FACE-OFF TRAINING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A training device and methods for training a person for face-offs in athletic activities and games. The device includes a base connector, a resilient elongated cord or strap, and a stick wrap. The stick wrap is connected to the distal end of the cord. The base connector is connected to the proximal end of the cord. The stick wrap is a foldable member that is configured to be readily connected to the heel of the stick and once so connected be resistant to displacement therefrom. The base connector is configured to be connected to a stationary structure. The resilient member provides a desired level of resistance to a face-off motion of the stick by the user. The training device may be part of a kit of plural devices, each constructed to provide a different level of resistance for the user of the device.

Claims

1. A training device for training a person to accomplish a battle for a puck or a ball in a sport making use of a stick having a heel, said training device comprising: a base connector configured to connect said device to a base, said base being in a form of a stationary member; an elongated resilient member having a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion, said proximal end portion being connected to said base connector, said resilient member being configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to said unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to a movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion; and a stick wrap configured to be releasably connected to said distal end portion, said stick wrap being formed of a blank of flexible material having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first section, a second section, and a third section, said first and second sections being secured together and forming a hollow pocket between said inner surface of said first and second sections, said hollow pocket being configured to receive the heel with one portion of the stick on a first side of the heel extending out of said pocket on a first side of said pocket and a second portion of the stick on a second and opposite side of the heel extending out of the pocket on a second and opposite side of said pocket, said third section being foldably connected to said second section by a foldable line and configured to be folded along said foldable line into releasable securable engagement with said first section to enclose the heel and releasably secure said stick wrap to the heel, whereupon said stick wrap is resistant to accidental displacement from the heel.

2. The training device of claim 1, wherein said pocket is lined with a slip-resistant liner.

3. The training device of claim 1 wherein said base connector is in a form of a loop configured to encircle the base.

4. The training device of claim 1, wherein said base connector comprises an elongated base strap having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a distal connector, and a proximal connector, said distal end portion of said elongated base strap being connected to said proximal end of said resilient member, said distal connector being secured to said elongated base strap adjacent said distal end portion of said elongated base strap, said proximal connector being connected to said proximal end portion of said elongated base strap, said distal connector and said proximal connector being releasably securable to each other to form said loop.

5. The training device of claim 4, wherein the distal end portion of the elongated base strap includes a stop configured to engage a door jamb to releasably secure said base strap to said door jamb.

6. The training device of claim 1 wherein said releasably securable engagement of said third section to said second section achieved by a first releasably securable connector located on said outer surface of said first section and by a second releasably securable connector located on said inner surface of said third section.

7. The training device of claim 1 wherein said first section comprises an upper section, said second section comprises an intermediate section, said third section comprises a lower section, and said foldable line comprises a lower fold line, said upper section being foldably connected to said intermediate section along an upper fold line, said upper section and said intermediate section having a first side edge and a second side edge, said first side edge being located opposite said second side edge, said first side edge forming a first wrapping portion, said second side edge forming a second wrapping portion, said wrap being foldable along said lower and upper foldable lines, whereupon said first wrapping portion is wrapped about the first portion of the stick on said first side of the heel and said second wrapping portion is wrapped about the second portion of the stick on the second side of the heel, with portions of the inner surface of said stick wrap engaging a portion of the heel.

8. The training device of claim 7, wherein said upper section is of a generally trapezoidal shape having congruent sides, and wherein said intermediate section is of the same shape and size as said upper section.

9. The training device of claim 1 wherein said training device comprises one training device of a kit of plural training devices, wherein each of said training devices is of similar construction, but whose elongated strap provides a different amount of stretchability than the elongated strap of others of the plural training devices of the kit.

10. A training device for training a person to accomplish a battle for a puck or a ball in a sport making use of a stick having a heel, said training device comprising: a base connector configured to connect said device to a base, said base being in a form of a stationary member; a elongated resilient member having a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion, said proximal end portion being connected to said base connector, said resilient member being configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to said unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to a movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion; and a stick wrap configured to be releasably connected to said distal end portion, said stick wrap including a first wrapping portion, a second wrapping portion, an intermediate portion, and releasably securable connectors, said intermediate portion interconnecting said first and second wrapping portions and holding said first wrapping portion spaced apart from said second wrapping portion, said intermediate portion being connected to said distal end of said resilient member between said first wrapping portion and said second wrapping portion, said first wrapping portion being configured to be wrapped about and brought into engagement with a first portion of the stick on a first side of the heel, said second wrapping portion being configured to be wrapped about and brought into engagement with a second portion of the stick on a second side of the heel, the second side of the heel being opposite the first side of the heel, whereupon when said stick wrap is wrapped about the stick said releasably securable connectors are brought into engagement with each other to thereby releasably secure said stick wrap to the heel, whereupon said stick wrap is resistant to accidental displacement from the heel.

11. The training device of claim 10 wherein said base connector is in a form of a loop configured to encircle the base.

12. The training device of claim 10, wherein said base connector comprises an elongated base strap having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a distal connector, and a proximal connector, said distal end portion of said elongated base strap being connected to said proximal end of said resilient member, said distal connector being secured to said elongated base strap adjacent said distal end portion of said elongated base strap, said proximal connector being connected to said proximal end portion of said elongated base strap, said distal connector and said proximal connector being releasably securable to each other to form said loop.

13. The training device of claim 12, wherein the distal end portion of the elongated base strap includes a stop configured to engage a door jamb to releasably secure said base strap to said door jamb.

14. The training device of claim 10, wherein said stick wrap is formed of a blank of flexible material having an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper section, an intermediate section, and a lower section, said lower section being foldably connected to said intermediate section along a lower fold line, said upper section being foldably connected to said intermediate section along an upper fold line, said upper section and said intermediate section having a first side edge and a second side edge, said first side edge being located opposite said second side edge, said first side edge forming said first wrapping portion, said second side edge forming said second wrapping portion, said wrap being foldable along said lower and upper foldable lines, whereupon said first wrapping portion is wrapped about the first portion of the stick on the first side of the heel and said second wrapping portion is wrapped about the second portion of the stick on the second side of the heel, with portions of the inner surface of said wrap engaging a portion of the heel.

15. The training device of claim 14, wherein said releasably securable connectors comprise a first releasably securable connector located on said interior surface of said upper section, and a second releasably securable connector located on said exterior surface of said lower section.

16. A method of training a person to accomplish a battle for a puck or a ball in a sport making use of a stick having a heel and a shaft, said method comprising: providing a training device including a base connector, a resilient member and a stick wrap, said resilient member having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, said proximal end portion being connected to said base connector, said resilient member being configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to said unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to the movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion, said stick wrap including a first wrapping portion, a second wrapping portion, and an intermediate portion connected to said first and second wrapping portions, said intermediate portion being connected to said distal end of said main resilient member; utilizing said base connector to secure said training device to a stationary base; bringing said first wrapping portion into engagement with a portion of said stick, bringing said second strap portion into engagement with another portion of said stick, whereupon said stick wrap is wrapped about said stick with a portion of said first strap portion being located on a first side of the heel and a portion of said second strap portion being located on a second side of the heel to thereby releasably secure said stick wrap to said heel, whereupon said stick wrap is resistant to accidental displacement from the heel; and the person grasping the stick by the handle moving said stick to replicate a face-off motion to cause said resilient member to stretch, whereupon the stretching of said resilient member provides resistance to the face-off motion of the stick.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the sport is hockey and wherein the stick is a hockey stick having a blade connected to the shaft by the heel.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said base connector is in the form of a loop configured to encircle the base.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the stationary base comprises a door jamb, and said base connector includes a stop, and wherein said method comprises locating said stop with respect to the door jamb to engage the door jamb to releasably secure said base strap to said door jamb.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said training device is provided as a portion of a kit of plural training devices, each of said training devices of said kit providing a different amount of resistance to the movement of the stick.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0034] FIG. 1 is an illustration of one exemplary training device constructed in accordance with this invention for training a person for hockey face offs, with the training device being shown in use in a hockey rink, wherein the device is mounted between the door jamb and door to the rink, by the device's base connector and with an auxiliary resistance-providing member of the training device being shown in a stowed state;

[0035] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the exemplary training device shown in FIG. 1, but shown with the training device being mounted on a stationary member, e.g., an upstanding post, adjacent a playground surface;

[0036] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the training device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0037] FIG. 3B is an isometric view of the training device shown in FIG. 3A but with its auxiliary resistance providing member (i.e., its auxiliary resilient member), being shown in its extended state wherein it is connected in parallel to the main resistance-providing member (i.e., its main resilient member) of the training device;

[0038] FIG. 3C is an enlarged isometric view of a proximal portion of the training device shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B to show the details of its base connector;

[0039] FIG. 4A is an enlarged isometric view of one component, i.e., a stick wrap, of the training device shown in FIGS. 1-3B;

[0040] FIG. 4B is an enlarged isometric view of the stick wrap of FIG. 4A shown being releasably secured to the heel of a hockey stick like shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 by means of a cleat;

[0041] FIG. 5 is an enlarged isometric view of the cleat shown in FIG. 4B with the distal ends of the main resilient member and the auxiliary resilient member being connected to the cleat;

[0042] FIG. 6 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of the training device which is located between a door jamb and door to releasably mount the training device thereto as shown in FIG. 1;

[0043] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a training device constructed in accordance with this invention;

[0044] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a kit of training devices, including the embodiment of FIG. 7, each of the training devices being constructed in accordance with this invention;

[0045] FIG. 9A is an isometric view taken at an oblique angle from the front of one component, i.e., a foldable stick wrap, of the training device of FIG. 7;

[0046] FIG. 9B is another isometric view taken from the front of the foldable stick wrap component shown in FIG. 9A;

[0047] FIG. 9C is an elevation view taken from the back of the foldable stick wrap component shown in FIG. 9A;

[0048] FIG. 9D is a top view taken along line 9D-9D of FIG. 9C;

[0049] FIG. 10A is a plan view of a blank of flexible material cut to form the stick wrap of FIGS. 9A-9D, with the blank of flexible material composed of an upper section, a middle section and a lower section and oriented so that its outer surface of each section is facing upward;

[0050] FIG. 10B is a plan view of the blank of flexible material shown in FIG. 10A but oriented so that the inner surface of each section is facing upward;

[0051] FIG. 10C is a plan view of the blank of FIGS. 10A and 10B being shown after it has been assembled, and ready to be opened to accept the heel of a hockey or other sports stick;

[0052] FIGS. 11A-11B are illustrations showing a sequence of operation showing the folding of the stick wrap of the training device of FIG. 7 being mounted on the heel of a hockey stick;

[0053] FIG. 12A is an illustration of the training device of FIG. 7 showing one step in the mounting of the stick wrap of the training device of FIG. 7 on the heel of a hockey stick;

[0054] FIG. 12B is an illustration of the training device of FIG. 7 show after the stick wrap has been mounted on the heel of a hockey stick;

[0055] FIG. 12C is schematic illustration of the training device of FIG. 7 shown being connected to a post when used by a person training for hockey face offs, like shown in FIG. 2;

[0056] FIG. 12D is schematic illustration of the training device of FIG. 7 shown being connected to a door jamb when used by a person training for hockey face offs, like shown in FIG. 1, with the left side of the illustration being an isometric view, and the right side of the illustration (the portion within the broken line circle) being a side view;

[0057] FIG. 13 is an illustration of use of the exemplary training device of FIG. 7 shown in use in a hockey rink, like shown in FIG. 1; and wherein the device is mounted between the door jamb and door to the rink, by the device's base connector; and

[0058] FIG. 14 is an illustration of use of the e exemplary training device of FIG. 7 shown in use in a hockey rink, like shown in FIG. 2; and wherein the training device is mounted on a stationary member, e.g., an upstanding post, adjacent a playground surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in FIG. 1 one exemplary embodiment of a device 20 constructed in accordance with one exemplary preferred embodiment of this invention for training a person to accomplish a face-off in a sport making use of a stick having a heel. The training device basically comprises a base connector 22, a main resilient member 24, and a stick wrap 26.

[0060] The details of the construction and operation of those components will be described later. Suffice it to state that the base connector 22 is configured for connecting the training device to a stationary base where the user of the training device will practice face-offs with an athletic stick (e.g., a hockey, lacrosse, or other athletic stick). The main resilient member 24 is configured to stretch from an unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when the first force is released, whereupon it provides resistance to the movement of the athletic stick, when the user practices face-offs with the stick being moved to replicate a face-off motion. The stick wrap 26 serves to releasably secure the training device to the athletic stick, e.g., at the heel of the stick, so that it is resistant to accidental displacement therefrom during use of the training device. By so doing, consistency of training using the device is ensured.

[0061] In FIG. 1 the user 2 of the training device 20 is shown in a hockey rink 4 holding a hockey stick 6 to practice face-offs. In that application the base connector 22 of training device is shown releasably mounted between a door 8 and its associated door-jamb 10 of the rink 4. The manner of that releasable mounting will be described later with reference to FIG. 6. The stick wrap 26 is shown releasably secured to the heel 6A of the hockey stick 6. The manner of the releasable securement of the stick wrap on the heel of the hockey stick will be described later with reference to FIG. 4B.

[0062] With the training device 20 mounted as shown in FIG. 1, when the user moves the hockey stick by its shaft 6B to replicate a face-off motion, the movement of the blade 6C of the stick will be resisted by the main resilient member 24 as it is stretched.

[0063] In FIG. 2 the training device 20 is shown with its base connector 22 releasably secured to on a stationary member, e.g., an upstanding post 12, adjacent a playground surface 14 so that the user 2 can practice face-offs using the hockey stick 6 adjacent the post 12. The manner of releasably mounting the training device 20 to the post 12 will also be described later.

[0064] As best seen in FIG. 3A, in addition to the base connector 22, the main resilient member 24, and the stick wrap 26, the training device also includes a distal cleat 28, an auxiliary resistance band or strap 30, and a proximal cleat 32. The details of the construction and operation of those components will be described later, after a description of the base connector.

[0065] The base connector 22 is in the form of an adjustable mounting or locking strap to releasably secure the training device to the interface between a door and door jamb, like shown in FIG. 1, or to a stationary member, like the post shown in FIG. 2, or any other stationary member about which the base connector can be looped. The details of the base connector are best seen in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 6. Thus, as can be seen the base connector and includes an elongated base strap 34 formed of any suitable material, e.g., nylon webbing or any other flexible, but non-stretchable material. The base strap 34 has a distal end portion which is folded over itself to form two parallel strap sections 34A and 34B which are sewed together by lines of stitching 34C to form a loop fixedly securing those sections to the proximal cleat 34 to it. In particular, the folded over portion of the strap sections 34A and 34B form a loop which extends through a slot 32A in the cleat 32. The parallel sections of the base strap 34 includes a knot at approximately the midpoint of its associated parallel strap section and closely adjacent the lines of stitching 34B. In particular, the strap section 34A includes a knot 34D at approximately its midpoint. The strap section 34B includes a knot 34E immediately adjacent the knot 34D. The two knots together form a bulge in the base strap 34 to serve as a stop to engage the adjacent surfaces of the rink door 8 and its door jamb 10 when the base strap is extended between the door jamb 10 and the door 8 like shown in FIG. 1. That action prevents the base connector from being pulled out of the interface between the door and its jamb during use of the training device 20.

[0066] The strap section 34A located proximally of the knot 34D extends through a slot 36A′ in one connector component 36A of a snap-connector 36 and is doubled back towards the knot 34D so that its end is located adjacent the knot 34D and is secured in place by lines of stitches 34F. The two webs of the doubled back strap section of 34A are secured together by lines of stitching 34G immediately adjacent the slot 36A′ of the connector 36A so that the connector 36A cannot slide with respect to the strap section 34A. The foregoing arrangement secures the strap section 34A to the connector 36A.

[0067] The strap section 34B which extends proximally of the knot 34E is connected to the mating connector 36B of the snap connector 36. In particular, the free end of the strap section 34B is extended in and out of a pair of slots 36B′ in the connector 36B and back over itself to adjustably secure that strap section to the connector 36B. The snap connector 36 is a conventional component like that found in various products, such as back packs, belts, etc., wherein prongs 36C of the connector 36B are arranged to snap into associated slots in the connector 36A, thereby releasably connecting the two connectors 36A and 36B together. Inasmuch as the strap section 34B extends in and out of the slots 36B′ the length of the strap section 34B from the knot 34E to the connector 36B can be adjusted. That enables the user to adjust the size of the loop created by the strap section 34B to surround any size stationary point, e.g., the post 12. It should be pointed out that other types of connectors and other arrangements of the strap sections can be used so long as the resulting base connector includes a strap that is adjustable and includes at least one bulge to act as a stop when the base connector is used to releasably secure the training device to the interface of a door and door jamb.

[0068] The main resilient member 24 is an elongated elastic component formed of any strong resilient material, e.g., rubber, etc. It can be either in the form of a cord of a single fiber or strand a cable of multiple fibers or strands, or it may be in the form of a flat web or strap and serves to provide resistance to the movement of the stick 6 when the training device is in use and the user is practicing face-off motions with the stick. The main resilient member 24 in the embodiment shown is in the form of an elastic cord whose proximal end is fixedly secured to the proximal cleat 32. That securement is best seen in FIG. 3A and is accomplished by the proximal end of the cord 24 extending through a hole 32B in the cleat 32 and terminating in a connector 38. The proximal end of the auxiliary resilient member 30, whose details will be described shortly, is fixedly secured to the connector 38. In fact the auxiliary resilient member 30 may merely be an extension of the main resilient member 26 extending away from the connector 38.

[0069] The distal end of the main resilient member 24 extends through a hole 28A (FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5) in the cleat 28 and is held in place by a plug 40 having a larger diameter than that of the main resilient member and located at the distal end thereof. The cleat 28 connects the distal end of the main resilient member to the stick wrap 26. The stick wrap is configured to be releasably secured to the heel 6A of the hockey stick 6 or the heel of any other athletic stick used in face-offs so that the user can practice face offs with the training device. The stick wrap is best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B and is in the form of an assembly of a strip 26A of strong flexible webbing material, e.g., nylon, webbing and two strips of a releasably securable, e.g., VELCRO® material 26B and 26C. In particular, the strip 26A is folded over itself at its midpoint to extend through a slot 28B in the cleat 28. The folded over portions are sewn together by lines of stitches 26D to secure the strip 26 to the cleat 28. One end of the VELCRO® strip 26B is fixedly secured to one end of the strip 26A and a corresponding end of the other VELCRO® strip 26C is fixedly secured to opposite end of the strip 26A. One side of the portion 26B′ of the VELCRO® strip 26B that is located immediately adjacent the strip 26A is in the form of a multitude of hooks. The remainder of the strip 26B which forms the free end portion 26B″ includes a plush or multi-loop surface on the opposite side of the strip 26B. In a similar manner one side of the portion 26C′ of the VELCRO® strip 26C that is located immediately adjacent the strip 26A is in the form of a multitude of hooks. The remainder of the strip 26C which forms the free end portion 26C″ includes a plush or multi-loop surface on the opposite side of the strip 26C.

[0070] The releasable securement of the stick wrap to the heel of the stick 6 is accomplished by tightly wrapping the end portion 26B″ of the strip 26B about the shaft 6B of the stick immediately to the side of the heel 6A, whereupon the multitude of hooks 26B′ on the strip portion 26B engage the multitude of loops on the strip portion 26B″ to thereby releasably secure the strip 26B to the stick. In a similar manner, the end portion 26C″ of the strip 26C is wrapped tightly about the blade 6C of the stick immediately to the side of the heel 6A, whereupon the multitude of hooks 26C′ on the strip portion 26C engage the multitude of loops on the strip portion 26C″ to thereby releasably secure the strip 26C to the stick. That action completes the securement of the stick wrap to the heel of the stick, with the distal end of the main resilient member thus being connected to the heel of the stick.

[0071] It should be noted that in lieu of VELCRO® strips 26B and 26C, other strips including any type of releasably securable fastener (e.g., buttons, press studs (snaps), hook and eyes, etc.), may be used to hold the wrapped portion of the strip in place on the portion of the stick adjacent the stick's heel.

[0072] The main resilient member, which may also be referred to as the main resistance member, is configured to stretch from a unstretched state to a stretched state when a first force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when that force is released, whereupon it provides a resistance R(main) to the movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion. The value of R(main) would be appropriate for a wide variety of users of various ages and strengths. Moreover, the training device may be provided in the form of a kit having plural main resilient members, each providing a different level of resistance so that the user can select the desired level of resistance that the training device will provide when the user uses it to practice face-offs.

[0073] As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art with the stick wrap being releasably connected as just described the use of the training device 20 will focus resistance at the correct spot of the stick to best train the user for accomplishing face offs. Moreover, once the stick wrap 26 is secured to the heel of the stick as just described it will be resistant to accidental displacement or movement away from the heel of the stick until the stick wrap is intentionally disconnected by the use and removed from the stick by the user. That feature provides consistent repeatability of resistance training by the user of the device in practicing face-offs since the same amount of resistance will always be applied at the same location on the stick.

[0074] The auxiliary resilient member 30, which may also be referred to as the auxiliary resistance member, is an elongated elastic member constructed like the main resilient member and is provided to allow the user to add the additional resistance R(aux) to the training device 20 in addition to the resistance R(main) provided by the main resilient member 24. Thus, the auxiliary resilient member 30 is configured to stretch from an unstretched state to a stretched state when a second force is applied to it, and to automatically return to the unstretched state when that force is released, whereupon it provides resistance R(aux) to the movement of the stick replicating a face-off motion.

[0075] The auxiliary resilient member 30 is arranged to be connected in parallel to the main resilient member, as will be described shortly. The auxiliary resilient member 30 can be configured to provide the same level of resistance as the main resilient member 24, in which case when connected in parallel with the main resilient member 30, results in the training device providing resistance equal to the sum of the resistances R(main) plus and R(aux) provided by the both members 24 and 30, i.e., double the resistance that is provided when only the main resilient member is used alone. If the auxiliary resilient member provides a different resistance than the main resilient member the composite resistance provided by the parallel combination of the two resilient members 24 and 30 will not be double R(main) but will be R(main) plus R(aux).

[0076] It should be pointed out at this juncture that the subject invention contemplates the use of multiple auxiliary resistance members that could be connected in parallel to the main resistance member. Moreover, as mentioned above the training device of the subject invention may be provided as a kit. That kit may also include multiple auxiliary resistance members, each being of a different R(aux) resistance, and which could be used either singly or in multiples in parallel with the main resilient member to provide the desired amount of resistance.

[0077] The auxiliary resilient member 30 is normally held in a rolled-up stowed state, like shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A, and is arranged to be unrolled from its stowed state to an extended state where it extends in parallel to the main resilient member. The auxiliary resilient member is of the same length as the main resilient member so that when they are connected in parallel both will be in their unstretched state until a force is provided to stretch them. The auxiliary resilient member is held in its rolled-up stowed state by use of any type of clip 42, e.g., a strip of double-sided VELCRO® tape. When it is desired to use the auxiliary resilient member to provide additional resistance to the training device 20, the clip is released and the rolled-up auxiliary resilient member un-rolled. The distal end of the auxiliary resilient member 30 is in the form of an enlarged plug 44. The cleat 28 includes a keyway shaped slot 28C having an enlarged lower end through which the auxiliary resilient member 30 with its enlarged plug 44 is extended. Once the enlarged plug is extended through the enlarged lower end of the keyway slot, the auxiliary resilient member contiguous with the plug 44 is slid into the narrower keyway of the slot 26C to releasably secure the distal end of the auxiliary resilient member to the cleat 28. Once so connected the training device 20 can be used to provide increase resistance to the motion of the stick replicating a face-off. If it is desired to no longer use the auxiliary resilient member with the training device, all that is required is to slide the distal end of the auxiliary resilient member down the keyway of the slot 28C until it reaches the enlarged lower end of the slot, at which time the enlarged plug 44 can pass through the enlarged lower end of the slot. That action frees the distal end of the auxiliary resilient member so that it can be rolled up to the stowed state shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B.

[0078] Turning now to FIG. 7 there is shown another exemplary embodiment of a training device 120 constructed in accordance with this invention. The training device 120 is similar in many respects to the training device 120 in that it includes a base connector 122, a resilient member 124, and a stick wrap 126. The details of the base connector 122 will be described later. Suffice it for now to state that it enables the training device 120 to be connected to either a stationary post or other similar structure, like described above, and also shown in FIGS. 12C, and 14 or can be connected to a door jamb like described above and also shown in FIGS. 12D and 13. The details of stick wrap 122 will also be described in detail later. Suffice it for now to state that the stick wrap enables the training device to be readily connected to the heel of a hockey stick or another sport stick having a heel, by wrapping portions of the stick wrap around portions of the stick one opposite sides of the heel, to releasably secure the stick wrap to the stick against accidental displacement therefrom.

[0079] As best seen in FIG. 7, the base connector 122 basically comprises an elongated base strap 134 formed of any suitable material, e.g., nylon webbing or any other flexible, but non-stretchable material. One particularly suitable material for the base strap is a nylon strap sewn in a tube shape and flattened out for double strength. The base strap 134 has a distal end portion which is folded over itself to form two parallel strap sections 134A and 134B which are secured together by stitching closely adjacent where they are folded over to form a small loop thereat. This small loop serves as the means for connecting the proximal end 124A of the resilient member 124. The opposite (proximal) end of the strap section 134A terminates at one connector component, e.g., a female connector component, 136A of a snap-connector 136. The proximal portion of the strap section 134B extends in and out through a pair of slots in the male connector component 136B of the snap-connector 136. The snap connector 136 is a conventional component like that found in various products, such as back packs, belts, etc., wherein prongs of the male connector component are arranged to snap into associated slots in the female connector component, thereby releasably connecting the two connector components together. Inasmuch as the proximal end portion of the strap section 134B extends in and out of the slots in the male connector component 136B when the male and female connectors components are connected together that forms a loop 138 from the proximal portions of the strap sections 134A and 134B, with size of the loop 138 being adjustable by pulling on the free end 134C of the strap section 134B. That enables the user to adjust the size of the loop 138 to surround any size stationary point or object, e.g., the post 12, up to nine inches in diameter. However, if desired the base connector can be constructed to accommodate larger stationary points or objects than those of nine inch diameter.

[0080] The base connector 122 also includes a stop 140 that serves a similar purpose as the stop (e.g., the knot) 34D of the training device 20. However, the stop 140, instead of being a knot is in the form of wedge-shaped body or plug formed of any suitable material, e.g., a plastic or rubber. The stop 140 is fixedly secured to the strap sections 134A and 134B between the distal and proximal ends of those strap sections. In particular, the stop includes a front face 140A, a rear face 140B, and a pair of slots 140C and 140D extending parallel to each other between the front face and the rear face. An intermediate portion of the strap section 134A extends through slot 140D while the immediately adjacent intermediate portion of the strap section 134B extends through the slot 140C. The portion of the strap sections 134A and 134B immediately adjacent the front face 140A are secured (sewn) together. The portion of the strap sections 134A and 134B immediately adjacent the rear face 140B are secured (sewn) together. That action fixedly secures the stop to an intermediate portion of the strap sections 134A and 134B. The distal end or face 140A of the stop is flat and configured to engage the interface of a door and door jamb, in a similar manner to the knot 34D when the training device 120 is used in a setting like an ice rink as discussed above and as shown schematically in FIG. 12D.

[0081] It should be pointed out that other types of connectors and other arrangements of the strap sections can be used so long as the resulting base connector includes a strap that is adjustable and includes at least one bulge to act as a stop when the base connector is used to releasably secure the training device to the interface of a door and door jamb.

[0082] The resilient member 124 is an elongated elastic component or cord formed of any strong elastic material. One particularly suitable elastic cord is a professional grade acrobatic shock cord having a soft expandable cotton cord jacket. Alternatively, it can be in the form of a cable of multiple elastic fibers or strands, or it may be in the form of a flat elastic web or strap, so long as it is suitable to provide resistance to the movement of the stick 6 when the training device is in use and the user is practicing face-off motions with the stick.

[0083] The resilient cord 124 includes a proximal end portion 124A and a distal end portion 124B. The proximal end portion 124A of the cord is fixedly secured to the distal end of the strap sections 134A and 134B by the small loop formed at the distal end of those strap sections. In particular, the proximal end portion of the elastic cord 124 is threaded through the small loop at the distal end of the strap sections 134A and 134B, and then is folded back over itself and secured in place by a crimpable C-shaped clamp or ferrule or some other clamping member to form a permanent joint in a manner similar to the securement of the distal end portion of the cord to the stick wrap 126 (to be described later with reference to FIGS. 9C and 9D). A section heat shrinkable sleeve 130 is disposed over and covers the joint.

[0084] Turning now to FIGS. 9A-10C the details of the stick wrap 126 will now be described. To that end, the stick wrap is formed from a planar blank 100 of a flexible material, e.g., PVC coated polyester scrim. The blank has an inner surface 100A (FIG. 10B) and an outer surface 100B (FIG. 10A) and is cut, e.g., die-cut, into the shape as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. When so cut it is in the form of an integral unit which includes an upper section 142, an intermediate section 144, and a lower section 146. The upper section has a generally trapezoidal shape having a generally linear top edge 142A, a pair of outwardly flaring congruent sides 142B and 142C and a bottom in the form of a foldable line 142D where the upper section merges with the intermediate section 144, The intermediate section 144 is basically a mirror image of the upper section 142. Thus, the top edge of the intermediate section is the foldable line 142D. The congruent sides 144B and 144C of the intermediate section taper inward to the bottom of the intermediate section, which is in the form of a foldable line 144D. The lower section is of a generally square shape having a generally linear lower edge 146D, a pair of side edges 146B and 146C and a top in the form of the foldable line 144D where the lower section 146 merges with the intermediate section 144.

[0085] As best seen in FIG. 10A the outer surface 100B of the upper section 142 includes a patch 150 of a releasably securable connector, e.g., a multi-hook patch of a VELCRO® connector) fixedly secured thereto. The inner surface of the lower section includes a patch 152 of the cooperating releasably securable connector, e.g., a multi-loop or plush patch of the VELCRO® connector. In addition, the inner surface 100A of the blank includes a liner patch 154 formed of a thin layer of neoprene fixedly secured to the inner surface by an adhesive and lines of stitches (not shown).

[0086] The VELCRO® component patches 150 and 152 are configured to engage each other to releasably secure the stick wrap on the heel of the stick, when the stick wrap is folded and wrapped about the heel, as will be described later. The neoprene liner provides resistance to slippage of the stick wrap on the heel of the hockey stick when the stick wrap is in place, as will also be described later.

[0087] The outer surface of the bottom section 146 may include a patch 154 fixedly secured thereto and carrying indicia which may be a product identifier, e.g., a “FACE OFF” trademark or logo, and/or instructions or ornamentation.

[0088] As best seen in FIGS. 10A and 10B the bottom edge of the top section 142 and the top edge of the intermediate section are arcuate. In particular, the bottom edge of the top section 142 from the ends of the foldable line 142D outward are in the form of arcuate edges 142D and 142E. In a similar manner the top edge of the intermediate section 144 from the ends of the foldable line 142D outward are in the form of arcuate edges 144D and 144E. When the cut blank is assembled into the stick wrap the top section 142 is folded along the foldable line 142D over the intermediate section so that the inner surfaces of those sections are confronting each other. Once in that orientation the arcuate edge 142D of the top section 142 is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn by a line of stitches 158 (FIG. 10C), to the arcuate edge 144D of the intermediate section 144. Similarly, the arcuate edge 142E of the top section 142 is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn by a line of stitches 160 (FIG. 10C), to the arcuate edge 144E of the bottom section. Once those edges are secured, e.g., sewn, a pocket 162 (FIGS. 9A and 9B) is created between the inner surfaces of the confronting upper and intermediate sections 142 and 144, respectively.

[0089] As mentioned above the distal end portion 124B of the elastic cord 124 is fixedly secured to the outer surface of the intermediate section 144 of the stick wrap 126. In particular, as best seen in FIGS. 9C and 9D, a strip 164 of the same material as the blank 140 is fixedly secured, e.g., sewn, onto the outer surface of the intermediate section 144 to form a projecting loop 164A. The free end 166 of the distal end portion 124B of the elastic cord 124 is threaded through the loop 164A and folded over itself and secured in place by a C-shaped clamp 168, e.g., a so-called “hog ring for shock cords”. In particular, the open hog ring, is disposed about the portion of the cord where its distal end 166 abuts the portion of the cord on the opposite side of the loop 164, and then is crimped or squeezed closed by a crimping tool to secure those portions of the cord together to form a permanent joint thereat. A heat shrinkable tube 132 which had been located on the cord before the cord was connected to the loop 164A is slid down over the joint once the joint had been secured by the crimping of the clamp 168 and heat applied to the heat shrinkable tube to shrink it about the joint, thereby completing the joint and permanently connecting the distal end of the cord to the stick wrap.

[0090] As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the stick wrap is configured so that it can be mounted on either side of a right handed stick or a left handed stick, depending upon which stick manipulating motion the user wishes training. Attention is now directed to FIGS. 11A and 11B to describe the mounting and releasable securement of the stick wrap about the heel 6A of a stick 6. The stick wrap can be mounted on either side To that end, the heel of the stick is inserted into the pocket 162, like shown in FIG. 11A, whereupon the portion of the stick at the interface of the heel 6A and the shaft 6B which is located under the edges 142C and 144C form a first side edge 126A of the stick wrap. The portion of the stick at the interface of the heel 6A and the blade 6C located under the edges 142D and 144D form a second side edge 126B of the stick wrap. The first side edge forms a first wrapping portion of the stick wrap. The second side edge forms a second wrapping portion of the stick wrap. With the heel of the stick in the pocket like shown in FIG. 11A, the lower section 146 will be facing upward as shown clearly in that figure. The lower section is then folded downward along the foldable line 144D to bring the plush or multi-loop VELCRO® patch 154 on its inner surface into engagement with the cooperating multi-hook VELCRO® patch 150 on the outer surface of the upper section 142 like shown in FIG. 11B. That action effectively releasably secures the stick wrap 126 to the heel of the stick so that it will be resistant to displacement, with the first wrapping portion being wrapped about the portion of the stick on one side of the heel and with the second wrapping portion being wrapped about the second portion of the stick on the opposite side of the heel. As mentioned earlier a slip-resistant neoprene liner patch 154 is secured on portions of the inner surface of the upper section 142, portions of the inner surface of the intermediate section 144, which together form the pocket 160, to provide further means for preventing the stick wrap from being accidentally displaced from the heel of the stick.

[0091] Use of the training device 120 is the same as that described with respect to training device 20. Thus, in the interest of brevity, the use of the device 120 will not be reiterated.

[0092] In accordance with one preferred aspect of this invention the training device 120 forms one component of a kit of similar training devices, with each training device of the kit providing a different level of resistance depending upon the age, strength, and proficiency or skill of the user of the training device. One such exemplary kit includes three training devices 120A, 120B and 120C, shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, respectively. The only difference in the construction of the training devices of the kit is the amount of resistance provided by the resilient cord 124 of each training device. The training device 120B shown in FIG. 8B is the training device shown in FIG. 7 and makes use of a resilient cord 124 having a 9 mm cross-sectional diameter which is suitable for training of persons up to approximately 17 years of age. The training device 120A of FIG. 8A makes use of a smaller diameter cord 124, e.g., a 6 mm cross section diameter, to provide less resistance than the cord 124 of the training device 120B. That training device is suitable for training persons up to approximately 12 years of age. The training device 120C of FIG. 8C makes use of a larger cross-sectional area cord 124, e.g., 12 mm cross-section diameter, to provide greater resistance than the cord 124 of the training device 120B and is suitable for elite level users.

[0093] In order to enable a user of the kit to easily select the appropriate training device for his/her use the training devices of the kit are color coded. For example, the heat shrinkable sleeves 130 and 132 are chosen to be of one color, e.g., yellow, for the training device 120A, another color, e.g., red, for the training device 120B, and a third color, e.g., black, for the training device 120C. It should be noted that the kit can contain any number of training devices and such devices can provide any amount of resistance.

[0094] The exemplary embodiments 20 and 120 as shown and described above is merely two of various constructions that the training device of this invention may take within the scope of this invention. What is important is that the training device includes some means to releasably secure its proximal end portion to some stationary structure to mount the device for use. In addition, the training device should provide a connector for connecting the distal end of the device to the heel or some other desirable portion of a stick used in some sport involving face-offs so that it is resistant to accidental displacement therefrom and a resilient member configured to provide a desired level of resistance between the distal and proximal end portions of the training device when the device is used with a stick replicating a face-off motion.

[0095] Without further elaboration the foregoing will so fully illustrate my invention that others may, by applying current or future knowledge, adopt the same for use under various conditions of service.