Weighted training tape

Abstract

A weighted training device specifically adapted for use with hockey equipment. The training device includes a hand-malleable, weighted tape portion and a securement portion. The weighted tape portion is hand conformable to the shape and cross-section of hockey equipment, such as skates and sticks, while the securement portion wraps tightly about the equipment to firmly retain the position of the training device. The device has a substantially flat orientation so as to be unobtrusive and not interfere with game play during use. By varying the dimensional or material characteristics of the weighted tape portion, the overall weight of the training device can be modified so as to promote use by individuals ranging from small children all the way to adults. Application of the weighted training device requires no tools and only a minimum level of physical strength and dexterity to use.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A hockey training apparatus comprising: 
 a weighted tape portion having a malleable core member enclosed within a protective cover, the weighed tape portion having a substantially flat configuration wherein a tape width dimension is at least two times greater than a tape thickness dimension, the core member being reusably conformable about an external surface of a hockey device; and    a first securement strap fixedly attached to the weighted tape portion for fixedly securing the weighted tape portion with respect to the hockey device.    
     
     
         2 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the malleable internal core member is comprised of lead.  
     
     
         3 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the protective cover comprises a polymeric coating.  
     
     
         4 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a securing buckle adapted to receive the first securement strap to promote securement of the tape portion about the hockey device.  
     
     
         5 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1  comprising a second securement strap, both the first securement strap and the second securement strap being individually adapted to secure the tape portion to the hockey device.  
     
     
         6 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the hockey device is a hockey stick or an ice skate.  
     
     
         7 . A method of using a weighted training tape with a piece of hockey equipment comprising: 
 placing a malleable, weighted training tape in proximity to a hockey device;    conforming the training tape to an exterior geometry of the hockey device; and    securing the training tape to the hockey device using a first securement strap fastened to the training tape, the first securement strap including a securing means such that the securing strap retainably secures the training tape to the hockey device.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the hockey device is a hockey stick or an ice skate.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein securing the training tape includes securing a second securement strap fastened to the training tape, both the first securement strap and the second securement strap having a securing means such that the first securement strap and the second securement strap individually secured the training tape to the hockey device.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising the step of: 
 removing the training tape from the hockey device by releasing the first securement strap and    reforming the training tape to a substantially open position such that the training device is detached from the hockey device.    
     
     
         11 . An athletic training apparatus comprising: 
 weighted wrapping means, wherein said weighted wrapping means is hand malleable such that it is conformable to an exterior geometry of an athletic device; and    securing means attached to the weighted wrapping means, the securing means retaining the weighted wrapping means to the athletic device when the weighted wrapping means has been conformed to the athletic device.