Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to improved ergonomic hockey sticks and hockey goalie sticks having shafts and paddles with variable geometric shapes and facets for enhanced gripping ability, and methods for the production thereof.

Abstract: A construct for a hockey stick that includes a shaft having with variable cross-sectional geometry. The shaft may include one or more portions with pentagonal and heptagonal cross-sections that increase the bending stiffness of the hockey stick shaft.

Abstract: An ice hockey stick template tool is disclosed for creating a personal tailored curved hockey stick blade of a hockey stick. The ice hockey stick template tool includes several blade parts that are configured to be assembled into a particular customized blade shape. The blade parts include several interchangeable heels, several interchangeable mids, and several interchangeable toes. A customized blade shape is created by a player assembling and adjusting one heel, one mid, and one toe, resulting in a blade profile which references a particular heel, a particular mid, and a particular toe. The blade profile is recorded and stored in a database that also stores all combinations of the interchangeable blade parts. The blade profile can then be transmitted electronically to a manufacturer or 3D printed to create the customized hockey stick the player desires.

Abstract: A sporting implement, such as a blade for a hockey stick, may include an outer layer, a core, and a recovery gel positioned between the core and the outer layer. The recovery gel can form a film, be compressible, shape recoverable, and pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The recovery gel can be configured to provide an integrated agent for filling cracks that appear during use of the blade and configured to absorb energy impacts between the outer layer and the core. When a crack appears, the predetermined pressure can be relieved inside the crack and fills a cavity formed by the crack to provide cohesion between the outer layer and the core to recreate a new material in the place of the crack. The recovery gel can be configured to help prevent cracks from propagating and actively heals potential damages by reducing stiffness loss caused by cracks.

Abstract: A construct for a hockey stick formed from layers of fiber tape and a reinforcing nanofiber material. The nanofiber is integrated into the molded hockey stick to increase the strength and toughness of inter-laminar bonds between the fiber tape. The nanofiber may include carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A sporting implement, such as a blade for a hockey stick, may include an outer layer, a core, and a recovery gel positioned between the core and the outer layer. The recovery gel can form a film, and the recovery gel can be compressible, shape recoverable, and pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The recovery gel can be configured to provide an integrated agent for filling cracks that appear during use of the blade. The recovery gel can be configured to absorb energy impacts between the outer layer and the core. When a crack appears, the predetermined pressure can be relieved inside the crack and fills a cavity formed by the crack to provide cohesion between the outer layer and the core to recreate a new material in the place of the crack. The recovery gel can be configured to help prevent cracks from propagating and actively heals potential damages by reducing stiffness loss caused by cracks.

Abstract: A sporting implement, such as a blade for a hockey stick, may include an outer layer, a core, and a recovery gel positioned between the core and the outer layer. The recovery gel can form a film, and the recovery gel can be compressible, shape recoverable, and pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The recovery gel can be configured to provide an integrated agent for filling cracks that appear during use of the blade. The recovery gel can be configured to absorb energy impacts between the outer layer and the core. When a crack appears, the predetermined pressure can be relieved inside the crack and fills a cavity formed by the crack to provide cohesion between the outer layer and the core to recreate a new material in the place of the crack. The recovery gel can be configured to help prevent cracks from propagating and actively heals potential damages by reducing stiffness loss caused by cracks.

Abstract: A sporting implement, such as a blade for a hockey stick, may include an outer layer, a core, and a recovery gel positioned between the core and the outer layer. The recovery gel can form a film, be compressible, shape recoverable, and pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The recovery gel can be configured to provide an integrated agent for filling cracks that appear during use of the blade and configured to absorb energy impacts between the outer layer and the core. When a crack appears, the predetermined pressure can be relieved inside the crack and fills a cavity formed by the crack to provide cohesion between the outer layer and the core to recreate a new material in the place of the crack. The recovery gel can be configured to help prevent cracks from propagating and actively heals potential damages by reducing stiffness loss caused by cracks.

Abstract: A hockey-stick blade includes a heel region, a toe region spaced longitudinally from the heel region, and a mid-region located between the heel region and the toe region. The toe region includes one or more reinforcing elements, optionally of different lengths, located at different vertical positions within the toe region. The blade further includes a hosel that optionally is tailored to substantially match the strength and stiffness characteristics of an attached or integral hockey-stick shaft. The mid-region of the blade exhibits improved feel and flexibility characteristics due to the increased stiffness in the toe region.

Abstract: A reinforced hockey stick blade and a related method of manufacture are provided. The hockey stick blade can include a core element defining one or more longitudinal channels bounded by an upper core portion, a lower core portion, and a bridge portion interconnecting the upper and lower core portions. The hockey stick blade can additionally include a plurality of fiber-reinforced plies substantially encapsulating the core element and a reinforcing material received within the one or more longitudinal channels. The reinforcing material can extend longitudinally from a first channel end portion to a second channel end portion, and can include woven or unidirectional fiber-reinforced plies. The reinforcing material can additionally extend transversely across the channel to form a blade structure having increased blade strength and durability over existing composite hockey stick blades.

Abstract: The fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight sporting goods exposed to thermal cycling although the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of the metallic layer and the substrate are mismatched.

Abstract: A hockey stick blade comprising a front and a rear blade face, the front blade face comprising at least one front layer of reinforcing fiber material having a first reinforcing fiber density, and the rear blade face comprising at least one rear layer of reinforcing fiber material having a second reinforcing fiber density, the first reinforcing fiber density differing from the second reinforcing fiber density. A hockey stick having such a blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hockey stick blade comprising a front and a rear blade face, the front blade face comprising at least one front layer of reinforcing fiber material having a first reinforcing fiber density, and the rear blade face comprising at least one rear layer of reinforcing fiber material having a second reinforcing fiber density, the first forcing, fiber density differing from the second reinforcing fiber density. A hockey stick having such a blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A blade for a hockey stick which can readily absorb impact from the puck, and can allow the user to feel the puck on the blade in contrast to conventional carbon fiber blades. The blade can include a blade member integrally formed of composite material having discontinuous fibers bonded within thermosetting resin. The blade member can have a blade periphery surrounding a central blade region. The central blade region can have a plurality of openings arranged in a pattern to form series of elongate criss crossing ribs that extend between and connect different sides of the blade periphery to each other. The fibers in the blade periphery can be in a generally jumbled orientation, and the fibers in the central blade region can be positioned within the ribs in a manner wherein each rib contains a plurality of fibers that substantially extend in said each rib's elongate direction.

Abstract: A hockey stick blade comprising an elongated fiber-reinforced polymer body having a fiber-reinforced polymer front face element and a fiber-reinforced polymer rear face element. The rear face element is spaced apart from the front face element. The blade also comprises a plurality of elongated longitudinal cavities within the body between the front face element and the rear face element. The longitudinal cavities have curved ends in transverse cross-section. The longitudinal cavities define at least one fiber-reinforced polymer structural member interconnecting the front face element and the rear face element. The at least one structural element is biconcave in transverse cross-section. The hockey stick blade has a neck, a heel and a toe. A method of bladder molding a hockey stick blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite sporting implement, such as a ball bat or bat barrel, is formed with layers of continuous structural fibers embedded in a binder material having a high melting point. Such a binder does not undergo a chemical conversion process during forming of the ball bat. The layers are shaped into a preform and placed in a mold. Heat and pressure are applied to bring the binder to its melting point and to cause the binder material to flow between adjacent layers. The mold is then cooled below the binder's melting point to solidify the composite structure. A composite sporting implement formed in this manner exhibits excellent shear strength, toughness, and damping qualities.

Abstract: A reinforced hockey stick blade and a related method of manufacture are provided. The hockey stick blade can include a core element defining one or more longitudinal channels bounded by an upper core portion, a lower core portion, and a bridge portion interconnecting the upper and lower core portions. The hockey stick blade can additionally include a plurality of fiber-reinforced plies substantially encapsulating the core element and a reinforcing material received within the one or more longitudinal channels. The reinforcing material can extend longitudinally from a first channel end portion to a second channel end portion, and can include woven or unidirectional fiber-reinforced plies. The reinforcing material can additionally extend transversely across the channel to form a blade structure having increased blade strength and durability over existing composite hockey stick blades.

Abstract: A blade for a hockey stick which can readily absorb impact from the puck, and can allow the user to feel the puck on the blade in contrast to conventional carbon fiber blades. The blade can include a blade member integrally formed of composite material having discontinuous fibers bonded within thermosetting resin. The blade member can have a blade periphery surrounding a central blade region. The central blade region can have a plurality of openings arranged in a pattern to form series of elongate criss crossing ribs that extend between and connect different sides of the blade periphery to each other. The fibers in the blade periphery can be in a generally jumbled orientation, and the fibers in the central blade region can be positioned within the ribs in a manner wherein each rib contains a plurality of fibers that substantially extend in said each rib's elongate direction.

Abstract: Hockey stick configurations and hockey stick blade constructs are disclosed. The blade is comprised of one or more inner core elements, surrounded by one or more walls made of reinforcing fibers or filaments disposed in a hardened matrix resin material. One or more of the inner core elements optionally comprises an elastomer material.

Abstract: A hockey stick blade comprising a front and a rear blade face, the front blade face comprising at least one front layer of reinforcing fiber material having a first reinforcing fiber density, and the rear blade face comprising at least one rear layer of reinforcing fiber material having a second reinforcing fiber density, the first reinforcing fiber density differing from the second reinforcing fiber density. A hockey stick having such a blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A goalie hockey stick having a handle with a handle top end and a handle bottom end, the handle bottom end having a first female receiver therein, a paddle with a paddle top end and a paddle bottom end, the paddle top end having a first male end disposed thereon, the bottom end having a second female receiver therein, the first male end being inserted into the first female receiver, and a blade with a blade top end and a blade bottom end, the blade top end having a second male end disposed thereon, the second male end being inserted into the second female receiver. The handle, the paddle, and the blade are removably connected to one another.

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 blade for a hockey stick includes a front face, a rear face, a first end operable to be connected to a blade connecting end of a handle portion, a second end that is opposite the first end, an upper edge that extends between the first and second ends, and a lower edge that extends between the first and second ends. The blade includes a resiliently compressible core member and a covering member that partially encases the resiliently compressible core member. The covering member defines an exterior surface of the blade and includes an opening on the lower edge of the blade that exposes the resiliently compressible core member.

Abstract: A rectangular sporting pipe includes a shaft and at least two bulging portions formed on a surface portion of the shaft, the bulging portions extending in a longitudinal direction of the shaft and bulging outwardly.

Abstract: Hockey stick configurations and hockey stick blade constructs are disclosed. The blade is comprised of one or more inner core elements, surrounded by one or more walls made of reinforcing fibers or filaments disposed in a hardened matrix resin material. One or more of the inner core elements comprises an elastomer material.

Abstract: A handle is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object A structure for a hockey stick is described by using multiple composite tubes bonded to one another, wherein apertures, or “ports,” are molded between the tubes to improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of the hockey stick.

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: A composite hockey stick having a tubular hollow rectangular shaft and a blade is disclosed. The shaft comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, each of the inner and outer layers are formed of uni-directional substantially continuous fibers disposed in a hardened resin matrix and wrapped and molded around a middle elastomer layer. A new manufacturing method is also disclosed in which a cured hollow tubular composite hockey stick shaft is inserted between the front and back faces of an un-cured composite hockey stick blade and the blade is then cured in a mold around the hockey stick shaft to form a unitary composite hockey stick.

Abstract: A hockey stick comprising a shaft portion and a blade portion, the shaft portion including means having preformed stresses to induce a flexural resistance at about mid-span so as to create in the shaft portion induced stresses which are neutralized as stresses are further induced in the shaft portion at impact on the blade portion to thereby provide a stiffer and more rigid shaft portion.

Abstract: A construct for a hockey blade that includes a foam core. The foam core includes a first core face, a second core face, and a core edge. A first layer of resin preimpregnated tape is wrapped continuously around the first core face, the core edge and the second core face. A thread is stitched along the first layer of preimpregnated tape. A second layer of resin preimpregnated tape wrapped continuously around the first layer of resin preimpregnated tape.

Abstract: A new and improved instrument bow for use with a stringed instrument is provided. A unique new instrument bow is provided that may be constructed with a laminate material and/or composite in combination with a wooded material to form the instrument bow. Additionally, the new instrument bow uses a laminate composite such as carbon fiber to form a single piece construction instrument bow for use in conjunction with a stringed instrument. The instrument bow may be a combination of a synthetic material covered with a wooded material in a single piece construction that will provide the instrument bow with increased resilience and strength without the necessity for reinforcement and/or repair.

Abstract: A handle end is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object. The stick includes a shaft coupling the handle end and the striking end. The shaft is fabricated of a relatively rigid material with limited flexibility. The shaft has a hole extending there through with a cylindrical wall defining the hole for varying the playing characteristics of the system.

Abstract: A handle is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object. A structure for a hockey stick is described by using a single, hollow tube of composite material, wherein tubular “ports” extend through the hollow tube. The ends of the ports are bonded to the walls of the hollow tube. The ports improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of the hockey stick.

Abstract: A composite hockey stick having a tubular hollow shaft and a blade is disclosed. The shaft includes a region of focused weight in the form of an overlay coating that is applied on top if the internal surfaces of the cured shaft using a coating plug. The blade includes a focused weight region that is inserted into a cavity within the cured composite blade. Methods and suitable materials for constructions of the various components of the blade and shaft are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rectangular sporting pipe includes a shaft and at least two bulging portions formed on a surface portion of the shaft, the bulging portions extending in a longitudinal direction of the shaft and bulging outwardly.

Abstract: A construct for a hockey blade that includes a foam core. The foam core includes a first core face, a second core face, and a core edge. A first layer of resin preimpregnated tape is wrapped continuously around the first core face, the core edge and the second core face. A thread is stitched along the first layer of preimpregnated tape. A second layer of resin preimpregnated tape wrapped continuously around the first layer of resin preimpregnated tape.

Abstract: A hockey stick having a composite blade and a shaft is disclosed. The composite blade includes a heel section that is recessed relative to the front and back faces of the blade. The recessed heel section is configured to be received by a hockey stick shaft or an adapter member configured to connect the blade to the shaft. The composite blade preferably comprise a foam inner core overlaid preferably with substantially continuous fibers disposed in a matrix material and may include an internal bridge structure extending from one side of the blade to the other. The blade may also be preferably comprised of a core comprising non-continuous fibers disposed within a matrix material. In another aspect, processes for manufacturing the previously described hockey stick blade(s) are described.

Abstract: A hockey stick having a composite blade and a shaft is disclosed. The composite blade includes a heel section that is recessed relative to the front and back faces of the blade. The recessed heel section is configured to be received by a hockey stick shaft or an adapter member configured to connect the blade to the shaft. The composite blade preferably comprise a foam inner core overlaid preferably with substantially continuous fibers disposed in a matrix material and may include an internal bridge structure extending from one side of the blade to the other. The blade may also be preferably comprised of a core comprising non-continuous fibers disposed within a matrix material. In another aspect, processes for manufacturing the previously described hockey stick blade(s) are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hockey stick shaft having a cross-section and properties varying along a length thereof and to a method for fabrication thereof. The varying cross section defines selected regions of optimized grip for the hands of a player and of optimized rigidity and resistance in torsion of the shaft.

Abstract: A handle is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object A structure for a hockey stick is described by using multiple composite tubes bonded to one another, wherein apertures, or “ports,” are molded between the tubes to improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of the hockey stick.

Abstract: The invention relates to hockey stick shafts having cross-section and properties varying along a length thereof and to a method for fabrication thereof. The varying cross section defines selected regions of optimized grip for the hands of a player and of optimized rigidity and resistance in torsion of the shaft.

Abstract: A composite hockey stick having a tubular hollow rectangular shaft and a blade is disclosed. The shaft comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, each of the inner and outer layers are formed of uni-directional substantially continuous fibers disposed in a hardened resin matrix and wrapped and molded around a middle elastomer layer. A new manufacturing method is also disclosed in which a cured hollow tubular composite hockey stick shaft is inserted between the front and back faces of an un-cured composite hockey stick blade and the blade is then cured in a mold around the hockey stick shaft to form a unitary composite hockey stick.

Abstract: A sport good, such as hockey stick, Ping-Pong bat, baseball bat, ski stick and so on, has a rigid member made of a composite material. The rigid member has a chamber therein, in which a high-pressure gas is filled to make the sport good having both properties of lighter weight and greater rigidity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composite hockey stick shaft having an elongated body having four side wall members, at least one said side wall members comprising an inner layer of fibers disposed within a matrix material, a layer of viscoelastic material anchored onto to the outside surface of said inner layer, an outer layer of fibers disposed within a matrix material, said outer layer being disposed on and abutting the outside of said layer of viscoelastic material.

Abstract: A hockey stick shaft is a hollow, thin-walled tube formed of titanium or a titanium alloy. The tube wall has a thickness which may be uniform, tapered or stepped. The titanium or titanium alloy is of an alpha, a near-alpha, an alpha-beta or a highly-aged beta type. The titanium or titanium alloy has an elastic modulus greater than 13 million pounds per square inch (psi), a yield strength above 50,000 psi and a wall thickness ranging from 0.020 to 0.045 inches. An alternate hockey stick shaft has a titanium or titanium alloy core and exterior formed of a composite material. The titanium or titanium alloy core is of an alpha, a near-alpha, an alpha-beta or a beta type and has a yield strength above roughly 40,000 psi and a wall thickness ranging from 0.010 to 0.040 inches.

Abstract: A hockey stick having a longitudinal shaft provided with a longitudinal cavity and a method of construction of such a hockey stick are described herein. The shaft includes a hollow wooden core and a reinforcement layer. The hollow wooden core is advantageously made of two half-cores having a channel provided therein that are assembled face-to-face to yield the hollow wooden core. The reinforcement layer may advantageously include thin reinforcement strips of high modulus fibers and a layer of fiberglass fabric.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaft of an ice hockey stick, or the like, and a shaft. The shaft comprises an inner, first body part formed of binding material and reinforcing fibers that cross one another. Onto the first body part there is formed a second, substantially co-axial, body part containing binding material and longitudinal reinforcing fibers. The cross-section of the inner profile of the first body part is oval and the cross-section of the outer profile of the second body part is substantially rectangular, the shaft being thus provided with wall thickness that is greater at the corners than at the sides.

Abstract: A composite hockey stick having a tubular hollow rectangular shaft and a blade is disclosed. The shaft comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, each of the inner and outer layers are formed of uni-directional substantially continuous fibers disposed in a hardened resin matrix and wrapped and molded around a middle elastomer layer. A new manufacturing method is also disclosed in which a cured hollow tubular composite hockey stick shaft is inserted between the front and back faces of an un-cured composite hockey stick blade and the blade is then cured in a mold around the hockey stick shaft to form a unitary composite hockey stick.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composite hockey stick shaft having an elongated body having four side wall members, at least one said side wall members comprising an inner layer of fibers disposed within a matrix material, a layer of viscoelastic material anchored onto to the outside surface of said inner layer, an outer layer of fibers disposed within a matrix material, said outer layer being disposed on and abutting the outside of said layer of viscoelastic material.

Abstract: This invention embodies a newly designed cross-sectional configuration for a hockey stick shaft and only that aspect of said hockey stick shaft; That cross-sectional configuration (design) being a true, pure, and natural concave/sided oval (CSO); Notwithstanding, this true, pure, and natural concave/sided oval (CSO) cross-sectional configuration runs approximately eighty-two percent (48.5 inches+/−5%) of the overall length (58.5 inches+/−10%) of the hockey stick shaft; The bottom section of the hockey stick shaft, approximately twelve percent of the overall length (7 inches+/−7%), comprises of a hollow rectangle for the receipt of a replaceable hockey stick blade, in most cases this blade is made from wood or graphite; The transitional section is the area where the concave/sided oval (CSO) section of the hockey stick shaft transitions to the rectangular section of the hockey stick shaft.