Sports shaft

Abstract

Provided is an improved sports shaft that includes longitudinal channels running within the interior portion of the substantially hollow shaft. The channels, and more specifically, the channel walls that define the channels, provide additional strength to the sports shaft. The improved sports shaft is better suited to withstand impact forces over a longer period of time than a typical hollow shaft. The improved sports shaft also is also better suited to withstand the variety of non-impact forces that act upon a sports shaft during the course of play. A key advantage of the improved sports shaft is the dramatic increase in strength without the addition of unnecessary weight.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to sporting goods, and more particularly to handles, sticks, shafts and bats for sports such as hockey, lacrosse, field hockey, golf, baseball, softball, polo and fishing. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Designs for sports shafts, sticks and handles began as basic wooden structures, but lacked uniformity as to quality, strength, and weight; and were susceptible to failure by fracturing. Many prior inventions have proposed the use of shafts or sticks comprising composites featuring plastic outer surfaces with inner cores of wood or aluminum. Further, many attempts have been made to utilize metallic material in the manufacture of sticks for strengthening purposes. [0005] These advancements have been made as a matter of necessity in light of the wear and tear that sports shafts endure. Sports shafts often are required to withstand a variety of forces resulting fro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an increase in the strength of a sports shaft, with only a minimal increase in the overall weight and mass of the shaft.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a sports shaft that resists the impairment of structural integrity due to impact forces exerted upon the shaft.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sports shaft that includes a structure that effectively deters warping and bending of the shaft.

[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved sports shaft that includes increased strength, yet maintains the balance and feel of shaft that has not been structurally enhanced

[0018] The present invention includes an improved sports shaft that includes channel walls within the interior portion of the shaft. The channel walls increase the overall strength of the shaft by providing additional strength and structural integrity. Utilization of channels also solves the problem of minimal weight increase because the added strength and integrity is achieved with the addition of only a minimal amount of extra material.

Problems solved by technology

Designs for sports shafts, sticks and handles began as basic wooden structures, but lacked uniformity as to quality, strength, and weight; and were susceptible to failure by fracturing.

When the checking stick strikes the subject shaft, the resultant force is sufficient to shatter, dent, or otherwise compromise the structural integrity of the subject shaft.

However, as the defender's hands move toward the base of the stick, and the attacking player moves laterally, the resulting forces may result in the bending of a metallic shaft, and the fracture of non-metallic shafts.

As mentioned, the resulting force will often fracture, or bend the shaft.

In the case of a metallic shaft, a bent shaft is practically useless, and may be illegal during official play.

The player loses all control over direction and flight of the lacrosse ball, and the shaft is now in a weakened state, susceptible to further damage.

In most sports, this is not a favorable result.

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