Hockey Stick-Handling Device with Sensor and Effects

Abstract

A hockey stick-handling device comprises cross members and support columns. The support columns elevate the cross members from a training surface to allow an object for stick-handling to be passed underneath. The cross members are rotatable with respect to one another to allow the hockey stick-handling device to be arranged in various configurations for stick-handling as well as to be collapsed for storage. The hockey stick-handling device is modular in nature such that it can be lengthened or shortened to a desired length. The hockey stick-handling device has sensors adapted to sense an object passing under the cross member. The sensor output may drive controls for illuminating lights, sounding horns, and / or actuating timers associated with the stick-handling device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12 / 059,287, filed Mar. 31, 2008, now pending, which claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 921,736, filed Apr. 4, 2007, both disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND[0002]The disclosed embodiments generally relate to a hockey training aid. More particularly, the disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for providing a hockey stick-handling device that is capable of multiple configurations and may be expanded and collapsed without repeated assembly, and includes sensors for timing and illumination.[0003]A key skill in the sport of hockey is stick-handling. As a result, hockey players of all ages consistently strive to improve their stick-handling abilities, often through drills that utilize training aids. In most applications, it is desirable that the stick-handling training aid be durable, portable, easy to assemble, and adaptable to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]As described and claimed in the parent application, the hockey stick-handling device includes cross members and support columns wherein the support columns elevate the cross members from a training surface to allow an object for stick-handling to be passed underneath. The cross members are rotatable with respect to one another to allow the hockey stick-handling device to be arranged in various configurations for stick-handling as well as to be collapsed for storage. The hockey stick-handling device is modular in nature such that it can be lengthened or shortened to a desired length. As disclosed and claimed herein, the utility of the stick-handling device has been improved by providing sensors and lights for illumination to assist the trainee in training and developing stick handling skills.

Problems solved by technology

Prior art stick-handling training aids present significant disadvantages for their users.

However, the SweetHands device is capable of only one configuration (a straight line) and requires a multi-step take-down and reassembly process following each use of the device.

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