CA2060962A1 - Hockey stick locking device - Google Patents
Hockey stick locking deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2060962A1 CA2060962A1 CA 2060962 CA2060962A CA2060962A1 CA 2060962 A1 CA2060962 A1 CA 2060962A1 CA 2060962 CA2060962 CA 2060962 CA 2060962 A CA2060962 A CA 2060962A CA 2060962 A1 CA2060962 A1 CA 2060962A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- aperture
- boss
- locking member
- projecting part
- formation
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention relates to an improved locking device in a joint for a sporting implement derived from at least two separable elements, one of which telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap, In particular the two separable elements of the sports implement include a handle or shaft portion and a blade or head portion. One of these portions presents a projection formation to a receptacle formation presented by the other of such portions. A displaceable locking member comprising a boss having a flanged part and projecting part is carried by one of such formations and is operably displaced so that the projecting part extends in full registration within an aperture or recess provided in the other of such formations. In an alternative embodiment a bias is provided to normally urge the displaceable locking member within engagement or registration in the aperture or recess so as to releasably secure the handle or shaft portion against separation from the head or blade portion.
This invention relates to an improved locking device in a joint for a sporting implement derived from at least two separable elements, one of which telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap, In particular the two separable elements of the sports implement include a handle or shaft portion and a blade or head portion. One of these portions presents a projection formation to a receptacle formation presented by the other of such portions. A displaceable locking member comprising a boss having a flanged part and projecting part is carried by one of such formations and is operably displaced so that the projecting part extends in full registration within an aperture or recess provided in the other of such formations. In an alternative embodiment a bias is provided to normally urge the displaceable locking member within engagement or registration in the aperture or recess so as to releasably secure the handle or shaft portion against separation from the head or blade portion.
Description
2 ~ 2 Field of the Invention This invention relates to a novel locking device for a joint to releasably secure against separation telescoping elements~
More particularly, this invention relates to a locking device for a joint to releasably secure against separation a head portion to a shaft portion of a sports implement, and particularly where the head portion of the sports implement is for striking an object, such as the blade of a hockey stick to a hockey puck, or the head of a golf club to a golf ball.
Backqround of the Invention Sporting implements comprising a shaft element and a head element wherein the head element is used ~o strike an object, generally feature the head and shaft secured to one another in permanent, non-separable relation.
Such sporting implements are relatively expensive to produce and, in the instance of hockey sticks, have a relatively short life, primarily due to the violent nature of the game ice hockey.
Breakage of the blade or of the handle is quite common.
In order to make sports implements such as hockey sticks o~
lighter weight for easy manipulation, as well as stronger to reduce breakage and reduce costs, such hockey sticks can be constructed with a metallic shaft or h~ndle, to which is permanently fitted a hardwood head or blade. This rigid mounting of the blade to the handle is typically effected by thermal gluing.
It can be appreciated that, for hockey sticksl a metal shaft or handle is considerably strongex than ~he wooden variety and damage thereto is much less likely. The heads or blades of hockey 2 ~ 2 sticks are still principally made of hardwood, and, as a consequence, are vulnerable to breakage duxing the course of playing hockey.
When a head or blade of a hockey stick comprising a metallic shaft or handle breaks and requires replacement, it is necessary to apply a heat gun or torch to the thermal gluing, so that the glue is raised to a sufficient temperature permitting the bond to be broken and the damaged head or blade removed. The remnants of the previous thermal gluing are then cleansed from the metallic shaft or handle of the hockey stick and the new head or blade presented and thermal glued thereto.
Combined metal shaft or handle and wooden head or blade hockey sticks are becoming increasingly popular at all levels of the game.
Further, players are becoming attached to a certain "feel" of a particular shaft or handle. Moreover, the cost of replacing a head or blade of a hockey stick is generally considerably less than the cost o~ purchasing a complete i~em. Unfortunately, however, removal of a broken blade is relatively difficult and not a simple matter or task that can be undertaken durin~ the course of a game in the event that the blade or head becomes broken during play.
Special equipment and con3iderable force is usually required and, physical damage to the relativsly thin walled shaft or handle often results.
Further, it can be appreciated that users of a sports implement, such as a hockey stick, or a golf club, often appreciate the fine distinctions that different heads or blades give rise to during course of play. For example~ in hockey, players may use a 2 ~
relatively flat straight edged blade, or, at other times, may be comfortable with other blades of various curvatures. Further, other sporting implements, such as golf clubs, eature a variety o:E
heads for different uses as well known by those who practise the game of golf.
There is, therefore, a need for a simple, mechanical locking device for a joint to releasably secure a head or blade to a shat or handle of a sporting implement without the necessity for hot gluing or other adhesive means to provide the necessary rigidity to the assembled structure, and which can be relatively easily undertaken by the user of the implement in replacing the head or blade.
Obiects of the Invention It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a locking device for a joint to releasably secure against separation a head or blade to a shaft or handle comprising a mechanical locking member which can readily and easily be operated by the user of the sporting implement to effect the removal and replacement of the head or blade.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a locking device for a joint to releasably secure a head or blade generally used in striking an object, such as a hockey puck, to a shaft or handle so that the mechanical bond so created is able to withstand the forces transmitted through the joint dur.ing the striking action.
It is a further obiect of this invention to comply with all safety requirements involved in, particularly, hockey, such that in any mechanical locking device for a joint to releasably secure the head or blade to the shaft or handle, no parts of the joint protrude or extend beyond the other surfaces of the blade or handle which, in a contact sport like hockey, could inflict injury upon fellow players.
Further, it is an object of one embodiment of this invenkion to provide a locking device for a joint to releasably secure a head or blade to a shaft or handle, such that the mechanical locking means, when the handle and blade are presented together for engagement, normally locks same against separation so that in the event that a player or operator of the sporting implement neglects to effect the locking mechanism manually, separation of the head or blade from the handle or shaft would be prevented.
Finally, it is an object of this invention to provide a locking device for a joint to releasab~y secure a head or blade to a shaft or handle which can be produced, at relatively low cost.
Features of the I~ent _n It is therefore, a feature of this invention to provide a sports implement derived from at least two separable elements, one of which telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap. Means are provided to relea~ably secure th~ elements together in ~he region of overlap, including a socket style ~oint featuring an aperture presented by one of the elements and extending generally transversely of the axis, and socket angaging means carried by the other of the elements and mountAd for movement to project therefrom and into registration within the aperture of the socket means, and 20~D.3~2 reversely. In this manner the elements are releasably secured against separation to one another. Moreoverl it ~s a feature of this invention to provide a locking device for a socket-style joint of a sporting implement which particularly comprises a handle portion or shaft portion and a blade portion or head portion.
Moreover, it is a feature o this invention to provide a bias which normally urges the socket engaging means of the locking device into registration within the aperture so provided so as to maintain the releasable securement of the elements against separation - even if the engaging means of -the locking device is not positively displaced by an aperture.
It is a further feature o this invention to provide a displaceable locking member carried by one of the projection formation or receptacle formation to be in the form of a boss having a flanged part and a projecting part extending transversely of the common axis of the telescoping elements and being of a configuration and size for mating reception within an àperture likewise extending generally transversely of the axis and presented in the other projection formation or receptacle formation when such formations are registered within one another in mating fit.
Moreover, in order to comply with NHL regulations concerning safety it is a eature of this invention to provide a stop means to prevent the projecting part of the locking member from extending beyond the aperture when same is displaced for mating reception within such aperture. The continued smooth outer surface of the shaft or handle portion is maintained through use of the improved locking mechanism of this invention.
In particular, the stop means comprises a recess provide~ in the formation carrying the displaceable locking member for engagement with the flanged part of the boss of the locking member, and of a selected depth to limit the displacement of the projecting part within the aperture so presented.
Moreover, it is a feature of this invention that the bias which normally urges the projecting part of the boss downwardly within the aperture engages the flanged part of the boss to exert such downward pressure. In particular embodiments o-f this invention this bias can consist of a spring clip ~or engaging the flanged part of the boss or a shape memory foam-type material.
In particular to effect displacement of the projecting part of the locking member within the aperture provided, it is a feature of this invention to have such protecting part internally threaded so as to receive an elongate member, such ~s a grub screw, having an external thread of a matching configuration for rota-tion within such projecting part. Through rotation of this elongate member displacement of the projecting part is effected.
It can be appreciated, again, for safety considerations, that it is desirable that such elongate member not be able to completely exit the projecting part and possibly fall upon a surface upon which a sportl such as ice hoc~ey, is being played, causing a potential hazard. Accordingly, it is a feature of this invention to provide stop means to prevent the elongate member from completely exiting the projecting part of the boss upon ro~ation of same. In particular, the stop means comprises limiting the extent of the internal thread through the projecting part of the boss.
2 ~
Further, it is a feature of this invention to provide a bearing plate upon which the elongate member can press upon rotation of same in order to fully effect the downward displacement of the projecking part of the boss within the aperture so presented.
Finally, it is a feature of this invention to provide a novel method for releasably securing against separation a head element to a shaft element of a sports implement wherein one of the elements telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap, and comprising a displaceable locking mem~er as detailed above. The steps of the improved met.hod of this invention include first axially aligning the head element to the shaft element and securely registering the projection formation presented by one of such elements within the receptacle formation presented by the other of said elements. The displaceable locking member is then operably activated so as to register the projecting part within the aperture so presented thereto to releasably secure the elements against separation.
Description of the Drawin~s These and other features and objects of the in~ention will become clear upon reading the following description in conjunction with the sheets of drawings in which;
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sporting implement incorporating the present invention, and particularly, a hockey stick comprising a blade and handle releasably secured against separation to one another;
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the joint of the i.nvention comprising a projection formation and receptacle formation for providing a sliding, telescoping snug fit between the blade and handle of the hockey stick of Figure 1;
S Figure 3 is an exploded view of the joint of a pre-ferred embodiment of the invention, and particularly illustrating the relationship between the various parts of the locking device and the projection formation and receptacle ormation;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ~oint of the invention as illustrated in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an exploded view of a further embodiment oE the invention wherein biasing means are provided to normally urge the locking member into registration within the recess formation provided to releasably secure the blade and handle against separation;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the joint of the further embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figuxe 5 with the locking member in a fully locked position;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the joint of the further embodiment similar to that illurstrated in Figure 6, but disclosing the locking member in an unlocked position;
Figure 8 is a cross-~ectional view of the joint of the ~urther embodiment of the invention similar to that illustrated in Figure 7, but showing the displacement of the lockiny member through use of a suitable tool to displace such locking member out of engagemen~ or registration within tha aperture provided by one of the blade or handle of the hockey stick; and - 2 ~
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the joink of the further embodiment oE the invention and similar to that illustrated in Figure 8, and disclosing separating of the blade from the handle with the locking member in an unlocked position.
Description of the Inven-tion A sporting implement, such as hockey stick 10 illustrated in Figure 1, and to which this invention particularly relates, generally comprises two separable elements, one of which telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap, such as a head portion and shaft portion, or, in the case of hockey stick 10, a blade 12, and handle 14. In particular, hockey stick 10 of this invention typically comprises a wooden blade 12 and a metallic handle 14.
In order to effect a secure telescoping sliding fit o.r connection between blade 12 and handle 14 a joint 16 is provided comprising a projection formation 18 presented by one of blade 12 or handle 14, a receptacle formation 20 presented by the other of blade 12 or handle 14 to receive therein in snap overlapping it projection formation 18, and a locking member 22 for interacting with projection formation 18 and receptacle formation 20 to releasably secure against separation blade 12 to handle 14. It can be appreciated that in the current method of manufacture, whether the joint is relatively permanent by using, as in the prior art, thermal glue, or to be releasable by using, as in the present invention, locking member 22 as will hereinafter be detailed, projection formation 18 is typically presented by wooden blade 12, w~ile receptacle formation 20 is presented by one end 24 of metallic handle 14, all as best illuskrated in Figure 2. Further, it can be appreciated that with metallic hockey sticks, to ensure lightness of the stick, handle 14 is typically hollow throughout its lengthwise extent so as to be in the form of a rectangular tubular shaft.
Figure 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of joint 16 of the invention for releasably securing agains~ separa-tion blade 12 to handle 14 of hockey stick lO. In particular, lock.ing member 22 o joint 16 illustrated in Figure 3 is preferably carried by projection formation 18 of blade 12 and comprises a boss 26 having a flanged part 28 and pro~ecting part 30 extending generally transversely to the axis of projection formation 18 and of a configuration and size for reception within an aperture 32 presented through projection iormation 18 of blade 12 and oriented generally transversely to the axis of projection formation 18, and displaceable through an aperture 34 presented by receptacle formation 20 of handle 14 and oriented generally transversely to that axis so as to releasably secure blade 12 against separation from handle 14, as will hereinafter be explained. The relationship between projecting part 30 of locking member 22 to aperture 3~ is that of a socket with projecting part 30 being a means to engage or register within aperture 34.
In a contact sport, such as hockey, it is essential that the joint between the handle and the stick presents a relatively smooth uninterrupted external surface, such as illustrated in Figure 1, to minimize the risk of injury in the event that the stick comes in contact with a player. Moreover, regulations set down by leagues, 2 ~
such as the NHL, are designed to promote safety between players, and any hockey stick which would present any pro~ec~ing parts would not be allowed by the NHL, and thus its viability in the marketplace substantially reduced.
Accordingly, boss 26 must be provided with pre-selected but limiting positions preventing any part of boss 26, and particularly projecting part 30 from protruding beyond aperture 34 of receptacle formation 20 of handle 14.
In order to limit the displacement of projecting part 30 of boss 26 within aperture 34 of receptacle formation 20, when projection formation 18 of blade 12 is fully registered within receptacle formation 20 of handle 14, so that projecting part 30 is flush with external surface 36 of handle 14 and does not extend therebeyond, projection formation 18 includes therein at least two, and in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, three successive recesses generally centred around aperture 32, as will hereinafter be detailed. Particularly, a first recess 38 is drilled within projection formation 18 centred about aperture 32 and of a configuration and size sufficient to receive projecting part 30 of boss 26 and a spiral spring 40 surrounding pro~ecting part 30, but not flanged part 28, as will hereinafter be detailed.
It can be appreciated that a ledge 42, is formed between aperture 32 and recess 38 and it is upon this ledge that spiral spring 40 rests.
A second recess 44 of larger size than recess 38 is then provided in projec~ion forma~ion 18, and again centred about aperture 32. Moreover, second recess 44 is of a configuration adapted to recei~e flanged part 28 of boss 26. Again, a ledge 46 is formed between second recess 44 and firs~ recess 38 upon which flanged part 28 of boss 26 can rest when boss 26 is fully displaced downwardly so as to engage in aperture 34 of handle 14. Moreover, the depth of sacond recess 44 is selected so as to place limits on the upward and downward displacement of boss 26.
In particular, as illustrated in Figure 4, the lower limit of recess 44, as defined by ledge 46, is such that projecting part 30 of boss 26 engages fully within aperture 34 in receptacle formation 20 of handle 14, when projection formation 18 is registered fully within receptacle formation 20. Ledge 46 defines a distance that projecting part 30 of boss 26 extends within aperture 34 of handle 14 such that external surface 36 of handle 14 is relatively smooth and continuous over such aperture, and no part of projec-ting par-t 30 of boss 26 projects beyond aperture 34 and above external surface 36 of handle 14, so as to cause undue injury in the event that a player comes in contact with such handle.
Further, it can be appreciated that the depth of recess 44 is such that flanged part 28 of boss 26 can be displaced upwardly within recess 44 such that projecting part 30 of boss 26 is fully removed from aperture 34 of handle 14, a].l as best illustrated in Figure 4. It can be appreciated, that spiral spring 40, within first recess 38, and resting upon ledge 42 of such recess, engages the under side of flanged part 28 of boss 26, normally urging boss 26 upwardly so that projecting part 30 is out of engagement with aperture 34 of handle 14.
It can be appreciated that in order for the joint of this invention to be effective so as to provide a secure locking mechanism between the handle portion and blade portion of the sport implement, such as a hockey stick, pro~ecting paxt 30 of boss 26, when registered within aperture 34 of handle 14, must be securely registered within aperture 34 and held in such position until a time that release of blade 12 from handle 14 is desired. In order to effect the controlled downward displacement and securing or registering of projecting part 30 of boss 26 within aperture 34 it 0 i5 found that such displacement is most easily accomplished by providing an internal thread to boss 26, extending down through projecting part 30, through which an elongate grub screw 48 is threaded. Grub screw 48 is p~ovided at one end with an opening 50 generally of a hexagonal configuration for receiving therewithin Allen key 52 to effect the rotation of same.
Further, it can be appreciated that means must be provided to prevent boss 26 from rotating with grub screw 48 when grub screw 48 is rotated by Allen key 52. This can be achieved in a number Oe ways, for example by anchoring flanged part 28 of boss 26 within recess 44 through use of screws 54, 56, or, alternatively, by manufacturing flanged part 28 such that it is of a configuration to snugly fit within recess 44, and both recess 44 and flanged part 28 are of a shape so that non-circular edges are presented coterminously preventing rotation of boss 26. Such configured flanged part and recess 44 are illustrated in the embodiment of the invention shown in ~igures 5 to 9 r inclusive.
2 ~ 2 Finally, in o.rder that grub screw 48 displaces boss 26 downwardly wi~hin aperture 34 of handle 14~ it is realised that as grub screw 50 is rotated within the threaded opening 48 of boss 26 upwardly above and beyond flanged part 28 that in order for boss 26 to be displaced downwardly grub screw 50 must abut against a bearing surface, which in the embodiment of ~he invention illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, is provided by bearing plate 60 which, in turn, can be secured to projection formation 18 of blade 12 by silicon glue within a matching recess 62 centred about aperture 32 and of a configuration and size larger than that o recess 44. Bearing plate 60 can be secured within recess 62 through means of suitable adhesive such as silicon glue, or, alternatively, other means to secure bearing plate within recess 62 can be used, such as, for example, screws ~not illustrated).
Further, it can be realized that the depth of recess 62 should be sufficient so that it receives fully therewith bearing plate 60 so that projection formation 18 presents a uniform external surface for reception within receptacle formation 20 of handle 14.
To assemble the joint of the inven~ion illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, spiral spring 40 is first placed within recess 38 so that same rests on ledge 42. Projecting part 30, preferably cylindrical in cross-section, of boss 26 is then fitted with grub screw 50 threaded within opening 48 of boss 2~ so that opening 52 of grub screw 50 is disposed downwardly~ proiecting part 30 is then threaded co-axially through spiral spring 40, and consequently is disposed within recess 38 and aperture 32 of projection formation ~a~2 18, and with flanged part 28 resting on spiral spring 40 within recess 44.
once boss 26 has been positioned within spiral spring 40, as illustrated in Figure 3, with flange in recess 44, flanged part if not so contoured, is then secured in position against rotation by suitable screws 56, 58 which abut against the appropriate deten~s 57 and 59 provided in the rim of flanged part 2B. It can be appreciated that in order ior boss 26 to be displaced within aperture 32 such that flanged part 28 can move between ledge 46 and an upper position defined by the overlapping bearing plate 60 that screws 56, 58 are not secured so tightly as to fully register flanged part 28 of boss 26 within recess 44 such that the bottom edge of flanged part 28 engages ledge 46, but, ratherr screws 56, 58 are secured with their upper heads approximately levelled with, or slightly lower than, recess 62 so that there is sufficient space for displacement of boss 26; the upper limit of the upper displacement of boss 26 must be sufficient in order that projecting part 30 of boss 26 clears aperture 34 of receptacle portion 20 of handle 14. Utilizing a contoured flanged part 28 at a correspondingly contoured recess 44, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the use of screws 56, 58, is not requiredt and, consequently, flanged part 28 of boss 26 is free to be displ~ced within the full depth xange of recess 44.
Once boss 26 has been so ~itted within appropriate recesses 38, 44, with projecting part 30 disposed downwardly through aperture 32 r bearing plate 60 is then positioned within recess 62 2~9~
overlapping flanged part 28 of boss 26 and secured within recess 62 through suitable means such as silicon glue.
The locking mechanism for the joint is now assembled and ready for use.
To releasably secuxe a blade to a handle of a hockey stick as illustrated in Figure 1, so that a joint of great strength is created able to withstand ~orces applied to the blade through the striking of objects, such as a hockey puck, a player is then readily able to replace the blade using normal equipment than a regular Allen key.
Should, for example, a player desire to replace a broken blade 12, or, should he desire to utilize a blade of different curvature, or handedness, then through inserting an Allen key 54 within opening 52 the player rotates grub screw $0 in typically counter-clockwise direction so that the threaded inter-connection between grub screw 50 and threads 48 within boss 26 displaces boss 26 along the threaded body of grub screw 50. Further, it can be appreciated that upon rotation in a counter-clockwise direction of grub screw 50 the pressure imparted by grub screw 50 on bearing plate 60 is removed, and the action o~ spring 40 displaces flanged part 28 of boss 26 upwardly so that projecting part 30 of boss 26 is displaced upwardly and out of mating engagemen~ within aperture 34 carried by receptacle formation 20 of handle 14. Projection formation 18 of blade 12 can then be slidably removed from receptacle formation 20 of handle 14 ~or disposal, or, i~ undamaged, for storage for later use when such blade is requir~d.
2 q~
In order to releasably secure a replacement blade or a blade of desired curvature to handle 14, projection formation 18 of the blade with a complete locking assembly as detailed above is inserted snugly within receptacle formation 20 of handle 14 with aperture 32 of projection formation 18 aligning with aperture 34 of receptacle formation 20. Allen key 54 is then inserted through apertures 34 and 32 to enter opening 52 of grub screw 50. Rotation of grub screw 50 in a normally clockwise direction drives same through thread 48 of boss 26 and beyond flanged part 78 of boss 26 and into engagement with bearing plate 60. Further rotation of grub screw 50 displaces boss 26, and particularly projecting part 30 downwardly against compression of spring 40 and into snug mating engagement within aperture 34 of receptacle formation 20 of handle 14. Downward displacement of projecting part 30 into aperture 34 continues upon rotation of grub screw 50 until flanged part 28 of boss 26 engages ledge 46 of recess 44. This limiting position prevents any further downward displacement of pro~ecting part 30 of boss 26 within aperture 34, and particularly prev~nts projecting part 30 of boss 26 from extending beyond external surface 36 of handle 14.
With projecting part 30 of boss 26 snugly registered within aperture 34 of receptacle ormation 20 of handle 14 the blade and handle of the sport implementl and particularly of a hockey stick as illustrated are secured against separation and, due to the snug relationship of projection formation 18 and receptacle formation 20, and the snug relationship between projecting part 30 of boss 26 within aperture 34, a secured joint is realized able to withstand 6 ~, drawiny impacts of the blade against a hockAy puck or other surfaces.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, handle 14 may be provided with a short longitudinal slit extending about 2 - 2~" from the end thereof and dividing the handle approximately in half. Recess 38 may be dril~ed entirely through one half and part way through the other half. A bearing plate 60 of generally circular shape may be provided and inserted at the bottom of the recess so formed, and boss 26 with grub screw 50 can be assembled in the drilled half.
The action is exactly the same as before except that spring 40 is not required as this embodiment uses the natural resilience of wood for constructing a blade 12 to provide the spring action. In this embodiment locking is achieved, in part, by the wedging action of the recessed portion of blade 12.
It will also be appreciatèd that to comply with safety regulations involving sporting implemen~s used in organised sports which have leagues or associations to govern the use thereof/ and particularly the National Hockey Association which has regulation which govern what kind of hockey sticks can be approved, projecting part 30 of boss 26 cannot extend beyond aperture 34 so as to extend beyond external surface 36 of handle 14 any distance which could present an edge or obstacle which could cause injury to a player due to the physical nature of the game; the design of the joint as described above prevents thiso 2 ~
Further, in order to prevent grub screw 50 from completely being unscrewed from projecting part 30 of boss 26 r thread 48 presented within boss 26 extends only for a select distance through projecting part 30, as best illustrated in Figure 6. Consequently, when an operator is rotating grub screw 50 to r~lease pressure on bearing plate 60 so as to displace projecting part 30 of boss 26 from engagement within aperture 34 of handle 14, so that blade 12 can be removed, grub screw 50 stops rotating within projecting part 30 when same comes to the end of thread 48 as at 64. This effectively prevents grub screw 50 from exiting threaded projecting part 30 of boss 26 and possibly falling on a surface such as ice upon which hockey is played, presenting an obstacle which could injure other players involved in the game.
Just as, in the above example, an excited player could accidentally remove the grub screw completely from the threaded part of boss 26, had not the feature of the interrup~ed thread as at 64 been incorporated into the invention, it can also be appreciated that a player in his excitement could forgek to completely or adequately engage grub screw 50 against the bearing plate so that the projecting part snugly registers within the aperture provided in the handle. In sports such as hockey where;n the ~lade is continuously ~triking with great force the hockey puck it can be appreciated that if the joint is not adequately secured the hlade could detach itsel~ from khe handle and cause injury to another player.
Consequently~ in order for the improved joint of this invention to be acceptable to such institutions as the NHL it would -6~f3~g~2 be required that a safety feature be built in such that in the event that a player forgets to opera~e the locking mechanism as described above to effect a secure anchoring of the blade to the handle, means come into play which would effectively prevent any accidental dislodgment of the blade from the handle.
In particular, Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment of this invention wherein a biasing means is provided to normally urge boss 26 downwardly within the aperture provided in the projection formation of the blade so that when the pro~ection forma~ion of the blade is snugly registered within the receptacle formation of the handle with the corresponding apertures aligning in overlapping relation, the projecting part of the boss is displaced downwardly into engagement within the aperture provided in the handle.
In the following description to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 all common elements to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 ~o 4 are denoted with common reference characters followed by the designation "a", i.e. blade 12a.
The working of the improved joint illustrated in Figures 5 to 9 is substantially the same for the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, except that a suitable bias 66 is provided for normally urging boss 26a downwardly so that projecting part 30a normally rests securely within aperture 34a of handle 14a, ~s will hereinafter be detailed.
Further, since the normal urging of boss 26a in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 is downwardly towards aperture 34a of handle 14a the strength and associated recesses and ledges of *he embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 are not required.
Consequently, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 features only $wo recesses, the first, recess 44a, of a configuration and size for receiving flanged part 28a of boss 26a, and the second recess 62a of a configuration and size for receiving bearing plate 60a, all as described ahove for the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 4.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, however/
when an operator has rotated grub screw 50a within threaded opening 48a of boss 26a such that pressure on bearing plate 60a is released projecting part 30a of boss 26a would normally be displaced upwardly and out of engagement with aperture 34a of handle 14a if not for the downward pressure exerted by bias 66 which, can be in the form of a spring clip as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, or, alternatively, in the form of a shape re~aining material such as resilient sponge 66a as illustrated as an alternative in Figure 5.
Figure 6 illustrates grub screw 50 rotated in a position within threaded opening 48a of boss 26a so that grub screw 50a engages through bias 66 bParing plate 60a so as to displace boss 26a downwardly so that projecting part 30a of same engages in mating registration within aperture 34a of handle 14a.
Figure 7 illustrates the situation wherein grub screw 50a is rotated until it encounters the interruption in the thread of threaded opening 48a, as indicated at 64, so that grub screw 50a no longer exerts pressure on bearing plate 60a through bias 66; in this configuration bias 66 exerts downward pressure upon flanged part 28a and grub screw 50a of boss 26a so that projectiny part 30a 2 ~ $ ~
is still maintained in registration within aperture 34a of handle 14a, effectively preventing blade 12a from accidentally dislodging from handle 14a.
In order that a player using the sporting implement, such as a hockey stick embodying the improved joint 16a as illustrated in Figures 5 to 9, inclusive, can remove blade 12a from handle 14a he must first dislodge projecting part 30a -Erom aperture 34a of handle 14a in a direction against normal force urged by bias 66. In order to accomplish this displacement Allen key 54a is modified so as to include a button 68 on a part thereof featuring a knob or projection 70 having a configuration and size matching that of aperture 34a of handle 14a. Further/ knob 70 is of a depth slightly greater than the depth of recess 3~a so that when knob 70 is presented to projecting part 30a of boss 26a in aperture 34a and pushed upwardly against the force exerted by bias 66, projecting part 30a is displaced upwardly and out of aperture 34a, all as best illustrated in Figure ~.
Once pro~ecting part 30a has ~een displaced upwardly as illustrated in Figure 8 so as to clear aperture 34a, projection formation 18a of blade 12a can be removed, see Figure 9, ~rom receptacle formation 20a of handle 14a and a new blade inser~ed in its place.
It can be appreciated that other modifications to this invention are contemplated, although not illustrated, for example, for certain sporting implements wherein s~rengthened materials can be used it will be possible to have the projection fo~mat.ion including ~he loc]cing mechanism presented by the shaft or handle, and the receptacle formation presented by the head portion or blade. Such a modification utilizing ma~erials of a quality able to resist the impact of striking objects, then the obvious advantage of such a modification can be appxeciat~d in that all the parts of the lock assembly are retained on the handle and not disposed of with the blade when a replacement i6 provided.
Consequently, the cost savings to the replaceable blades is realised.
While a specific embodiment of this invention has been illustrated and described herein, the invention is not limited to the specific construction disclosed. Those skilled in the art may be able to provide modifications or alternatives to the disclosed structural features while still practising this invention. It is intended to cover all such modifications and alternatives as well as other embodiments not disclosed which do not constitute a departure from the spirit and scope of the attached claims.
More particularly, this invention relates to a locking device for a joint to releasably secure against separation a head portion to a shaft portion of a sports implement, and particularly where the head portion of the sports implement is for striking an object, such as the blade of a hockey stick to a hockey puck, or the head of a golf club to a golf ball.
Backqround of the Invention Sporting implements comprising a shaft element and a head element wherein the head element is used ~o strike an object, generally feature the head and shaft secured to one another in permanent, non-separable relation.
Such sporting implements are relatively expensive to produce and, in the instance of hockey sticks, have a relatively short life, primarily due to the violent nature of the game ice hockey.
Breakage of the blade or of the handle is quite common.
In order to make sports implements such as hockey sticks o~
lighter weight for easy manipulation, as well as stronger to reduce breakage and reduce costs, such hockey sticks can be constructed with a metallic shaft or h~ndle, to which is permanently fitted a hardwood head or blade. This rigid mounting of the blade to the handle is typically effected by thermal gluing.
It can be appreciated that, for hockey sticksl a metal shaft or handle is considerably strongex than ~he wooden variety and damage thereto is much less likely. The heads or blades of hockey 2 ~ 2 sticks are still principally made of hardwood, and, as a consequence, are vulnerable to breakage duxing the course of playing hockey.
When a head or blade of a hockey stick comprising a metallic shaft or handle breaks and requires replacement, it is necessary to apply a heat gun or torch to the thermal gluing, so that the glue is raised to a sufficient temperature permitting the bond to be broken and the damaged head or blade removed. The remnants of the previous thermal gluing are then cleansed from the metallic shaft or handle of the hockey stick and the new head or blade presented and thermal glued thereto.
Combined metal shaft or handle and wooden head or blade hockey sticks are becoming increasingly popular at all levels of the game.
Further, players are becoming attached to a certain "feel" of a particular shaft or handle. Moreover, the cost of replacing a head or blade of a hockey stick is generally considerably less than the cost o~ purchasing a complete i~em. Unfortunately, however, removal of a broken blade is relatively difficult and not a simple matter or task that can be undertaken durin~ the course of a game in the event that the blade or head becomes broken during play.
Special equipment and con3iderable force is usually required and, physical damage to the relativsly thin walled shaft or handle often results.
Further, it can be appreciated that users of a sports implement, such as a hockey stick, or a golf club, often appreciate the fine distinctions that different heads or blades give rise to during course of play. For example~ in hockey, players may use a 2 ~
relatively flat straight edged blade, or, at other times, may be comfortable with other blades of various curvatures. Further, other sporting implements, such as golf clubs, eature a variety o:E
heads for different uses as well known by those who practise the game of golf.
There is, therefore, a need for a simple, mechanical locking device for a joint to releasably secure a head or blade to a shat or handle of a sporting implement without the necessity for hot gluing or other adhesive means to provide the necessary rigidity to the assembled structure, and which can be relatively easily undertaken by the user of the implement in replacing the head or blade.
Obiects of the Invention It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a locking device for a joint to releasably secure against separation a head or blade to a shaft or handle comprising a mechanical locking member which can readily and easily be operated by the user of the sporting implement to effect the removal and replacement of the head or blade.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a locking device for a joint to releasably secure a head or blade generally used in striking an object, such as a hockey puck, to a shaft or handle so that the mechanical bond so created is able to withstand the forces transmitted through the joint dur.ing the striking action.
It is a further obiect of this invention to comply with all safety requirements involved in, particularly, hockey, such that in any mechanical locking device for a joint to releasably secure the head or blade to the shaft or handle, no parts of the joint protrude or extend beyond the other surfaces of the blade or handle which, in a contact sport like hockey, could inflict injury upon fellow players.
Further, it is an object of one embodiment of this invenkion to provide a locking device for a joint to releasably secure a head or blade to a shaft or handle, such that the mechanical locking means, when the handle and blade are presented together for engagement, normally locks same against separation so that in the event that a player or operator of the sporting implement neglects to effect the locking mechanism manually, separation of the head or blade from the handle or shaft would be prevented.
Finally, it is an object of this invention to provide a locking device for a joint to releasab~y secure a head or blade to a shaft or handle which can be produced, at relatively low cost.
Features of the I~ent _n It is therefore, a feature of this invention to provide a sports implement derived from at least two separable elements, one of which telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap. Means are provided to relea~ably secure th~ elements together in ~he region of overlap, including a socket style ~oint featuring an aperture presented by one of the elements and extending generally transversely of the axis, and socket angaging means carried by the other of the elements and mountAd for movement to project therefrom and into registration within the aperture of the socket means, and 20~D.3~2 reversely. In this manner the elements are releasably secured against separation to one another. Moreoverl it ~s a feature of this invention to provide a locking device for a socket-style joint of a sporting implement which particularly comprises a handle portion or shaft portion and a blade portion or head portion.
Moreover, it is a feature o this invention to provide a bias which normally urges the socket engaging means of the locking device into registration within the aperture so provided so as to maintain the releasable securement of the elements against separation - even if the engaging means of -the locking device is not positively displaced by an aperture.
It is a further feature o this invention to provide a displaceable locking member carried by one of the projection formation or receptacle formation to be in the form of a boss having a flanged part and a projecting part extending transversely of the common axis of the telescoping elements and being of a configuration and size for mating reception within an àperture likewise extending generally transversely of the axis and presented in the other projection formation or receptacle formation when such formations are registered within one another in mating fit.
Moreover, in order to comply with NHL regulations concerning safety it is a eature of this invention to provide a stop means to prevent the projecting part of the locking member from extending beyond the aperture when same is displaced for mating reception within such aperture. The continued smooth outer surface of the shaft or handle portion is maintained through use of the improved locking mechanism of this invention.
In particular, the stop means comprises a recess provide~ in the formation carrying the displaceable locking member for engagement with the flanged part of the boss of the locking member, and of a selected depth to limit the displacement of the projecting part within the aperture so presented.
Moreover, it is a feature of this invention that the bias which normally urges the projecting part of the boss downwardly within the aperture engages the flanged part of the boss to exert such downward pressure. In particular embodiments o-f this invention this bias can consist of a spring clip ~or engaging the flanged part of the boss or a shape memory foam-type material.
In particular to effect displacement of the projecting part of the locking member within the aperture provided, it is a feature of this invention to have such protecting part internally threaded so as to receive an elongate member, such ~s a grub screw, having an external thread of a matching configuration for rota-tion within such projecting part. Through rotation of this elongate member displacement of the projecting part is effected.
It can be appreciated, again, for safety considerations, that it is desirable that such elongate member not be able to completely exit the projecting part and possibly fall upon a surface upon which a sportl such as ice hoc~ey, is being played, causing a potential hazard. Accordingly, it is a feature of this invention to provide stop means to prevent the elongate member from completely exiting the projecting part of the boss upon ro~ation of same. In particular, the stop means comprises limiting the extent of the internal thread through the projecting part of the boss.
2 ~
Further, it is a feature of this invention to provide a bearing plate upon which the elongate member can press upon rotation of same in order to fully effect the downward displacement of the projecking part of the boss within the aperture so presented.
Finally, it is a feature of this invention to provide a novel method for releasably securing against separation a head element to a shaft element of a sports implement wherein one of the elements telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap, and comprising a displaceable locking mem~er as detailed above. The steps of the improved met.hod of this invention include first axially aligning the head element to the shaft element and securely registering the projection formation presented by one of such elements within the receptacle formation presented by the other of said elements. The displaceable locking member is then operably activated so as to register the projecting part within the aperture so presented thereto to releasably secure the elements against separation.
Description of the Drawin~s These and other features and objects of the in~ention will become clear upon reading the following description in conjunction with the sheets of drawings in which;
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sporting implement incorporating the present invention, and particularly, a hockey stick comprising a blade and handle releasably secured against separation to one another;
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the joint of the i.nvention comprising a projection formation and receptacle formation for providing a sliding, telescoping snug fit between the blade and handle of the hockey stick of Figure 1;
S Figure 3 is an exploded view of the joint of a pre-ferred embodiment of the invention, and particularly illustrating the relationship between the various parts of the locking device and the projection formation and receptacle ormation;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ~oint of the invention as illustrated in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an exploded view of a further embodiment oE the invention wherein biasing means are provided to normally urge the locking member into registration within the recess formation provided to releasably secure the blade and handle against separation;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the joint of the further embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figuxe 5 with the locking member in a fully locked position;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the joint of the further embodiment similar to that illurstrated in Figure 6, but disclosing the locking member in an unlocked position;
Figure 8 is a cross-~ectional view of the joint of the ~urther embodiment of the invention similar to that illustrated in Figure 7, but showing the displacement of the lockiny member through use of a suitable tool to displace such locking member out of engagemen~ or registration within tha aperture provided by one of the blade or handle of the hockey stick; and - 2 ~
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the joink of the further embodiment oE the invention and similar to that illustrated in Figure 8, and disclosing separating of the blade from the handle with the locking member in an unlocked position.
Description of the Inven-tion A sporting implement, such as hockey stick 10 illustrated in Figure 1, and to which this invention particularly relates, generally comprises two separable elements, one of which telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap, such as a head portion and shaft portion, or, in the case of hockey stick 10, a blade 12, and handle 14. In particular, hockey stick 10 of this invention typically comprises a wooden blade 12 and a metallic handle 14.
In order to effect a secure telescoping sliding fit o.r connection between blade 12 and handle 14 a joint 16 is provided comprising a projection formation 18 presented by one of blade 12 or handle 14, a receptacle formation 20 presented by the other of blade 12 or handle 14 to receive therein in snap overlapping it projection formation 18, and a locking member 22 for interacting with projection formation 18 and receptacle formation 20 to releasably secure against separation blade 12 to handle 14. It can be appreciated that in the current method of manufacture, whether the joint is relatively permanent by using, as in the prior art, thermal glue, or to be releasable by using, as in the present invention, locking member 22 as will hereinafter be detailed, projection formation 18 is typically presented by wooden blade 12, w~ile receptacle formation 20 is presented by one end 24 of metallic handle 14, all as best illuskrated in Figure 2. Further, it can be appreciated that with metallic hockey sticks, to ensure lightness of the stick, handle 14 is typically hollow throughout its lengthwise extent so as to be in the form of a rectangular tubular shaft.
Figure 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of joint 16 of the invention for releasably securing agains~ separa-tion blade 12 to handle 14 of hockey stick lO. In particular, lock.ing member 22 o joint 16 illustrated in Figure 3 is preferably carried by projection formation 18 of blade 12 and comprises a boss 26 having a flanged part 28 and pro~ecting part 30 extending generally transversely to the axis of projection formation 18 and of a configuration and size for reception within an aperture 32 presented through projection iormation 18 of blade 12 and oriented generally transversely to the axis of projection formation 18, and displaceable through an aperture 34 presented by receptacle formation 20 of handle 14 and oriented generally transversely to that axis so as to releasably secure blade 12 against separation from handle 14, as will hereinafter be explained. The relationship between projecting part 30 of locking member 22 to aperture 3~ is that of a socket with projecting part 30 being a means to engage or register within aperture 34.
In a contact sport, such as hockey, it is essential that the joint between the handle and the stick presents a relatively smooth uninterrupted external surface, such as illustrated in Figure 1, to minimize the risk of injury in the event that the stick comes in contact with a player. Moreover, regulations set down by leagues, 2 ~
such as the NHL, are designed to promote safety between players, and any hockey stick which would present any pro~ec~ing parts would not be allowed by the NHL, and thus its viability in the marketplace substantially reduced.
Accordingly, boss 26 must be provided with pre-selected but limiting positions preventing any part of boss 26, and particularly projecting part 30 from protruding beyond aperture 34 of receptacle formation 20 of handle 14.
In order to limit the displacement of projecting part 30 of boss 26 within aperture 34 of receptacle formation 20, when projection formation 18 of blade 12 is fully registered within receptacle formation 20 of handle 14, so that projecting part 30 is flush with external surface 36 of handle 14 and does not extend therebeyond, projection formation 18 includes therein at least two, and in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, three successive recesses generally centred around aperture 32, as will hereinafter be detailed. Particularly, a first recess 38 is drilled within projection formation 18 centred about aperture 32 and of a configuration and size sufficient to receive projecting part 30 of boss 26 and a spiral spring 40 surrounding pro~ecting part 30, but not flanged part 28, as will hereinafter be detailed.
It can be appreciated that a ledge 42, is formed between aperture 32 and recess 38 and it is upon this ledge that spiral spring 40 rests.
A second recess 44 of larger size than recess 38 is then provided in projec~ion forma~ion 18, and again centred about aperture 32. Moreover, second recess 44 is of a configuration adapted to recei~e flanged part 28 of boss 26. Again, a ledge 46 is formed between second recess 44 and firs~ recess 38 upon which flanged part 28 of boss 26 can rest when boss 26 is fully displaced downwardly so as to engage in aperture 34 of handle 14. Moreover, the depth of sacond recess 44 is selected so as to place limits on the upward and downward displacement of boss 26.
In particular, as illustrated in Figure 4, the lower limit of recess 44, as defined by ledge 46, is such that projecting part 30 of boss 26 engages fully within aperture 34 in receptacle formation 20 of handle 14, when projection formation 18 is registered fully within receptacle formation 20. Ledge 46 defines a distance that projecting part 30 of boss 26 extends within aperture 34 of handle 14 such that external surface 36 of handle 14 is relatively smooth and continuous over such aperture, and no part of projec-ting par-t 30 of boss 26 projects beyond aperture 34 and above external surface 36 of handle 14, so as to cause undue injury in the event that a player comes in contact with such handle.
Further, it can be appreciated that the depth of recess 44 is such that flanged part 28 of boss 26 can be displaced upwardly within recess 44 such that projecting part 30 of boss 26 is fully removed from aperture 34 of handle 14, a].l as best illustrated in Figure 4. It can be appreciated, that spiral spring 40, within first recess 38, and resting upon ledge 42 of such recess, engages the under side of flanged part 28 of boss 26, normally urging boss 26 upwardly so that projecting part 30 is out of engagement with aperture 34 of handle 14.
It can be appreciated that in order for the joint of this invention to be effective so as to provide a secure locking mechanism between the handle portion and blade portion of the sport implement, such as a hockey stick, pro~ecting paxt 30 of boss 26, when registered within aperture 34 of handle 14, must be securely registered within aperture 34 and held in such position until a time that release of blade 12 from handle 14 is desired. In order to effect the controlled downward displacement and securing or registering of projecting part 30 of boss 26 within aperture 34 it 0 i5 found that such displacement is most easily accomplished by providing an internal thread to boss 26, extending down through projecting part 30, through which an elongate grub screw 48 is threaded. Grub screw 48 is p~ovided at one end with an opening 50 generally of a hexagonal configuration for receiving therewithin Allen key 52 to effect the rotation of same.
Further, it can be appreciated that means must be provided to prevent boss 26 from rotating with grub screw 48 when grub screw 48 is rotated by Allen key 52. This can be achieved in a number Oe ways, for example by anchoring flanged part 28 of boss 26 within recess 44 through use of screws 54, 56, or, alternatively, by manufacturing flanged part 28 such that it is of a configuration to snugly fit within recess 44, and both recess 44 and flanged part 28 are of a shape so that non-circular edges are presented coterminously preventing rotation of boss 26. Such configured flanged part and recess 44 are illustrated in the embodiment of the invention shown in ~igures 5 to 9 r inclusive.
2 ~ 2 Finally, in o.rder that grub screw 48 displaces boss 26 downwardly wi~hin aperture 34 of handle 14~ it is realised that as grub screw 50 is rotated within the threaded opening 48 of boss 26 upwardly above and beyond flanged part 28 that in order for boss 26 to be displaced downwardly grub screw 50 must abut against a bearing surface, which in the embodiment of ~he invention illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, is provided by bearing plate 60 which, in turn, can be secured to projection formation 18 of blade 12 by silicon glue within a matching recess 62 centred about aperture 32 and of a configuration and size larger than that o recess 44. Bearing plate 60 can be secured within recess 62 through means of suitable adhesive such as silicon glue, or, alternatively, other means to secure bearing plate within recess 62 can be used, such as, for example, screws ~not illustrated).
Further, it can be realized that the depth of recess 62 should be sufficient so that it receives fully therewith bearing plate 60 so that projection formation 18 presents a uniform external surface for reception within receptacle formation 20 of handle 14.
To assemble the joint of the inven~ion illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, spiral spring 40 is first placed within recess 38 so that same rests on ledge 42. Projecting part 30, preferably cylindrical in cross-section, of boss 26 is then fitted with grub screw 50 threaded within opening 48 of boss 2~ so that opening 52 of grub screw 50 is disposed downwardly~ proiecting part 30 is then threaded co-axially through spiral spring 40, and consequently is disposed within recess 38 and aperture 32 of projection formation ~a~2 18, and with flanged part 28 resting on spiral spring 40 within recess 44.
once boss 26 has been positioned within spiral spring 40, as illustrated in Figure 3, with flange in recess 44, flanged part if not so contoured, is then secured in position against rotation by suitable screws 56, 58 which abut against the appropriate deten~s 57 and 59 provided in the rim of flanged part 2B. It can be appreciated that in order ior boss 26 to be displaced within aperture 32 such that flanged part 28 can move between ledge 46 and an upper position defined by the overlapping bearing plate 60 that screws 56, 58 are not secured so tightly as to fully register flanged part 28 of boss 26 within recess 44 such that the bottom edge of flanged part 28 engages ledge 46, but, ratherr screws 56, 58 are secured with their upper heads approximately levelled with, or slightly lower than, recess 62 so that there is sufficient space for displacement of boss 26; the upper limit of the upper displacement of boss 26 must be sufficient in order that projecting part 30 of boss 26 clears aperture 34 of receptacle portion 20 of handle 14. Utilizing a contoured flanged part 28 at a correspondingly contoured recess 44, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the use of screws 56, 58, is not requiredt and, consequently, flanged part 28 of boss 26 is free to be displ~ced within the full depth xange of recess 44.
Once boss 26 has been so ~itted within appropriate recesses 38, 44, with projecting part 30 disposed downwardly through aperture 32 r bearing plate 60 is then positioned within recess 62 2~9~
overlapping flanged part 28 of boss 26 and secured within recess 62 through suitable means such as silicon glue.
The locking mechanism for the joint is now assembled and ready for use.
To releasably secuxe a blade to a handle of a hockey stick as illustrated in Figure 1, so that a joint of great strength is created able to withstand ~orces applied to the blade through the striking of objects, such as a hockey puck, a player is then readily able to replace the blade using normal equipment than a regular Allen key.
Should, for example, a player desire to replace a broken blade 12, or, should he desire to utilize a blade of different curvature, or handedness, then through inserting an Allen key 54 within opening 52 the player rotates grub screw $0 in typically counter-clockwise direction so that the threaded inter-connection between grub screw 50 and threads 48 within boss 26 displaces boss 26 along the threaded body of grub screw 50. Further, it can be appreciated that upon rotation in a counter-clockwise direction of grub screw 50 the pressure imparted by grub screw 50 on bearing plate 60 is removed, and the action o~ spring 40 displaces flanged part 28 of boss 26 upwardly so that projecting part 30 of boss 26 is displaced upwardly and out of mating engagemen~ within aperture 34 carried by receptacle formation 20 of handle 14. Projection formation 18 of blade 12 can then be slidably removed from receptacle formation 20 of handle 14 ~or disposal, or, i~ undamaged, for storage for later use when such blade is requir~d.
2 q~
In order to releasably secure a replacement blade or a blade of desired curvature to handle 14, projection formation 18 of the blade with a complete locking assembly as detailed above is inserted snugly within receptacle formation 20 of handle 14 with aperture 32 of projection formation 18 aligning with aperture 34 of receptacle formation 20. Allen key 54 is then inserted through apertures 34 and 32 to enter opening 52 of grub screw 50. Rotation of grub screw 50 in a normally clockwise direction drives same through thread 48 of boss 26 and beyond flanged part 78 of boss 26 and into engagement with bearing plate 60. Further rotation of grub screw 50 displaces boss 26, and particularly projecting part 30 downwardly against compression of spring 40 and into snug mating engagement within aperture 34 of receptacle formation 20 of handle 14. Downward displacement of projecting part 30 into aperture 34 continues upon rotation of grub screw 50 until flanged part 28 of boss 26 engages ledge 46 of recess 44. This limiting position prevents any further downward displacement of pro~ecting part 30 of boss 26 within aperture 34, and particularly prev~nts projecting part 30 of boss 26 from extending beyond external surface 36 of handle 14.
With projecting part 30 of boss 26 snugly registered within aperture 34 of receptacle ormation 20 of handle 14 the blade and handle of the sport implementl and particularly of a hockey stick as illustrated are secured against separation and, due to the snug relationship of projection formation 18 and receptacle formation 20, and the snug relationship between projecting part 30 of boss 26 within aperture 34, a secured joint is realized able to withstand 6 ~, drawiny impacts of the blade against a hockAy puck or other surfaces.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, handle 14 may be provided with a short longitudinal slit extending about 2 - 2~" from the end thereof and dividing the handle approximately in half. Recess 38 may be dril~ed entirely through one half and part way through the other half. A bearing plate 60 of generally circular shape may be provided and inserted at the bottom of the recess so formed, and boss 26 with grub screw 50 can be assembled in the drilled half.
The action is exactly the same as before except that spring 40 is not required as this embodiment uses the natural resilience of wood for constructing a blade 12 to provide the spring action. In this embodiment locking is achieved, in part, by the wedging action of the recessed portion of blade 12.
It will also be appreciatèd that to comply with safety regulations involving sporting implemen~s used in organised sports which have leagues or associations to govern the use thereof/ and particularly the National Hockey Association which has regulation which govern what kind of hockey sticks can be approved, projecting part 30 of boss 26 cannot extend beyond aperture 34 so as to extend beyond external surface 36 of handle 14 any distance which could present an edge or obstacle which could cause injury to a player due to the physical nature of the game; the design of the joint as described above prevents thiso 2 ~
Further, in order to prevent grub screw 50 from completely being unscrewed from projecting part 30 of boss 26 r thread 48 presented within boss 26 extends only for a select distance through projecting part 30, as best illustrated in Figure 6. Consequently, when an operator is rotating grub screw 50 to r~lease pressure on bearing plate 60 so as to displace projecting part 30 of boss 26 from engagement within aperture 34 of handle 14, so that blade 12 can be removed, grub screw 50 stops rotating within projecting part 30 when same comes to the end of thread 48 as at 64. This effectively prevents grub screw 50 from exiting threaded projecting part 30 of boss 26 and possibly falling on a surface such as ice upon which hockey is played, presenting an obstacle which could injure other players involved in the game.
Just as, in the above example, an excited player could accidentally remove the grub screw completely from the threaded part of boss 26, had not the feature of the interrup~ed thread as at 64 been incorporated into the invention, it can also be appreciated that a player in his excitement could forgek to completely or adequately engage grub screw 50 against the bearing plate so that the projecting part snugly registers within the aperture provided in the handle. In sports such as hockey where;n the ~lade is continuously ~triking with great force the hockey puck it can be appreciated that if the joint is not adequately secured the hlade could detach itsel~ from khe handle and cause injury to another player.
Consequently~ in order for the improved joint of this invention to be acceptable to such institutions as the NHL it would -6~f3~g~2 be required that a safety feature be built in such that in the event that a player forgets to opera~e the locking mechanism as described above to effect a secure anchoring of the blade to the handle, means come into play which would effectively prevent any accidental dislodgment of the blade from the handle.
In particular, Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment of this invention wherein a biasing means is provided to normally urge boss 26 downwardly within the aperture provided in the projection formation of the blade so that when the pro~ection forma~ion of the blade is snugly registered within the receptacle formation of the handle with the corresponding apertures aligning in overlapping relation, the projecting part of the boss is displaced downwardly into engagement within the aperture provided in the handle.
In the following description to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 all common elements to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 ~o 4 are denoted with common reference characters followed by the designation "a", i.e. blade 12a.
The working of the improved joint illustrated in Figures 5 to 9 is substantially the same for the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, except that a suitable bias 66 is provided for normally urging boss 26a downwardly so that projecting part 30a normally rests securely within aperture 34a of handle 14a, ~s will hereinafter be detailed.
Further, since the normal urging of boss 26a in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 is downwardly towards aperture 34a of handle 14a the strength and associated recesses and ledges of *he embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 are not required.
Consequently, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 features only $wo recesses, the first, recess 44a, of a configuration and size for receiving flanged part 28a of boss 26a, and the second recess 62a of a configuration and size for receiving bearing plate 60a, all as described ahove for the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 4.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, however/
when an operator has rotated grub screw 50a within threaded opening 48a of boss 26a such that pressure on bearing plate 60a is released projecting part 30a of boss 26a would normally be displaced upwardly and out of engagement with aperture 34a of handle 14a if not for the downward pressure exerted by bias 66 which, can be in the form of a spring clip as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, or, alternatively, in the form of a shape re~aining material such as resilient sponge 66a as illustrated as an alternative in Figure 5.
Figure 6 illustrates grub screw 50 rotated in a position within threaded opening 48a of boss 26a so that grub screw 50a engages through bias 66 bParing plate 60a so as to displace boss 26a downwardly so that projecting part 30a of same engages in mating registration within aperture 34a of handle 14a.
Figure 7 illustrates the situation wherein grub screw 50a is rotated until it encounters the interruption in the thread of threaded opening 48a, as indicated at 64, so that grub screw 50a no longer exerts pressure on bearing plate 60a through bias 66; in this configuration bias 66 exerts downward pressure upon flanged part 28a and grub screw 50a of boss 26a so that projectiny part 30a 2 ~ $ ~
is still maintained in registration within aperture 34a of handle 14a, effectively preventing blade 12a from accidentally dislodging from handle 14a.
In order that a player using the sporting implement, such as a hockey stick embodying the improved joint 16a as illustrated in Figures 5 to 9, inclusive, can remove blade 12a from handle 14a he must first dislodge projecting part 30a -Erom aperture 34a of handle 14a in a direction against normal force urged by bias 66. In order to accomplish this displacement Allen key 54a is modified so as to include a button 68 on a part thereof featuring a knob or projection 70 having a configuration and size matching that of aperture 34a of handle 14a. Further/ knob 70 is of a depth slightly greater than the depth of recess 3~a so that when knob 70 is presented to projecting part 30a of boss 26a in aperture 34a and pushed upwardly against the force exerted by bias 66, projecting part 30a is displaced upwardly and out of aperture 34a, all as best illustrated in Figure ~.
Once pro~ecting part 30a has ~een displaced upwardly as illustrated in Figure 8 so as to clear aperture 34a, projection formation 18a of blade 12a can be removed, see Figure 9, ~rom receptacle formation 20a of handle 14a and a new blade inser~ed in its place.
It can be appreciated that other modifications to this invention are contemplated, although not illustrated, for example, for certain sporting implements wherein s~rengthened materials can be used it will be possible to have the projection fo~mat.ion including ~he loc]cing mechanism presented by the shaft or handle, and the receptacle formation presented by the head portion or blade. Such a modification utilizing ma~erials of a quality able to resist the impact of striking objects, then the obvious advantage of such a modification can be appxeciat~d in that all the parts of the lock assembly are retained on the handle and not disposed of with the blade when a replacement i6 provided.
Consequently, the cost savings to the replaceable blades is realised.
While a specific embodiment of this invention has been illustrated and described herein, the invention is not limited to the specific construction disclosed. Those skilled in the art may be able to provide modifications or alternatives to the disclosed structural features while still practising this invention. It is intended to cover all such modifications and alternatives as well as other embodiments not disclosed which do not constitute a departure from the spirit and scope of the attached claims.
Claims (28)
1. In a sports implement derived from at least two separable elements, one of which telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap, means for releasably securing said elements together in said region of overlap including socket means presented by one of said elements and extending generally transversely of said axis, and socket engaging means carried by the other of said elements and mounted for movement to project therefrom and into registration with said socket means, and reversely, whereby said elements are releasably secured against separation.
2. A sports implement according to claim 1 wherein biasing means are provided to normally urge said socket engaging means into registration within said socket means.
3. A sports implement according to claim 2 wherein stop means is provided to prevent said socket engaging means from extending beyond said socket means presented by one of said elements when in registration therewith.
4. A sports implement according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said socket engaging means includes an internally threaded projecting part within which is rotatably threaded an elongate member having an external thread of a matching configuration for rotation within said projecting part to effect movement of same.
5. A sports implement according to claim 4 wherein said socket engaging means further comprises a bearing plate carried by one of said elements upon which said external threaded elongate member engages upon the rotation of same so as to displace said projecting part of said socket engaging means into registration within said socket means.
6. In a joint for releasably securing against separation a head element to a shaft element of a sports implement wherein one of said elements telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap and presents a projection formation of a configuration for mating reception within a receptacle formation presented by the other of said elements, the combination comprising a displaceable locking member carried by one of said projection formation or receptacle formation including a projecting part extending generally transversely of said axis and of a configuration and size for mating reception within an aperture likewise extending generally transversely of said axis and presented by the other of said receptacle formation or said projection formation when said formations are registered within one another in mating fit, and means for displacing said locking member so that said projecting part matingly registers within said aperture so as to releasably secure said elements against separation.
7. A joint according to claim 6 wherein stop means is provided to prevent said projecting part of said locking member from extending beyond said aperture when said projecting part is displaced for mating reception within said aperture.
8. A joint according to claims 6 or 7 wherein biasing means are provided to normally urge said projecting part of said displaceable locking member into mating reception within said aperture.
9. A joint according to claims 6, 7 or 8 wherein said locking member includes an internal thread, and said means for displacing said locking member comprises an elongate member having an external thread of a matching configuration for rotation within said locking member to effect displacement of same.
10. A joint according to claim 9 wherein said locking member further comprises a bearing plate upon which said external threaded elongate member engages upon rotation so as to displace said projecting part of said locking member into mating reception within said aperture.
11. In a joint for releasably securing against separation a head element to a shaft element of a sports implement wherein one of said elements telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap and presents a projection formation of a configuration for mating reception within a receptacle formation presented by the other of said elements, the combination comprising a displaceable locking member carried by said projection formation including a projecting part extending generally transversely of said axis and of a configuration and size for mating reception within an aperture likewise extending generally transversely of said axis and presented by said receptacle formation when said formations are registered within one another in mating fit, and means for displacing said locking member so that said projecting part matingly registers within said aperture so as to releasably secure said elements against separation, said projection formation comprising an aperture for receiving said projecting part of said displaceable locking member and positioned so that said aperture overlies and aligns with said aperture provided by said receptacle formation when said projection formation is registered within said receptacle formation in snug mating fit.
12. A joint according to claim 11 wherein said displaceable locking member is in the form of a boss including a projecting part and a flanged part.
13. A joint according to claim 12 wherein stop means is provided to prevent said projecting part of said locking member from extending beyond said aperture when said projecting part is displaced for mating reception within said aperture.
14. A joint according to claim 13 wherein said stop means comprises a recess provided in said projection formation for engagement with said flanged part of said boss, and of a selected depth to limit the displacement of said projecting part within said aperture of said handle.
15. A joint according to claim 12 wherein biasing means are provided to normally urge said projecting part of said displaceable locking member into mating reception within said aperture of said receptacle formation.
16. A joint according to claim 15 wherein said biasing means engages said flanged part of said boss to normally urge same downwardly so that said projecting part matingly registers within said aperture of said handle.
17. A joint according to claim 16 wherein said biasing means comprises a spring clip for engaging said flanged part of said boss.
18. A joint according to claim 12 wherein said boss includes an internal thread, and said means for displacing said locking member comprises an elongate member having an external thread of a matching configuration for rotation within said boss to effect displacement of same.
19. A joint according to claim 18 wherein a bearing plate is provided by one of said elements against which said elongate member engages upon rotation of same.
20. A joint according to claim 18 wherein means are provided to prevent said boss from rotating when said elongate member is rotated within said boss to effect displacement of same.
21. A joint according to claim 20 wherein said means to prevent rotation of said boss comprises a recess provided by said projection formation of a matching configuration and shape to that of said flanged part of said boss.
22. A joint according to claim 21 wherein said internal thread of said boss is interrupted in its full extent so as to prevent said elongate member from rotatably exiting said boss through aperture in said handle.
23. In a locking member for use in a joint to releasably secure against separation a head element to a shaft element of a sports implement wherein one of said elements telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap and presents a projection formation of a configuration for mating reception within a receptacle formation presented by the other of said elements, the combination comprising said displaceable locking member carried by said projection formation including a projecting part extending generally transversely of said axis and of a configuration and size for mating reception within an aperture likewise extending generally transversely of said axis and presented by said receptacle formation when said formations are registered within one another in mating fit, and means for displacing said locking member so that said projecting part matingly registers within said aperture so as to releasably secure said elements against separation, said projection formation comprising an aperture for receiving said projecting part of said displaceable locking member in position so that said aperture overlies and aligns with said aperture provided by said receptacle formation when said projection formation is registered within said receptacle formation in snug mating fit.
24. A locking member according to claim 23 wherein said member is in the form of a boss including a projecting part and a flanged part.
25. A locking member according to claim 24 wherein stop means is provided to prevent said projecting part of said locking member from extending beyond aperture when said projecting part is displaced for mating reception within said aperture.
26. A locking member according to claim 25 wherein said stop means comprises a recess provided in said projection formation for engagement with said flanged part of said boss, and of a selected depth to limit the displacement of said projecting part within said aperture of said handle.
27. A locking member according to claim 24 wherein biasing means are provided to normally urge said projecting part of said displaceable locking member into mating reception within said aperture of said receptacle formation.
28. A locking member according to claim 27 wherein said biasing means engages said flanged part of said boss to normally urge same downwardly so that said projecting part matingly registers within said aperture of said handle.
28. A locking member according to claim 28 wherein said biasing means comprises a spring clip for engaging said flanged part of said boss.
30. A locking member according to claim 24 wherein said boss includes an internal thread, and said means for displacing said locking member comprises an elongate member having an external thread of a matching configuration for rotation within said boss to effect displacement of same.
31. A locking member according to claim 30 wherein means are provided to prevent said boss from rotating when said elongate member is rotated within said boss to effect displacement of same.
32. A locking member according to claim 31 wherein said means to prevent rotation of said boss comprises a recess provided by a projection formation of a matching configuration and shape to that of said flanged part of said boss, wherein said configuration is such that rotation of said boss is prevented.
33. A locking member according to claim 32 wherein said internal thread of said boss is interrupted in its full extend so as to prevent said elongate member from rotatably exiting said boss through aperture in said handle.
34. In a joint for releasably securing against separation a blade to a handle of a hockey stick wherein one of said elements telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap and presents a projection formation of a configuration for mating reception within a receptacle formation presented by the other of said elements, the combination comprising a displaceable locking member carried by said projection formation including a projecting part of extending generally transversely of said axis and a configuration and size for mating reception within an aperture likewise extending generally transversely of said axis and presented by said receptacle formation when said formations are registered within one another in mating fit, and means for displacing said locking member so that said projecting part matingly registers within said aperture so as to releasably secure said elements against separation, said projection formation comprising an aperture for receiving said projecting part of said displaceable locking member in position so that said aperture overlies and aligns with said aperture provided by said receptacle formation when said projection formation is registered within said receptacle formation in snug mating fit.
35. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 34 wherein said displaceable locking member is in the form of a boss including a projecting part and a flanged part.
36. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 35 wherein stop means is provided to prevent said projecting part of said locking member from extending beyond aperture when said projecting part is displaced for mating reception within said aperture.
37. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 36 wherein said stop means comprises a recess provided in said projection formation for engagement with said flanged part of said boss, and of a selected depth to limit the displacement of said projecting part within said aperture of said handle.
38. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 35 wherein biasing means are provided to normally urge said projecting part of said displaceable locking member into mating reception within said aperture of said receptacle formation.
39. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 38 wherein said biasing means engages said flanged part of said boss to normally urge same downwardly so that said projecting part matingly registers within said aperture of said handle.
40. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 39 wherein said biasing means comprises a spring clip for engaging said flanged part of said boss.
41. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 35 wherein said boss includes an internal thread, and said means for displacing said locking member comprises an elongate member having an external thread of a matching configuration for rotation within said boss to effect displacement of same.
42. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 41 wherein means are provided to prevent said boss from rotating when said elongate member is rotated within said boss to effect displacement of same.
43. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 42 wherein said means to prevent rotation of said boss comprises a recess provided by a projection formation of a matching configuration and shape to that of said flanged part of said boss, wherein said configuration is such that rotation of said boss is prevented.
44. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 43 wherein said internal thread of said boss is interrupted in its full extent so as to prevent said elongate member from rotatably exiting said boss through aperture in said handle.
45. A method for releasably securing against separation a head element to a shaft element of a sports implement wherein one of said elements telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap and presents a projection formation of a configuration for mating reception within a receptacle formation presented by the other of said elements, and wherein a displaceable locking member is operably carried by one of said projection formation or said receptacle formation to engage an aperture presented by the other of said projection formation or said receptacle formation to releasably secure said elements against separation when said projection formation is registered snugly within said receptacle formation, the steps comprising:
a. axially aligning said head element to said shaft element and securely registering said projection formation within said receptacle formation so as to present said displaceable locking means to said aperture;
b. operably displacing said locking member so that same releasably matingly registers said aperture.
28. A locking member according to claim 28 wherein said biasing means comprises a spring clip for engaging said flanged part of said boss.
30. A locking member according to claim 24 wherein said boss includes an internal thread, and said means for displacing said locking member comprises an elongate member having an external thread of a matching configuration for rotation within said boss to effect displacement of same.
31. A locking member according to claim 30 wherein means are provided to prevent said boss from rotating when said elongate member is rotated within said boss to effect displacement of same.
32. A locking member according to claim 31 wherein said means to prevent rotation of said boss comprises a recess provided by a projection formation of a matching configuration and shape to that of said flanged part of said boss, wherein said configuration is such that rotation of said boss is prevented.
33. A locking member according to claim 32 wherein said internal thread of said boss is interrupted in its full extend so as to prevent said elongate member from rotatably exiting said boss through aperture in said handle.
34. In a joint for releasably securing against separation a blade to a handle of a hockey stick wherein one of said elements telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap and presents a projection formation of a configuration for mating reception within a receptacle formation presented by the other of said elements, the combination comprising a displaceable locking member carried by said projection formation including a projecting part of extending generally transversely of said axis and a configuration and size for mating reception within an aperture likewise extending generally transversely of said axis and presented by said receptacle formation when said formations are registered within one another in mating fit, and means for displacing said locking member so that said projecting part matingly registers within said aperture so as to releasably secure said elements against separation, said projection formation comprising an aperture for receiving said projecting part of said displaceable locking member in position so that said aperture overlies and aligns with said aperture provided by said receptacle formation when said projection formation is registered within said receptacle formation in snug mating fit.
35. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 34 wherein said displaceable locking member is in the form of a boss including a projecting part and a flanged part.
36. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 35 wherein stop means is provided to prevent said projecting part of said locking member from extending beyond aperture when said projecting part is displaced for mating reception within said aperture.
37. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 36 wherein said stop means comprises a recess provided in said projection formation for engagement with said flanged part of said boss, and of a selected depth to limit the displacement of said projecting part within said aperture of said handle.
38. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 35 wherein biasing means are provided to normally urge said projecting part of said displaceable locking member into mating reception within said aperture of said receptacle formation.
39. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 38 wherein said biasing means engages said flanged part of said boss to normally urge same downwardly so that said projecting part matingly registers within said aperture of said handle.
40. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 39 wherein said biasing means comprises a spring clip for engaging said flanged part of said boss.
41. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 35 wherein said boss includes an internal thread, and said means for displacing said locking member comprises an elongate member having an external thread of a matching configuration for rotation within said boss to effect displacement of same.
42. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 41 wherein means are provided to prevent said boss from rotating when said elongate member is rotated within said boss to effect displacement of same.
43. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 42 wherein said means to prevent rotation of said boss comprises a recess provided by a projection formation of a matching configuration and shape to that of said flanged part of said boss, wherein said configuration is such that rotation of said boss is prevented.
44. A joint for a hockey stick according to claim 43 wherein said internal thread of said boss is interrupted in its full extent so as to prevent said elongate member from rotatably exiting said boss through aperture in said handle.
45. A method for releasably securing against separation a head element to a shaft element of a sports implement wherein one of said elements telescopes into the other along a common axis in sliding fit to provide a region of overlap and presents a projection formation of a configuration for mating reception within a receptacle formation presented by the other of said elements, and wherein a displaceable locking member is operably carried by one of said projection formation or said receptacle formation to engage an aperture presented by the other of said projection formation or said receptacle formation to releasably secure said elements against separation when said projection formation is registered snugly within said receptacle formation, the steps comprising:
a. axially aligning said head element to said shaft element and securely registering said projection formation within said receptacle formation so as to present said displaceable locking means to said aperture;
b. operably displacing said locking member so that same releasably matingly registers said aperture.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US65250191A | 1991-02-08 | 1991-02-08 | |
| US07/652,501 | 1991-02-08 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2060962A1 true CA2060962A1 (en) | 1992-08-09 |
Family
ID=24617044
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2060962 Abandoned CA2060962A1 (en) | 1991-02-08 | 1992-02-10 | Hockey stick locking device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2060962A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5582406A (en) * | 1995-09-18 | 1996-12-10 | Babcock; Martin | Hockey stick blade coupler |
| US5628509A (en) * | 1995-09-25 | 1997-05-13 | Christian Brothers, Inc. | Hockey stick replacement blade and method of connecting a replacement blade to a hockey stick shaft |
| US7108618B2 (en) | 2003-11-19 | 2006-09-19 | Frischmon Timm J | Apparatus and method for repairing a hockey stick shaft |
-
1992
- 1992-02-10 CA CA 2060962 patent/CA2060962A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5582406A (en) * | 1995-09-18 | 1996-12-10 | Babcock; Martin | Hockey stick blade coupler |
| US5628509A (en) * | 1995-09-25 | 1997-05-13 | Christian Brothers, Inc. | Hockey stick replacement blade and method of connecting a replacement blade to a hockey stick shaft |
| US5695416A (en) * | 1995-09-25 | 1997-12-09 | Christian Brothers, Inc. | Hockey stick and hockey stick replacement blade |
| US7108618B2 (en) | 2003-11-19 | 2006-09-19 | Frischmon Timm J | Apparatus and method for repairing a hockey stick shaft |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5409214A (en) | Baseball bat | |
| US6565280B1 (en) | Fastening mechanism for connecting a sports attachment to a sports shaft | |
| US5511776A (en) | Roller hockey stick blade | |
| US6012989A (en) | Golf club head | |
| US4925190A (en) | Combination golf club and turf repair tool | |
| US7101290B2 (en) | Golf club having replaceable striking surface attachments and method for replacing same | |
| JP5463864B2 (en) | Golf club head and golf club | |
| CA2185873C (en) | Golf club head with tuning and vibration control means | |
| US5401019A (en) | All-in-one golf tool | |
| US4848746A (en) | Tennis racket grip | |
| NZ256550A (en) | Puck for non-ice surface: outer ring attached to core | |
| US20100075782A1 (en) | Golf tee placement and practice apparatus and system | |
| WO2006002436A2 (en) | Training bat | |
| EP0453120B1 (en) | Golf ball retriever | |
| US20080153619A1 (en) | Golf Club Having A Cam-Locked Insert | |
| WO1997040896A1 (en) | Adjustable hockey stick | |
| JP2014113253A (en) | Golf club and method for adjusting characteristics thereof | |
| EA028047B1 (en) | Double-edged skate blade assembly and holder | |
| CA2060962A1 (en) | Hockey stick locking device | |
| US5674141A (en) | Broomball broom | |
| US5632386A (en) | Table tennis paddle and ball caddy | |
| US6102819A (en) | Apparatus and method for removing a replaceable hockey stick blade from a handle | |
| US20040087395A1 (en) | Concave/sided oval hockey stick shaft (a.k.a. the CSO) with natural, horizontal, elliptical/oval convex (of oval geometry) top and bottom planes, and natural, vertical, elliptical/oval concaved (of oval geometry) side walls: referencing the cross-sectional aspect of the shaft itself | |
| US5108114A (en) | Collapsible sports racket | |
| JPH10501451A (en) | Handle pallets for equipment such as sports rackets |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |