FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to hockey pucks and, more particularly, relates to hockey pucks configured to be effectively used on a variety of different surfaces, including concrete.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ice hockey has grown in popularity over the years but practicing or engaging in the sport has been significantly limited to climates, environments, and arenas that are sufficiently cold, i.e., that have ice rinks, whether natural or man-made, to facilitate the smooth and low-friction movement of the hockey puck across the icy surface. Existing prior art has attempted to formulate multi-surface or universal hockey pucks that may be utilized not just on icy surfaces but on other types of surfaces, as well, but are characterized by significant limitations and short-comings such as the loss, reduction, or sacrifice of speed resulting from the heightened puck weight or friction of the material composition. See, e.g., Pona, U.S. Patent No. 8,657,710 (Feb. 25, 2014).

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a multi-surface hockey puck that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that is operably configured to be used on a variety of different surfaces without compromising the integrity and quality of the puck’s smooth, fast, and low-friction movement across the surface. Beneficially, the present invention may be utilized in a vast variety of climates and environments, on ice- and non-ice surfaces, and both indoors and outdoors. This significantly increases the utility and entertainment value of the present invention. The present invention retains a puck weight equivalent to that of a vulcanized rubber puck yet is characterized by a lower coefficient of friction that beneficially improves the quality of the puck’s movement across a multitude of surfaces.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a multi-surface hockey puck comprising a puck body of a monolithic, non-vulcanized rubber, and polymeric material forming a cylindrical shape and with a mass of approximately 170g, with a planar upper surface, a planar lower surface opposing the planar upper surface, and with the planar upper and lower surfaces having a static coefficient of friction relative to a concrete surface between 0.45 and 0.35.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the monolithic, non-vulcanized rubber, and polymeric material has a density of approximately 1.46 g/cc.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the monolithic, non-vulcanized rubber, and polymeric material is polyvinyl chloride.

In accordance with another feature, in one embodiment of the present invention, the puck body has a thickness separating the planar upper and lower surfaces of approximately 1.0 inches and has a diameter separating two opposing side surfaces of a sidewall separating the planar upper and lower surfaces of the puck body of approximately 3.0 inches.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the planar upper surface terminates circumferentially at an upper rounded edge interposing the planar upper surface and the sidewall and the planar lower surface terminates circumferentially at a lower rounded edge interposing the planar lower surface and the sidewall.

In accordance with yet another feature, the monolithic, non-vulcanized rubber, and polymeric material is polyvinyl chloride, nylon, acrylic, ABS plastic, polypropylene, or high density polyethylene (HOPE). In accordance with a further feature, the puck body has a thickness separating the planar upper and lower surfaces of approximately 1.0 inches and has a diameter separating two opposing side surfaces of a sidewall separating the planar upper and lower surfaces of the puck body of approximately 3.0 inches.

In accordance with one feature of the present invention, the planar upper surface terminates circumferentially at an upper rounded edge interposing the planar upper surface and the sidewall and the planar lower surface terminates circumferentially at a lower rounded edge interposing the planar lower surface and the sidewall.

In accordance with another feature, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a multisurface hockey puck comprising a puck body of a monolithic, non-vulcanized rubber, and polyvinyl chloride material forming a cylindrical shape and with a a density greater than 1.0 gm/cc, with a planar upper surface, a planar lower surface opposing the planar upper surface, and with the planar upper and lower surfaces having a static coefficient of friction relative to a concrete surface between 0.45 and 0.35.

In accordance with a further feature of the foregoing embodiment of the present invention, the puck body has a thickness separating the planar upper and lower surfaces of approximately 1.0 inches and has a diameter separating two opposing side surfaces of a sidewall separating the planar upper and lower surfaces of the puck body of approximately 3.0 inches.

In accordance with yet another feature, the planar upper surface terminates circumferentially at an upper rounded edge interposing the planar upper surface and the sidewall and the planar lower surface terminates circumferentially at a lower rounded edge interposing the planar lower surface and the sidewall.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a multi-surface hockey puck, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as oriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may be changed based on the user’s perspective of the device. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the puck body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a multi-surface hockey puck, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of the multi-surface hockey puck according to FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. The present invention provides a novel and efficient hockey puck that is operably configured to efficiently glide across a variety of surfaces without compromising the weight or material composition of the hockey puck. Embodiments of the invention provide a multi-surface hockey puck with a puck weight equivalent to that of a vulcanized rubber puck but having a lower coefficient of friction. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide for smooth, fast, and low-friction movement across a multitude of surface including, without limitation, concrete.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a side elevational view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a multi-surface hockey puck (hereinafter referred to as “puck 100” for brevity), as shown in FIG. 1, includes a puck body 102 of a monolithic, non-vulcanized rubber, and polymeric material forming a cylindrical shape. As used herein, “monolithic” is defined as a single piece or structure. In one embodiment, the monolithic, nonvulcanized rubber, and polymeric material is polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) material composition. PVC is characterized by several advantageous benefits including, without limitation, cost, ease of machine/manufacturing, density, and impact resistance. PVC is a commonly used thermoplastic offering excellent impact, corrosion, and chemical resistance. PVC is an economical and highly machinable material with excellent corrosion and chemical resistance. In an exemplary embodiment, the PVC material composition of the multi-surface hockey puck 100 encompasses all PVC such as chemical variations, methods of manufacturing of the stock (such as casting and extruding), color, density, and friction. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, however, the puck body 102 may be of an alternate material composition with similar functional and advantageous characteristics such as nylon (polyamide), acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”) plastic, polypropylene, or high density polyethylene (HDPE). Cast Nylon is an extremely versatile thermoplastic resin that can contribute significantly to weight and noise reduction, lubrication savings, and gear life extension and is highly resistant to impact, wear, and vibration. Its physical properties and price point make it a superior choice over metal and rubber for the present invention. Cast nylon is easy to machine and fabricate since part size and thickness are almost unlimited without degradation of the material. ABS is a versatile and cost-effective thermoplastic polymer. Among other things, ABS is recognized for its mechanical toughness, wide temperature range, good dimensional stability, and exceptional chemical resistance. It is tough, rigid, and impact resistant, making it the perfect material for a hockey puck. ABS has standard sizes and thicknesses which include ABS Sheet: 12” x 12” - 48” x 96”; ABS Sheet Thicknesses: 0.060” - 4”; and ABS Rod Diameter: 0.25” - 6”. HDPE is generally flexible, translucent/waxy, weatherproof, has a good low temperature toughness (to -60'C), easy to process by most methods, low cost, and good chemical resistance. HDPE generally has a tensile strength of 0.20

- 0.40 N/mm ² , a notched impact strength of no break Kj/m ² , a thermal coefficient of expansion of 100

- 220 x 10-6, and a maximum cont. use temperature of 65°C. Polypropylene (PP) is a tough, rigid, and crystalline thermoplastic having a low density and high heat resistance. PP is one of the lightest polymers among all commodity plastics, making it a suitable option for lightweight applications such as the instant puck 100. The foregoing material compositions provide for a puck equivalent weight as vulcanized rubber but having a lower coefficient of friction for a faster and/or smoother translation across a substantially planar surface (be it an ice or non-ice surface).

The puck body 102 has a mass of approximately 170g, wherein “approximately” is defined as ranging from +/- 6g. In a preferred embodiment, however, the mass is exactly 170g. The puck body 102 further has a planar upper surface 104, a planar lower surface 106 opposing the planar upper surface 104, and with the planar upper and lower surfaces 104, 106 having a static coefficient of friction relative to a concrete surface approximately between 0.45 and 0.35. As used herein, “planar” is defined as flat or relating to or in the form of a plane. The upper and lower surfaces 104, 106 are substantially planar, or flat, and also preferably smooth (without any detectible or user-perceived raised surfaces), to facilitate the smooth movement of the puck 100 across a surface with minimal friction. In one embodiment, the planar upper and lower surfaces 104, 106 have a static and kinetic coefficient of friction relative to concrete that is substantially equal to the static and kinetic coefficient of friction of a 170g vulcanized rubber hockey puck (of the same size) relative to ice because the puck 100 is operably configured to emulate, as closely as possible, the feel, friction, and movement of a hockey puck on ice when it is played on non-ice surfaces, e.g., concrete, wood, asphalt, etc. In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the monolithic, non-vulcanized rubber, and polymeric material has a density of approximately 1.46 g/cc, wherein “approximately” is defined as +/- 0.5 g/cc. An exemplary density of the hockey puck 100 is 1.46 gm/cc using dimensions of 6 ounces for a 1" by 3" cylinder, though the density may range approximately between 1.29 gm/cc and 1.46 gm/cc depending on the specific type of PVC utilized (e.g., rigid, pipe, flexible, etc.). Where the body 102 is comprised of ABS, the average density range is approximately 1.05 - 1.10 gm/cc. Where the body 102 is comprised of nylon (polyamide), the average density range is approximately 1.02 - 1.08 gm/cc. The density is approximately equivalent to that of volcanized rubber hockey pucks known and available in the industry. Beneficially, this density allows the hockey puck 100 to glide easily across multiple surfaces better than existing prior art, but with an equivalent size and weight.

As best depicted in FIGS. 1-2, the puck body 102 has a thickness 110 separating the planar upper and lower surfaces 104, 106 of approximately 1.0 inches (wherein “approximately” is defined as +/- .050 inches) and has a diameter 200 separating two opposing side surfaces 108 of a sidewall 112 separating the planar upper and lower surfaces 104, 106 of the puck body 102 of approximately 3.0 inches (wherein “approximately” is defined as +/- .003 inches). The size and thickness of the puck body 102 is optimally configured for a smooth and fast movement while simultaneously being sufficiently large to allow ready and sufficient contact with the blade of a hockey stick during use. The planar upper surface 104 terminates circumferentially at an upper rounded edge 114 (seen in FIG. 1) interposing the planar upper surface 104 and the sidewall 112 and the planar lower surface 106 terminates circumferentially at a lower rounded edge 116 interposing the planar lower surface 106 and the sidewall 112. The upper rounded edge 114 is R.125 +/- .005. The sidewall 112 may comprise a plurality of textured raised grooves embedded in the sidewall 112 which gives a hockey stick something to grip onto when handling and shooting it.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the puck body 102 is of a monolithic, nonvulcanized rubber, and polyvinyl chloride material forming a cylindrical shape and with a a density greater than 1.0 gm/cc, with the planar upper surface 104, the planar lower surface 106 opposing the planar upper surface 104, and with the planar upper and lower surfaces 104, 106 having a static coefficient of friction relative to a concrete surface between 0.45 and 0.35, wherein concrete is generally one part cement, two parts sand, and three parts aggregate (gravel) and includes water (typically one part) depending on the environmental conditions.

In accordance with the present invention, the puck 100 is manufactured using various methods, the most substantial of which are discussed herein. One method of manufacture entails using a computer numerical control (“CNC”) machine of the mill variety. The first Step entails receiving sheets of PVC that are cut to stock. The sheets are approximately 1 " thick with tolerances of about 0.025" throughout. Next, measurements are taken of the thickness tolerance. Thereafter, an operator programs the machine to incorporate the tolerance. Lastly, the product is run through two separate steps and the finished product is ready. A second method of manufacture entails using a CNC machine of the lathe variety. The first Step entails receiving sheets of PVC that are cut to stock. The sheets are approximately 1 " thick with tolerances of about 0.025" throughout. An operator programs the machine. Lastly, the product is run through two separate steps and the finished product is ready. Yet another method of manufacture entails using an injection moulding process. This process entails using liquified PVC of high temperature, which is thereafter injected under pressure into a cast (mold) which cools and solidifies. An operator removes the product from the mold.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.