U.S. patent application number 10/852013 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-09 for end cap and weight for sports equipment having a hollow shaft.
Invention is credited to Curry, Craig S., Taylor, James Z..
Application Number | 20040248676 10/852013 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33493464 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040248676 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor, James Z. ; et
al. |
December 9, 2004 |
End cap and weight for sports equipment having a hollow shaft
Abstract
An end cap and weight system to increase the weight of a hollow
shaft of a sports stick and to provide a hand removable end cap for
a sports stick. The end cap has a knob, a bolt, a nut and a
compression plug. The end cap is removably mounted to the hollow
shaft so that the shaft may be cut to a desired length and/or
weight can be added to or removed from the hollow shaft without the
need for tooling.
Inventors: |
Taylor, James Z.; (Yarmouth,
ME) ; Curry, Craig S.; (Yarmouth, ME) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bourque & Associates, P.A.
Suite 301
835 Hanover Street
Manchester
NH
03104
US
|
Family ID: |
33493464 |
Appl. No.: |
10/852013 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60475878 |
Jun 4, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/513 ;
473/256; 473/457 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 59/20 20151001;
A63B 60/10 20151001; A63B 60/00 20151001; A63B 60/16 20151001; A63B
60/06 20151001; A63B 2102/22 20151001; A63B 60/08 20151001; A63B
69/3638 20130101; A63B 60/02 20151001; A63B 2102/14 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/513 ;
473/457; 473/256 |
International
Class: |
A63B 059/02; A63B
059/14; A63B 069/36 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An end cap that is removably mounted on a sports stick having a
hollow shaft, the end cap comprising: a knob having an opening and
a cavity; a bolt having a head coupled to and mounted in the cavity
of the knob, and a threaded shaft portion extending through the
opening in the knob; a nut, for threading on the threaded shaft of
the bolt; and a compression plug operatively mounted between the
knob and the nut and disposed about the threaded shaft portion of
the bolt, wherein when the knob of the end cap is rotated, the
compression plug is compressed between the knob and the nut and
expands to contact one or more inside surface of the hollow shaft
of the sports stick at a sufficient pressure to thereby generally
firmly hold the compression plug of the end cap to the inside
surface of the hollow shaft of the sports stick.
2. The end cap for the sports stick according to claim 1, wherein
the head of the bolt has a horizontal surface with teeth extending
vertically therefrom and penetrating the knob, thereby securing the
head of the bolt to the knob.
3. The end cap for the sports stick according to claim 2, further
including at least one washer having an opening for receiving the
threaded shaft portion of the bolt, and wherein the at least one
washer is operatively mounted between the compression plug and the
knob.
4. The end cap for the sports stick according to claim 1, wherein
the cavity in the knob includes a notch for receiving a lens.
5. The end cap for the sports stick according to claim 1, wherein
the lens has a pocket for housing an insert having either a design,
name, trademark, logo, or combination thereon.
6. The end cap for the sports stick according to claim 1, wherein
an end of the threaded shaft portion includes one of a weld
thereon, flattened threads, distorted threads and damaged threads,
thereby precluding the nut from traveling off of the threaded shaft
portion.
7. The end cap for the sports stick according to claim 1, wherein
the compression plug is made from a resilient material.
8. The end cap for the sports stick according to claim 7, wherein
the resilient material is rubber.
9. The end cap for the sports stick according to claim 1, wherein
the compression plug is either round or octagonal.
10. The end cap for the sports stick according to claim 1, wherein
the lens is flexible.
11. The end cap for the sports stick according to claim 3, wherein
the at least one washer is made from metal.
12. The end cap for the sports stick according to claim 1, wherein
the nut is a propeller nut.
13. An end cap and weight system for a hollow shaft of a sports
stick, the end cap and the weight system comprising: a knob having
an opening; a bolt having a threaded shaft portion, for extending
through the opening of the knob, and the bolt having a head; a nut,
for threading on the threaded shaft of the bolt; a compression plug
operatively mounted between the knob and the nut and disposed about
the threaded shaft portion of the bolt, wherein when the knob is
rotated, the compression plug is compressed between the knob and
the nut and expands to contact one or more inside surfaces of the
hollow shaft of the sports; and at least one weighted member, said
at least one weighted member for insertion into the hollow shaft of
the sports stick, thereby increasing a weight of the sports
stick.
14. The end cap and the weight system according to claim 13,
wherein the at least one weighted member is contained in a tube and
wherein the at least one tube containing the at least one weighted
member has an outside dimension that is smaller than an inside
dimension of the hollow shaft.
15. The end cap and weight system according to claim 14, wherein
the at least one weight is metal, and the at least one tube is ABS
plastic.
16. The end cap and weight system according to claim 14, further
including a plurality of set screws through the at least one tube
at ends of the at least one weight.
17. The end cap and weight system according to claim 14, wherein
the at least one weight is bonded to an inside surface of the at
least one tube.
18. The end cap and weight systems according to claim 17, wherein
the head of the bolt has teeth extending from the head and
penetrating the knob, thereby securing the head of the bolt to the
knob.
19. The end cap and weight system according to claim 13, further
including at least one washer between the compression plug and the
knob.
20. The end cap and weight according to claim 14, wherein the tube
has crimped members, for crimping and substantially precluding the
at least one weight from moving freely in the at least one tube.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/475,878, entitled "End Cap And Weight For
Sports Equipment Having a Hollow Shaft," which was filed on Jun. 4,
2003.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to sports equipment, and more
particularly, to end caps having compressible members and removable
shaft weights for lacrosse sticks, hockey sticks, golf clubs, and
other sports sticks having hollow shafts.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] Lacrosse sticks generally have a hollow shaft. An end cap is
placed over a first end and a head is attached to a second end of
the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft of the lacrosse stick is formed
from a suitable material including, but not limited to, plastic or
metal. The hollow shaft is typically octagon shaped having an
elliptical cross-section. The end cap has a cylindrical or round
shape and is typically placed over an open end of the hollow shaft.
A disadvantage with this type of design is that the end cap is
either very difficult to remove, or not sufficiently gripped to the
shaft of the lacrosse stick and must be taped on rendering it not
readily removable.
[0004] It is known to have end caps that have insert members that
expand; however, tools are required to cause the insert members to
expand. This is a significant disadvantage because tools are not
readily available on a playing field, and the time required to
obtain, use, and return the tools is considerable.
[0005] In addition, there is a desire for increasing the weight of
lacrosse sticks, hockey sticks, golf clubs, and other sports sticks
having a hollow shaft when a player is practicing or training. The
increase in the weight improves the conditioning and strength of
the player at the speed and in the motion of the particular sport.
It is desirable for the player to practice with his or her own
playing stick. Further, it is important that the weight added to
the sports stick or club is readily removable so that the weight
can be removed with ease prior to a game. To that end, there is a
need to provide an end cap that is readily removable so that the
weight can be added and readily removed from the hollow shaft of
the lacrosse stick, hockey stick, golf club, or sports stick.
[0006] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more
of the problems set forth above, and providing a device for
satisfying needs that the prior art does not meet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is to provide an apparatus for
overcoming one or more of the problems, disadvantages, and needs
set forth above. The present invention is a novel end cap and
insertable shaft weight that are used to improve the strength and
conditioning of a player. The end cap is removably mounted to a
first end of a hollow shaft of a sports stick. A portion of the end
cap is placed into and removed from the hollow shaft without
tooling. The weight is added to the hollow shaft so a player can
practice or train with their own sports stick although heavier than
normal, thereby improving his/her strength and condition. A portion
of the end cap is removed from and inserted into the hollow shaft
as needed to add and remove the weight into the sports stick. The
components of the end cap include a knob, a bolt, a nut, washers,
and a compression plug, which facilitate the removal and
replacement of the end cap so that weight housed in a tube can be
added to or removed from the hollow shaft without the need for
tooling.
[0008] The present invention also discloses a novel end cap that is
easily removed and replaced. In addition, the end cap minimizes the
potential for a player's hands from inadvertently sliding off of
the shaft during use and also allows for a looser grip, which is
desired.
[0009] It is important to note that the present invention is not
intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one
or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is
also important to note that the present invention is not limited to
the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described
herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in
the art are considered to be within the scope of the present
invention, which is not to be limited except by the following
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be better understood by reading the following
detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an end cap removably
mounted to a hollow shaft of a lacrosse stick, hockey stick, golf
club, or other sports stick according to the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view through the middle of the
end cap showing the knob, shaft, compression plug, washers, and nut
assembled thereto and grooves for receiving a lens according to the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a weight and a tube
inserted into the hollow shaft of a lacrosse stick, hockey stick,
golf club, or other sports stick according to the present
invention; and
[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the weight shown in FIG. 3 in
an alternative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a sports stick having a hollow shaft 15 with an
end cap 12 in accordance with the present invention removably
mounted to a first end 31 and a head 30 attached to a second end 32
of the hollow shaft 15. The hollow shaft 15 has a shaft cavity
33.
[0016] The end cap 12 of the present invention includes a
compression plug 14 for insertion into the shaft cavity 33 of the
hollow shaft 15. The compression plug 14 is made of a compressible,
resilient material, such as rubber, that expands outwardly from a
central region when compressed. The compression plug 14, when not
compressed, has a smaller diameter than the inside diameter of the
shaft cavity 33 of the hollow shaft 15. The compression plug 14 is
typically cylindrical; however, in alternative embodiments, the
compression plug 14 may have one or more outwardly protruding tabs
or may be in the shape of an octagon or other shape of the central
region 15 of the sports stick. The compression plug 14 has a first
outside diameter 18 that is dimensioned slightly smaller than an
inside diameter of the shaft cavity 33 of the hollow shaft 15 of
the lacrosse stick, hockey stick, golf stick or sports stick with
which the end cap 12 of the present invention is used.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary knob 10 in accordance with
the present invention. The knob 10 includes a bolt or other
threaded member 11 having a head 36. The head 36 has an outside
diameter that is larger than the hole diameter 38 of the knob 10.
The knob 10 has a cavity 22 in the top surface 20. The cavity 22
has a circumferential groove 23 for receiving the edges of a clear
or colored lens 21. The lens 21 may be used to display some indicia
advertising, logo or the like. The lens 21 is flexible, typically
made from plastic or some other similar material, such that the
lens 21 can be slightly bent to mate the edges of the lens 21 with
the groove 23 of the knob 10. Assembling the edges of the lens into
the groove 23 holds the lens 21 securely to and proximate the knob
10. The lens 21 can be customized to include colors, designs,
names, trademarks, and logos. In an alternative embodiment, the
lens 21 is transparent and has a pocket or internal region, which
is used to hold inserts having designs, names, trademarks, and
logos thereon.
[0018] The bolt 11 has a threaded end 52 to receive a nut 13. The
bolt 11 is, preferably, operatively secured to the knob 10 with
teeth 34. In an alternative embodiment, the bolt 11 is molded,
bonded, or otherwise fastened to the knob 10 such that when the
knob 10 rotates, the bolt 11 travels up the bolt 11.
[0019] The nut 13 holds and compresses the compression plug 14 to
the knob 10. The nut 13 is preferably a propeller nut. Two washers
40, 42 have openings for receiving the threaded shaft of the bolt
11. The washers 40, 42 are operatively mounted between the knob 10
and the compression plug 14. The washers 40, 42 are, preferably,
metal to facilitate rotation.
[0020] The end cap 12 is assembled by placing the bolt 11 through
the knob 10 and then through openings of the washers 40, 42 and
then through the hole 16 of the compression plug 14. Thereafter,
the nut 13 is threaded onto threads 44 of the bolt 11 until it
contacts the compression plug 14. The threads 44 of the bolt 11
proximate the threaded end 52 of the bolt 11 are flattened,
distorted, or welded after installation of the nut 13 to preclude
the nut 13 from being removed from the threaded end 52 of the bolt
11. In an alternative embodiment, the nut 13 is formed as part of
the compression plug 14.
[0021] To assemble the end cap 12 to the hollow shaft 15, the
compression plug 14 of the end cap 12 is inserted into the hollow
shaft 15 of the sports stick so that the knob 10 abuts the first
end 31 of the hollow shaft 15. The user then turns the knob 10 by
hand, thereby causing the nut 13 to travel up the threads of the
bolt 11 toward the knob 10. As the nut 13 moves toward the knob 10,
the nut 13 compresses the compression plug 14 causing the outside
diameter 18 of the compression plug 14 to expand. The user will
continue to turn the knob 10 until the compression plug 14 contacts
the inside walls of the hollow shaft 15 at a sufficient pressure to
hold the end cap 12 firmly within the hollow shaft 15.
[0022] To remove the end cap 12 from the hollow shaft 15, the user
turns the knob 10 in the opposite direction than turned when
compressing the compression plug 14, thereby causing the nut 13 to
travel down the threads 44 of the bolt 11 away from the knob 10. As
the nut 13 moves away from the knob 10, the nut 13 allows the
compression plug 14 to return to its original shape or to
decompress causing the diameter of the compression plug 14 to
narrow. The user will continue to turn the knob 10 until the end
cap 12 is readily removable from the hollow shaft 15.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a weight 27 in accordance with one aspect of
the present invention for insertion into the hollow shaft 15 of a
lacrosse stick, hockey stick, golf club or other sports stick. The
weight 27 can be made from various materials; however in the
preferred embodiment, the weight 27 is a round, metal rod. The
length of the weight 27 is dependent upon the desired weight. The
diameter of the weight 27 is varied to accommodate the size and
shape of the hollow shaft 15. For example, the diameter of the
weight 27 will be reduced for narrower hollow shafts 15 and
increased for wider hollow shafts 15. In an alternative embodiment,
the profile of the weight 27 has the same profile as the hollow
shaft 15 of the lacrosse stick, hockey stick, golf club, or other
sports stick.
[0024] The weight 27 is housed in a tube 28. The tube 28 may have a
cylindrical shape; however, the shape of the tube 28 can be any
shape so long as the tube 28 can be inserted into the hollow shaft
15 of the sports stick. Typically, the profile of the tube 28 is
consistent with the profile of the weight 27. The tube 28 can be
made from various materials; however, in the preferred embodiment,
the tube 28 is a hollow ABS plastic tube. The length and diameter
of the tube 28 is dependent upon the length and diameter of the
weight 27 to be used. In the preferred embodiment, the weight 27 is
bonded, glued, or fastened into an inside surface of the tube 28,
FIG. 3. In an alternative embodiment, the tube 28 has crimp members
29, so that when the weight 27 is inserted into the tube 28, the
crimp members 29 are located at both ends of the weight 27, FIG. 4.
Once the weight 27 is inserted into the tube 28, the crimp members
29 are crimped at both ends of the weight 27 to preclude movement
of the weight 27. A number of weights 27 and tubes 28 can be
inserted into the hollow shaft 15, if so desired.
[0025] The end cap 12 and the tube 28 having the weight 27 therein
are used together to add weight to the hollow shaft 15 of the
lacrosse stick, hockey stick, golf club, or other sports stick
during practice and training to improve the player's conditioning
and strength. Specifically, the end cap 12 is easily removed, as
explained above, thereby allowing the player to add the tube 28 and
weight 27 to the hollow shaft 15 thereby increasing the weight of
the sports stick. The end cap 12 is then reassembled to the hollow
shaft 15 after the tube 28 and weight 27 are removed.
[0026] The weight 27 is, preferably, one-pound; however, the weight
of the weight 27 may be increased or decreased. For example, two of
the one-pound weights 27 may be inserted into the hollow shaft 15
to increase the weight of the sports stick by two-pounds.
[0027] It is preferred that the tube 28 housing the weight 27
extends from the first end 31 to the second end 32 of the sports
stick to reduce shifting or movement of the weight 27. However, if
the weight 27 also extends the same distance, the sports stick may
be too heavy. As such, the weight 27 may not extend the full length
of the tube 28 in the hollow shaft 15 of the sports stick. For
example, a one-pound weight 27 will not extend as far along the
hollow shaft 15 as the two-pound weight 27. In addition, the tube
28 may come in a standard length to accommodate a number of sports
sticks. In that case, the tube 28 may need to be shortened or cut
down to size so that it fits in the hollow shaft 15 of the sports
stick as explained below.
[0028] In the preferred embodiment, a screw 60 fastening the head
30 to the second end 32 of the sports stick is removed, and a plug
64 is placed within the hollow shaft 15 of the sports stick
obstructing a hole for the screw 60 that is used to fasten the head
30 to the sports stick, FIG. 3. The plug 64 is, preferably, a
rubber sleeve having a hollow core; however, other materials and
solid materials may be substituted. Thereafter, the screw 60 is
used to refasten the head 30 to the sports stick. In doing so, the
screw 60 is screwed through the plug 64, thereby holding the plug
64 stationary and precluding it from moving within the hollow shaft
15.
[0029] After the head 30 is reattached to the sports stick, the
user selects the weight 27 to be added to the hollow shaft 15 of
the sports stick. The end cap 12 is removed as previously
explained, and the weight 27 and tube 28 are slid into contact with
the plug 64. Because the tube 28 may extend beyond the first end 31
of the sports stick, the user will measure the exposed end of the
tube 28 extending from the sports stick. In the preferred
embodiment, the user will cut an additional 11/4 inches off of the
exposed end of the tube 28 to provide sufficient room 66 for the
compression plug 14 of the end cap 12. After the tube 28 is sized
or cut, the weight 27 and tube 28 are placed back into the hollow
shaft 15 of the sports stick and the end cap 12 is assembled as
explained above.
[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the weight 27 and tube 28
assembly may be sectioned. For example, the weight 27 and tube 28
may have the same length, and the total weight may be one-pound.
The user can then add two of the one-pound weights 27 to increase
the sports stick by two-pounds or one of the one-pound weights 27
to increase the sports stick by one-pound. As previously explained,
the plug 64 is attached to the second end 32 of the hollow shaft 15
before the weights 27 are added. Thereafter, a combination of
weights 27 may be added. However, because the weight 27 and tube 28
sections may not fill the length of the hollow shaft 15 of the
sports stick, hollow tube 28 sections not having the weights 27
therein are used to fill the length of the hollow shaft 15. After
the appropriate weights 27 added, a number of tubes 28 are added to
extend the full length of the hollow shaft 15. As explained above,
because the hollow tube 28 may extend beyond the first end 31 of
the sports stick, the user will measure the exposed end of the tube
28 extending from the sports stick. In the preferred embodiment,
the user will cut an additional 11/4 inches off of the exposed end
of the tube 28 to provide sufficient room 66 for the compression
plug 14 of the end cap 12. After the tube 28 is sized or cut, the
weight(s) 27 and tube(s) 28 are placed back into the hollow shaft
15 of the sports stick and the end cap 12 is assembled as explained
above.
[0031] Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to
those who are knowledgeable to the field of the invention, and such
variations are considered to be within the scope of the present
invention.
[0032] It is to be understood while a certain embodiment(s) of the
invention is/are illustrated, it is not to be limited to the
specific embodiment or arrangement herein described and shown. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes
may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and
the invention is not to be construed limited to what is shown in
the drawings and described in the specification.
[0033] As mentioned above, the present invention is not intended to
be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of
any stated or implied object or feature of the invention and is not
be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s)
described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of
ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of
the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the
following claims.
* * * * *