SPORTS TRAINING AID

Abstract

A sports training aid comprising a frame with skate-like and hockey stick-like members attached thereto and including an upright frame member supporting a backboard to simulate an opposing player. This training aid is intended to assist the novice hockey player in developing the skills associated with maneuvering the hockey puck around and/or through an opponent. The device consists of a frame having a longitudinal member connected to a transverse member, the transverse member having leg members each terminating in a skate simulation member and a distal end of the longitudinal member terminating in a hockey stick-like member, an upright frame member supports a backboard.

Claims

1. A sports training device, comprising: a frame having a longitudinal member, said longitudinal member including a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end directly connected to a transverse member; said transverse member including a first end, a second end, and a predetermined length said first end and said second end equally disposed on either side of, and perpendicular to, said longitudinal member; each of said first end and said second end being, attached to a respective leg member; each of said leg members being downwardly disposed from said transverse member and outwardly angled relative to said transverse member; each of said leg members having a distal end terminating in a skate simulation member, each said skate simulation member being perpendicular to said transverse member; said distal end of said longitudinal member being shaped in a downwardly disposed manner and terminating in a hockey stick-like member; and an upright frame member extending laterally from and parallel to said length of said transverse member, said upright frame member supporting a backboard.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art sports training aid.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sports training aid according to the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the training aid illustrated in FIG. 2 and showing the backboard removed from the upright frame member.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded view similar to that of FIG. 3, but showing an alternative backboard and upright frame member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0015] Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0016] With attention to FIGS. 2-4, a sports training aid 10 according to the present invention may be seen. As shown, the present invention provides a training device 10 that roughly simulates the triangular region beneath a hockey opponent, as described above. In an embodiment, the device 10 consists of a frame 12 including a longitudinal member 20 having a distal end. 14 and a proximal end 16. The proximal end 16 being connected to a transverse member 24, The longitudinal member 20 may be connected to the transverse member 24 in a conventional manner, such as by pressure fit, screws, or connectors, by way of non-limiting examples. The transverse member 22 includes a first and second end, 24A, 24B equally disposed on either side of, and perpendicular to, the longitudinal member 20.

[0017] The first and second ends 24A, 24B of the transverse member 22 are each attached to a respective leg member 26 which is downwardly disposed from, and generally perpendicular to the transverse member 22 and to the longitudinal member 20. The distal end 28 of each respective leg member 26 terminate in parallel skate simulation members 30 to simulate the feet and skates of an opponent. In a preferred embodiment the skate simulation members 30 are integrally formed with the leg members 26. When the device 10 is assembled, the parallel skate simulation members 30 are approximately 18 inches apart, and have a bottom edge that is approximately 12 inches long, approximating a typical size and spacing for the skates of a hockey player.

[0018] As is further seen, the distal end 14 of the longitudinal member 20 is shaped in a downwardly disposed manner and terminates in a hockey stick-like member 32 simulating the bottom section of an opponent's hockey stick. In a preferred. embodiment stick-like member 32 includes a heel 34 which is approximately 24 inches in front of, and approximately centered on, the forward edge 36 of the skate-like members 30, approximating a typical hockey stick placement of an opposing hockey player.

[0019] An upright frame 40 to support a backboard 42 is attached to, extending upwardly from and generally parallel to, the transverse member 22. The upright frame 40 may be fabricated from spring steel, wire, or any other suitable light weight, flexible material. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upright frame 40 may be looped in a manner that provides lightweight rigidity to support the backboard 42. The backboard 42 may be directly affixed to the upright frame 40 in a known manner, or the backboard 42 may be in the form of a sleeve having a pocket to receive the upright frame member 40. As shown, the upright frame 40 and backboard 42, approximate the placement of an opposing hockey player torso.

[0020] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.