Fencing Training Apparatus

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/651,980 filed May 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

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.

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.

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

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 toand the attached appendix which is a color version of, various embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.illustrate an assembled fencing training apparatus or fencing foilin accordance with the present disclosure. The fencing training apparatus or fencing foilincludes a detachable handleand a blade. As previously mentioned, the bladeis made of polyethylene foam that has an internal openingconfigured to detachably receive the detachable handle. In one embodiment and in order to provide the desired performance of the fencing training apparatus or fencing foil, the foam density of the polyethylene foam bladeis 30 kg/m{circumflex over ( )}3 or 30 kg/m.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the detachable handleis formed from an easily molded material such as plastic or other equivalent materials. As illustrated in at least, the detachable handlehas a grip portionand a shaft portionextending therefrom. The shaft portionincludes a plurality of external threadsthat are configured to engage an internal surfaceof the internal opening. The detachable handlealso has a protruding ringlocated between the grip portionand the shaft portion. The protruding ringprovides a contact surfacewhich engages an end of the polyethylene foam bladewhen the shaft portionof the detachable handleis fully inserted into the internal openingof the polyethylene foam blade. The protruding ringmay have an angled surface that extends from contact surfacetowards the grip portion.

In one embodiment, the shaft portionhas an external diameter that is greater than an internal diameter of the internal surfaceof the internal openingand the plurality of external threads extend radially outward from the shaft portion to a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the shaft portionsuch that both the external diameter of the shaft portionand the plurality of external threadsis greater than the internal diameter of the internal surfaceof the internal opening. As such, the plurality of external threadsas well as the shaft portionengage and compress the internal surfaceof the internal openingas the detachable handleis inserted into the internal opening by for example, rotating the detachable handlealong axis “A” such that the plurality of external threadsas well as the shaft portionengage and compress the internal surfaceof the internal openingwhen the shaft portionis inserted into the internal opening. This allows the detachable handleto be removably secured to the polyethylene foam blade.

In one embodiment, the internal openingextends completely through (end to end) the polyethylene foam blade. In an alternative embodiment, the internal openingonly extends into the bladea length sufficient to receive the shaft portionof the detachable handle.

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

In one non-limiting embodiment, the length of the polyethylene foam blade is 26¾ inches and the length of the grip portionis 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 handlemay be 12″. In another embodiment, the total length of the detachable handleis 11¾″ and the length of the shaft portionis 6¾″ and the length of the grip portion is 5″. Of course, variations are contemplated as long as the length of the shaft portionis long enough to stably secure the detachable handleto the polyethylene foam bladewhile not extending too far into the polyethylene foam blade(e.g., towards its distal end opposite to the end having the detachable handle).

In one non-limiting embodiment, the diameter of the shaft portionis ⅞″ and the diameter of the uncompress internal openingof the polyethylene foam bladeis ¾″ so that the shaft portioncompresses the polyethylene foam of the polyethylene foam bladedefining the internal openingwhen the shaft portionis inserted therein. In addition and as mentioned above, plurality of external threadsextend radially outward from the exterior surface of the shaft portionand they also compress the polyethylene foam of the polyethylene foam bladedefining the internal openingwhen the shaft portionis inserted therein.

As illustrated, the grip portionmay be tapered from a central portion toward either end such that the central portion of the grip portionhas the largest diameter of grip portion. In one embodiment, the dimension of the largest diameter of grip portionis 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, shaft portionextending therefrom, plurality of external threadsand protruding ringare 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 handlemay be hollow or alternatively the detachable handlemay be solid or in yet another alternative embodiment, the detachable handlemay have solid portions and hollow portions. For example, the shaft portionmay be solid and the grip portionmay be hollow or alternatively the shaft portionmay be hollow and the grip portionmay 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.

The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” can include a range of ±8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.