U.S. patent application number 10/931928 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-02 for sports shaft.
Invention is credited to Michael Rigoli.
Application Number | 20060046866 10/931928 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35944153 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060046866 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rigoli; Michael |
March 2, 2006 |
Sports shaft
Abstract
Provided is an improved sports shaft that includes longitudinal
channels running within the interior portion of the substantially
hollow shaft. The channels, and more specifically, the channel
walls that define the channels, provide additional strength to the
sports shaft. The improved sports shaft is better suited to
withstand impact forces over a longer period of time than a typical
hollow shaft. The improved sports shaft also is also better suited
to withstand the variety of non-impact forces that act upon a
sports shaft during the course of play. A key advantage of the
improved sports shaft is the dramatic increase in strength without
the addition of unnecessary weight.
Inventors: |
Rigoli; Michael; (Hopedale,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAMBERT & ASSOCIATES, P.L.L.C.
92 STATE STREET
BOSTON
MA
02109-2004
US
|
Family ID: |
35944153 |
Appl. No.: |
10/931928 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/316 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/18 20151001;
A63B 60/10 20151001; A63B 59/20 20151001; A63B 2102/34 20151001;
A01K 87/00 20130101; A63B 59/70 20151001; A63B 2102/24 20151001;
A63B 59/60 20151001; A63B 53/10 20130101; A63B 2102/22 20151001;
A63B 59/50 20151001; A63B 60/12 20151001; A63B 60/06 20151001; A63B
49/08 20130101; A63B 60/08 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/316 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/10 20060101
A63B053/10; A63B 53/12 20060101 A63B053/12 |
Claims
1. A sports shaft comprising: a shaft, having a proximal end and a
distal end, and wherein said shaft includes a substantially hollow
interior portion, an internal surface and an external surface, and
wherein said interior portion includes a plurality of channels,
wherein said plurality of channels partially traverse said shaft in
a substantially parallel direction from said proximal end to said
distal end, and wherein said plurality of channels are defined by
at least one channel wall.
2. The sports shaft of claim 1, wherein said plurality of channels
traverse substantially the entire interior portion of the shaft,
from the proximal end of the shaft to the distal end.
3. The sports shaft of claim 2, comprising a plurality of channel
walls.
4. The sports shaft of claim 2, comprising a first channel wall and
a second channel wall, wherein the first channel wall and second
channel wall include a plurality of surface points, wherein said
surface points are integral with said internal surface of said
shaft, and wherein said first channel wall meets said second
channel wall at a node connection point.
5. The sports shaft of claim 4, wherein said first channel wall and
said second channel wall meet at said node connection point so as
to maximize the cross-sectional area of said plurality of
channels.
6. The sports shaft of claim 5, wherein said node connection point
defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion
defines an area that is substantially circular in cross
section.
7. The sports shaft of claim 5, wherein said node connection point
defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion
defines an area that is substantially hexagonal in cross
section.
8. The sports shaft of claim 5, wherein said intersection point
defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion
defines an area that includes a cross section that is substantially
geometrically similar to said shaft cross section.
9. The sports shaft of claim 5, wherein a cross section of said
shaft is substantially hexagonal in shape.
10. The sports shaft of claim 9, wherein said external surface of
said shaft includes at least one substantially concave portion.
11. The sports shaft of claim 2, comprising a first channel wall, a
second channel wall, and a third channel wall.
12. The sports shaft of claim 11, wherein said first channel wall,
second channel wall, and third channel wall meet at a node
connection point so as to maximize the cross-sectional area of said
plurality of channels.
13. The sports shaft of claim 12, wherein said node connection
point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection
portion defines an area that is substantially circular in cross
section.
14. The sports shaft of claim 12, wherein said node connection
point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection
portion defines an area that is substantially hexagonal in cross
section.
15. The sports shaft of claim 12, wherein said intersection point
defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion
defines an area that includes a cross section that is substantially
geometrically similar to said shaft cross section.
16. The sports shaft of claim 2, comprising a first channel wall, a
second channel wall, a third channel wall, and a fourth channel
wall.
17. The sports shaft of claim 16, wherein said first channel wall,
second channel wall, third channel wall, and fourth channel wall
meet at a node connection point so as to maximize the cross
sectional area of said plurality of channels.
18. The sports shaft of claim 17, wherein said node connection
point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection
portion defines an area that is substantially circular in cross
section.
19. The sports shaft of claim 17, wherein said node connection
point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection
portion defines an area that is substantially hexagonal in cross
section.
20. The sports shaft of claim 17, wherein said intersection point
defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion
defines an area that includes a cross section that is substantially
geometrically similar to said shaft cross section.
21. The sports shaft of claim 17, wherein a cross section of said
shaft is hexagonal in shape.
22. The sports shaft of claim 21, further comprising a first
hexagonal wall, a second hexagonal wall, a third hexagonal wall, a
fourth hexagonal wall, a fifth hexagonal wall, and a sixth
hexagonal wall.
23. The sports shaft of claim 22, wherein said first channel wall
includes a first interior surface connection point and a fourth
interior surface connection point.
24. The sports shaft of claim 23, wherein said first interior
surface connection point bisects said first hexagonal wall, and
said fourth interior surface connection bisects said fourth
hexagonal wall.
25. The sports shaft of claim 24, wherein said second channel wall
includes a second interior surface connection point and a fifth
interior surface connection point.
26. The sports shaft of claim 25, wherein said second interior
surface connection point bisects said second hexagonal wall, and
said fifth interior surface connection point bisects said fifth
hexagonal wall.
27. The sports shaft of claim 26, wherein said third channel wall
includes a third interior surface connection point and a sixth
interior surface connection point.
28. The sports shaft of claim 27, wherein said third interior
surface connection point bisects said third hexagonal wall, and
said sixth interior surface connection point bisects said sixth
hexagonal wall.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to sporting goods,
and more particularly to handles, sticks, shafts and bats for
sports such as hockey, lacrosse, field hockey, golf, baseball,
softball, polo and fishing.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Designs for sports shafts, sticks and handles began as basic
wooden structures, but lacked uniformity as to quality, strength,
and weight; and were susceptible to failure by fracturing. Many
prior inventions have proposed the use of shafts or sticks
comprising composites featuring plastic outer surfaces with inner
cores of wood or aluminum. Further, many attempts have been made to
utilize metallic material in the manufacture of sticks for
strengthening purposes.
[0005] These advancements have been made as a matter of necessity
in light of the wear and tear that sports shafts endure. Sports
shafts often are required to withstand a variety of forces
resulting from movements required by the sport, and from impacts
sustained during the course of play or use. By means of example,
and not limitation, some of the forces acting on a lacrosse stick
may be considered.
[0006] The acts typical to lacrosse play that result in forces
acting upon the shaft include throwing, catching, cradling,
scooping ground balls, facing off, and checking and guarding other
players. The forces acting on a shaft result from forces applied by
a player's hands on the shaft, the weight of the ball in the head
of the stick, interaction with the ground or playing surface, and
checking or being checked by another player's stick. Stick checking
is a clear example of a force directed upon the shaft portion of a
lacrosse stick. When the checking stick strikes the subject shaft,
the resultant force is sufficient to shatter, dent, or otherwise
compromise the structural integrity of the subject shaft.
[0007] Although proper positioning of a player's body is arguably
the best method of defending against another player in many sports,
lacrosse defenders often find themselves relying on the assistance
of their lacrosse stick to aid in providing defense. However, as
the defender's hands move toward the base of the stick, and the
attacking player moves laterally, the resulting forces may result
in the bending of a metallic shaft, and the fracture of
non-metallic shafts. This is because a first lateral force is
introduced upon the distal end of the shaft by the attacking
player's body when the attacking player moves laterally with
respect to the defending player. The defending player imparts an
opposing lateral force upon the proximal end of the shaft by
attempting to hold the shaft in a rigid fashion, impeding the
movement of the attacking player. As mentioned, the resulting force
will often fracture, or bend the shaft. In the case of a metallic
shaft, a bent shaft is practically useless, and may be illegal
during official play. The player loses all control over direction
and flight of the lacrosse ball, and the shaft is now in a weakened
state, susceptible to further damage.
[0008] A similar analysis may be performed with any number of
sports shafts and sticks, with regard to their respective sports.
Almost all sports sticks experience stresses from impacts or
movements of the shaft during the course of play. Therefore, the
importance of retaining the strength and original structural
integrity of the shaft can not be overstated.
[0009] Prior to the introduction of the present invention, the
major focus of sports shaft design has been concentrated mainly in
matters concerning materials to be utilized to minimize weight, as
opposed to structural considerations. One way to increase
structural strength is to increase the amount, or type of the
material that forms the shaft. However, while strength may be
gained, the overall mass of the shaft will also be increased. In
most sports, this is not a favorable result. Therefore what is
required is an increase in the strength of a sports stick or shaft,
with only a minimal increase in the overall weight and mass of the
shaft.
[0010] What is further required is a sports shaft that resists the
impairment of structural integrity due to impact forces exerted
upon the shaft.
[0011] What is also required is a sports shaft that deters warping
and bending of the shaft.
[0012] What is also required is a sports shaft that includes
increased strength, yet maintains the balance and feel of shaft
that has not been structurally enhanced.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] When used in this application the terms "shaft," "stick,"
"handle," "sports shaft," and similar terms, and any combination of
these terms are meant to be used interchangeably and not indicate
any limitations with the use of one term over another. No
particular shape or configuration is implied with the use of any of
the terms, for example, the term "shaft" should not be construed to
be limited to only a cylindrical shape.
[0014] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an increase in the strength of a sports shaft, with only a
minimal increase in the overall weight and mass of the shaft.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
sports shaft that resists the impairment of structural integrity
due to impact forces exerted upon the shaft.
[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
sports shaft that includes a structure that effectively deters
warping and bending of the shaft.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
improved sports shaft that includes increased strength, yet
maintains the balance and feel of shaft that has not been
structurally enhanced
[0018] The present invention includes an improved sports shaft that
includes channel walls within the interior portion of the shaft.
The channel walls increase the overall strength of the shaft by
providing additional strength and structural integrity. Utilization
of channels also solves the problem of minimal weight increase
because the added strength and integrity is achieved with the
addition of only a minimal amount of extra material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description, appended claims, and accompanying
drawings where:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention that
includes four channel walls.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross section of a sports shaft embodying the
present invention that includes four channel walls.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross section of a sports shaft embodying the
present invention that includes four channel walls and illustrates
an intersection point.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention that
includes two channel walls.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross section of a sports shaft embodying the
present invention that includes two channel walls.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross section of a sports shaft embodying the
present invention that includes two channel walls, and illustrates
substantially concave external surfaces.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross section of a sports shaft embodying the
present invention that includes two channel walls, illustrates
substantially concave external surfaces, and includes an
intersection point.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the sports shaft of the
present invention embodied in a lacrosse stick.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sports shaft of the
present invention embodied in a hockey stick.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the sports shaft of the
present invention embodied in a tennis racquet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates the sports shaft of the present
invention. As can be seen from the proximal end, a plurality of
channel walls are located within the interior portion of the shaft.
In the preferred embodiment, the channel walls traverse the entire
length of the sports shaft. Other embodiments may include channel
walls, in any number, that traverse less than the entire length of
the sports shaft as desired for varying weight distribution and
strengthening purposes. For ease of description, in the preferred
embodiment a single channel wall shall be considered to extend
between opposite interior surfaces. This point does not limit the
present invention, rather it simply eases the task of describing a
cross section of the invention, in that a channel wall is not
referenced as starting from an interior surface and extending to
only a node connection point. Although not preferred, the present
invention could include a channel wall that starts at an interior
surface, but does not extend all the way to a second interior
surface. Such varying configurations are well within the scope and
breadth of the present invention.
[0031] The length of the sports shaft will necessarily vary
depending on the specific application. For example, in the sport of
lacrosse, an offensive player's shaft will most often be shorter
than that of a defensive player's. A tennis racquet will most often
be shorter than any lacrosse stick, the point being, the shaft
length will change with the particular sport. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate the fact that the sports shaft of the present
invention may be utilized in almost any sport that includes the use
of a form of shaft or stick. In other words, the advantages of the
present invention will be realized whether the sport be fishing,
polo, baseball or hockey.
[0032] FIG. 2 displays a cross section of the shaft of the present
invention including four channel walls. Each channel wall
intersects with the other channel walls at a node connection point
in a substantially central portion of the interior portion of the
shaft; and each channel wall intersects the interior surface of the
interior portion of the shaft. The angles measuring between channel
walls may vary, and are dependent upon the location of the surface
points. In one embodiment of the present invention the channel
walls are positioned so as to maximize the cross-sectional area of
the channels, but this is not a necessary limitation.
[0033] Another embodiment includes surface points that may
intersect the interior surface of the shaft at points having
geometric, and consequently structural, significance. For example,
if the external surface is substantially formed in the shape of a
hexagon, the surface points may be located at a midpoint of any
individual side of the hexagon; or the surface points may be
located where two hexagon sides intersect. Although a random
assortment is possible, such a configuration may result in a shaft
that has sections of different structural integrities. If this is
desired for a particular application, it is certainly within the
scope of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates another cross section of the shaft of the
present invention including four channel walls, and an intersection
point comprising a substantially circular area. Those skilled in
the art will see this configuration as being analogous to a shaft
within a shaft, including radial portions in the form of the
channel walls. The substantially circular intersection point is the
preferable shape when an intersection point is included within the
node point for a particular embodiment, but those skilled in the
art will recognize that shapes of different cross sections,
including those that are geometrically similar to the shape of the
shaft external surface, may be utilized for the intersection
point.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the sports
shaft of the present invention. As can be seen, two channel walls
are located within the interior portion of the shaft.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment
of the sports shaft including two channel walls. Angles between
channel walls are preferably situated so as to maximize the cross
sectional area of the channels, but varying configurations may be
used. This embodiment retains the increased strength and other
structural benefits resulting from the inclusion of channel walls,
but also benefits from an overall mass that is less than a shaft
that employs other strengthening means. Trends in sports equipment
shaft designs vary over time, but the advantages of a lighter shaft
that maintains a high level of structural integrity are almost
always highly sought after.
[0037] FIG. 6 displays a cross section of the sports shaft of the
present invention including two channel walls and concave external
portions. The interior portion is similar to that described in the
detailed description of FIG. 5 above.
[0038] The concave external portions of the shaft provide a number
of additional benefits. When the shaft is held in the hands of a
player, the player experiences increased grip and feel. The
orientation of the shaft is more easily discernible through feel
alone, and does not require the player to shift attention from the
game at hand to the shaft. Shaft orientation is an important factor
in many sports that utilize a shaft, stick or similar implement.
For example, a lacrosse or tennis racquet head that is improperly
aligned will likely have undesirable results from the player's
perspective, in that the ball will not be directed toward its
desired target.
[0039] The concave portions also act to limit undesirable spinning
of the shaft in the player's hand or hands. The high points created
on either side of a concave section provide a better gripping
pressure point than a flat surface alone would provide.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment
of the sports shaft including two channel walls and an intersection
point comprising a substantially circular area. As noted in the
detailed description of FIG. 3, those skilled in the art will see
this configuration as being analogous to a shaft within a shaft.
The substantially circular intersection point is the preferable
shape when it is included in a particular embodiment, but those
skilled in the art will recognize that shapes of different cross
sections, including those that are geometrically similar to the
shape of the shaft external surface, may be utilized.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the sports shaft with an
attached lacrosse head type striking surface.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the sports shaft with an
attached blade type striking surface.
[0043] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the sports shaft with an
attached racquet type striking surface.
[0044] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to particular embodiments and with reference to
particular sports and uses, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art that variations and modifications can be substituted
therefore without departing from the principles and spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *