Abstract: Described is a knob for application to the gripping end of a hollow stick. The knob comprises a rounded, oblique, cylindrical support structure, transitional shaft and tang aligned on a common longitudinal central axis. The support structure comprises a greater diameter rounded, cantle-like support and gripping structures.

Abstract: A hockey stick includes a shaft that includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a transition portion disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion includes an upper end, where a line that is tangent to the upper end is non-linear with the lower portion and is substantially parallel with the lower portion. A midpoint of the shaft is included in at least one of the lower portion and the transition portion. The hockey stick also includes a blade that extends from the lower portion of the shaft, where a first plane defined by the lower portion and at least a point on the transition portion is generally transverse to a second plane defined by the blade.

Abstract: A hockey stick includes a shaft, which includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a middle portion between the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion of the shaft transitions to the middle portion via a first curve, and the middle portion transitions to the lower portion via a second curve. The hockey stick also includes a blade extending from the lower portion. The upper portion is nonlinear with the lower portion, and a first plane defined by the lower portion and the middle portion is generally transverse to a second plane defined by the blade.

Abstract: A hockey stick includes a shaft that includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a transition portion disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion includes an upper end, where a line that is tangent to the upper end is non-linear with the lower portion and is substantially parallel with the lower portion. A midpoint of the shaft is included in at least one of the lower portion and the transition portion. The hockey stick also includes a blade that extends from the lower portion of the shaft, where a first plane defined by the lower portion and at least a point on the transition portion is generally transverse to a second plane defined by the blade.

Abstract: A hockey stick with a co-molded structure and method where the blade member is formed by a molding process onto a preformed shaft member, where the preformed shaft member has a contoured tip at the blade end. The contoured tip helps to secure the blade member to the shaft member in conjunction with the molded composite layers, and in one example, the contoured tip has a width that is greater than the width of the shaft member at the blade-starting region.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an ice hockey stick handle providing improved grip and tactile feel to a player, and having a cross-section symmetric about one centerline and asymmetric about another orthogonal centerline, a section line parallel and offset from said second centerline dividing said cross-section into a bottom profile comprising an irregular convex polygon with or without rounded and/or beveled edges, and a top rectangular profile with or without rounded and/or beveled edges. The sides of the cross-section may be linear or slightly concave.

Abstract: An ice hockey goalie stick and method for making same is disclosed. The ice hockey goalie stick includes a shaft having an outer surface and extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and an opposed second end. A paddle is mounted to the shaft at the second end, the paddle extending along the longitudinal axis and terminating in a blade. A dampening element is disposed over the shaft along at least a partial length of the second end thereof, the dampening element being made of a vibration-dampening material.

Abstract: A hockey stick assembly has an elongate rubbery damping material installed within a hollow stick shaft. The insert may be formed with one end that has, or may have a cap or socket mounted at one end that has, an indexing member for locating the elongate material within the hollow shaft. The cap or socket or end may include a widened portion, and may include projections or a peripherally extending flange for engaging the butt end. A cap may be placed over the end of the stick once the insert has been installed. The insert may be removable. It may be a high density rubber or rubber-like polymer that may tend not to rattle. The insert may have constant thickness, and be formed to define a plug and stopper at one end. The other end is trimmed to length and slid into a loose fit within the shaft.

Abstract: A goalkeeper's hockey stick with an angled shaft is disclosed. The goalkeeper stick is comprised of a shaft, paddle and blade. The shaft connects to the paddle which connects to the blade. The portion of the shaft where it connects to the paddle is beveled to provide a grip portion of the shaft where the goalkeeper's gloved hand can grip the stick in a way that provides a more ergonomic position for the goalkeeper's hand.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a hockey goalie stick having a gripping aid that protrudes above the first major surface only in a handgrip area of the paddle. The hockey goalie stick includes a blade, a shaft having a width and a thickness, a paddle that extends between the blade and the shaft. The paddle has a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface with a maximum thickness equal to approximately the thickness of the shaft. The paddle includes a handgrip area having shoulders in which a width of the first major surface and the second major surface transitions to the width of the shaft. The gripping aid protrudes above the first major surface only in the handgrip area of the paddle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a hockey goalie stick having a gripping aid that protrudes above the first major surface only in a handgrip area of the paddle. The hockey goalie stick includes a blade, a shaft having a width and a thickness, a paddle that extends between the blade and the shaft. The paddle has a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface with a maximum thickness equal to approximately the thickness of the shaft. The paddle includes a handgrip area having shoulders in which a width of the first major surface and the second major surface transitions to the width of the shaft. The gripping aid protrudes above the first major surface only in the handgrip area of the paddle.

Abstract: A hockey stick or other sports implement for a player. The hockey stick or other sports implement may comprise a taping guide for guiding application of tape on the hockey stick or sports implement. The taping guide may indicate where to start applying the tape and where to stop applying the tape. The taping guide may indicate a direction in which the tape is to be applied. The taping guide may indicate a pitch of the tape to be wrapped about the hockey stick or sports element. The taping guide may comprise a symbol, gradation or text relating to application of the tape. The hockey stick or sports implement may comprise a blade-taping guide and a handle-taping guide. The hockey stick or other sports implement may have certain stiffness or flexibility characteristics to better accommodate the player's needs.

Abstract: Protective sheaths particularly for fiber reinforced articles comprising a combination of polymeric and metallic material layers, are disclosed. The protective sheaths comprise alternating layers of high and low ductility and are particularly suited for sports articles, such as hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, baseball/softball bats and golf clubs.

Abstract: A protective strip device to apply to the shaft of a hockey stick, the strip device having an inner side face, adhesive on the inner side face for bonding to the shaft of the stick, an outer facing side defining a central groove, and two spaced apart shock absorbing side abutment ridges extending lengthwise along opposite sides of the central groove, and a plurality of spaced apart openings formed along the central groove.

Abstract: A weighted apparatus, such as a bat, bar, stick, racket, or club, includes added weight in one end of the apparatus to create an obviously heavy end, and thereby an unbalanced apparatus. The unbalanced apparatus gives the user the ability to create a heavy load to build strength by holding the light end of the device and a light load to build speed, endurance, and flexibility by holding the heavy end of the device. When swung holding the heavy end, such an unbalanced apparatus is uniquely effective for various sports practice regimens, certain game play, general exercise, physical rehabilitation, etc., to improve the user's strength and overall conditioning levels, to build hand speed and to promote a proper swing.

Abstract: A reinforced object of the invention comprises: at least one structural layer; and at least one reinforcing rod positioned on or within the at least one structural layer, wherein the object is an elongated object, with the at least one reinforcing rod longitudinally positioned essentially parallel to a central axis thereof. A method of manufacturing the reinforced object comprises steps of: providing a mold; and positioning the at least one reinforcing rod such that it is positioned on or within the at least one structural layer in the reinforced object formed in the mold.

Abstract: An ice hockey stick where the shaft portion of the stick is concavely curved along the entire front face of the shaft and convexly curved along the entire back face of the shaft. The front face of the shaft is a concave surface with no points of inflection, and the back face of the shaft is a convex surface with no points of inflection. The degree of shaft curvature may vary depending on a hockey player's strength, and on the material used to construct the shaft. When a hockey player takes a shot the entire stick shaft becomes straight by the moment of impact with the puck and/or during contact with the puck thus maximizing the force applied to the puck resulting in a faster shot.

Abstract: A goalkeeper's hockey stick with an angled shaft is disclosed. The goalkeeper stick is comprised of a shaft, paddle and blade. The shaft connects to the paddle which connects to the blade. The portion of the shaft where it connects to the paddle is beveled to provide a grip portion of the shaft where the goalkeeper's gloved hand can grip the stick in a way that provides a more ergonomic position for the goalkeeper's hand.

Abstract: Structural damage repair elements including inserts and a structural damage repair kit is provided. The structural damage repair elements typically include two or more layers of materials having an adhesive therebetween that are subsequently compressed together. The structural damage repair kit includes a chemical molding agent, an optional jig, one or more structural damage repair elements and a sealant. Both hollow and solid elongated objects, as well as relatively flat, curved objects may be repaired with the kit. The structural damage repair elements include rods, wafers, and/or adhesive saturated inserts.

Abstract: A hockey stick shaft includes an elongate, rectangular tube having a length and a plurality of side walls. The plurality of side walls define an elongate inner chamber of the tube. The chamber extends along the length of the tube. The plurality of side walls includes a first side wall, a second side wall opposite the first side wall, and a pair of opposite third and fourth side walls separating the first side wall from the second side wall. A support member is positioned within the chamber and extends along the length of the tube. The support member divides the chamber, and connects the first and second side wall walls to one another.

Abstract: A hockey goalie stick comprising a blade, a paddle, and a shaft, wherein the face of the paddle has one or more surface features. The surface feature(s) on the face of the paddle are designed to change the angle of a rebounding puck, thus allowing the goalie to more easily keep the puck away from the opposing team.

Abstract: A hockey stick shaft includes an elongate, rectangular tube having a length and a plurality of side walls. The plurality of side walls define an elongate inner chamber of the tube. The chamber extends along the length of the tube. The plurality of side walls includes a first side wall, a second side wall opposite the first side wall, and a pair of opposite third and fourth side walls separating the first side wall from the second side wall. A support member is positioned within the chamber and extends along the length of the tube. The support member divides the chamber, and connects the first and second side wall walls to one another.

Abstract: A grip guide apparatus is disclosed for use as a training aid. The grip guide apparatus includes a substrate and chromic material. The substrate is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of an article of sports equipment such as a handle. The chromic material is capable of changing colors in response to one or more external stimuli. Changes in color of chromic material thereby indicate whether the user has proper or improper hand placement on the article of sports equipment. The chromic material may also indicate whether the user has applied the proper or improper amount of pressure to the article of sports equipment. The substrate may include an adhesive backing to affix the grip guide apparatus to the article of sports equipment. By generating feedback from the chromic material, good habits can be formed with respect to taking a proper grip of the article of sports equipment.

Abstract: A blade of/for a hockey stick having: a toe, a heel, rear face, and front face. The front face has a striking surface intermediate the toe and the heel, and a plurality of front protrusions forming a front face textured zone extending along a portion of the front face proximate the toe and the striking surface. The front protrusions are shaped to be engageable with a puck to hinder slippage of the puck along the front face when the puck is in contact with the front protrusions. The front face also has a front face reduced-texture zone (which may be at least one of a front face non-textured zone and a front face less-textured zone). The rear face may optionally be similarly configured.

Abstract: A hockey stick handle is provided for use with a hockey stick shaft including an upper shaft surface having an upper shaft plane, a lower shaft surface having a lower shaft plane, two side shaft surfaces having side surface planes and a shaft centerline. The handle includes a shaft engagement end, a handle termination end opposite thereto, an upper handle surface, a lower handle surface comprising a lower surface spline extending inwards from the lower shaft plane towards the upper shaft plane in a first lower handle surface beginning at the shaft engagement end. The lower surface spline extending outwards in the lower shaft plane direction in a second lower handle surface beginning at the first lower handle surface and extending towards the handle termination end. A curved stop element runs between the upper handle surface towards the lower handle surface at the handle termination end and is sized to fit within a human palm. Two handle side surfaces run generally parallel to the two side shaft surfaces.

Abstract: A goalkeeper's hockey stick with an angled shaft is disclosed. The goalkeeper stick is comprised of a shaft, paddle and blade. The shaft connects to the paddle which connects to the blade. The portion of the shaft where it connects to the paddle is angled to the top portion of the paddle to provide a grip portion of the shaft where the goalkeeper's gloved hand can grip the stick in a way that the paddle and shaft can lay flat on the playing surface with no gap when the goalkeeper is in a defensive stance.

Abstract: A sheath for a lacrosse stick includes a cap and a rolled sheath. The cap is mounted on the free end of a lacrosse stick and the sheath is unrolled onto the stick to the desired length or the entire length of the stick. The cap and sheath are preferably made from injection molded rubber, neoprene of other polymers that permit production in various thickness, colors and lengths. The elasticity of the material preferably gives it memory and durability. The diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than the diameter of the lacrosse stick so that it stretches to a tight fit. After the sheath is unrolled to the desired length, excess material may be cut off, if desired.

Abstract: Many sports rely upon the use by the sportsperson of one or more pieces of sports equipment such as bats, rackets, clubs, boards etc. Typically these items of sports equipment employ a shaft having predetermined geometry and properties established by the materials used to manufacture the equipment. However, the sportsperson typically uses these over a wide range of conditions rather than a narrow range that provides constraints on the design of conventional sports equipment. According to embodiments of the invention sports equipment are implemented with multiple elements within the shaft such that the stiffness of the item varies with induced flexure arising from use. As such under one range of motion the item exhibits stiffness characterized by a first Young's modulus and under a second range of motion the item exhibits stiffness characterized by a second Young's modulus.

Abstract: A hockey stick shaft of a generally rectangular cross section and a varying rigidity along its length, from a distal end portion thereof to a proximate end portion thereof, comprising an exterior wall, the exterior wall being locally deformed towards an inside of the shaft, and a method for producing a shaft having a varying rigidity along a length thereof, comprising providing a shaft in a high rigidity composite material, of a generally rectangular cross sectional envelope; and selectively forming at least one embossed groove in at least one surface of the shaft.

Abstract: A hockey stick having one or more channels defined in the upper and lower minor longitudinal surfaces of the stick handle. The channels improve the strength and durability of the stick without requiring complex molding or fabrication equipment.

Abstract: A weighting system for a sports stick, particularly a field hockey stick, comprising a surface, recess, channel, hole or plurality of pockets formed along the length of the sports stick, and one or more weights moveably or selectively attachable along the surface and/or within the channel/pockets to allow a player to freely adjust the weight and balance point of the stick by slideably moving to or selectively adding or eliminating weight and points along the stick. A variety of embodiments are herein described, all providing an adjustable field hockey stick that allows players to adapt to play on different surfaces or in different conditions.

Abstract: Unique composite structures are disclosed that include focused adjustably weighted end plugs, co-molded focused weighted and non-weighted logo/branding components and/or dimple arrays. A representative composite hockey stick having a tubular hollow shaft, a blade, and a weight-adjustable end-plug is disclosed. The blade includes one or more weighted regions in the form of a focused weight system co-molded to an external surface of the blade. The blade may also include one or more co-molded non-weighted logo/branding components and/or one or more dimple arrays on the front and/or back face of the blade. Methods and suitable materials for constructions of the various components and composite constructs are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to sports shafts to other sports equipment subjected to impact thereon. The longitudinal edges of the sports shaft are replaced with elastomeric material so as to create a series of bumpers along the longitudinal edges providing increased protection and longevity to the stick. The invention also pertains to the blade, as in hockey stick blade, wherein the top surface of the blade is provided with an elastomeric material so as to create a bumper on the top surface. The invention also pertains to a method of fabricating said sports shaft.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a hockey stick for training a person in stick handling, including an elongate upper stick portion configured to be gripped by a control hand of the person, an elongate lower stick portion rigidly coupled to the upper stick portion and configured to rotate therewith, and an elongate middle stick portion positioned between and collinear with the upper stick portion and the lower stick portion and configured to be gripped by a directional hand of the person. The middle stick portion is rotatably coupled to the elongate coupling member so that rotation of the upper stick portion causes the lower stick portion and the blade member to rotate without rotating the middle stick portion gripped by the directional hand. The hockey stick may include at least one locking mechanism coupled to the middle stick portion and at least one of the upper and lower stick portions.

Abstract: A strap and method for use with a hockey stick, wherein the strap has an elongated main body, a first end forming a loop constructed and arranged for receiving a wrist therethrough, a hook and loop fastener system incorporated with the main body and a second end constructed and arranged for attachment to a first end of a hockey stick, wherein said strap releases the attachment arrangement upon application of a predetermined amount of force.

Abstract: A reinforced object of the invention comprises: at least one structural layer; and at least one reinforcing rod positioned on or within the at least one structural layer, wherein the object is an elongated object, with the at least one reinforcing rod longitudinally positioned essentially parallel to a central axis thereof. A method of manufacturing the reinforced object comprises steps of: providing a mold; and positioning the at least one reinforcing rod such that it is positioned on or within the at least one structural layer in the reinforced object formed in the mold.

Abstract: Novel sports articles are manufactured from acetylated wood. There is a process for manufacturing such articles from acetylated wood involving treating wood billets with the acetylation process and then shaping them into the desired sport article and then finishing the article with some durable finish such as varnish or shellac.

Abstract: An ice hockey stick has a shaft and an adjoining blade. The shaft has a proximal end proximate the blade, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an outer surface. The outer surface has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape transitioning towards the proximal end to one of a generally hexagonal, octagonal, decagonal, or dodecagonal cross-sectional shape, and a front shaft face and an opposing rear shaft face. A width of a portion of the shaft, as measured between the front shaft face and the rear shaft face, tapers towards the proximal end. The blade has a front blade face flush with the front shaft face and a rear blade face opposing the front blade face. The rear blade face is flush with the rear shaft face. The blade also has a heel and a neck affixed to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A sports stick exhibiting a superior strength to weight ratio. The sports stick design allows for decreased flexure, increased rigidity and increased durability, which lend to greater generation of force, accuracy, reliability and longer life expectancy. The sports stick utilizes aerodynamic features in order to achieve an exposed truss like structure which permits airflow through the internal sections of the shaft which creates greater shaft acceleration and velocity. The sports stick also affords enhanced strength in the direction of a shot and receipt of a pass. The sports stick also provides for channeling away of fluids throughout the length of the stick. The sports stick also provides a system wherein weight can be regulated in multiple regions throughout by utilizing removable or fixed weighted elements or by sizing of cutaways strategically designed to be placed in a certain area of the stick, depending on player handling preference.

Abstract: An ice hockey stick has a shaft and an adjoining blade. The shaft has a proximal end proximate the blade, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an outer surface. The outer surface has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape transitioning towards the proximal end to one of a generally hexagonal, octagonal, decagonal, or dodecagonal cross-sectional shape, and a front shaft face and an opposing rear shaft face. A width of a portion of the shaft, as measured between the front shaft face and the rear shaft face, tapers towards the proximal end. The blade has a front blade face flush with the front shaft face and a rear blade face opposing the front blade face. The rear blade face is flush with the rear shaft face. The blade also has a heel and a neck affixed to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A hockey stick for training a person in stick handling, having elongate upper stick portion, an elongate lower stick portion, an elongate coupling member, and an elongate middle stick portion. The elongate upper stick portion is configured to be gripped by a control hand of the person. The elongate lower stick portion has a blade member extending outwardly therefrom. The elongate coupling member rigidly couples the upper stick portion to the lower stick portion. The elongate middle stick portion is positioned between and collinear with the upper stick portion and the lower stick portion and is configured to be gripped by a directional hand of the person. The middle stick portion is rotatably coupled to the elongate coupling member so that rotation of the upper stick portion causes the lower stick portion and the blade member to rotate without rotating the middle stick portion gripped by the directional hand.

Abstract: A goalkeeper's hockey stick with an angled shaft is disclosed. The goalkeeper stick is comprised of a shaft, paddle and blade. The shaft connects to the paddle which connects to the blade. The portion of the shaft where it connects to the paddle is angled to the top portion of the paddle to provide a grip portion of the shaft where the goalkeeper's gloved hand can grip the stick in a way that the paddle and shaft can lay flat on the playing surface with no gap when the goalkeeper is in a defensive stance.

Abstract: A sports stick structure (10) comprising a handle (12) and a striking end (34) adapted to contact and propel an object The handle comprises a hollow tube having one or more ports (58) extending through opposite faces of said hollow tube. Each port is defined at partially by internal walls formed at the opposite faces of said hollow tube.

Abstract: A hockey stick for training a person in stick handling, having elongate upper stick portion, an elongate lower stick portion, an elongate coupling member, and an elongate middle stick portion. The elongate upper stick portion is configured to be gripped by a control hand of the person. The elongate lower stick portion has a blade member extending outwardly therefrom. The elongate coupling member rigidly couples the upper stick portion to the lower stick portion. The elongate middle stick portion is positioned between and collinear with the upper stick portion and the lower stick portion and is configured to be gripped by a directional hand of the person. The middle stick portion is rotatably coupled to the elongate coupling member so that rotation of the upper stick portion causes the lower stick portion and the blade member to rotate without rotating the middle stick portion gripped by the directional hand.

Abstract: A hockey stick handle is provided for use with a hockey stick shaft including an upper shaft surface having an upper shaft plane, a lower shaft surface having a lower shaft plane, two side shaft surfaces having side surface planes and a shaft centerline. The handle includes a shaft engagement end, a handle termination end opposite thereto, an upper handle surface, a lower handle surface comprising a lower surface spline extending inwards from the lower shaft plane towards the upper shaft plane in a first lower handle surface beginning at the shaft engagement end. The lower surface spline extending outwards in the lower shaft plane direction in a second lower handle surface beginning at the first lower handle surface and extending towards the handle termination end. A curved stop element runs between the upper handle surface towards the lower handle surface at the handle termination end and is sized to fit within a human palm. Two handle side surfaces run generally parallel to the two side shaft surfaces.

Abstract: A weighting system for a sports stick, particularly a field hockey stick, comprising a surface, recess, channel, hole or plurality of pockets formed along the length of the sports stick, and one or more weights moveably or selectively attachable along the surface and/or within the channel/pockets to allow a player to freely adjust the weight and balance point of the stick by slideably moving to or selectively adding or eliminating weight and points along the stick. A variety of embodiments are herein described, all providing an adjustable field hockey stick that allows players to adapt to play on different surfaces or in different conditions.

Abstract: An improved athletic device that may be tensioned depending on the use by the individual user is provided. The contemplated athletic device may be any of a plurality of different athletic devices including fishing rods, hockey sticks, golf clubs, lacrosse sticks, and just about any athletic device having a shaft that is advantageous to be able to flex when is use by the end user. The device would have a shaft and a tensioner mechanism anchored within the shaft of the device which may be manually and continuously adjusted by the individual user depending on the flexion desired by the user.

Abstract: The invention consists of a blade for a hockey stick, comprising: a blade portion, with a forehand side and a backhand side and a loop extending from the one or both sides of the blade portion, with the loop dimensioned to enclose a hockey puck.

Abstract: A hockey stick having an angled shaft extension comprises an elongate shaft having an upper end and a lower end and defining a shaft longitudinal axis, and is graspable by a hockey player. The upper end has a substantially hollow central portion. A blade is securely connected to the elongate shaft at its lower end and is for contacting a hockey puck. A shaft extension has a grippable portion having a lower end and an upper end, and defining a grip longitudinal axis extending between the lower end and the upper end, and an insert portion securely connected to the grippable portion at the lower end thereof. The insert portion is insertable into the substantially hollow central portion of the upper end of the elongate shaft, to thereby securely connect the shaft extension to the elongate shaft such that the grip longitudinal axis is angled below the shaft longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A field hockey training device includes a handle having a shaft. The shaft includes a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The training device includes a head shaped and dimensioned for playing field hockey extending from the first end of the shaft. The handle further includes a first gripping member positioned along the handle adjacent the second end of the shaft and a second gripping member positioned along the handle adjacent to the second end of the shaft located between the first gripping member and the first end of the shaft. The second gripping member is supported on the shaft for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft.