MULTI-PIECE SHAFT FOR A LACROSSE STICK

Abstract

A multi-piece shaft for a lacrosse stick includes a first section connected to a second section at a joint. The joint may be located at various shaft regions to provide a desired kick point within the shaft. In one embodiment, an outer surface of the first shaft section is separated from an inner surface of the second shaft section via an elastomeric isolator. The elastomeric isolator may be an adhesive material that bonds or secures the outer surface of the first shaft section to the inner surface of the second shaft section. Two or more of these joints optionally may be included in the lacrosse shaft.

Description

BACKGROUND

Lacrosse sticks generally include a shaft attached to a head that includes netting for catching and holding a lacrosse ball. The shaft generally is a one-piece construction made of wood, metal, or a composite material. The head typically is made of wood or plastic. In the case of wooden shafts, the head may be integrally constructed with the shaft or may be attached to the shaft via screws, adhesive, or another fastener or attachment mechanism. Metal and composite shafts typically are attached to their respective heads via similar fasteners.

SUMMARY

A multi-piece shaft for a lacrosse stick includes a first section connected to a second section at a joint. The joint may be located at various shaft regions to provide a desired “kick point” within the shaft. In one embodiment, an outer surface of the first shaft section is separated from an inner surface of the second shaft section via an elastomeric isolator. The elastomeric isolator may be an adhesive material that bonds or secures the outer surface of the first shaft section to the inner surface of the second shaft section. Two or more of these joints optionally may be included in the lacrosse shaft. Other features and advantages will appear hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, wherein the same reference number indicates the same element throughout the views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lacrosse stick including a multi-piece shaft, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side-sectional, partial view of an upper shaft section including a metal attachment ring, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side-sectional view of Section A of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side-sectional view of Section A of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side-sectional view of Section A of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side-sectional view of Section A of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side-sectional view of Section A of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side-sectional view of Section A of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the invention may be practiced without many of these details. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description of the various embodiments.

The terminology used in the description presented below is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this detailed description section.

Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in the list.

Turning now in detail to the drawings, as shown in FIG. 1, a lacrosse stick 10 includes a shaft 12 and a head 13 attached to a top end of the shaft 12. The shaft includes a first shaft section 14 attached to a second shaft section 16 at a joint 18. The joint 18 may be located at various shaft regions to provide a desired kick point within the shaft 12. The preferred joint location may vary between users. For example, some players may prefer that the joint be located approximately 6 inches from the top of the shaft 12, or 9 inches from the top of the shaft 12, or 12 inches from the top of the shaft 12, and so forth.

The first and second shaft sections 14, 16 may be made of the same materials or of different materials. For example, both shaft sections 14, 16 may be made of a composite material, such as fiber-reinforced carbon or glass, or of a metal material, such as aluminum or titanium, or of a wood material, or of combinations of these materials. Thermoset or thermoplastic composite materials may be used to construct the shaft sections. In one embodiment, one of the first and second shaft sections 14, 16 is made of a composite material, while the other is made of a metal material. The ability to vary the materials in different shaft sections facilitates tailoring of the shaft to meet the desired stiffness and feel characteristics of a variety of players.

As shown in FIG. 2, in embodiments where the second shaft section 16 is made of a composite material, a metal ring 17 or collar, made of aluminum or another suitable material, optionally may be positioned around the top of the second shaft section 16 to facilitate attachment of the head 13 to the second shaft section 16. Inclusion of such a metal ring 17 provides a more secure connection of the head 13 to the second shaft section 16, as screw-holes in composite materials have a tendency to “oval out” or become stripped. The head 13 may be attached to the metal ring 17 via screws, bolts, or other suitable connectors. The screws or other connectors optionally may extend into the second shaft section 16, as well. In one embodiment, the top end of the second shaft section 16 includes an increased diameter region 19 to prevent the metal ring 17 from sliding off of the end of the second shaft section 16. Such a metal ring 17 or collar also may be used on a one-piece composite shaft.

In another embodiment, the head 13 may be co-molded with, or otherwise integrally connected to, the second shaft section 16. In this embodiment, a layer of elastomeric material, or of another suitable material, may be located between the radially outer surface of the second shaft section 16 and the radially inner surface of the connecting portion, or throat, of the head 13. Such a connection provides a feel that may be preferable to many players.

Several embodiments of connections between the first and second shaft sections 14, 16 will now be described. Because the shaft configurations vary between the various embodiments, different reference numbers will be used in each figure to refer to the first and second shaft sections 14, 16. The reference numbers 14 and 16 will continue to be used, however, to generally refer to any of the first and second shaft configurations described herein.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the first shaft section 24 includes a reduced-diameter mating region 25 positioned within the second shaft section 26. Alternatively, the second shaft section 26 may include a reduced-diameter mating region positioned within the first shaft section 24.

A radially outer surface of the mating region 25 is separated from a radially inner surface of the second shaft section 26 via an elastomeric isolator 20 or other suitable material. The elastomeric isolator 20 optionally may be an adhesive material that bonds or secures the radially outer surface of the mating region 25 to the radially inner surface of the second shaft section 26. Separating or isolating the first shaft section 14 from the second shaft section 16 in this manner provides a defined “kick zone” at the joint 18, which creates increased whip in the shaft that results in increased power on shots and passes. This defined kick zone also facilitates better timed control of shots and passes.

A circumferential gasket or lock ring 22 optionally is positioned in corresponding grooves or channels in the first and second shaft sections 24, 26 to prevent or substantially inhibit longitudinal displacement or slipping of the second shaft section 26 relative to the first shaft section 24. Additional lock rings may be included, if desired, to provide additional protection against longitudinal slipping.

An external band 28 or similar element is preferably positioned around the circumference of the shaft to fill the void in the longitudinal direction between the first and second shaft sections 24, 26. The radially outer surface of the band 28, which may be made of a clear rubber material or any other suitable material, preferably is continuous and flush with the radially outer surfaces of the longitudinally neighboring first and second shaft sections 24, 26 to provide a smooth outer surface of the shaft.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the first shaft section 34 again includes a reduced-diameter mating region 35 positioned within the second shaft section 36 (or, alternatively, the second shaft section 36 may include a reduced-diameter mating region positioned within the first shaft section 34). Further, a radially outer surface of the mating region 35 is separated from a radially inner surface of the second shaft section 36 via an elastomeric isolator 30 or other suitable material, which may be an adhesive material that bonds those surfaces together. In this embodiment, however, there is no substantial void between the longitudinally facing edges of the first and second shaft sections 34, 36. Rather, the elastomeric isolator 30 extends radially outward between these longitudinally facing edges to isolate them, while also optionally bonding them together.

A circumferential gasket or lock ring 32 optionally is positioned in corresponding grooves or channels in the first and second shaft sections 34, 36 to prevent or substantially inhibit longitudinal displacement or slipping of the second shaft section 36 relative to the first shaft section 34. Additional lock rings may be included, if desired, to provide additional protection against longitudinal slipping.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a generally circumferential bridge member 45 is positioned within the first and second shaft sections 44, 46. (Alternatively, the bridge member 45 may be positioned externally to the first and second shaft sections 44, 46.) An elastomeric isolator 40 or other suitable material separates the bridge member 45 from—and optionally bonds it to—the first and second shaft sections 44, 46. The elastomeric isolator 40 extends radially outward between longitudinally facing edges of the first and second shaft sections 44, 46 to physically isolate them, while also optionally bonding them together.

Two circumferential gaskets or lock rings 42 optionally are positioned in corresponding grooves or channels in the bridge member 45 and the first and second shaft sections 44, 46 to prevent or substantially inhibit longitudinal displacement or slipping of the shaft sections 44, 46 relative to the bridge member 45. A greater or lesser number of lock rings may alternatively be used.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 except that the elastomeric isolator 50 or other suitable material does not extend radially outward between longitudinally facing edges of the first and second shaft sections 54, 56. Rather, an external band 58 or similar element is positioned around the circumference of the shaft to fill the longitudinal void between the first and second shaft sections 54, 56. The radially outer surface of the band 58, which may be made of a clear rubber material or any other suitable material, preferably is continuous and flush with the radially outer surfaces of the longitudinally neighboring first and second shaft sections 54, 56 to provide a smooth outer surface of the shaft.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the internal faces of the first and second shaft sections 64, 66 are correspondingly tapered and separated by an elastomeric isolator 60 or other suitable material. A circumferential gasket or lock ring 62 is positioned in corresponding grooves or channels in the first and second shaft sections 64, 66 to prevent or substantially inhibit longitudinal displacement or slipping of the second shaft section 66 relative to the first shaft section 64. Additional lock rings may be included, if desired, to provide additional protection against longitudinal slipping.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the first and second shaft sections 74, 76 are inwardly tapered to form a V-shape. A generally V-shaped bridge member 75 is positioned within the first and second shaft sections 74, 76. An elastomeric isolator 70 or other suitable material separates the bridge member 75 from—and optionally bonds it to—the first and second shaft sections 74, 76. The elastomeric isolator 70 also optionally extends radially outward between longitudinally facing edges of the first and second shaft sections 74, 76 to physically isolate them, while also optionally bonding them together. The V-shaped overlap of the first and second shaft sections 74, 76 and the bridge member 75 provides a mechanical lock that prevents slippage between the first and second shaft sections 74, 76 in the longitudinal direction. Thus, a separate lock ring is not required.

An external band 78 or similar element is positioned around the exterior of the shaft to fill the V-shaped void between the first and second shaft sections 74, 76. The radially outer surface of the band 78, which may be a clear rubber material or any other suitable material, preferably is continuous and flush with the radially outer surfaces of the longitudinally neighboring first and second shaft sections 74, 76 to provide a smooth outer surface of the shaft.

The first and second shaft sections 14, 16 of the lacrosse-stick shaft 12 described herein may be co-molded to yield independently functioning, yet structurally joined, sections of a unitary shaft 12. Alternatively, the first and second shaft sections 14, 16 may be individually molded or otherwise constructed, then joined together after molding or construction.

Depending on the chosen shaft construction, the first and second shaft sections 14, 16 may be joined in a variety of manners. For example, the first and second shaft sections 14, 16 may be joined using a roll-up method in which one of the first and second shaft sections is positioned within the other shaft section before curing. The two shaft sections may be separated by a thin layer of elastomeric material or another suitable material that provides flexion between the two shaft sections.

In another embodiment, pre-impregnated plies of composite material may be overlapped and rolled up to create interlaced plies before curing. Alternatively, one or both of the first and second shaft sections 14, 16 may be made of a metal material, such as aluminum, and inserted into or positioned around the other shaft section before curing. Further, as described above, the first and second shaft sections may be connected via an internal or external bridge section. Any other suitable mechanism for connecting the first and second shaft sections 14, 16 may alternatively be used.

The multi-piece shaft for a lacrosse stick described herein provides many advantages. For example, the elastomeric connection, or similar connection mechanism, between the first and second shaft sections 14, 16 provides flexibility without causing undue stress on the shaft 12. Further, the use of multiple shaft sections allows for the positioning of a kick point at any desired location within the shaft 12. The multiple shaft sections also may be made of different materials, thereby facilitating varying flexural properties, unique feel, added kick, or vibration damping.

Any of the above-described embodiments may be used alone or in combination with one another. While these embodiments have been directed to lacrosse-stick shafts, the multi-shaft features described herein may also be used in hockey-stick shafts and other sporting goods in which increased whip or control are desired. Further, the lacrosse-stick shaft may include additional features not described herein. While several embodiments have been shown and described, various changes and substitutions may of course be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention, therefore, should not be limited, except by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lacrosse-stick shaft, comprising:

a first shaft section having a radially outer surface;

a second shaft section having a radially inner surface, the second shaft section positioned over and attached to the first shaft section; and

an isolator separating the radially outer surface of the first shaft section from the radially inner surface of the second shaft section.

2. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 1 wherein the isolator comprises an elastomeric material.

3. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 2 wherein the radially outer surface of the first shaft section is bonded to the radially inner surface of the second shaft section via the elastomeric isolator.

4. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 1 wherein the first shaft section includes a first edge facing a first longitudinal direction, and the second shaft includes a second edge facing a second longitudinal direction that is opposite to the first longitudinal direction, wherein the isolator is positioned between first edge and the second edge.

5. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 1 further comprising a locking element positioned between the first and second shaft sections to inhibit relative longitudinal movement between them.

6. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 1 further comprising a circumferential band positioned over the attachment location of the first and second shaft sections, the band having a radially outer surface that is flush with radially outer surfaces of neighboring regions of the first and second shaft sections.

7. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 1 wherein the first shaft section includes a first tapered region and the second shaft section includes a corresponding second tapered region, wherein the isolator is positioned between the first and second tapered regions.

8. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 1 wherein one of the first and second shaft sections comprises a composite material, and the other of the first and second shaft sections comprises a metal material.

9. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 1 further comprising a metal collar positioned substantially at an end of one of the first and second shaft sections, the collar configured for attachment to a lacrosse head.

10. A lacrosse-stick shaft, comprising:

a first shaft section extending from a first end to a second end;

a second shaft section extending from a third end to a fourth end; and

a bridge member connecting the second end of the first shaft section to the third end of the second shaft section.

11. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 10 wherein the first and second shaft sections have equal radially outer diameters, and wherein the bridge member is positioned within the first and second shaft sections.

12. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 10 wherein the first and second shaft sections have equal radially outer diameters, and wherein the bridge member is positioned externally to the first and second shaft sections.

13. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 10 further comprising an elastomeric isolator bonding the first shaft section to the bridge member, and bonding the second shaft section to the bridge member.

14. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 13 wherein the elastomeric isolator is further positioned between the second end of the first shaft section and the third end of the second shaft section.

15. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 10 further comprising a first locking element positioned between the first shaft section and the bridge member, and a second locking element positioned between the second shaft section and the bridge member, to inhibit relative longitudinal movement between the first and second shaft sections.

16. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 10 wherein the second end of the first shaft section is spaced longitudinally from the third end of the second shaft section, the lacrosse-stick shaft further comprising a circumferential band positioned in the space between the second and third ends and having a radially outer diameter equal to the radially outer diameters of neighboring regions of the first and second shaft sections.

17. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 10 wherein one of the first and second shaft sections comprises a composite material, and the other of the first and second shaft sections comprises a metal material.

18. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 10 wherein the second shaft section comprises a composite material, the lacrosse-stick shaft further comprising a metal collar positioned substantially at the fourth end of the second shaft section, the collar configured for attachment to a lacrosse head.

19. The lacrosse-stick shaft of claim 10 wherein the first shaft section tapers radially inwardly at its second end, and the second shaft section tapers radially inwardly at its third end, with the second and third ends attached to each other to form a substantially V-shaped joint.

20. A lacrosse-stick shaft, comprising:

a first shaft section comprising a composite material;

a second shaft section comprising a metal material; and

an elastomeric isolator connecting the first shaft section to the second shaft section.

21. A lacrosse stick, comprising:

a shaft comprising a composite material, the shaft having a first end and a second end; and

a metal collar positioned substantially at one of the first and second ends of the shaft, the collar configured for attachment to a lacrosse head.