al.
patent: 5693413 (1997-12-01), Hesterman et al.
Chambers M.
Passaniti Sebastiano
Sheridan & Ross P.C.
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