CA2459006A1 - Sports apparatus shaft with added impact protection - Google Patents
Sports apparatus shaft with added impact protection Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2459006A1 CA2459006A1 CA 2459006 CA2459006A CA2459006A1 CA 2459006 A1 CA2459006 A1 CA 2459006A1 CA 2459006 CA2459006 CA 2459006 CA 2459006 A CA2459006 A CA 2459006A CA 2459006 A1 CA2459006 A1 CA 2459006A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- shaft
- sports apparatus
- shafts
- figures
- groove
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/46—Measurement devices associated with golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like for measuring physical parameters relating to sporting activity, e.g. baseball bats with impact indicators or bracelets for measuring the golf swing
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
- A63B59/70—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00 with bent or angled lower parts for hitting a ball on the ground, on an ice-covered surface, or in the air, e.g. for hockey or hurling
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/24—Ice hockey
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Description
SPORTS APPARATUS SHAFT WITH ADDED IMPACT PROTECTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention pertains to shafts and in particular to the shafts of elongated sports equipment or apparatus such as ice hockey stick shafts, field hockey stick shafts, lacrosse shafts and other such shafts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In sports that utilize equipment having an elongated shaft, the shaft must ideally be both lightweight and strong. In particular, the shaft should ideally have sufficient strength to withstand the stresses and deformation that arise during use and the impacts that they may be subjected to during play. Ideally, such elongated shafts must be able to withstand a large number of impacts concentrated at the edges, i.e. corners thereof, which over time, may result in increased damage to the structure and ultimately, premature failure.
Hockey sticks, field hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks and other such sports sticks may have shafts which may be made from a variety of materials including wood, aluminum, plastic and composite materials such as fiberglass, graphite and Kevlar or a combination of any of them. Materials are usually selected for their physical properties in an attempt to improve performance. Some composite shafts may have lower durability, but are still popular because of their lightweight and superior stiffness. Wood shafts are not especially light, stiff or durable while aluminum shafts can have a relatively short life as they are prone to bending failure.
All of these shafts may be particularly vulnerable to failure along their edges, i.e.
where one surface intersects with an adjacent surtace, often at 90 degrees. Impacts are often concentrated at these edges, precisely where there is less material to absorb and dissipate said impacts.
There is therefore a need for a sports apparatus shaft that has an increased ability to withstand impact along its edges.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention pertains to shafts and in particular to the shafts of elongated sports equipment or apparatus such as ice hockey stick shafts, field hockey stick shafts, lacrosse shafts and other such shafts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In sports that utilize equipment having an elongated shaft, the shaft must ideally be both lightweight and strong. In particular, the shaft should ideally have sufficient strength to withstand the stresses and deformation that arise during use and the impacts that they may be subjected to during play. Ideally, such elongated shafts must be able to withstand a large number of impacts concentrated at the edges, i.e. corners thereof, which over time, may result in increased damage to the structure and ultimately, premature failure.
Hockey sticks, field hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks and other such sports sticks may have shafts which may be made from a variety of materials including wood, aluminum, plastic and composite materials such as fiberglass, graphite and Kevlar or a combination of any of them. Materials are usually selected for their physical properties in an attempt to improve performance. Some composite shafts may have lower durability, but are still popular because of their lightweight and superior stiffness. Wood shafts are not especially light, stiff or durable while aluminum shafts can have a relatively short life as they are prone to bending failure.
All of these shafts may be particularly vulnerable to failure along their edges, i.e.
where one surface intersects with an adjacent surtace, often at 90 degrees. Impacts are often concentrated at these edges, precisely where there is less material to absorb and dissipate said impacts.
There is therefore a need for a sports apparatus shaft that has an increased ability to withstand impact along its edges.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present application to provide a sports apparatus shaft where there is added protection at its edges.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, although applicable to any number of shafts for a variety of sports, will be described with respect to hockey stick shafts for ease of reference.
Hockey stick shafts are generally elongated, often up to 60 inches long and generally rectangular in cross section. In particular, a hockey stick shaft may comprise a pair of opposed, major surfaces spaced apart by a pair of opposed minor surfaces forming a regular parallelogram. The major and minor surfaces, or some of them may be flat, concave or convex, or any combination thereof, along their whole length or width, or only on a part thereof. Generally, a surface (minor or major) may meet its adjacent surtace (major or minor) at a 90 degree angle.
Although not widely accepted by users, the present invention may also be used with hockey stick shafts whose major and/or minor surfaces are not parallel.
The intersection of said surfaces may be sharp, or may have been planed to give if a slightly rounded shape. The present invention applies equally as well to one-piece sticks and to replacement shafts.
The ability of an edge, defined as the intersection of a major surface with a minor surface, to withstand an impact during play is reduced by the limited amount of material adjacent the edge. Thus, for example, in a wooden or composite stick, the absence of sufficient material (wood or composite material) to withstand impacts along its edges may reduce the life and serviceability of the shaft.
In order to compensate for this limitation resulting from the geometry of the stick, the present invention provides for use of a more durable material disposed on or along one or more of the edges, which material may be better adapted to withstand impacts.
The invention pertains to a bumper shaft BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, although applicable to any number of shafts for a variety of sports, will be described with respect to hockey stick shafts for ease of reference.
Hockey stick shafts are generally elongated, often up to 60 inches long and generally rectangular in cross section. In particular, a hockey stick shaft may comprise a pair of opposed, major surfaces spaced apart by a pair of opposed minor surfaces forming a regular parallelogram. The major and minor surfaces, or some of them may be flat, concave or convex, or any combination thereof, along their whole length or width, or only on a part thereof. Generally, a surface (minor or major) may meet its adjacent surtace (major or minor) at a 90 degree angle.
Although not widely accepted by users, the present invention may also be used with hockey stick shafts whose major and/or minor surfaces are not parallel.
The intersection of said surfaces may be sharp, or may have been planed to give if a slightly rounded shape. The present invention applies equally as well to one-piece sticks and to replacement shafts.
The ability of an edge, defined as the intersection of a major surface with a minor surface, to withstand an impact during play is reduced by the limited amount of material adjacent the edge. Thus, for example, in a wooden or composite stick, the absence of sufficient material (wood or composite material) to withstand impacts along its edges may reduce the life and serviceability of the shaft.
In order to compensate for this limitation resulting from the geometry of the stick, the present invention provides for use of a more durable material disposed on or along one or more of the edges, which material may be better adapted to withstand impacts.
The invention pertains to a bumper shaft BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate cross sections of examples of prior art rectangular sports apparatus shafts.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate cross sections of examples of rectangular sports apparatus shafts according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate cross sections of examples of rectangular sports apparatus shafts according to further embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate detailed cross section views of a groove and bumper illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 respectively.
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate detailed cross section views of further possible groove and bumper configurations.
Figures 11 to 14 illustrate cross sections of examples of rectangular sports apparatus shafts according to further embodiments of the present invention comprising various examples of possible groove geometries on all four edges.
Figures 15 to 18 illustrate detailed isometric views of embodiments illustrated in Figures 11 to 14 respectively.
Figures 19 to 21 illustrate cross sections of examples of rectangular sports apparatus shafts according to further embodiments of the present invention comprising various examples of possible groove geometries combinations on all or some of the edges.
Figures 22 and 23 illustrate cross sections of examples of rectangular sports apparatus shafts according to further embodiments of the present invention comprising grooves partially, or completely, covering the surface of the shaft.
Figure 24 illustrates a detailed isometric view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure22.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate cross sections of examples of rectangular sports apparatus shafts according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate cross sections of examples of rectangular sports apparatus shafts according to further embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate detailed cross section views of a groove and bumper illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 respectively.
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate detailed cross section views of further possible groove and bumper configurations.
Figures 11 to 14 illustrate cross sections of examples of rectangular sports apparatus shafts according to further embodiments of the present invention comprising various examples of possible groove geometries on all four edges.
Figures 15 to 18 illustrate detailed isometric views of embodiments illustrated in Figures 11 to 14 respectively.
Figures 19 to 21 illustrate cross sections of examples of rectangular sports apparatus shafts according to further embodiments of the present invention comprising various examples of possible groove geometries combinations on all or some of the edges.
Figures 22 and 23 illustrate cross sections of examples of rectangular sports apparatus shafts according to further embodiments of the present invention comprising grooves partially, or completely, covering the surface of the shaft.
Figure 24 illustrates a detailed isometric view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure22.
Figure 25 illustrates a cross section of an example of an eight sided sports apparatus shafts according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 26 and 27 illustrate cross sections of examples of circular sports apparatus shafts according to further embodiments of the present invention comprising grooves partially, or completely, covering the surtace of the shaft.
Figures 28 to 33 illustrate side views of examples of possible bumper positioning on a hockey stick shaft.
Figure 34 illustrates a generalized flow chart of the manufacturing process used to produce the sports apparatus shafts with thermoset elastomeric urethane bumpers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Hockey stick shafts are generally elongated, often up to 60 inches long and generally rectangular in cross section. In particular, a hockey stick shaft may comprise a pair of opposed, major surfaces spaced apart by a pair of opposed minor surfaces forming a regular parallelogram. The major and minor surtaces, or some of them may be flat, concave or convex, or any combination thereof, along their whole length or width, or only on a part thereof. Generally, a surface (minor or major) may meet its adjacent surface (major or minor) at a 90 degree angle.
Although not widely accepted by users, hockey stick shafts may also have major and/or minor surfaces which not parallel. The intersection of said surfaces may be sharp, or may have been planed to give if a slightly rounded shape. The shaft may hollow, filled with foam either along its whole length or just in portions of its length, or solid.
Figure 1 shows a cross section example of a prior art hollow composite hockey stick shaft 10 comprising an empty space 11 within, the shaft 10 comprising a pair of opposed major surfaces 2, 4 spaced apart by a pair of opposed minor surfaces 6, 8, the intersection of the major 2, 4 and minor 6, 8 surfaces forming edge 13, while Figure 2 shows a cross section example of a prior art solid hockey stick shaft comprising a pair of opposed, concave major surfaces 2, 4 spaced apart by a pair of opposed convex minor surfaces 6, 8, the intersection of the major 2, 4 and minor 6, 8 surfaces forming edge 13. Of course, other hockey stick geometries 5 and/or configurations are possible but all have in common the presence of edges 13 of the same material as their major 2, 4 and minor 6, 8 surtaces, which may be, for example, composite or aluminum in the case of a hollow stick, or wood in the case of a solid stick. Furthermore, hollow sticks may also be filled with various types of foam.
10 Figures 3 and 4 illustrate cross sections of particular embodiments of hockey stick shafts 10 according to the present invention, the shaft 10 comprising grooves 12 at its edges, which grooves serve as receptacles for bumpers 14. More particularly, Figure 3 illustrates a hollow composite hockey stick shaft 10 while Figure 2 illustrates a solid hockey stick shaft. Both Figures 3 and 4 have bumpers 14 forming a rounded edge so as to provide improved comfort to the user holding the hockey stick shaft 10 although the bumpers 14 may also form a sharp edge as illustrated in Figure 5, or a flat surface as illustrated in Figure 6.
Figures 7 and 8 show detailed cross section views of a groove 12 and bumper 14 illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 respectively. Groove 12 comprises two surfaces, a first surface 22 relatively perpendicular to major surface 4 and a second surtace 23 relatively perpendicular to minor surface 8. The first 22 and second 23 surfaces of the groove 12 intersect each other at an angle of approximately 90 degrees and may have a depth which ranges from 0.015" to 0.250" and may range preferably from 0.025" to 0.060". The material used for bumper 14 may be preferably thermoset elastomeric urethane, although other material may be used such as, for example, thermoset elastomer dicyclopentadiene, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic urethanes, etc. The bumper 14 material fills groove such that bumper 14 is in register 24 with either or both of the shaft 10 major 4 or minor 8 surfaces or bumper 14 may also overlap 25 either or both of the shaft major 4 or minor 8 surfaces. The same general description holds for groove 12 at the intersection of major surface 4 and minor surface 6, major surface 2 and minor surface 6, and major surface 2 and minor surface 8.
Alternatively, groove 12 may comprise more than two surfaces, for example Figure 9 illustrates a groove 12 comprising three surfaces; a first surface 22 relatively perpendicular to major surface 4, a second surface 23 relatively perpendicular to minor surface 8 and a third surface 26 diagonally positioned between first surface 22 and second surface 23. Groove 12 may also comprise a single surface 26 intersecting major surface 4 and minor surtace 8 at an angle greater than 90 degrees, such as illustrated by Figure 10.
Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, groove 12 surfaces 22 and 23 may intersect each other at varying angles. For example, Figures 11 to 13 illustrate cross sections views of grooves 12 comprising first 22 and second 23 surtaces intersecting at 90, less than 90 and more than 90 degrees respectively. Figure illustrates the case where groove 12 surfaces 22 and 23 intersect each other at an angle of 180 degrees, in effect creating a single surface 26 intersecting both major 4 and minor 8 surfaces. Figures 15 to 18 illustrate isometric views of a groove 12 detail corresponding to Figures 11 to 14 respectively.
In a further alternative embodiment, grooves 12 need not be all similar as illustrated in Figures 3 to 6 and 11 to 14. Figures 19 and 20 illustrate examples of combinations of different groove 12 geometries on the same shaft 10. Other groove 12 geometry combinations may be possible on the same shaft 10.
Depending on the application, not all edges of a shaft 10 need be provided with a groove 12 and bumper 14, Figure 21 illustrates an example of a shaft 10 comprising only two grooves 12 and two corresponding bumpers 14. A
rectangular shaft may have as few as one groove 12 and one bumper 14 to as many as four grooves 12 and four bumpers 14. Each groove 12 may have its own specific geometry, which may differ from one or more of the other grooves 12, or may be similar to all of the other ones.
Figures 26 and 27 illustrate cross sections of examples of circular sports apparatus shafts according to further embodiments of the present invention comprising grooves partially, or completely, covering the surtace of the shaft.
Figures 28 to 33 illustrate side views of examples of possible bumper positioning on a hockey stick shaft.
Figure 34 illustrates a generalized flow chart of the manufacturing process used to produce the sports apparatus shafts with thermoset elastomeric urethane bumpers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Hockey stick shafts are generally elongated, often up to 60 inches long and generally rectangular in cross section. In particular, a hockey stick shaft may comprise a pair of opposed, major surfaces spaced apart by a pair of opposed minor surfaces forming a regular parallelogram. The major and minor surtaces, or some of them may be flat, concave or convex, or any combination thereof, along their whole length or width, or only on a part thereof. Generally, a surface (minor or major) may meet its adjacent surface (major or minor) at a 90 degree angle.
Although not widely accepted by users, hockey stick shafts may also have major and/or minor surfaces which not parallel. The intersection of said surfaces may be sharp, or may have been planed to give if a slightly rounded shape. The shaft may hollow, filled with foam either along its whole length or just in portions of its length, or solid.
Figure 1 shows a cross section example of a prior art hollow composite hockey stick shaft 10 comprising an empty space 11 within, the shaft 10 comprising a pair of opposed major surfaces 2, 4 spaced apart by a pair of opposed minor surfaces 6, 8, the intersection of the major 2, 4 and minor 6, 8 surfaces forming edge 13, while Figure 2 shows a cross section example of a prior art solid hockey stick shaft comprising a pair of opposed, concave major surfaces 2, 4 spaced apart by a pair of opposed convex minor surfaces 6, 8, the intersection of the major 2, 4 and minor 6, 8 surfaces forming edge 13. Of course, other hockey stick geometries 5 and/or configurations are possible but all have in common the presence of edges 13 of the same material as their major 2, 4 and minor 6, 8 surtaces, which may be, for example, composite or aluminum in the case of a hollow stick, or wood in the case of a solid stick. Furthermore, hollow sticks may also be filled with various types of foam.
10 Figures 3 and 4 illustrate cross sections of particular embodiments of hockey stick shafts 10 according to the present invention, the shaft 10 comprising grooves 12 at its edges, which grooves serve as receptacles for bumpers 14. More particularly, Figure 3 illustrates a hollow composite hockey stick shaft 10 while Figure 2 illustrates a solid hockey stick shaft. Both Figures 3 and 4 have bumpers 14 forming a rounded edge so as to provide improved comfort to the user holding the hockey stick shaft 10 although the bumpers 14 may also form a sharp edge as illustrated in Figure 5, or a flat surface as illustrated in Figure 6.
Figures 7 and 8 show detailed cross section views of a groove 12 and bumper 14 illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 respectively. Groove 12 comprises two surfaces, a first surface 22 relatively perpendicular to major surface 4 and a second surtace 23 relatively perpendicular to minor surface 8. The first 22 and second 23 surfaces of the groove 12 intersect each other at an angle of approximately 90 degrees and may have a depth which ranges from 0.015" to 0.250" and may range preferably from 0.025" to 0.060". The material used for bumper 14 may be preferably thermoset elastomeric urethane, although other material may be used such as, for example, thermoset elastomer dicyclopentadiene, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic urethanes, etc. The bumper 14 material fills groove such that bumper 14 is in register 24 with either or both of the shaft 10 major 4 or minor 8 surfaces or bumper 14 may also overlap 25 either or both of the shaft major 4 or minor 8 surfaces. The same general description holds for groove 12 at the intersection of major surface 4 and minor surface 6, major surface 2 and minor surface 6, and major surface 2 and minor surface 8.
Alternatively, groove 12 may comprise more than two surfaces, for example Figure 9 illustrates a groove 12 comprising three surfaces; a first surface 22 relatively perpendicular to major surface 4, a second surface 23 relatively perpendicular to minor surface 8 and a third surface 26 diagonally positioned between first surface 22 and second surface 23. Groove 12 may also comprise a single surface 26 intersecting major surface 4 and minor surtace 8 at an angle greater than 90 degrees, such as illustrated by Figure 10.
Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, groove 12 surfaces 22 and 23 may intersect each other at varying angles. For example, Figures 11 to 13 illustrate cross sections views of grooves 12 comprising first 22 and second 23 surtaces intersecting at 90, less than 90 and more than 90 degrees respectively. Figure illustrates the case where groove 12 surfaces 22 and 23 intersect each other at an angle of 180 degrees, in effect creating a single surface 26 intersecting both major 4 and minor 8 surfaces. Figures 15 to 18 illustrate isometric views of a groove 12 detail corresponding to Figures 11 to 14 respectively.
In a further alternative embodiment, grooves 12 need not be all similar as illustrated in Figures 3 to 6 and 11 to 14. Figures 19 and 20 illustrate examples of combinations of different groove 12 geometries on the same shaft 10. Other groove 12 geometry combinations may be possible on the same shaft 10.
Depending on the application, not all edges of a shaft 10 need be provided with a groove 12 and bumper 14, Figure 21 illustrates an example of a shaft 10 comprising only two grooves 12 and two corresponding bumpers 14. A
rectangular shaft may have as few as one groove 12 and one bumper 14 to as many as four grooves 12 and four bumpers 14. Each groove 12 may have its own specific geometry, which may differ from one or more of the other grooves 12, or may be similar to all of the other ones.
In still a further alternative embodiment, a number of grooves 12 may be extended such as to cover one or more surfaces of the shaft 10, either partially or completely, as illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, thus creating a bumper 14 that may also be used as a grip. Figure 24 illustrates an isometric view of a groove 12 corresponding to Figure 22.
In yet another alternative embodiment, the shaft 10 need not be rectangular, other geometries may be possible as well. For example, Figure 15 illustrates an eight sided shaft 10 comprising grooves 12 and bumpers 14 on all its edges. Of course, as in the previous four sided shaft examples, illustrated by Figures 3 to 6 and 19 to 23, variations in the number and geometry of grooves 12 and bumpers 14 apply to shafts with more or less than four sides. Further still, the shaft 10 need not have any edges, such as is the case with a circular shaft as illustrated in Figures 26 and 27. In such cases, the groove 12 and bumper cover the surface of the shaft 10 either partially, as illustrated in Figure 26, or completely, as illustrated in Figure 27, thus protecting the shaft 10 from impact as well as providing an improved grip.
The grooves 12 and bumpers 14 may be located at a number of different locations along the shaft 10, and may extend along either part or the full length of the shaft 10. Figures 28 to 33 show examples of grooves 12 and bumpers 14 locations on a hockey stick 20. The groove 12 and bumper 14 ensemble 22 may be located on specific portions of the hockey stick shaft 20, as shown in Figures 28 to 31, or along the whole length of the shaft, as shown in Figure 32. The groove 12 and bumper 14 ensembles 22 may also cover entire surtaces, such as shown in Figure 33, and may be located along any parts of the shaft where impact protection and/or improved grip is desired.
In Figure 34 there is shown a flow chart that depicts the manufacturing process used to produce the sports apparatus shafts 10 with thermoset elastomeric urethane bumpers 14. The sequences of steps pertormed is indicated by the sequence of blocks 102 to 114.
In yet another alternative embodiment, the shaft 10 need not be rectangular, other geometries may be possible as well. For example, Figure 15 illustrates an eight sided shaft 10 comprising grooves 12 and bumpers 14 on all its edges. Of course, as in the previous four sided shaft examples, illustrated by Figures 3 to 6 and 19 to 23, variations in the number and geometry of grooves 12 and bumpers 14 apply to shafts with more or less than four sides. Further still, the shaft 10 need not have any edges, such as is the case with a circular shaft as illustrated in Figures 26 and 27. In such cases, the groove 12 and bumper cover the surface of the shaft 10 either partially, as illustrated in Figure 26, or completely, as illustrated in Figure 27, thus protecting the shaft 10 from impact as well as providing an improved grip.
The grooves 12 and bumpers 14 may be located at a number of different locations along the shaft 10, and may extend along either part or the full length of the shaft 10. Figures 28 to 33 show examples of grooves 12 and bumpers 14 locations on a hockey stick 20. The groove 12 and bumper 14 ensemble 22 may be located on specific portions of the hockey stick shaft 20, as shown in Figures 28 to 31, or along the whole length of the shaft, as shown in Figure 32. The groove 12 and bumper 14 ensembles 22 may also cover entire surtaces, such as shown in Figure 33, and may be located along any parts of the shaft where impact protection and/or improved grip is desired.
In Figure 34 there is shown a flow chart that depicts the manufacturing process used to produce the sports apparatus shafts 10 with thermoset elastomeric urethane bumpers 14. The sequences of steps pertormed is indicated by the sequence of blocks 102 to 114.
In block 102, the sports apparatus shaft 10 is provided with grooves 12 where bumpers 14 are to be located in order to allow for elastomeric urethane attachment, their number, positioning and geometry may vary according to the desired application. In the case of a solid shaft 10 such as, for example, a wooden hockey stick 20, the grooves 12 may be mechanically etched into the shaft 10.
Alternatively, in the case of a composite hockey stick 20, the grooves may be provided when the shaft 10 is bladder molded. The composite stick 20 is bladder molded using hard tooling to define its outer geometry. The tooling geometry includes recesses in the edges, or surfaces, to form the grooves 12. Bladder molding is a composite process where a prepreg preform is created using a mandrel. This preform is then cured under heat and pressure using an internal bladder to apply pressure to the composite prepreg preform. The hard tooling is placed in a heated press which heats the tool and provides the force necessary to keep the hard tooling closed when the internal bladder pressure is being applied to the composite prepreg preform. The bladder molded composite sports apparatus shaft 10 is then removed from the tooling, deflashed, i.e. excess material is removed, and aluminum oxide blast prepared to eliminate the mold release transferred during the composite bladder molding process.
Then, at block 104, the sports apparatus shaft 10 is washed and rinsed to eliminate any contaminants on the surface of the grooves 12 prior to secondary bonding of the urethane. In the case of a composite shaft 10, mold release cleaner may be used for this purpose.
At block 106, after the grooves 12 are blast prepared and cleaned of any surface contaminants, both a primer for adhesion to the composite and an adhesive for adhesion to the urethane are sprayed over the area of the grooves 12 to be bonded with urethane in two separate steps. The primer and adhesive layers are post-cured separately and either may or may not be needed depending on the level of bond strength required for the product.
Alternatively, in the case of a composite hockey stick 20, the grooves may be provided when the shaft 10 is bladder molded. The composite stick 20 is bladder molded using hard tooling to define its outer geometry. The tooling geometry includes recesses in the edges, or surfaces, to form the grooves 12. Bladder molding is a composite process where a prepreg preform is created using a mandrel. This preform is then cured under heat and pressure using an internal bladder to apply pressure to the composite prepreg preform. The hard tooling is placed in a heated press which heats the tool and provides the force necessary to keep the hard tooling closed when the internal bladder pressure is being applied to the composite prepreg preform. The bladder molded composite sports apparatus shaft 10 is then removed from the tooling, deflashed, i.e. excess material is removed, and aluminum oxide blast prepared to eliminate the mold release transferred during the composite bladder molding process.
Then, at block 104, the sports apparatus shaft 10 is washed and rinsed to eliminate any contaminants on the surface of the grooves 12 prior to secondary bonding of the urethane. In the case of a composite shaft 10, mold release cleaner may be used for this purpose.
At block 106, after the grooves 12 are blast prepared and cleaned of any surface contaminants, both a primer for adhesion to the composite and an adhesive for adhesion to the urethane are sprayed over the area of the grooves 12 to be bonded with urethane in two separate steps. The primer and adhesive layers are post-cured separately and either may or may not be needed depending on the level of bond strength required for the product.
Following which, at block 108, the cleaned and surface prepared sports apparatus shaft 10 is inserted vertically into custom-designed heated aluminum/silicone hybrid tooling for injection of an elastomeric urethane. The shaft 10 is inserted into the tooling where the aluminum portion locates the grooves 12 and the silicone portion (when heated) provides a tight seal against the grooves 12, leaving a cavity for injection of the elastomeric urethane into the cavity created between the silicone portion of the hybrid tooling and the grooves 12. The shaft 10 sits vertically in the aluminum/silicone hybrid injection tooling so that when the tool is securely closed, elastomeric urethane may be injected through a manifold system attached to the aluminum/silicone hybrid tooling. One injection port fills half of the grooves 12 then a second injection port fills the other half. Urethane is continuously injected until it leaves through the vent manifold at the top of the tooling. At this point the injection is stopped and the injection hole plugged.
Then, at block 110, the hybrid tooling and molded elastomeric urethane is allowed to sit in order to cure.
At block 112, once the urethane is cured, the manifolds are pulled off and excess urethane from the injection systems is removed and discarded. The sports apparatus shaft 10 is removed from the tooling and any excess urethane overflow on the shaft 10 is cleaned with a solvent and the injection and vent sprues are removed by trimming with a curved razorblade.
Finally, at block 114, the sports apparatus shaft 10 is ready for secondary cleaning before application of paint and decals.
It should be noted that the particular embodiment of the manufacturing process illustrated by the flow chart of Figure 34 uses hard tooling such as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milled aluminum hard tooling, but there are a number of other tooling which may alternatively be used, for example using aluminum filled epoxies, soft tooling and other cast able tooling methods.
Reasonable variations and modifications are possible within the scope of foregoing disclosure, the drawings and the appended Gaims to the inventions.
Then, at block 110, the hybrid tooling and molded elastomeric urethane is allowed to sit in order to cure.
At block 112, once the urethane is cured, the manifolds are pulled off and excess urethane from the injection systems is removed and discarded. The sports apparatus shaft 10 is removed from the tooling and any excess urethane overflow on the shaft 10 is cleaned with a solvent and the injection and vent sprues are removed by trimming with a curved razorblade.
Finally, at block 114, the sports apparatus shaft 10 is ready for secondary cleaning before application of paint and decals.
It should be noted that the particular embodiment of the manufacturing process illustrated by the flow chart of Figure 34 uses hard tooling such as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milled aluminum hard tooling, but there are a number of other tooling which may alternatively be used, for example using aluminum filled epoxies, soft tooling and other cast able tooling methods.
Reasonable variations and modifications are possible within the scope of foregoing disclosure, the drawings and the appended Gaims to the inventions.
Claims (15)
1. A sports apparatus shaft comprising:
at least one bumper disposed in a groove on said shaft.
at least one bumper disposed in a groove on said shaft.
2. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 1 wherein:
said groove is at an edge of said shaft.
said groove is at an edge of said shaft.
3. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 2 wherein:
said at least one bumper extends the whole length of said shaft.
said at least one bumper extends the whole length of said shaft.
4. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 2 wherein:
said at least one bumper extends only a portion of said shaft.
said at least one bumper extends only a portion of said shaft.
5. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 2 wherein:
said bumper is a composed of thermoset elastomeric urethane.
said bumper is a composed of thermoset elastomeric urethane.
6. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 2 wherein:
said shaft has four surfaces.
said shaft has four surfaces.
7. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 2 wherein:
said shaft has five or more surfaces.
said shaft has five or more surfaces.
8. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 2 wherein:
said shaft is of circular shape.
said shaft is of circular shape.
9. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 1 wherein:
said groove is at a surface of said shaft.
said groove is at a surface of said shaft.
10. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 9 wherein:
said at least one bumper extends the whole length of said shaft.
said at least one bumper extends the whole length of said shaft.
11. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 9 wherein:
said at least one bumper extends only a portion of said shaft.
said at least one bumper extends only a portion of said shaft.
12. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 9 wherein:
said bumper is a composed of thermoset elastomeric urethane.
said bumper is a composed of thermoset elastomeric urethane.
13. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 9 wherein:
said shaft has four surfaces.
said shaft has four surfaces.
14. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 9 wherein:
said shaft has five or more surfaces.
said shaft has five or more surfaces.
15. A sports apparatus shaft as in claim 9 wherein:
said shaft is of circular shape.
said shaft is of circular shape.
Priority Applications (8)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2459006 CA2459006A1 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2004-02-26 | Sports apparatus shaft with added impact protection |
| RU2006134050/12A RU2372960C2 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2005-02-25 | Reinforced shockproof sports handle and method of its manufacture |
| PCT/CA2005/000309 WO2005082470A1 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2005-02-25 | Sports apparatus shaft and blade with added impact protection and method of making same |
| AT05714551T ATE464107T1 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2005-02-25 | SPORTS EQUIPMENT STICK AND CLUB WITH INCREASED IMPACT PROTECTION AND PRODUCTION METHOD THEREOF |
| DE200560020591 DE602005020591D1 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2005-02-25 | SPORT APPARATUS AND BOWL WITH INCREASED IMPACT PROTECTION AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF |
| US10/590,701 US8052551B2 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2005-02-25 | Sports apparatus shaft and blade with added impact protection and method of making same |
| CA 2558046 CA2558046C (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2005-02-25 | Sports apparatus shaft and blade with added impact protection and method of making same |
| EP20050714551 EP1722871B1 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2005-02-25 | Sports apparatus shaft and blade with added impact protection and method of making same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2459006 CA2459006A1 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2004-02-26 | Sports apparatus shaft with added impact protection |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2459006A1 true CA2459006A1 (en) | 2005-08-26 |
Family
ID=34865944
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2459006 Abandoned CA2459006A1 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2004-02-26 | Sports apparatus shaft with added impact protection |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2459006A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2527862A (en) * | 2014-10-09 | 2016-01-06 | Rockwood Composites Ltd | A Hockey Stick And Method of Manufacturing Thereof |
-
2004
- 2004-02-26 CA CA 2459006 patent/CA2459006A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2527862A (en) * | 2014-10-09 | 2016-01-06 | Rockwood Composites Ltd | A Hockey Stick And Method of Manufacturing Thereof |
| GB2527862B (en) * | 2014-10-09 | 2016-05-18 | Rockwood Composites Ltd | A Hockey Stick And A Method of Manufacturing Thereof |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20060601 |