Flexible shaft for hockey stick

Abstract

A stick for ice hockey is provided, the shaft of which has at least three sections with different cross-sectional profiles along the longitudinal axis of the stick, the upper and lower sections of the stick each including four walls with a concave cross-section, and the middle section of the stick including four walls, three of which include a concave cross-section and one of which includes a convex cross-section. This configuration allows a player to more easily load the shaft of the stick compared to traditional hockey sticks and provides a more ergonomic design.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of ice hockey equipment, and more specifically to ice hockey sticks. [Background technology]

[0002] Background of the Invention

[0002] Traditionally, ice hockey sticks have been made from wood. These hardwood sticks often lack durability and sufficient rigidity, among other limitations. In an attempt to address these shortcomings, ice hockey stick construction has transitioned from using hardwood for the shaft to plywood, aluminum, and eventually carbon fiber composites.

[0003]

[0003] Carbon fiber composites can reduce the weight of the stick. For example, a hardwood hockey stick may weigh 650-700g compared to a similarly sized carbon fiber stick that may weigh less than 400g. A lighter stick is advantageous for the player because it can encourage more agile and quicker play. Carbon fiber composites can also increase the strength of the stick compared to a hardwood stick and allow for a greater variety of shapes along the shaft of the stick.

[0004] For example, traditional wooden sticks have a roughly rectangular cross-section with square corners as a result of common woodworking practices (and constraints). Carbon fiber composites allow for a variety of shapes along the length of the shaft. This has led to the development of rounder, asymmetrically shaped shafts that are considered more ergonomic than rectangular shafts with square corners.

[0005]

[0005] Evolving technology has led to the development of more flexible shafts with engineered flex points that allow the shaft to store and release energy more efficiently compared to traditional ice hockey sticks. Zones of increased stiffness relative to the remainder of the shaft have typically been created by adding a filler layer of material to specific areas of the hockey stick. However, adding material to create stiffness can result in adjacent unfilled portions being relatively thin. As a result, such unfilled sections of the shaft can become structural weak points. Because the unfilled areas are relatively soft compared to the stiffer filler parts, more strain is induced in these areas, making them more susceptible to damage and breakage.

[0006] In addition to changes in hockey stick configuration, shooting mechanics have also evolved over time, particularly in the past two decades. Due to the increasing speed of the game, players no longer have the same amount of time as before to use a long windup and a traditional slap shot. In particular, a typical player holds the stick while skating with their top, propulsive hand near the bat or handle end, and their bottom hand is positioned lower along the shaft than the top hand. Players were taught to shift their bottom hand down to the midpoint region of the shaft when preparing to take a shot. While this practice adds power and accuracy to the shot, shifting the bottom hand was time-consuming in the context of a fast-moving game.

[0007]

[0007] In modern play, due to the increased speed of the game, players are now taught to shoot with their bottom hand remaining higher on the shaft of their stick. This creates a shorter, quicker release shot than can be obtained from a skating hand position. While this may allow for a quicker release of the puck, a higher hand position may provide less leverage on the stick blade and puck. There are no commercially available sticks designed for optimal performance when used in this new style of play.

[0008]

[0008] Therefore, despite the advances made to date in the development of ice hockey sticks, there is room for improvement to address the above-mentioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the above disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010]

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel hockey stick shaft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011]

[0011] Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a hockey stick shaft comprising, along its longitudinal axis: (a) an upper section including four walls, each of which includes a convex cross-section; (b) a middle section including four walls, three of which include a convex cross-section and one of which includes a concave cross-section; and (c) a lower section including four walls, each of which includes a convex cross-section.

[0012]

[0012] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a hockey stick shaft that is hollow and preferably made from a carbon fiber composite material consisting of carbon fiber and resin, such as epoxy resin. However, other materials, such as urethane, acrylic, and other forms of resin, may also be used. Similarly, one or more layers of carbon fiber may be replaced with other technical fibers, such as aramid, PBO, etc. Such a construction results in a lightweight stick that can be effectively used in fast play.

[0013]

[0013] In yet a further aspect, the present invention relates to a hockey stick shaft that is formed without sharp or right-angled corners along the length of the shaft, thereby improving the ergonomic comfort of the shaft when held during active play.

[0014] In yet a further aspect, the present invention relates to a hockey stick shaft formed by wrapping a sheet of carbon fiber composite material around an expandable membrane which is used to press the material outward into an interior cavity of a mold that is shaped without sharp or right-angled corners. This also eliminates the need for the fibers to create sharp corners, which results in a stronger fiber-based structure.

[0015]

[0015] In still a further aspect, the present invention relates to a hockey stick shaft having at least three sections, namely, a lower section terminating at the heel of the blade, a middle section connecting with the lower section, and an upper section terminating at the butt or handle end of the stick, characterized by a uniform wall thickness of the carbon fiber composite material along at least the lower section. In other words, there are no areas in the lower section where additional material has been added to strengthen it, and there are no areas in the lower section where material has been removed to make the lower section more flexible. This results in a stronger structure for the lower section and reduces the risk of excessive deflection and breakage.

[0016] In still a further aspect, the present invention relates to a hockey stick shaft having at least five sections including transition zones between the lower and middle sections and between the middle and upper sections, namely, a lower section terminating at the heel of the blade, a middle section connecting with the lower section, and an upper section terminating at the butt or handle end of the stick, and may be further characterized by a uniform wall thickness of carbon fiber composite material along at least the lower region, the transition zone between the lower and middle sections, and the middle section. The same benefits in terms of increased strength along the uniform wall sections as described above apply to this alternative embodiment.

[0017]

[0017] In still a further aspect, the present invention relates to a hockey stick shaft characterized by a uniform wall thickness of carbon fiber composite material along its entire length. This results in a stronger structure for the entire shaft, reducing the risk of excessive deflection and breakage. The same benefits of increased strength for a uniformly walled structure as described above apply to this alternative embodiment.

[0018]

[0018] Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention have developed a hockey stick that allows a modern grip to be used with the lower hand higher on the stick shaft, so as to more easily load the stick shaft and allow more energy to be stored and released during a shot compared to conventional hockey sticks. The hockey stick of the present invention provides a more ergonomic and lightweight design, allowing players to make quick adjustments to their grip position without compromising the fit of the stick shaft in their hand, and favorable mass distribution along the length of the shaft.

[0019]

[0019] To the inventor's knowledge, no hockey stick has been known to date that has such a combination of features.

[0020]

[0020] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the present specification.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1]

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a hockey stick shaft of the present invention, showing a side view of the hockey stick shaft. [Figure 2]

[0023] 2 is a schematic diagram of the hockey stick shaft of FIG. 1 showing cross sections of (A) the upper section, (B) the middle section, and (C) the lower section of the shaft. [Figure 3]

[0024] 1 is a graph showing flexibility measurements along a hockey stick shaft of the present invention using a standard flexibility testing method, the cantilever bend test. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0025] The present invention relates to a hockey stick shaft including, along its longitudinal axis: (a) an upper section including four walls, each wall including a convex cross-section; (b) a middle section including four walls, three of which include a convex cross-section and one of which includes a concave cross-section; and (c) a lower section including four walls, each of which includes a convex cross-section.

[0024]

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following exemplary information which should not be used to limit or understand the present invention.

[0025]

[0027] The hockey stick of the present invention includes three main sections along the longitudinal axis of the stick. The three sections have various cross-sectional shapes, which create dual flex points in the shaft as described herein. There are also two intervening, connecting, transition zones that act to transition between the three main sections. The hockey stick is preferably made of carbon fiber composite material, but may be made of any suitable material.

[0026]

[0028] 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a hockey stick 100 of the present invention. The hockey stick shaft 100 is preferably hollow and, in this embodiment, includes a uniform wall thickness throughout.

[0027]

[0029] The hockey stick shaft 100 includes an upper section 105 that is held by the player's upper hand and is at the opposite end of the hockey blade (not shown). The upper section 105 includes a first upper section end 105a that is opposite a second upper section end 105b along the longitudinal axis of the stick. The second upper section end 105b is connected to a connection zone 115, which in turn connects to the middle section 110 at its first middle section end 110a. In some preferred embodiments, the first connection zone 115 has the same outer dimensions as the second upper section end 105b relative to the first middle section end 110a. This allows for a more seamless transition between shapes.

[0028]

[0030] Upper section 105 includes a convex-convex cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 2A , including top wall 130a, front wall 130b, bottom wall 130c, and rear wall 130d, each of which includes a convex surface. Without being bound to a particular theory or mode of operation, the resulting rounded shape of upper section 105 can conform to the palm of a player's upper hand, maximizing surface contact with the player's hand and allowing the player to efficiently control the stick. Furthermore, the rounded shape allows the player to adjust their grip position without compromising the fit of the shaft in their hand.

[0029]

[0031] The hockey stick shaft 100 further includes a middle section 110 including a first middle section end 110a opposite a second middle section end 110b along the longitudinal axis of the stick.

[0030]

[0032] The mid-section 110 includes a convex-concave cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 2B . Specifically, the mid-section 110 includes a top wall 135a, a bottom wall 135c, and a rear wall 135d, each of which includes a convex surface, and a front wall 135b, which includes a concave surface. Without being bound to a particular theory or mode of operation, the resulting shapes of the top wall 135a, the bottom wall 135c, and the rear wall 135d allow the stick to fit comfortably in the palm of the player's lower hand, maximizing contact between the player's hand and the stick. The concave surface of the front wall 135b also reduces the moment of inertia (I) for the mid-section 110 and creates a more flexible zone in the middle of the stick's shaft. The shape and position of the mid-section 110 create an upper deflection area, or "kick point," when using the stick to take a shot. The exact location of the upper kick point depends on where the player's lower hand is positioned along the shaft 100. However, as noted above, in modern styles of play, a player's lower hands are placed higher on shaft 100 than traditionally taught. The player's lower hands are likely to be placed in the area between first mid-section end 110a and second mid-section end 110b. Concave wall 135b then provides a convenient and sturdy grip for the player's fingers. Thus, if a player uses a higher hand position, as is common in modern styles of play, the upper kick point will be located near the player's lower hands in mid-section 110, which is preferred.

[0031]

[0033] The hockey stick shaft 100 further includes a lower section 120 including a first lower section end 120a opposite a second lower section end 120b along the longitudinal axis of the stick. The second lower section end 120b of the lower section 120 is configured to connect to a hockey stick blade (not shown). In some embodiments, the blade is replaceable. The blade may comprise any suitable material, including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, or a composite material.

[0032]

[0034] The lower section includes a convex-convex cross-sectional shape, including top wall 140a, front wall 140b, bottom wall 140c, and rear wall 140d, each of which includes a convex surface, as shown in FIG. 2C. Without being bound to a particular theory or mode of operation, the convex surface of front wall 140b increases the overall moment of inertia (I) and creates a stiffer zone in the shaft of the stick. The relative stiffness compared to mid section 110 helps create the upper kick point in the mid section described above.

[0033]

[0035] In some embodiments, the lower section preferably tapers from first lower section end 120a to second lower section end 120b. Without being bound to a particular theory or mode of operation, the associated reduction in moment of inertia toward lower end 120b creates a region of relatively lower stiffness. This creates a lower "kick point." In conjunction with the upper kick point, the result when using a stick incorporating a shaft of the present invention is a dual launch profile with two kick points that work together to impart enhanced force to the puck when executing a slap shot.

[0034]

[0036] As stated, the top section 105 is separated from the middle section 110 by the first connecting zone 115. The top section 105 is connected to one end of the first connecting zone 115 at a second top section end 105b, and the middle section 110 is connected to the opposite end of the first connecting zone 115 at a first middle section 110a.

[0035]

[0037] Similarly, the bottom section 120 is separated from the middle section 110 by a second connecting zone 125. The bottom section 120 is connected to one end of the second connecting zone 125 at a first bottom section end 120a, and the middle section 110 is connected to the opposite end of the second connecting zone 125 at a second middle section 110b.

[0036]

[0038] As noted above, the hockey stick shaft 100 of the present invention is designed to accommodate the modern, fast style of play in which a player's bottom hand remains higher on the stick during a shot, so that time is not wasted shifting the bottom hand. Some prior art hockey sticks were also designed with multiple zones of flexibility along their shafts, such as bottom, middle, and top zones with a transition zone. However, the ratios between those zones varied. Table 1 below shows the shaft length ratios given to prior art sticks compared to the present invention.

[0037] [Table 1]

[0038]

[0039] As can be seen by comparing the above ratios, prior art sticks allocated approximately equal lengths to the top, middle, and bottom sections. In the stick of the present invention, more of the shaft length is concentrated in the bottom and middle sections. This is because, when using prior art sticks, to maximize force on the puck, the player's lower hand must slide down the shaft, essentially creating a cantilever that contributes to the force transmitted to the puck through the flexible shaft. There is no strategic benefit to deviating from the default configuration of three approximately similarly sized sections. However, in the stick of the present invention, the player's hands remain high on the shaft, eliminating the need for time-consuming shifts in hand position. Rather, by designing the shaft to have different cross-sectional profiles across different regions, the stick of the present invention allows for the dual kick point described above and the sharp force transmitted to the puck to be created even when the player's hands remain relatively high on the shaft.

[0039]

[0040] It should be noted that the transition zones of the present invention are each allocated approximately 10% of the shaft length. This allows for a gradual transition between the different main lower, middle, and upper sections. Particularly when using carbon fiber to create the stick, the gradual transition prevents abrupt changes in cross-sectional profile and avoids the associated structural stresses that can cause weaknesses along the shaft.

[0040]

[0041] It should be noted that the percentages assigned to each of the three main sections of shaft 100 may vary within up to 20% of the percentages shown, with the benefits of the present invention being maintained even with such variations.

[0041]

[0042] Tables 2-9 below further illustrate example lengths of each component zone for a hockey stick for an adult male player having a length of 1544.3 mm. Also outlined are additional valid ranges for section lengths.

[0042] [Table 2]

[0043] [Table 3]

[0044] [Table 4]

[0045] [Table 5]

[0046] [Table 6]

[0047] [Table 7]

[0048] [Table 8]

[0049]

[0043] Different sizes of sticks are designed for players depending on their height, from children to senior players. However, the above ratios relate to the proportions of the shaft length corresponding to each of the three main sections and the two connection zones are consistent between different size sticks.

[0050]

[0044] The shaft 100 can further advantageously have consistent wall thickness and mass along its length. In prior art sticks, areas of flex were created by shaving or otherwise removing material or by thinner walls. Areas designed for greater strength and less flex are reinforced by increasing the amount of material in those areas or by introducing additional structure, such as braces made from metal, wood, or similar reinforcing materials. This non-uniformity along the length of the hockey stick shaft creates a greater contrast between flexible and inflexible areas, increasing the likelihood of excessive flex and breakage of the shaft during play. Advantageously, the shaft 100 of the present invention has areas of increased flexibility designed using different geometries rather than manipulating the amount of material used in those areas of the shaft 100. As a result, the shaft is uniformly strong and less prone to breakage, while providing dual flex points that translate into sharper, enhanced forces on the puck during play.

[0051] Alternative embodiments of the stick shaft may also be prepared in which the wall thickness is uniform only across the areas of the stick that experience the most flex and strain, such as the lower section 120, the second connection zone 125, and the middle section 110. It may be desirable to reduce the use of carbon fiber material in parts that typically do not experience significant impact, flex, or strain, such as the upper region 105. Having thinner walls in region 105 may reduce the weight of the stick and allow for the manufacture of the stick at a lower cost due to the savings in carbon fiber material in this region. Such a reduction in wall thickness in the upper region 105 does not have significant negative consequences on the overall strength of the shaft 100. Such alternative embodiments are within the scope of this invention.

[0052] As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the hockey stick shaft 100 is hollow and formed from carbon fiber composite material. When manufacturing a hollow shaft using carbon fiber composite material, sheets of carbon fiber embedded in an epoxy resin "prepreg" may be wrapped around a cylindrical mandrel. The mandrel is then removed, and an expandable membrane is placed inside the uncured shape. This assembly is then placed inside a heated mold formed in the desired shape of the stick. The membrane is then expanded, pressing the carbon fiber composite material against the mold's internal cavity to form a cured composite structure. Prior art shafts with sharp corners, when made in this manner, suffer from reduced strength due to the stress placed on the fibers when used to form the sharp corners. An additional advantage of this embodiment of the present invention is that the shaft corners are rounded, providing better structural integrity for structures made from carbon fiber composite material.

[0053]

[0047] The above manufacturing method is not the only method used to manufacture hollow shafts. However, it is preferred for shapes with variable cross-sections. The use of an expandable membrane in combination with an external mold offers the possibility of creating a greater variety of cross-sectional shapes than prior art methods of molding around an internal shape.

[0054]

[0048] It is further noted that if it is desired to achieve consistent wall thickness across a variable cross section, it may be necessary to use trimmed sheets of carbon fiber composite in the areas where the stick shape tapers. Such adjustments in the manufacturing process are within the knowledge of one skilled in the art.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows the results of a flexibility test using a standard testing protocol called a cantilever bend test. A dynamometer and test fixture were used to take measurements of the stick's stiffness every 5 cm along its shaft and every 2.5 cm along the last 40 cm of its lower section. The results are plotted as shown, with the Y-axis corresponding to stiffness measured in Newtons and the X-axis corresponding approximately to stick length in inches. Two sticks of the present invention with different stiffness ratings were tested: an "85 flex," a stick suitable for larger and taller adult male players, and a "75 flex," a stick suitable for adult male players of intermediate height. Note that the pattern is consistent across sticks of different sizes, as indicated by the essentially identical shape of the two plots. Sticks for junior players are also available in different grades of flexibility, such as a 35 flex or a 45 flex. The same pattern is repeated for these different grades of sticks of the present invention.

[0056] Proceeding from left to right, the graph shows measurements of stick flexibility from the blade end to the butt end. It can be seen that stiffness decreases, meaning that flexibility increases in the lower section 120 of the shaft, particularly toward the second lower section end 120b near the junction with the blade. This is due to the shape of the lower region 120, which consists of four convex walls tapering toward the blade. It can be seen that stiffness decreases in the lower section 120 for the 85 flex stick, going from a high of 210 Newtons to a low of approximately 155 Newtons, a 26% decrease. For the 75 flex stick, stiffness similarly decreases in the lower section 120, from a high of 185 Newtons to a low of 140 Newtons, a 24% decrease. Thus, it can be seen that the decrease in stiffness in the lower section 120 of the invented shaft ranges from 24 to 26% from the first lower section end 120a to the second lower section end 120b.

[0057]

[0051] Stiffness decreases further in the region of the plot corresponding to the mid-section 110, approximately 29" to 39" in this figure. The mid-section 110 has a combined convex-concave cross-sectional profile that causes a decrease in stiffness and a corresponding increase in flexibility. From approximately 39" to 43" is the first connection zone 115 where a further decrease in stiffness can be observed. Towards the right side of the plot, the stiffness of the stick increases again above the 43" point, which corresponds to the portion of the shaft that is the top section 105, and returns to a cross-sectional profile consisting of four convex sides that, by the nature of its shape, is stiffer than either the first connection zone 115 or the mid-section 110. For the 85 flex stick, comparing the peak stiffness of the top section 105 of 209 Newtons to the stiffness of the first connection zone 115 of 190 Newtons, a 9% decrease in stiffness is observed. For the 75 flex stick, the peak stiffness of the top section 105 is 178 Newtons and the stiffness of the first connection zone is approximately 165 Newtons, corresponding to a 7% decrease in stiffness. Therefore, it can be seen that the reduction in stiffness between the upper section 105 and the first connection zone 115 is in the range of 7 to 9%.

[0058] The lower and higher stiffness regions that characterize the shaft of the present invention cooperate to provide a stick that is well suited to transmitting forces during play, particularly when the player holds the stick with the lower hand that rests on the mid section 110. The adjacent lower stiffness region in the first connection zone 115 and the additional lower stiffness region in the lower section 120 provide a dual kick profile that facilitates the transmission of sharp forces to the puck during play.

[0059] It is also clear that the transitions between the three sections, namely the lower section 120, the middle section 110, and the upper section 105, are gradual. This is further illustrative of the benefit of designing gradual transition regions into the shaft between these major zones, which reduces the abruptness of changes in flexibility that can normally introduce stress points into the shaft.

[0060]

[0054] What is provided, therefore, is a novel hockey stick shaft with a new ratio of flex zones along the shaft to better accommodate modern playing speeds. Advantageously, the different zones of flexibility are so designed by their cross-sectional shape rather than requiring additional material to be added to or removed from the shaft, which in the prior art created stress points and increased the likelihood of excessive flex and breakage. The use of carbon fiber composite materials to create the stick of the present invention is also preferred because it takes advantage of the versatility of shapes and transitions that can be better achieved without compromising structural integrity.

[0061]

[0055] While the present invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Accordingly, modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the present invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to this description.

Claims

1. 1. A hockey stick having a shaft with a longitudinal axis and first and second ends defining a length therebetween, the hockey stick having a non-uniform cross section along the shaft, a. an upper section along said longitudinal axis, said upper section terminating at said first end and including four walls, each wall including a convex cross-section; b. an intermediate section along said longitudinal axis comprising four walls, three of which comprise convex cross-sections and one of which comprises a concave cross-section; c. a lower section along said longitudinal axis, said lower section terminating at said second end and including four walls, each wall including a convex cross-section; d. a blade connected to the second end; Including a hockey stick.

2. The hockey stick of claim 1 , further comprising a first transition section between the top section and the middle section.

3. The hockey stick of claim 2 further comprising a second transition section between the middle section and the lower section.

4. The hockey stick of claim 1 , wherein the lower section tapers toward the blade.

5. 2. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the shaft has a hollow core surrounded by walls, the shaft having a generally rectangular cross section.

6. The hockey stick of claim 5 , wherein the cross section is generally rectangular.

7. The hockey stick of claim 6 , wherein the wall containing the concave cross section is parallel to the blade.

8. The hockey stick of claim 5 , wherein the wall has a uniform thickness throughout the length of the shaft.

9. 6. The hockey stick of claim 5, wherein the walls of the upper section of the shaft are thinner than the walls of the middle section.

10. a. the upper section is 11.2 to 16.8% of the length; b. the first transition section is between 2 and 18% of the length; c. the midsection is 24-36% of the length; d. the second transition section is between 2 and 18% of the length; e. the lower section is 28.8 to 43.2% of the length; 4. The hockey stick of claim 3.

11. a. the upper section is 12.6 to 15.4% of the length; b. the first transition section is 6-14% of the length; c. the midsection is 27-33% of the length; d. the second transition section is 6-14% of the length; e. the lower section is 32.4 to 39.6% of the length; 4. The hockey stick of claim 3.

12. a. the upper section is 13.3 to 14.7% of the length; b. the first transition section is 8-12% of the length; c. the intermediate section is 28.5 to 31.5% of the length; d. the second transition section is 8-12% of the length; e. the lower section is 34.2 to 37.8% of the length; 4. The hockey stick of claim 3.

13. a. the upper section is 14% of the length; b. the first transition section is 10% of the length; c. the intermediate section is 30% of the length; d. the second transition section is 10% of the length; e. the lower section is 36% of the length; 4. The hockey stick of claim 3.

14. 6. The hockey stick of claim 5, wherein adjacent walls are joined by corners, each of said corners being rounded.

15. The hockey stick of claim 3 , wherein the shaft has the greatest flexibility in the lower section.

16. 16. The hockey stick of claim 15, wherein the shaft has a second greatest flexibility in the second transition section.

17. 16. The hockey stick of claim 15, wherein the flexibility at the second end is 24-26% greater than the flexibility at the second transition section.

18. 16. The hockey stick of claim 15, wherein the flexibility in the first transition section is 7-9% greater than the flexibility at the first end.

19. 10. The hockey stick of claim 1, made of wood, polymer, or carbon fiber composite.

20. 20. The hockey stick of claim 19, made from a carbon fiber composite material.

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