Patent Abstract:
A weighting system for a sports stick, particularly a field hockey stick, comprising a surface, recess, channel, hole or plurality of pockets formed along the length of the sports stick, and one or more weights moveably or selectively attachable along the surface and/or within the channel/pockets to allow a player to freely adjust the weight and balance point of the stick by slideably moving to or selectively adding or eliminating weight and points along the stick. A variety of embodiments are herein described, all providing an adjustable field hockey stick that allows players to adapt to play on different surfaces or in different conditions.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application derives priority from provisional application 61/192,588 filed on Sep. 19, 2008 which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to field hockey and, more specifically, to a field hockey stick with integral weighting system to allow a player to adjust the weight and balance of the stick. 
     2. Description of the Background 
     Traditionally, sports sticks, and in particular, field hockey sticks have been constructed of relatively standard dimensions, due primarily to widely accepted rules of the game. These rules dictate aspects of the stick such as weight, length, shape, and cross section. As one example, the playing rules require that the ball contact portion of the stick have a flat face and that every cross section of the stick be able to pass through a fifty-one millimeter ring. To comply with these rules, the traditional field hockey stick has a curved head or “toe” with a flat front face and curved back portion of relatively uniform shape. The total weight of a field hockey stick as defined by widely accepted rules (e.g., The International Hockey Federation&#39;s Rules of Hockey) must not exceed 737 grams. Within these parameters, field hockey sticks have had a traditional shape and weight disbursement. To date, balance points and weight differences have only been dictated by the manufacturer during the design and manufacturing process, and end-users/players have no capability for self-adjustment. While the present application is drafted with reference to field hockey sticks, the invention is not limited to such sports sticks and equipment and the sticks of other sports are incorporated into the definition of the same, as determined by the rules of such other sports including, without limitation, ice hockey, roller hockey, street hockey and cricket. 
     Field hockey sticks are typically made of wood (usually mulberry) or composites. Sticks made with composites usually contain a combination of fiberglass, aramid fiber and/or carbon fiber impregnated with a polymer resin, or other combinations of a matrix material and reinforcement material, in varying proportions according to the desired flexibility and resistance to impact and abrasion. Composite field hockey sticks are typically made by laying up layers of material around a bladder. Bladder molding processes sometimes use an air bladder, a two-part female mold, composite material, and resin. The bladder is inflated, thus creating pressure to force the matrix material and resin against the mold until it cures, thereby forming a hollow field hockey stick. In laying up composites, sheets of uncured fiber-reinforced thermosetting resin are also sometimes wrapped around a mandrel that is expanded by forced air either before or after the mandrel is withdrawn to form a hollow tubular lay-up. Using either method, traditional, hollow composite field hockey sticks generally have constant wall thicknesses and a predetermined overall weight. 
     For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/501,708 in the name of Richard B. C. Tucker, Sr., incorporated herein by reference, teaches a back and edge portion construction of a composite stick for the purpose of redistributing weight to more desirable locations for improved playability. The overall weight and balance point are determined by how much, how little, and/or where material is laid up. For example, additional material can be laid up in predetermined spots along the stick&#39;s length or in the toe section to create a certain weight, balance point, and feel for the player. Once the stick is molded, however, the weight, balance point, and feel are permanent. Examples of the materials used in the resin include fiberglass, carbon, and aramid fibers. 
     Composite sticks have been available on the market and approved for international play for several years. It is widely believed that composite sticks generate more power than wood sticks. Composite stick manufacturing techniques allow the manufacturer to specify and control weights and balance points far better and more effectively than wood stick manufacturing processes, which consist primarily of shaping mulberry tree wood into a desired shape and then treating and wrapping the solid wood. Because of the vagaries of natural wood, there is little opportunity for wood stick manufacturers to add balancing features. Different weights and balance points affect the playability of the stick, however, and produce different results. For example, a stick with more weight in the toe or head of the stick feels heavier to the player due to a lower balance point and, because of the increased lower mass, can produce a more powerful drive than a stick of equal weight but with a higher balance point, i.e., a stick that is weighted further from the toe section. 
     It is invariably the personal preference of the player that determines the optimal weight and balance point for their style of play or their own physical characteristics. There are a variety of reasons why a player might want to adjust the weighting including the field surface (artificial turf versus natural grass), weather conditions, demands of the player&#39;s position and the tendencies of a particular opponent. Each surface requires a different set of skills and maneuvers. For example, players must stand taller and swing the stick harder on grass to accommodate for the slower, unpredictable surface. Therefore a stick that is heavier and provides more mass near the toe section is typically preferred for grass play. By contrast, synthetic turf is more level and creates less obstruction to a rolling or bouncing ball, or the stick itself. Thus, players typically play closer to the ground (bent over), do not have to swing as hard to move the ball a desired distance, and are able to perform different stick maneuvers, such as sweep hits (hits off the front or back edge section of the stick lying nearly flat on the playing surface) and drag flicks (ball travels down the entire length of the stick lying nearly flat on the playing surface, whipping off the end towards a desired target), which the height and inconsistency of a natural surface can impede. Therefore, a stick that is lighter and balanced higher (further from the toe section) is often preferred for artificial turf play. 
     Varying playing surfaces and conditions thus call for differently weighted sticks. Many players have occasion to play on both grass and artificial turf in the same season, such that playing surfaces often vary from game to game and may even vary during a game (for example in adverse weather conditions). However, once a conventional stick (wood or composite) is chosen the player cannot meaningfully alter the weight and balance point but rather are constrained to a stick that meets manufacturer-determined criteria, even if they buy multiple sticks that are weight balanced differently. 
     As a partial solution, players have traditionally added various types of tape to the external surfaces of the stick including athletic tape, lead tape, and waterproof tape, primarily to either enhance gripping or to stave off wear and tear (from a frequently hit hard plastic ball or stick-to-stick contact). Tape&#39;s effectiveness is limited in as much is it is not permanent and has a tendency to fall off or lose its tackiness under the stress of practice and game conditions resulting in altered stick feel and performance. Wrapped tape also adds bulk to the stick cross section and can render the stick illegal if it can no longer pass through a fifty-one millimeter ring as a result. Thus, player-added tape is an ad hoc and ineffective solution at best. 
     It would thus be desirable to provide a field hockey stick designed and manufactured to allow a player to precisely and reliably adjust the weight and balance point of the stick, thereby allowing players to adapt to play on different surfaces or in different conditions, and to better accommodate the vast number of player preferences. 
     Adjustably-weighted sports devices are known in other contexts. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,004 to Nemeckay issued Aug. 13, 2002, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,115 to Hsu issued Dec. 12, 2000 show adjustably-weighted tennis rackets, while U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,354 to Alm et al. issued Jan. 18, 2000 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,243 to Redman issued May 21, 1996 show adjustably-weighted golf clubs. However, a weighted field hockey stick would combine a stick frame, weight carrier, and weight(s), all of working together under arduous conditions. Material selection becomes very important, and the present invention is also designed and manufactured with these interrelated material selection issues in mind. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to provide a field hockey stick with an integral weighting system to allow a player to precisely and reliably adjust the weight and balance point of the stick to adapt to playing conditions on different surfaces and situations, and to do so within the parameters for stick design imposed by the governing bodies of the sport. 
     This and other objects are accomplished by a weighting system for a sports stick, particularly a field hockey stick, having one or more surfaces or recesses formed within the head and/or handle of the sports stick with a plurality of weights selectively locatable and relocatable within the recess(es) or along the surfaces to allow a player to freely adjust the weight and balance point of the stick to preference. A variety of embodiments are herein described. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1  (A &amp; B) is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, from the rear. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial view of the field hockey stick of  FIG. 1  along section A-A of  FIG. 1(B) . 
         FIG. 3A  is an end elevation of a weight car according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a side elevation of a weight car according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  are exploded assembly views of a weight car of the integral weighting system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6A-6E  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to an fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a fully assembled stick with integral weighting system as in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a eleventh embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention is an integral weighting system for a field hockey stick that allows a player to adjust the weight and balance point of the stick, thereby allowing players to adapt the stick to suit personal preference with regard to play on different surfaces or in different conditions. 
       FIG. 1  is a composite perspective view of a field hockey stick  2  with integral weighting system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, from the front side (at A) and rear (B). The field hockey stick  2  has a generally linear handle  3  and conventional curved head  4 . The handle portion has a primary longitudinal axis Y and is characterized by a flat face  5  for striking a ball and a curved back face  7  that is not intended for ball striking. The field hockey stick  2  is depicted in keeping with the generally traditional form of such sticks although any stick having these characteristic elements and meeting the rules or limitations of a governing body is acceptable. The field hockey stick  2  is constructed of wood or composite material although composite material construction is preferred. It should be observed that the term “ball” as used herein is not limited to spherical forms and is defined to include any of various rounded, movable objects used in various athletic activities and games such as, without limitation, balls, pucks and shuttlecocks, etc. 
     A “C” shaped channel  12  is provided in the handle  3  of the stick  2  and may extend up the handle as far as desired without interfering with the player&#39;s grip of the handle at the distal end. Channel  12  is preferable approximately 250 mm in length and may extend to all or part of the head  4 . Alternately a second channel of similar design may be provided in the head portion. Channel  12  is parallel to longitudinal axis Y (except in as much as it extends into the curved head) and may be concentric with axis Y or offset there from. Channel  12  is open to the back face  7  of stick  2  at slot  13 . 
       FIG. 2  is a partial view of the field hockey stick of  FIG. 1  along section A-A of  FIG. 1(B) . It can be seen that slot  13  is formed between lips  14  overhanging either side of the channel  12 . The cross section of Channel  12  along with lip  14  defines an enclosed convex form that preferably has a generally “C” or circular shape, although oval, elliptical and rectilinear cross sections are in keeping with the spirit of the invention. 
     With combined reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A and  3 B, a weight car  31  has a body  32  that resides in channel  12  and a dorsal member  33  that protrudes from the body through slot  13  to a slide grip  34 . Dorsal member  33  may be a strut, fin, rod or any form suitable for joining the body  32  to slide grip  34 . Body  32  has a cross section conforming to that of channel  12  but slightly smaller and with a diminished height dimension for selective sliding within the channel  12  as described below. Body  32  is thus depicted as generally ovoid in cross section. The body  32  is preferably approximately 50 mm in length but may be shorter or longer as required or desired and is characterized by a high density core  35  extending substantially its entire length. The high density core  35  is preferably made from a high density thermoplastic or other high density polymer such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) or the like. 
     High Density core  35  may be surrounded by a shell  36  to provide the weight car  31  with its ultimate shape. The shell  36  is formed on its lower surface with one or more resilient projections  37  that conform to the bottom surface of channel  12  and are elastically deformable by compression or bending. As depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , projections  37  may be arranged as a series of ribs that extend from the shell  36  at opposing angles such that the lateral force component of the two banks due to bending cancel each other under operative conditions as described below. Alternately, a single bank of ribs or other resilient projections can be employed which may be in the form of bristles, bumps, knobs, protrusions or other prominences. The projections  37  are capable of deforming and are collectively reducible in volume under application of compressive stress, but resume their original shape and/or volume upon removal of the applied compressive stress. The shell  36  and projections  37  may be integrally constructed of suitable polymeric compounds such as thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer. Alternatively, separate projections  37  may be embedded in shell  36 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2 , the top surface of the shell  36  is provided on either side by a longitudinal protrusion  38  of high friction material formed to cooperatively engage the surface of lips  14  inside channel  12 . Suitable high friction materials include rubber compounds, ceramic, urethane or textured materials, or any other materials that present a relatively high coefficient of friction relative to the walls of channel  12  to thereby prevent sliding. The dorsal member  33  is positioned between the opposing longitudinal protrusions  38  and extends upward from the body  32  through slot  13  where it is broadened to form slide grip  34 . 
     In use, car  31  is engaged within the channel  12  of the stick  2 . The resilient projections  37  engage the bottom of channel  12  to force body  32  upward (relative to the channel bottom as depicted in  FIG. 2 ) such that the high friction longitudinal protrusions  38  engage the lips  14  within channel  12  thereby preventing the car  31  and the contained high density core  35  from sliding within the channel during use of the stick in play. When a player determines that an adjustment of the stick&#39;s weight distribution is necessary, the slide grip  34  is pressed against the back surface  7  of the stick  2  forcing the body  32  toward the bottom of the channel via the dorsal member  33  and thereby bending or, as the case may be, compressing, the resilient projections  37 . Bending of the projections  37  (ribs) and movement of body  32  toward the bottom of channel  12  disengages the high friction longitudinal protrusions  38  from the surface of the lips  14  within the channel  12  thereby permitting the car  31  to slide within the channel  12  under control of the slide grip  34 . Interaction of the relatively hard surfaces of the body  32 , channel  12  bottom, underside of the slide grip  34  and back surface  7  of the stick  2  offer relatively low friction and thus low resistance to sliding of the weight car  31 . When the player has positioned the weight car  31  as desired the slide grip  34  is released. The resilient projections  37  then again force the body  32  upward within the channel re-engaging the high friction longitudinal protrusions  38  with the lips  14  within channel  12  to again prevent the car  31  and the contained high density core  35  from sliding. Multiple weight cars  31  may be provided in the channel  12  for additional versatility. 
     In an alternate embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 4 , a field hockey stick  902  of similar design to that previously described has a generally linear handle  903  and curved head  904 . The handle portion has a primary longitudinal axis Y and is characterized by a flat face  905  for striking a ball and a curved back face  907  that is not intended for ball striking. The field hockey stick  902  is constructed of wood or composite material although composite material construction is preferred. A “C” shaped channel  912  is similarly provided in the handle  903  of the stick  902  and again may extend up the handle as far as desired and may extend to all or part of the head  904 . As above, channel  912  is open to the back face  907  of stick  902  at slot  913  which is formed between a lip  914  overhanging either side of the channel  912 . The cross section of Channel  912  along with lip  914  again defines a generally enclosed convex form that is depicted to have a generally circular shape which is preferable, although oval, elliptical and rectilinear cross sections are in keeping with the spirit of the invention. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5A  though  5 C, a weight car  931  having a cross section matching but slightly smaller than that of the channel  912  is situated within the channel. The weight car  931  is preferable made from a high density thermoplastic or other high density polymer. Tolerances between the channel side walls/top/bottom and the weight car  931  are quite small and are intended to permit sliding of the core within the channel on the longitudinal axis while substantially eliminating movement on any other axis. The weight car  931  is joined to a grip  934  by a strut  933 . The grip  934  may be formed of a resilient, high friction material such as silicone rubber or other elastomer. The strut  933  is similarly preferably constructed of a resilient material and may be molded as a single unit along with the grip  934  or may be joined to the grip  934 . 
     The strut  933  is preferably a single planar form but may be comprised of multiple shorter planar forms, dowels, blocks, rods or any other forms suitable for resiliently joining the grip  934  to the weight car  931 . Further, the strut  933  may be joined to the weight car  931  in any known manner including by adhesive, mechanical connectors, welding, etc. In a preferred embodiment a central, longitudinal aperture  941  is provided within the weight car  931  that joins a slot  942  through the top of the central portion of the weight car  931 . A longitudinal aperture  944  is also provided in the strut  933 . Strut  933  is inserted into the slot  942  so that the longitudinal apertures  941 ,  944  are aligned at which point a pin  945  may be inserted to capture the strut  933  within the slot  942  and thereby join the weight car  931  and grip  934  via strut  933 . 
     In use, weight car  931  is engaged within the channel  912  of the stick  902 . The resilient strut  933  extends through the slot  913  and joins the grip  934  at the back face  907  of the stick  902 . Resilient strut  933  is in tension such that the weight car is drawn upward against the lips  914  on either side of the slot  913  and high friction grip  934  is normally drawn downward into contact with the curved back face  907  of the stick  902 . The bottom surface of the grip  934  is formed to cooperatively engage the curved back face  907  to maximize contact area. Engagement of the high friction grip  934  with the back face  907  prevents the weight car  931  from sliding within the channel  912  during use of the stick in play. When a player determines that an adjustment of the stick&#39;s weight distribution is necessary, the slide grip  934  is lifted away from the back surface  907  of the stick  902  by stretching the resilient strut  933 . With the high friction grip  934  disengaged from the back surface  907  the car  931  is permitted to slide within the channel  912  under control of the slide grip  934 . Interaction of the relatively hard surfaces of the weight car  931  and lips  914 , offers relatively low friction and thus low resistance to sliding of the weight car  931  within the channel. When the player has positioned the weight car  931  as desired the grip  934  is released and the resilient strut again draws the high friction grip  934  down to re-engage against the back surface  907  prevent the car  931  from sliding. As above, multiple weight cars  931  may be provided in the channel  912  for additional versatility. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6A through 6E , in yet another embodiment of the present invention a composite stick is manufactured with a recessed channel or pocket approximately 250 mm in length along the back or non-hitting side of the stick  2 . As seen in the cross-sections shown in  FIG. 6C , the composite stick  2  may be manufactured with hollow tubular walls  3  with a central reinforcing partition  6 A (top) and the recessed channel  10  formed on one side of the partition  6 A, or the composite stick walls  3  may be manufactured with the recessed channel  10  formed centrally and connecting to a central reinforcing rib  6 B (middle). A flexible weight tray  20  is provided for insertion into the channel  10 . Tray  20  is preferably formed of material of lower durometer hardness than the composite walls  3 , such as for example injected molded rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) or other suitable malleable material. The flexible weight tray  20  is designed for secure placement within the recessed channel  10  by friction and/or tongue-and-groove fit, and may be secured endwise by inwardly-protruding necking or dove-tailing  22  of the each end of the channel  10 . Slight stretching of the tray  20  between the dovetails  22  increases the holding force retaining the tray  20  in the channel  10 . The interior of the flexible weight tray  20  is formed with a plurality of receptacles  30  each designed to receive one or more weights  40  that can be inserted or removed into the receptacles  30  at various points along the tray&#39;s length. The weights  40  may, in a preferred embodiment, be cylindrical, made of high density polymer material, weigh approximately ten (10) grams each, and be sized for a friction fit within the receptacles  30  at any desired point along the tray  20 . One skilled in the art will readily understand that other attachment means, including posts, can alternatively be used. The weight tray  20  may further be formed with outwardly-facing apertures that serve as windows into each receptacle  30  to allow a player to quickly and externally view exactly where weights  40  are inserted along the tray&#39;s length when the stick is fully assembled. 
     Given the difficult play conditions under which the foregoing composite stick  2 , flexible weight tray  20 , and weight(s)  40  must function, material selection becomes very important. As a general parameter, a lower relatively durometer hardness weight tray  20  is desirable for use with high density weight(s)  40  for seating and constraining the weight(s)  40 . The weight tray  20  should be constructed of a material having a lower durometer hardness than that of the stick  2  composite for proper fit and retention. The present invention contemplates these relative material selection attributes. The weights  40  can be any shape or weight, and may be injection molded from a variety of materials, most preferably high density TPU or other dense plastic. 
     If desired, additional weight trays may be provided separate and apart from tray  20 . For example, as seen In  FIG. 6E , a distal weight tray  50  may be insertable into a recess or pocket in the toe of the stick to add weight thereto. In this case, it is preferable that the toe weight tray  50  be located in a non-contact position on the toe so as not to interfere with ball contact and be provided in a curvilinear form with an outwardly facing contoured surface conforming to the curve of the stick. As illustrated, the distal weight tray  50  may be formed as a cylindrical or irregular plug insertable into the pocket and held captive therein by an annular rib  52 . One or more cylindrical weights  40  as above can be inserted into the toe weight tray  50 , which in turn is inserted into the recess to add weight thereto. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to a yet another embodiment of the present invention which is a variation on that of  FIGS. 6A-E . In this embodiment flexible weight tray  220  is further formed with an inwardly protruding rib  218  defined by a plurality of evenly-spaced coaxial cylindrical apertures or receptacles  219  each designed to receive one weight  240  that can be inserted or removed from the apertures by friction fit at various points along the tray&#39;s length. The weights are likewise truncated cylinders, and may be made of high density polymer material at a weight of approximately ten (10) grams each, as above. The distal weight tray  250  at the toe of the stick is formed as an irregular curvilinear insert with annular plug insertable into the pocket and held captive therein by an annular rib  252  or by other means known or described herein. The annular plug is likewise defined by a plurality of receptacles for receiving weights  240  and holding them captive. 
     In use, a player may remove the weight trays  20 ,  50 ,  220 ,  250  from their respective pockets/channel and manually insert, remove, or reposition weights  40  along the length of the trays  20 ,  220  or in trays  50 ,  250  to conveniently and controllably change the weight, balance point, and feel of the field hockey stick as often as desired. For example, a player who likes a head-heavy stick or who is playing on a slower grass surface can add more weight(s)  40  towards the head section and remove weight(s)  40  from the middle of the stick to create a head heavy stick for more forceful passes and shots. Significantly, players can for the first time change the weight and balance point of their sticks for play on different surfaces. The weighting can be changed by the player before or even during a game as desired. Moreover, neither U.S. nor international game rules for field hockey preclude a weighting system according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective composite view of yet another embodiment in which the flexible weight tray  320  is formed with inward pockets  321  each designed to receive one weight  340 . Each pocket  321  is defined by a central detent post  325  onto which weights  340  may be snapped into position and seated in the pockets  321  of weight tray  320 . The weight tray  320  is then inserted into the stick with the desired weights contained and distributed therein. A distal weight tray at the toe of the stick may be formed in a like manner. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective composite view of a field hockey stick with integral weighting system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the recessed channel  100  is formed as a series of annular merged pockets each having a center post  102  formed therein. Washer-shaped weights  140  may be selectively inserted onto each center post  102  at as desired along the channel  100  length. A flexible weight cover  120  formed of rubber, TPU, or other suitable malleable material is then secured within the recessed channel  100  overtop the weights  140 . The weight cover is secured to the stick by friction and/or tongue-and-groove fit in the channel  100 . The weight cover  120  may further be secured endwise by stretching and looping the ends over posts  122  formed on the stick. As in  FIG. 6 , the weight cover  120  may also be formed translucent or with outwardly-facing apertures (not pictured) that serve as windows into each receptacle  30  to allow a player to view exactly where weights  140  are inserted along the channel  100  length. 
     Again, an additional pocket, weights, and cover  150  may be provided at the toe of the stick to add weight thereto, preferably in a non-contact position on the toe so as not to interfere with ball contact. As above, a player may unhitch or otherwise detach and remove the weight cover(s)  120 , manually insert, remove or reposition weights  140  along the length of the channel  100 , and replace the weight cover(s) to conveniently and controllably change the weight, balance point, and feel of the field hockey stick as often as desired. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective composite view of yet another embodiment wherein the recessed channel  810  is formed as a series of merged pockets. Individual weight pucks  840  having various weight cores covered by a resilient high friction surface material such as silicon rubber are formed to be press-fit into the recessed pockets to alter the weight and balance of the stick. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective composite view of another embodiment similar to  FIG. 10  except that the pockets are  910  are not merged but irregularly-spaced along the stick. Different size (weight) plugs  940  and correspondingly sized holes  910  may be provided. The mixed array and placement of the plugs/holes allows a fully customizable weighting. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective composite view of an embodiment similar to  FIG. 10  except that the weights pucks are formed as weight rings  1140  having flexible resilient high friction surface material such as silicon and an internally embedded weight core. Weight rings  1140  are secured to the surface of the stick  2  by posts  1141 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a fully assembled stick with integral weighting system as in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective composite view of yet another embodiment in which one or more sliding weights  440  may be moved lengthwise along the flexible weight tray  420 . The flexible weight tray  420  is defined by an elongate slot, and each weight  440  includes a protruding flange by which it is held captive in the slot. Again the weight tray  420  fits within a recessed channel  410  extending along the length and toe of the stick. 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective composite view of yet another embodiment similar to  FIG. 14  except that the flexible weight tray is replaced by a hard shell frame  520 . The sliding weights  540  are first inserted into the elongate slot  510 , and the frame  520  attached there over to hold the weights  540  in the slot  510 . The weights may be individually fixed in position by integral set screws  550 . Note that the lower weights  540  toward the toe and the slot  510  may be accurately-shaped to allow movement of the weights  540  about a constant radius. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective composite view of yet another embodiment similar to  FIG. 14  except that the recessed slot  1010  is formed with serrated edges to allow slidable ratcheting adjustment of the position of the weights  1040 . 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective composite view of yet another embodiment that employs a weight  640  having an integral spring clip  645  that slidably engages the surface of the stick. The weight assembly is preferably of a concave or “C” shaped to “grip” the surface of the stick although it need not be smoothly curved and in fact may be irregular and/or rectilinear so long as it defines a partially enclosed, convex portion in which to engage the stick (see sections A-A in  FIGS. 17 and 18 ). A spring clip integral to the weight may engage a slot  610  to selectively release the weight for sliding along the longitudinal axis of the stick without releasing it for movement in an other direction. When not released by the player the spring clip  645  maintains the weight  640  in the desired position on the stick. A slot may be provided in a surface of the stick as described but is not required and spring clip  645  may directly engage the surface of the stick. The concave form of the weight may partially grip cross section of the stick by engaging the slot or may fully or partially encircle the entire circumference of the stick, as in  FIG. 18 .  FIG. 18  is a perspective composite view of yet another embodiment that employs one or more weights  740  formed as a collar to encircle the stick. The weight collar  740  may be slideable positioned within a slightly recessed slot  710  or may encircle the stick without a recess. The weight  740  may be set in position by set screws, cam locks, or the like. 
     One skilled in the art should now understand that all the above-described embodiments comprise an integral weighting system especially suited for a field hockey stick that allows a player to freely adjust the weight and balance point of the stick, thereby adapting it to suit personal preference for play on different surfaces or in different conditions. 
     Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiment and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations, modifications and combinations of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. For example, a stick may be manufactured with one of the disclosed variable weighting systems in the handle portion of the stick with another of the disclosed systems in the head portion of the stick. Further, the stick can be manufactured with female, threaded recesses at specified points along the stick from the grip to the toe section, and the weights made as male, threaded plugs to be screwed into points along the back of the stick. The weights can be inserted into the channel or holes and secured in place by any of a pressure fit, a clip, teeth, or any other commonly accepted means of attachment. The weights can be fixed position or slidable along the length of the channel before being fixed in position. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0