Patent Publication Number: US-2023158381-A1

Title: Customizable variable profile lacrosse shafts and methods thereof

Description:
FIELD 
     This technology generally relates to lacrosse stick shafts and, more particularly, to customizable variable profile lacrosse stick shafts and methods thereof. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In lacrosse, the stick is comprised of two main components: the shaft; and the head. Traditionally, the lacrosse shaft has been made from wood or aluminum. In more recent years, composite materials have been introduced as a construction material for the lacrosse shaft. In order to improve the grip and to locate the position of the head, lacrosse shafts have been made with an octagonal profile in cross section, however further innovations with respect to these lacrosse shafts have been limited. 
     SUMMARY 
     A lacrosse stick shaft comprising an elongated shaft member having a non-uniform outer profile comprising a plurality of non-corner face elements extending along a first axis. An inner passage is formed in the elongated shaft extending along the first axis. The outer profile further comprises two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements extending along the first axis. 
     A method for making a lacrosse stick shaft includes receiving selected parameters for an outer profile of an elongated shaft member extending along a first axis. The parameters comprise one or more of a plurality of cross-sectional shapes and locations for each of a plurality of non-corner face elements for the elongated shaft member. The elongated shaft member is formed based on the received selected parameters to comprise two or more outer profile portions with different ones of the non-corner face elements extending along the first axis. The forming of the elongated shaft further includes generation of an inner passage in the elongated shaft member that extends along the first axis. 
     This technology provide a number of advantages including providing customizable variable profile lacrosse stick shafts and methods thereof. Examples of this technology can improve player comfort, performance, and provide unique, but legal in-play advantages. The non-uniform profile portions of the lacrosse shaft, which are customizable, serve as feedback through indication of either position along the length or the orientation for the head position. This unique feature as a result of these non-uniform profile portions allows a player to better understand with tactile indexing where the shaft of the lacrosse stick is located in the player’s hands in preparation to pass, shoot, or defend. Improved ergonomics as a result of the non-uniform profile also can reduce injury and create advantageous grip configurations and transition areas for the different requirements for various positions found on a lacrosse team. For example, sides of the cross-sectioned octagon of the lacrosse shaft can be made to have concave walls to further increase grip by allowing channels for fingers to be located within these channels. Allowing for improved responsiveness between a player’s hands and this customizable shaft with a non-uniform profile orientation is crucial to next level play. Additionally, different types of transitions between different non-uniform profile portions can facilitate specific types of playability. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an example of a lacrosse stick shaft having a customized, non-uniform outer profile with a concave to flat to concave cross-sectional configuration; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a cross-sectional view of the lacrosse stick shaft shown in  FIG.  1    taken along lines 2A-2A; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a cross-sectional view of the lacrosse stick shaft shown in  FIG.  1    taken along lines 2B-2B; 
         FIG.  2 C  is a cross-sectional view of the lacrosse stick shaft shown in  FIG.  1    taken along lines 2C-2C; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of an example of another lacrosse stick shaft having a customized, non-uniform outer profile with a flat to concave cross-sectional configuration; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an example of a portion of another lacrosse stick shaft having an asymetric cross-sectional configuration; and 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of an example of a portion of another lacrosse stick shaft having a convex top and concave lower cross-sectional configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Examples of various lacrosse stick shafts  10 ( 1 )- 10 ( 4 ) each having a customized, non-uniform outer profiles are shown in  FIGS.  1 - 5   . In these examples, each of the lacrosse stick shafts  10 ( 1 )- 10 ( 4 ) has one of the elongated shaft members  11 ( 1 )- 11 ( 4 ), respectively, that each extend along an axis A-A and have a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), although the lacrosse stick shaft could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations. This technology provide a number of advantages including providing customizable variable profile lacrosse stick shafts that improve player comfort, performance, and provide unique, but legal in-play advantages. 
     Referring more specifically to  FIGS.  1 - 2 C , the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft  10 ( 1 ) has the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 ) that extends along an axis A-A and has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), although the lacrosse stick shaft  10 ( 1 ) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations. 
     Referring more specifically to  FIGS.  1 - 2 C , the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft  10 ( 1 ) has the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 ) which has an optional opening  14  extending through along axis A-A and that has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), although the lacrosse stick shaft  10 ( 1 ) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations. In this particular example, the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 ) has a non-uniform outer profile comprising three outer profile portions shown in the cross-sectional views illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C . In particular, at a first outer profile portion shown in  FIG.  2 A , each of the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) of the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 ) between connecting corner elements have a concave cross-sectional shape. Next, at a second outer profile portion shown in  FIG.  2 B , each of the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) of the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 ) between connecting corner elements have transitioned to a flat cross-sectional shape. Next, at a third outer profile portion shown in  FIG.  2 C , each of the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) of the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 ) between connecting corner elements have transitioned back to a concave cross-sectional shape. Accordingly in this example, the lacrosse stick shaft  10 ( 1 ) advantageously has two spaced apart outer profile portions with non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) having a concave cross-sectional shape that provide two designated gripping areas which enable superior gripping capabilities along with providing tactile feedback for appropriate hand positioning. 
     Referring more specifically to  FIG.  3   , the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft  10 ( 2 ) has the elongated shaft member  11 ( 2 ) which has an optional opening  14  extending through along axis A-A and that has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), although the lacrosse stick shaft  10 ( 2 ) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations. In this particular example, the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 ) has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two outer profile portions. In particular, at a first outer profile portion  16 ( 1 ) each of the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) of the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 ) between connecting corner elements have a flat cross-sectional shape. Next, at a second outer profile portion  16 ( 2 ), each of the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) of the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 ) between connecting corner elements have transitioned to a concave cross-sectional shape. Accordingly in this example, the lacrosse stick shaft  10 ( 1 ) advantageously has one outer profile portions with non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) having a concave cross-sectional shape that provide a designated gripping area with another portion which provides the player personal flexibility on hand positioning. 
     Referring more specifically to  FIG.  4   , the portion of the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft  10 ( 3 ) has the elongated shaft member  11 ( 3 ) which has an optional opening  14  extending through along axis A-A and that has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), although the lacrosse stick shaft  10 ( 3 ) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations. In this example, the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) along at least a portion and, in this example, along the length of the elongated shaft member  11 ( 3 ) have different sizes. In particular in this example, the non-corner face elements  12 ( 3 ) and  12 ( 6 ) are the same size and wider than the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 2 ) and  12 ( 4 )- 12 ( 5 ) resulting in an asymmetric cross-sectional shape for the elongated shaft member  11 ( 3 ). By way of example, the asymmetric cross-sectional shape for the elongated shaft member  11 ( 3 ) may be desirable for players with larger hand sizes. 
     Referring more specifically to  FIG.  5   , the portion of the exemplary lacrosse stick shaft  10 ( 4 ) has the elongated shaft member  11 ( 4 ) which has an optional opening  14  extending through along axis A-A and that has a non-uniform outer profile comprising two or more outer profile portions with different non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), although the lacrosse stick shaft  10 ( 4 ) could other types and/or numbers of other components or other elements in different configurations. In this example, the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) along at least a portion and, in this example, along the length of the elongated shaft member  11 ( 3 ) have a different configurations of different sizes and cross-sectional shapes. In particular in this example, the non-corner face elements  12 ( 3 ) and  12 ( 6 ) are the same size and wider than the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 2 ) and  12 ( 4 )- 12 ( 5 ) having a flat cross-sectional shape. The resulting in an asymmetric cross-sectional shape for the elongated shaft member  11 ( 3 ). By way of example, the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 2 ) having a convex cross-sectional shape while the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 2 ) and  12 ( 4 )- 12 ( 5 ) having a concave cross-sectional shape. By way of example, this configuration with opposing and biased profiles for the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 2 ) and  12 ( 4 )- 12 ( 5 ) are ideal for a face-off situation in which a player’s distal hand works to apply pressure in a downward force and his proximal hand works to apply an upward force Accordingly, as illustrated in this example, the non-uniform outer profile of elongated shaft member  11 ( 4 ) can be customized with different sizes and/or cross-sectional shapes along part or along all of the length of the elongated shaft member  11 ( 3 ) to enable superior gripping and playing capabilities along with providing tactile feedback for appropriate hand positioning and enhanced playability. 
     As illustrated and described with the examples above, this technology also enables the design freedom to vary and adjust the depth of the concavity or convexity or to maintain the flatness of the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) along part or all of the corresponding one of the elongated shaft members  11 ( 1 )- 11 ( 4 ) in these examples. Improved ergonomics as a result of these customizable non-uniform profiles can create advantageous grip configurations and transition areas for the different requirements for various positions found on a lacrosse team. For example, non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) of the lacrosse shaft with concave cross-sections can further increase grip by allowing channels for fingers to be located within these channels while convex cross-sections can provide proper seating within the palm of the player’s hand. Allowing for improved responsiveness between a player’s hands and this customizable shaft with this non-uniform profile orientation is crucial to enabling players to reach a next level of play. 
     Additionally, examples of this technology allow a slope of a transition portion to be varied to serve as an indexing location to describe positional along the length of the corresponding one of the elongated shaft members  11 ( 1 )- 11 ( 4 ) as well as to tactile feedback. For example, a high slope transition between for example portions  16 ( 1 ) and  16 ( 2 ) in  FIG.  3    may serve as a set indexing bump or other indicator, such as a high slope by way of example only, to quickly provide feedback for the ideal hand placement correlated to one of a plurality of particular actions, such as an indicator correlated to a particular position on the shaft member for a face-off, shooting, or passing position. In contrast, a low slope transition, e.g. less than the high slope transition, between for example portions  16 ( 1 ) and  16 ( 2 ) in  FIG.  3    may serve to provide more subtle tactile feedback to a player transitioning hand position along the shaft member towards or away from one of a plurality of positions each correlated to one of a plurality of particular actions while allowing a smooth transition of hand position from one desired profile to another. 
     Further, examples of this technology provide lacrosse stick shafts which are designed for enhancing playability for different positions and situations. As noted above, the opposing and biased non-uniform outer profile shown in  FIG.  5    is ideal for a face-off situation in which a player’s distal hand works to apply pressure in a downward force and his proximal hand works to apply an upward force. 
     In another example, for an offensive player lacrosse stick shafts, such as those shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3    by way of example, with one or more of the non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) having a concave cross-section, can assist when performing an underhand or sidearm shot by enabling increased grip for greater response as the head turns thus creating more control and speed on the shot. Additionally, when a player can use less grip strength to control the lacrosse stick shaft position as a result of the concave cross-section configuration, then fatigue and stress in the hands can be reduced. 
     In another example, for a defensive player, the lacrosse stick shaft is often held with the head of the lacrosse stick facing down. In this configuration, the distal hand of the player may benefit from a portion of the lacrosse stick shaft having a flatter or rounder (convex) outer profile for a portion of the elongated shaft member, such as shown in  FIG.  3   , to allow the lacrosse stick shaft to slide and better execute a “poke” maneuver whereas the proximal hand could again benefit from a biased geometry, such as a concave cross-section, for another portion of the outer profile of the elongated shaft member to help best control stick twisting. 
     In a further example, for a goalie, the top hand acts as a guide and primary ball stopping force due to its proximity to the head. A s a result, a wider and larger diameter portion of the elongated shaft member, such as illustrated in  FIG.  4    with the elongated shaft member  11 ( 3 ) having the asymmetric cross-section with wider non-corner face elements  12 ( 3 ) and  12 ( 6 ) by way of example, will be more advantageous to prevent spinning of the lacrosse stick shaft when the head is struck with the ball during a shot on goal 
     Examples of this technology also enable the size and location of different portions of the non-uniform outer profile of the lacrosse stick shafts to be adjusts as needed. For example, as a player grows their arm span and hand size grow as well so the location and size of different portions of the non-uniform outer profile of the lacrosse stick shafts can be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, more pronounced transitions with a higher slope can be introduced to provide greater tactile feedback to less experienced players to reinforce proper hand position while other degrees of slope could be used for more experience players to provide more subtle tactile feedback that can be used to enhance their play. 
     Further examples of this technology may comprise the elongated shaft member comprising two or more sections which may be detachable engaged, such as with a friction fit and/or other securing mechanism. By way of example, as shown in  FIG.  1    the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 ) may comprise two sections shown by the line that are detachably connected together. This modularity would enable different sections of the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 ) with different types of non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ), such as ones with different cross-sectional shapes, depths, widths along the axis A-A and other customizations, to be selected and assembled together to create a customized lacrosse stick shaft that can continue to be adjusted based on the player’s particular preferences and needs. 
     An exemplary method for making one of the lacrosse stick shafts  10 ( 1 )- 10 ( 4 ) by way of example may include receiving selected parameters for the outer profile of the corresponding one of the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 )- 11 ( 4 ). The parameters may comprise a selection of one or more of a plurality of cross-sectional shapes for each of a plurality of non-corner face elements for a portion or along the entire length of the elongated shaft member as well as different dimensions, such as the depth of concavity or the width of a portion with non-corner face elements  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 6 ) a particular type of types of cross-sectional shapes, by way of example. 
     Next, the corresponding one of the elongated shaft member  11 ( 1 )- 11 ( 4 ) may be formed in one piece or in detachably connected pieces based on the received selected parameters to form two or more outer profile portions with different ones of the non-corner face elements extending along the first axis as illustrated in the examples in  FIGS.  1 - 5   . The forming of the elongated shaft member may further includes generation of an optional inner passage in the elongated shaft member that extends along the first axis. 
     Accordingly, as illustrated and described by way of the examples herein, this technology provide a number of advantages including providing customizable variable profile lacrosse stick shafts and methods thereof. Examples of this technology can improve player comfort, performance, and provide unique, but legal in-play advantages. The non-uniform profile portions of the lacrosse shaft, which are customizable, serve as feedback through indication of either position along the length or the orientation for the head position. This unique feature as a result of these non-uniform profile portions allows a player to better understand with tactile indexing where the shaft of the lacrosse stick is located in the player’s hands in preparation to pass, shoot, or defend. Improved ergonomics as a result of the non-uniform profile also can reduce injury and create advantageous grip configurations and transition areas for the different requirements for various positions found on a lacrosse team. For example, sides of the cross-sectioned octagon of the lacrosse shaft can be made to have concave walls to further increase grip by allowing channels for fingers to be located within these channels. Allowing for improved responsiveness between a player’s hands and this customizable shaft with a non-uniform profile orientation is crucial to next level play. Additionally, different types of transitions between different non-uniform profile portions can facilitate specific types of playability 
     Having thus described the basic concept of the invention, it will be rather apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed disclosure is intended to be presented by way of example only, and is not limiting. Various alterations, improvements, and modifications will occur and are intended to those skilled in the art, though not expressly stated herein. These alterations, improvements, and modifications are intended to be suggested hereby, and are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the recited order of processing elements or sequences, or the use of numbers, letters, or other designations therefore, is not intended to limit the claimed processes to any order except as may be specified in the claims. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereto.