FENCING TRAINING APPARATUS

A fencing training apparatus, including: a detachable handle; and a polyethylene foam blade removably secured to the detachable handle.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertains to the domain of sports equipment manufacturing, focusing on a novel training apparatus designed to authentically simulate the experience of using a traditional fencing foil.

Fencing, an esteemed Olympic sport, often sees limited grassroots growth due to the high costs associated with traditional equipment and the perceived exclusivity of the sport.

As such, it is desirable to provide effective training alternative that faithfully replicates the physical dynamics of classical fencing foils.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is a fencing training apparatus, including: a detachable handle; and a polyethylene foam blade removably secured to the detachable handle.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the polyethylene foam blade has a foam density of 30 kg/m{circumflex over ( )}3.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the polyethylene foam blade has an internal opening configured to threadingly engage threads of the detachable handle.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the polyethylene foam blade has a foam density of 30 kg/m{circumflex over ( )}3.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the detachable handle is formed from plastic.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the detachable handle further comprises a grip portion, a shaft portion extending from the grip portion and a plurality of external threads protruding radially outward from the shaft portion and the polyethylene foam blade has an internal opening configured to threadingly engage the plurality of external threads of the detachable handle.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the detachable handle further comprises a protruding ring located between the grip portion and the shaft portion, the protruding ring provides a contact surface which engages an end of the polyethylene foam blade when the shaft portion of the detachable handle is fully inserted into the polyethylene foam blade.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the polyethylene foam blade has a foam density of 30 kg/m{circumflex over ( )}3.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the grip portion is provided with a textured or knurled surface.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the grip portion is provided with a textured or knurled surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to democratize access to fencing, a historically elite sport, an innovative, cost-effective training tool suitable for widespread use in diverse settings, including parks, recreation centers, and educational institutions worldwide is provided by the present disclosure.

The present disclosure provides an affordable yet effective training alternative that faithfully replicates the physical dynamics of classical fencing foils. As such, the present disclosure enhances the accessibility of fencing for potential enthusiasts but also to serve as a foundational tool for cultivating interest and proficiency in the sport across varied socio-economic and cultural contexts.

The present disclosure invention introduces a groundbreaking approach to fencing training through an assembly of cylindrical piece of polyethylene foam having a central opening which is engaged by a detachable, ergonomically designed handle that features a textured grip. This unique design facilitates a realistic fencing experience, promoting the development of essential skills and techniques.

Through the use of an assembly of the polyethylene foam and the detachable handle with a textured grip, the assembled foil's construction prioritizes affordability, durability, and ease of use, making it an ideal instrument for expanding the sport's reach into public parks, recreational programs, and physical education curricula globally.

The handle, is designed to mimic the weight, balance, and grip of traditional fencing foils.

The choice of foam density of the polyethylene foam represents a deliberate effort to balance flexibility with structural integrity, simulating the resistance offered by metallic foils. This characteristic is vital for executing accurate thrusts and parries, thereby enhancing the training value of the apparatus.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7 and the attached appendix which is a color version of FIGS. 1-7, various embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an assembled fencing training apparatus or fencing foil 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. The fencing training apparatus or fencing foil 10 includes a detachable handle 12 and a blade 14. As previously mentioned, the blade 14 is made of polyethylene foam that has an internal opening 16 configured to detachably receive the detachable handle 12. In one embodiment and in order to provide the desired performance of the fencing training apparatus or fencing foil 10, the foam density of the polyethylene foam blade 14 is 30 kg/m{circumflex over ( )}3 or 30 kg/m3.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the detachable handle 12 is formed from an easily molded material such as plastic or other equivalent materials. As illustrated in at least FIGS. 1-5, the detachable handle 12 has a grip portion 18 and a shaft portion 20 extending therefrom. The shaft portion 20 includes a plurality of external threads 22 that are configured to engage an internal surface 24 of the internal opening 16. The detachable handle 12 also has a protruding ring 23 located between the grip portion 18 and the shaft portion 20. The protruding ring 23 provides a contact surface 25 which engages an end of the polyethylene foam blade 14 when the shaft portion 20 of the detachable handle 12 is fully inserted into the internal opening 16 of the polyethylene foam blade 14. The protruding ring 23 may have an angled surface that extends from contact surface 25 towards the grip portion 18.

In one embodiment, the shaft portion 20 has an external diameter that is greater than an internal diameter of the internal surface 24 of the internal opening 16 and the plurality of external threads extend radially outward from the shaft portion to a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the shaft portion 20 such that both the external diameter of the shaft portion 20 and the plurality of external threads 22 is greater than the internal diameter of the internal surface 24 of the internal opening 16. As such, the plurality of external threads 22 as well as the shaft portion 20 engage and compress the internal surface 24 of the internal opening 16 as the detachable handle 12 is inserted into the internal opening by for example, rotating the detachable handle 12 along axis “A” such that the plurality of external threads 22 as well as the shaft portion 20 engage and compress the internal surface 24 of the internal opening 16 when the shaft portion 20 is inserted into the internal opening 16. This allows the detachable handle 12 to be removably secured to the polyethylene foam blade 14.

In one embodiment, the internal opening 16 extends completely through (end to end) the polyethylene foam blade 14. In an alternative embodiment, the internal opening 16 only extends into the blade 14 a length sufficient to receive the shaft portion 20 of the detachable handle 12.

In order to assist with the gripping of the grip portion 18, the grip portion 18 is provided with a textured or knurled surface 26.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the length of the polyethylene foam blade is 26¾ inches and the length of the grip portion 18 is 5″. In addition, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the length of the shaft portion is 7″. As such, the total length of the detachable handle 12 may be 12″. In another embodiment, the total length of the detachable handle 12 is 11¾″ and the length of the shaft portion 20 is 6¾″ and the length of the grip portion is 5″. Of course, variations are contemplated as long as the length of the shaft portion 20 is long enough to stably secure the detachable handle 12 to the polyethylene foam blade 14 while not extending too far into the polyethylene foam blade 14 (e.g., towards its distal end opposite to the end having the detachable handle 12).

In one non-limiting embodiment, the diameter of the shaft portion 20 is ⅞″ and the diameter of the uncompress internal opening 16 of the polyethylene foam blade 14 is ¾″ so that the shaft portion 20 compresses the polyethylene foam of the polyethylene foam blade 14 defining the internal opening 16 when the shaft portion 20 is inserted therein. In addition and as mentioned above, plurality of external threads 22 extend radially outward from the exterior surface of the shaft portion 20 and they also compress the polyethylene foam of the polyethylene foam blade 14 defining the internal opening 16 when the shaft portion 20 is inserted therein.

As illustrated, the grip portion 18 may be tapered from a central portion toward either end such that the central portion of the grip portion 18 has the largest diameter of grip portion 18. In one embodiment, the dimension of the largest diameter of grip portion 18 is 1.45″. It is understood that the above dimensions are approximate dimensions and these dimensions may vary due to manufacturing tolerances.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the grip portion 18, shaft portion 20 extending therefrom, plurality of external threads 22 and protruding ring 23 are all integrally formed as a single component. As used herein, “integral” or “integrally formed” is intended to cover a single unitary structure. In other words, the single unitary structure is not capable of being disassembled without cutting or destruction of the single unitary structure.

In non-limiting embodiment, the detachable handle 12 may be hollow or alternatively the detachable handle 12 may be solid or in yet another alternative embodiment, the detachable handle 12 may have solid portions and hollow portions. For example, the shaft portion 20 may be solid and the grip portion 18 may be hollow or alternatively the shaft portion 20 may be hollow and the grip portion 18 may be solid.

By significantly reducing the cost barrier associated with traditional fencing equipment, this invention stands as a pivotal tool for introducing fencing to a broader audience. Its design and affordability make it particularly suitable for integration into physical education programs, recreational activities, and community sports initiatives worldwide.

The detachable handle not only simplifies storage and transportation but also allows for quick adjustments or replacements, enhancing the product's longevity and appeal in institutional settings. Its versatility extends to various training environments, from formal fencing clubs to informal recreational settings, including parks and schoolyards.

Beyond its practical benefits, the invention embodies a strategic tool for catalyzing the growth of fencing on a global scale. By facilitating easy adoption in schools, community centers, and public recreational facilities, it lays the groundwork for a significant expansion of the sport's footprint, fostering a new generation of enthusiasts and athletes.