ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE AND METHOD FOR
IMPROVING HANDLING AND PERFORMANCE OF SPORTS EQUIPMENT
AND FOR ADVERTISING THEREON
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial
No. 60/289,699 filed May 9, 2001 entitled METHOD, SYSTEM AND ARTICLE OF
MANUFACTURE FOR TAPING A STICK, IMPROVING PLAYER PERFORMANCE,
AND ADVERTISING.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an article of manufacture and method for using
the article in connection with a ball or puck which results in improved handling and
performance and enabling advertising thereon.
Background of the Invention
Sporting equipment for use with a ball or puck is often modified by players at
the point of contact with a ball or puck, or at the point of contact with the player, so as to
modify, and preferably improve, handling and performance of the equipment with a ball or
puck, or to improve the durability of the sporting equipment. For example, in the game of ice
and/or in-line hockey, hockey sticks may be made of wood, glass fibers, graphite, and/or
similar materials, such as engineering plastics. Hockey sticks are frequently taped by hockey
players at the point of contact with a puck so as to improve handling and performance of tlie
stick in relation to the puck or ball. Tape conventionally used is black friction tape or
electrical tape, write adhesive tape, or clear plastic tape. Tape typically does not allow for
desired adjustments to speed, control, accuracy, damping, resilience or lift or trajectory, i.e.,
handling and performance, of the puck or ball. In addition, tape may get easily cut by stick,
puck or skate blade, absorb water or otherwise rapidly lose damping capability or resiliency.
Occasionally, players adhere plastic cutouts to the stick to attempt to improve
handling and performance. Adhesive cutouts present disadvantages similar to tape as
discussed above. In addition, cutouts and tape adhere to the stick which makes removing the
cutout or tape difficult. Another disadvantage of conventional tapes and cutouts is that they
do not readily enable advertising. Conventional tapes and cutouts also typically do not allow
for wear-resistant configurations in desired locations on the stick. For example, at edges of a
hockey stick which tend to contact the ice, conventional tapes and cutouts are either not wear-
resistance enough or tend to interfere with stick or player performance, or may not be in
compliance with league rules.
In addition to tape and cutouts, shrinkable materials have been tried but are not
widely used. Disadvantages of these materials include those listed above for tape and
cutouts, but also include that these materials have not typically provided the desired
improvement in handling and performance, that devices are required to shrink the material to
the stick, and that heating the stick with the shrinkable materials tends to weaken, damage or
deform the stick.
What is desired therefore is an article of manufacture and a method for use in
connection with sporting equipment for improving handling and performance of the sporting
equipment in relation to a ball or puck. What is further desired is an article of manufacture
and a method for improving handling and performance of the sporting equipment which
readily allows for advertising. What is further desired is an article of manufacture and
method for providing localized improvement in wear-resistance without interfering with stick
or player performance, and which complies with league rules.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide an article of manufacture
and method for improving performance of a hockey stick, such as when a player is handling,
passing and shooting the puck or ball. Another object of the invention is to provide an article
of manufacture and method for improving performance of a hockey stick that enables
advertising to be displayed thereon. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an
article of manufacture and method for increasing player safety.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings showing an illustrative embodiment of the invention. More particularly an article
of manufacture is provided having a surface configuration and/or composition resulting in
improved handling and performance, such as improved puck speed, control, accuracy, or lift.
In addition, an article of manufacture is provided which provides the improved handling and
performance and allows for advertising.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figs. 1A through IC depict front, lateral and top views of an embodiment of
the invention;
Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of Figs. 1A through IC disposed over a hockey
stick;
Figs. 3 A through 3C depict front, lateral and top views of another embodiment
of the invention;
Fig. 4 shows the embodiment of Figs. 3 A through 3C disposed over a hockey
stick;
Figs. 5 A through 5C depict front, lateral and top views of yet another
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 shows the embodiment of Figs. 5 A through 5C disposed over a hockey
stick;
Figs. 7A though 7C depict front, lateral and top views of yet still another
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 8 shows the embodiment of Figs. 7A through 7C disposed over a hockey
stick;
Figs. 9 A through 9C depict front, lateral and top views of still another
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 10 shows the embodiment of Figs. 9A through 9C disposed over a hockey
stick;
Figs. 11 A through 1 IC depict front, lateral and top views of the embodiment
shown in Figs. 3 A through 3C with advertising thereon;
Figs. 12A through 12C depict front, lateral and top views of the embodiment
of Figs. 1 A through IC with advertising thereon;
Figs. 13 A through 13C depict front, lateral and top views of another
embodiment of the invention.
Figs. 14 A through 14C depict front, lateral and top views of the embodiment
of Figs. 5A through 5C with advertising thereon;
Figs. 15A through 15C depict front, lateral and top views of the embodiment
of Figs. 9A through 9C with advertising thereon;
Figs. 16A through 16C depict front, lateral and top views of the embodiment
of Figs. 7A through 7C with advertising thereon;
Figs. 17A through 17D depict front side, lateral and top views of yet another
embodiment of the invention; and
Figs. 18A through 18C depict the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs.
9A through 9C being disposed over a hockey stick.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Figs. 1 A through IC depicts an article of manufacture 10 (or sleeve) in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, article 10 has a tape¬
like pattern 12. Fig. 2 shows article 10 on a hockey stick 1 positioned such that article 10
will be contacted by a hockey puck during a hockey game. It is understood that the term
"hockey stick" encompasses both ice hockey sticks and street hockey sticks. It is understood
that article 10 may be used in connection with other sports equipment (not shown), such as a
baseball bat, ping-pong racket. Figs. 3 A through 3C and Fig. 4 show article 20, another
embodiment of the invention, having a grooved pattern 22. Figs. 5 A through 5C and Fig. 6
depict article 30, yet another embodiment of the invention, having a nibbed pattern 32. It is
understood that nibs 32 may have a face that is slightly rounded and convex, as shown, or
may have flat planar faces. Figs. 7A through 7C and 8, illustrate another embodiment of the
invention, article 40, which has a dimple pattern 42. As with the nib pattern 32, dimples 42
may have a concave shape, as shown, or may have another non-uniform shape so long as the
nib 42 is in the shape of an indentation of some kind. It is understood that nibs 32 and
dimples 42 need not have a generally circular shape but may have a shape, such as an
irregular shape, triangular shape or rectangular shape or any combination thereof. Figs. 9A
through 9C and 10 depict another embodiment of the invention, article 50, which has angled
grooves 52. Grooves 52 may be angled in any direction, including in a direction opposite to
that shown in Fig. 10, which shows grooves running from the top of the face of the stock to
the bottom of the face of the stick, with each groove having its bottom end closer to the
handle of the stick than is the top of the groove. Grooves 52 may also be in one direction on
one side, and in another direction on the other side of stick 1. Grooves 52 may also be
aligned relative to the face of the stick 1 or the handle of the stick 1 and the likely direction of
contact with a puck in play such that speed or direction of the puck departing from the stick 1
may be influenced in a predetermined manner. More specifically, these grooves may impart a
greater rate of rotation, or spin, to the puck.
Patterns 12, 22, 32, 42 and 52 are examples of the types of patterns that may
be used in accordance with the invention. It is understood that a variety of patterns may be
used which result in the desired handling and performance. For example, angled groves, such
as angled grooves 52, may be used to influence the direction of a shot. In addition, a
combination of patterns may be used. For example, as shown in Fig. 17 A, angled grooves
129 may be provided on one side of article 120 and dimples 124 may be provided on the
other side of article 120. Nib 32 or an abrasive pattern is useful in increasing control over the
puck. An article having a pattern effective in increasing puck speed, such as one utilizing
hard materials or very elastomeric or resilient materials, is useful for defensive hockey
players as well as those who shoot or pass. An article having a pattern or comprised of
resilient material is useful for hockey goal tenders to deaden a puck blocked by the stick
against the stick.
Preferably, the article or sleeve is comprised of material which exhibits high
flexibility at room temperature and less flexibility at temperatures of around 0 and 10 degrees
Celsius. In this manner, the article or sleeve can be easily placed over the blade of the hockey
stick from either blade end or handle end at room temperature due to its greater elastomeric
qualities, and during game play on ice the article is less likely to slip off the blade due to the
decrease in elastomeric properties.
Article or sleeve 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 may also
advantageous be comprised of a unitary material having a harder, more wear-resistant
material at the bottom edge of the article or sleeve 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110
and 120 to increase the useful life, and a more elastomeric material in the portion of the
article or sleeve 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 expected to come in
contact with the puck. Article may have a wedge-shape, such that the bottom of the article is
thicker than the top of the article. This may advantageously be used to increase the lift on the
puck.
Figs. 11 A through 17D depict articles or sleeves 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, and
120 further comprising advertising 64, 74, 82, 94, 104, 114, 129 as well as patterns 62, 72,
82, 92, 102, 112, 126, and 128. It is understood that advertising may a pattern on the article.
Advertising 64, 74, 82, 94, 104, 114, and 129 may be in color, comprise logos or other banner
advertising.
Figs. 18 A through 18C show the article 50 being disposed over the stick 1.
Preferably, article 50 is disposed over the handle of the stick 1, however, article 50 may be
disposed over the blade of the stick 1. Article 50 as shown for example in Figs. 18 A through
18C is positioned and/or sized such that it is in the area of the blade that comes in contact
with the puck. It is understood that article in accordance with the invention may be
positioned over the tip of the blade of the stick to improve safety.
The sleeve that is the subject invention can improve the ice or street (in-line
skate) hockey player's performance in handling, dribbling, passing and shooting the puck.
Various surface configurations applied to the sleeve that is the subject invention will improve
puck speed, control, accuracy and lift. Various non-limiting examples of surface
configurations are shown in the Figures. In a non-limiting embodiment of the instant
invention, a surface configuration comprising a plurality of diagonally configured ridges
functions to increase the spin and centrifugal force the puck, thus enhancing the player's
accuracy and control of the puck. Likewise, the material from which the sleeve is constructed
will also affect the speed of the puck or ball. For example, the sleeve is constructed from a
resin with a high coefficient of elasticity will impart more speed to a struck puck than a
sleeve that is the subject invention constructed from a material with a comparatively low
coefficient of elasticity. In one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve is designed for a
goalkeeper who desires to reduce the energy of rebounds from the blade of the hockey stick.
Accordingly, the configuration and/or material of the sleeve (for example, a material with a
low coefficient of elasticity) are designed to absorb impact by the puck or ball and dampen or
decrease the energy of a puck or ball rebound.
In another non-limiting embodiment, the sleeve has varying thickness and
configurations on the top and bottom of the blade as well as on the forehand and backhand
side of the blade. In another embodiment, the sleeve that is the subject invention can be sold
on a roll and the players can cut whatever length is desired to optimize the stick to suit
various nuances of their individual skills, or specific demands associated with their position.
The sleeve's surface configurations simulate the patterns and configurations
produced by regular tape and taping techniques that are allowed by the professional and
amateur leagues, but have the aforementioned benefits of the sleeve. Benefits of the sleeve
include but are not limited to: (1) an information display area for advertising, team logos, or
team colors; (2) easy installation and deinstallation that will not damage or alter the shape of
the stick; (3) increased durability of the hockey stick blade; and (4) affecting the control,
handling and speed of puck or ball. In another embodiment, the bottom edge of the sleeve is
made thicker or of heavier material to prevent wear. Additionally, the present invention
provides advertisers the ability to advertise in a new manner.
The sleeve can be manufactured by methods including but not limited to
extrusion technique, high performance blow mold technology, or dip molding which allow
for printing of indicia, such as logos, advertisements, brand names, and other information.
The sleeve can be packed, for example, in a roll making the printing easier. Corporate logos,
for example, can be printed' and prominently displayed on the sleeve that is the subject
invention. The sleeve can also be produced in a multitude of colors/logos corresponding to
the colors and/or logos of various NHL/AHL/IHL and college and national teams, as well as
high school and youth hockey programs.
In one embodiment, the sleeve is constructed from recyclable materials and it
is reusable and not permanently attached to the stick in anyway. The player will have choices
as to puck handling and shooting performance based on the surface configurations of the
sleeve. One of the major advantages of the sleeve is that it allows a player to choose from an
array of materials and surface configurations so that their stick can be customized to
optimally match his or her position, individual skill level and style of play. Because it is
stronger and more resistant to cuts from other blades and skates, the sleeve also increases the
useful life of the hockey stick, as well as increasing player safety, by reducing the amount of
dangerous debris on the ice from damaged or worn sticks. In one embodiment, the sleeve is
elastic and is attached by sliding it on from the top of the stick. In another embodiment, the
sleeve is attached by sliding it on from the end of the blade.
The sleeve can have team colors such as blue and red for youth ice hockey
schools. In another embodiment it covers the tip of the blade and making it safer for the
players.
The sleeve does not use a heat source to shrink-fϊt it onto the blade of the stick,
thus making is easy to install and remove from the stick. Additionally, by not requiring heat
to install the sleeve that is the subject invention onto the stick, the stick and the sleeve is not
subjected to heat damage and deformity. The sleeve and the stick remain uniform and not
weakened. There is no need for propane torches, even children can use the product. The
sleeve is reusable, thus extending its life. If the shaft of the stick breaks ~ the most common
type of break in hockey sticks — the sleeve can be re-used.
While the disclosed embodiments apply the present invention to an ice or in¬
line skate hockey stick, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the relevant art that the
instant invention can be readily applied to other athletic equipment including but not limited
to: baseball/softball bats, golf-clubs, tennis racquets, ping-pong paddles and croquet mallets.
In another non-limiting example, an "industrial polymer" based material is
used for construction of the sleeve. Polymers are chemical, compounds whose molecules are
very large, often resembling long chains made up of a seemingly endless series of
interconnected links. The size of the molecules, together with their physical state and the
structures that they adopt, are the principal causes of the unique properties associated with
plastics — including the sleeve's ability to be molded and shaped.
In a non-limiting example, the sleeve is made from a "thermoplastic resin."
The property of plasticity inherent to thermoplastic resins allows the sleeve to be capable of
being molded (into a great variety of sizes and patterns) and remolded repeatedly, as
previously mentioned.
The plastic behavior of the sleeve is also influenced by its morphology. By
definition, thermoplastic-based materials retain their molded shapes up to a certain
temperature. Above Tg the amorphous parts of the polymer enter the rubbery state, in which
the molecules display increased mobility and the material becomes plastic and even elastic
(that is, able to be stretched).
The sleeve's rubbery material, for example, consists of elastomers having
strong intermolecular associations but no real chemical interlinks. If the associations between
the molecules are strong enough to prevent flow under moderate stresses, such materials can
serve as practical rubbery solids. Also, because the weak interlinks give way at high
temperatures, allowing the material to take on a new shape in response to pressure, they can
be reprocessed and reused. For this reason the sleeve may be a "thermoplastic elastomer".
Based on the sleeve's features/characteristics, in the non-limiting example, the
material used in the production and industrialization of the sleeve is classified as a "Low
Durometer Thermoplastic Elastomer", like a Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), as an
example.
The most common chemical product manufacturing processes have extrusion
as their basis. In the case of injection molding, the 'extruder' is part of the machine and is
also used to inject the plastic into the mold. Extrusion can be used to incorporate pigments
and additives for making a compound. However with modern equipment these additives are
often added at the machine during processing.
More specifically, to produce the sleeve that is the subject invention extrusion
of blow film can be employed. A ring die is used. The sleeve's material is directed upwards
as a tube. Air pressure is maintained in the tube to control the sausage like bubble, which is
nipped between the rollers to provide the seal. The film is then wound onto reels.
The blow-molding machine is based on a standard extruder barrel and screw
assembly to plasticize the polymer. The molten polymer is led through a right angle and
through a die to emerge as a hollow (usually circular) pipe section called a parison.
When the parison has reached a sufficient length a hollow mold is closed
around it. The mold mates closely at its bottom edge thus forming a seal. The parison is cut
at the top by a knife prior to the mold being moved sideways to a second position where air is
blown into the parison to inflate it to the shape of the mold, thus creating the sleeve.
The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention relative to a
particular embodiment. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to
devise numerous other arrangements which embody the principles of the invention and are
thus within its spirit and scope. For example, while the disclosed embodiments describe the
present invention as being inserted over a hockey stick, those of ordinary skill in the art will
readily appreciate that the instant invention encompasses insertion of the article to other
sports equipment, including field hockey sticks, in-line hockey stick, bandy equipment,
baseball/softball bats, golf-clubs, tennis racquets, ping-pong paddles and croquet mallets.