Abstract:
A target gate and a method of operating same are provided. The target gate comprises i) an impact surface for selectively blocking a projectile; ii) a support structure for supporting the impact surface; and iii) at least one coupling for coupling the impact surface to the support structure such that the impact surface is moveable from a first position to a second position when hit by the projectile traveling at not less than a minimum velocity. The at least one coupling comprises a biasing element for biasing the impact surface to move from the second position to the first position, the biasing element being adjustable to pre-select the minimum velocity.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a hockey gate for attaching a hockey net, and a method of operating same. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In hockey, as well as in other sports, aim is important. That is, it is important, for example, to be able to shoot a puck at a particular portion of a net. Various means have been developed to detect speed as well as position of a projectile, such as a puck. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a target gate comprising: i) an impact surface for selectively blocking a projectile; ii) a support structure for supporting the impact surface; and iii) at least one coupling for coupling the impact surface to the support structure such that the impact surface is moveable from a first position to a second position when hit by the projectile traveling at not less than a minimum velocity. The at least one coupling comprises a biasing element for biasing the impact surface to move from the second position to the first position, the biasing element being adjustable to pre-select the minimum velocity. 
         [0004]    In accordance with another aspect of an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for training athletes comprising: a) determining a minimum velocity for a projectile; b) providing an impact surface in a first position to block a path of travel of a projectile, wherein the impact surface is movable from the first position to a second position to unblock the path of travel; and, c) providing a biasing element for biasing the impact surface to move from the second position to the first position, the biasing element being adjustable to pre-select the minimum velocity such that the impact surface is movable from the first position to the second position to unblock the path of travel when hit by the projectile traveling at not less than the minimum velocity. 
         [0005]    These and other features of the applicant&#39;s teachings are set forth herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the applicants&#39; teachings in anyway: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1 , in a front view, illustrates a hockey net incorporating a target gate in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2 , in a cut-away perspective view, illustrates a support structure of the target gate of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 3 , in a front view, illustrates the target gate of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 4 , in a side view, illustrates the target gate of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 5 , in a front perspective view, illustrates a target gate in accordance with an aspect of a further embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6 , in a rear perspective view, illustrates the target gate of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 7 , in a perspective view, illustrates the target gate of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 8 , in a top view, illustrates the target gate of  FIG. 1  incorporating a compression spring as the biasing element. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9 , in a front view, illustrates various torsion springs suitable for incorporation into the target gate of either  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 5 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 10 , in an exploded view, illustrates a notched method for adjusting the torsional resistance of the target gate of either  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 5 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 11 , in a front view, illustrates the partially assembled components of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 12 , in an exploded view, illustrates an alternative threaded method for adjusting the torsional resistance of the target gate of either  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 5 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 13 , in a front view, illustrates the partially assembled components of  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a front view of an example target gate  100 .  FIG. 1  depicts target gate  100  optionally mounted onto the upper left hand corner of hockey net  102 . Target gate  100  consists of an impact surface  104  coupled with support structure  106 . In one embodiment, support structure  106  is an L-shaped angle support. Support structure  106  can be made out of many different materials, such as, for example, without limitation, iron. Support structure  106  can also consist of mounting attachments, labeled as  108 , that can be used to attach target gate  100  to hockey net  102 . In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the two ends of support structure  106  can comprise U-shaped mounting attachments  108  that can be used to attach target gate  100  to hockey net  102 . Frame member  110  can surround the perimeters of impact surface  104  that are not bordered by support structure  106 . In one embodiment, frame member  110 , which can be made of steel, for example, can be added to mirror the L-shaped support structure  106 . In such an embodiment, frame member  110  could be situated such that it reflects support structure  106  about an imaginary axis that connects the two U-shaped mounting attachments  108 . The L-shaped frame member  110  could constitute the two outer sides of an enclosed, approximately square structure; the angle support structure  106  could comprise the two opposing inner sides of this approximately square structure. Impact surface  104  can be made out of materials such as metal, for example steel, or polyboard. In some embodiments, impact surface  104  is a plate, for example, a steel plate. When frame member  110  is included, impact surface  104  can occupy the space enclosed by support structure  106  and frame member  110 . The objective of the participating athlete could be to strike impact surface  104  with a projectile, such as a hockey puck, at a minimum pre-selected velocity. 
         [0021]    In embodiments in which the target gate  100  is attached to hockey net  102 , the dimensions of the impact surface  104  should be suitably selected given the dimensions of the hockey net  102 . For example, a hockey net would typically have an open side that is approximately 6 ft by 5 ft. Thus, in many embodiments, the impact surface could be less than 2 ft by 2 ft, and in many of these embodiments, the impact surface  104  could be less than 1 ft by 1 ft. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  shows a cut-away perspective view of the target gate of  FIG. 1 , showing the square space delineated by support structure  106  and frame member  110 . The embodiment shown includes an L-shaped frame member  110 , but such perimeter framing is not essential to the invention. If frame member  110  is present, a rigid connection can be provided at each of the two ends where support structure  106  meets frame member  110 . One purpose of frame member  110  is to deflect projectiles that are not placed exactly on target (i.e. not entirely on impact surface  104 ). The frame member  110  can also impede projectiles, such as a puck, from slipping around peripheral portions of impact surface  104 , despite hitting impact surface  104  at below the specified minimum velocity. Impact surface  104  has been cut-away from  FIG. 2  for illustrative purposes. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  shows a detailed example embodiment of support structure  106 . As illustrated in this particular embodiment, support structure  106  includes a front wall  112  and a bottom wall  114 . For such a configuration, front wall  112  can serve a similar purpose as frame member  110 , as it also works to deflect projectiles that are not completely on target. When a hockey net is used, front wall  112  can work in harmony with the outer face of the net posts to deflect projectiles that do not directly strike impact surface  104 . For this embodiment, bottom wall  114  interacts with front wall  112  to form an L-shaped cross-section throughout the length of support structure  106 . As a result, when the target gate is mounted to a hockey net, lower wall  114  can rest flush below the inner side of the cross-bar and flush along the inside face of the left post of the net for the portion of the net occupied by target gate  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . U-shaped mounting attachments  108  can clamp onto hockey net  102  to form a secure, but ideally non-permanent, connection between target gate  100  and hockey net  102 . For such an arrangement, front wall  112  and lower wall  114  of the angle support structure may not assist in attaching the hockey gate to the support structure, but they could enhance overall integration between target gate  100  and hockey net  102 . This increased integration may enhance the structural stability and rigidity of the mounted embodiment. Target gate  100  does not necessarily have to be mounted onto a hockey net, but could alternatively be mounted on other structures. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  provides a front view of the  FIG. 1  target gate, including impact surface  104 , situated within the space enclosed by support structure  106  and frame member  110 . In the embodiment shown, an optional U-shaped mounting attachment, labeled as  108 , is provided at each end of support structure  106 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  provides a side view of the target gate of  FIG. 1 . In an aspect of one embodiment, frame member  110  can intersect with optional U-shaped mounting attachments  108  of the support structure  106  to form a fixed connection. 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  shows another embodiment for target gate  100 .  FIG. 5  provides a detailed front perspective view of target gate  100 . The perspective view also illustrates an alternative embodiment for support structure  106 . In the description that follows, like reference numerals are used to designate like elements in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 5 . In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure is an L-shaped angle support with an approximately rectangular cross-section. This cross-section may be a fully enclosed hollow section, or a solid mass throughout the length of support structure  106 . 
         [0027]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , impact surface  104  is divided into impact sectors. The impact surface can be divided into multiple sectors, or it may comprise only one panel (as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 ). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , impact surface  104  is divided into two triangular sectors, impact sector  116  and impact sector  118 . In this particular embodiment, the separation of the two illustrated impact sectors occurs about division line  120 . Division line  120  consists of a very narrow air gap in which the two sectors may not come into contact with one another, or at most, may gently touch one another. In the illustrated embodiment, upon projectile impact, sector  116  is capable of rotating into the page, about axis A-A, as shown on  FIG. 5 . Similarly, sufficient projectile impact will cause sector  118  to rotate into the page about axis B-B, as shown on  FIG. 5 . In  FIG. 5 , both impact surface sectors are in the first (i.e. closed) position, as a projectile has not yet struck them, or they have been struck by a projectile traveling below the minimum velocity. 
         [0028]    If a projectile impacts only one panel, but hits it at above the specified impact velocity, the projectile can be admitted through the gate by movement of one panel only. As an example, if a projectile strikes only panel sector  116 , sector  116  can rotate about axis A-A to the second position and admit the projectile through the gate, despite sector  118  remaining at the first (i.e. closed) position. If the projectile impacts a portion of each sector at the required velocity, both sectors will move to the second position (i.e. into the page of  FIG. 5 ) to admit the projectile. Therefore, the movement of both sectors of impact surface  104  to the second position is possible, but not essential, to admit a projectile traveling at a sufficient velocity. 
         [0029]      FIG. 6  provides a rear perspective view of the target gate of  FIG. 5 . Hinges  122  couple the impact surface  104  to support structure  106 . These hinges also allow for impact surface sector  116  to rotate out of the page about axis A-A, and allow sector  118  to rotate out of the page about axis B-B. 
         [0030]    It is not always easy to tell the speed at which a projectile, such as a puck, is shot. Target gate  100  can selectively allow a projectile to pass-through, depending on the speed of the projectile. In order to create this selective admission, a biasing element can be used to pre-define a minimum admittance velocity. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , a biasing element  124  is affixed to support structure  106 . Multiple biasing elements may be used for each movable panel sector of impact surface  104 . Alternatively, a single separate biasing element can be used for each moveable sector. In the example of  FIG. 6 , the biasing element is coupled to impact surface  104  with a connection arm  126 , which can be made out metal, for example. This connection arm has an end portion  128  and a main portion  130 . The end portion  128  can lie along the same plane as the backside of impact surface  104 . The entire length of end portion  128  can be attached to the backside of its respective impact surface sector ( 116  or  118 ). Looking at connection arm  126  in more detail, main portion  130  couples end portion  128  to biasing element  124 . Hinges  122  allow for plate sector rotation (out of the page, for  FIG. 6 ), while biasing element  124  limits this rotation in accordance with a pre-selected minimum projectile impact velocity. 
         [0031]      FIG. 7  provides a detailed perspective view of a variant of the target gate of  FIG. 5 . A further alternative embodiment for support structure  106  is shown in  FIG. 7 . In the illustrative example, support structure  106  consists of an angle support with a hollow circular cross-section. 
         [0032]    Within the perspective view of  FIG. 7 , both plate sectors  116  and  118  of impact surface  104  are in the first (i.e. closed) position. An incoming projectile, such as a hockey puck, has not yet struck the front faces of either impact surface sector  116  or sector  118 . Alternatively, a projectile may have been shot at impact surface  104 , but at a velocity below the minimum specified value. 
         [0033]      FIG. 7  also provides a perspective view of target gate  100  wherein both plate sectors  116  and  118  of impact surface  104  have moved from the first to second (i.e. open) position. This movement may have occurred because a projectile impacted at least of portion of the front faces of both sectors  116  and  118  of impact surface  104  at a velocity exceeding the pre-selected minimum. Plate sector  116  has moved in the direction of projectile travel, rotating about axis A-A. Similarly, plate sector  118  has moved in the direction of projectile travel, rotating about axis B-B. Each sector has rotated to the second position about hinges  122 . The second position of each sector is at an angle of rotation (relative to the first position) that is large enough to allow the projectile to pass through target gate  100 . 
         [0034]    As previously discussed, target gate  100  is configured to only allow a projectile hitting impact surface  104  at a minimum specified velocity to pass through the target gate (i.e. cause the impact surface to occupy a second, open position). It is important for a training athlete to project an object, such as a puck, with not only accuracy, but also with enough speed to, for example, shoot past a goaltender. The biasing element can be adjusted such that a minimum projectile velocity is required for impact surface  104  to occupy the second (i.e. open) position. The projectile velocity resisted by a typical biasing element can be somewhere in the range of 30 mph to 120 mph. Some embodiments for achieving an acceptable biasing system are discussed below. 
         [0035]    A compression spring configuration is incorporated into one biasing embodiment.  FIG. 8  provides a top view of the  FIG. 1  target gate in which biasing element  124  consists of compression spring  131 . In one embodiment, the backside surface  132  of impact surface  104  is connected to biasing element  124  via connection arm  126 .  FIG. 8  does not show multiple impact sector panels, although such an embodiment is envisioned. For the compression spring system, the connection arm  126  can be modified from the connection arm shown in  FIGS. 5 to 7 . The modified connection arm  126  shown in embodiment of  FIG. 8  is a substantially triangular wedge that connects the backside of impact surface  104  to biasing element  124 . As depicted in  FIG. 8 , the biasing element is a compression spring located between connection arm  126  and extension  134  off of support structure  106 . In the illustrated embodiment, extension  134  runs at approximately a 45-degree angle to the lower wall  114  of the angle iron support. In the example embodiment, as a projectile impacts the front (face  136 ) of impact surface  104 , the impact surface will rotate counterclockwise, in the direction of projectile travel. However, impact surface  104  will only rotate if the velocity exceeds the preset impact velocity. This pre-selected minimum velocity can be governed by the compression coefficient of the spring. Alternatively, using adjustment knob  137 , the compression spring can be pre-stressed to various extents to alter the minimum impact force required to move impact surface  104  to the second position. A user can adjust the compression resistance offered by the spring to preset the minimum projectile velocity. 
         [0036]    Alternatively, a biasing element  124  consisting of a torsion spring may be used for the target gate embodiments shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 . As shown most clearly by  FIG. 6 , for one example embodiment, biasing element  124  consists of torsion spring  133 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  also consists of an arrangement in which the biasing mechanism is fixed to support structure  106 . As a projectile impacts the front face of impact surface  104 , connection arm  126  can transfer a torsion force to biasing element  124 . This force can be transferred to the torsional spring in that main portion  130  of the connection arm can actually constitute a straight portion of the torsional spring itself. The biasing element can be set to resist the twisting motion, so as to keep impact surface  104  in the first position, when impacted by a projectile traveling below the specified velocity. When impact surface  104  is in the closed position, the projectile cannot pass through the target gate. The preset resistance offered by the torsional spring can keep the impact surface sector within the first position if the minimum projectile velocity is not achieved. 
         [0037]    There are several means by which the torsional resistance offered by a biasing element can be adjusted. 
         [0038]      FIG. 9  shows different embodiments for torsion spring  133  suitable for incorporation into the target gate of either  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 5 . Within each illustrated embodiment, the coiled spring portion  138  can similarly wrap around support bar  140 ; however, the spring thickness and number of coils for each torsion spring shown vary from one to another. As illustrated by the embodiments of  FIG. 9 , the main portion  130  of connection arm  126  (also shown in  FIG. 6 ) can be considered to be a straight extension of the coiled spring portion  138 . As the thickness of the coiled spring portion  138  increases, the torsional resistance offered by the biasing spring also increases. As an example, torsion spring example  133   d  could provide less torsional resistance than torsion spring example  133   e . Similarly, as the number of coils within coiled spring portion  138  increases, the torsional resistance offered by the biasing element also increases. As an example, spring example  133   a  could provides less torsional resistance than torsion spring example  133   b . As the torsional resistance increases, the projectile impact velocity required to move impact surface  104  to the second position also increases. According to aspects of one embodiment, spring  133  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ) can be removed and replaced with a spring of a different thickness and/or coil frequency to provide a different biasing resistance. 
         [0039]    Another means of setting the torsional resistance offered by the biasing element is to spring lock the torsion spring into a pre-tensioned position, wherein the pre-tensioned position can be correlated to a minimum impact velocity. This pre-tensioning can be achieved by such means as a notched method of adjusting tension, or by a threaded bolt method of adjusting tension, as described below in relation to  FIGS. 10 and 12 , respectively. 
         [0040]      FIG. 10  provides an exploded view of the parts that can be used to implement the notched method for adjusting torsional resistance (i.e. pre-tensioning the torsion spring). This method can be used to adjust the biasing element  124  for both the target gate embodiments of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 . Coiled portion  138  of the torsion spring can wrap around support bar  140 . During pre-tensioning, coiled portion  138  and support bar  140  can be placed within support clamp  142 . The south end of support bar  140  can be placed into lower aperture  144  of support clamp  142 . Stopper  146  can prevent north-south movement of support bar  140  within aperture  144 . Threaded north portion  148  of support bar  140  can be inserted into side aperture  150  of support clamp  142 . Nut  152  surrounds support bar  140 , just below threaded portion  148 . Nut  152  has one vertical hole  154  to receive the north end of coiled spring portion  138  and another vertical hole  156  to receive support bar  140 . Nut  152  also has horizontal holes  158 , which are designed to receive pry bar  160  and metal plug  162 . 
         [0041]    When pry bar  160  is inserted into nut  152  and motioned in a counterclockwise manner, it carries the north end of coiled spring portion  138  with it. Thus, tension on south end  130  of the torsion spring increases. When the desired tension is reached, metal plug  162  can be inserted into the hole  158  of nut  152  that is closest to notch  164  of support clamp  142 . Tension can be kept on coiled spring portion  138  with pry bar  160  during this process. The pry bar can then be gently motioned in a clockwise manner until metal plug  162  (already inserted within hole  158  of nut  152 ) fits into notch  164  of support clamp  142 . The pry bar can then be removed, as the notch-plug-nut connection will sustain the desired tension within coiled spring portion  138 . This desired tension is transferred to the southern, straight portion  130  of the spring. This southern portion of the spring can be the same as main portion  130  of connecting arm  126  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). Connecting arm  126  connects to impact surface  104 . In one embodiment, connecting arm  126  connects to the backside of impact surface  104 . The pre-tensioned forces within main portion  130  of connecting arm  126  create a quantifiable torsional resistance force for the biasing element  124  (see  FIG. 6 ). This torsional resistance force governs the projectile impact velocity required to allow a given projectile to pass through (i.e. open) impact surface  104 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 11  provides a partially assembled view of parts of  FIG. 10  for the notched method for adjusting torsional resistance. In assembled form, bolt  166  can be placed at thread top  148  of support bar  140 . Bolt  166  serves to further secure support bar  140  to support clamp  142 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 12  provides an exploded view of the parts that can be used to implement the threaded method for adjusting torsional resistance (i.e. another method of pre-tensioning). This method can be used for the target gates of both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 . The threaded method operates similarly to the notched method, except that a threaded bolt connection is used instead of a notched connection to maintain the desired level of pre-tensioning within the torsion spring. Notch  164  (see  FIG. 10 ) is replaced with aperture  168 . In the same manner as with the notched method, pry bar  160  can be used to rotate nut  152  until the desired level of pre-tension is reached. For the threaded method, once the desired level of tension is reached, pry bar  160  can be used to align aperture  168  with the closest hole  158  on nut  152 . Threaded side bolt  170  can then be threaded into apertures  168  and  158 . This threaded connection can sustain the tension within coiled spring  138  at the desired level. The amount of pre-tensioning applied can govern the amount of torsional resistance offered by biasing element  124  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0044]      FIG. 13  provides a partially assembled view of the components of  FIG. 12  for use in the threaded method for adjusting torsional resistance. 
         [0045]    The invention also encompasses a method for training athletes. By implementing this method, an athlete can practice his/her ability to deliver a sports projectile accurately and at high velocity. As non-limiting examples, a baseball player can practice throwing a baseball, a soccer player can practice shooting a soccer ball, a football player can practice throwing a football, and a hockey player can practice shooting a puck. In addition, this method can be implemented to assist another individual in practising his/her ability to deliver a sports projectile accurately and at a high velocity. Initially, an individual (usually an athlete or trainer) can select a minimum velocity for a projectile. That individual can then provide impact surface  104  (see  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 3-8 ) that is movable from a first position to a second position (see  FIG. 7 ). When a projectile hits the impact surface below the minimum velocity, the impact surface  104  will remain in the first position ( FIG. 7 ) and will block the projectile. When the projectile exceeds the minimum velocity, impact surface  104  can move to a second position ( FIG. 7 ), and the projectile&#39;s path will not be blocked by impact surface  104 . In fully implementing this method of training, the athlete will be provided with not only an impact surface  104 , but also a biasing element  124  (see  FIGS. 6-8 ) that can be adjusted so as to pre-select the minimum projectile impact velocity required to move the impact surface  104  from a first, blocking position to a second, unblocking position. Once the embodiment outlined above is provided, an athlete can deliver a sports projectile towards the embodiment to practice the speed and accuracy of his/her projection. 
         [0046]    Other variations and modifications of the invention are possible. For example, a hydraulic biasing element could be used to provide different levels of resistance for limiting the movement of impact surface  104  from the first position to the second position. All such modifications and variations are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.