Elastomeric Lacrosse Shaft Cover for Grip and Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lacrosse stick handles lack a reliable and aesthetically pleasing grip solution, with traditional tape being unsightly, prone to dirt attraction, and leaving a sticky residue, while also failing to provide impact absorption and splinter protection.
Innovation Solution
A removable, flexible tubular sheath with a pebbled texture and made from elastic polymer, which fits snugly over the lacrosse stick shaft, offering improved grip, impact absorption, and splinter protection, and can be easily removed and reused without leaving adhesive residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tape is used to wrap the shaft, then grip enhancement is achieved, but the shaft becomes unsightly and attracts dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible shell (sleeve) made of elastomeric material that covers the shaft. This sleeve provides the necessary grip enhancement through its material properties and surface texture while maintaining a clean, professional appearance unlike traditional tape. The sleeve can be made with various surface textures including pebbled patterns to enhance grip without compromising aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material construction combining the elastomeric sleeve material with various surface textures or patterns. This composite approach allows the shaft cover to simultaneously provide grip enhancement, dirt resistance, and aesthetic appeal, resolving the contradiction between functional performance and visual appearance.
2Ease of operation
If traditional tape is used to wrap the shaft, then grip enhancement is achieved, but adhesive residue is left behind when removed
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric sleeve eliminates the need for adhesive tapes entirely. The grip enhancement is achieved through the inherent friction properties of the elastomeric material and its surface texture, allowing the sleeve to be removed and reinstalled multiple times without leaving any harmful adhesive residue on the shaft.
3Ease of operation
If traditional tape is used to wrap the shaft, then grip enhancement is achieved, but impact absorption and splinter protection are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sleeve acts as a flexible protective shell that absorbs impact forces due to its material properties. This protects the shaft from damage and prevents splinters, especially important for wooden shafts. The sleeve's elasticity allows it to deform under impact and return to its original shape, dissipating energy and protecting the underlying shaft structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sheath enhances player performance by providing a secure grip in wet conditions, protecting against splinters, and can be easily swapped between sticks, eliminating the need for tape and maintaining the appearance of the stick.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tubular sheath with a pebbled texture and made from elastic polymer, which fits snugly over the lacrosse stick shaft
Implementation Method 2
A removable, flexible tubular sheath with a pebbled texture... providing a secure grip in wet conditions
Implementation Method 3
offering improved grip, impact absorption, and splinter protection
Data Source
AI summary
A removable cover for a lacrosse stick of the type having an elongated hollow shaft having an outer surface and an inner surface and an interior channel extending therethrough and a free end portion with an open end which serves as a handle portion of said lacrosse stick. The cover includes an end cap configured and dimensioned to be removably mountable in a friction fit manner on the free end portion of the hollow shaft. The end cap has a head portion and an elongated, resilient hollow body portion attached to said head portion and insertable into the open end of the free end portion of the hollow shaft. A flexible, resilient, membrane-like, tubular sheath is removably mountable on the outer surface of the free end portion of the hollow shaft and is movable thereon between a furled position in which the sheath is rolled longitudinally on and along said free end portion of the hollow shaft onto itself to form a rolled-up tubular sheath disposed adjacent to the end cap, and an unfurled position, in which the rolled-up tubular sheath is unrolled longitudinally on and along the outer surface of the free end portion of the hollow shaft. The tubular sheath is dimensioned to create a friction fit when mounted on the hollow shaft. The sheath has a flap which is inserted into the open end and interior channel of the shaft. Both the sheath and the flap are removably secured to the end cap.