Hockey stick

Abstract

A hockey stick having a blade and a shaft adjoined to the blade, the shaft including a first portion defining a first cross section having a first quadratic moment, and a second portion being spaced from the first portion along a longitudinal length of the shaft and located closer to the blade than the first portion, the second portion defining a second cross section, the second cross section having a second quadratic moment being different from the first quadratic moment.

Description

HOCKEY STICKCROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 353,211 filed June 17, 2022, titled “Hockey Stick”, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to ice hockey sticks.BACKGROUND

[0003] Hockey sticks used for playing ice hockey comprise a shaft and a blade. The cross section of the shaft is traditionally rectangular, which prevents undesired rotation of the shaft in the hands of a player. The cross-sectional dimensions of the hockey stick shaft are usually fixed within a narrow range to ensure that the player can have a good grip on the shaft.

[0004] Composite hockey sticks are also constructed in such a way as to provide a “kick point”, which is a portion of the shaft that is more rigid than other portions. Put differently, the shaft has a portion of locally increased flexural rigidity compared to other portions of the shaft, and this portion defines a kick point in the hockey stick. The shaft is thus configured to flex primarily below this kick point when the player is shooting the puck. By changing the location of this local rigidity increase along the length of the shaft, the properties of the stick can be selected as desired. For example, a stick having a lower kick point (closer to the blade of the stick) will enable the player to release the puck more quickly, albeit with less power. However a stick having a higher kick point (i.e. further away from the blade), will cause a longer portion of the shaft to flex below this local rigid portion, thereby generating more power but taking longer to flex and release.

[0005] Traditionally, such portions of locally increased rigidity of a composite hockey stick shaft are created simply by adding one or more additional layers of composite material during manufacturing of the stick. While these additional layers of composite material increase the rigidity of the stick at the selected location, they increase the weight of the stick and also create local stress risers (i.e. stressconcentration areas) at the transition between the thicker and thinner layers of composite material. Such composite sticks can thus be prone to breaking at these stress points along the shaft.

[0006] Therefore, in spite of previous efforts, there exists room for improvement in the art for a composite hockey stick having a kick point that reduces the aforementioned drawbacks.SUMMARY

[0007] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a hockey stick including a blade and a shaft adjoined to the blade. The shaft includes a first portion defining a first cross section having a first quadratic moment, and a second portion being spaced from the first portion along a longitudinal length of the shaft and located closer to the blade than the first portion, the second portion defining a second cross section, the second cross section having a second quadratic moment being different from the first quadratic moment.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second quadratic moment of the second cross section is greater than the first quadratic moment of the first cross section.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second portion is located along the shaft between a mid-point of the shaft and a heel of the blade.

[0010] In some embodiments, an outer surface of the first and second portions of the shaft include a first minor face, a second minor face opposite the first minor face, a first major face extending between and connected to the first and second minor faces, and a second major face opposite the first major face, the second major face extending between and connected to the first and second minor faces. In the second portion of the shaft, at least one of the first and second major faces has a first section adjacent the first minor face, and a second section adjacent the second minor face, a longitudinal center plane located between the first and second major faces and across the first and second minor faces, and the second section of the at least one of the first and second major faces of the second portion extends closer to the longitudinal center plane than the first section of the at least one of the first and second major faces.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second portion of the shaft further includes a plurality of rounded corners extending between and connecting the first and second major faces to the first and second minor faces, and each rounded corner of the plurality of rounded corners has a same curvature radius.

[0012] In some embodiments, in the second portion of the shaft, the at least one of the first and second major faces defines an apex, and the apex extends further away from the longitudinal center plane than any one rounded corner of the plurality of rounded corners.

[0013] In some embodiments, the apex is located closer to the first minor face than to the second minor face.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first minor face is a top-side face and the second minor face is a heel-side face, and the at least one of the first section of the first and second major faces is located closer to the top-side face of the shaft than the second section of the at least one of the first and second major faces.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first and second major faces are asymmetric about the longitudinal center plane and about a transversal plane.

[0016] In some embodiments, in the second portion of the shaft, the first minor face has a first width and the second minor face has a second width being different from the first width, and a ratio of the second width over the first width is between 0.75 and 0.85.

[0017] In some embodiments, the longitudinal center plane defines a first side and a second side opposite the first side, at least one of the first and second sections of at least one of the first and second major faces is curved, and the at least one of the first and second sections extends on a first side of the longitudinal center plane, and a center of curvature of the at least one of the first and second sections is located on the second side of the longitudinal center plane.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second minor face has a width that is different from a width of at least one of the first and second minor faces of the shaft in the first portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, the shaft has an inner surface and an outer surface, and, at least in the second portion of the shaft, the inner surface defines a substantially similar cross-sectional shape as a cross-sectional shape defined by the outer surface.

[0020] In some embodiments, a ratio between an outer perimeter of the shaft in the second portion of the shaft and an outer perimeter of the shaft in the first portion of the shaft is between 0.85 and 1 .00.

[0021] In some embodiments, the ratio is between 0.95 and 1.00.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a hockey stick including a blade, and a shaft adjoined to the blade. The shaft includes a first portion defining a first cross sectional shape, and a second portion being spaced from the first portion along a longitudinal length of the shaft and located closer to the blade than the first portion, the second portion defining a second cross sectional shape different that the first cross sectional shape, and a ratio between an outer perimeter of the second cross sectional shape and an outer perimeter of the first cross sectional shape is between 0.85 and 1.00.

[0023] In some embodiments, the ratio is between 0.95 and 1.00.

[0024] In accordance with yet another aspect, there is provided a hockey stick including a blade, and a shaft adjoined to the blade. The shaft includes a portion located along the shaft between a mid-point of the shaft and a heel of the blade, the portion including a first minor face, a second minor face opposite the first minor face, a first major face extending between and connected to the first and second minor faces, a second major face opposite the first major face, the second major face extending between and connected to the first and second minor faces, at least one of the first and second major faces having a first section adjacent the first minor face, and a second section adjacent the second minor face, a longitudinal center plane located between the first and second major faces and across the first and second minor faces, the second section of the at least one of the first and second major faces extending closer to the longitudinal center plane than the first section of the at least one of the first and second major faces, and the first minor face having a first width and the second minor face having a second width being different from the first width.

[0025] In some embodiments, the portion is a first portion, and the shaft includes a second portion located between a mid-point of the shaft and a handle of the of the shaft, and a ratio between an outer perimeter of the shaft in the first portion of the shaft and an outer perimeter of the shaft in the second portion of the shaft is between 0.85 and 1.00.

[0026] In accordance with yet another aspect, there is provided a method of making a hockey stick, the hockey stick including a blade and a shaft extending from the blade, the method including locally increasing a flexural rigidity within a defined portion of the shaft to form a kick point, by forming, within the defined portion, a cross- sectional shape of the shaft that defines a quadratic moment different from a second quadratic moment of a second cross-sectional shape of the shaft at a location outside the defined portion, and ensuring that the cross-sectional shape within the defined portion and the second cross-sectional shape outside the defined portion have perimeters that are substantially the same.

[0027] Further details of these and other aspects of the subject matter of this application will be apparent from the detailed description included below and the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hockey stick in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

[0030] FIG. 2A is a rear elevation view of the hockey stick of FIG. 1 ;

[0031] FIG. 2B is a right side elevation view of the hockey stick of FIG. 1 ;

[0032] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the hockey stick of FIG. 1 taken along cross-section line 2C-2C of FIG. 2B;

[0033] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the hockey stick of FIG. 1 taken along cross-section line 2D-2D of FIG. 2B;

[0034] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the hockey stick of FIG. 1 taken along cross-section line 2E-2E of FIG. 2B;

[0035] Fig. 2F is a graph of the second moment of area vs a position along the hockey stick of Fig. 1 ;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a hockey player performing a slap shot using the hockey stick of FIG. 1 ;

[0037] FIG. 4A is a right side elevation view of a hockey stick in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology;

[0038] FIG. 4B is a front elevation view of the hockey stick of FIG. 4A;

[0039] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the hockey stick of FIG. 4A taken along cross-section line 4C-4C of FIG. 4B;

[0040] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the hockey stick of FIG. 4A taken along cross-section line 4D-4D of FIG. 4B;

[0041] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the hockey stick of FIG. 4A taken along cross-section line 4E-4E of FIG. 4B;

[0042] Fig. 4F is a graph of the second moment of area vs a position along the hockey stick of Fig. 4A;

[0043] Fig. 5A is a right side elevation view of a hockey stick in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology;

[0044] FIG. 5B is a front elevation view of the hockey stick of FIG. 5A;

[0045] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the hockey stick of FIG. 5A taken along cross-section line 5C-5C of FIG. 5A;

[0046] FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the hockey stick of FIG. 5A taken along cross-section line 5D-5D of FIG. 5A;

[0047] FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the hockey stick of FIG. 5A taken along cross-section line 5E-5E of FIG. 5A; and

[0048] Fig. 5F is a graph of the second moment of area vs a position along the hockey stick of Fig. 5A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following disclosure generally describes hockey sticks 20, 1020, 2020 being embodiments of the present technology. It is to be expressly understood that the hockey sticks 20, 1020, 2020 are merely embodiments of the present technology. The description thereof that follows is intended to be only a description of physical examples of the present technology. This description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications to the hockey sticks 20, 1020, 2020 are also set forth hereinbelow. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the technology. These modifications are not exhaustive, and, as a person skilled in the art would understand, other modifications are likely possible. Further, it should not be interpreted that where this has not been done, i.e. where no examples of modifications have been set forth, that no modifications are possible and / or that what is described is the sole physical means of embodying that element of the present technology. As a person skilled in the art would understand, this is likely not the case.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 2F, the hockey stick 20 will be described. The hockey stick 20 includes a blade 22 and a shaft 24 adjoined to the blade 22. The blade 22 includes a body 26 having a striking surface 28, a hosel 30 extending upwards from the body 26 connecting to the shaft 24, and a heel 32 extending between the hosel 30 and the striking surface 28. Put differently, the heel 32 is the portion of the bottom end of the body 26 of the blade 22 directly below where the blade 22 and the shaft 24 meet.

[0051] The blade 22 can be oriented left or right for better suiting the side of the body on which a hockey player uses the hockey stick 20. In FIGS. 1 to 2E, the hockey stick 20 is a right-handed, or right-shot, hockey stick. An example of a left-handed, or left-shot, stick being an embodiment of the present technology would be (but is not limited to) a mirror image of the hockey stick 20. The blade 22 and the shaft 24 can be formed in a one-piece construction made of a composite material, such as but not limited to a carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer. Other composite materials, such as fibreglass reinforced-polymer-coated wood and fibreglass-reinforced polymers, are contemplated for making the hockey stick 20. The materials used and the method formaking the hockey stick 20 are not central to the present technology, and will therefore not be described in further detail.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1 , the shaft 24 has an outer end portion, also known as the top hand portion, which will be referred to herein as the handle 38, being the portion that a typical player grasps with its top hand during most of the course of normal use of the hockey stick 20 during game play, and a main portion 40 being the portion of the shaft 24 extending below the handle 38 to the connection point with the hosel 30 of the blade 22. The handle 38 is generally rectangular and usually has chamfered, bevelled or rounded corners (as the case may be - depending usually on the material of which the shaft 24 is made and the method of its construction). The longer sides of the rectangle are those which form part of the front and rear faces 42a, 42b of the shaft 24 (best seen in FIGS. 2B-2E). The front face 42a of the shaft 24 is the face which faces in generally the same direction as the striking surface 28 of the blade 22. The rear face 42b is the face opposite the front face 42a.

[0053] It should be understood that for the purposes of the present specification, a generally rectangular shape remains generally rectangular notwithstanding the presence of a chamfered or bevelled corner (or corners). For example, a generally rectangular shape is considered generally rectangular not withstanding the presence of a chamfered or bevelled corner that itself alone reduces the length of either adjacent side by more than about 15%. The length of a side of the generally rectangular shape being referred to herein is the length that that side would have had, had the chamfer / bevel in question as well as any other chamfers / bevels at any other corners not been present. In such cases, that chamber / bevel is not considered a side of the shape.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2A, the shaft 24 has different portions 50, 150, 250 along its longitudinal length L. The profiles of portions 50, 150, 250 differ from one another, as will be described further below. It is to be noted that the cross section in each of the portions 50, 150, 250 may vary from one point to another along the longitudinal length L. The shaft 24 tapers in width (between the front face 42a and rear face 42b) from the portion 250 down the shaft 24 towards the point to which the hosel 30 of the blade 22 is adjoined.

[0055] The shaft 24 further has a top-side face 44a facing generally the direction in which the blade 22 is pointed. The shaft 24 further has a heel-side face 44b opposite the top-side face 44a. The top-side face 44a and the heel-side face 44b are minor faces of the shaft 24 as they define the shorter sides of the generally rectangular shape of the shaft 24, while the front face 42a and the rear face 42b are major faces of the shaft 24. Referring to FIGS. 2C-2E, corner 46a extends between and connects the front face 42a to the top-side face 44a. Corner 46b extends between and connects the top-side face 44a to the rear face 42b. Corner 46c extends between and connects the rear face 42b to the heel-side face 44b. Corner 46d extends between and connects the heel-side face 44b to the front face 42a.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the shaft 24 is hollow. An inner surface of the shaft 24 has approximately the same cross-sectional shape as an outer surface 48b of the shaft 24 at that point on the longitudinal length L of the shaft 24, as shown in FIGS. 2C to 2E.

[0057] Progressing down the longitudinal length L of the shaft 24 away from the handle 38, the portion 50 of the shaft 24 has a cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 2C. The term cross-sectional shape as used herein is understood to mean the peripheral shape of an outer surface of the stick, when viewed in cross-section (such as shown in FIG. 2C, for example). This may also be referred to as the cross-sectional profile. The top-side 44a and the heel-side face 44b are generally planar and parallel, and spaced from one another by a distance 52. The distance 52 is approximately 29.5 mm. The front face 42a and the rear face 42b are also generally planar and parallel, and spaced from one another by a width 54, thus forming a cross section with a generally rectangular shape (except for the rounded corners 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d). The width 54 is approximately 19.5 mm, but could differ in other embodiments. The corners 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d all have a same curvature radius 56 (shown only for corner 46d in FIG. 2C). In the present embodiment, the curvature radius 56 is approximately 4.67 mm. A longitudinal center plane 60 extends substantially parallel to the front and rear faces 42a, 42b, and across the top-side and heel-side faces 44a, 44b.

[0058] The hockey stick shaft 24 may be considered a beam subject to a bending force during a shooting or passing motion (e.g. a slap shot, wrist shot among others). The hockey stick shaft 24 is considered to bend about the longitudinal centerplane 60 during a shooting or passing motion. The flexural rigidity, or “bending stiffness’ of a given hockey stick shaft includes two components, and is provided by the formula:

[0059] Flexural rigidity = E ■ I (Equation 1)

[0060] From Equation 1 , E represents a contribution of the material of the hockey stick shaft 24 to the flexural rigidity. E is the Young’s Modulus, or elastic modulus, and is a measure of the stiffness of the material forming the hockey stick shaft 24. E has SI units of Pascals (Pa). Also from Equation 1 , I represents a contribution of the cross-sectional geometry of the hockey stick shaft 24 to the flexural rigidity. I is the quadratic moment of area, also known as the second moment of area, and is a measure of the efficiency of a shape to resist bending. The quadratic moment of area I is also referred to herein as the quadratic moment I. I has SI units of mA4. With reference to Equation 1 , the shaft 24 is configured to have the portion 50 having a quadratic moment I referred to as the quadratic moment 70.

[0061] The portion 50 of the shaft 24 further has an outer perimeter 78. The outer perimeter 78 dictates the quadratic moment 70, since the inner surface of the shaft 24 has approximately the same cross-sectional shape as the outer surface 48b of the shaft 24 at that point on the longitudinal length L of the shaft 24, as shown in FIG. 2C.

[0062] Progressing further down the longitudinal length L of the shaft 24 away from portion 50 past cross section 2C-2C towards the blade 22, the shape of the cross section of the shaft 24 begins to transition from being generally rectangular, as in the cross section 2C-2C, to having the major faces 42a, 42b of the shaft 24 being curved outwardly, away from the longitudinal center plane 60, and the portion 150 of the shaft 24 has a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 2D. The portion 150 is typically located along the shaft 24 between a mid-point 62 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the shaft 24 and the heel 32 of the blade 22. It is however contemplated that the position of the portion 150 along the length L of the shaft 24 may vary in other embodiments.

[0063] With reference to Equation 1 presented above, the shaft 24 is configured to have the portion 150 with an increased quadratic moment I, referred to as quadratic moment 170. The quadratic moment 170 is different from the quadratic moment 70. The quadratic moment 170 is greater than the quadratic moment 70. The increase iseffected by using a different cross-sectional geometry in the portion 150, which is not necessarily non-rectangular, and by having sections of the front face 42a and the rear face 42b extending further away from the longitudinal center plane 60 than in the portion 50 having the cross section shown in FIG. 2C.

[0064] With reference to FIG. 2D, the cross-sectional geometry of the portion 150 of the shaft 24 will be described in more detail. Like in portion 50, each one of the rounded corners 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d of portion 150 has a same curvature radius 56. The curvature radius 56 is approximately 4.67 mm, and is the same as in the portion 50. It is contemplated that the curvature radius 56 could differ from one of the corners 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d to another in other embodiments, and differ between portion 50 and portion 150. In contrast with the front face 42a in portion 50, the front face 42a in portion 150 is curved convexly when looking at the outer surface 48b of the shaft 24. In other words, a center of curvature 64a of the front face 42a is located on a rear side 60b of the longitudinal center plane 60 opposite a front side 60a of the longitudinal center plane 60, the front face 42a extending on the front side 60a of the longitudinal center plane 60. The location of the center of curvature 64a is not necessarily accurate / shown to scale in the accompanying FIGS. The front face 42a has a curvature radius 143a of approximately 50 mm.

[0065] The front face 42a has a section 172a extending from the corner 46a, and located adjacent the top-side face 44a. The front face 42a further has a section 174a extending from the corner 46d, and located adjacent the heel-side face 44b. The front face 42a further has an apex 176a located between the sections 172a, 174a. The section 174a extends closer to the longitudinal center plane 60 than the section 172a, notably proximate the corner 46d, so that a majority of the section 172a extends further away from the longitudinal center plane 60 than a majority of the section 174a. This arrangement of the cross section of the shaft 24 in portion 150 shown in FIG. 2D provides that the quadratic moment 170 is increased compared to the quadratic moment 70 of portion 50 shown in FIG. 2C, since when calculating the quadratic moment I, the distance of each element of the geometry forming the cross section is cubed (A3), and thus having the majority of the section 172a extending further away from the longitudinal center plane 60 than the majority of the section 174a increases thequadratic moment I, thus causing the quadratic moment 170 to be greater than the quadratic moment 70.

[0066] Still referring to FIG. 2D, the apex 176a extends further away from the longitudinal center plane 60 than the corners 46a, 46d. In addition, the apex 176a is located closer to the top-side face 44a than from the heel-side face 44b. Having the apex 176a positioned as such may provide for a more comfortable / ergonomic grip of the shaft 24 in the portion 150, if circumstances are anticipated where a player’s bottom hand could be located in portion 150, as the shaft 24 is narrower in the palm of the hand of the player, and wider where the fingers of the player wrap around the shaft 24, thus providing user comfort and grasp strength. Having the apex 176a located closer to the top-side face 44a than from the heel-side face 44b may also increase the flexural rigidity of the shaft 24 in the portion 150 that is closer to the blade 22, which may cause an increased puck speed when a player shoots the puck (for example, when performing a slap shot) thanks to the increased quadratic moment 170 and to the increased amount of kinetic energy that can be stored by the shaft 24 when bending, and released by the shaft 24 when returning to its rest position (i.e. not subjected to forces causing bending).

[0067] In the present embodiment, both sections 172a, 174a are curved in a convex fashion when looking at the outer surface 48b of the shaft 24. Both sections 172a, 174a are also curved about the center of curvature 64a, and have the curvature radius 143a of approximately 50 mm. It is contemplated that the curvature radius 143a could range between 50 mm and 60 mm in different embodiments. It is contemplated that the sections 172a, 174a could be curved about distinct centers of curvature and / or have different radii of curvature, and thus define another cross-section profile than the one shown in FIG. 2D. It is also contemplated that one of the sections 172a, 174a could be substantially straight, while the other one of the sections 172a, 174a is curved.

[0068] The rear face 42b is symmetric to the front face 42a about the longitudinal center plane 60, but they could differ from one another in other embodiments. For completeness, the rear face 42b in portion 150 is curved convexly when looking at the outer surface 48b of the shaft 24. In other words, a center of curvature 64b of the rear face 42a is positioned on the front side 60a of the longitudinal center plane 60, the rear face 42b extending on the rear side 60b of the longitudinalcenter plane 60. The location of the center of curvature 64b is not necessarily accurate / shown to scale in the accompanying FIGS. The rear face 42b also has a curvature radius 143b of approximately 50 mm, being equal to the curvature radius 143a. The curvature radii 143a, 143b could differ from one another in some embodiments.

[0069] The rear face 42b has a section 172b extending from the corner 46b, and located adjacent the top-side face 44a. The rear face 42b further has a section 174b extending from the corner 46c, and located adjacent the heel-side face 44b. The rear face 42b further has an apex 176b located between the sections 172b, 174b. The section 174b extends closer to the longitudinal center plane 60 than the section 172b, notably proximate the corner 46c, so that a majority of the section 172b extends further away from the longitudinal center plane 60 than a majority of the section 174b. Put differently, the portion of the shaft 24 located closer to the top-side face 44a (i.e. sections 172a, 172b) is thicker than the portion of the shaft 24 located closer to the heel-side face 44b (i.e. sections 174a, 174b). This arrangement of the cross section of the shaft 24 in portion 150 shown in FIG. 2D provides that the quadratic moment 170 is increased compared to the quadratic moment 70 of portion 50 shown in FIG. 2C. When calculating the quadratic moment I, the distance between the longitudinal center plane 60 and each element of the geometry forming the cross section is cubed (A3). Thus having the majority of the section 172b extending further away from the longitudinal center plane 60 than the majority of the section 174b increases the quadratic moment I, thereby causing the quadratic moment 170 to be greater than the quadratic moment 70.

[0070] Still referring to FIG. 2D, the apex 176b extends further away from the longitudinal center plane 60 than the corners 46b, 46c. In addition, the apex 176b is located closer to the top-side face 44a than from the heel-side face 44b. Having the apex 176b positioned as such may provide for a more comfortable / ergonomic grip of the shaft 24 in the portion 150, if circumstances are anticipated where a player’s bottom hand could be located in portion 150, as the shaft 24 is narrower in the palm of the hand of the player, and wider where the fingers of the player wrap around the shaft 24, thus providing user comfort and grasp strength. Having the apex 176b located closer to the top-side face 44a than from the heel-side face 44b may also increase the flexural rigidity of the shaft 24 in the portion 150 that is closer to the blade 22, which may causean increased puck speed when a player shoots the puck (for example, when performing a slap shot) thanks to the increased quadratic moment 170 and to the increased amount of kinetic energy that can be stored by the shaft 24 when bending, and released by the shaft 24 when returning to its rest position (i.e. not subjected to forces causing bending).

[0071] In the present embodiment, both sections 172b, 174b are curved in a convex fashion when looking at the outer surface 48b of the shaft 24. Both sections 172b, 174b are also curved about the center of curvature 64b, and have a curvature radius 143b of 50 mm. It is contemplated that the curvature radius 143b could range between 50 mm and 60 mm in different embodiments. The curvature radii 143a, 143b are equal, but could differ from one another in other embodiments. It is contemplated that the sections 172b, 174b could be curved about distinct centers of curvature and / or have different radii of curvature, and thus define a cross section profile differing from the one shown in FIG. 2D. It is also contemplated that one of the sections 172b, 174b could be substantially straight, while the other one of the sections 172b, 174b is curved.

[0072] It appears that increasing the quadratic moment I of the portion 150 as described above yields a structure that is present in portion 150 of the shaft 24 that is able to store more potential energy and convert that energy to kinetic energy during, for example, a slap shot, than is able a stick having a conventional cross section profile, such as the one present in portion 50 of the shaft 24. The portion 150 therefore defines a kick point in the hockey stick 20. The location and the flexing characteristics of the portion 150 can be selected to a specific position type, player type (weight, height, strength, among others) or a specific player (e.g. a specific professional player).

[0073] In one example, increasing the quadratic moment, I, may allow the Young’s Modulus, E, to be decreased, while maintaining a same overall flexural rigidity. In one example, the Young’s Modulus, E, may be decreased by reducing an amount of material used to form all or part of the shaft 24, and hence, reducing the overall mass of the shaft 24.

[0074] Still referring to Fig. 2D, the front face 42a and the rear face 42b are spaced from one another by a distance 152. The distance 152 is of approximately 29.5 mm. The distance 152 is equal to the distance 52 (FIG. 2C), but they could differ fromone another in some embodiments. The top-side face 44a has a width 154a. In the present embodiment, the width 154a is of approximately 21.70 mm. The width 154a is greater than the width 54. A ratio of the width 154a over the width 54 is approximately 1.11. It is contemplated that the ratio of width 154a over the width 54 could range between 1.10 and 1.15 in other embodiments.

[0075] The heel-side face 44b has a width 154b. The width 154b is of approximately 17.09 mm. The width 154b is smaller than the width 54. A ratio of the width 154b over the width 54 is approximately 0.88. It is contemplated that the ratio of width 154b over the width 54 could range between 0.85 and 0.90 in other embodiments.

[0076] The width 154a is greater than the width 154b. A ratio of the width 154b over the width 154a is approximately 0.79. It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, the ratio of width 154b over the width 154a could range between 0.75 and 0.85. Having the widths 154a, 154b being different from one another allows to have the sections 174a, 174b extending closer to the longitudinal center plane 60 than the sections 172, 172b.

[0077] The top-side face 44a is curved in a convex fashion when looking at the outer surface 48b of the shaft 24. The top-side face 44a has a curvature radius 145a. The curvature radius 145a is approximately 60 mm, but could differ in other embodiments. The heel-side face 44b is also curved in a convex fashion when looking at the outer surface 48b of the shaft 24. The heel-side face 44b has a curvature radius 145b. The curvature radius 145b is approximately 80 mm, but could differ in other embodiments. The curvatures radius 145b is greater than the curvature radius 145a. A ratio of the curvature radius 145b over the curvature radius 145a is 1.33. It is contemplated that the ratio could differ in other embodiments. The curvature radii 145a, 145b are greater than the curvature radii 143a, 143b of the front and rear faces 42a, 42b respectively. In other embodiments, the curvature radii 145a, 145b could be equal to or greater than the curvature radii 143a, 143b by a different amount than the one described with respect to the present embodiment. Having the faces 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b in the portion 150 being curved in a convex fashion when looking at the outer surface 48b of the shaft 24 reduces the amount of stress concentration zones when the shaft 24 is flexed (for example, when a player shoots a puck), and thus may improve the durability of the hockey stick 20 in certain circumstances.

[0078] In one embodiment, the thickness of the sidewalls of the shaft 24 forming any one of the faces 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b may be substantially constant in the portions 50, 150 of the shaft 24. This is achieved by having the portion 150 being made of a layup of composite material having a same number of layers as in portion 50. This has a number of advantages over other hockey sticks that add material in some portion(s) of the shaft to selectively increase the flexural rigidity. First, there is a reduced number of stress concentration zones (or stress risers) as there is no transition between a portion of the shaft having a first amount of layers of materials to another portion of the shaft having a second amount of layers of materials. Second, as there is no added material to locally increase the flexural rigidity, there is no additional weight owed to this added material, and thus the shaft 24 has a locally increased flexural rigidity while having the same weight as if the shaft 24 had the cross section shape of FIG. 2D throughout the length L thereof.

[0079] Moreover, the portion 150 of the shaft 24 further has an outer perimeter 178. The outer perimeter 178 contributes to the quadratic moment 70, since the inner surface of the shaft 24 has approximately the same cross-sectional shape as the outer surface 48b of the shaft 24 at that point on the longitudinal length L of the shaft 24, as shown in FIG. 2D. The outer perimeter 178 of portion 150 is substantially the same as the outer perimeter 78 of portion 50. The outer perimeter 178 is between approximately 90 and 95 mm, which is similar to the outer perimeter of a typical shaft having a constant rectangular geometry from a first extremity thereof to a second extremity thereof. It is contemplated that a ratio between the outer perimeter 178 of the shaft 24 in the portion 150 and the outer perimeter 78 of the shaft in the portion 50 ranges between 0.85 and 1 .00. Stated differently, the outer perimeters of the shaft at these two locations are substantially the same, and are at most 15% different from each other. In some embodiments, the ratio is between 0.90 and 1.00, and in some embodiments, the ratio is between 0.95 and 1.00. Put differently, there is a 15% or less variation that is possible between the outer perimeters 78, 178. Having substantially similar outer perimeters 78, 178 in portions 50, 150 of the shaft 24 also leads to having about the same amount of material in the portions 50, 150 of the shaft 24. In other words, the increase in flexural rigidity in portion 150 compared to portion 50 is provided essentially by the change in the shape of the cross section, as described above, which causes anincrease in the quadratic moment I in portion 150 compared to portion 50. Furthermore, having substantially similar outer perimeters 78, 178 in portions 50, 150 of the shaft 24 may also facilitate manufacturing of the shaft 24, since a mandrel of reduced complexity may be used during manufacturing, and / or manufacturing time can be reduced compared to other hockey sticks 20 also having portion(s) of increased flexural rigidity.

[0080] Progressing further down the longitudinal length L of the shaft 24 away from portion 150 past cross section 2D-2D towards the blade 22, the shape of the cross section of the shaft 24 begins to transition from being as shown in FIG. 2D to having the major faces 42a, 42b of the shaft 24 still being curved outwardly, away from the longitudinal center plane 60, but with curvature radii 243a, 243b of approximately 150 mm. The curvature radii 243a, 243b are greater than the curvature radii 143a, 143b. A curvature radius 245a is equal to curvature radius 145a, and a curvature radius 245b is equal to curvature radius 145b. The portion 250 of the shaft 24 has a cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 2E.

[0081] The front face 42a and the rear face 42b are spaced from one another by a distance 252. The distance 252 is approximately 29.5 mm. The distance 252 is equal to the distance 52 (FIG. 2C) and the distance 152 (FIG. 2D), but they could differ from one another in some embodiments. The top-side face 44a has a width 254a. In the present embodiment, the width 254a is approximately 18.80 mm. The width 154a of portion 150 is greater than the width 254a of portion 250. The portion 250 has a quadratic moment 270 being smaller than the quadratic moment 170. This is caused by having the width 154a of portion 150 greater than the width 254a of portion 250, and since the calculation of the quadratic moment I involves having the distance between the longitudinal center plane 60 and each element of the geometry forming the cross section cubed (A3), the quadratic moment 170 is greater than the quadratic moment 270. However, the quadratic moment 270 of the portion 250 is greater than the quadratic moment 70 of the portion 50, but they could be equal in other embodiments.

[0082] Since the portion 150 has the quadratic moment 170 being greater than the quadratic moment 270 of the portion 250, the shaft 24 has a kick point defined in portion 150. In other words, the different flexural rigidity in the portions 150, 250 provide for different responses of the portions 150, 250 during bending. For example and referring to FIG. 3, when a player 302 performs a slap shot, the different responses ofthe portions 150, 250 to the bending force applied by the player 302 and the ice surface 304 can result in the portion 150 propelling the portion 250 and the blade 22 forward when the bending force is released, thereby releasing more kinetic energy and ultimately resulting in an increased puck speed.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 2F, there is shown a graph where the quadratic moments, including quadratic moments 70, 170, 270, are shown in relation with their position along length L of the shaft 24. The quadratic moment 170 (i.e. the quadratic moment in portion 150) is greater than quadratic moment 70 (i.e. the quadratic moment in portion 50) and quadratic moment 270 (i.e. the quadratic moment in portion 250). There is also shown a baseline showing the quadratic moment along the shaft of another hockey stick having a shaft with constant cross-sectional shape similar to that of portion 50 (i.e. with a cross section profile similar to cross section 2D-2D). A difference 310 between the curves appears in portion 150 defining the kick point, where the section of the hockey stick 20 has a quadratic moment about 15% higher than the baseline.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4F, hockey stick 1020 being another embodiment of the present technology will be briefly described. The hockey stick 1020 includes features that are the same as or similar to those of the hockey stick 20. Therefore, for simplicity, features of the hockey stick 1020 that are the same as or similar to those of the hockey stick 20 have been labeled with the same reference numerals, but in the 1000 series (for example, corner 46a corresponds to corner 1046a), and will not be described again in detail.

[0085] The shaft 1024 of the hockey stick 1020 has portion 1050 having a cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 4C being generally rectangular with rounded corners 1046a, 1046b, 1046c, 1046d. The rounded corners 1046a, 1046b, 1046c, 1046d all have a same curvature radius 1056 of approximately 5 mm. In portion 1050 of the shaft 1024, the top-side face 1044a and the heel-side face 1044b are not planar, but rather have relatively large curvature radii 1045a, 1045b of approximately 116 mm. The top-side face 1044a and the heel-side face 1044b are curved outwardly, i.e. convex when looking at the outer surface 1048b of the shaft 1024. Distance 1052 between the top-side face 1044a and the heel-side face 1044b is approximately 28.2 mm. Width 1054 between the front face 1042a and the rear face 1042b is approximately 18.8 mm.A longitudinal center plane 1060 is located between and extends substantially parallel to the front and rear faces 1042a, 1042b, and across the top-side and heel-side faces 1044a, 1044b.

[0086] The portion 1050 of the shaft 1024 further has an outer perimeter 1078. The outer perimeter 1078 contributes to the quadratic moment 1070, since the inner surface of the shaft 1024 has approximately the same cross-sectional shape as the outer surface 1048b of the shaft 1024 at that point on the longitudinal length L of the shaft 1024, as shown in FIG. 4C.

[0087] Progressing further down the longitudinal length L of the shaft 1024 away from portion 1050 past cross section 4C-4C towards the blade 1022, the shape of the cross section of the shaft 1024 begins to transition from being generally rectangular, as in the cross section 4C-4C, to having the major faces 1042a, 1042b of the shaft 1024 being curved outwardly, away from the longitudinal center plane 1060, and the portion 1150 of the shaft 1024 has a cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 4D. The portion 1150 is located along the shaft 1024 between a mid-point 1062 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the shaft 1024 and the heel 1032 of the blade 1022. It is contemplated that the position of the portion 1150 along the length L of the shaft 1024 may vary in other embodiments.

[0088] With reference to Equation 1 presented above, the shaft 1024 is configured to have the portion 1150 with an increased quadratic moment I, referred to as quadratic moment 1170. The quadratic moment 1170 is different from the quadratic moment 1070. The quadratic moment 1170 is greater than the quadratic moment 1070. The increase is effected by using a non-rectangular cross-sectional geometry in the portion 1150, and by having sections of the front face 1042a and the rear face 1042b extending further away from the longitudinal center plane 1060 than in the portion 1050 having the cross section shown in FIG. 4C.

[0089] With reference to FIG. 4D, the cross-sectional geometry of the portion 1150 of the shaft 1024 will be described in more detail. Like in portion 1050, each one of the rounded corners 1046a, 1046b, 1046c, 1046d of portion 1150 (not shown in FIG. 4D for clarity) has the same curvature radius 1056 of approximately 5 mm, and is the same as in the portion 1050. It is contemplated that the curvature radius 1056 could differ from one of the corners 1046a, 1046b, 1046c, 1046d to another in otherembodiments, and differ between portion 1050 and portion 1150. In contrast with the front face 1042a in portion 1050, the front face 1042a in portion 1150 is curved convexly when looking at the outer surface 1048b of the shaft 1024. The front face 1042a has a curvature radius 1143a of approximately 60 mm. The rear face 1042b is also curved convexly when looking at the outer surface 1048b of the shaft 1024. The rear face 1042b also has a curvature radius 1143b of 60 mm.

[0090] In contrast with the portion 150 of the shaft 24, no apexes are defined by any one of the front face 1042a and the rear face 1042b. The front face 1042a extends as a continuous, regular curve between the corner 1046a and the corner 1046b. Similarly, the rear face 1042b extends as a continuous, regular curve between the corner 1046d and the corner 1046c. The top-side face 1044a is wider than the heel-side face 1044b. Width 1154a is approximately 20.9 mm, while width 1154b is approximately 16.45 mm. Having the top-side face 1044a wider than the heel-side face 1044b may provide for a more comfortable / ergonomic grip of the shaft 1024 in the portion 1150, if circumstances are anticipated where a player’s bottom hand could be located in portion 150, as the shaft 1024 is narrower in the palm of the hand of the player, and wider where the fingers of the player wrap around the shaft 1024, thus providing user comfort and grasp strength. Distance 1152 between the top-side face 1044a and the heel-side face 1044b is of 28.2 mm, same as distance 1052 in portion 1050. The top-side face 1044a is curved outwardly when looking at the outer surface 1048b of the shaft 1024, and has a curvature radius 1145a of approximately 60 mm. The heel-side face 1044b is also curved outwardly, and has a curvature radius 1145b of approximately 60 mm.

[0091] This arrangement of the cross section of the shaft 1024 in portion 1150 shown in FIG. 4D provides that the quadratic moment 1170 is increased compared to the quadratic moment 1070 of portion 1050 shown in FIG. 4C, since when calculating the quadratic moment I, the distance of each element of the geometry forming the cross section is cubed (A3), and thus having the front and rear faces 1042a, 1042b extending further away from the longitudinal center plane 1060 than in portion 1050 increases the quadratic moment I, thus causing the quadratic moment 1170 to be greater than the quadratic moment 1070.

[0092] This increase in the quadratic moment I is provided while the outer perimeter 1178 of the portion 1150 of the shaft 1024 is within a 15% range or less of theouter perimeter 1078 of the portion 1050 of the shaft 1024. Having substantially similar outer perimeters 1078, 1178 in portions 1050, 1150 of the shaft 1024 also leads to having about the same amount of material in the portions 1050, 1150 of the shaft 1024. In other words, the increase in flexural rigidity in portion 1150 compared to portion 1050 is provided essentially by the change in the shape of the cross section, as described above, which causes an increase in the quadratic moment I in portion 1150 compared to portion 1050. Furthermore, having substantially similar outer perimeters 1078, 1178 in portions 1050, 1150 of the shaft 1024 may also facilitate manufacturing of the shaft 1024, since a mandrel of reduced complexity may be used during manufacturing, and / or manufacturing time can be reduced compared to other hockey sticks 1020 also having portion(s) of increased flexural rigidity.

[0093] Progressing further down the longitudinal length L of the shaft 1024 away from portion 1150 past cross section 4D-4D towards the blade 1022, the shape of the cross section of the shaft 1024 begins to transition from being as shown in FIG. 4D to having the major faces 1042a, 1042b of the shaft 1024 still being curved outwardly, away from the longitudinal center plane 1060, but with curvature radii 1243a, 1243b greater than curvature radius 1143a of approximately 60 mm. The curvature radii 1243a, 1243b are greater than the curvature radii 1143a, 1143b. A curvature radius 1245a is equal to curvature radius 1145a, and a curvature radius 1245b is equal to curvature radius 1145b. The portion 1250 of the shaft 1024 has a cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 4E.

[0094] Width 1254a is approximately 18.94 mm. Width 1254b is approximately 16.46 mm. Distance 1252 is approximately 28.45 mm. The corners 1046a, 1046b, 1046c, 1046d remain with the same curvature radius 1056 of approximately 5 mm. This arrangement of the cross section of the shaft 1024 in portion 1250 shown in FIG. 4E provides that the quadratic moment 1270 is reduced compared to the quadratic moment 1170 of portion 1150 shown in FIG. 4D, since when calculating the quadratic moment I, the distance of each element of the geometry forming the cross section is cubed (A3), and thus having the front and rear faces 1042a, 1042b extending closer from the longitudinal center plane 1060 than in portion 1150 decreases the quadratic moment I, thus causing the quadratic moment 1270 to be smaller than the quadratic moment 1170.

[0095] This decrease in the quadratic moment I is provided while the outer perimeter 1278 of the portion 1250 of the shaft 1024 is within a 15% range or less of the outer perimeters 1078, 1178 of the portions 1050, 1150 of the shaft 1024.

[0096] Progressing further down the longitudinal length L of the shaft 1024 away from portion 1250 past cross section 4E-4E towards the blade 1022, the shape of the cross section of the shaft 1024 begins to transition from being as shown in FIG. 4E to having the major faces 1042a, 1042b of the shaft 1024 being planar, and with the minor faces 1044a, 1044b still being curved outwardly.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 4F, there is shown a graph where the quadratic moments, including quadratic moments 1070, 1170, 1270, are shown in relation with their position along length L of the shaft 1024. The quadratic moment 1170 (i.e. the quadratic moment in portion 1150) is greater than quadratic moment 1070 (i.e. the quadratic moment in portion 1050) and quadratic moment 1270 (i.e. the quadratic moment in portion 1250). There is also shown a baseline showing the quadratic moment along the shaft of another hockey stick having a shaft with constant cross- sectional shape similar to that of portion 1050 (i.e. with a cross section profile similar to cross section 4C-4C). A difference 1310 between the curves appears in portion 1150 defining the kick point, where the section of the hockey stick 1020 has a quadratic moment about 11% higher than the baseline.

[0098] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5E, hockey stick 2020 being another embodiment of the present technology will be briefly described. The hockey stick 2020 includes features that are the same as or similar to those of the hockey stick 20. Therefore, for simplicity, features of the hockey stick 2020 that are the same as or similar to those of the hockey stick 20 have been labeled with the same reference numerals, but in the 2000 series (for example, corner 46a corresponds to corner 2046a), and will not be described again in detail.

[0099] The shaft 2024 of the hockey stick 2020 has portion 2050 having a cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 5C being generally rectangular with rounded corners 2046a, 2046b, 2046c, 2046d. The rounded corners 2046a, 2046b, 2046c, 2046d all have a same curvature radius 2056 of approximately 5 mm. In portion 2050 of the shaft 2024, the major faces 2042a, 2042b are not planar, but rather have relativelylarge curvature radii 2043a, 2043b of approximately 230.6 mm. The major faces 2042a, 2042b are curved inwardly, i.e. concave when looking at the outer surface 2048b of the shaft 2024. Distance 2052 between the top-side face 2044a and the heel-side face 2044b is approximately 29.65 mm. Width 2054 between the front face 2042a and the rear face 2042b is approximately 19.4 mm. A longitudinal center plane 2060 is located between and extends substantially parallel to the front and rear faces 2042a, 2042b, and across the top-side and heel-side faces 2044a, 2044b. A transversal plane 2061 is located between and extends substantially parallel to the top-side and heel-side faces 2044a, 2044b, and across the front and rear faces 2042a, 2042b.

[0100] The portion 2050 of the shaft 2024 further has an outer perimeter 2078. The outer perimeter 2078 contributes to the quadratic moment 2070, since the inner surface of the shaft 2024 has approximately the same cross-sectional shape as the outer surface 2048b of the shaft 2024 on the longitudinal length L of the shaft 2024, as shown in FIG. 5C.

[0101] Progressing further down the longitudinal length L of the shaft 2024 away from portion 2050 past cross section 5C-5C towards the blade 2022, the shape of the cross section of the shaft 2024 begins to transition from being generally rectangular, as in the cross section 5C-5C, to having the major faces 2042a, 2042b of the shaft 2024 being curved outwardly, away from the longitudinal center plane 2060, and the portion 2150 of the shaft 2024 has a cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 5D. The portion 2150 is located along the shaft 2024 between a mid-point 2062 (FIGS. 5A and 5B) of the shaft 2024 and the heel 2032 of the blade 2022. It is contemplated that the position of the portion 2150 along the length L of the shaft 2024 may vary in other embodiments.

[0102] With reference to Equation 1 presented above, the shaft 2024 is configured to have the portion 2150 with an increased quadratic moment I, referred to as quadratic moment 2170. The quadratic moment 2170 is different from the quadratic moment 2070. The quadratic moment 2170 is greater than the quadratic moment 2070. The increase is effected by using a non-rectangular cross-sectional geometry in the portion 2150, and by having sections of the front face 2042a and the rear face 2042b extending further away from the longitudinal center plane 2060 than in the portion 2050 having the cross section shown in FIG. 5C.

[0103] With reference to FIG. 5D, the cross-sectional geometry of the portion2150 of the shaft 2024 will be described in more detail.

[0104] The front face 2042a has sections 2172a, 2174a defining apex 2176a. Section 2174a has a curvature radius of approximately 40 mm. The apex 2176a is located closer to the top face 2044a than the bottom face 2044b. The rear face 2042b has a curvature radius of approximately 60 mm. There is no apex defined on the rear face 2042b. The rear face 2042b extends as a continuous, regular curve between the corner 2046d and the corner 2046c. The top-side face 2044a is wider than the heel-side face 2044b. Width 2154a is approximately 19.3 mm, while width 2154b is approximately 14 mm. Having the top-side face 2044a wider than the heel-side face 2044b may provide for a more comfortable / ergonomic grip of the shaft 2024 in the portion 2150, in circumstances where the player’s bottom hand is located in portion 2150, as the shaft 2024 is narrower in the palm of the hand of the player, and wider where the fingers of the player wrap around the shaft 2024, thus providing user comfort and grasp strength. The presence of the apex 2176a on the front face 2042a may also assist in providing a more comfortable / ergonomic grip of the shaft 2024 in the portion 2150. Distance 2152 between the top-side face 1044a and the heel-side face 1044b is of 30.5 mm. The cross section of the shaft 2024 in portion 2150 shown in FIG. 5D is asymmetric about the longitudinal plane 2060 and about the transversal plane 2061 . It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, the portion 2150 of the shaft 2024 could have a cross section that is a mirror image of the cross section presented in FIG. 5D about the longitudinal plane 2060 or about the transversal plane 2061 .

[0105] This arrangement of the cross section of the shaft 2024 in portion 2150 shown in FIG. 5D provides that the quadratic moment 2170 is increased compared to the quadratic moment 2070 of portion 2050 shown in FIG. 5C, since when calculating the quadratic moment I, the distance of each element of the geometry forming the cross section is cubed (A3), and thus having the front and rear faces 2042a, 2042b extending further away from the longitudinal center plane 2060 than in portion 2050 increases the quadratic moment I, thus causing the quadratic moment 2170 to be greater than the quadratic moment 2070.

[0106] This increase in the quadratic moment I is provided while the outer perimeter 2178 of the portion 2150 of the shaft 2024 is within a 15% range or less of theouter perimeter 2078 of the portion 2050 of the shaft 2024. Having substantially similar outer perimeters 2078, 2178 in portions 2050, 2150 of the shaft 2024 also leads to having about the same amount of material in the portions 2050, 2150 of the shaft 2024. In other words, the increase in flexural rigidity in portion 2150 compared to portion 2050 is provided essentially by the change in the shape of the cross section, as described above, which causes an increase in the quadratic moment I in portion 2150 compared to portion 2050. Furthermore, having substantially similar outer perimeters 2078, 2178 in portions 2050, 2150 of the shaft 2024 may also facilitate manufacturing of the shaft 2024, since a mandrel of reduced complexity may be used during manufacturing, and / or manufacturing time can be reduced compared to other hockey sticks 2020 also having portion(s) of increased flexural rigidity.

[0107] Progressing further down the longitudinal length L of the shaft 2024 away from portion 2150 past cross section 5D-5D towards the blade 2022, the shape of the cross section of the shaft 2024 begins to transition from being as shown in FIG. 5D to having the major faces 2042a, 2042b of the shaft 024 being straight. In Fig. 5E, there is shown a cross-sectional shape of the portion 2250 at cross-section line 5E-5E of Fig. 5A.

[0108] Width 2254a is approximately 15 mm. Width 2254b is approximately 15.5 mm. Distance 2252 is approximately 31.6 mm. This arrangement of the cross section of the shaft 2024 in portion 2250 shown in FIG. 5E provides that the quadratic moment 2270 is reduced compared to the quadratic moment 2170 of portion 2150 shown in FIG. 5D, since when calculating the quadratic moment I, the distance of each element of the geometry forming the cross section is cubed (A3), and thus having the front and rear faces 2042a, 2042b extending closer from the longitudinal center plane 2060 than in portion 2150 decreases the quadratic moment I, thus causing the quadratic moment 2270 to be smaller than the quadratic moment 2170.

[0109] This decrease in the quadratic moment I is provided while the outer perimeter 2278 of the portion 2250 of the shaft 2024 is within a 15% range or less of the outer perimeters 2078, 2178 of the portions 2050, 2150 of the shaft 2024.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 5G, there is shown a graph where the quadratic moments, including quadratic moments 2070, 2170, 2270, are shown in relation withtheir position along length L of the shaft 2024. The quadratic moment 2170 (i.e. the quadratic moment in portion 2150) is greater than quadratic moment 2070 (i.e. the quadratic moment in portion 2050) and quadratic moment 2270 (i.e. the quadratic moment in portion 2250). There is also shown a baseline showing the quadratic moment along the shaft of another hockey stick having a shaft with constant cross- sectional shape similar to that of portion 2050 (i.e. with a cross section profile similar to cross section 5C-5C). A difference 2310 between the curves appears in portion 2150 defining the kick point, where the section of the hockey stick 2020 has a quadratic moment about 23% higher than the baseline.

[0111] The embodiments described in this document provide non-limiting examples of possible implementations of the present technology. Upon review of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present technology.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A hockey stick comprising: a blade; and a shaft adjoined to the blade, the shaft including: a first portion defining a first cross section having a first quadratic moment; and a second portion being spaced from the first portion along a longitudinal length of the shaft and located closer to the blade than the first portion, the second portion defining a second cross section, the second cross section having a second quadratic moment being different from the first quadratic moment.

2. The hockey stick of claim 1 , wherein the second quadratic moment of the second cross section is greater than the first quadratic moment of the first cross section.

3. The hockey stick of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion is located along the shaft between a mid-point of the shaft and a heel of the blade.

4. The hockey stick of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an outer surface of the first and second portions of the shaft comprise: a first minor face; a second minor face opposite the first minor face; a first major face extending between and connected to the first and second minor faces; and a second major face opposite the first major face, the second major face extending between and connected to the first and second minor faces; wherein, in the second portion of the shaft :at least one of the first and second major faces has a first section adjacent the first minor face, and a second section adjacent the second minor face; a longitudinal center plane located between the first and second major faces and across the first and second minor faces; and the second section of the at least one of the first and second major faces of the second portion extends closer to the longitudinal center plane than the first section of the at least one of the first and second major faces.

5. The hockey stick of claim 4, wherein the second portion of the shaft further comprises a plurality of rounded corners extending between and connecting the first and second major faces to the first and second minor faces, and each rounded corner of the plurality of rounded corners has a same curvature radius.

6. The hockey stick of claim 5, wherein, in the second portion of the shaft, the at least one of the first and second major faces defines an apex, and the apex extends further away from the longitudinal center plane than any one rounded corner of the plurality of rounded corners.

7. The hockey stick of claim 6, wherein the apex is located closer to the first minor face than to the second minor face.

8. The hockey stick of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first minor face is a top-side face and the second minor face is a heel-side face, and the at least one of the first section of the first and second major faces is located closer to the top-side face of the shaft than the second section of the at least one of the first and second major faces.

9. The hockey stick of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the first and second major faces are asymmetric about the longitudinal center plane and about a transversal plane.

10. The hockey stick of any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein, in the second portion of the shaft, the first minor face has a first width and the second minor face has a second width being different from the first width, and a ratio of the second width over the first width is between 0.75 and 0.85.11 . The hockey stick of any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein: the longitudinal center plane defines a first side and a second side opposite the first side; at least one of the first and second sections of at least one of the first and second major faces is curved, and the at least one of the first and second sections extends on a first side of the longitudinal center plane; and a center of curvature of the at least one of the first and second sections is located on the second side of the longitudinal center plane.

12. The hockey stick of any one of claims 4 to 11 , wherein at least one of the first and second minor face has a width that is different from a width of at least one of the first and second minor faces of the shaft in the first portion.

13. The hockey stick of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the shaft has an inner surface and an outer surface, and, at least in the second portion of the shaft, the inner surface defines a substantially similar cross-sectional shape as a cross-sectional shape defined by the outer surface.

14. The hockey stick of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a ratio between an outer perimeter of the shaft in the second portion of the shaft and an outer perimeter of the shaft in the first portion of the shaft is between 0.85 and 1.00.hockey stick of claim 14, wherein the ratio is between 0.95 and 1 .

00. ockey stick comprising: a blade; and a shaft adjoined to the blade, the shaft including: a first portion defining a first cross sectional shape; and a second portion being spaced from the first portion along a longitudinal length of the shaft and located closer to the blade than the first portion, the second portion defining a second cross sectional shape different that the first cross sectional shape, and a ratio between an outer perimeter of the second cross sectional shape and an outer perimeter of the first cross sectional shape is between 0.85 and 1.

00. hockey stick of claim 16, wherein the ratio is between 0.95 and 1 .

00. ockey stick comprising: a blade; and a shaft adjoined to the blade, the shaft including: a portion located along the shaft between a mid-point of the shaft and a heel of the blade, the portion including a first minor face; a second minor face opposite the first minor face; a first major face extending between and connected to the first and second minor faces; a second major face opposite the first major face, the second major face extending between and connected to the first and second minor faces;at least one of the first and second major faces having a first section adjacent the first minor face, and a second section adjacent the second minor face; a longitudinal center plane located between the first and second major faces and across the first and second minor faces; the second section of the at least one of the first and second major faces extending closer to the longitudinal center plane than the first section of the at least one of the first and second major faces; and the first minor face having a first width and the second minor face having a second width being different from the first width.

19. The hockey stick of claim 18, wherein the portion is a first portion, and the shaft includes a second portion located between a mid-point of the shaft and a handle of the of the shaft, and a ratio between an outer perimeter of the shaft in the first portion of the shaft and an outer perimeter of the shaft in the second portion of the shaft is between 0.85 and 1.00.

20. A method of making a hockey stick, the hockey stick comprising a blade and a shaft extending from the blade, the method comprising: locally increasing a flexural rigidity within a defined portion of the shaft to form a kick point, by: forming, within the defined portion, a cross-sectional shape of the shaft that defines a quadratic moment different from a second quadratic moment of a second cross-sectional shape of the shaft at a location outside the defined portion; and ensuring that the cross-sectional shape within the defined portion and the second cross-sectional shape outside the defined portion have perimeters that are substantially the same.

Images