US20230158381A1 - Customizable variable profile lacrosse shafts and methods thereof - Google Patents
Customizable variable profile lacrosse shafts and methods thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230158381A1 US20230158381A1 US17/533,972 US202117533972A US2023158381A1 US 20230158381 A1 US20230158381 A1 US 20230158381A1 US 202117533972 A US202117533972 A US 202117533972A US 2023158381 A1 US2023158381 A1 US 2023158381A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cross
- face elements
- corner face
- elongated shaft
- shaft member
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- A63B60/06—Handles
- A63B60/10—Handles with means for indicating correct holding positions
-
- 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
- A63B59/20—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00 having means, e.g. pockets, netting or adhesive type surfaces, for catching or holding a ball, e.g. for lacrosse or pelota
-
- 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
- A63B60/06—Handles
-
- 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
- A63B60/48—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with corrugated cross-section
-
- 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
- A63B2102/14—Lacrosse
-
- 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
- A63B60/06—Handles
- A63B60/22—Adjustable handles
Definitions
- This technology generally relates to lacrosse stick shafts and, more particularly, to customizable variable profile lacrosse stick shafts and methods thereof.
- the stick In lacrosse, the stick is comprised of two main components: the shaft; and the head.
- the lacrosse shaft has been made from wood or aluminum.
- composite materials have been introduced as a construction material for the lacrosse shaft.
- lacrosse shafts In order to improve the grip and to locate the position of the head, lacrosse shafts have been made with an octagonal profile in cross section, however further innovations with respect to these lacrosse shafts have been limited.
- a lacrosse stick shaft comprising an elongated shaft member having a non-uniform outer profile comprising a plurality of non-corner face elements extending along a first axis.
- An inner passage is formed in the elongated shaft extending along the first axis.
- the outer profile further comprises two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements extending along the first axis.
- a method for making a lacrosse stick shaft includes receiving selected parameters for an outer profile of an elongated shaft member extending along a first axis.
- the parameters comprise one or more of a plurality of cross-sectional shapes and locations for each of a plurality of non-corner face elements for the elongated shaft member.
- the elongated shaft member is formed based on the received selected parameters to comprise two or more outer profile portions with different ones of the non-corner face elements extending along the first axis.
- the forming of the elongated shaft further includes generation of an inner passage in the elongated shaft member that extends along the first axis.
- This technology provide a number of advantages including providing customizable variable profile lacrosse stick shafts and methods thereof. Examples of this technology can improve player comfort, performance, and provide unique, but legal in-play advantages.
- the non-uniform profile portions of the lacrosse shaft which are customizable, serve as feedback through indication of either position along the length or the orientation for the head position. This unique feature as a result of these non-uniform profile portions allows a player to better understand with tactile indexing where the shaft of the lacrosse stick is located in the player’s hands in preparation to pass, shoot, or defend. Improved ergonomics as a result of the non-uniform profile also can reduce injury and create advantageous grip configurations and transition areas for the different requirements for various positions found on a lacrosse team.
- sides of the cross-sectioned octagon of the lacrosse shaft can be made to have concave walls to further increase grip by allowing channels for fingers to be located within these channels. Allowing for improved responsiveness between a player’s hands and this customizable shaft with a non-uniform profile orientation is crucial to next level play. Additionally, different types of transitions between different non-uniform profile portions can facilitate specific types of playability.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a lacrosse stick shaft having a customized, non-uniform outer profile with a concave to flat to concave cross-sectional configuration;
- FIG. 2 A is a cross-sectional view of the lacrosse stick shaft shown in FIG. 1 taken along lines 2A-2A;
- FIG. 2 B is a cross-sectional view of the lacrosse stick shaft shown in FIG. 1 taken along lines 2B-2B;
- FIG. 2 C is a cross-sectional view of the lacrosse stick shaft shown in FIG. 1 taken along lines 2C-2C;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of another lacrosse stick shaft having a customized, non-uniform outer profile with a flat to concave cross-sectional configuration
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a portion of another lacrosse stick shaft having an asymetric cross-sectional configuration
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a portion of another lacrosse stick shaft having a convex top and concave lower cross-sectional configuration.
- each of the lacrosse stick shafts 10 ( 1 )- 10 ( 4 ) has one of the elongated shaft members 11 ( 1 )- 11 ( 4 ), respectively, that each extend along an axis A-A and have a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), although the lacrosse stick shaft could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations.
- This technology provide a number of advantages including providing customizable variable profile lacrosse stick shafts that improve player comfort, performance, and provide unique, but legal in-play advantages.
- the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft 10 ( 1 ) has the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 ) that extends along an axis A-A and has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), although the lacrosse stick shaft 10 ( 1 ) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations.
- the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft 10 ( 1 ) has the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 ) which has an optional opening 14 extending through along axis A-A and that has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), although the lacrosse stick shaft 10 ( 1 ) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations.
- the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 ) has a non-uniform outer profile comprising three outer profile portions shown in the cross-sectional views illustrated in FIGS. 2 A- 2 C .
- each of the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) of the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 ) between connecting corner elements have a concave cross-sectional shape.
- each of the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) of the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 ) between connecting corner elements have transitioned to a flat cross-sectional shape.
- each of the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) of the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 ) between connecting corner elements have transitioned back to a concave cross-sectional shape.
- the lacrosse stick shaft 10 ( 1 ) advantageously has two spaced apart outer profile portions with non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) having a concave cross-sectional shape that provide two designated gripping areas which enable superior gripping capabilities along with providing tactile feedback for appropriate hand positioning.
- the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft 10 ( 2 ) has the elongated shaft member 11 ( 2 ) which has an optional opening 14 extending through along axis A-A and that has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), although the lacrosse stick shaft 10 ( 2 ) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations.
- the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 ) has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two outer profile portions.
- each of the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) of the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 ) between connecting corner elements have a flat cross-sectional shape.
- each of the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) of the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 ) between connecting corner elements have transitioned to a concave cross-sectional shape.
- the lacrosse stick shaft 10 ( 1 ) advantageously has one outer profile portions with non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) having a concave cross-sectional shape that provide a designated gripping area with another portion which provides the player personal flexibility on hand positioning.
- the portion of the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft 10 ( 3 ) has the elongated shaft member 11 ( 3 ) which has an optional opening 14 extending through along axis A-A and that has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), although the lacrosse stick shaft 10 ( 3 ) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations.
- the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) along at least a portion and, in this example, along the length of the elongated shaft member 11 ( 3 ) have different sizes.
- the non-corner face elements 12 ( 3 ) and 12 ( 6 ) are the same size and wider than the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 2 ) and 12 ( 4 )- 12 ( 5 ) resulting in an asymmetric cross-sectional shape for the elongated shaft member 11 ( 3 ).
- the asymmetric cross-sectional shape for the elongated shaft member 11 ( 3 ) may be desirable for players with larger hand sizes.
- the portion of the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft 10 ( 4 ) has the elongated shaft member 11 ( 4 ) which has an optional opening 14 extending through along axis A-A and that has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), although the lacrosse stick shaft 10 ( 4 ) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations.
- the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) along at least a portion and, in this example, along the length of the elongated shaft member 11 ( 3 ) have a different configurations of different sizes and cross-sectional shapes.
- the non-corner face elements 12 ( 3 ) and 12 ( 6 ) are the same size and wider than the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 2 ) and 12 ( 4 )- 12 ( 5 ) having a flat cross-sectional shape.
- the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 2 ) having a convex cross-sectional shape while the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 2 ) and 12 ( 4 )- 12 ( 5 ) having a concave cross-sectional shape.
- this configuration with opposing and biased profiles for the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 2 ) and 12 ( 4 )- 12 ( 5 ) are ideal for a face-off situation in which a player’s distal hand works to apply pressure in a downward force and his proximal hand works to apply an upward force
- the non-uniform outer profile of elongated shaft member 11 ( 4 ) can be customized with different sizes and/or cross-sectional shapes along part or along all of the length of the elongated shaft member 11 ( 3 ) to enable superior gripping and playing capabilities along with providing tactile feedback for appropriate hand positioning and enhanced playability.
- this technology also enables the design freedom to vary and adjust the depth of the concavity or convexity or to maintain the flatness of the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) along part or all of the corresponding one of the elongated shaft members 11 ( 1 )- 11 ( 4 ) in these examples.
- Improved ergonomics as a result of these customizable non-uniform profiles can create advantageous grip configurations and transition areas for the different requirements for various positions found on a lacrosse team.
- non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) of the lacrosse shaft with concave cross-sections can further increase grip by allowing channels for fingers to be located within these channels while convex cross-sections can provide proper seating within the palm of the player’s hand. Allowing for improved responsiveness between a player’s hands and this customizable shaft with this non-uniform profile orientation is crucial to enabling players to reach a next level of play.
- examples of this technology allow a slope of a transition portion to be varied to serve as an indexing location to describe positional along the length of the corresponding one of the elongated shaft members 11 ( 1 )- 11 ( 4 ) as well as to tactile feedback.
- a high slope transition between for example portions 16 ( 1 ) and 16 ( 2 ) in FIG. 3 may serve as a set indexing bump or other indicator, such as a high slope by way of example only, to quickly provide feedback for the ideal hand placement correlated to one of a plurality of particular actions, such as an indicator correlated to a particular position on the shaft member for a face-off, shooting, or passing position.
- a low slope transition e.g.
- portions 16 ( 1 ) and 16 ( 2 ) in FIG. 3 may serve to provide more subtle tactile feedback to a player transitioning hand position along the shaft member towards or away from one of a plurality of positions each correlated to one of a plurality of particular actions while allowing a smooth transition of hand position from one desired profile to another.
- examples of this technology provide lacrosse stick shafts which are designed for enhancing playability for different positions and situations.
- the opposing and biased non-uniform outer profile shown in FIG. 5 is ideal for a face-off situation in which a player’s distal hand works to apply pressure in a downward force and his proximal hand works to apply an upward force.
- an offensive player lacrosse stick shafts such as those shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 by way of example, with one or more of the non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) having a concave cross-section, can assist when performing an underhand or sidearm shot by enabling increased grip for greater response as the head turns thus creating more control and speed on the shot. Additionally, when a player can use less grip strength to control the lacrosse stick shaft position as a result of the concave cross-section configuration, then fatigue and stress in the hands can be reduced.
- the lacrosse stick shaft is often held with the head of the lacrosse stick facing down.
- the distal hand of the player may benefit from a portion of the lacrosse stick shaft having a flatter or rounder (convex) outer profile for a portion of the elongated shaft member, such as shown in FIG. 3 , to allow the lacrosse stick shaft to slide and better execute a “poke” maneuver whereas the proximal hand could again benefit from a biased geometry, such as a concave cross-section, for another portion of the outer profile of the elongated shaft member to help best control stick twisting.
- the top hand acts as a guide and primary ball stopping force due to its proximity to the head.
- a wider and larger diameter portion of the elongated shaft member such as illustrated in FIG. 4 with the elongated shaft member 11 ( 3 ) having the asymmetric cross-section with wider non-corner face elements 12 ( 3 ) and 12 ( 6 ) by way of example, will be more advantageous to prevent spinning of the lacrosse stick shaft when the head is struck with the ball during a shot on goal
- Examples of this technology also enable the size and location of different portions of the non-uniform outer profile of the lacrosse stick shafts to be adjusts as needed. For example, as a player grows their arm span and hand size grow as well so the location and size of different portions of the non-uniform outer profile of the lacrosse stick shafts can be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, more pronounced transitions with a higher slope can be introduced to provide greater tactile feedback to less experienced players to reinforce proper hand position while other degrees of slope could be used for more experience players to provide more subtle tactile feedback that can be used to enhance their play.
- elongated shaft member comprising two or more sections which may be detachable engaged, such as with a friction fit and/or other securing mechanism.
- the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 ) may comprise two sections shown by the line that are detachably connected together.
- This modularity would enable different sections of the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 ) with different types of non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), such as ones with different cross-sectional shapes, depths, widths along the axis A-A and other customizations, to be selected and assembled together to create a customized lacrosse stick shaft that can continue to be adjusted based on the player’s particular preferences and needs.
- An exemplary method for making one of the lacrosse stick shafts 10 ( 1 )- 10 ( 4 ) by way of example may include receiving selected parameters for the outer profile of the corresponding one of the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 )- 11 ( 4 ).
- the parameters may comprise a selection of one or more of a plurality of cross-sectional shapes for each of a plurality of non-corner face elements for a portion or along the entire length of the elongated shaft member as well as different dimensions, such as the depth of concavity or the width of a portion with non-corner face elements 12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) a particular type of types of cross-sectional shapes, by way of example.
- the corresponding one of the elongated shaft member 11 ( 1 )- 11 ( 4 ) may be formed in one piece or in detachably connected pieces based on the received selected parameters to form two or more outer profile portions with different ones of the non-corner face elements extending along the first axis as illustrated in the examples in FIGS. 1 - 5 .
- the forming of the elongated shaft member may further includes generation of an optional inner passage in the elongated shaft member that extends along the first axis.
- this technology provide a number of advantages including providing customizable variable profile lacrosse stick shafts and methods thereof. Examples of this technology can improve player comfort, performance, and provide unique, but legal in-play advantages.
- the non-uniform profile portions of the lacrosse shaft which are customizable, serve as feedback through indication of either position along the length or the orientation for the head position. This unique feature as a result of these non-uniform profile portions allows a player to better understand with tactile indexing where the shaft of the lacrosse stick is located in the player’s hands in preparation to pass, shoot, or defend.
- Improved ergonomics as a result of the non-uniform profile also can reduce injury and create advantageous grip configurations and transition areas for the different requirements for various positions found on a lacrosse team.
- sides of the cross-sectioned octagon of the lacrosse shaft can be made to have concave walls to further increase grip by allowing channels for fingers to be located within these channels. Allowing for improved responsiveness between a player’s hands and this customizable shaft with a non-uniform profile orientation is crucial to next level play.
- different types of transitions between different non-uniform profile portions can facilitate specific types of playability
Abstract
Description
- This technology generally relates to lacrosse stick shafts and, more particularly, to customizable variable profile lacrosse stick shafts and methods thereof.
- In lacrosse, the stick is comprised of two main components: the shaft; and the head. Traditionally, the lacrosse shaft has been made from wood or aluminum. In more recent years, composite materials have been introduced as a construction material for the lacrosse shaft. In order to improve the grip and to locate the position of the head, lacrosse shafts have been made with an octagonal profile in cross section, however further innovations with respect to these lacrosse shafts have been limited.
- A lacrosse stick shaft comprising an elongated shaft member having a non-uniform outer profile comprising a plurality of non-corner face elements extending along a first axis. An inner passage is formed in the elongated shaft extending along the first axis. The outer profile further comprises two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements extending along the first axis.
- A method for making a lacrosse stick shaft includes receiving selected parameters for an outer profile of an elongated shaft member extending along a first axis. The parameters comprise one or more of a plurality of cross-sectional shapes and locations for each of a plurality of non-corner face elements for the elongated shaft member. The elongated shaft member is formed based on the received selected parameters to comprise two or more outer profile portions with different ones of the non-corner face elements extending along the first axis. The forming of the elongated shaft further includes generation of an inner passage in the elongated shaft member that extends along the first axis.
- This technology provide a number of advantages including providing customizable variable profile lacrosse stick shafts and methods thereof. Examples of this technology can improve player comfort, performance, and provide unique, but legal in-play advantages. The non-uniform profile portions of the lacrosse shaft, which are customizable, serve as feedback through indication of either position along the length or the orientation for the head position. This unique feature as a result of these non-uniform profile portions allows a player to better understand with tactile indexing where the shaft of the lacrosse stick is located in the player’s hands in preparation to pass, shoot, or defend. Improved ergonomics as a result of the non-uniform profile also can reduce injury and create advantageous grip configurations and transition areas for the different requirements for various positions found on a lacrosse team. For example, sides of the cross-sectioned octagon of the lacrosse shaft can be made to have concave walls to further increase grip by allowing channels for fingers to be located within these channels. Allowing for improved responsiveness between a player’s hands and this customizable shaft with a non-uniform profile orientation is crucial to next level play. Additionally, different types of transitions between different non-uniform profile portions can facilitate specific types of playability.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a lacrosse stick shaft having a customized, non-uniform outer profile with a concave to flat to concave cross-sectional configuration; -
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the lacrosse stick shaft shown inFIG. 1 taken alonglines 2A-2A; -
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the lacrosse stick shaft shown inFIG. 1 taken alonglines 2B-2B; -
FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the lacrosse stick shaft shown inFIG. 1 taken along lines 2C-2C; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of another lacrosse stick shaft having a customized, non-uniform outer profile with a flat to concave cross-sectional configuration; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a portion of another lacrosse stick shaft having an asymetric cross-sectional configuration; and -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a portion of another lacrosse stick shaft having a convex top and concave lower cross-sectional configuration. - Examples of various lacrosse stick shafts 10(1)-10(4) each having a customized, non-uniform outer profiles are shown in
FIGS. 1-5 . In these examples, each of the lacrosse stick shafts 10(1)-10(4) has one of the elongated shaft members 11(1)-11(4), respectively, that each extend along an axis A-A and have a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6), although the lacrosse stick shaft could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations. This technology provide a number of advantages including providing customizable variable profile lacrosse stick shafts that improve player comfort, performance, and provide unique, but legal in-play advantages. - Referring more specifically to
FIGS. 1-2C , the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft 10(1) has the elongated shaft member 11(1) that extends along an axis A-A and has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6), although the lacrosse stick shaft 10(1) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations. - Referring more specifically to
FIGS. 1-2C , the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft 10(1) has the elongated shaft member 11(1) which has anoptional opening 14 extending through along axis A-A and that has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6), although the lacrosse stick shaft 10(1) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations. In this particular example, the elongated shaft member 11(1) has a non-uniform outer profile comprising three outer profile portions shown in the cross-sectional views illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2C . In particular, at a first outer profile portion shown inFIG. 2A , each of the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) of the elongated shaft member 11(1) between connecting corner elements have a concave cross-sectional shape. Next, at a second outer profile portion shown inFIG. 2B , each of the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) of the elongated shaft member 11(1) between connecting corner elements have transitioned to a flat cross-sectional shape. Next, at a third outer profile portion shown inFIG. 2C , each of the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) of the elongated shaft member 11(1) between connecting corner elements have transitioned back to a concave cross-sectional shape. Accordingly in this example, the lacrosse stick shaft 10(1) advantageously has two spaced apart outer profile portions with non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) having a concave cross-sectional shape that provide two designated gripping areas which enable superior gripping capabilities along with providing tactile feedback for appropriate hand positioning. - Referring more specifically to
FIG. 3 , the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft 10(2) has the elongated shaft member 11(2) which has anoptional opening 14 extending through along axis A-A and that has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6), although the lacrosse stick shaft 10(2) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations. In this particular example, the elongated shaft member 11(1) has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two outer profile portions. In particular, at a first outer profile portion 16(1) each of the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) of the elongated shaft member 11(1) between connecting corner elements have a flat cross-sectional shape. Next, at a second outer profile portion 16(2), each of the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) of the elongated shaft member 11(1) between connecting corner elements have transitioned to a concave cross-sectional shape. Accordingly in this example, the lacrosse stick shaft 10(1) advantageously has one outer profile portions with non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) having a concave cross-sectional shape that provide a designated gripping area with another portion which provides the player personal flexibility on hand positioning. - Referring more specifically to
FIG. 4 , the portion of the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft 10(3) has the elongated shaft member 11(3) which has anoptional opening 14 extending through along axis A-A and that has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6), although the lacrosse stick shaft 10(3) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations. In this example, the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) along at least a portion and, in this example, along the length of the elongated shaft member 11(3) have different sizes. In particular in this example, the non-corner face elements 12(3) and 12(6) are the same size and wider than the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(2) and 12(4)-12(5) resulting in an asymmetric cross-sectional shape for the elongated shaft member 11(3). By way of example, the asymmetric cross-sectional shape for the elongated shaft member 11(3) may be desirable for players with larger hand sizes. - Referring more specifically to
FIG. 5 , the portion of the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft 10(4) has the elongated shaft member 11(4) which has anoptional opening 14 extending through along axis A-A and that has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6), although the lacrosse stick shaft 10(4) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations. In this example, the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) along at least a portion and, in this example, along the length of the elongated shaft member 11(3) have a different configurations of different sizes and cross-sectional shapes. In particular in this example, the non-corner face elements 12(3) and 12(6) are the same size and wider than the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(2) and 12(4)-12(5) having a flat cross-sectional shape. The resulting in an asymmetric cross-sectional shape for the elongated shaft member 11(3). By way of example, the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(2) having a convex cross-sectional shape while the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(2) and 12(4)-12(5) having a concave cross-sectional shape. By way of example, this configuration with opposing and biased profiles for the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(2) and 12(4)-12(5) are ideal for a face-off situation in which a player’s distal hand works to apply pressure in a downward force and his proximal hand works to apply an upward force Accordingly, as illustrated in this example, the non-uniform outer profile of elongated shaft member 11(4) can be customized with different sizes and/or cross-sectional shapes along part or along all of the length of the elongated shaft member 11(3) to enable superior gripping and playing capabilities along with providing tactile feedback for appropriate hand positioning and enhanced playability. - As illustrated and described with the examples above, this technology also enables the design freedom to vary and adjust the depth of the concavity or convexity or to maintain the flatness of the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) along part or all of the corresponding one of the elongated shaft members 11(1)-11(4) in these examples. Improved ergonomics as a result of these customizable non-uniform profiles can create advantageous grip configurations and transition areas for the different requirements for various positions found on a lacrosse team. For example, non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) of the lacrosse shaft with concave cross-sections can further increase grip by allowing channels for fingers to be located within these channels while convex cross-sections can provide proper seating within the palm of the player’s hand. Allowing for improved responsiveness between a player’s hands and this customizable shaft with this non-uniform profile orientation is crucial to enabling players to reach a next level of play.
- Additionally, examples of this technology allow a slope of a transition portion to be varied to serve as an indexing location to describe positional along the length of the corresponding one of the elongated shaft members 11(1)-11(4) as well as to tactile feedback. For example, a high slope transition between for example portions 16(1) and 16(2) in
FIG. 3 may serve as a set indexing bump or other indicator, such as a high slope by way of example only, to quickly provide feedback for the ideal hand placement correlated to one of a plurality of particular actions, such as an indicator correlated to a particular position on the shaft member for a face-off, shooting, or passing position. In contrast, a low slope transition, e.g. less than the high slope transition, between for example portions 16(1) and 16(2) inFIG. 3 may serve to provide more subtle tactile feedback to a player transitioning hand position along the shaft member towards or away from one of a plurality of positions each correlated to one of a plurality of particular actions while allowing a smooth transition of hand position from one desired profile to another. - Further, examples of this technology provide lacrosse stick shafts which are designed for enhancing playability for different positions and situations. As noted above, the opposing and biased non-uniform outer profile shown in
FIG. 5 is ideal for a face-off situation in which a player’s distal hand works to apply pressure in a downward force and his proximal hand works to apply an upward force. - In another example, for an offensive player lacrosse stick shafts, such as those shown in
FIGS. 1-3 by way of example, with one or more of the non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) having a concave cross-section, can assist when performing an underhand or sidearm shot by enabling increased grip for greater response as the head turns thus creating more control and speed on the shot. Additionally, when a player can use less grip strength to control the lacrosse stick shaft position as a result of the concave cross-section configuration, then fatigue and stress in the hands can be reduced. - In another example, for a defensive player, the lacrosse stick shaft is often held with the head of the lacrosse stick facing down. In this configuration, the distal hand of the player may benefit from a portion of the lacrosse stick shaft having a flatter or rounder (convex) outer profile for a portion of the elongated shaft member, such as shown in
FIG. 3 , to allow the lacrosse stick shaft to slide and better execute a “poke” maneuver whereas the proximal hand could again benefit from a biased geometry, such as a concave cross-section, for another portion of the outer profile of the elongated shaft member to help best control stick twisting. - In a further example, for a goalie, the top hand acts as a guide and primary ball stopping force due to its proximity to the head. A s a result, a wider and larger diameter portion of the elongated shaft member, such as illustrated in
FIG. 4 with the elongated shaft member 11(3) having the asymmetric cross-section with wider non-corner face elements 12(3) and 12(6) by way of example, will be more advantageous to prevent spinning of the lacrosse stick shaft when the head is struck with the ball during a shot on goal - Examples of this technology also enable the size and location of different portions of the non-uniform outer profile of the lacrosse stick shafts to be adjusts as needed. For example, as a player grows their arm span and hand size grow as well so the location and size of different portions of the non-uniform outer profile of the lacrosse stick shafts can be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, more pronounced transitions with a higher slope can be introduced to provide greater tactile feedback to less experienced players to reinforce proper hand position while other degrees of slope could be used for more experience players to provide more subtle tactile feedback that can be used to enhance their play.
- Further examples of this technology may comprise the elongated shaft member comprising two or more sections which may be detachable engaged, such as with a friction fit and/or other securing mechanism. By way of example, as shown in
FIG. 1 the elongated shaft member 11(1) may comprise two sections shown by the line that are detachably connected together. This modularity would enable different sections of the elongated shaft member 11(1) with different types of non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6), such as ones with different cross-sectional shapes, depths, widths along the axis A-A and other customizations, to be selected and assembled together to create a customized lacrosse stick shaft that can continue to be adjusted based on the player’s particular preferences and needs. - An exemplary method for making one of the lacrosse stick shafts 10(1)-10(4) by way of example may include receiving selected parameters for the outer profile of the corresponding one of the elongated shaft member 11(1)-11(4). The parameters may comprise a selection of one or more of a plurality of cross-sectional shapes for each of a plurality of non-corner face elements for a portion or along the entire length of the elongated shaft member as well as different dimensions, such as the depth of concavity or the width of a portion with non-corner face elements 12(1)-12(6) a particular type of types of cross-sectional shapes, by way of example.
- Next, the corresponding one of the elongated shaft member 11(1)-11(4) may be formed in one piece or in detachably connected pieces based on the received selected parameters to form two or more outer profile portions with different ones of the non-corner face elements extending along the first axis as illustrated in the examples in
FIGS. 1-5 . The forming of the elongated shaft member may further includes generation of an optional inner passage in the elongated shaft member that extends along the first axis. - Accordingly, as illustrated and described by way of the examples herein, this technology provide a number of advantages including providing customizable variable profile lacrosse stick shafts and methods thereof. Examples of this technology can improve player comfort, performance, and provide unique, but legal in-play advantages. The non-uniform profile portions of the lacrosse shaft, which are customizable, serve as feedback through indication of either position along the length or the orientation for the head position. This unique feature as a result of these non-uniform profile portions allows a player to better understand with tactile indexing where the shaft of the lacrosse stick is located in the player’s hands in preparation to pass, shoot, or defend. Improved ergonomics as a result of the non-uniform profile also can reduce injury and create advantageous grip configurations and transition areas for the different requirements for various positions found on a lacrosse team. For example, sides of the cross-sectioned octagon of the lacrosse shaft can be made to have concave walls to further increase grip by allowing channels for fingers to be located within these channels. Allowing for improved responsiveness between a player’s hands and this customizable shaft with a non-uniform profile orientation is crucial to next level play. Additionally, different types of transitions between different non-uniform profile portions can facilitate specific types of playability
- Having thus described the basic concept of the invention, it will be rather apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed disclosure is intended to be presented by way of example only, and is not limiting. Various alterations, improvements, and modifications will occur and are intended to those skilled in the art, though not expressly stated herein. These alterations, improvements, and modifications are intended to be suggested hereby, and are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the recited order of processing elements or sequences, or the use of numbers, letters, or other designations therefore, is not intended to limit the claimed processes to any order except as may be specified in the claims. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereto.
Claims (16)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/533,972 US20230158381A1 (en) | 2021-11-23 | 2021-11-23 | Customizable variable profile lacrosse shafts and methods thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/533,972 US20230158381A1 (en) | 2021-11-23 | 2021-11-23 | Customizable variable profile lacrosse shafts and methods thereof |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230158381A1 true US20230158381A1 (en) | 2023-05-25 |
Family
ID=86384939
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/533,972 Pending US20230158381A1 (en) | 2021-11-23 | 2021-11-23 | Customizable variable profile lacrosse shafts and methods thereof |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20230158381A1 (en) |
Citations (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4159114A (en) * | 1976-03-12 | 1979-06-26 | La Corporation Inglasco Ltee | Ice hockey stick |
US5577725A (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1996-11-26 | Tropsport Acquisitions Inc. | Hockey stick handle |
US6314617B1 (en) * | 1999-08-18 | 2001-11-13 | Johnson Worldwide Associates, Inc. | Reconfigurable handle |
US20030074766A1 (en) * | 2001-10-24 | 2003-04-24 | Tillim Stephen L. | Handle/grip and method for designing the like |
US20040087395A1 (en) * | 2002-11-04 | 2004-05-06 | Manory Marc Andrew | 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 |
US6752730B1 (en) * | 1999-09-14 | 2004-06-22 | Brine, Inc. | Handle for a lacrosse stick |
US20050215364A1 (en) * | 2004-03-26 | 2005-09-29 | 2946-6380 Quebec Inc. A/S Production P.H. Enr. | Irregular hockey stick shaft and a method of fabrication thereof |
USD534227S1 (en) * | 2005-12-13 | 2006-12-26 | Cheng-Ping Lee | Lacrosse shaft |
US20080026882A1 (en) * | 2006-07-31 | 2008-01-31 | Main Brian W | Lacrosse stick shaft |
US20080318714A1 (en) * | 2007-06-19 | 2008-12-25 | Stx, Llc | Transitioning Lacrosse Stick Handle |
USD594920S1 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-06-23 | Sport Maska Inc. | Hockey stick shaft |
US20100075786A1 (en) * | 2007-06-19 | 2010-03-25 | Wm. T. Burnett Ip, Llc | Transitioning and nonlinear lacrosse stick handles |
US7766772B2 (en) * | 2002-08-16 | 2010-08-03 | Warrior Sports, Inc. | Lacrosse handle |
US20100323830A1 (en) * | 2004-02-26 | 2010-12-23 | Sport Maska Inc. | Sports apparatus shaft and blade with added impact protection and method of making same |
US20110028250A1 (en) * | 2009-07-30 | 2011-02-03 | Sport Maska Inc. | Ice hockey stick |
USD645511S1 (en) * | 2010-03-18 | 2011-09-20 | Carolina Narrow Fabric Company | Core for orthopedic cast tape |
USD654129S1 (en) * | 2011-03-14 | 2012-02-14 | Warrior Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick with tapered hosel |
US20150182829A1 (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2015-07-02 | Bauer Performance Lacrosse Inc. | Butt-end apparatus for a lacrosse stick or other sport implement |
US9283454B2 (en) * | 2010-04-26 | 2016-03-15 | Wm. T. Burnett Ip, Llc | Sports equipment stick handle |
US20170021245A1 (en) * | 2015-07-21 | 2017-01-26 | Wolf Athletics Inc. | Shaft for sports equipment |
US9643311B1 (en) * | 2014-04-16 | 2017-05-09 | Marshalltown Company | Octagonal extension handle |
US20170157478A1 (en) * | 2015-09-22 | 2017-06-08 | Sam Lacey | Asymmetrical ice hockey stick handle |
USD881306S1 (en) * | 2018-01-16 | 2020-04-14 | Wm. T. Burnett Ip, Llc | Handle |
-
2021
- 2021-11-23 US US17/533,972 patent/US20230158381A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4159114A (en) * | 1976-03-12 | 1979-06-26 | La Corporation Inglasco Ltee | Ice hockey stick |
US5577725A (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1996-11-26 | Tropsport Acquisitions Inc. | Hockey stick handle |
US6314617B1 (en) * | 1999-08-18 | 2001-11-13 | Johnson Worldwide Associates, Inc. | Reconfigurable handle |
US6752730B1 (en) * | 1999-09-14 | 2004-06-22 | Brine, Inc. | Handle for a lacrosse stick |
US20030074766A1 (en) * | 2001-10-24 | 2003-04-24 | Tillim Stephen L. | Handle/grip and method for designing the like |
US7766772B2 (en) * | 2002-08-16 | 2010-08-03 | Warrior Sports, Inc. | Lacrosse handle |
US20040087395A1 (en) * | 2002-11-04 | 2004-05-06 | Manory Marc Andrew | 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 |
US20100323830A1 (en) * | 2004-02-26 | 2010-12-23 | Sport Maska Inc. | Sports apparatus shaft and blade with added impact protection and method of making same |
US20050215364A1 (en) * | 2004-03-26 | 2005-09-29 | 2946-6380 Quebec Inc. A/S Production P.H. Enr. | Irregular hockey stick shaft and a method of fabrication thereof |
USD534227S1 (en) * | 2005-12-13 | 2006-12-26 | Cheng-Ping Lee | Lacrosse shaft |
US20080026882A1 (en) * | 2006-07-31 | 2008-01-31 | Main Brian W | Lacrosse stick shaft |
US20080318714A1 (en) * | 2007-06-19 | 2008-12-25 | Stx, Llc | Transitioning Lacrosse Stick Handle |
US20100075786A1 (en) * | 2007-06-19 | 2010-03-25 | Wm. T. Burnett Ip, Llc | Transitioning and nonlinear lacrosse stick handles |
USD594920S1 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-06-23 | Sport Maska Inc. | Hockey stick shaft |
US20110028250A1 (en) * | 2009-07-30 | 2011-02-03 | Sport Maska Inc. | Ice hockey stick |
USD645511S1 (en) * | 2010-03-18 | 2011-09-20 | Carolina Narrow Fabric Company | Core for orthopedic cast tape |
US9283454B2 (en) * | 2010-04-26 | 2016-03-15 | Wm. T. Burnett Ip, Llc | Sports equipment stick handle |
USD654129S1 (en) * | 2011-03-14 | 2012-02-14 | Warrior Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick with tapered hosel |
US20150182829A1 (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2015-07-02 | Bauer Performance Lacrosse Inc. | Butt-end apparatus for a lacrosse stick or other sport implement |
US9643311B1 (en) * | 2014-04-16 | 2017-05-09 | Marshalltown Company | Octagonal extension handle |
US20170021245A1 (en) * | 2015-07-21 | 2017-01-26 | Wolf Athletics Inc. | Shaft for sports equipment |
US20170157478A1 (en) * | 2015-09-22 | 2017-06-08 | Sam Lacey | Asymmetrical ice hockey stick handle |
USD881306S1 (en) * | 2018-01-16 | 2020-04-14 | Wm. T. Burnett Ip, Llc | Handle |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7416499B2 (en) | Sports equipment handle | |
US10898772B2 (en) | Ergonomic grip sleeve for sport sticks | |
US8727915B2 (en) | Handle-dampening lacrosse stick | |
US8282510B1 (en) | Baseball training bat | |
US8251844B2 (en) | Goalkeeper stick with angled shaft | |
US7377865B2 (en) | Bowed field hockey stick | |
US9833674B2 (en) | Hockey stick | |
JP2011120958A (en) | Integrated putter system | |
US20090264229A1 (en) | Blade for a stick | |
US20160199710A1 (en) | Women's lacrosse stick head | |
EP3646927B1 (en) | Badminton racket | |
US20150133241A1 (en) | Weighted Swing Training Apparatus | |
US20080026885A1 (en) | Field hockey stick with ball portion | |
US20140080639A1 (en) | Batting swing training device | |
US20230158381A1 (en) | Customizable variable profile lacrosse shafts and methods thereof | |
US20070129186A1 (en) | Grip for sports equipment | |
US20080039245A1 (en) | Hockey stick with ergonomic shaft | |
JP5037446B2 (en) | Golf club | |
US20150352411A1 (en) | Racket | |
TWI669146B (en) | Universal swing training apparatus | |
US9962585B2 (en) | Striking implement comprising a constrained frequency resonator | |
CN101272831B (en) | Golf club grip | |
KR102406199B1 (en) | golf putter with variable head shape | |
EP4353337A1 (en) | Padel tennis racquet | |
JP3217174U (en) | Golf club head |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MANUFACTURING, ORIBI, COLORADO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GRAY, ADAM G.;WILFLEY, JACK FREDERICK;REEL/FRAME:059031/0288 Effective date: 20220216 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ORIBI MANUFACTURING, COLORADO Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE NAME PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 059031 FRAME: 0288. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNORS:GRAY, ADAM G.;WILFLEY, JACK FREDERICK;REEL/FRAME:059237/0868 Effective date: 20220216 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |