U.S. patent application number 11/511979 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-28 for apparatus and method for repairing a hockey stick shaft.
Invention is credited to Michael Bayer, Barry S. Bjugstad, Timm J. Frischmon.
Application Number | 20060293128 11/511979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34577689 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060293128 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frischmon; Timm J. ; et
al. |
December 28, 2006 |
Apparatus and method for repairing a hockey stick shaft
Abstract
The invention is directed to methods and apparatus for repairing
fractured, hollow-shafted hockey sticks. In one aspect, the
invention comprises a shaft repair insert for joining together a
broken hockey shaft so as to define a unitary, repaired hockey
stick. In another aspect, the invention comprises a shaft repair
sleeve for joining together a broken hockey shaft so as to define a
unitary, repaired hockey stick. In another aspect, the invention is
directed to a blade receiving insert capable of repairing a hockey
shaft having a fracture proximate a blade receiving end. In another
aspect, the invention is directed to a shaft extension member for
repairing or adjusting the length of hockey shaft.
Inventors: |
Frischmon; Timm J.; (Ham
Lake, MN) ; Bjugstad; Barry S.; (Lake Elmo, MN)
; Bayer; Michael; (Blaine, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.
4800 IDS Center
80 South 8th Street
Minneapolis
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Family ID: |
34577689 |
Appl. No.: |
11/511979 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
10993213 |
Nov 19, 2004 |
7108618 |
|
|
11511979 |
Aug 29, 2006 |
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60523416 |
Nov 19, 2003 |
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60530367 |
Dec 16, 2003 |
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60559273 |
Apr 1, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/560 ;
473/562; 473/563 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/24 20151001;
A63B 2102/22 20151001; B27M 3/22 20130101; A63B 59/70 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/560 ;
473/562; 473/563 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/14 20060101
A63B059/14 |
Claims
1. A repairable hockey stick assembly comprising: a unitary hockey
stick having a blade permanently, operably attached to a stick
shaft, the stick shaft having a gripping end with an open end and
wherein the stick shaft has a continuous hollow interior portion
defined between the open end and the blade; and a repair insert
having a first insertion end and a second insertion end, the first
insertion end removably coupled within the open end such that the
second insertion end extends outwardly from the gripping end,
wherein the first insertion end is removable from the open end such
that upon fracturing the stick shaft into a first shaft portion and
a second shaft portion, the first insertion end is inserted into
the first shaft portion and the second insertion end is inserted
into the second shaft portion to define a repaired hockey
stick.
2. The repairable hockey stick assembly of claim 1, wherein the
repair insert comprises a flanged portion separating the first
insertion end from the second insertion end, the flanged portion
having a flanged cross-section substantially resembling a stick
shaft cross-section such that insertion of the first insertion end
into the first shaft portion causes the first shaft portion to abut
a first side of the flanged portion and insertion of the second
insertion end into the second shaft portion causes the second shaft
portion to abut a second side of the flanged portion such that the
first shaft portion, the flanged portion and the second shaft
portion define a substantially continuous shaft cross-section.
3. The repairable hockey stick assembly of claim 1, wherein the
repair insert comprises a unitary member constructed from a
material selected from the group comprising wood, aluminum, rigid
polymers, titanium, graphite, Kevlar.RTM., carbon fiber, a ceramic,
a composite weave, and fiberglass.
4. The repairable hockey stick assembly of claim 1, wherein the
first insertion end and the second insertion end comprise an insert
cross-sectional shape selected from the group comprising a
rectangle, an oval, a rounded rectangle and combinations
thereof.
5. The repairable hockey stick assembly of claim 1, wherein the
repair insert comprises at least a partially hollow core.
6. The repairable hockey stick assembly of claim 1, wherein the
first insertion end and the second insertion end each comprise a
means for attaching such that the first insertion end is fixedly
attached to the first shaft portion and the second insertion end is
fixedly attached to the second shaft portion.
7. The repairable hockey stick assembly of claim 6, wherein the
means for attaching is selected from the group comprising an
adhesive, a compression seal, an expansion member and a friction
enhancing surface.
8. A hollow-shafted hockey stick comprising: a first hollow shaft
portion defined between a gripping end and a first joining end; a
second hollow shaft portion defined between a stick blade and a
second joining end; and a means for joining the first hollow shaft
portion and the second broken hollow shaft portion at an interface
between the first joining end and the second joining end so as to
retain the first hollow shaft portion and the second hollow shaft
portion in aligned relation.
9. The hollow-shafted hockey stick of claim 8, wherein the means
for joining comprises an insert member and a flowable adhesive, the
insert member having a first insertion end and a second insertion
end wherein the first insertion end is slidably inserted into the
first hollow portion and the second insertion end is slidably
inserted into the second hollow portion and wherein the flowable
adhesive retains the first insertion end within the first hollow
portion and the second insertion end within the second hollow
portion.
10. The hollow-shafted hockey stick of claim 9, wherein the means
for joining further comprises a sleeve member adapted for
positioning over the interface, the sleeve member assisting the
insert member in retainably joining the first hollow shaft portion
and the second hollow shaft portion in aligned relation.
11. The hollow-shafted hockey stick of claim 8, wherein the means
for joining comprises a sleeve member adapted for positioning over
the interface, the sleeve member retainably joining the first
hollow shaft portion and the second hollow shaft portion in aligned
relation.
12. The hollow-shafted hockey stick of claim 8, wherein the first
hollow portion and the second hollow shaft portion each comprise a
shaft material selected from the group consisting essentially of:
aluminum, titanium, graphite, Kevlar.RTM., carbon fiber, a ceramic,
a composite weave, fiberglass and combinations thereof.
13. The hollow-shafted hockey stick of claim 12, wherein the second
hollow shaft portion comprises a different shaft material than the
first hollow shaft portion.
14. The hollow-shafted hockey stick of claim 8, wherein the first
hollow shaft portion has a first shaft characteristic and the
second hollow shaft portion has a second shaft characteristic,
wherein the first hollow shaft portion and the second hollow shaft
portion are selected to impart a selected shaft performance when
the first hollow shaft portion and the second hollow shaft portion
are operably joined in aligned relation.
15. The hollow-shafted hockey stick of claim 8, wherein the first
hollow shaft portion has a first external appearance and the second
hollow shaft portion has a second external appearance, wherein the
first external appearance and the second external appearance are
different.
16. The hollow-shafted hockey stick of claim 8, wherein the means
for joining comprises a first shaft plug, a second shaft plug, a
flowable adhesive and a plurality of body members, wherein the
first shaft plug is positioned within the first hollow shaft
portion and the second shaft plug is positioned within the second
hollow shaft portion such that the flowable adhesive and plurality
of body members are constrained at the interface as the flowable
adhesive cures.
17. A method for forming a hockey stick shaft comprising: providing
a first hollow shaft portion and a second hollow shaft portion, the
first hollow shaft portion having a gripping end and a first
joining end, the second hollow shaft portion having a stick blade
and a second joining end; attaching the first hollow shaft portion
to the second hollow shaft portion with a means for joining,
wherein the means for joining operably couples the first hollow
shaft portion and the second hollow shaft portion at a shaft
interface between the first joining end and the second joining end
so as to present a substantially continuous hockey stick shaft.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the means for joining is
selected from the group consisting essentially of: a repair insert,
a flowable adhesive, a sleeve member and combinations thereof.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the means for joining comprises
a first shaft plug, a second shaft plug, a flowable adhesive and a
plurality of body members, wherein the first shaft plug is
positioned within the first hollow shaft portion and the second
shaft plug is positioned within the second hollow shaft portion
such that the flowable adhesive and plurality of body members are
constrained at the shaft interface as the flowable adhesive
cures.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the means for joining comprises
a first shaft plug, a second shaft plug, a flowable adhesive and at
least one body member, wherein the first shaft plug is positioned
within the first hollow shaft portion and the second shaft plug is
positioned within the second hollow shaft portion such that the
flowable adhesive and plurality of body members are constrained at
the shaft interface as the flowable adhesive cures and wherein the
flowable adhesive expands within the first hollow shaft portion and
the second hollow shaft portion as the flowable adhesive cures.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application is a continuation application of
U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 10/993,213 filed Nov. 19, 2004,
entitled, "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPAIRING A HOCKEY STICK
SHAFT", which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/523,416 filed Nov. 19, 2003, entitled, "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
REPAIRING A HOCKEY STICK SHAFT," U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/530,367 filed Dec. 16, 2003, entitled, "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
REPAIRING A HOCKEY STICK SHAFT," and U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/559,273 filed Apr. 1, 2004, entitled, "APPARATUS AND METHOD
FOR REPAIRING A HOCKEY STICK SHAFT," all of which are herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for
repairing a broken hockey stick. More specifically, the present
invention relates to a repair member adapted to attach and retain a
first shaft portion, a first hockey stick shaft portion and a
second hockey stick shaft portion in an aligned relation so as to
define a repaired hockey stick shaft.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Over the years, advancements in material technology have
lead to increased sophistication in the manufacturing and
performance of hockey sticks. Traditionally, hockey sticks were
manufactured primarily of wood with a fiberglass covering on the
blade portion. The wood stick comprised a solid shaft either
machined of a single piece of wood or by sandwiching multiple
layers of wood together. These solid shafts were typically very
durable but suffered somewhat from increased weight as well as
limited flexibility.
[0004] Through the use of advanced material technologies, modern
hockey sticks are often manufactured of a wide variety of
materials. In addition to the aforementioned wood and fiberglass,
newer materials including lightweight metals, such as aluminum, and
high performance polymers and composite materials such as, for
example Kevlar.RTM., graphite, ABS, carbon fiber and ceramics are
being used either individually or in combination. Using these new
materials, stick suppliers such as Hillerich & Bradsby, CCM,
Christian Brothers, Cooper, Mission, Hespeller and Bauer/Nike have
been able to alter hockey stick performance to alter and tune stick
characteristics such as weight and stick flex.
[0005] One way in which these new materials have affected stick
construction is through the development of hockey sticks having
hollow shafts. These sticks can be manufactured of any of the
aforementioned materials and can be either one-piece designs, such
as the Easton Synergy.TM., Louisville Response.TM., or Mission
M1.TM. models, or they can include removable/replaceable blades and
shaft extensions to vary the overall stick length. Representative
hollow shaft designs include U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,875 to Easton et
al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,115 to Sweet, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
4,361,325 to Jansen; U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,916 to Rodger; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,419,553 to Rodgors; U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,306 to Selden; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,496,027 to Christian et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,947 to
Quigley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,509 to Christian; U.S. Pat. No.
5,636,836 to Carroll et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,416 to Christian;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,955 to Calapp et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,029
to Kunisaki et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,793 to Burger; U.S. Pat.
No. 6,224,505 to Burger; U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,633 to Conroy; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,267,697 to Sulenta; as well as U.S. Design Pat. No.
404,449 to Burger; No. 430,249 to Burger; No. 431,273 to Burger;
and No. 458,329 to Clark, Jr. et al. and U.S. Patent Application
Publications Nos. 2002/0065154A1 to Goldsmith et al.; and
2003/0119612A1; all of these patents, design patents and patent
applications being hereby incorporated by reference to the extent
not inconsistent with the present disclosure. With the development
of these technologically advanced hockey sticks, suppliers have
been able to charge a premium when selling these high performance
hockey sticks to the public.
[0006] One drawback to the new shaft designs is that with a hollow
shaft, the user has an increased potential to break the stick in
the shaft as opposed to more traditional blade breakages. As the
new shaft and stick designs often have a significant replacement
cost associated with them, this can lead to significant warranty
and service issues for suppliers was well as frustration on the
part of consumers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect, the present invention comprises a repair
member for use in repairing hollow shafted hockey sticks. In one
presently preferred embodiment, a shaft repair insert can quickly
and safely repair a broken, hollow-shafted hockey stick so as to
restore the hockey stick to its prior condition such as, for
example, similar performance, appearance and overall usability. The
shaft repair insert of the present invention allows suppliers to
provide users with a repair option allowing them to substantially
decrease and eliminate warranty replacement costs as well as
negative perceptions associated with the breakage of expensive
hockey sticks.
[0008] In another aspect, the present invention can comprise is a
shaft repair insert comprising two insertion portions and a spacer
portion. The two insertion portions are adapted for insertion into
a broken, hollow-shaft and can include features to promote adhesion
with the hollow shaft such as adhesives, coatings, surface
treatments, barbs and other appropriate means. The shaft repair
insert can be manufactured of any of the materials commonly used in
constructing hockey sticks and does not require the shaft repair
insert use the same material used in constructing the hollow shaft.
The shaft repair insert can be manufactured in a variety of
cross-sectional configurations such that it can be successfully
employed in shafts having a variety of cross-sections, for example
rectangular, oval, triangular or other alternative geometric
configurations and combination thereof.
[0009] In another aspect, the present invention comprises a shaft
repair insert having two insertion ends. The two insertion ends are
adapted for insertion into a broken, hollow-shaft and can include
features to promote adhesion with the hollow shaft such as
adhesives, surface treatments, barbs and other appropriate means.
The shaft repair insert can be manufactured of any of the materials
commonly used in constructing hockey sticks and does not require
the shaft repair insert use the same material as used in
constructing the hollow shaft. The shaft repair insert can be
manufactured in a variety of cross-sectional configurations such
that it can be successfully employed in shafts having a variety of
cross-sections, for example rectangular, oval, triangular or other
alternative geometric configurations and combinations thereof.
[0010] In another aspect, the present invention comprises a shaft
repair insert having two insertion components and a joining
component for repairing a broken hockey stick shaft. The tow
insertion components can each comprise a throughbore or partial
bore adapted for insertion such as through slidable or threadable
insertion of the joining component. The shaft repair insert can
further include an adhesive to promote interconnection between the
insertion components and the joining component.
[0011] In another aspect, the present invention comprises methods
of using the aforementioned shaft repair inserts to repair a
hollow-shafted hockey stick or shaft.
[0012] In another aspect, the present invention comprises a shaft
repair sleeve. The shaft repair sleeve can be adapted for placement
over or around a hockey stick shaft, wherein two portions of a
broken stick or shaft are operably interfaced and held together in
an aligned relation. The shaft repair sleeve can be used to repair
nicks, scratches and other defects prior to an actual stick
fracture. The shaft repair sleeve can have a solid form with a
hollow interior for slidable placement or the sleeve can take the
form of sheet of a tape, a wrap, a sheet or a fabric of material
such as, for example, woven or non-woven forms of composite and
non-composite materials, that is wrapped around the interface
between two portions of a stick shaft. The shaft repair sleeve,
either in solid form or a wrap, can include means for promoting
attachment to a hockey stick shaft such as, for example, adhesives,
friction enhancers, coatings or other appropriate surface
treatments. The shaft repair sleeve can be manufactured of any of
the materials commonly used in constructing hockey sticks and does
not require the shaft repair sleeve use the same material used in
constructing the hockey stick shaft. When manufactured in a solid
form, the shaft repair sleeve can be adapted to have a wide variety
of cross-sectional configurations such that it can be successfully
employed with stick shafts having a variety of cross-sections, for
example rectangular, oval, triangular or other alternative
geometric configurations and combinations thereof. The shaft repair
sleeve can be manufactured of a heat sensitive or chemically
activated material such that the sleeve can be "shrink-wrapped"
around the hockey stick shaft to minimize the cross-section of the
repaired hockey stick.
[0013] In another aspect, the present invention comprises methods
of using the aforementioned shaft repair sleeves to repair a
hollow-shafted hockey stick.
[0014] In another aspect, the present invention comprises methods
of using the aforementioned shaft repair inserts in combination
with the aforementioned shaft repair sleeves to repair a hollow
shafted hockey stick.
[0015] In another aspect, the present invention comprises a blade
receiving insert designed for repairing damage in a hollow shafted
hockey stick that occurs at an insertion end where a replaceable
blade is attached. The blade receiving insert can comprise an
insertion portion and receiving portion. The insertion portion can
comprise a male portion adapted for insertion into a hollow shaft
and can include features to promote adhesion with the hollow shaft
such as adhesives, surface treatments, barbs and other appropriate
means. The insertion portion can be manufactured in a variety of
cross-sectional configurations such that it can be successfully
employed with stick shafts having a variety of cross-sectional
configurations, for example rectangular, oval, triangular, or other
alternative geometric configurations and combinations thereof. The
receiving portion is adapted to receive a shank or hozel from a
replaceable blade. The receiving portion can be manufactured in a
variety of cross-sectional configurations such that it can be
successfully employed with replaceable blades having shanks with a
variety of cross-sectional configurations, for example rectangular,
oval, triangular or other alternative geometric configurations and
combinations thereof. The receiving portion can be configured so as
to promote compatibility between shafts and replacement blades such
as, for example, shafts and blades from differing manufacturers
that were previously incompatible due to dimensional differences
between the shaft cross-section and the blade shank cross-section.
The blade receiving insert can further be used to increase or
modify the overall length of the hockey stick shaft such as, for
example, when a shaft repair requires the removal of a broken or
fractured portion of the hockey stick shaft or when a user outgrows
or wishes to change the performance, such as for example,
flexibility, weight or durability, of the stick shaft. The blade
receiving insert can be manufactured of any of the materials
commonly used in constructing hockey sticks and does not require
the blade receiving insert use the same material used in the
construction of either the hollow shaft or the replaceable blade.
In addition, the aforementioned repair sleeve can be used in
conjunction with the blade receiving insert to further promote the
attachment of the blade receiving insert and the hockey shaft.
[0016] In another aspect, the present invention comprises methods
of using the aforementioned blade receiving insert to repair or
modify a hollow shafted hockey stick.
[0017] In another aspect, the present invention can comprise a
shaft repair insert or blade receiving insert in which an insert
component and a self-hardening adhesive or expanding composition is
used to facilitate connection of the insert to a hockey stick shaft
portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The invention can be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of a hollow-shafted hockey stick.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a section view of the hockey stick of FIG. 1 taken
along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of a hollow-shafted hockey stick with
a broken shaft.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a fracture in the hockey stick
of FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fracture of FIG. 4.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a side view of a an embodiment of a shaft repair
insert.
[0025] FIG. 7 is an end view of the shaft repair insert of FIG.
6.
[0026] FIG. 7a is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a
shaft repair insert.
[0027] FIG. 7b is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a
shaft repair insert.
[0028] FIG. 7c is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a
shaft repair insert.
[0029] FIG. 7d is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a
shaft repair insert.
[0030] FIG. 7e is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a
shaft repair insert.
[0031] FIG. 8 is an end view of the shaft repair insert of FIG.
6.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a side view of the shaft repair insert of FIG.
6.
[0033] FIG. 9a is a side view of an embodiment of a shaft repair
insert.
[0034] FIG. 9b is a side view of an embodiment of a shaft repair
insert.
[0035] FIG. 9c is a detailed side view of the shaft repair insert
of FIG. 9b.
[0036] FIG. 9d is a detailed side view of the shaft repair insert
of FIG. 9b.
[0037] FIG. 10 is an end view of the shaft repair insert of FIG.
6.
[0038] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the shaft repair insert of
FIG. 7b.
[0039] FIG. 12 is a side view of shaft repair insert of FIG. 6
prior to repairing the hockey stick of FIG. 3.
[0040] FIG. 12a is a detailed view of shaft repair insert of FIG. 6
prior to repairing the hockey stick of FIG. 3.
[0041] FIG. 13 is a side view of the shaft repair insert of FIG. 6
partially inserted in the hockey stick of FIG. 3.
[0042] FIG. 13a is a side view of the shaft repair insert of FIG. 6
partially inserted in the hockey stick of FIG. 3.
[0043] FIG. 14 is a side view of the shaft repair insert of FIG. 6
partially inserted in the hockey stick of FIG. 3.
[0044] FIG. 15 is a side view of the shaft repair insert of FIG. 6
partially inserted in the hockey stick of FIG. 3.
[0045] FIG. 16 is a side view of the hockey stick of FIG. 3
repaired with the shaft repair insert of FIG. 6.
[0046] FIG. 16a is a detailed side view of the hockey stick of FIG.
3 repaired with the shaft repair insert of FIG. 6.
[0047] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a shaft repair insert.
[0048] FIG. 17a is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a
shaft repair insert.
[0049] FIG. 17b is a perspective view of the shaft repair insert of
FIG. 17a.
[0050] FIG. 17c is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a
shaft repair insert.
[0051] FIG. 17d is a perspective view of the shaft repair insert of
FIG. 17c.
[0052] FIG. 18 is a side view of the shaft repair insert of FIG. 17
partially inserted in the hockey stick of FIG. 3.
[0053] FIG. 18a is a side, partially hidden view of the shaft
repair insert of FIG. 17 fully inserted in the hockey stick of FIG.
3.
[0054] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shaft
repair sleeve.
[0055] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shaft
repair sleeve.
[0056] FIG. 21 is a side view of a repaired hockey shaft using the
shaft repair sleeve of FIG. 19.
[0057] FIG. 21a is a side view of a repaired hockey shaft using an
alternative embodiment of a shaft repair sleeve.
[0058] FIG. 22 is a side view of a repaired hockey shaft using the
shaft repair sleeve of FIG. 19.
[0059] FIG. 23 is a side, partially hidden view of a repaired
hockey shaft using the shaft repair sleeve of FIG. 19 and the shaft
repair insert of FIG. 17.
[0060] FIG. 23a is a partially hidden, perspective view of a
repaired hockey shaft using the shaft repair sleeve of FIG. 21a and
the shaft repair insert of FIG. 17.
[0061] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a hockey
stick.
[0062] FIG. 24a is a detailed, exploded, perspective view of the
hockey stick of FIG. 24.
[0063] FIG. 24b is a detailed, exploded, perspective view of the
hockey stick of FIG. 24.
[0064] FIG. 25 is an exploded, perspective view of the hockey stick
of FIG. 24 fractured proximate the blade.
[0065] FIG. 25a is a detailed, exploded, perspective view of the
hockey stick of FIG. 25.
[0066] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a blade receiving
insert.
[0067] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the blade receiving insert
of FIG. 26.
[0068] FIG. 28 is an exploded, perspective view of the hockey stick
of FIG. 25 including the blade receiving insert of FIG. 26.
[0069] FIG. 28a is a partially hidden, perspective view of the
hockey stick of FIG. 25 repaired with the blade receiving insert of
FIG. 26.
[0070] FIG. 28b is a partially hidden, perspective view of the
hockey stick of FIG. 25 repaired with the blade receiving insert of
FIG. 26.
[0071] FIG. 29 is an exploded, perspective view of a hollow
one-piece hockey stick including the blade receiving insert of FIG.
26.
[0072] FIG. 29a is a partially hidden, perspective view of the
hollow one-piece hockey stick of FIG. 29 including the blade
receiving insert of FIG. 26.
[0073] FIG. 30 is an exploded, perspective view of a hollow shafted
hockey stick being repaired with an embodiment of a shaft repair
insert.
[0074] FIG. 31 is a partially hidden, perspective view of the
repaired hockey stick of FIG. 30.
[0075] FIG. 32 is an exploded, perspective view of a hockey stick
including a shaft extension.
[0076] FIG. 33 is a partially hidden, detailed perspective view
showing the hockey stick and shaft extension of FIG. 32 in attached
relation.
[0077] FIG. 34 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a shaft repair insert.
[0078] FIG. 35 is an exploded, perspective view of a broken hockey
stick and an embodiment of a shaft repair insert.
[0079] FIG. 36 is a partially hidden, perspective view of the
broken hockey stick of FIG. 35 repaired using the shaft repair
insert of FIG. 35.
[0080] FIG. 37 is a partially hidden, detailed, perspective view of
the repaired hockey stick of FIG. 36.
[0081] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0082] As depicted in FIG. 1, a hockey stick 100 is comprised of a
shaft 102, a blade 104 and a gripping end 106. Hockey stick 100 can
be manufactured from a variety of materials including wood,
aluminum, titanium, fiberglass, Kevlar.RTM., carbon-fiber,
graphite, ABS, ceramics and other composite fibers and materials,
either woven or non-woven, and either individually or in any
combination thereof. As depicted in FIG. 2, shaft 102 can comprise
a pair of elongated sides 108a, 108b and a pair of shortened sides
110a, 110b defining a hollow shaft interior 111. Each of the
various sides is defined by a shaft wall 112 having a shaft wall
thickness 114. Depending upon desired performance characteristics
such as stick flex, stick weight and the like, shaft 102 can have
varying profiles within a single shaft by varying dimensions such
as, for example, varying dimensions for the elongated sides 108a,
108b, shortened sides 110a, 110 and wall thickness 114 through the
shaft 102. Shaft 102 can be manufactured to include the hollow
shaft interior 111 for a variety of reasons such as, for example,
reducing overall stick weight and/or varying the puck handling or
shooting characteristics of the hockey stick 100. Shaft 102 can be
manufactured in a variety of sizes such as, for example, adult
sizes, intermediate sizes, junior sizes and youth sizes. While the
use of shafts 102 having hollow shaft interiors 111 can be
advantageous, there are certain disadvantages as compared to the
more traditional solid shafted hockey stick.
[0083] One disadvantage of a shaft 102 that includes a hollow shaft
interior 111 is that shaft 102 is subject to breaking along the
length of shaft 102 as opposed to the more traditional breaking at
the blade 104. As depicted in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, hockey stick 100
has been broken as indicated at fracture 116 on shaft 102. Fracture
116 results in the formation of a top shaft portion 118a and a
bottom shaft portion 118b. At fracture 116, top shaft portion 118a
includes a top fracture surface 120a while bottom shaft portion
118b includes a bottom fracture surface 120b. The fracture surfaces
120a, 120b can be smooth, rough, jagged and/or uneven.
[0084] An embodiment of a shaft repair insert 130 of the present
invention is depicted in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Shaft repair
insert 130 comprises a first insertion portion 132, a second
insertion portion 134 and a spacer portion 136. First insertion
portion 132 extends from a first end 138 to a first flanged surface
140. Second insertion portion 134 extends from a second end 142 to
a second flanged surface 144. Spacer portion 136 is defined between
the first flanged surface 140 and the second flanged surface 144.
Shaft repair insert 130 can be constructed of any material
compatible with shaft 102, for example wood, aluminum, titanium,
fiberglass, Kevlar.RTM., a rigid polymer, carbon-fiber, graphite,
ABS, ceramics and other composite fibers and materials, either
woven or non-woven, and either individually or in any combination
thereof. Preferably, the shaft repair insert 130 is comprised of a
material capable of imparting similar stick characteristics as the
material of which the shaft 102 is comprised.
[0085] First insertion portion 132 is further depicted in FIG. 7 as
having a first perimeter surface 145 defined by a pair of first
elongated sides 146a, 146b and a pair of first shortened sides
148a, 148b. Spacer portion 136 is also depicted in FIG. 7 as having
a spacer perimeter surface 149 defined by a pair of spacer
elongated sides 150a, 150b and a pair of spacer shortened sides
152a, 152b.
[0086] Second insertion portion 134 is further depicted in FIG. 8
as having a second perimeter surface 153 defined by a pair of
second elongated sides 154a, 154b and a pair of second shortened
sides 156a, 156b.
[0087] As depicted in FIGS. 7, 8 and 10, shaft repair insert 130
can comprise a solid member extending from the first end 138 to the
second end 140. In alternative embodiments, shaft repair insert 130
can comprise a hollow interior 157 as shown in FIGS. 7a, 7b, and
11. Hollow interior 157 can be fabricated mechanically such as, for
example, by drilling out the shaft repair insert as is illustrated
in FIGS. 7b and 11. Alternatively, hollow interior 157 can be
formed during fabrication of the shaft repair insert 130 such as,
for example, during an extrusion, molding or weaving process or
using a process similar to that employed in forming shaft 102.
Hollow interior 157 can be partially hollow, for instance within
the first insertion portion 132 and the second insertion portion
134 or completely hollow from the first end 138 to the second end
142. Hollow interior 157 serves to reduce the overall weight of the
shaft repair insert 130 so as not to be a major contributor to
overall stick weight.
[0088] In shaft repair inserts 130 that include either a partially
or completely hollow interior 157, the shaft repair insert 130 can
further comprise an internal reinforcement structure 158 within the
hollow interior 157 as viewed from the first end 138 as shown in
FIGS. 7c and 7d. Internal reinforcement structure 158 can comprise
a horizontal member 160a and a vertical member 160b as shown in
FIG. 7c. Internal reinforcement structure 158 can comprise a pair
of diagonal members 162a, 162b as shown in FIG. 7d. It is to be
understood that internal reinforcement structure 158 can further
comprise variations combining horizontal member 160a, vertical
member 160b and diagonal members 162a, 162b in a variety of
alternative arrangements. The internal reinforcement structure 158
can extend either a partial or full length of shaft repair insert
130 between first end 138 and second end 142. Internal
reinforcement structure 158 can provide the benefit or reduced
weight associated with a hollow or partially hollow shaft repair
insert 130 with increased strength being provided by the internal
reinforcement structure 158.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 9, the first insertion portion 132 has a
first insertion length 164 defined by the first end 138 and the
first flanged surface 140. The spacer portion 136 has a spacer
length 166 defined by first flanged surface 140 and the second
flanged surface 144. The second insertion portion 134 has a second
insertion length 168 defined by the second end 142 and the second
flanged surface 140.
[0090] As depicted in FIG. 9a, first insertion portion 132 and
second insertion portion 194 can further comprises an adhesive 170.
Adhesive 170 can comprise any suitable liquid or solid adhesive
such as, for example, chemically or heat activated adhesives,
one-part or multi-part adhesives, glues, hot melt, urethanes,
polyurethanes, epoxies, acrylics and the like. Adhesive 170 can be
applied on the first perimeter surface 145 and the second perimeter
surface 153. Alternatively, first insertion portion 132 and second
insertion portion 134 can comprise a plurality of projections or
ridges 172 as depicted in FIGS. 9b, 9c and 9d. Alternatively, the
insertion portions can include other features promoting attachment
such as a roughened surface, barbs, friction enhancers or similar
features.
[0091] As depicted in FIG. 10, the spacer portion 136 when viewed
from the first end 138 as shown, or alternatively the second end
142, the first flanged surface 140 and the second flanged surface
144 have a flange width 174 that is substantially equal around all
four surfaces of the first insertion portion 132.
[0092] In use, shaft repair insert 130 is used to repair hollow
shaft 102 that has been broken to form the top shaft portion 118a
and the bottom shaft portion 118b. As depicted in FIG. 12, shaft
repair insert 130 is positioned between the top shaft portion 118a
and the bottom shaft portion 118b such that the first end 138 is
facing the top fracture surface 120a while the second end 142 is
facing the bottom fracture surface 120b. Throughout the
description, it will be understood that the first insertion portion
132 and the second insertion portion 134 can be equivalently sized
such that either insertion portion can be oriented toward either
fracture surface. As depicted, top fracture surface 120a and bottom
fracture surface 120b have been prepared for example, by sanding or
sawing, to remove any irregularities in the shaft 102 caused by
fracture 116 and to provide relatively smooth surfaces that are
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft
102.
[0093] Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the second end 142 is positioned
with respect to the bottom shaft portion 118b such that the second
insertion portion is slidingly inserted into the hollow shaft
interior 111. Second perimeter surface 153 is similarly shaped in
comparison to hollow shaft interior 111. As shown in FIG. 14, the
second insertion portion 134 is fully inserted until the bottom
fracture surface 120b is in contact with the second flanged surface
144. In addition, flange width 174 is substantially equivalent to
the wall thickness 114 such that the spacer portion 136 has the
same exterior dimensions as the bottom shaft portion 118b.
[0094] After the second insertion portion 134 is fully inserted
within the bottom shaft portion 118b, the first end 138 is
positioned with respect to the top fracture surface 120a such that
the first insertion portion 132 can be slidingly inserted into the
top shaft portion 118a as shown in FIG. 15. First insertion portion
132 is fully inserted into the top shaft portion 118a until the
first flanged surface 140 comes into contact with the top fracture
surface 120a. As the flange width 174 is substantially equivalent
to the wall thickness 114, the spacer portion 136 has substantially
the same exterior dimension as the top shaft portion 118a and
bottom shaft portion 118b such that there is virtually no
dimensional difference between the shaft portions 118a, 118b and
the spacer portion 136. In addition, shaft repair insert 130 can be
manufactured such that spacer portion 136 has an exterior color
such as, for example, the same exterior color as shaft 102 so as to
make the repair essentially invisible or space portion may comprise
any other visually desirable color. Spacer portion 136 can also
comprise an exterior treatment such as, for example a roughed or
rubberized exterior surface to enhance grip or to match similar
exterior characteristics of the shaft 102.
[0095] Prior to joining the top shaft portion 118a and bottom shaft
portion 118b, a user can activate or apply the adhesive 170 so as
to permanently and fixedly position the shaft repair insert 130. A
user can, for example, use a hair dryer or other suitable heat
source to activate a heat activated adhesive. Alternatively, the
user can mix two chemical components such as, for example, a
two-part epoxy, and spread the adhesive 170 on the first insertion
portion 132 and second insertion portion 134 prior to joining the
top shaft portion 118a and bottom shaft portion 118b with the shaft
repair insert 130 to form a repaired shaft 176 shown in FIG. 16.
The insert portions can comprise other attachment means such as,
for example ridges 172, barbs, O-rings and other similar features
to further promote attachment between the shaft repair insert 130
and the shaft portions. In addition, a user can wrap a layer of
tape over the spacer portion 136 to cover any fraying or fracture
defects present in either the top shaft portion 118a or the bottom
shaft portion 118b.
[0096] As depicted, the cross-sections of shaft 102 and shaft
repair insert 130 are generally depicted as a rectangular shape. In
alternative embodiments, the shaft 102 and correspondingly the
shaft repair insert 130 can take other forms typically used with
hockey sticks such as, for example oval, triangular or other
geometrical configurations and combinations thereof. In one
representative embodiment as shown in FIG. 7e, shaft repair insert
130 can comprise a first insertion portion 132 having a
cross-section such that a plurality of contact points 178 come into
contact with the shaft wall 112 when the shaft repair insert 130 is
positioned with respect to the shaft 102. Contact points 178 can
help to snugly retain the shaft repair insert 130 while allowing
for a weight reduction similar to hollow or partially hollow shaft
inserts.
[0097] An alternative embodiment of a shaft repair insert 200 is
depicted in FIG. 17. Shaft repair insert 200 has a first insertion
end 202 and a second insertion end 204. Shaft repair insert 200 has
an insert cross-sectional perimeter 206 defined by a pair of
elongated sides 208a, 208b and a pair of shortened sides 210a,
210b. As depicted, perimeter 206 is rectangular. Alternative
cross-sectional perimeters are possible and can include forms
associated with hockey stick shafts such as ovals, triangles, or
other geometrical configurations and combinations thereof. Other
representative embodiments of shaft repair insert 200 are
illustrated in FIGS. 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d and can include a
plurality of contact points 211 to contact the shaft wall 112 when
the shaft repair insert 200 is positioned with respect to the shaft
102. Elongated sides 208a, 208b and shortened sides 210a, 210b can
include, either individually or in combination, a solid or liquid
adhesive, such as, for example, chemically or heat activated
adhesives, one-part or multi-part adhesives, glues, hot melt,
urethanes, polyurethanes, epoxies, acrylics and the like or
alternative surface treatments, such as for example compressible
ridges, a roughened surface, barbs, O-rings, friction enhancers or
similar features. Shaft repair insert 200 can be constructed of any
material compatible with shaft 102, for example wood, aluminum,
titanium, fiberglass, Kevlar.RTM., a rigid polymer, carbon-fiber,
graphite, ABS, ceramics and other composite fibers and materials,
either woven or non-woven, and either individually or in any
combination thereof. Preferably, the shaft repair insert 200 is
comprised of a material capable of imparting similar stick
characteristics as the material of which the shaft 102 is
comprised. As previously depicted, shaft repair insert 200 is solid
from first insertion end 202 to second insertion end 204.
Alternatively, shaft repair insert 200 can comprise a partially or
totally hollow interior 212 as illustrated in FIGS. 17e and 17f. As
shown in FIG. 17e, shaft repair insert 200 can comprise a vertical
support member 214 and a horizontal support member 216. As shown in
FIG. 17f, shaft repair insert 200 can comprise a pair of diagonal
support members 218a, 218b.
[0098] Shaft repair insert 200 can be used to repair a broken
hockey shaft 102 in a similar manner as that previously described
with respect to shaft repair insert 130. If shaft repair insert 200
includes an adhesive, the adhesive can be applied or activated such
as, for example, chemically by mixing components such as in a
two-part epoxy or heat activated using a hair dryer or other
suitable heat source to prepare the adhesive for use. As shaft
repair insert 200 does not include a spacer portion 136, second
insertion end 204 is slidingly inserted into the bottom shaft
portion 118b such that approximately half of the shaft repair
insert 200 is within the bottom shaft portion 118b, as shown in
FIG. 18a. Next the first insertion end 202 is slidingly inserted
into the top shaft portion 118a such that top shaft portion 118a
and bottom shaft portion 118b are in contact, as shown in FIG. 18,
to form a repaired shaft 220. In addition, a user can wrap a layer
of tape over the abutment of the top shaft portion 118a and bottom
shaft portion 118b to cover any fraying or fracture defects present
in either the top shaft portion 118a or the bottom shaft portion
118b.
[0099] In another embodiment of the present invention, a shaft
repair sleeve 300 can be used to repair a hockey stick shaft 102
that has been broken into top shaft portion 118a and bottom shaft
portion 118b. As depicted in FIG. 19, shaft repair sleeve 300
comprises a pair of elongated sides 302a, 302b and a pair of
shortened sides 304a, 304b. Elongated sides 302a, 302b and
shortened sides 304a, 304b define a sleeve perimeter cross-section
306, herein depicted as being rectangular. Alternatively, perimeter
cross-section 306 can include forms associated with hockey stick
shafts such as ovals, as shown in FIG. 20, or triangles and other
geometrical configurations and combinations thereof. As depicted,
shaft repair sleeve 300 has a first sleeve end 308 and a second
sleeve end 310. Shaft repair sleeve 300 has a hollow interior 312
extending from first sleeve end 308 to second sleeve end 310.
Hollow interior 312 is defined by an interior perimeter surface
314. Interior perimeter surface 314 can include attachment
promoting means such as, for example, solid and liquid adhesives
such as, for example, chemically or heat activated adhesives,
one-part or multi-part adhesives, glues, hot melt, urethanes,
polyurethanes, epoxies, acrylics and the like or alterative
attachment promoting means such as, for example, compressible
ridges, a roughened surface, barbs, O-rings or similar features.
Shaft repair sleeve 300 can be constructed of any material
compatible with shaft 102, for example wood, aluminum, titanium,
fiberglass, Kevlar.RTM., a rigid polymer, carbon-fiber, graphite,
ABS, ceramics and other composite fibers and materials, either
woven or non-woven, and either individually or in any combination
thereof. Preferably, the shaft repair sleeve 300 is comprised of a
material capable of imparting similar stick characteristics as the
material of which the shaft 102 is comprised. In one representative
embodiment, shaft repair sleeve 300 is fabricated using a
continuous extrusion process. Alternatively, shaft repair sleeve
300 can be fabricated using molding, machining or similar
fabrication methods as employed in manufacturing shaft 102.
[0100] Shaft repair sleeve 300 can be used to repair a broken
hockey shaft 102, either alone as depicted in FIG. 21, or in
combination with shaft repair insert 130 as depicted in FIG. 22 or
shaft repair insert 200 as depicted in FIG. 23. First, the user
approximates the top shaft portion 118a and bottom shaft portion
118b. This approximation can be accomplished using the methods
associated with shaft repair insert 130 or shaft repair insert 200
as previously described, or can mean approximating and aligning
them without an insert. Shaft repair sleeve 300 can be positioned
over the interface of top shaft portion 118a and bottom shaft
portion 118b as hollow interior 312 is designed to be slightly
larger than the outside perimeter of shaft 102. Prior to placing
the shaft repair sleeve 300 over top shaft portion 118a and bottom
shaft portion 118b, adhesive can be activated or applied on
interior perimeter surface 314. Activation of the adhesive can be
accomplished in any suitable manner such as, for example,
chemically through mixing such as a two-part epoxy or heat
activation wherein a heat source activates the adhesive. Shaft
repair sleeve 300 is positioned such that approximately half of the
repair sleeve 300 resides over the top shaft portion 118a and half
over the bottom shaft portion 118b. In one embodiment, repair
sleeve 300 can be constructed of a heat sensitive material such
that a heat source simultaneously activates the heat activated
adhesive while causing the repair sleeve 300 to shrink-wrap around
the interface between the top shaft portion 118a and bottom shaft
portion 118b to minimize the protrusion of the repair sleeve 300
about a repaired shaft 316.
[0101] In another representative embodiment, a repair sleeve 320
can take the form of a continuous tape 322 or sheet of material,
fabric or composite fabric that is wrapped over the abutment of the
top shaft portion 118a and the bottom shaft portion 118b as shown
in FIG. 21a. Continuous tape 322 can be fabricated of suitable
materials such as, for example, fiberglass, Kevlar.RTM., graphite,
carbon fiber as well as other woven and non-woven composite
materials that are compatible with shaft 102. Continuous tape 322
can comprise an adhesive such as for example, an impregnated
adhesive or adhesive on a joining surface to retain the wrapped
position of the repair sleeve 320. Alternatively, an adhesive or
coating such as, for example, a chemically or heat activated
adhesive, can be placed on the top shaft portion 118a and bottom
shaft portion 118b prior to wrapping the continuous tape 322 over
the shaft 102 or alternatively, the adhesive or a suitable coating
can be applied over the continuous tape 322 after it has been
wrapped over the abutment of the top shaft portion 118a and bottom
shaft portion 118b. Suitable adhesives or coatings can comprise
chemically or heat activated adhesives, one-part or multi-part
adhesives, glues, hot melt, urethanes, polyurethanes, epoxies,
acrylics and the like. The repair sleeve 320 can be fabricated of a
heat sensitive material allowing the repair sleeve 320 to be
shrink-wrapped and fused following placement of the repair sleeve
320 over the interface between the top shaft portion 118a and
bottom shaft portion 118b. Repair sleeve 320 can be used in
conjunction with a shaft repair insert such as, for example, shaft
repair insert 200 as shown in FIG. 23a to form a stick shaft repair
assembly.
[0102] In another embodiment of the present invention, a blade
receiving insert 400 can be used to repair a hollow hockey shaft
that is broken in close proximity to a blade receiving end. As
depicted in FIGS. 24, 24a, 24b, a hockey stick 402 can comprise a
hollow shaft 404 and a replaceable blade component 406. Hockey
stick 402 comprises a gripping end 408 and a receiving end 410.
Gripping end 408 can accommodate a shaft plug 411, generally
manufactured of solid wood, to increase the length of hockey stick
402. Replaceable blade component 406 comprises an insertion shank
412 and a blade 414. Typically, insertion shank 412 is covered with
a heat activatable adhesive. To attach the replaceable blade
component 406 to the hollow shaft 404, a user activates the
adhesive with a heat source, such as a hair dryer, and then
slidingly inserts the insertion shank 412 into the receiving end
410. When the adhesive cools, the hollow shaft 404 and replaceable
blade component 406 are fixedly attached resulting in hockey stick
402.
[0103] As described previously, hollow shafted hockey sticks have
definite advantages but suffer from the greater likelihood of
breaking the shaft. In previously discussed embodiments, various
apparatus and methods were discussed for fixing a shaft in a
location generally central to the shaft. However, it is also
possible to break the shaft such that a fracture 416 is proximate
the receiving end 410, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 25a. With fracture
416, the aforementioned repair apparatus and methods are unsuited
for repairing the hollow shaft 404 as they do not include means to
receive the insertion shank 412.
[0104] An embodiment of a blade receiving insert 400 of the present
invention is depicted in FIGS. 26 and 27. Blade receiving insert
400 comprises an insertion member 420 and a receiving member 422.
Blade receiving insert 400 can be fabricated as a single piece or
can comprise two or more pieces such as for example, insertion
member 420 and receiving member 420 being operably joined. Blade
receiving insert 400 can be constructed of any material compatible
with hollow shaft 404, for example wood, aluminum, titanium,
fiberglass, Kevlar.RTM., a rigid polymer, carbon-fiber, graphite,
ABS, ceramics and other composite fibers and materials, either
woven or non-woven, and either individually or in any combination
thereof. Insertion member 420 has an insertion portion 424 defined
by a pair of elongated sides 426a, 426b and a pair of shortened
sides 428a, 428b defining an insertion portion perimeter
cross-section 430, as shown in FIG. 29. Insertion portion 424 is
further defined by an insertion end 427 and a perimeter flange 429.
Insertion portion perimeter cross-section 430 is substantially
equivalent to the cross-section of the insertion shank 412. As
depicted, insertion portion perimeter cross-section 430 is
rectangular, though it can take other forms typically used with
hockey sticks such as ovals, triangles or other alternative
geometric configuration and combinations thereof. Insertion member
420 can include various attachment means alone or in combination
such as, for example, adhesives such as chemically or heat
activated adhesives, one-part or multi-part adhesives, glues,
urethanes, polyurethanes, epoxies, acrylics and the like or
alternative attachment means such as compressible ridges, a
roughened surface, barbs, O-rings or similar features. As depicted,
insertion member 420 has a hollow interior 432. Hollow interior 432
can fully extend through the insertion member 420 and the receiving
member 422. Alternatively, insertion member 420 can be only
partially hollow or completely solid throughout such as, for
example, a solid wood member.
[0105] Receiving member 422 includes a receiving end 434 and a
connecting end 436. Receiving member 422 has a receiving member
perimeter cross-section 438, shown in FIG. 27, defined by a pair of
elongated sides 440a, 440b and a pair of shortened sides 442a,
442b. As depicted, receiving member cross-section 438 is
rectangular and is equivalent to the cross-section of shaft 404.
Alternatively, receiving member cross-section 438 can take other
forms typically used with hockey shafts such as ovals, triangles or
alternative geometric configurations and combinations thereof.
Furthermore, receiving member cross-section 438 can be of a form
different from that of the hockey shaft 404. Receiving member 422
has a hollow receiving interior 444 extending from the receiving
end 434 to the connecting end 436. The hollow receiving interior
444 can have a consistent internal cross-section 446 throughout or
it can differ at the receiving end 434 and the connecting end 436.
Hollow receiving interior 444 can be in communication with the
hollow interior 432 of insertion member 420. The internal
cross-section 446 at the receiving end 434 is sized to accommodate
the slidable insertion of the insertion shank 412. Receiving end
434 can be configured such that an alternative replaceable blade
component 406 can be used, even when the insertion shank 412 was
not originally designed or compatible for use with the shaft
404.
[0106] To repair hollow shaft 404 with fracture 416, the user
positions blade receiving insert 400 such that the insertion member
420 is proximate a shaft fracture surface 448 as shown in FIG. 28.
Shaft fracture surface 448 may require sanding or cutting to form
substantially straight edges to promote attachment to blade
receiving insert 400. If insertion member 420 includes a heat
activated adhesive, a heat source is used to activate the adhesive.
Insertion member 420 is then slidingly inserted into the hollow
shaft 404 until the perimeter flange 429 abuts the shaft fracture
surface 448 such that a repaired shaft 450 is formed as shown in
FIG. 28a.
[0107] After assembling repaired shaft 450, a user can attach the
replaceable blade component 406 by inserting the insertion shank
412 into the receiving end 434 as illustrated in FIG. 28a. In
addition to repairing shaft 402, blade receiving insert 400 can be
used in place of shaft plug 411 to extend the length of shaft 402,
as shown in FIGS. 28 and 28b. Blade receiving insert 400 can be
used in place of shaft plug 411 when shipping a new hollow shafted
hockey stick such as, for example, when a manufacturer anticipates
or discovers frequent stick breakage near the replaceable blade
component 406. A manufacturer can initially supply blade receiving
insert 400 in place of shaft plug 411 so as provide consumers with
a future repair ability at the time of initial sale. Upon breakage
near blade component 406, the consumer can then remove blade
receiving insert 400 from the gripping end 408 such as, for
example, by applying heat to warm and loosen a heat activated
adhesive, and install the blade receiving insert at shaft fracture
surface 448 as previously described. In alternative embodiments,
shaft repair sleeve 300, either in a solid form or a wrap, can be
used in conjunction with the blade receiving insert 400 to cover
the interface between shaft fracture surface 448 and the perimeter
flange 429.
[0108] In another alternative embodiment, a shaft repair insert 500
depicted in FIG. 29 can comprise a first insert member 502, a
second insert member 504 and a rod 505. First insert member 502,
second insert member 504 and rod 505 can comprise the same or
different materials, for example wood, aluminum, titanium,
fiberglass, Kevlar.RTM., a rigid polymer, carbon-fiber, graphite,
ABS, ceramics and other composite fibers and materials, either
woven or non-woven, and either individually or in any combination
thereof. First insert member 502 and second insert member 504 are
generally similarly dimensioned so as define an insert
cross-section 508 that resembles but is smaller than an internal
cross-section 510 of a hollow shaft 512. First insert member 502
and second insert member 504 include a continuous bore 514 sized to
accommodate insertion of the rod 505.
[0109] Shaft repair insert 500 can be used to repair a top shaft
portion 516a and a bottom shaft portion 516b as shown in FIGS. 29,
30 and 31. First insert member 502 is positioned proximate the top
shaft portion 118a and the first insert member 502 is slidingly
inserted into the top shaft portion 118a until it rests flush with
the end of top shaft portion 516a. Correspondingly, second insert
member 504 is positioned proximate the bottom shaft portion 516b
and the second insert member 504 is slidingly inserted into the
bottom shaft portion 516b until it rests flush with the end of
bottom shaft portion 516b. Both first insert member 502 and second
insert member 504 can be fixedly positioned within their respective
shaft portion with an adhesive such as, for example, chemically or
heat activated adhesives, one-part or multi-part adhesives, glues,
hot melt, urethanes, polyurethanes, epoxies, acrylics and the
like.
[0110] Once first insert member 502 and second insert member 504
are positioned, rod 505 can be slidingly directed into the
continuous bore 514 on first insert member 502 and the other end of
rod 505 can be directed into the continuous bore of second insert
member 504. Top shaft portion 516a and bottom shaft portion 516b
are then directed together and aligned to define a repaired shaft
518, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. Rod 505 can be fixedly positioned
within first insert member 502 and second insert member 504 using
an adhesive such as, for example, chemically or heat activated
adhesives, one-part or multi-part adhesives, glues, urethanes,
polyurethanes, epoxies, acrylics and the like, so as to retain top
shaft portion 516a and 516b in aligned relation. In certain
alternative embodiments, shaft repair sleeve 300 can be
incorporated with the shaft repair insert 500 to cover the
interface between the top shaft portion 516a and bottom shaft
portion 516b.
[0111] The present invention can also comprise a hollow shaft
extension 600 as depicted in FIGS. 32 and 33. A hockey stick 601 is
depicted as comprising a hollow shaft 602 and a hollow shaft
extension 600. Hockey stick 601 is depicted as in one-piece
composition configuration though it could further comprise a shaft
and blade assembly such as previous discussed with reference to
hockey stick 402. Hollow shaft extension 600 can resemble blade
receiving insert 400 and can comprise a gripping portion 604 and an
insertion portion 605. Gripping portion 604 could have an exterior
surface, for example, a rubberized, roughened or shaped surface to
enhance grip. Hollow shaft extension 600 is further defined by an
insertion end 606 and a gripping end 608. Insertion portion 604
comprises a pair of elongated sides 610a, 610b and a pair of
shortened sides 612a, 612b. Gripping portion 604 comprises a pair
of elongated sides 614a, 614b and a pair of shortened sides 616a,
616b. As depicted, gripping portion 604 and insertion portion 605
have rectangular cross-sections. Alternatively, gripping portion
604 and insertion portion 605 can have cross-sections resembling
other forms typically used with hockey shafts such as ovals, or
other alternative geometric configurations and combinations
thereof. Gripping portion 604 and insertion portion 605 can further
comprise cross-sectional arrangements that differ from one another.
Hollow shaft extension 600 can have a hollow interior 618 extending
continuously from the insertion end 606 to the gripping end 608.
Alternatively, gripping end 608 can include a detachable cap or a
permanent end surface. In another alternative embodiment, hollow
shaft extension 600 can be solid or only partially hollow such as,
for example, a solid insertion portion 605 and a hollow gripping
portion 604. Gripping portion 604 and insertion portion 605
cooperatively define an abutment flange 620. Shaft extension 600
can be fabricated such that gripping portion 604 has an extension
length 621. Extension length 621 can be any suitable length, such
as, for example from one inch in length all the way up to several
feet in length. Shaft extension 600 can be provided having a longer
extension length than might be anticipated so as to allow a user to
tailor, for example by cutting the gripping portion 604, the shaft
extension 600 to the desired length. Hollow shaft extension 600 can
be constructed of any lightweight material compatible with hollow
shaft 602, for example wood, aluminum, titanium, fiberglass,
Kevlar.RTM., a rigid polymer, carbon-fiber, graphite, ABS, ceramics
and other composite fibers and materials, either woven or
non-woven, and either individually or in any combination thereof.
Preferably, the hollow shaft extension 600 is comprised of a
material capable of imparting similar stick characteristics as the
material of which the shaft 602 is comprised. Hollow shift
extension 600 can also be incorporated with hollow shaft 602 to
tailor stick performance such flex, grip, size and shape.
[0112] Hollow shaft extension 600 can be used to properly adjust
the overall stick length for a player. For example, hollow shaft
extension 600 can be used when hollow shaft 602 suffers a fracture
requiring the use of an embodiment of a repair insert as previously
described in the present application. Often, the repair will
require cutting away a portion of the hollow shaft 602 to create
suitable repair surfaces. Through the use of hollow shaft extension
600 having the correct extension length 621, the stick 601 can be
restored to its original length while maintaining similar
performance characteristics as that of the original stick 601.
Hollow shaft extension 600 can also be used to adjust stick length
based on growth of the individual, especially for younger players
who may experience growth during a single season, such that the
useful life of a hollow shaft 602 is extended.
[0113] In use, hollow shaft extension 600 is positioned such that
the insertion end 606 is proximate the hollow shaft 602. An
adhesive such as, for example, chemically or heat activated
adhesives, one-part or multi-part adhesives, glues, hot melt,
urethanes, polyurethanes, epoxies, acrylics and the like can be
applied or activated on insertion portion 605 to secure the hollow
shaft extension 600 to the hollow shaft 602. In the case of a heat
activated adhesive, a heat source, for example a hairdryer, is used
to activate the adhesive. Once the adhesive is applied or
activated, the insertion portion 605 is slidingly inserted into the
hollow shaft 602 such that the abutment flange 620 is in contact
with the hollow shaft 602. Insertion portion 605 is selected to
have an almost identical, albeit slightly smaller, cross-section as
hollow shaft 602 such that the insertion of insertion portion 605
results in a snug fit. Once the adhesive cures, hollow shaft
extension 600 is attached to hollow shaft 602 to form an integral
hockey stick 601. Alternatively, insertion portion 605 can include
various attachment means such as O-rings, barbs, friction enhancers
or other surface treatments to promote the coupling of hollow shaft
extension 600 with the hollow shaft 602.
[0114] As depicted in FIG. 33, an alternative embodiment of a shaft
repair insert 700 can include mechanical means for using expandable
seals to further promote repair of hollow shafted hockey sticks.
Shaft repair insert 700 can comprise an insertion member 702 and a
plurality of compressible and expandable sealing elements 704.
Insertion member 702 can comprise a body portion 706 and a pair of
opposed, threaded projections 708a, 708b. Insertion member 702 can
be fabricated of a single component or can comprise an assembly of
components joined together. Insertion member 702 can be fabricated
of various materials such as, for example, wood, aluminum,
titanium, fiberglass, Kevlar.RTM., a rigid polymer, carbon-fiber,
graphite, ABS, ceramics and other composite fibers and materials,
either woven or non-woven, and either individually or in any
combination thereof. Threaded projections 708a, 708b have opposed
threads 709a, 709b such as, for example, threaded projection 708a
having a left-handed thread while threaded projection 708b has a
right-handed thread.
[0115] Body portion 706 can have an exterior perimeter surface 710
defined by a pair of elongated sides 712a, 712b and a pair of
shortened sides 714a, 714b. Exterior perimeter surface 710 can be
configured to match the cross-sectional shape and size of a hockey
stick exterior or exterior perimeter surface 710 can be configured
so as to fit within, preferably snugly, a hollow stick shaft. Body
portion 706 is further defined by a pair of end surfaces 715a,
715b.
[0116] Sealing elements 704 comprise a sealing perimeter 716
defined by a pair of elongated sides 718a, 718b and a pair of
shortened sides 720a, 720b. Each sealing element 704 has a
throughbore 722 dimensioned to accommodate insertion of the
threaded projections 708a, 708b. At least two distal sealing
elements shown as distal elements 704a and 704b include an internal
thread 724 within throughbore 722 that corresponds to the
appropriate threaded projection 708a, 708b. Sealing elements 704
can comprise compressible and expandable materials such as, for
example, elastomers, rubber and the like.
[0117] In use, sealing elements 704 are slidingly placed over the
threaded projections 708a, 708b. Distal elements 704a, 704b can
then be threaded onto the threaded projections 708a, 708b such that
the sealing elements 704 are retained on the threaded projections
708a, 708b. Insertion member 702 is then positioned with respect to
a broken hockey stick for example, top shaft portion 118a and
bottom shaft portion 118b such that threaded projection 708a is
oriented toward top shaft portion 118a and threaded projection 708b
is oriented toward bottom shaft portion 118b. Threaded portion 708a
is slidingly inserted into top shaft portion 118a such that the
distal element 704a and retained sealing elements 704 are within
the top shaft portion 118a. Similarly, threaded portion 708b is
slidingly inserted into bottom shaft portion 118b such that the
distal element 704b and retained sealing elements 704 are within
the top shaft portion 118b. During insertion of the distal elements
704a, 704b and sealing elements 704 into the hollow shaft, the user
can be required to rotatably manipulate the elements so as to match
the sealing perimeter 716 with the interior shaft cross-section.
Depending upon the size and shape of body portion 706, insertion of
the threaded portion 708a into the top shaft portion 118a is
completed when either end surface 715a abuts the top shaft portion
118a or approximately half of the body portion 706 is within the
top shaft portion 118a. Similarly, insertion of the threaded
portion 708b into the bottom shaft portion 118b is completed when
either end surface 715b abuts the bottom shaft portion 118b or
approximately half of the body portion 706 is within the bottom
shaft portion 118b wherein top shaft portion 118a and bottom shaft
portion 118b are abutted. The top shaft portion 118a and bottom
shaft portion 118b are then oppositely, rotatably twisted along
their longitudinal axis wherein distal elements 704a, 704b are
advanced up threads 709a, 709b toward the end surfaces 715a, 715b.
As the distal elements 704a, 704b approach the end surfaces 715a,
715b, the distal elements 704a, 704b capture the sealing elements
704 and correspondingly advance the sealing elements 704 proximate
the end surfaces 715a, 715b. Distal elements 704a, 704b begin
compressing the sealing elements 704 against the end surfaces 715a,
715b causing expansion of the sealing perimeter 716 such that
sealing element 704 engagably grips the interior wall of the hollow
shaft. Top shaft portion 118a and bottom shaft portion 118b are
twisted until the distal elements 704a, 704b are tight and top
shaft portion 118a, 118b are suitably aligned and unseparable. In
an alternative embodiment, sealing elements 704 and body portion
706 can be replaced with opposed wedges on the threaded portions
708a, 708b such that advancement of the distal elements 704a, 704b
causes the wedges to engage and grip the interior wall of the
hollow shaft across the interface between the top shaft portion
118a and the bottom shaft portion 118b.
[0118] Referring to FIGS. 35, 36 and 37, another embodiment of a
shaft repair inset 800 is depicted. Shaft repair insert 800
comprises a body member 802 such as, for example a member having a
circular, rectangular or other geometric cross-section 804. Body
member 802 can comprise materials such as, for example, wood,
aluminum, titanium, fiberglass, Kevlar.RTM., a rigid polymer,
carbon-fiber, graphite, ABS, ceramics and other composite fibers
and materials, either woven or non-woven, and either individually
or in any combination thereof. Cross-section 804 is configured and
sized so as to easily fit within a hollow interior 806 of a top
shaft portion 808a and a bottom shaft portion 808b. Shaft repair
insert 800 further comprises a top plug 810a and a bottom plug
810b. Top plug 810a and bottom plug 810b can comprise any material
suitable for insertion into the top shaft portion 808a and bottom
shaft portion 808b such that the top plugs 810a, 810b substantially
fill, or plug, the shaft portions 808a, 808b.
[0119] To use shaft repair insert 800, a user first inserts the top
plug 808a into the top shaft portion 810a by pushing the top plug
808a with the body member 802. Top plug 808a is inserted until body
member 802 resides fully within the top shaft portion 810a. Bottom
plug 808b is then insertably positioned within bottom shaft portion
810b to a depth equal to approximately one-half the length of the
body member 802. A suitable flowable adhesive, such as for example,
a two-part epoxy, is directed into the top shaft portion 810a so as
to fill the open volume of the shaft surrounding the body member
802. Other suitable adhesives can comprise chemically or heat
activated adhesives, one-part or multi-part adhesives, glues, hot
melt, urethanes, polyurethanes, epoxies, acrylics and the like. Top
shaft portion 810a should be oriented in a substantially vertical
disposition so as to avoid spilling the flowable adhesive. Top plug
808a acts essentially as a dam so as to substantially prevent the
flowable adhesive from passing beyond the top plug 808a and down
into the remaining portion of the top shaft portion 810a. Next, the
bottom shaft portion 810b is placed above the top shaft portion
810a and is directed into a vertically abutted and aligned relation
with the top shaft portion 810a. While holding the bottom shaft
portion 810b and top shaft portion 810a in aligned relation, the
shaft portions 810a, 810 are quickly rotated so as to be in an
opposed vertical disposition with the bottom shaft portion 810b
below the top shaft portion 810a. This causes the body member 802
and flowable adhesive to fall into the bottom shaft portion 810a
wherein the body member 802 and flowable adhesive is retained by
the bottom plug 808b. Because of the positioning of bottom plug
808b, approximately half of the body member 802 and half of the
flowable adhesive is located on each side of the interface between
the top shaft portion 810a and bottom shaft portion 810b. In a
preferred embodiment, the flowable adhesive begins to cure or
set-up within a matter of minutes. Generally, the flowable adhesive
conforms to the interior surfaces of the top shaft portion 810a and
bottom shaft portion 810b. As the flowable adhesive can conform to
differing hockey shaft shapes, small cross-sectioned, irregular and
loose fitting shaft repair inserts 800 such as, for example, loose
fitting versions of shaft repair insert 200, can be used to repair
a variety of dimensionally and geometrically different hockey
sticks. In some embodiments, shaft repair insert can comprise a
plurality of body members 802. In some embodiments, the flowable
adhesive can comprise an expanding material such as, for example,
expanding materials commonly used in the packaging and shipment of
goods.
[0120] While the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to one
skilled in that art that various changes and modifications could be
incorporated without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. It will also be obvious to one skilled in the
art that the aforementioned and described embodiments can be used
in a variety of combinations to promote the repair and continued
used of hollow shafted hockey sticks.
* * * * *