U.S. patent application number 12/897136 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-05 for hockey stick having splayed blade.
Invention is credited to Joel H. Girsky.
Application Number | 20120083370 12/897136 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45890300 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120083370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Girsky; Joel H. |
April 5, 2012 |
Hockey Stick Having Splayed Blade
Abstract
A hockey stick blade is splayed so as to provide two curved
surfaces that are disposed oppositely with respect to one another.
By providing two opposed curved surfaces, the hockey stick blade of
the present invention provides the advantages of blade curvature
for forehand shots and passes, as well as for backhand shots and
passes. The problems of inaccuracy and instability that can result
from backhand shooting or passing are thereby minimized or
eliminated. The area between the opposed curved surfaces can
optionally be filled in.
Inventors: |
Girsky; Joel H.; (Dix Hills,
NY) |
Family ID: |
45890300 |
Appl. No.: |
12/897136 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/563 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/00 20151001;
A63B 2102/22 20151001; A63B 2102/24 20151001; A63B 59/70 20151001;
A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 2209/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/563 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/14 20060101
A63B059/14 |
Claims
1. A hockey stick, comprising: a shaft; and a splayed blade, the
splayed blade being attached to one end of the shaft, wherein the
splayed blade comprises two curved sections having curvature
opposed to one another.
2. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the two curved sections
have substantially equal degrees of curvature.
3. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the two curved sections
have different degrees of curvature.
4. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the two curved sections
have adjustable degrees of curvature.
5. The hockey stick of claim 4, wherein the splayed blade is
constructed from a malleable material.
6. The hockey stick of claim 4, wherein the splayed blade is
constructed from a material that is malleable when heated. end at
which the two curved sections are attached to one another is
proximate to the shaft.
7. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the two curved sections are
attached to one another at one end and diverge from one another at
an opposite end.
8. The hockey stick of claim 7, wherein the end at which the two
curved sections are attached to one another is proximate to the
shaft.
9. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the splayed blade is
constructed from at least one selected from the group consisting
of: wood; aluminum; Kevlar; fiberglass; carbon fiber; and a
composite material.
10. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the two curved sections
have differing degrees of curvature with respect to one
another.
11. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the hockey stick comprises
an ice hockey stick.
12. The hockey stick of claim 1, further comprising: a filler
material to fill an area between the two curved sections.
13. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the filler material
comprises one selected from the group consisting of: moldable foam;
Styrofoam; foam; plastic; and wood.
14. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the splayed blade is
composed of a block of material having tapered sides forming the
two curved sections.
15. A method for constructing a hockey stick, comprising: splaying
a blade so as to form two sections; shaping the two sections so
that they have curvature opposed to one another; and affixing the
blade to a shaft.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: filling an area
between the two curved sections.
17. A method for constructing a hockey stick, comprising: forming a
blade assembly by affixing two curved blade sections to one another
at one end, so that the blade sections diverge from one another at
an opposite end have curvature opposed to one another; affixing the
blade assembly to a shaft.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: filling an area
between the two curved blade sections.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to sports equipment, and more
particularly, to an improved hockey stick.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Hockey is a fast-moving team sport in which players use
sticks to control a puck or ball. The players attempt to shoot the
puck or ball into the opposing team's net, while preventing the
opposing team from scoring.
[0005] Many forms of hockey exist, including for example: ice
hockey, in which the players skate on an ice surface; field hockey,
which is played on gravel, grass, or artificial turf; street
hockey, played on a hard surface such as a street; roller hockey,
in which the players skate on roller skates; floor hockey, played
in a gymnasium or other indoor location; and the like. Depending on
the particular type of hockey being played, the game can be played
with a ball, rubber puck, or other object.
[0006] Hockey sticks can be made of any of a number of different
materials, such as wood, aluminum, Kevlar, fiberglass, carbon
fiber, other composite materials, and/or any combination
thereof.
[0007] Each player's hockey stick typically includes a shaft and a
blade, although the particular configuration of the stick varies
depending on the type of hockey being played. In general, the shaft
of the stick is a long, straight upper portion, while the blade is
a flattened lower section that may be oriented at an angle with
respect to the shaft. The player grips the stick by the shaft,
while the blade is used to maneuver the puck/ball along the playing
surface. The particular dimensions of the stick and its components
can vary widely, depending on various factors such as the type of
hockey being played, as well as player height and personal
preference. For example, for ice hockey, the shaft is typically
between about 46'' to 63'', and the blade is typically about 12''
long. The blade is typically oriented at an angle with respect to
the shaft, for example at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.
[0008] For some forms of hockey, such as ice hockey, many players
prefer a curved blade, as it allows for a faster and more accurate
passes and shots, and makes it easier for a player to elevate the
puck/ball when taking a shot at the net. A curved blade also makes
it easier for a player to put a spin on the puck; this imparts
greater stability to the puck while it is in motion. Some players
apply cloth tape to the blade, so as to add adhesion and to help
the puck spin. The degree of curvature is subject to individual
preference, and many players manually curve their blade by heating
and shaping it. The degree to which sticks may be curved can vary,
depending on the type of hockey being played, league rules, and
other factors.
[0009] One problem with curved blades, however, is that they only
provide an advantage for forehand shots and passes. Backhand shots
and passes, where the puck/ball is propelled by the back side of
the blade (i.e., the side opposite that of the direction of
curvature), do not benefit from curvature, and indeed may be made
more difficult by the curvature. Blade curvature may also make
stick-handling more difficult, as such stick-handling usually
involves alternately controlling the puck with opposite sides of
the blade, thus forcing the player to contend with the
unpredictability of the puck/ball's motion as it comes into contact
with the back side of the blade. The greater the degree of
curvature, the greater the problems such curvature may cause for
backhand shots and/or for stick-handling.
[0010] What is needed, therefore, is a hockey stick that provides
the advantages of a curved blade, but limits or eliminates the
disadvantages. What is further needed is a hockey stick that
provides the advantages of a curved blade for both forehand and
backhand shots. What is further needed is a hockey stick that
addresses the above-described limitations of existing sticks, and
that is easy to use by both novice and experienced hockey
players.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is a hockey stick blade that is
splayed so as to provide two curved surfaces that are disposed
oppositely with respect to one another. By providing two opposed
curved surfaces, the hockey stick blade of the present invention
provides the advantages of blade curvature for forehand shots and
passes, as well as for backhand shots and passes. The problems of
inaccuracy and instability that can result from backhand shooting
or passing are thereby minimized or eliminated. Thus, the hockey
stick blade of the present invention provides players with improved
accuracy, shot speed, and puck stability for backhand shots and
passes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the invention. One skilled in the art will
recognize that the drawings, and their accompanying descriptions,
are merely exemplary of particular implementations of the present
invention, and that other embodiments can be constructed without
departing from the essential characteristics of the present
invention as claimed. Accordingly, the drawings and description
should not be considered to limit the claims in any way.
[0013] FIG. 1A is a diagram depicting an example of a hockey stick
having a straight blade, according to the prior art.
[0014] FIG. 1B is a diagram depicting an example of a hockey stick
having a curved blade, according to the prior art.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top-view diagram illustrating the advantages and
disadvantages of blade curvature according to the prior art.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting a hockey stick having a
splayed blade, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a top-view diagram depicting the use of the
splayed blade of the present invention for forehand and backhand
shots/passes, according to one embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top-view diagram depicting the use of the
splayed blade of the present invention for forehand and backhand
shots/passes, according to one embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top-view diagram depicting an alternative
embodiment wherein the area between the splayed sections of the
blade is filled in.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The present invention is now described more fully with
reference to the accompanying Figures, in which several embodiments
of the invention are shown. The present invention may be embodied
in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to
the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will be complete and will fully
convey the invention to those skilled in the art.
[0021] In the following description, the invention is set forth as
a hockey stick blade for ice hockey. However, one skilled in the
art will recognize that the invention can be implemented in other
ways as well. For example, the techniques of the present invention
can be used in connection with hockey sticks for other forms of
hockey, such as for example field hockey, roller hockey, street
hockey, and the like. References to a "puck" herein are provided
for illustrative purposes and for clarity of description; however,
one skilled in the art will recognize that the hockey stick blade
of the present invention can be used for maneuvering a ball or
other object, and that the use of the term "puck" should not be
considered to limit the invention in any way. It will be apparent
from the description provided herein that many other variations are
possible, and that the particular embodiments set forth herein are
intended to be exemplary and not limiting.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown an example of a
hockey stick 100 having a straight blade 101 according to the prior
art. Hockey stick 100 includes shaft 102 and blade 101. Hockey
stick 100 can be made of any of a number of different materials,
such as wood, aluminum, Kevlar, fiberglass, carbon fiber, other
composite materials, and/or any combination thereof.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1B, there is shown an example of a
hockey stick 100 having a curved blade 101 according to the prior
art. Blade 101 may be curved at the time of manufacture, or it can
be bent into the curved shape after manufacture (for example by
heating and shaping it). As described above, curved blade 101 may
provide improved accuracy when shooting and passing puck 103.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a top-view diagram
illustrating the advantages and disadvantages of blade 101
curvature according to the prior art. When shooting puck 103 in a
forehand direction (to the right, in FIG. 2), curved blade 101
provides improved accuracy by allowing the player to scoop puck 103
and propel it in the desired direction. However, when shooting puck
103 in a backhand direction (to the left, in FIG. 2), curved blade
101 causes unpredictability in the direction of the shot, thus
hampering the player's ability to make an accurate pass or shot.
Accordingly, as seen in FIG. 2, conventional techniques for curving
blades 101 only act as an advantage for forehand shots and passes,
and are indeed a disadvantage for backhand shots and passes.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a hockey stick 300
having a splayed blade 301, according to an embodiment of the
present invention. Blade 301 has two sections 302 that diverge from
one another to form curvature on both sides. This configuration
allows a player to reap the advantages of blade 301 curvature for
both forehand and backhand shots and passes. In one embodiment,
splayed blade 301 is formed by splitting blade at the end farthest
from shaft 102, forming the two sections 302, and then bending each
section 302 to the desired degree of curvature. In one embodiment,
one section 302 can be bent while the other remains straight, or
the two sections 302 can be bent to different degrees, depending on
the player's preference.
[0026] In another embodiment, splayed blade 301 is formed by
joining together two sections 302. Sections 302 can be curved prior
to assembly, or they can be bent into shape after being joined
together. Again, if desired, one section 302 can be bent while the
other remains straight, or the two sections 302 can be bent to
different degrees, depending on the player's preference.
[0027] In one embodiment, the two sections 302 of splayed blade 301
can be curved according to the player's wishes. The player may
decide, for example, to temporarily curve both sections 302 in the
same direction so that they are no longer splayed, causing blade
301 to function in a manner similar to a conventional blade 101. In
one embodiment, the player can easily switch between such a
conventional arrangement and the splayed arrangement, by simply
changing the curvature of sections 302 as desired. Such flexibility
can be useful, for example, if a player is playing in different
leagues or environments, and wherein the splayed configuration is
permitted in some situations but not in others.
[0028] Sections 302 may be angled independently of one another, as
well as curved, depending on the player's preferences. Thus, a
player can shape sections 302 so that they both angle upward
slightly, improving the player's ability to lift a shot off the
ice.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a top-view diagram
illustrating the use of splayed blade 301 of the present invention
for forehand and backhand shots/passes, according to one
embodiment. When shooting or passing in the rightward direction,
the rightmost section 302 makes contact with puck 103; when
shooting or passing in the leftward direction, the leftmost section
302 makes contact with puck 103. Thus, whichever direction the
player is shooting or passing, the section 302 making contact with
puck 103 provides advantageous curvature for improving the speed,
accuracy, and stability of the shot or pass.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a top-view diagram
depicting an alternative embodiment wherein the area 501 between
splayed sections 302 of blade 301 is filled in. Filling in area 501
can provide greater stability and rigidity to sections 302, and can
help avoid unwanted entry of puck 103 into the area between
sections 302. Area 501 can be filled with any suitable material,
such as moldable-foam packaging material, Styrofoam, any other type
of foam, plastic, wood, or the like. The material used to fill in
area 501 can be moldable or rigid, or it can be a material that is
initially moldable but becomes rigid. It may be removable or
non-removable. It may be affixed to the inside edges of sections
302 by glue or some other adhesive, screws, nails, clips, or any
other suitable mechanism, or any combination thereof.
[0031] Alternatively, the entire blade 301, including blade
sections 302 and filled-in area 501 between them, may be
constructed from a single solid (or hollow) block that has been
molded, cut, or otherwise shaped. The block can be made of wood,
plastic, or any other suitable material. In such an embodiment,
blade 301 can be shaped so that it tapers from a widest portion
farthest from shaft 102 to a narrowest portion nearest shaft 102.
The tapered edges can be given concave shape so as to provide the
desired degree of effective curvature to each edge, as depicted in
FIG. 5.
[0032] In the above description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to
avoid obscuring the invention.
[0033] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment"means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
[0034] As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the
invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing
from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example,
the particular architectures depicted above are merely exemplary of
one implementation of the present invention. In one embodiment, the
device of the present invention can be used for functions other
than the dispensing of medication.
[0035] The functional elements and method steps described above are
provided as illustrative examples of one technique for implementing
the invention; one skilled in the art will recognize that many
other implementations are possible without departing from the
present invention as recited in the claims. Likewise, the
particular capitalization or naming of the modules, protocols,
features, attributes, or any other aspect is not mandatory or
significant, and the mechanisms that implement the invention or its
features may have different names or formats. Accordingly, the
disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative,
but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth
in the following claims.
* * * * *