Grip for sports equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to shafts, handles and hand grips of sports equipment that include concave embedded indentations, such as grooves, dimples or ribs, located along the shaft at a location of frequent hand placement. The finger grooves are specially located and structured to provide the shaft with grips that correspond to the way in which a player grips the shaft to enhance a player's control of the shaft when performing various skills, such as cradling, throwing, shooting, and scooping. The present invention is primarily designed for a lacrosse stick shaft, but is also equally applicable to other sports shafts, such as an ice hockey stick or field hockey stick. The invention may enhance control of the equipment for all level of players and may assist in training novices in hand placement along the shaft for performing various skills.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to shafts, handles and hand grips for sports equipment that include concave embedded indentations, such as grooves, ribs or dimples (hereinafter collectively referred to as “indentations”), located along the shaft at a location of frequent hand placement. The indentations are specially located and structured to provide the shaft with grips that correspond to the way in which a player grasps the shaft to enhance a player's control of the shaft when performing various skills. The present invention is primarily designed for a lacrosse stick shaft, but is also equally applicable to other sports shafts, such as an ice hockey stick or field hockey stick. [0002] Lacrosse is an ancient game that originated with the Native Americans in North America, particularly in the northeastern United States and Canada. Traditionally, lacrosse sticks were made of wood, usually hickory or ash, and were one integrated piece of equi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021] The present invention is adaptable to provide unique advantages for different types of players. For example, for experienced players, the present invention can provide improved grip and feel, and can improve stick handling, passing and shooting accuracy, and shot speed. For youth players, the present invention can provide an educational tool for teaching proper hand placement for performing various lacrosse skills, such as scooping, throwing, catching and shooting.

[0022] While hand placement along the shaft follows certain general practices, players handle the shafts differently; for example, a player may “choke up” more on the shaft and keep his or her hands closer together. Also, there are different lengths

Problems solved by technology

These wooden handles were susceptible to breakage, were heavy and had inconsistent quality, which proved disadvantageous from both a playability and safety standpoint.

Wood shafts continued to be used, although they were still susceptible to breakage and were heavy.

Without a firm grip, a player can often lose control of the shaft and the shaft can slip in a player's grasp.

In addition, lacrosse and ice hockey require the players to use gloves that protect the hands but which reduce the player's feel and grip on the shaft.

Although

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