Shaft structure for an ice hockey stick

Abstract

The present application provides a hockey stick structure, which comprises carbon fiber layers and at least one layer of metal foil or / and plastic film, each material layer is contacted and covered by a matrix, and is cured by heating to form a hockey stick. Thus, the overall hockey stick can be combined with heterogeneous materials, which can provide good elasticity, strong toughness and excellent shock absorption capacity, create better power transmission and control performance, provide shock absorption capacity and unique hitting feeling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a shaft structure for an ice hockey stick, specifically a shaft structure that provides the ice hockey stick with a lightweight, resilient, and shock-absorbing shaft, as well as a unique striking feel. Background Technology

[0002] The ice hockey stick relevant to this application is a sporting equipment used on an ice rink. This sport primarily involves skating while holding the hockey stick, carrying the puck, and striking it into the goal. For example... Figure 1A As shown, the existing hockey stick 5 has the following structure: a striking plate 51 and a shaft 52. The design takes into account that hockey sticks often hit the ice rink surface and the ball, so the strength of the striking plate 51 and the shaft 52 has always been valued and continuously improved.

[0003] Taking hockey stick shafts as an example, the evolution of materials from early metal to carbon fiber composites and then to a combination of carbon fiber composites and metal tubing clearly reflects considerations beyond just the strength of the stick during impacts; it also highlights the need to balance the overall weight of the shaft. Figure 2A For further understanding, see figures 2B, 2C, and 2D. These figures are cross-sectional views of existing ice hockey sticks made of different materials. Please refer to these figures first. Figure 1A The cross-section of the shaft of an ice hockey stick is considered a square. Figure 1B (See AA dissection diagram for reference). Figure 2A The shaft 52 of the ice hockey stick shown is made of pure metal and is very heavy, making it difficult to control the ball. Figure 2B The shaft 52' of the ice hockey stick shown is made of carbon fiber composite material. The carbon fiber composite material is made of at least one layer of carbon fiber prepreg overlapping each other and then undergoing an internal pressing process. The entire shaft is light and requires less effort in operation and control. However, the shaft of the pure carbon fiber ice hockey stick has too much elasticity and rebound force, which makes it easy to swing too far or too short when hitting the ball, resulting in poor control accuracy. Figure 2C The ice hockey stick shown has a shaft 52” made by wrapping a metal tube 522” with carbon fiber composite material 521” using an external pressure OPP shrink molding or vacuum pressure vessel process. The weight of the entire shaft is between that of pure metal and pure carbon fiber composite material. However, the external pressure process is less precise in terms of dimensional matching of the curvature radius of the square shaft, making it difficult to control the quality of the finished product. Furthermore, due to the excessive thickness of the metal tube wall, the large expansion coefficients between the metal tube and carbon fiber due to their different materials can cause interlayer delamination, resulting in poor quality and affecting product performance. Figure 2DThe ice hockey stick shown has a shaft 52” made of carbon fiber composite material 521” bonded to a pre-reserved receiving groove 523” on a metal tube 522”. However, the significant difference in expansion coefficients between different materials can cause interlayer delamination, and since it is only bonded to the metal tube 522”, interlayer delamination is more likely to occur. Therefore, the carbon fiber composite material 521” can easily detach from the receiving groove 523”. This results in poor quality, affects product performance, and in severe cases, may even endanger safety.

[0004] In addition, ice hockey sticks generate an impact force when hitting the ball during the "swing". This impact force often causes injuries to athletes. Therefore, there are already relevant design and technical documents on the batting plate of traditional ice hockey sticks that can absorb this impact force (shock absorption). However, the shaft of ice hockey sticks does not have this shock absorption and feel feedback function. If the shaft could be given shock absorption capability, it would further improve the shock absorption effect of the entire hockey stick, as well as the unique feel feedback and control. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a shaft structure for an ice hockey stick, wherein the shaft structure combines the characteristics of carbon fiber and metal materials, which can give the shaft excellent elasticity, high toughness, good flexibility, shock absorption effect, unique hitting feel, and control effect. Furthermore, the thin-sheet design and full-coverage of the metal material effectively solve the problem of interlayer delamination caused by the significant difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion between different materials. In other words, the ice hockey stick shaft structure of this application, based on the existing pure carbon fiber shaft structure, replaces a certain percentage of the carbon fiber material with thin metal sheets. Through the thin metal sheet design and the fact that the thickness of the metal sheet is much smaller than that of the carbon fiber layer, the change in the coefficient of thermal expansion of each layer of the metal sheet is relatively small. Therefore, the interlayer delamination stress caused by the change in the volume of thermal expansion between the carbon fiber layer and the metal sheet is also relatively small. The metal sheet cannot effectively affect the stress of the overall structure, thus solving the problem of weak interlayer delamination caused by the significant difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion between the carbon fiber layer and the metal layer. Moreover, by adjusting the mixing ratio of carbon fiber and metal materials, the striking feedback characteristics of the ice hockey stick suitable for various athletes can be formulated. In other words, due to the relatively small volume change of the metal sheet, when the contact object is carbon fiber, the interlaminar delamination stress generated by the metal sheet is relatively small, thus effectively solving the interlaminar delamination problem between different materials (carbon fiber and metal). Conversely, excessively thick metal layers or metal tube walls cannot solve the significant impact caused by interlaminar delamination at the contact surface (as in existing technologies). Figure 2C , Figure 2D(As shown).

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses an ice hockey stick shaft structure comprising a carbon fiber layer and at least one metal layer. The carbon fiber layer is at least one layer of carbon fiber prepreg, which overlaps with the at least one metal layer. Each material layer is covered by a prepreg matrix. As needed, a jig is used to puncture the overlapping carbon fiber layer and the at least one metal sheet in specific areas to facilitate air release. This pre-forms the basic shape of the ice hockey stick. After covering, the transverse cross-section of the entire shaft has a square annual ring structure. The shaft is then cured by heating to form the ice hockey stick shaft.

[0007] Based on the above, the thickness of the carbon fiber layer is greater than the thickness of the metal layer, and they completely overlap and cover each other; the prepreg matrix is ​​made of thermosetting epoxy resin (TS) or thermoplastic (TP).

[0008] Based on the above, the metal layer is a metal sheet or a metal mesh. When it is a metal sheet or a metal mesh, it can be selected from one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, iron, steel, titanium, titanium alloy, and magnesium-aluminum alloy, and its thickness is less than 0.4mm. It completely covers the carbon fiber layer and prepreg substrate (Matrix) of the entire shaft. After covering, the transverse cross section of the entire shaft is a square annual ring structure.

[0009] Based on the above, when the metal sheets are stacked in close proximity, the thickness of each metal sheet is preferably less than 0.1 mm.

[0010] The ice hockey stick shaft structure of this application further includes at least one layer of plastic film. The at least one layer of plastic film, the carbon fiber layer, and the at least one metal layer are three different materials that overlap and fully cover each other. Each material layer is covered with a prepreg matrix. As needed, a jig is used to puncture the overlapping plastic film, the carbon fiber layer, and the at least one metal sheet in certain areas to facilitate air release. The preliminary shape of the ice hockey stick is pre-formed. After covering, the transverse cross-section of the entire shaft is a square annual ring structure. The shaft of the ice hockey stick is formed by heating and curing.

[0011] The other effects and embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1A A perspective view of a golf club having the shaft structure of the ice hockey club of this application; Figure 1B for Figure 1A AA cross-sectional view; Figures 2A to 2D Cross-sectional views of existing ice hockey sticks made of different materials are provided. Figure 3 , Figure 4 These are cross-sectional views of the first and second embodiments of the shaft structure of the ice hockey stick of this application; Figure 5 , Figure 6 These are cross-sectional views of the third and fourth embodiments of the ice hockey stick shaft structure of this application.

[0014] Symbol Explanation

[0015] 1, 2, 2', 2”: Shaft; 11, 20, 20', 20”: Carbon fiber layers

[0016] 12, 21, 21', 21”: Metal sheet; 22, 22”: Plastic film Detailed Implementation

[0017] In the embodiments described below, the positional relationships include: up, down, left, and right. Unless otherwise specified, they are all based on the direction shown by the components in the diagram.

[0018] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 4 Cross-sectional views of the first and second embodiments of the ice hockey stick shaft structure of this application are shown below. Figure 3As shown, in the first embodiment of the ice hockey stick shaft of this application, the shaft 1 includes a carbon fiber layer 11 and a metal layer of a metal sheet 12. The thickness of the carbon fiber layer 11 is greater than that of the metal sheet 12. The carbon fiber layer 11 is at least one layer of carbon fiber prepreg that has been layered and wound, and is stacked with the metal sheet 12. Each material layer is covered by a prepreg substrate (Matrix, not shown in the figure). Through the winding process, each carbon fiber layer 11 and the metal sheet 12 can be bonded together, and then the shaft is formed by heating and curing. The aforementioned prepreg matrix is ​​made of thermosetting epoxy resin (TS) or thermoplastic (TP). Each of the aforementioned material layers is contacted and covered by this prepreg matrix. Each layer of carbon fiber prepreg is heated and wound into a carbon fiber layer 11 with good elasticity and high toughness through a winding process. During the winding process, a metal sheet 12 is added. The metal sheet 12 is selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, iron, steel, titanium, titanium alloy, and magnesium-aluminum alloy, and its thickness is less than 0.4 mm, preferably less than 0.1 mm. As mentioned above, the thickness of the metal sheet 12 is less than that of the carbon fiber layer 11. Each material layer is covered by a prepreg substrate (Matrix, not shown in the figure). As needed, the overlapping carbon fiber layers 11 and at least one metal sheet 12 are punctured in a regional manner using a jig to facilitate air release. After the pre-formed ice hockey stick has a basic shape, the cross-section of the entire shaft 1 after covering is a square annual ring structure. Through the winding process, each carbon fiber layer 11 and the metal sheet 12 can be integrated into one piece. Then, the shaft 1 is formed by heating and curing. In this way, the shaft 1 can be given the effects of good elasticity, strong toughness, excellent shock absorption and unique hitting feel.

[0019] Please refer to further information. Figure 4This is a second embodiment of the ice hockey stick shaft structure of this application. As shown in the figure, the structure of the shaft 2 in the second embodiment is largely the same as that in the first embodiment. In addition to the functions provided by the structural features of the first embodiment, the second embodiment further enhances the structural function of the entire shaft. Specifically, the shaft 2 in the second embodiment also includes: a carbon fiber layer 20 and a metal sheet 21, and further includes a plastic film 22. The carbon fiber layer 20 is at least one layer of carbon fiber prepreg that has been layered and wound; the plastic film 22 uses materials with a high melting point (Melting temperature...). The plastic film has a temperature of 150°C or higher; the metal sheet 21 is selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, iron, steel, titanium, titanium alloy, and magnesium-aluminum alloy, and its thickness is less than 0.4 mm, preferably less than 0.1 mm. The thickness of the metal sheet 21 is less than the thickness of the carbon fiber layer 20. Each material layer is covered by a prepreg substrate (Matrix, not shown in the figure). After covering, the transverse cross section of the entire shaft is a square annual ring structure. Through the winding process, each carbon fiber layer 20 can be combined with the metal sheet 21 and the plastic film 22 into one, and then the shaft 2 is formed by heating and curing.

[0020] Thus, by making the thickness of the metal sheet 21 of the shaft 2 overall smaller than the thickness of the carbon fiber layer 20, the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion between the carbon fiber layer 20 and the metal sheet 21 results in a relatively small volume change for the metal sheet 21. Therefore, the interlaminar delamination stress caused by the volume change of the carbon fiber layer 20 and the metal sheet 21 is also relatively smaller, effectively solving the problem of interlaminar delamination between different material contact surfaces. Conversely, using an excessively thick metal layer or metal tube wall cannot solve the significant impact caused by interlaminar delamination at the contact surface. Therefore, the fact that the thickness of the metal sheet 21 in this application is smaller than that of the carbon fiber layer 20 ensures a stable bond between the carbon fiber layer 20 and the metal sheet 21 at their interface. Thus, in the second embodiment, the shaft 2 is formed by overlapping the carbon fiber layer 20, the metal sheet 21, and the plastic film 22, with each material layer having a matrix (TS / TP) in contact with and covering it. As needed, a jig is used to puncture the overlapping carbon fiber layer 20, the metal sheet 21, and the plastic film 22 in certain areas to facilitate air release and pre-form the basic shape of the ice hockey stick. After covering, the transverse cross-section of the entire shaft is a square annual ring structure and is cured by heat, which further provides the shaft 2 with the effects of being lightweight, tough, having excellent shock absorption, and having a unique hitting feel.

[0021] Therefore, from the aforementioned Figure 3 and Figure 4The structure of the hockey stick shaft 1 and 2 in this application combines the advantages of two or more different materials, giving the shaft 1 and 2 excellent elasticity and toughness, making it easy to control the distance and accuracy of the swing. It also provides shock absorption and a unique hitting feel for long-range swings. That is, the structure of the hockey stick shaft 1 and 2 in this application is fully covered by the carbon fiber layer 11, 20 and the metal sheet 12, 21, which provides easy control of the ball's roll and accuracy after impact. The plastic film 22 further gives the shaft 2 excellent elasticity, toughness, shock absorption, and a unique hitting feel, making the hockey stick lightweight, tough, shock-absorbing, and with a unique hitting feel.

[0022] It should be further noted that, in addition to using metal sheets, the metal layer of the ice hockey stick shaft in this application can also be metal mesh. The porous nature of the metal mesh can enhance the bonding and fixing force between the thermoplastic (TP) and carbon fiber. The metal mesh can be selected from one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, iron, steel, titanium, titanium alloy, and magnesium-aluminum alloy. That is, the shaft structure of this application includes a carbon fiber layer and at least one layer of metal mesh. The carbon fiber layer is also at least one layer of carbon fiber prepreg, which overlaps with the at least one layer of metal mesh, and each material layer is covered by thermoplastic (TP) in contact. Because the prepreg matrix, when made of thermoplastic (TP), has inherent plastic properties that make it difficult to bond firmly to metal surfaces, the metal mesh structure is utilized. High-temperature heating completely melts the TP into a highly viscoelastic liquid state, allowing it to pass through the gaps in the metal mesh and bond tightly to the carbon fiber material, fusing them together. This results in a shaft that is lightweight, highly resilient, has excellent shock absorption, and a unique feel upon impact.

[0023] Please see below. Figure 5 and Figure 6 These are cross-sectional views of the third and fourth embodiments of the ice hockey stick shaft structure of this application, as shown. Figure 5 As shown, the structure of the ice hockey stick shaft 2' in this application is mainly from... Figure 3 In a variation of the first embodiment, the metal sheet 21' is placed in two or more layers within the carbon fiber layer 20', meaning that the winding thermosetting process places the carbon fiber layer 20' as the outermost layer of the shaft 2'. Similarly, Figure 6 The structure of the ice hockey stick shaft 2” shown in this application is mainly a combination of... Figure 3 and Figure 4In different embodiments, the plastic film 22” and the metal sheet 21” are disposed in multiple layers, overlapping each other, within the carbon fiber layer 20”. That is, the metal sheet 21” and the plastic film 22” are wound sequentially during the winding and thermosetting process, and the carbon fiber layer 20” is located as the outermost layer of the rod body 2”. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The transverse cross-section can be seen as a square annual ring structure, and both can give the 2' and 2" shafts the effects of being lightweight, tough, having excellent shock absorption, and a unique feel when hitting the ball.

[0024] In conclusion, the shaft structure of the ice hockey stick of this application does achieve the purpose of creation and meets the requirements of patent. However, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. All modifications and variations made according to this application, such as the ice hockey stick shaft of this application being composed of multiple layers of plastic film, metal sheet, metal mesh and carbon fiber layer, and the outermost layer of the shaft being various overlapping states of carbon fiber layer, metal sheet, metal mesh or plastic film, should still be included in the scope of this patent application.

[0025] The embodiments and / or implementation methods described above are merely preferred embodiments and / or implementation methods for implementing the technology of this application, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods of the technology of this application in any way. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications or alterations to other equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical means disclosed in this application, but these should still be regarded as the technology or embodiments that are substantially the same as those of this application.

Claims

1. A shaft structure for an ice hockey stick, characterized in that: The shaft structure includes a carbon fiber layer and at least one metal layer, wherein the carbon fiber layer is at least one layer of carbon fiber prepreg fabric, which overlaps with the at least one metal layer, and each material layer is covered by a prepreg substrate. After covering, the transverse cross section of the entire shaft is a square annual ring structure, and the shaft is formed by heating and curing to become an ice hockey stick.

2. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carbon fiber layer is thicker than the metal layer and they overlap and cover each other completely.

3. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 2, characterized in that, The metal layer is a thin metal sheet selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, iron, steel, titanium, titanium alloy, and magnesium-aluminum alloy, and its thickness is less than 0.4 mm. It completely overlaps the carbon fiber layer of the entire shaft with the at least one metal layer, and each material layer is covered by a prepreg substrate.

4. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thickness of the metal sheet is optimally below 0.1 mm.

5. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 2, characterized in that, The metal layer is a metal mesh, selected from one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, iron, steel, titanium, titanium alloy, and magnesium-aluminum alloy. It overlaps with the carbon fiber layer to fully cover the material, and each material layer is covered with a pre-impregnated substrate. After covering, the transverse cross-section of the entire shaft is a square annual ring structure, and the shaft of the ice hockey stick is formed by heating and curing.

6. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that, The prepreg substrate is made of thermosetting epoxy resin or thermoplastic plastic.

7. A shaft structure for an ice hockey stick, characterized in that: The shaft structure includes a carbon fiber layer and at least one layer of plastic film. The carbon fiber layer is at least one layer of carbon fiber prepreg fabric, which overlaps with the at least one layer of plastic film to fully cover the shaft. Each material layer is in contact with a prepreg substrate. After covering, the transverse cross-section of the entire shaft is a square annual ring structure, and the shaft is formed by heating and curing.

8. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 7, characterized in that, The thickness of the carbon fiber layer is greater than that of the plastic film.

9. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plastic film is made of plastic film that can withstand high temperatures with a melting point of over 150°C.

10. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 7, characterized in that, The prepreg substrate is made of thermosetting epoxy resin or thermoplastic plastic.

11. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 7, characterized in that, The shaft structure further includes at least one metal layer, which overlaps with the carbon fiber layer and plastic film to fully cover the shaft. Each material layer is in contact with the prepreg substrate. After covering, the transverse cross-section of the entire shaft has a square annual ring structure and is formed by heating and curing.

12. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 11, characterized in that, The plastic film is less than 0.4mm thick and completely covers the carbon fiber layer of the entire shaft. After covering, the cross-section of the entire shaft has a square annual ring structure.

13. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 12, characterized in that, The thickness of each layer of plastic film should ideally be less than 0.1 mm.

14. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 11, characterized in that, The metal layer is made of thin metal sheets, selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, iron, steel, titanium, titanium alloy, and magnesium-aluminum alloy, and its thickness is less than 0.4mm. It completely covers the carbon fiber layer and plastic film of the entire shaft, and the transverse cross section of the entire shaft after covering is a square annual ring structure.

15. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 11, characterized in that, The thickness of the carbon fiber layer is greater than that of the metal layer.

16. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 14, characterized in that, The thickness of the metal sheet is optimally below 0.1 mm.

17. The shaft structure of the ice hockey stick according to claim 11, characterized in that, The metal layer is made of metal mesh, selected from one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, steel, iron, titanium, titanium alloy, and magnesium-aluminum alloy. It overlaps with the carbon fiber layer and plastic film to fully cover the shaft. After covering, the cross-section of the entire shaft is a square annual ring structure, and the shaft of the ice hockey stick is formed by heating and curing.

18. A shaft structure for an ice hockey stick, characterized in that: The shaft structure includes a carbon fiber layer and at least one layer of metal mesh. The carbon fiber layer is at least one layer of carbon fiber prepreg fabric, which overlaps with the at least one layer of metal mesh. Each material layer is covered by a thermoplastic prepreg substrate. After covering, the transverse cross section of the entire shaft has a square annual ring structure. The shaft is then heated and cured to form the shaft of an ice hockey stick.

19. A shaft structure for an ice hockey stick, characterized in that: The shaft structure is composed of carbon fiber layers, wherein the carbon fiber layers are at least one layer of carbon fiber prepreg fabric overlapping each other, and the carbon fiber prepreg fabric layers are covered with thermoplastic prepreg substrate in contact between each other, and are heated and cured to form the shaft of the ice hockey stick.

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