Sports shaft

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved sports shaft. The improved shaft is comprised of a synthetic material designed to minimize weight and provide a desirable amount of flex. The shaft may include a unique tapered grip portion that dramatically improves the shaft's flex and feel characteristics. The tapered grip portion is tapered lengthwise and widthwise to create a narrower portion that accommodates a player's hand position. The outer surface of the shaft is coated with a gripable material to improve the overall grip and feel characteristics of the shaft. The gripable material comprises a low coefficient of thermal surface conductivity. In addition, the outer coating creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance in comparison with an uncoated aluminum shaft.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to sticks or shafts for use in sports and sporting activities. More particularly, the present invention relates to a shaft with improved weight, feel, flex, and grip. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Various sports incorporate sticks or shafts players use to assist in propelling an object from one location to another. Tennis, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, racquetball, squash, etc. all incorporate some form of shaft. The shafts often include a specialized head that is either detachable or manufactured into the shaft. For example, most tennis racket shafts incorporate an integrated head that is configured to provide a bounceable surface for a tennis ball. Whereas, most lacrosse shafts incorporate a detachable head that is used to catch, throw, and cradle a lacrosse ball. The shafts must conform to certain rules and regulations particular to each activity. For example, baseball bats must conform to very strict size, weight, and compo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention relates to an improved sports shaft that is configured to maximize weight, flex, feel, surface conductivity, and grip. The improved shaft is comprised of a synthetic material designed to minimize weight and provide a desirable amount of flex. The shaft also includes a unique tapered portion that dramatically improves the shaft's flex and feel characteristics. The tapered portion is tapered lengthwise and widthwise to create a narrower portion to facilitate the stick flex. Frequently, the tapered portion is located to accommodate a player's hand position. The outer surface of the entire shaft is coated with a gripable composition having a lower thermal conductivity coefficient as compared to conventional shafts in order to improve the overall grip and feel characteristics of the shaft. In addition, the outer coating creates an aesthetic clean appearance in comparison to an uncoated shaft.

[0008] In one embodiment, the shaft is a lacrosse shaf

Problems solved by technology

One of the main problems with conventional shafts is that they do not maximize all of the characteristics desired by players.

Certain shafts may have superior flex and feel but are unnecessarily heavy; other shafts may be lightweight but have little or no flex capabilities.

The flex of the shaft cannot be improved with simple modifications and therefore must be endu

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