Training apparatus

Abstract

A training apparatus for simulating game-like random returns and/or rebounds that includes a ramp having an inlet portion, an outlet portion spaced from the inlet portion, and an intermediate portion between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The inlet portion includes a beveled lip and is configured to rest on a flat surface such that a projectile moving along the flat surface toward the inlet portion can be received onto the ramp. The outlet portion is configured to redirect the projectile received onto the ramp to a course oriented at a downward angle from horizontal toward the flat surface.

1 . A hockey training apparatus, comprising:
 a ramp having a generally vertically spaced upper end and lower end, and a generally horizontally spaced first side and second side, wherein the ramp includes:
 an inlet portion adjacent the lower end, 
 an outlet portion adjacent the upper end and spaced from the inlet portion, and 
 an intermediate portion between the inlet portion and the outlet portion; 
   a first solid side plate positioned, and integrally connected to, adjacent the first side and upper end of the ramp;   a second solid side plate positioned, and integrally connected to, adjacent the second side and upper end of the ramp;   at least one foot portion;   at least one support frame; and   at least one wheel positioned on the at least one support frame,   wherein the inlet portion, the intermediate portion, and the outlet portion of the ramp comprise a continuous and non-interrupted arc made from a rigid metal material;   wherein the inlet portion includes a beveled lip, and is configured to rest on an ice surface such that a hockey puck sliding along the ice surface toward the inlet portion can be received in a generally sliding relation onto the ramp;   wherein the intermediate portion is configured to allow the hockey puck to travel along the ramp from the inlet portion to the outlet portion;   wherein the first solid side plate and the second solid side plate are suitable for retaining the hockey puck on the ramp and preventing the hockey puck from exiting the ramp on at least a portion of the first side and the second side such that the hockey puck travels the entire length of the ramp before exiting the training device at the outlet portion;   wherein the outlet portion is inclined downwardly towards the ice surface, and is configured to redirect the hockey puck received onto the ramp to an unpredictable course oriented at a downward angle from horizontal back towards the ice surface, such that the hockey puck is returned back onto the ice surface at a distance from the training apparatus in an unpredictable manner;   wherein the at least one foot portion is suitable for sliding the training apparatus across the ice surface; and   wherein the at least one wheel is suitable for moving of the training apparatus over a non-ice surface.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the continuous arc has a first radius proximate the outlet portion and a second radius proximate the inlet portion, in which the first radius is smaller than the second radius. 
     
     
         5 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the training apparatus is configured to redirect the hockey puck, such that the hockey puck travels a distance of between 5-15 feet from the training apparatus before hitting the ice surface. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the training apparatus is configured to redirect the hockey puck back towards the ice surface to simulate a flat return of the hockey puck onto the ice surface. 
     
     
         8 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the training apparatus is configured to redirect the hockey puck back towards the ice surface to simulate a curved return of the hockey puck onto the ice surface. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the training apparatus is configured to redirect the hockey puck back towards the ice surface to simulate a knuckled return of the hockey puck onto the ice surface. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The hockey apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one wheel is made of polyurethane. 
     
     
         13 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle suitable for pivoting the training apparatus about the at least one wheel. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the training apparatus and the hockey puck are colored in non-contrasting colors to disguise the hockey puck until the hockey puck has exited the outlet portion of the training apparatus onto the flat ice surface. 
     
     
         16 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the training apparatus and the hockey puck are colored a shade of black. 
     
     
         17 . The hockey training apparatus  claim 1 , wherein the inlet portion comprises a first rounded corner and a second rounded corner. 
     
     
         18 . The hockey training apparatus  claim 1 , further comprises a weight suitable for preventing the training apparatus from shifting in position on the ice surface when the hockey puck is received in the inlet portion and redirected back towards the ice surface from the outlet portion. 
     
     
         19 . The hockey training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the training apparatus is made of metal. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled)