U.S. patent application number 11/706342 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-21 for field hockey stick having a top weighted head.
This patent application is currently assigned to STX, LLC. Invention is credited to Kenneth E. Sherman, Richard B.C. SR. Tucker.
Application Number | 20070142134 11/706342 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34806896 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070142134 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tucker; Richard B.C. SR. ;
et al. |
June 21, 2007 |
Field hockey stick having a top weighted head
Abstract
A field hockey stick including a throat and a head adjoining the
throat, the head having an upper portion adjacent to the throat and
a lower portion, and at least the lower portion of the head
defining at least one depression. The throat can also define a
throat depression.
Inventors: |
Tucker; Richard B.C. SR.;
(Ruxton, MD) ; Sherman; Kenneth E.; (Hampstead,
MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL, HASTINGS, JANOFSKY & WALKER LLP
P.O. BOX 919092
SAN DIEGO
CA
92191-9092
US
|
Assignee: |
STX, LLC
|
Family ID: |
34806896 |
Appl. No.: |
11/706342 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11030953 |
Jan 10, 2005 |
7201682 |
|
|
11706342 |
Feb 15, 2007 |
|
|
|
60534968 |
Jan 9, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/560 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 59/70 20151001;
A63B 2102/22 20151001; A63B 60/52 20151001; A63B 49/11
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/560 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/14 20060101
A63B059/14 |
Claims
1. A field hockey stick comprising: a handle; a throat adjoining
the handle, the throat having a playing side and a non-playing
side, the throat defining a longitudinal axis when viewed in a
direction facing the playing side of the throat; and a head
adjoining the throat on a side of the throat opposite the handle,
the head being hollow and having a flat playing side wall and a
non-flat non-playing side wall, and the non-playing side wall
defining at least one depression disposed at least partially below
a center of a field hockey ball when the ball and the field hockey
stick are resting on a planar surface and the field hockey stick is
positioned with the longitudinal axis perpendicular to the planar
surface.
2. The field hockey stick of claim 1, the head having a center of
gravity disposed at a distance from the planar surface greater than
a distance between the planar surface and the center of the field
hockey ball.
3. The field hockey stick of claim 1, the at least one depression
having a generally oval shape.
4. The field hockey stick of claim 1, the head having a first end
attached to the throat and a second end opposite to the first end,
and the at least one depression disposed completely within about
1.47 inches of the second end of the head.
5. The field hockey stick of claim 1, the head having a first end
attached to the throat and a second end opposite to the first end,
and the head having a center of gravity disposed at a distance
greater than 1.47 inches from the second end of the head.
6. The field hockey stick of claim 5, the second end of the head
having a distal mass that provides perimeter weighting.
7. The field hockey stick of claim 1, the head having a toe and an
end opposite to the toe, the distance between the toe and the end
being about 3.94 inches, and the head having a center of gravity
disposed greater than about 1.97 inches from the end of the
head.
8. The field hockey stick of claim 1, the field hockey stick being
hollow and made of a composite material.
9. The field hockey stick of claim 1, the throat defining a throat
depression in its surface.
10. The field hockey stick of claim 9, the throat depression
disposed in the throat closer to the head than the handle.
11. The field hockey stick of claim 9, the head having a first end
attached to the throat and a second end opposite to the first end,
and the head having a center of gravity disposed greater than about
1.5 inches from the second end of the head.
12. The field hockey stick of claim 9, the head having a toe and an
end opposite to the toe, the distance between the toe and the end
being about 3.94 inches, and the head having a center of gravity
disposed greater than about 1.97 inches from the end of the
head.
13. The field hockey stick of claim 9, the throat depression being
disposed in the non-playing side of the throat.
14. The field hockey stick of claim 1, the at least one depression
comprising three spaced apart depressions, each of the three
depressions disposed entirely below the center of the field hockey
ball.
15. The field hockey stick of claim 1, the non-playing side wall of
the head having a first wall thickness within the at least one
depression and a second wall thickness outside of the at least one
depression, wherein the second wall thickness is greater than the
first wall thickness.
16. The field hockey stick of claim 15, the non-playing side of the
throat defining a throat depression and having a third wall
thickness within the throat depression and a fourth wall thickness
outside of the throat depression between the throat depression and
the head, wherein the fourth wall thickness is greater than the
third wall thickness and the first wall thickness.
17. A field hockey stick comprising: an upper portion comprising a
handle; and a hollow lower portion attached to the upper portion,
the lower portion comprising a throat and a head, the throat
disposed in between the head and the upper portion, the hollow
lower portion comprising a non-playing side wall and a playing side
wall, the throat defining a longitudinal axis when viewed in a
direction facing the playing side wall, the hollow lower portion
defining a depression in the non-playing side wall, and the
depression disposed at least partially below a center of a field
hockey ball when the ball and the field hockey stick are resting on
a planar surface and the field hockey stick is positioned with the
longitudinal axis perpendicular to the planar surface.
18. The field hockey stick of claim 17, wherein the lower portion
has a distal end opposite to the upper portion, and wherein the
head has a center of gravity disposed greater than 1.47 inches from
the distal end of the lower portion.
18. The field hockey stick of claim 17, wherein the lower portion
has a distal end opposite to the upper portion, and wherein the
head has a center of gravity disposed greater than 1.47 inches from
the distal end of the lower portion.
19. The field hockey stick of claim 17, wherein the depression is
disposed entirely below the center of the field hockey ball.
20. A field hockey stick comprising: an upper portion comprising a
handle; and a hollow lower portion attached to the upper portion,
the lower portion comprising a throat and a head, the throat
disposed in between the head and the upper portion, the hollow
lower portion comprising a non-playing side wall and a playing side
wall, the hollow lower portion defining a first depression in the
non-playing side wall, the first depression disposed at least
partially within a distance 1.47 inches from a distal end of the
head opposite to the throat, the hollow lower portion defining a
second depression in the non-playing side wall, the second
depression disposed in the throat, the non-playing side wall having
a first wall thickness within the first depression, a second wall
thickness within the second depression, and a third wall thickness
outside of and in between the first depression and the second
depression, and the third wall thickness being greater than the
first wall thickness and the second wall thickness.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/030,953, filed Jan. 10, 2005, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/534,968, filed
Jan. 9, 2004, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to field hockey
sticks, and more particularly, to a field hockey stick having a top
weighted head.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] As shown in FIG. 1, a field hockey stick 100 typically has a
handle 102, a throat 104, and a head 106. The handle 102 starts at
a first distal end of stick 100 and extends to throat 104. The
stick 100 then curves at the base of the throat 104 to form the
head 106 at the second distal end of stick 100. A horizontal line
(such as line 115) drawn through the point at which stick 100
begins to curve marks the end of throat 104 and the beginning of
head 106. The head 106 is also considered the base of the stick
100. The head 106 includes a toe 108 and curves horizontally and
upwardly to form toe 108. The front (or left hand side, as shown in
FIG. 1) of the stick 100 has a flat playing surface and the back is
no-flat (e.g., rounded or curved) and not playable in a game.
Generally, the flat playing surface includes all of head 106 and at
least a portion of throat 104. All sticks are suitable for "right
handed" play.
[0006] Traditionally, field hockey sticks have been constructed of
relatively standard dimensions, due primarily to widely accepted
rules of the game. These rules dictate aspects of the stick such as
weight, length, shape, and cross section. As one example, the rules
require that the playing portion of the stick have a flat face and
that every cross section of the stick be able to pass through a
two-inch ring. In meeting these rules, the traditional field hockey
stick has typically featured a flat front face and a curved back
and back head of a relatively uniform shape.
[0007] The total weight of a field hockey stick as defined by
widely accepted rules must not exceed 737 grams. Within these
parameters, field hockey sticks, including field hockey stick heads
that are curved and have rounded backs, have a traditional shape
and weight disbursement.
[0008] In the game of field hockey, players typically favor passes
and shots that are hard and low. Indeed, the more powerful the
drive, the better chance the pass or shot has of eluding defenders.
This increase in power, however, also increases the chance of
losing control of the ball, especially in terms of lofting the ball
illegally. These passes and shots are hit from an upright standing
position and the ball must travel on or near the ground in a
relatively straight line. A miss-hit ball often rises up in the air
above knee level, which can result in the loss of possession and
can be harmful to other players. Thus, a principal object of
powerful drives is to keep the ball close to the ground. The object
is to hit the ball hard but minimize its loft. Shooting low and
hard on goal can significantly increase the chances of scoring,
either through deflected shots or from rebounds off of the goalie.
Keeping the ball low helps control passes and shots, while not
violating game rules against lofted balls, which result in the
opposing team gaining possession of the ball. Players therefore
prefer field hockey sticks that meet this need.
[0009] Field hockey sticks are typically made of wood or
composites. As used herein, composites refer to field hockey sticks
made by bladder molding or by wrapping sheets of uncured
fiber-reinforced thermosetting resin around a mandrel, which is
then withdrawn to form a hollow tubular lay-up. Examples of the
materials used in the resin include fiberglass, carbon, and aramid.
Composite sticks have been available on the market for several
years and have been approved for use in international play for over
a year.
[0010] It is widely believed that composite sticks generate more
powerful drives than wooden sticks. With this additional power,
however, comes a potential for loss of control, especially if a
ball is unintentionally lofted during the drive. Minimizing this
loft would therefore result in players delivering a more powerful
drive without sacrificing ball control.
[0011] Therefore, field hockey sticks, especially composite field
hockey sticks, would benefit greatly from a feature that minimizes
the loft that can occur upon contact with a ball, and the resulting
loss of ball control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides a field hockey stick having a
head with a raised center of gravity that minimizes loft and
imparts an improved feel when striking a ball with the stick.
[0013] One embodiment of the present invention provides a field
hockey stick comprising a throat and a head adjoining the throat.
The head has an upper portion adjacent to the throat and a lower
portion. At least the lower portion of the head defines at least
one depression.
[0014] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a field
hockey stick comprising a handle, a throat adjacent to the handle,
and a head adjacent to the throat on a side of the throat opposite
to the handle, in which the throat defines at least one depression.
The head, which has a first end attached to the throat and a second
end opposite to the first end, has a center of gravity disposed
greater than about 1.5 inches from the second end of the head.
[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a field
hockey stick comprising a handle, a throat adjacent to the handle,
and a head adjacent to the throat on a side of the throat opposite
to the handle. The throat has a flat playing side and a non-flat
(e.g., round or curved) non-playing side. The non-playing side of
the throat defines at least one throat depression. The head has a
flat playing side and a non-flat (e.g., round or curved)
non-playing side. The non-playing side of the head defines at least
one head depression. The at least one head depression can be
disposed closer to an end of the head opposite to the throat than
to the throat.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional field hockey
stick.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary field hockey
stick having depressions in its head, according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a side view of the field
hockey stick shown in FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary field hockey
stick having a depression in its throat, according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a side view of the field
hockey stick shown in FIG. 4.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary field hockey
stick having depressions in its head and a depression in its
throat, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a side view of the field
hockey stick shown in FIG. 6.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary field hockey
stick having a single depression in its head, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary field hockey
stick having five roughly triangular depressions in its head,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary field hockey
stick having a mass added to the upper portion of its head,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary field hockey
stick head having a distal member and a depression, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Traditionally the center of gravity in the head of a field
hockey stick has been designed so that it is in line with or below
the center of gravity of a field hockey ball, when both the head
and the ball are resting on the same plane. The circumference of a
field hockey ball is typically about 8.8125 to 9.25 inches, with a
radius to its center of about 1.40 to 1.47 inches. Therefore, the
head of a traditional field hockey stick typically has a center of
gravity within about 1.47 inches from the bottom of the head. As
used herein, center of gravity refers to the point at which the
entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated so that,
if supported at this point, the body would remain in equilibrium in
any position. By raising the center of gravity of the head, the
present invention changes the moment of impact on a ball and its
resultant launch angle. The higher that the center of gravity of
the head is above the center of gravity of the ball, the lower the
launch angle on the ball will be.
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention raise the center of
gravity in a field hockey stick head by one or more of the
following methods: 1) removing material from a part of the head; 2)
adding material to a part of the head; 3) repositioning or
redistributing material in the stick, such as in the areas of the
head and the throat; 4) using two or more materials with different
mass or density properties in the head; and 5) combinations
thereof.
[0029] Composite field hockey sticks are traditionally manufactured
by a process referred to as bladder molding, which uses an air
bladder, a two-part female mold, composite material, and resin. The
bladder is inflated, thus creating pressure to force the composite
and resin against the mold until it cures. This process results in
a hollow hockey stick.
[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2
illustrates an example of how to raise the center of gravity of a
composite field hockey stick head by taking advantage of the hollow
area inside the head. By strategically placing contours in the
molds, the present invention shifts where the composite fills the
mold. Thus, by not allowing the bottom portion of the head to fill
with composite, the mass of the head is disposed higher on the
head. To further enhance the reallocation of mass in the head,
extra material, such as more resin, can also be added to the head
before or after molding.
[0031] As shown in the example of FIG. 2, one embodiment of the
present invention provides a field hockey stick 200 having a head
206 with one or more depressions 203 in its surface. In this
example, head 200 has three depressions 203, which are generally
oval in shape. The outside and inside ovals shown for each
depression 203 indicate generally where each depression begins to
descend (outside line) and then levels out somewhat (inside line)
to form the base of the depression. FIG. 3 illustrates a side view
of field hockey stick 200, showing the depression 203 nearest the
toe 208. The depressions could, of course, be formed in many
different numbers and shapes, for example, having a single
rectangular depression with planar sloping walls, instead of
rounded walls.
[0032] The depressions 203 in head 206 minimize the mass of the
lower portion of head 200, and therefore raise the center of
gravity of head 206 to above the traditional center of gravity that
is in line with the center of gravity of a field hockey ball. Line
214, which is drawn at roughly the center of gravity of a field
hockey ball (e.g., 1.40 to 1.47 inches), represents the line above
which the center of gravity of head 206 is disposed, according to
an embodiment of the present invention. For example, with
depressions 203, the center of gravity of head 206 could be
disposed at about 1.5 inches from the extreme end 209 of head
206.
[0033] The placement of depressions 203 raises the center of
gravity of head 206, such that the center of gravity of head 206 is
higher in relation to a ball struck by head 206, in comparison to
traditional field hockey sticks. This higher center of gravity
helps minimize the loft imparted on the ball. In one embodiment,
depressions 203 are disposed within about 1.47 inches from end
209.
[0034] According to a particular implementation of the present
invention, the center of gravity of head 206 is above a line drawn
halfway between the highest point 210 of toe 208 and the extreme
end 209 of head 206 opposite to point 210, when the distance
between end 209 and point 210 is approximately 3.94 inches (which
is the maximum distance allowed by widely accepted rules of field
hockey). Such a line would be about 1.97 inches from end 209.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention in which the mass of the throat of a field hockey stick
is reduced and shifted toward the upper portion of the head. As
shown in this example, a field hockey stick 400 includes a
depression 411 in the surface of its throat 404. Depression 411 can
be disposed in throat 404 closer to head 406 than to a handle (not
shown) attached to throat 404. Depression 411 can be disposed
either in the flat playing side of throat 404 or, as shown in FIG.
4, in the round non-playing side of throat 404.
[0036] Depression 411 could be oval-shaped as shown in the example
of FIG. 4. The outside and inside oval-shaped lines shown for
depression 411 indicate generally where depression 411 begins to
descend (outside line) and then levels out somewhat (inside line)
to form the base of the depression 411. FIG. 5 illustrates a side
view of field hockey stick 400, further showing the exemplary shape
of depression 411. Depression 411 could, of course, be formed in
many different numbers and shapes, for example, having multiple
tear-shaped depressions.
[0037] Disposing depression 411 in throat 404 removes mass from
throat 404 in the area just above the head 406, and redistributes
this removed mass to the upper portion of the head 406. Line 414,
which is drawn at roughly the center of gravity of a field hockey
ball (e.g., 1.40 to 1.47 inches), represents the line above which
the center of gravity of head 406 is disposed, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. For example, with depression
411, the center of gravity of head 406 could be disposed at about
1.5 inches from the extreme end 409 of head 406. Adding the mass to
the top portion of head 406 raises the center of gravity of head
406. Consequently, head 406 can strike a ball with a higher center
of gravity and minimize loft on the ball.
[0038] According to a particular implementation of the present
invention, the center of gravity of head 406 is above a line drawn
halfway between the highest point 410 of toe 408 and the extreme
end 409 of head 406 opposite to point 410, when the distance
between end 409 and point 410 is approximately 3.94 inches (which
is the maximum distance allowed by widely accepted rules of field
hockey). Such a line would be about 1.97 inches from end 409.
[0039] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a further embodiment of the present
invention in which a field hockey stick 600 has both a depression
611 in its throat 604 and also one or more depressions 603 in its
head 606. As discussed above in reference to FIGS. 2-5, depression
611 and depressions 603 redistribute mass of the field hockey stick
600 to the upper portion of its head 606. Having mass redistributed
by both depression 611 and depressions 603 accentuates the center
of gravity situated in the upper portion of head 606.
[0040] FIGS. 8-9 illustrate alternative embodiments of the present
invention having different numbers and shapes of depressions on the
head of a field hockey stick. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates a
field hockey stick 800 having a head 806 with a single irregularly
shaped depression 803 in its extreme end (opposite to the handle,
not shown). As another example, FIG. 9 illustrates a field hockey
stick 900 having a head 906 with five roughly triangular
depressions 903.
[0041] In a further alternative embodiment, instead of or in
addition to removing and redistributing mass of a field hockey
stick, mass could be added to the stick. For example, a metal
(e.g., lead), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or other material
could be attached to the upper portion of the head of the stick.
For example, a plug made of a second material could be embedded
(e.g., by laying up the plug) in the upper portion of the head.
This additional material would raise the center of gravity of the
head.
[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of this embodiment, in which
a field hockey stick 1000 has a head 1006 with a mass 1050 added to
the upper portion of the head. Line 1014, which is drawn at roughly
the center of gravity of a field hockey ball (e.g., 1.40 to 1.47
inches), represents the line above which the center of gravity of
head 1006 is disposed, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. For example, with mass 1050 added, the center of gravity
of head 1006 could be disposed at about 1.5 inches from the extreme
end 1009 of head 1006.
[0043] According to a particular implementation of the present
invention, the center of gravity of head 1006 is above a line drawn
halfway between the highest point 1010 of toe 1008 and the extreme
end 1009 of head 1006 opposite to point 1010, when the distance
between end 1009 and point 1010 is approximately 3.94 inches (which
is the maximum distance allowed by widely accepted rules of field
hockey). Such a line would be about 1.97 inches from end 1009.
[0044] Another alternative embodiment of the present invention
provides a field hockey stick with perimeter weighting, while still
raising the center of gravity of the head. This perimeter weighting
can improve the feel and control of the stick. As an example, FIG.
11 illustrates a field hockey stick head 1106 having a distal
member 1102 and a depression 1104. As described above, depression
1104 enables the redistribution of mass to the upper portion of
head 1106 to raise the center of gravity. At the same time, distal
member 1102 provides a mass at the end of head 1106 that affords a
perimeter weighting for the field hockey stick. Although FIG. 11
shows distal member 1102 in one particular form, many different
forms of perimeter weight could, of course, be used, such as
flanges, ribs, rims, or plugs. Plugs could be made, for example, of
material heavier than the remaining material of the head.
[0045] An embodiment of the present invention uses composite
materials to construct a field hockey stick having a top weighted
head. The composites enable a gradual redistribution of the mass of
the field hockey stick, while still providing the requisite degree
of strength in the areas from which mass is moved. For example,
with the embodiment providing a depression in surface of the round
throat back, the mass in the throat can be moved downward to the
head with gradual, undulating shapes, leaving a relatively thin
area where the mass is removed that is still structurally strong
enough to withstand the rigors of the game. The gradual reshaping
and redistributing of material also enable the provision of cross
sectional dimensions that comply with the traditional two-inch ring
test.
[0046] Although discussed primarily in the context of composite
field hockey sticks, one of ordinary skill in the art would
appreciate that the present invention could apply equally well to
field hockey sticks made of other materials, such as wood. In such
cases, the throat and head depression(s) would be formed as
appropriate for the material. For example, depressions could be
carved out of a traditional wood field hockey stick.
[0047] A further embodiment of the present invention achieves a
higher center of gravity by varying the material composition of the
head. For example, the lower portion of a head could be made of a
first material, and the upper portion of the head could made of a
second material that is heavier than the first material. In this
manner, the center of mass or gravity could be raised on the head
without necessarily using depressions (as in FIG. 2) or adding a
mass (as in FIG. 10). In the case of a composite stick, for
example, lighter fibers could placed in the lower portion of the
head, with heavier fibers located in the upper portion of the head.
Heavier materials could also be laid up within the fibers to
provide areas of greater mass in the upper portion of the head.
Similarly, plugs made of heavier or lighter materials could be
strategically positioned in the head to provide a raised center of
gravity.
[0048] Thus, the top weighted field hockey sticks of the present
invention provide a player with improved comfort, feel, and
playability. In particular, the present invention raises the center
of gravity of a field hockey stick head to minimize loft and impart
an improved feel when striking a ball with the stick.
[0049] The foregoing disclosure of embodiments of the present
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and
modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above
disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the
claims, and by their equivalents.
[0050] Further, in describing representative embodiments of the
present invention, the specification may have presented the method
and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of
steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not
rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method
or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of
steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would
appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore,
the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification
should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition,
the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present
invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps
in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily
appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *