FI130164B

FI130164B - Hockey stick

Info

Publication number: FI130164B
Application number: FI20215986A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Mika Björklund
Original assignee: Bjoerklund Mika
Priority date: 2021-09-21
Filing date: 2021-09-21
Publication date: 2023-03-23
Also published as: FI20215986A1

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hockey stick (100) comprising a shaft (110) having a proximal end (111) and a distal end (112), a blade (130) attached to the proximal end (111) of the shaft (110), and a handle (210), which has a first upper end (211) and a second downward end (212), which second downward end (212) is connected to the distal end (112) of the shaft (110) in an angle (α) with respect to said shaft (110).

Description

HOCKEY STICK

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to hockey sticks, more particularly to hockey sticks comprising handles.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A hockey stick is a piece of sports equipment used by the players in all the forms of hockey. The hockey stick comprises a long, slender shaft with a flat extension at — one end called a blade. The hockey stick is used to move a puck or a ball to either push, pull, hit, strike, flick, steer, launch or stop the puck/ball, and then trying to score.

[0003] US2009005197 Al discloses a hockey stick having an angled shaft extension, which comprises an elongate shaft having an upper end and a lower end and defining a shaft longitudinal axis, and is graspable by a hockey player. — [0004] US 6364792 BI discloses an ice hockey stick of the type with an elongate handle having a generally straight main portion and a blade attached to the handle at the lower end so as to project outwardly to one side of the straight line of the main portion is modified by the provision of a portion of the handle at its upper end, which is curved from the straight line of the main portion, such that a bull end of the curved portion is offset to — one side of the line of the main portion in a direction generally opposite to that of the

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N blade.

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3 [0005] US 6248031 BI discloses a handle for a sport stick comprising a body 3 portion and a grip portion. The grip portion, having a longitudinal grip axis and mutually

E perpendicular major and minor transverse grip axes, extends obliguely from the body

O 25 — portion so that the longitudinal axes thereof are disposed to each other at a first angle, and

B the major transverse axes thereof are disposed to each other at a second angle.

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N [0006] CN 205886133 U discloses a hockey stick a shaft and a head connected to one end of the shaft. The other end of the shaft has a bending portion, which is sleeved with an elastic reinforcing sleeve and an elastic anti-slip member.

[0007] However, the stick may turn in a hand of a player holding the stick during launching. This may result in a slow release of the puck/ball, resulting in a soft and inaccurate launch of the puck/ball. In addition, a weak grip on the stick may cause problems during steering of the puck/ball. Therefore, there is a need for improving the hockey sticks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a hockey stick, which enables a better grip and more accurate using of the hockey stick.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hockey stick comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a blade attached to the proximal end of the shaft, and a handle, which has a first upper end and a second downward end, which second downward end is connected to the distal end of the shaft in an angle with respect to said shaft. — [0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the angle is over 90 degrees, preferably 110 degrees.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shaft has a first side and an opposite second side, the blade being configured to protrude from the first side and the handle being configured to protrude from the opposite second side. — [0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a diameter of the

N handle is equal to a diameter of the shaft. & b [0013] According to an embodiment of present invention, a cross sectional shape of

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E [0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a length of the handle

O 25 1s 70 mm to 130 mm, preferably 100 mm.

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N [0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the handle has a plug

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N at the first upper end of the handle.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hockey stick comprises a grip part attached between the proximal end and the distal end of the shaft.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the grip part is formed 500 to 700 mm from the distal end of the shaft.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the grip part is a handle having a first upper end and a second downward end, which second downward end is connected to the shaft in an angle with respect to said shaft.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the angle is over 90 degrees, preferably 110 degrees. — [0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a diameter of the grip part is egual to a diameter of the shaft.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a length of the grip part is 50 mm to 110 mm, preferably 80 mm.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the grip part has a plug — at the first upper end of the grip part.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shaft has a first side and an opposite second side, and the grip part is an expansion configured to protrude from the opposite second side of the shaft.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, grip part comprises elastomeric material or a spring element.

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3 0 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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E [0025] FIGURE 1 illustrates a hockey stick comprising a handle in accordance with

O at least some embodiments of the present invention; and

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N 25 10026] FIGURE 2 illustrates a hockey stick comprising a handle and a grip portion

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N in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS

[0027] In the present context, the term “hockey stick” refers to a stick used by players in all the forms of hockey.

[0028] A weak grip on a hockey stick and a turning of the hockey stick in the hand of a user during launching may result in inaccurate and inefficient using of the hockey stick. At least some of the present embodiments provide a solution to the above-mentioned problems.

[0029] FIGURE 1 illustrates a hockey stick 100 in accordance with at least some embodiments. The hockey stick 100 comprises a shaft 110 having a proximal end 111 and a distal end 112, a blade 130 attached to the proximal end 111 of the shaft 110, and a handle 210. The handle 210 has a first upper end 211 and a second downward end 212, which second downward end 212 is connected to the distal end 112 of the shaft 110 in an angle a with respect to said shaft 110. The handle enables a user to grip the hockey stick firmly with one hand, while the other hand is gripping the shaft. The handle enables efficient and accurate using of the hockey stick. It secures that the hockey stick cannot turn in the hand of a user holding the hockey stick during launching. This in turn provided better power generation to the blade. Further, the handle enables a natural, ergonomic position of the user’s wrist, which reduces the stress placed on the user's wrist, thereby reducing or eliminating stress injuries.

[0030] The handle 210 can be attached to the hockey stick after the manufacturing the hockey stick. Alternatively, the handle 210 can be formed to the hockey stick during

W manufacturing the hockey stick. Then, the shaft can continue to the handle seamlessly.

R [0031] The handle 210 can be attached by a fastening element, such as a screw or 3 glue. 3

I 25 [0032] Alternatively, the handle 210 can be attached to the hockey stick 100 by a a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism can comprise a fastening band and a 2 fastening bolt. The fastening band can be a metal band. The fastening band can comprise a = first end and a second end. The first end of the fastening band can be attached inside the

N handle 210 at a first side of the handle and the second end of the fastening band can be attached inside the handle 210 at an opposite second side of the handle in the longitudinal direction of the handle. The fastening band can be configured to extend from the first side of the handle, around the shaft 110 of the hockey stick 100, and to the opposite second side of the handle. The fastening band can be attached to the first side and the second side of the handle by fastening elements, such as rivets or screws. The fastening bolt can extend from the second downward end 212 of the handle 210 to the first end or the second end of 5 the fastening band for securing of an attachment of the fastening band to the handle and the shaft of the hockey stick. The fastening mechanism provides a secure and firm attachment of the handle to the shaft of the hockey stick. Thanks due to the fastening mechanism, the handle stays on its place and does not move or waggle during the use of the hockey stick.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the angle a is over 90 degrees, preferably 110 degrees. Then, the hockey stick can be placed in the user's hand in a natural, ergonomic position, which enables efficient and accurate use of the hockey stick.

[0034] The shaft 110 has a first side and an opposite second side. The blade 130 can be configured to protrude from the first side and the handle 210 can be configured to protrude from the opposite second side.

[0035] A diameter of the handle 210 can be equal to a diameter of the shaft 110.

Thus, the shaft continues to the handle at the same thickness. Then the handle fits in the users hand in the same way than the shaft.

[0036] A cross sectional shape of the handle 210 can be same than a cross sectional shape of the shaft 110. Thus, the shaft continues to the handle with the same cross sectional — shape. Then the handle fits in the users hand in the same way than the shaft.

[0037] Alternatively, the handle 210 can have a different cross sectional shape than

N the shaft 110. Then, the handle can have for example, a round cross section, or the handle

N can be adapted to conform the outer surface of the user's glove, when the user is gripping 3 the handle having the glove in his hand. 3

I 25 — [0038] According to some embodiments, a length of the handle 210 is 70 mm to 130 a mm, preferably 100 mm. This enables tight grip on the handle, because the user is able to

E grip firmly around the handle.

O [0039] According to some embodiments, the handle 210 has a plug (not illustrated) at the first upper end 211 of the handle 210. The handle 210 can have a same kind of plug than the distal end of the shaft. The plug can be for example, and oval shaped sheath, that exceed the outer dimensions of the shaft 110 by 50 %. Thanks to the plug, the first upper end of the handle is not sharp, which provides safe used the hockey stick comprising the handle.

[0040] The plug can comprise a cavity. Then, when attaching the handle to the shaft — by the fastening mechanism, an end of the fastening bolt can be set inside the cavity and thus under an outer surface of the plug. Therefore, the end of the fastening bolt does not protrude from the outer surface of the plug, but is on the same level than the outer surface of the plug or under the outer surface of the plug.

[0041] FIGURE 2 illustrates a hockey stick 100 in accordance with at least some embodiments. The hockey stick 100 comprises a shaft 110 having a proximal end 111 and a distal end 112, a blade 130 attached to the proximal end 111 of the shaft 110, and a handle 210. The handle 210 has a first upper end 211 and a second downward end 212, which second downward end 212 is connected to the distal end 112 of the shaft 110 in an angle a with respect to said shaft 110. The hockey stick 100 comprises a grip part 220 — attached between the proximal end 111 and the distal end 112 of the shaft 110. The grip part enables a user to grip the shaft of the hockey stick firmly with one hand, while the other hand is gripping the handle. The grip part enables even more efficient and accurate using of the hockey stick. This in turn provided better power generation to the blade.

[0042] The grip part 220 can be formed 500 to 700 mm from the distal end 112 of — the shaft 110. The position of the grip part can be chosen according to the length of the hockey stick and the user, or the preferences of the user using the hockey stick.

[0043] The grip part 220 can be attached to the hockey stick after the manufacturing

N the hockey stick. Alternatively, the grip part 220 can be formed to the hockey stick during » manufacturing the hockey stick. Then, the shaft can continue to the grip part 220 : 25 seamlessly.

O z [0044] The grip part 220 can be attached by a fastening element, such as a screw or 3 glue.

N [0045] According to some embodiment, the grip part 220 is a handle having a first

N upper end 221 and a second downward end 222, which second downward end 222 is — connected to the shaft 110 in an angle B. Assembling of two handles 210, 220 instead of only one makes a tangible difference. Two handles provide even better grip and thus even more efficient and accurate using of the hockey stick.

[0046] The handle can be attached to the hockey stick 100 by a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism can comprise a fastening band and a fastening bolt.

The fastening band can be a metal band. The fastening band can comprise a first end and a second end. The first end of the fastening band can be attached inside the handle at a first side of the handle and the second end of the fastening band can be attached inside the handle at an opposite second side of the handle in the longitudinal direction of the handle.

The fastening band can be configured to extend from the first side of the handle, around — the shaft 110 of the hockey stick 100, and to the opposite second side of the handle. The fastening band can be attached to the first side and the second side of the handle by fastening elements, such as rivets or screws. The fastening bolt can extend from the second downward end 222 of the handle to the first end or the second end of the fastening band for securing of an attachment of the fastening band to the handle and the shaft of the hockey — stick. The fastening mechanism provides a secure and firm attachment of the handle to the shaft of the hockey stick. Thanks due to the fastening mechanism, the handle stays on its place and does not move or waggle during the use of the hockey stick.

[0047] The angle B of the grip part 220 can be same than the angle a of the handle 210. Then, the hockey stick can be used in a natural, ergonomic position, which enables efficient and accurate use of the hockey stick.

[0048] The angle PB of the grip part 220 can be over 90 degrees, preferably 110 degrees. Then the hockey stick can be placed in the user's hand in a natural, ergonomic

N position, which enables efficient and accurate use of the hockey stick.

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0 [0049] The diameter of the grip part 220 can be egual to a diameter of the shaft 110.

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O x users hand in the same way than the shaft. a a

O [0050] According to some embodiments, a length of the grip part 220 is 50 mm to 3 110 mm, preferably 80 mm. This enables tight grip on the handle, because the user is able

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I to grip firmly around the grip part. — [0051] According to some embodiments, the grip part 220 has a plug (not illustrated) at the first upper end 221 of the handle grip part 220. The grip part can have a same kind of plug than the distal end of the shaft. The plug can be for example, and oval shaped sheath, that exceed the outer dimensions of the shaft 110 by 50 %. Thanks to the plug, the first upper end of the grip part is not sharp, which provides safe used the hockey stick comprising the handle.

[0052] The plug can comprise a cavity. Then, when attaching the grip part to the shaft by the fastening mechanism, an end of the fastening bolt can be set inside the cavity and thus under an outer surface of the plug. Therefore, the end of the fastening bolt does not protrude from the outer surface of the plug, but is on the same level than the surface of the plug or under the outer surface of the plug. — [0053] As an alternative to the handle, the grip part 220 is an expansion configured to protrude from the opposite second side of the shaft 110. Then, the grip part 220 can protrude from the same side of the shaft 110 than the handle 210 and the opposite side of the shaft 110 than the blade 130. This enables natural position of the hands of the user gripping the hockey stick 100 and firm grip on the hockey stick. — [0054] A thickness of the shaft can be for example, 1 to 50 mm greater, at the point of the expansion than the thickness of the shaft between the distal end 112 of the shaft and the expansion. Then, the hockey stick, with less protrusion, still provides better grip than the conventionally used shafts.

[0055] The expansion can be shaped so that it is easy to grip. The expansion can — have shape of, for example, triangular, rhombus, half circle or any other suitable shape. It can be adapted to conform the outer surface of the user’s glove, when the user is gripping

W the expansion the glove in his hand.

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N [0056] The extension part may have a texture on its surface to provide better grip. 3 For example, it may have ribbed, circular or multidirectional surface pattern. 00

I 25 [0057] The grip part 220 can comprise elastomeric material or a spring element.

S Then, its thickness can decrease in a direction perpendicular to the length of the shaft, & when the user grips the grip part and squeezes it with his hand, and the grip can return to 5 its original shape, when the user releases his grip.

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[0058] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0059] Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” means that a — particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0060] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional — elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unigue member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto eguivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, — various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto eguivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

[0061] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One

N skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced

A 25 — without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, 2 etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or z described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. o [0062] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present 2 invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary

N 30 — skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation

N can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

[0063] The verb “to comprise” is used in this document as open limitation that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", i.e. a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

100 hockey stick 110 shaft 111 proximal end 112 distal end 130 blade 210 handle 211 first upper end of handle 212 second downward end of handle 220 grip part 221 first upper end of grip part 222 second downward end of grip part

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Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hockey stick (100) comprising: — a shaft (110) having a proximal end (111) and a distal end (112), and a first side and an opposite second side, — a blade (130) attached to the proximal end (111) of the shaft (110), and — a handle (210), which has a first upper end (211) and a second downward end (212), which second downward end (212) is connected to the distal end (112) of the shaft (110) in an angle (a) with respect to said shaft (110), characterized in that the hockey stick (100) comprises a grip part (220) attached between the proximal end (111) and the distal end (112) of the shaft (110), which grip part (220) is o a handle having a first upper end (221) and a second downward end (222), which second downward end (222) is connected to the shaft (110) in an angle (B) with respect to said shaft (110), or o an expansion configured to protrude from the opposite second side of the shaft (110).

2. The hockey stick (100) of claim 1, wherein the angle (a) is over 90 degrees, preferably 110 degrees.

3. The hockey stick (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (110) has a A first side and an opposite second side, the blade (130) being configured to protrude from O 25 — the first side and the handle (210) being configured to protrude from the opposite second 8 side. 3 =E

4. The hockey stick (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a diameter of the o handle (210) is equal to a diameter of the shaft (110). 3 30

S 5. The hockey stick (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross sectional shape of the handle (210) is same than a cross sectional shape of the shaft (110).

6. The hockey stick (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a length of the handle (210) is 70 mm to 130 mm, preferably 100 mm.

7. The hockey stick (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (210) has a plug at the first upper end (211) of the handle (210).

8. The hockey stick (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein grip part (220) is formed 500 to 700 mm from the distal end (112) of the shaft (110).

9 The hockey stick (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle (B) is over 90 degrees, preferably 110 degrees.

10. The hockey stick (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a diameter of the grip part (220) is equal to a diameter of the shaft (110).

11. The hockey stick (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a length of the grip part (220) is 50 mm to 110 mm, preferably 80 mm.

12. The hockey stick (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grip part (220) — being the handle has a plug at the first upper end (211) of the grip part (220).

13. The hockey stick (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein grip part (220) being the expansion configured to protrude from the opposite second side of the shaft (110) ~ comprises elastomeric material or a spring element. O 25 N © I © O I a a & O 30 LO N O N