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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
TRAINING PAD
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2015/132448
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A training pad (1) for a stick (S) and a puck (P) or ball utilizing sports, such as ice hockey, floorball or bandy, the training pad (1) comprising: - a pad (10) comprising at least two sub pads (3) connected and foldable in respect to each other, the pad (10) is made of plastic to provide a gliding surface (6), - a resilient band (7) for rebounding the puck (P) or ball, - posts (8) for attaching the resilient band (7) to the pad (10), - the pad (10) is provided with a number of post seats (9) for posts (8) to be attached in various configurations, the post seats (9) are located so that the resilient band (7) can be configured in at least two different deflection angles (α, β).

Inventors:
SALLINEN TARMO (FI)
Application Number:
PCT/FI2014/050162
Publication Date:
September 11, 2015
Filing Date:
March 05, 2014
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
ACON FINLAND OY LTD (FI)
International Classes:
A63B69/00
Foreign References:
FI10272U12013-10-25
EP2777778A12014-09-17
US8469841B12013-06-25
US4560163A1985-12-24
FR2141045A51973-01-19
US5580048A1996-12-03
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BERGGREN OY AB (P.O. Box 16, Helsinki, FI)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Patent claims

1 . A training pad (1 ) for a stick (S) and a puck (P) or ball utilizing sports, such as ice hockey, floorball or bandy, the training pad (1 ) comprising:

- a pad (10) comprising at least two sub pads (3) connected and foldable in re- spect to each other, the pad (10) is made of plastic to provide a gliding surface

(6),

- a resilient band (7) for rebounding the puck (P) or ball,

- posts (8) for attaching the resilient band (7) to the pad (10),

characterized in that,

- the pad (10) is provided with a number of post seats (9) for posts (8) to be attached in various configurations, the post seats (9) are located so that the resilient band (7) can be configured in at least two different deflection angles (a, β)-

2. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that one sub pad (3) is configured to have two stationary post seats (91 ) and two adjustable post seats (92), where the adjustable post seat (92) comprise at least two alternative post seats (9) for one post (8) to be seated.

3. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that one sub pad (3) is configured to have at least three post seats (9), where at least one post seat (9) is an adjustable post seat (92) comprising at least two alternative post seats (9) for one post (8) to be seated.

4. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the adjustable post (92) seat may consist of two, three or more post seats (9) where the corresponding post (8) can be attached. 5. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the adjustable post seat (92) is a slit type post seat (9) where the position of the corresponding post (8) can be adjusted in a continuous manner.

6. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sub pads (3) are connected and foldable in respect to each other by a hinge (2), which is a groove (5) formed to the pad (10) and thus forming the sub pads (3).

7. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sub pads (3) are connected and foldable in respect to each other by a hinge (2), which is a V-, U-, W- or X-shaped groove (5) formed to the pad (10) and thus forming the sub pads (3).

8. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the post (8) is attachable to the pad (10) by a screw joint. 9. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sub pads (3) are configured to form a planar training area when folded open and when folded to a closed position, the training pad (1 ) is configured to form a storable carry package.

10. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the resili- ent band (7) is releasable attachable and detachable to the post (8).

1 1 . The training pad (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the post seat (9) is a through hole in the pad (10).

12. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the adjustable post seat (92) is a slit type, in planar direction elongated hole through the pad (10).

13. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the resilient band (7) is a rubber band.

14. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the resilient band (7) can be configured to be continuous through the post (8) or to be ended at the post (8).

15. The training pad (1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that there is formed a handle (4) opening to both subpads (3) and when the training pad (1 ) is being folded to the closed position, the training pad (1 ) is configured to form a storable carry package where the handle (4) openings form a matching opening through both sub pads (3).

Description:
Training pad

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[001 ] The present invention relates to a training pad for a stick and a puck or ball utilizing sports, such as ice hockey, floorball or bandy, the training pad comprising:

- a pad comprising at least two sub pads connected and foldable in respect to each other, the pad is made of plastic to provide a gliding surface,

- a resilient band for rebounding the puck or ball,

- posts for attaching the resilient band to the pad.

[002] In various sports such as in ice hockey, floorball and bandy or like the mastering of the puck or ball is of high importance for the player. In these team sports only a fraction of the needed skills can be trained at the team exercises. The players need their own training and exercises to develop these needed skills. Normally this is done at players back yards, streets and various other places. However a substrate simulating for example ice is not always that easy to find. Even more difficult is to find realistic thrills which corresponds the real situations on ice or on field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [003] The objective of the present invention is to provide a training pad which can be configured to simulate various situations in a game or in an exercise. Also an objective of the invention is to provide a training pad which can be easily configured but still easy for a user to storage and fold open when needed. [004] The present invention is characterized in that the pad is provided with a number of post seats for posts to be attached in various configurations, the post seats are located so that the resilient band can be configured in at least two different deflection angles. The present invention meets the objective of the invention by providing a training pad which can be configured to various configurations to simulate many different ways and angles the puck or ball can be rebounded back for the player for shooting. The sub pads are configured to form a planar training area when folded open and when folded to a closed position, the training pad is configured to form a storable carry package.

[005] According to an embodiment of the invention, one sub pad is configured to have at least three post seats, where at least one post seat is an adjustable post seat comprising at least two alternative post seats for one post to be seated. Thus the resilient band forms at least one deflection angle that can be varied, like an adjustable V-angle. By changing this deflection angle, the rebounding action changes significantly and it makes the exercise and thrill different. In an other embodiment, one sub pad is configured to have two station- ary post seats and two adjustable post seats, where the adjustable post seat comprise at least two alternative post seats for one post to be seated. In this configuration, it is more like an adjustable U-angle, which make almost unlimited number variations for the exercises, as the rebounding angle can be easily adjusted. [006] Still more variations offers the embodiments where the adjustable post seat may consist of two, three or more post seats where the corresponding post can be attached. According to an embodiment, the post seat is a through hole in the pad. So the adjustment is done in predetermined increments. And still more, according to an embodiment the adjustable post seat is a slit type post seat where the position of the corresponding post can be adjusted in a continuous manner. In this case the adjustable post seat is a slit type, in planar direction elongated hole through the pad. The post is attachable to the pad many different ways but a screw joint is among the preferred embodiments.

[007] At the area of resilient bands there are a lot of possible alternatives, in materials, stiffnesses, cross sections and other parameters. Among the preferred embodiments is that the resilient band is a rubber band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[008] In the following the invention is disclosed in more detail and as a non- limiting example of an embodiment in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the training pad comprising a set of resilient bands, shown from an elevated side view,

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the training pad, top view,

FIG. 3 shows an other embodiment of the training pad, top view, FIG. 4 shows an other embodiment of the training pad, top view,

FIG. 5 shows an other embodiment of the training pad, top view,

FIG 6A; 6B, 6C and 6D shows various embodiments of the hinge,

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the post cross section. DETAILLED DESCRIPTION

[009] In FIG. 1 it is shown a training pad 1 for a stick and a puck or ball utilizing sports, such as ice hockey, floorball or bandy, the training pad 1 comprising:

- a pad 10 comprising at least two sub pads 3 connected and foldable in re- spect to each other, the pad 10 is made of plastic to provide a gliding surface

6,

- a resilient band 7 for rebounding the puck or ball,

- posts 8 for attaching the resilient band 7 to the pad 10,

- the pad 10 is provided with a number of post seats 9 for posts 8 to be at- tached in various configurations, the post seats 9 are located so that the resilient band 7 can be configured in at least two different deflection angles α, β. As can be seen from the FIG.1 , the pad 10 is folded to open position. The posts 8 are configured in this embodiment of the training pad 1 so that the resilient band 7 forms an U-shape. In the left hand side of the FIG. 1 , the feature of at least to different deflection angles α, β is presented in reference to an alternative post 8 (as shown here) or post seat 9. A deflection angle a is used in FIG. 1 but the resilient band 7 can be changed to the alterative post 9 and then the deflection angle is β. The dotted line presents the resilient band direction in that alternative configuration. There are two handles 4 in this embodiment to provide easy carrying when the training pad 1 is folded to the closed position. Advantageously there is formed a handle 4 opening to both subpads 3 and when the training pad 1 is being folded to the closed position, the training pad 1 is configured to form a storable carry package where the handle 4 openings form a matching opening through both sub pads 3. [010] In the following, in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 there are presented various configurations how the resilient band can be configured. In FIG. 2 it is presented an embodiment where only one sub pad 3 is provided with resilient bands 7 and posts 8. Here it can also be seen how one sub pad 3 is configured have two stationary post seats 91 and two adjustable post seats 92, where the adjustable post seat 92 comprise at least two alternative post seats 9 for one post 8 to be seated. The adjustable post seat 92 is here illustrated as an area where the post seat is advantageously located. According to an embodiment the post 8 is attachable to the pad 10 by a screw joint. Thus the post seat 9 may be for example a through hole in the pad 10. The other sub pad can also be provided with post seats 9, but the posts and the resilient band is not attached here. Otherwise the construction is similar to what is presented in FIG. 1 .

[01 1 ] In FIG. 3 There is presented an embodiment similar to FIG. 2, but where the both sub pads are configured have two stationary post seats 91 and two adjustable post seats 92, where the adjustable post seat 92 comprise at least two alternative post seats 9 for one post 8 to be seated. This is especially advantageous configuration because it enables huge variety of different exercises and thrills. In this embodiment there are two resilient bands 7a, 7b opposite to each other and being parallel to each other. This enables for example a thrill where the user passes the puck P on backhand side to the first resilient band 7a, which rebounds the puck to the other side of the pad 10 to the second resilient band 7b, which again rebounds the puck to the initial spot where the puck can be slap shot in one-timer style (presented by the arrow) to a goal or other target. This configuration also enables easily all kind of continuous pass to the left, pass to the right exercises and when changing the deflection angles, the same exercise can be changed to a V-form.

[012] According to an embodiment of the invention the resilient band forms a non-continuous arc or frame around the pad 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 it is presented this kind of embodiment where the resilient band 7 forms two part- arcs. The non-continuous form of the arc or frame makes the advantage that the puck P or the ball does not need to fly over the resilient band when it is shot to a target, but it may glide along the pad surface 6. In these sports it is equally important to master shots to all heights of the goals and passing type shots which are normally along the surface. [013] In FIG. 4 there is presented an embodiment where one sub pad 3 is configured to have at least three post seats 9, where at least one post seat 9 is an adjustable post seat 92 comprising at least two alternative post seats 9 for one post 8 to be seated. The other sub pad 3 can be similar to that or as described earlier. In all the previously explained embodiments the adjustable post 92 seat may consist of two, three or more post seats 9 where the corresponding post 8 can be attached.

[014] In FIG. 5 It is presented an embodiment where the adjustable post seat 92 is a slit type post seat 9 where the position of the corresponding post 8 can be adjusted in a continuous manner. Thus the adjustable post seat 92 is a slit type, in planar direction elongated hole through the pad 10. In Fig. 5 it can also be noticed how the hinge 2 divides the pad 10 to two sub pads 3.

[015] In FIG 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D there are presented some options how the hinge 2 can be constructed. The sub pads 3 are connected and foldable in re- spect to each other by a hinge 2, which is a groove 5 formed to the pad 10 and thus forming the sub pads 3. More precisely, the sub pads 3 are connected and foldable in respect to each other by a hinge 2, which is a V-, U-, W- or X- shaped groove 5 formed to the pad 10 and thus forming the sub pads 3, as shown in FIG. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. Advantageously the width d1 of the groove 5 on the surface 6 is approximately the same as the thickness d2 of the sub pad 3. At the hinge 2 area, the thickness of the material d3 at the bottom of the groove 5 is about 1 :4 to 1 :3 of the thickness d2. Advantageously the groove has a bottom width d4, d5 so that a the groove forms a V-angle where d1 >(d2- d3). This enables the hinge to be long lasting and the foldability of the training pad to remain for a long time

[016] In FIG. 7 is presented a cross section of the post 8. As can be seen, the resilient band 7 is releasable attachable and detachable to the post 8. This can be done by using a clamping screw 81 , which clamps the resilient band 7 to the post 8. By the construction shown in FIG. 7, the resilient band 7 can be configured to be continuous through the post 8 or to be ended at the post 8. It is also possible to attach a wall like element (not shown in figures) to the resilient band 10 so that in case of ball utilizing sports, the ball does not jump over the resilient band so easily but stays on the area of the pad 10. Naturally the height of the wall element is depending on the ball diameter. With large diame- ter balls the wall element need to be higher than with small diameter balls.

[017] In the light of the above disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize numerous modifications which can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications. As the previously described embodiments present only some of the options, thus as evident to those skilled in the art, the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the above-described embodiment examples. Expressions representing the existence of characteristics are non-restrictive such that the description of characteristics does not exclude or prerequisite the existence of such other characteristics which are not presented in the independent or dependent claims.

Reference signs used in figures:

1 training pad

10 pad

2 hinge

3 sub pad

4 handle

5 groove

6 surface of the pad

7 resilient band

8 post

81 clamping screw

9 post seat

91 stationary post seat

92 adjustable post seat

a deflection angle

β deflection angle

P puck

S stick