Internal structure sports stick

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is based upon the design of a very strong and very lightweight sports stick. This is achieved by the following. The invention of an internal web designed stick extruded from metal or plastics will produce a stick far stronger than one void of the internal web. In addition another design of extruding carbon fiber rods being housed within the internal structure of the stick acts as a protective shield as carbon fiber is very susceptible to damage. Further more this will create a stick that has the ability to change the weight or stiffness through exchanging the internal rod with one that has different properties. For example 4.5 oz magnesium extruded stick can have a 2 oz carbon fiber stiff rod placed inside the internal structure. This will result in a very light but stiff stick. In another case you can place a 1.5 oz carbon fiber rod inside the internal structure and have a lightweight less stiff stick. These rods can be of different colors to add to the excitement of the product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,730 Brine, Jr. issued Jun. 22, 2004 Brine discloses a novel extrusion approach where external improvements are made for the purpose of handling ease, not for weight and strength improvements.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,451 Masters issued Mar. 26,2002 Masters discloses a variable stiffness sports shaft that utilizes a hollow shaft with steel cable attachments at each end. The stiffness is altered by the tightening the cable.

In our invention we have a true convertible ability by simply sliding different rods into the internal structure of the stick.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is based on the findings that a lighter sport stick can be produced without losing strength by the addition of an internal web design and/or a compound internal structure incorporating from one to multiple materials employed to achieve the desired strength to weight ratio. The extrusion of a thin walled sport stick having an internal structure to include, but not limited to, an extruded web, carbon fiber structure, expanded foam products and the like will allow the creation of a sports stick utilizing the extruded outer thin walled member to act as a skin rather than the overall structure of the shaft. This will allow one to develop multiple variances on the choice of the internal structure approach and chosen material.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are presented to further illustrate and explain the present invention and should not be taken as limiting in any regard.

Example 1

A lacrosse stick extruded from a magnesium alloy with an outer web thickness of less than 0.060 of an inch with an internal structure incorporating a continuous web.

Example 2

A hockey stick extruded from a magnesium alloy with an outer web thickness of less than 0.090 of an inch with an internal structure incorporating an expanded aluminum foam.

Example 3

A lacrosse stick extruded from a magnesium alloy with an outer web thickness of less than 0.090 of an inch with an internal structure incorporating multiple materials having the ability to change the internal portion.