TJGHTED HOCKEY STTCK AND PTJCK OR BATJ,

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. US 60/861,257 filed November 28, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a blade assembly for a hockey stick, and more particularly to a blade assembly for a street hockey stick.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lighted hockey sticks or blades for such sticks are described, for example in US

Patents Nos. 5,607,226 (Toth et al.) and 5,980,404 (Gentile). While the patented devices are interesting, a need still exists for a hockey stick or blade which, in use, enables players on one team to distinguish between players on their own team and players on an opposing team merely by glancing at their sticks. Moreover, a need exists for a blade for a hockey stick which is lighted only when subjected to an impact such as when striking a puck, a ball or a hard playing surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to meet the above-defined needs by providing a blade assembly for a hockey stick which is relatively simple in terms of structure, and which makes it easy for players on one team to readily distinguish between players on their team and those on an opposing team merely by glancing at the blade assembly when the blade strikes a puck or a playing surface.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a blade assembly for a hockey stick, the blade assembly having a blade extending between a toe portion and heel portion, a connector, proximate the heel portion, the connector adapted to connect the blade assembly and a hockey stick shaft, a plurality of LEDs along the blade, the plurality of LEDs comprising at least one LED of a first color and at least one LED of a

second color, an electronic circuit adapted for controlling the plurality of LEDs, and a compartment, adapted to house the electronic circuit.

Preferably the plurality of LEDs include a plurality of LEDs of a first color alternating with a plurality of LEDs of a second color. Preferably, the electronic circuit includes a 3-way switch, movable between an off position, a first color position, and a second color position. Preferably, the electronic circuit comprises an activator, the activator adapted to activate the electronic circuit upon impact or jolting or jostling of the blade assembly upon a playing surface, hockey puck, hockey ball or other object.

Preferably the activator includes an object having a contact face, at least a portion of the contact face being electrically conductive, a first electrical conductor, a second electrical conductor, and a bias means adapted for biasing the contact face into contact with the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor to form an electrical connection between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor, wherein the activator is adapted to react to a force which overcomes the bias means to break the electrical connection. Preferably the object is a metallic ball.

Preferably the plurality of LEDs are mounted in a flexible light strip. Preferably the blade has a notch extending along a least a portion of the blade, the flexible strip fixed within the notch. Preferably the notch has a groove extending along at least a portion of the notch, the flexible strip having a tongue, the tongue of the flexible strip received in the groove of the notch.

Preferably the electronic circuit includes a sequencer, the sequencer adapted to activate the plurality of lights of a first color or the plurality of lights of a second color in sequence starting at one of the toe portion and the heel portion and ending at the other of the toe portion and the heel portion. Preferably the electronic circuit includes a timer, at least a portion of the plurality of lights adapted to be activated for a period of time, the period of time set by the timer. Preferably the period of time is between about 1 second and about 2 seconds.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a shaft assembly for a hockey stick, the shaft assembly having a shaft extending between a blade end and an end distal from the blade end defining a butt end, a connector, proximate blade end, the connector adapted to connect the shaft assembly and a hockey stick blade, a plurality of LEDs along at least a portion of the shaft comprising at least one LED of a first color and at

least one LED of a second color, an electronic circuit for controlling the plurality of LEDs, and a compartment, adapted to house the electronic circuit and a power source.

Preferably the plurality of LEDs includes a plurality of LEDs of a first color alternating with a plurality of LEDs of a second color. Preferably the electronic circuit includes an activator, the activator adapted to activate the electronic circuit upon impact of the shaft assembly upon a playing surface, hockey puck, hockey ball or other object. Preferably the electronic circuit includes a 3-way switch, movable between an off position, a first color position, and a second color position.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a lighted hockey stick having a blade extending between a toe portion and heel portion and a shaft a shaft extending between a blade end and an end distal from the blade end defining a butt end, a plurality of lights along the blade, the plurality of LEDs including at least one LED of a first color and at least one LED of a second color, an electronic circuit adapted for controlling the plurality of LEDs, and a compartment, adapted to house the electronic circuit.

Preferably the plurality of LEDs include a plurality of LEDs of a first color alternating with a plurality of LEDs of a second color. Preferably the electronic circuit comprises an activator, the activator adapted to activate the electronic circuit upon impact of the lighted hockey stick upon a playing surface, hockey puck, hockey ball, or other object. Preferably the electronic circuit includes a 3-way switch, movable between an off position, a first color position, and a second color position.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a lighted hockey stick having a blade extending between a toe portion and heel portion and a shaft a shaft extending between a blade end and an end distal from the blade end defining a butt end, a plurality of LEDs along at least a portion of the shaft including at least one LED of a first color and at least one LED of a second color, an electronic circuit adapted for controlling the plurality of LEDs, and a compartment, adapted to house the electronic circuit.

Preferably the plurality of LEDs include a plurality of LEDs of a first color alternating with a plurality of LEDs of a second color. Preferably the electronic circuit comprises an activator, the activator adapted to activate the electronic circuit upon impact of the lighted hockey stick upon a playing surface, hockey puck, hockey ball, or

other object. Preferably the electronic circuit comprising a 3-way switch, movable between an off position, a first color position, and a second color position.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a lighted hockey puck having a disk shaped member having a first face, a second face, and a perimeter, forming a surface, at least one LED, mounted proximate the surface, adapted to be visible from the surface, an electronic circuit for controlling the at least one LED, and a compartment within the lighted hockey puck, adapted to house the electronic circuit and a power source.

Preferably the surface has a recess, the at least one light mounted in the recess. Preferably a window covers the recess, the window substantially flush with the surface.

Preferably the electronic circuit comprises an activator, the activator adapted to activate the electronic circuit upon impact of the lighted hockey puck upon a playing surface, hockey stick or other object.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a lighted hockey ball having a spherical shaped member having a surface, the surface having a recess, at least one

LED mounted in the recess, an electronic circuit for controlling the at least one LED, and a compartment within the lighted hockey ball, adapted to house the electronic circuit and a power source.

Preferably a window covers the recess, the window substantially flush with the surface. Preferably the electronic circuit includes an activator, the activator adapted to activate the electronic circuit upon impact of the lighted hockey ball upon a playing surface, hockey stick or other object.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a blade assembly in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of an LED light strip used in the blade assembly of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a rear view of a top portion of the blade assembly of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a blade assembly in accordance with the invention;

Figs. 5 and 6 are assembly drawings of the blade assembly of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a blade assembly in accordance with the invention;

Figs. 8 - 14 are assembly drawings of the blade assembly of Fig. 7; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a shaft assembly in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 16 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a goalie blade assembly with a shaft assembly in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a hockey puck in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a hockey ball in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 19 is a block diagram for an electronic circuit incorporating LEDs of the light strip of Fig. 2; Fig. 20 is a top view of an activator for initiating lighting of the LEDs in the light strip;

Figs. 21 and 22 are cross sections taken generally along line 21-21 of Fig. 20 showing the activator in two positions; and

Fig. 23 is a block diagram of a control circuit used in the electronic circuit of Fig. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, the present invention provides a hockey stick, blade assembly, shaft assembly, puck or ball having a plurality of LEDs selectively operable with a first color or a second color which, in use, enables players on one team to distinguish between players on their own team and players on an opposing team merely by glancing at their sticks. The LEDs may be lighted when subjected to an impact such as when striking a puck, a ball, playing surface, or other object.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 4, the preferred embodiment of the blade assembly for a hockey stick includes an elongated blade 1 extending between a toe portion 30 and a heel portion 40 and connector 50 in the form of a sleeve 2 for receiving the bottom end of a shaft or stick (not shown). Of course, the blade assembly could be integral with a shaft, forming an integral hockey stick.

The blade 1, which is hollow at least at the top thereof, contains a flexible strip 3 (Fig. 2) of material carrying a plurality of light emitting diodes 4 (hereinafter LEDs) which are visible through a clear plastic window 5 mounted in a notch 6 in the top of the blade 1. Wires 8 from the LEDs 4 extend outwardly from one end of the strip 3 through the interior of the rear end 9 of the blade 1 to a control circuit 10 in a compartment 12 in the back of the sleeve 2. The interior of the sleeve 2 is separated from the compartment 12 by a partition 13. As well as the control circuit 10 (Fig. 19), the compartment 12 contains a switch

14 for turning the LEDs 4 on and off, and for selecting which LEDs are to be activated during use of the blade assembly.

While it is not shown, it will be appreciated that the compartment 12 is covered by a removable cover, which is slidably mounted or connected by a hinge to the rear end of the blade assembly. The cover can be opened to permit access to the switch 14, which includes a knob (not shown). Once the switch 14 has been turned to an on position, the cover is closed to protect the contents of the compartment 12. The switch 14 preferably has three positions, namely the off position, a first on position in which only one-half of the LEDs 4 can be activated, i.e. every second LED and a second on position in which only the other half of the LEDs can be activated. Two different

colored LEDs are used, the colors alternating along the length of the strip. Thus, when two teams are playing a game, each team will have its own color of LEDs. A power source such as a battery 16 and an activator 17 are also housed in the compartment 12.

In referring to colored LEDs, one skilled in the art recognizes that substantially white LEDs may be colored or otherwise visually presented to produce colored LEDs, for example by the use of a substantially white LED with a colored cover or window.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, the blade 1 includes a hollow or recessed portion as groove 60 within the bottom of the notch 6. The strip 3 of LEDs 4 includes a protuberant portion as tongue 70. The tongue 70 is received within the groove 60 and secured to connect the strip 3 of LEDs 4 and the blade 1.

Referring to Figs. 7-14, the blade 1 includes a hollow or recessed portion along the blade 1 to receive a window 5 or lens. A tongue 70 may be received in a groove 60 and secured therein. The groove 60 may also provide a space for the LEDs 4. The tongue may have an aperture or indent 500 and the groove may have a protuberance 510, the protuberance projecting into the aperture or indent 500 to secure the lens or window 5 to the blade 1. The window or lens 5 may have one or more salient 520 which is received in the blade 1 to connect the window or lens 5 and the blade 1. The light strip 3 may be received in the blade 1 and covered with the window or lens 5. The window or lens 5 may be clear or colored (preferably in alternating color sections). While the window or lens 5 being applied along a length of the equipment in a recess or cavity or groove formed within the equipment and retained therein, is shown applied to a forward or defense player blade, the same design/structure may be used for a goalie blade, as well as shafts (both for goalie and forward/defense), and projectiles, such as pucks or balls. The LEDs may be mounted in the strip 3 or may be individually or mounted as a group within the space or cavity or groove provided inside the blade 1.

Referring to Fig. 15, a shaft assembly of the present invention includes a shaft

80 extending between a blade end 90 and a butt end 100. A connector 110 is suitable for connecting the shaft and a blade assembly (either a conventional non-lighted type, or a lighted blade assembly of the present invention). A portion of the shaft 80 may

have a notch 6. The strip 3 of LEDs 4 may be received in the notch 6. The strip 3 may preferably be located generally in a blade region 120, proximate the blade end 90, in a central region 130, generally centered between the blade end 90 and the butt end 100, and/or in a butt region 140 proximate the butt end 100. A power source such as a battery 16 and an activator 17 are also housed in the compartment 12.

Referring to Fig. 16, a goalie stick of the present invention is shown having both a shaft assembly of the present invention and a blade assembly of the present invention. However, more typically (but not necessarily), a shaft assembly of the present invention would be used with a conventional, non-lighted, blade and a blade assembly of the present invention would be used with a conventional, non-lighted, shaft. Like the forward/defense hockey stick, the blade assembly could be integral with a shaft, forming an integral goalie stick.

Referring to Fig. 17, a lighted hockey puck of the present invention includes a disk shaped member 150 having a first face 160, a second face 170, and a perimeter face 180, forming a surface 190. The LEDs 4 mounted proximate the surface 190. A compartment 12 within the lighted hockey puck houses the electronic circuit and a power source. The surface 190 has a recess 200, the LEDs 4 are mounted within the recess 200. A plastic window 210 covers the LEDs 4 and is flush with the surface 190.

Referring to Fig. 18, a lighted hockey ball of the present invention includes a spherical shaped member 220 having a surface 230, the surface 230 having a recess 240. The LEDs 4 are mounted within the recess 240. A window 250 covers the LEDs 4 and is flush with the surface 230.

The lighted hockey ball and the lighted hockey puck may use LEDs 4 having a first color and/or a second color. The LEDs 4 may be substantially white and the window 210 or the window 250 (as applicable) may be colored.

Referring to Fig. 19, a power source such as battery 16 provides power. A signal or switching function is received from the activator 17 to activate the control circuit 10 to activate the LEDs 4. The switch 14 may include an off position an at least one color selection position, but preferably off, and two color selection positions.

Referring to Figs. 20 to 22, the activator 17 is preferably defined by a short plastic tube 18 with one closed end 19 and an open end 20. The tube 18 contains an object having a contact face, at least a portion of the contact face being electrically conducive, in the form of steel ball 22 which is biased against a first electrical conductor in the form of copper wire 23 and a second electrical conductor in the form of copper wire 24 at the open end 20 of the tube 18 by a bias means in the form of a helical spring 25. The wire 23 is connected to the control circuit 10. The wire 23 and wire 24 hold the ball 22 in the tube 18.

Referring to Fig. 23, the control circuit 10 may include a timer 27, connected to a sequencer 28, which in turn is connected to LED drivers 29.

Before a stick carrying the blade is used, i.e. before the start of a game of road hockey, the shaft of the switch 14 is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (on in the case of a linear switch, moved between the off position and a first position or a second position, the first and second position being 'on' positions) depending upon which of the LEDs 4 is to be activated. Where the colors of the LEDs alternate, e.g. red followed by green followed by red, etc., one team of players will rotate the switches 14 on their blades in one direction and the players on the other team will rotate the switches in the opposite direction. With the switches on, when the hockey stick strikes a playing surface such as a road, the impact causes the ball 22 to compress the spring 25 and move away from the wires 23 and 24, i.e. the ball 22 moves from the "off or inactive position shown in Fig. 13 to the active position shown in Fig. 14 which permits the flow of current from the battery 16 to the control circuit 10. The flow of current to the control circuit activates the timer 27, the sequencer 28 and the LED drivers 29, which results in lighting of alternate LEDs 4 in the blade assembly, shaft assembly, or both to light up in sequence starting from one end of the blade or shaft and moving to the other end of the blade or shaft. The sequencer 29 can be programmed to cause the sequential activation of the LEDs 4 to progress along the blade 1 from one end to the other and then repeat (or similarly along the shaft 80 from one end to the other and then repeat). The timer 27 controls the duration of activation of the LEDs 4. Thus, after a preselected or predetermined time, which could be as short as one or two seconds, the LEDs are deactivated until the blade 1 (or shaft 80)

again impacts a surface or other object with sufficient force for the ball 22 to move away from the wire 23 and wire 24.

In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. In other instances, well- known electrical structures and circuits are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the invention. For example, specific details are not provided as to whether the embodiments of the invention described herein are implemented as a software routine, hardware circuit, firmware, or a combination thereof.

Embodiments of the invention can be represented as a software product stored in a machine-readable medium (also referred to as a computer-readable medium, a processor-readable medium, or a computer usable medium having a computer-readable program code embodied therein). The machine-readable medium can be any suitable tangible medium, including magnetic, optical, or electrical storage medium including a diskette, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), memory device (volatile or nonvolatile), or similar storage mechanism. The machine-readable medium can contain various sets of instructions, code sequences, configuration information, or other data, which, when executed, cause a processor to perform steps in a method according to an embodiment of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other instructions and operations necessary to implement the described invention can also be stored on the machine-readable medium. Software running from the machine- readable medium can interface with circuitry to perform the described tasks.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.