Title of Invention	IMPROVED HOCKEY STICK
Abstract	A hockey stick comprising an elongate handle region (10) merging at its lower end with an elongate shaft region (12) which merges at its lower end with a head region (16), characterized in that the shaft region (12) and/or the head region (16) incorporate an extended playing section (14) disposed such that, in open stick use, when the outer edge of the head region (16) and/or the extended playing section in the region of the merger thereof is in contact with the ground, and the axis of the extended playing section (14) is generally parallel to the ground, the free end of the handle region (10) is spaced off the ground by at least 2cm.

Title of Invention

IMPROVED HOCKEY STICK

Abstract

A hockey stick comprising an elongate handle region (10) merging at its lower end with an elongate shaft region (12) which merges at its lower end with a head region (16), characterized in that the shaft region (12) and/or the head region (16) incorporate an extended playing section (14) disposed such that, in open stick use, when the outer edge of the head region (16) and/or the extended playing section in the region of the merger thereof is in contact with the ground, and the axis of the extended playing section (14) is generally parallel to the ground, the free end of the handle region (10) is spaced off the ground by at least 2cm.

Full Text	1 IMPROVED HOCKEY STICK This invention relates to an improved hockey stick and, in particular but not exclusively, to hockey sticks intended for outfield players. A traditional form of hockey stick is made up of four portions, namely a handle, a shaft, a head and a toe. The handle typically extends for the upper three fifths or sc of the stick. The shaft typically occupies the majority of the remaining lower two fifths of the stick and merges at its lower end with the head. The head typically occupies only a small proportion of the vertical dimension at the base of the sticks but the bulk of the horizontal dimension. The head terminates in a generally upwardly directed toe portion. The allowable playing surface or "face" of the stick is the front, predominantly flat area of the stick which is presented forwardly with the toe provided on the right ha£ In this Specification, various terms are used describe the shape and geometry of a hockey slick References to vertical, brisontal, rearward, forward etc refer to the stick when viewed in the orientation of figure i 1 of the accompanying drawings, that is on the back of the stick, with the axes of the handle and shaft generally vertical, with the toe pointing away from the player (ie. forwardly) . Thus a forward curve or inclination is an anticlockwise angular displacement when the stick is viewed in 2 the orientation of Figure 1. Playing on the open stick means playing the stick forehand in the usual attitude with the toe of the stick pointing away from the player, and the bulk of the stick on the player's right hand side; playing on the reverse stick means playing the stick backhand with the stick flipped through 1800 about the axis of the handle, so that the toe is nearest the ground and the bulk of the stick lies on the player's left hand side. At present all sticks are right-handed but the invention extends to left-handed versions (i.e. substantially mirror images of left-handed sticks) and the terminology herein is to be interpreted accordingly. A reverse stick block is when the stick is held on the reverse stick side with the free end of the toe'in contact with the ground, and the shaft extending generally parallel to the ground. As a professional coach, I have analysed the features of existing sticks and also, the dynamics of the strategy of the game itself. I have found chat a player's skill and ball control can be considerably improved if the hockey stick is re-designed to provide the unusual and innovative feature of an extended elongate playing area in the region of the head and/or shaft of the stick, which extended area allows a player to slide and propel the hockey ball to impart substantial acceleration or deceleration and potential lift to the ball. . This feature, with suitable training, can help generate enhanced pace, accuracy and deception in passing and drag-flicking. Something .3 approaching this effect can be produced by expert players with certain traditional sticks, but only whilst placing the knuckles practically on the ground surface and only when exhibiting considerable skill, and it is not available in any sticks which centralise the head by means of a curve or bend in the lower shaft region. Accordingly, this invention provides a hockey stick comprising an elonqate handle region merging at its lower end with an elongate shaft region which merges at its lower end with a head region wherein the shaft region and/or the head region incorporate an extended playing section disposed such that, in open stick use, when the outer edge of the head region and/or the extended playing section in the region of the merger thereof is in contact with the ground, and the axis of the extended playing section is generally parallel to the ground, the free end of the handle region is spaced off the ground by at least 2cm. In one preferred embodiment/ this invention provides a hockey stick comprising a handle region merging at its lower end with a shaft region which merges at its lowpr end with a head region, wherein the shaft region and/or the head region incorporate an extended playing section which extends at a forwardly inclined angle with respect to the axis of the handle region. By this arrangement, when the stick is located in an open stick playing fashion with the outer edge of the playing section extending along the ground, the handle extends at an upwardly inclined angle to the ground. In order to make effective use of the playing area, the stick 4 does not need to be held with Che playing section in contact with the ground along the whole of its outer edge; provided the highesc point of the outer edge is no more than half a ball height (that is typically 3.5cm) off the ground, the playing section may still provide an effective playing area along its entire length. This therefore further increases the angle of inclination of the handle to the ground. This feature is extremely important as it means that the player can place the playing section on the ground or in close proximity thereto without needing to place the handle close to the ground. Thus he does not have to reach so far to get the playing section in contact with the ball when on the ground, or sufficiently near, which means that he can reach this position quicker. Also the fact that the knuckles are further away from the ground means they are less likely to be damaged during play. In turn this keeps the head further from the ground improving safety in many ways. Once the stick is disposed with the playing section in contact with the ground or with the outer edge no more than half a ball height off the ground, this gives an extended playing surface along which the ball can be accelerated or decelerated in use as required to perform a particular manoeuvre. This elongated acceleration/deceleration region is extremely useful in creating substantial power and/or lift, for example in passing, or drag flicking or other manoeuvres. The longitudinal axis of the playing section is preferably offset rearwardly with respect to the s longitudinal axis of the handle region; alternatively there may be no offset and the playing section may comprise a cranked extension of the shaft region. , The term "offset rearwardly" is used to mean that the longitudinal axis of the playing section is disposed rearwardly of the longitudinal axis of the handle region at their merger, and that the longitudinal axes may or may not be parallel. The stick may include one or more forward or rearward curves intermediate the playing section and the lower end of said handle region. In one preferred arrangement, the stick includes an upper, rearward curve and a lower compensating forward curve disposed above said playing section. In certain arrangements it may be beneficial to include a further forward curve above said rearward curve. Likewise, the stick may advantageously include one or more forward or rearward curves in the merger region of the lower end of said shaft region and the head region. Preferably the playing section extends at an angle of between 5° and 20° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle region, and more preferably between 7° and 12°. It will be appreciated that an increased angle of inclination between the playing section and the longitudinal axis of the handle region increases the effective height of the handle region off the ground when the playing section extends horizontally in the open stick position. The preferred angle of inclination for any particular stick may depend partly on the length of the playing section. In general the shorter the playing section, the 6 greater the angle may be. However it is also true that the greater the playing section the greater the potential power and deception derived. Hence it is clear that in designing the sticks of this invention a balance must be achieved between ease of action and power/deception. Where the length is less than 10cm the derived benefits of the playing section are not evident; a clear advantage at a comfortable angle is achieved with a length of at least 12. 5cm and preferably at least 15cm, and a very good balance of effects is obtained at 20-rm. The angle of inclination could be enhanced without modifying the length of the playing section by increasing the rearward deviation (as herebelow defined) of the shaft just prior to the playing section or offsetting the head forwardly of its natural position where the crown (as herebelow defined) lies just forward of the axis of the handle. Both of these .produce a greater aperture beneath the stick through which the ball can pass in a reverse stick block and both have the potential to lead to an unbalanced and ungainly dribbling action. The rearward deviation is preferably at least 0.5cm and more preferably at least l cm. However it should be noted that increasing the rearward deviation does not necessarily lead to an unbalanced dribbling action. Where the deviation is small, the weight provided rearwardly of the axis of the handle counterbalances the weight provided forwardly by the toe (as herebelow defined) of the stick/ and where the sizes of these two elements are chosen carefully the balance can be 7 substantially improved and resultantly so can the dribbling action. In earlier modified hockey sticks, there has been an attempt to centralise the crown of the stick beneath the axis of the handle to improve the dribbling action and although this feature is desirable in this invention it produces a detrimental reduction in the angle of the handle. Hence a balance must also be drawn when designing sticks of this invention between the ease of the primary ball propelling action and the balance of the dribbling action, and the ability to produce a reverse stick block action. Although a centralised head with a long parallel or forwardly inclined playing section is beneficial in some respects, a stick with a head in its more traditional position with the crown some 2cm to 4cm forward of the axis of the handle, with a forwardly inclined playing section may be more beneficial. The detrimental effect upon the dribbling action of a substantially forwardly disposed head may be enough to outweigh the benefit provided of enhanced length of playing section and improved angle of inclination. Thus, particularly preferred sticks have playing sections of around 20cms length, inclined either parallel to the axis of the handle or at any angle above this, with good results being produced at around 5 to 12 degrees and possibly at greater angles up to 25 degrees. Due to the counterbalancing effects of the rearward deviation which can be provided in this invention there is a clear opportunity.to provide a balanced yet enlarged toe 8 area and the toe height, that is the distance measured from the ground to the tip of the toe when the stick is placed on the ground with the handle region vertical, is preferably between 7cm and 10.2Scm. In all the various embodiments defined above, the extended playing region is preferably generally straight. In some sticks however, the extended playing region may be gently curved to provide a generally convex outer edge. Whilst the invention has been described above,, it extends to any 'inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following description. The invention may be performed in various ways, and certain embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings:- Figures and are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a first embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 2a and 2b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing seccion, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively o£ a second embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,- Figures 3a and 3b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a third embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 4a and 4b are an enlarged rear view of the head 9 and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a fourth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention, Figures 5a and 5b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively' of a fifth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 6a and 6b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a sixth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 7a and 7b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a seventh embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 8a and 8b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a eighth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 9a and 9b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a ninth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,- Figures 10^ and 106; are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a tenth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,- Figures l^( and llji are an enlarged rear view of the o10 head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a eleventh embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 12^ and 12b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a twelfth embodiment: cf hockey stick of this invention; Figures l3a and 13b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a thirteenth embodiment of hockev scick of this invention; Figures 14a and 14b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole s^ick respectively of a fourteenth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 15JC and 15,8 are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a fifteenth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; and Figure 16 is a. view on the rear cf a sixteenth embodiment of hockey stick scill in accordance with this invention. In the informal drawings accompanying this Specification various dimensions are given; these are illustrative only and are not intended to restrict the invention. Furthermore/ the sticks as illustrated have been designed to comply with current understanding of the guideline of the Federation Internationale de Hockey Rules 11 Board, but the invention is not . limited to sticks in compliance with these guidelines. Referring to the Figures, many parts are the same or similar and so are given the same reference numerals. The stick of Figures la and 1b will be described in detail and then the variations of the remaining sticks will be described. The hockey sticks illustrated comprise a handle 10, a shaft 12, and extended playing section 14 (also referred to as a power 2one) , a head IS and a toe 13. The region 20 of the head 16 which contacts the ground when the stick is held with the handle 10 vertical is called the crown. in Figure 1, the playing section 14 is offset rearwardly such that the rearward deviation 13 of the outer edge from the line of the shaft is 2cm,' the maximum allowed under current practice. This deviation is referred to herein as "the rearward deviation". Likewise the width of the playing section 14 is the currently allowed maximum of 5cm. The toe 18 is of average height, 7cm. Three ground lines are marked in Figures 1 to 15, namely a reverse stick ground line 22 which is the ground line when the stick is placed-in the reverse block position; a playing section ground line 24 which is the ground line when the stick is in the open stick position with the playing section flat or as nearly as possible to the ground (the lower playing position); and a raised section ground line 26, which is the ground line when the stick is pivoted about the head away from the playing section ground line 24 12 until the highest part of the playing section is spaced by-half the height of a ball 28 off the ground (the raised playing position). This is generally the furthest that the stick can be raised whilst still providing the full length of the playing section 14. In use, when the stick is played open stick with the head on the ground, the extended playing section 14 provides an elongated playing section or power zone along which a ball may be accelerated or decelerated in either direction between the head end and the shaft end of the playing section. The full elongate extent of this section is available as soon as the stick is placed m the raised playing position although many players may prefer to drop the stick to the lower playing position in which, in Figure 1 at least, the outer edge of the stick is laid flat along the ground. In Figure 1, when the stick is in the lower playing position, the handle is upwardly inclined at about 7°. This means that the players hands are well clear of the ground when the stick is in this position. In Figures 2a and 2b, the arrangement of the handle and shaft is generally similar to Figure l, but the toe height is. much less. In Figures 3a and 3b the playing section is generally similar although there is a slight forward curve at the lower end of the shaft before the playing section begins. The toe height is intermediate that of Figures 1 and 2 and the head is less tightly curved. Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, here the toe height is 13 increased to provide a hooked head. Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, in this arrangement the head is generally V-shaped. Referring to Figures 6a and 6b, in this arrangement the head is provided with a recessed portion for encircling a hockey ball and providing a catching, cradling, or cupping effect similar to that described in my earlier International Patent Application No. PCT/GB97/01212. In Figures 7a and 7b, there is shown an arrangement in which the axial length of the extended playing section is shorter than that of Figure 1, and the angle of inclination of the elongate axis of the playing section relative to that of the handle is increased to about 11°. The toe height and tightness of the curve of the head is similar to that of Figure 1. The stick of Figures 8a and 8b is similar to that of Figures 7 except that the length of the playing section is shorter still with a commensurate increase in the angle of inclination of the handle. Figures 9a and 9b show a stick similar to that of Figures 4a and 4b although the angle of inclination of the playing section is increased with the result that the crown is positioned well forward of the longitudinal axis of the handle. Figures 10a and lob show a stick similar to that of Figure 1 except that the extended playing section is gently curved to provide a rolling curve. Figures lla and l1b show an arrangement in which there 14 is no offset between the longitudinal axis of the handle and the longitudinal axis of the playing section. Thus the stick is similar to that of Figure 1 except without the rearward offset, making the crown substantially forwardiy offset. Figures 12a and 12b show an arrangement similar to Figure 1 with an offset between the axis of the playing section and the handle but in which these axis are parallel. Figures 13a and 13b show an arrangement similar to Figure I at the lower end of the stick buc with a serpentine curved region extending forwardly before extending rearwardly as previously. Figures 14a and 14b show an arrangement in which the shaft incorporates a rearwardly projecting serpentine curve before merging with the playing section. Figures 15a and 15b show an arrangement in which the shaft incorporates a forward curve followed by a rearward curve before merging with the playing section 14. Figure IS shows an arrangement in which the .lower end of the playing section 14 terminates with a rearward curve which blends into an enlarged playing head 16 of the type described in my Published PCT Application No. PCT/GB97/01212. The embodiments of Figures 1 to 12 and 14 to 16 each comprise an arrangement in which the longitudinal axis of the playing section 14 is offset: rearwardly to that of the remainder of the handle 10 and the shaft 12. As will be clear from the above embodiments, various 15 modifications to the stick may be incorporated without departing from the invention. The sticks as described above provide a number of benefits:- 1. Improved dribbling action - produced through the provision of a rearward curve in the shaft which centralises the head beneath the shaft, and provides weight to the rear of the shaft counterbalancing the forward extending toe region, 2. Improved reverse stick skills - through the availability to provide an enlarged toe which is not too cumbersome in the dribbling action because it is balanced by the enlarged power zone. Thus the stick can hit, push, flick and control che ball better on the reverse side. 3. Improved and safer open stick ball collection - the elongate playing section can be used at greater reach and from a more comfortable and upright position to collect the ball on the ground with the shaft more or less laid along the ground. This same strong barrier can be provided in the process of a tackle and may provide greater power, strength, mobility and safety than the traditional sticks. This facility has much to offer goalkeepers who often have to play the ball whilst outstretched on the ground and wearing large protective gloves which commonly force the right hand and the stick some crucial three or more inches off the ground. Hence the described sticks can be used to counter this problem. 4. Improved power and deception when pushing the ball 16 in a more manoeuvrable, upright and safer position; or the ability to push the ball with the stick held almost flat to the ground, where the ball starts contact some fifteen centimetres up the stick from the crown and is slung down the shaft, has been possible with straight traditional sticks, but only for the most courageous and skilled players. The existing sticks place the head close to the ground and put considerable strain on the back whilst often scraping the knuckles on the floor drawing blood. The sticks described above allow this action to be performed with the knuckles some one to two feet off the ground, making it safer, easier, more comfortable and mobile to perform. 5. . Improved drag flicking - this art.is commonly used at penalty corners and involves the ball being driven down the stick from the crown whilst the stick is near to flat on the ground and then flung back down Che shaft which is inclined slightly backwards as Che player lurches forward and upwards to propel the ball into the air at pace. By allowing the player to lay the shaft flat along the ground with the knuckles a foot or so off the ground the action is made considerably more comfortable, safe and easier to perform. 6. Guiding collection for ball catching in configurations of this stick where a substantial gape is provided between the 1 imbs of the head and hence bal 1 catching of one type or other is available, the power zone provides a guide down which the ball can be driven to ease 17 and guide collection of the ball into the gape. 18 WE CLAIM 1. A hockey stick comprising an elongate handle region (10), an elongate shaft region (12) which merges at its lower end with an extended playing section (14), which merges at its lower end with a head region (16), wherein said extended playing section (14) is angled to or offset from the axis of the handle region (10) characterized in that (i) when the stick is held in open stick position in a vertical plane, with the rearmost edge region of the stick in contact with the ground and a longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) disposed parallel to the ground, the free end of the handle region (10) is spaced off the ground by at least 2cm, and (ii) said extended playing section (14) has a straight or gently curved outer edge and has an axial length of at least 15cm measured between the last forward curve of the shaft region (12) and the region (16). 2. A hockey stick as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the axis of the extended playing section (14) extends at a forward Iy inclined angle relative to the axis of the handle region (10). 3. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the extended playing section (14) has an axial length of approximately 20cm. 4. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) is offset rearwardty with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle region (10). 5. A hockey stick as claimed h any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the extended playing section (14) comprising a cranked extension of the shaft region (12). 6. A hockey stick as claimed in any of preceding claims, which comprises one or more forward or rearward curves intermediate the lower end of said handle region (10) and the extended playing section (14), 7. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 6, comprising an upper, rearward curve and a lower compensating forward curve disposed above said extended playing section. 8. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 7, comprising an additional forward curve above said rearward curve. 9. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more forward or rearward curves in the merger region of the lower end of said extended playing section (14) and the head region (16). 10. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 9, comprising a rearward compensating curve between the lower end of the extended playing section (14) and the head region (16), 11. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) extends at an angle of between 5° and 20° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle region (10). 20 12. A hockey stack as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) extends at an angle of between 7° and 12° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle region (10). 13. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the rearward deviation (as herein defined) of the shaft region (12) adjacent the upper end of the extended playing section (14) is at least 0.5cm. 14. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 13, wherein the rearward deviation is at least lcm. 15. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 13 or 14, whereh itie weight provided rearwardly of the axis of the handle (10) substantially counterbalances the weight provided forwardly by the toe (as herein defined). 16. A hockey stick as claimed in claim any of the precedffig claims, wherefri the extended playrig section (14) is generally straight, 17. A hockey stick as claimed in claim any of the preceding claims 1 to 15, wherein the extended playing section (14) is curved to provide a generally convex outer edge. 18. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said extended playing section (14) and said head region (16) are configured such that the outer edge of the extended playhg section may be laid generally flat along the ground. 1 IMPROVED HOCKEY STICK This invention relates to an improved hockey stick and, in particular but not exclusively, to hockey sticks intended for outfield players. A traditional form of hockey stick is made up of four portions, namely a handle, a shaft, a head and a toe. The handle typically extends for the upper three fifths or sc of the stick. The shaft typically occupies the majority of the remaining lower two fifths of the stick and merges at its lower end with the head. The head typically occupies only a small proportion of the vertical dimension at the base of the sticks but the bulk of the horizontal dimension. The head terminates in a generally upwardly directed toe portion. The allowable playing surface or "face" of the stick is the front, predominantly flat area of the stick which is presented forwardly with the toe provided on the right ha£ In this Specification, various terms are used describe the shape and geometry of a hockey slick References to vertical, brisontal, rearward, forward etc refer to the stick when viewed in the orientation of figure i 1 of the accompanying drawings, that is on the back of the stick, with the axes of the handle and shaft generally vertical, with the toe pointing away from the player (ie. forwardly) . Thus a forward curve or inclination is an anticlockwise angular displacement when the stick is viewed in 2 the orientation of Figure 1. Playing on the open stick means playing the stick forehand in the usual attitude with the toe of the stick pointing away from the player, and the bulk of the stick on the player's right hand side; playing on the reverse stick means playing the stick backhand with the stick flipped through 1800 about the axis of the handle, so that the toe is nearest the ground and the bulk of the stick lies on the player's left hand side. At present all sticks are right-handed but the invention extends to left-handed versions (i.e. substantially mirror images of left-handed sticks) and the terminology herein is to be interpreted accordingly. A reverse stick block is when the stick is held on the reverse stick side with the free end of the toe'in contact with the ground, and the shaft extending generally parallel to the ground. As a professional coach, I have analysed the features of existing sticks and also, the dynamics of the strategy of the game itself. I have found chat a player's skill and ball control can be considerably improved if the hockey stick is re-designed to provide the unusual and innovative feature of an extended elongate playing area in the region of the head and/or shaft of the stick, which extended area allows a player to slide and propel the hockey ball to impart substantial acceleration or deceleration and potential lift to the ball. . This feature, with suitable training, can help generate enhanced pace, accuracy and deception in passing and drag-flicking. Something .3 approaching this effect can be produced by expert players with certain traditional sticks, but only whilst placing the knuckles practically on the ground surface and only when exhibiting considerable skill, and it is not available in any sticks which centralise the head by means of a curve or bend in the lower shaft region. Accordingly, this invention provides a hockey stick comprising an elonqate handle region merging at its lower end with an elongate shaft region which merges at its lower end with a head region wherein the shaft region and/or the head region incorporate an extended playing section disposed such that, in open stick use, when the outer edge of the head region and/or the extended playing section in the region of the merger thereof is in contact with the ground, and the axis of the extended playing section is generally parallel to the ground, the free end of the handle region is spaced off the ground by at least 2cm. In one preferred embodiment/ this invention provides a hockey stick comprising a handle region merging at its lower end with a shaft region which merges at its lowpr end with a head region, wherein the shaft region and/or the head region incorporate an extended playing section which extends at a forwardly inclined angle with respect to the axis of the handle region. By this arrangement, when the stick is located in an open stick playing fashion with the outer edge of the playing section extending along the ground, the handle extends at an upwardly inclined angle to the ground. In order to make effective use of the playing area, the stick 4 does not need to be held with Che playing section in contact with the ground along the whole of its outer edge; provided the highesc point of the outer edge is no more than half a ball height (that is typically 3.5cm) off the ground, the playing section may still provide an effective playing area along its entire length. This therefore further increases the angle of inclination of the handle to the ground. This feature is extremely important as it means that the player can place the playing section on the ground or in close proximity thereto without needing to place the handle close to the ground. Thus he does not have to reach so far to get the playing section in contact with the ball when on the ground, or sufficiently near, which means that he can reach this position quicker. Also the fact that the knuckles are further away from the ground means they are less likely to be damaged during play. In turn this keeps the head further from the ground improving safety in many ways. Once the stick is disposed with the playing section in contact with the ground or with the outer edge no more than half a ball height off the ground, this gives an extended playing surface along which the ball can be accelerated or decelerated in use as required to perform a particular manoeuvre. This elongated acceleration/deceleration region is extremely useful in creating substantial power and/or lift, for example in passing, or drag flicking or other manoeuvres. The longitudinal axis of the playing section is preferably offset rearwardly with respect to the s longitudinal axis of the handle region; alternatively there may be no offset and the playing section may comprise a cranked extension of the shaft region. , The term "offset rearwardly" is used to mean that the longitudinal axis of the playing section is disposed rearwardly of the longitudinal axis of the handle region at their merger, and that the longitudinal axes may or may not be parallel. The stick may include one or more forward or rearward curves intermediate the playing section and the lower end of said handle region. In one preferred arrangement, the stick includes an upper, rearward curve and a lower compensating forward curve disposed above said playing section. In certain arrangements it may be beneficial to include a further forward curve above said rearward curve. Likewise, the stick may advantageously include one or more forward or rearward curves in the merger region of the lower end of said shaft region and the head region. Preferably the playing section extends at an angle of between 5° and 20° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle region, and more preferably between 7° and 12°. It will be appreciated that an increased angle of inclination between the playing section and the longitudinal axis of the handle region increases the effective height of the handle region off the ground when the playing section extends horizontally in the open stick position. The preferred angle of inclination for any particular stick may depend partly on the length of the playing section. In general the shorter the playing section, the 6 greater the angle may be. However it is also true that the greater the playing section the greater the potential power and deception derived. Hence it is clear that in designing the sticks of this invention a balance must be achieved between ease of action and power/deception. Where the length is less than 10cm the derived benefits of the playing section are not evident; a clear advantage at a comfortable angle is achieved with a length of at least 12. 5cm and preferably at least 15cm, and a very good balance of effects is obtained at 20-rm. The angle of inclination could be enhanced without modifying the length of the playing section by increasing the rearward deviation (as herebelow defined) of the shaft just prior to the playing section or offsetting the head forwardly of its natural position where the crown (as herebelow defined) lies just forward of the axis of the handle. Both of these .produce a greater aperture beneath the stick through which the ball can pass in a reverse stick block and both have the potential to lead to an unbalanced and ungainly dribbling action. The rearward deviation is preferably at least 0.5cm and more preferably at least l cm. However it should be noted that increasing the rearward deviation does not necessarily lead to an unbalanced dribbling action. Where the deviation is small, the weight provided rearwardly of the axis of the handle counterbalances the weight provided forwardly by the toe (as herebelow defined) of the stick/ and where the sizes of these two elements are chosen carefully the balance can be 7 substantially improved and resultantly so can the dribbling action. In earlier modified hockey sticks, there has been an attempt to centralise the crown of the stick beneath the axis of the handle to improve the dribbling action and although this feature is desirable in this invention it produces a detrimental reduction in the angle of the handle. Hence a balance must also be drawn when designing sticks of this invention between the ease of the primary ball propelling action and the balance of the dribbling action, and the ability to produce a reverse stick block action. Although a centralised head with a long parallel or forwardly inclined playing section is beneficial in some respects, a stick with a head in its more traditional position with the crown some 2cm to 4cm forward of the axis of the handle, with a forwardly inclined playing section may be more beneficial. The detrimental effect upon the dribbling action of a substantially forwardly disposed head may be enough to outweigh the benefit provided of enhanced length of playing section and improved angle of inclination. Thus, particularly preferred sticks have playing sections of around 20cms length, inclined either parallel to the axis of the handle or at any angle above this, with good results being produced at around 5 to 12 degrees and possibly at greater angles up to 25 degrees. Due to the counterbalancing effects of the rearward deviation which can be provided in this invention there is a clear opportunity.to provide a balanced yet enlarged toe 8 area and the toe height, that is the distance measured from the ground to the tip of the toe when the stick is placed on the ground with the handle region vertical, is preferably between 7cm and 10.2Scm. In all the various embodiments defined above, the extended playing region is preferably generally straight. In some sticks however, the extended playing region may be gently curved to provide a generally convex outer edge. Whilst the invention has been described above,, it extends to any 'inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following description. The invention may be performed in various ways, and certain embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings:- Figures and are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a first embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 2a and 2b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing seccion, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively o£ a second embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,- Figures 3a and 3b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a third embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 4a and 4b are an enlarged rear view of the head 9 and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a fourth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention, Figures 5a and 5b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively' of a fifth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 6a and 6b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a sixth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 7a and 7b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a seventh embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 8a and 8b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a eighth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 9a and 9b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a ninth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,- Figures 10^ and 106; are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a tenth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,- Figures l^( and llji are an enlarged rear view of the o10 head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a eleventh embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 12^ and 12b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a twelfth embodiment: cf hockey stick of this invention; Figures l3a and 13b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a thirteenth embodiment of hockev scick of this invention; Figures 14a and 14b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole s^ick respectively of a fourteenth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; Figures 15JC and 15,8 are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a fifteenth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; and Figure 16 is a. view on the rear cf a sixteenth embodiment of hockey stick scill in accordance with this invention. In the informal drawings accompanying this Specification various dimensions are given; these are illustrative only and are not intended to restrict the invention. Furthermore/ the sticks as illustrated have been designed to comply with current understanding of the guideline of the Federation Internationale de Hockey Rules 11 Board, but the invention is not . limited to sticks in compliance with these guidelines. Referring to the Figures, many parts are the same or similar and so are given the same reference numerals. The stick of Figures la and 1b will be described in detail and then the variations of the remaining sticks will be described. The hockey sticks illustrated comprise a handle 10, a shaft 12, and extended playing section 14 (also referred to as a power 2one) , a head IS and a toe 13. The region 20 of the head 16 which contacts the ground when the stick is held with the handle 10 vertical is called the crown. in Figure 1, the playing section 14 is offset rearwardly such that the rearward deviation 13 of the outer edge from the line of the shaft is 2cm,' the maximum allowed under current practice. This deviation is referred to herein as "the rearward deviation". Likewise the width of the playing section 14 is the currently allowed maximum of 5cm. The toe 18 is of average height, 7cm. Three ground lines are marked in Figures 1 to 15, namely a reverse stick ground line 22 which is the ground line when the stick is placed-in the reverse block position; a playing section ground line 24 which is the ground line when the stick is in the open stick position with the playing section flat or as nearly as possible to the ground (the lower playing position); and a raised section ground line 26, which is the ground line when the stick is pivoted about the head away from the playing section ground line 24 12 until the highest part of the playing section is spaced by-half the height of a ball 28 off the ground (the raised playing position). This is generally the furthest that the stick can be raised whilst still providing the full length of the playing section 14. In use, when the stick is played open stick with the head on the ground, the extended playing section 14 provides an elongated playing section or power zone along which a ball may be accelerated or decelerated in either direction between the head end and the shaft end of the playing section. The full elongate extent of this section is available as soon as the stick is placed m the raised playing position although many players may prefer to drop the stick to the lower playing position in which, in Figure 1 at least, the outer edge of the stick is laid flat along the ground. In Figure 1, when the stick is in the lower playing position, the handle is upwardly inclined at about 7°. This means that the players hands are well clear of the ground when the stick is in this position. In Figures 2a and 2b, the arrangement of the handle and shaft is generally similar to Figure l, but the toe height is. much less. In Figures 3a and 3b the playing section is generally similar although there is a slight forward curve at the lower end of the shaft before the playing section begins. The toe height is intermediate that of Figures 1 and 2 and the head is less tightly curved. Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, here the toe height is 13 increased to provide a hooked head. Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, in this arrangement the head is generally V-shaped. Referring to Figures 6a and 6b, in this arrangement the head is provided with a recessed portion for encircling a hockey ball and providing a catching, cradling, or cupping effect similar to that described in my earlier International Patent Application No. PCT/GB97/01212. In Figures 7a and 7b, there is shown an arrangement in which the axial length of the extended playing section is shorter than that of Figure 1, and the angle of inclination of the elongate axis of the playing section relative to that of the handle is increased to about 11°. The toe height and tightness of the curve of the head is similar to that of Figure 1. The stick of Figures 8a and 8b is similar to that of Figures 7 except that the length of the playing section is shorter still with a commensurate increase in the angle of inclination of the handle. Figures 9a and 9b show a stick similar to that of Figures 4a and 4b although the angle of inclination of the playing section is increased with the result that the crown is positioned well forward of the longitudinal axis of the handle. Figures 10a and lob show a stick similar to that of Figure 1 except that the extended playing section is gently curved to provide a rolling curve. Figures lla and l1b show an arrangement in which there 14 is no offset between the longitudinal axis of the handle and the longitudinal axis of the playing section. Thus the stick is similar to that of Figure 1 except without the rearward offset, making the crown substantially forwardiy offset. Figures 12a and 12b show an arrangement similar to Figure 1 with an offset between the axis of the playing section and the handle but in which these axis are parallel. Figures 13a and 13b show an arrangement similar to Figure I at the lower end of the stick buc with a serpentine curved region extending forwardly before extending rearwardly as previously. Figures 14a and 14b show an arrangement in which the shaft incorporates a rearwardly projecting serpentine curve before merging with the playing section. Figures 15a and 15b show an arrangement in which the shaft incorporates a forward curve followed by a rearward curve before merging with the playing section 14. Figure IS shows an arrangement in which the .lower end of the playing section 14 terminates with a rearward curve which blends into an enlarged playing head 16 of the type described in my Published PCT Application No. PCT/GB97/01212. The embodiments of Figures 1 to 12 and 14 to 16 each comprise an arrangement in which the longitudinal axis of the playing section 14 is offset: rearwardly to that of the remainder of the handle 10 and the shaft 12. As will be clear from the above embodiments, various 15 modifications to the stick may be incorporated without departing from the invention. The sticks as described above provide a number of benefits:- 1. Improved dribbling action - produced through the provision of a rearward curve in the shaft which centralises the head beneath the shaft, and provides weight to the rear of the shaft counterbalancing the forward extending toe region, 2. Improved reverse stick skills - through the availability to provide an enlarged toe which is not too cumbersome in the dribbling action because it is balanced by the enlarged power zone. Thus the stick can hit, push, flick and control che ball better on the reverse side. 3. Improved and safer open stick ball collection - the elongate playing section can be used at greater reach and from a more comfortable and upright position to collect the ball on the ground with the shaft more or less laid along the ground. This same strong barrier can be provided in the process of a tackle and may provide greater power, strength, mobility and safety than the traditional sticks. This facility has much to offer goalkeepers who often have to play the ball whilst outstretched on the ground and wearing large protective gloves which commonly force the right hand and the stick some crucial three or more inches off the ground. Hence the described sticks can be used to counter this problem. 4. Improved power and deception when pushing the ball 16 in a more manoeuvrable, upright and safer position; or the ability to push the ball with the stick held almost flat to the ground, where the ball starts contact some fifteen centimetres up the stick from the crown and is slung down the shaft, has been possible with straight traditional sticks, but only for the most courageous and skilled players. The existing sticks place the head close to the ground and put considerable strain on the back whilst often scraping the knuckles on the floor drawing blood. The sticks described above allow this action to be performed with the knuckles some one to two feet off the ground, making it safer, easier, more comfortable and mobile to perform. 5. . Improved drag flicking - this art.is commonly used at penalty corners and involves the ball being driven down the stick from the crown whilst the stick is near to flat on the ground and then flung back down Che shaft which is inclined slightly backwards as Che player lurches forward and upwards to propel the ball into the air at pace. By allowing the player to lay the shaft flat along the ground with the knuckles a foot or so off the ground the action is made considerably more comfortable, safe and easier to perform. 6. Guiding collection for ball catching in configurations of this stick where a substantial gape is provided between the 1 imbs of the head and hence bal 1 catching of one type or other is available, the power zone provides a guide down which the ball can be driven to ease 17 and guide collection of the ball into the gape. 18 WE CLAIM 1. A hockey stick comprising an elongate handle region (10), an elongate shaft region (12) which merges at its lower end with an extended playing section (14), which merges at its lower end with a head region (16), wherein said extended playing section (14) is angled to or offset from the axis of the handle region (10) characterized in that (i) when the stick is held in open stick position in a vertical plane, with the rearmost edge region of the stick in contact with the ground and a longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) disposed parallel to the ground, the free end of the handle region (10) is spaced off the ground by at least 2cm, and (ii) said extended playing section (14) has a straight or gently curved outer edge and has an axial length of at least 15cm measured between the last forward curve of the shaft region (12) and the region (16). 2. A hockey stick as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the axis of the extended playing section (14) extends at a forward Iy inclined angle relative to the axis of the handle region (10). 3. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the extended playing section (14) has an axial length of approximately 20cm. 4. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) is offset rearwardty with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle region (10). 5. A hockey stick as claimed h any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the extended playing section (14) comprising a cranked extension of the shaft region (12). 6. A hockey stick as claimed in any of preceding claims, which comprises one or more forward or rearward curves intermediate the lower end of said handle region (10) and the extended playing section (14), 7. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 6, comprising an upper, rearward curve and a lower compensating forward curve disposed above said extended playing section. 8. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 7, comprising an additional forward curve above said rearward curve. 9. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more forward or rearward curves in the merger region of the lower end of said extended playing section (14) and the head region (16). 10. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 9, comprising a rearward compensating curve between the lower end of the extended playing section (14) and the head region (16), 11. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) extends at an angle of between 5° and 20° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle region (10). 20 12. A hockey stack as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) extends at an angle of between 7° and 12° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle region (10). 13. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the rearward deviation (as herein defined) of the shaft region (12) adjacent the upper end of the extended playing section (14) is at least 0.5cm. 14. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 13, wherein the rearward deviation is at least lcm. 15. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 13 or 14, whereh itie weight provided rearwardly of the axis of the handle (10) substantially counterbalances the weight provided forwardly by the toe (as herein defined). 16. A hockey stick as claimed in claim any of the precedffig claims, wherefri the extended playrig section (14) is generally straight, 17. A hockey stick as claimed in claim any of the preceding claims 1 to 15, wherein the extended playing section (14) is curved to provide a generally convex outer edge. 18. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said extended playing section (14) and said head region (16) are configured such that the outer edge of the extended playhg section may be laid generally flat along the ground. A hockey stick comprising an elongate handle region (10) merging at its lower end with an elongate shaft region (12) which merges at its lower end with a head region (16), characterized in that the shaft region (12) and/or the head region (16) incorporate an extended playing section (14) disposed such that, in open stick use, when the outer edge of the head region (16) and/or the extended playing section in the region of the merger thereof is in contact with the ground, and the axis of the extended playing section (14) is generally parallel to the ground, the free end of the handle region (10) is spaced off the ground by at least 2cm.

Full Text

1
IMPROVED HOCKEY STICK
This invention relates to an improved hockey stick and, in particular but not exclusively, to hockey sticks intended for outfield players.
A traditional form of hockey stick is made up of four portions, namely a handle, a shaft, a head and a toe. The handle typically extends for the upper three fifths or sc of the stick. The shaft typically occupies the majority of the remaining lower two fifths of the stick and merges at its lower end with the head. The head typically occupies only a small proportion of the vertical dimension at the base of the sticks but the bulk of the horizontal dimension. The head terminates in a generally upwardly directed toe portion.
The allowable playing surface or "face" of the stick is the front, predominantly flat area of the stick which is presented forwardly with the toe provided on the right ha£ In this Specification, various terms are used describe the shape and geometry of a hockey slick References to vertical, brisontal, rearward, forward etc
refer to the stick when viewed in the orientation of figure
i
1 of the accompanying drawings, that is on the back of the
stick, with the axes of the handle and shaft generally

vertical, with the toe pointing away from the player (ie. forwardly) . Thus a forward curve or inclination is an anticlockwise angular displacement when the stick is viewed in

2
the orientation of Figure 1.
Playing on the open stick means playing the stick forehand in the usual attitude with the toe of the stick pointing away from the player, and the bulk of the stick on the player's right hand side; playing on the reverse stick means playing the stick backhand with the stick flipped through 1800 about the axis of the handle, so that the toe is nearest the ground and the bulk of the stick lies on the player's left hand side. At present all sticks are right-handed but the invention extends to left-handed versions (i.e. substantially mirror images of left-handed sticks) and the terminology herein is to be interpreted accordingly.
A reverse stick block is when the stick is held on the reverse stick side with the free end of the toe'in contact with the ground, and the shaft extending generally parallel to the ground.
As a professional coach, I have analysed the features
of existing sticks and also, the dynamics of the strategy of
the game itself. I have found chat a player's skill and
ball control can be considerably improved if the hockey
stick is re-designed to provide the unusual and innovative
feature of an extended elongate playing area in the region
of the head and/or shaft of the stick, which extended area
allows a player to slide and propel the hockey ball to
impart substantial acceleration or deceleration and
potential lift to the ball. . This feature, with suitable
training, can help generate enhanced pace, accuracy and
deception in passing and drag-flicking. Something

.3
approaching this effect can be produced by expert players with certain traditional sticks, but only whilst placing the knuckles practically on the ground surface and only when exhibiting considerable skill, and it is not available in any sticks which centralise the head by means of a curve or bend in the lower shaft region.
Accordingly, this invention provides a hockey stick comprising an elonqate handle region merging at its lower end with an elongate shaft region which merges at its lower end with a head region wherein the shaft region and/or the head region incorporate an extended playing section disposed such that, in open stick use, when the outer edge of the head region and/or the extended playing section in the region of the merger thereof is in contact with the ground, and the axis of the extended playing section is generally parallel to the ground, the free end of the handle region is spaced off the ground by at least 2cm.
In one preferred embodiment/ this invention provides a hockey stick comprising a handle region merging at its lower end with a shaft region which merges at its lowpr end with a head region, wherein the shaft region and/or the head region incorporate an extended playing section which extends at a forwardly inclined angle with respect to the axis of the handle region.
By this arrangement, when the stick is located in an open stick playing fashion with the outer edge of the playing section extending along the ground, the handle extends at an upwardly inclined angle to the ground. In order to make effective use of the playing area, the stick

4
does not need to be held with Che playing section in contact with the ground along the whole of its outer edge; provided the highesc point of the outer edge is no more than half a ball height (that is typically 3.5cm) off the ground, the playing section may still provide an effective playing area along its entire length. This therefore further increases the angle of inclination of the handle to the ground. This feature is extremely important as it means that the player can place the playing section on the ground or in close proximity thereto without needing to place the handle close to the ground. Thus he does not have to reach so far to get the playing section in contact with the ball when on the ground, or sufficiently near, which means that he can reach this position quicker. Also the fact that the knuckles are further away from the ground means they are less likely to be damaged during play. In turn this keeps the head further from the ground improving safety in many ways. Once the stick is disposed with the playing section in contact with the ground or with the outer edge no more than half a ball height off the ground, this gives an extended playing surface along which the ball can be accelerated or decelerated in use as required to perform a particular manoeuvre. This elongated acceleration/deceleration region is extremely useful in creating substantial power and/or lift, for example in passing, or drag flicking or other manoeuvres.
The longitudinal axis of the playing section is preferably offset rearwardly with respect to the

s
longitudinal axis of the handle region; alternatively there may be no offset and the playing section may comprise a cranked extension of the shaft region. , The term "offset rearwardly" is used to mean that the longitudinal axis of the playing section is disposed rearwardly of the longitudinal axis of the handle region at their merger, and that the longitudinal axes may or may not be parallel.
The stick may include one or more forward or rearward curves intermediate the playing section and the lower end of said handle region. In one preferred arrangement, the stick includes an upper, rearward curve and a lower compensating forward curve disposed above said playing section. In certain arrangements it may be beneficial to include a further forward curve above said rearward curve.
Likewise, the stick may advantageously include one or more forward or rearward curves in the merger region of the lower end of said shaft region and the head region.
Preferably the playing section extends at an angle of between 5° and 20° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle region, and more preferably between 7° and 12°. It will be appreciated that an increased angle of inclination between the playing section and the longitudinal axis of the handle region increases the effective height of the handle region off the ground when the playing section extends horizontally in the open stick position.
The preferred angle of inclination for any particular stick may depend partly on the length of the playing section. In general the shorter the playing section, the

6
greater the angle may be. However it is also true that the greater the playing section the greater the potential power and deception derived. Hence it is clear that in designing the sticks of this invention a balance must be achieved between ease of action and power/deception. Where the length is less than 10cm the derived benefits of the playing section are not evident; a clear advantage at a comfortable angle is achieved with a length of at least 12. 5cm and preferably at least 15cm, and a very good balance of effects is obtained at 20-rm.
The angle of inclination could be enhanced without modifying the length of the playing section by increasing the rearward deviation (as herebelow defined) of the shaft just prior to the playing section or offsetting the head forwardly of its natural position where the crown (as herebelow defined) lies just forward of the axis of the handle. Both of these .produce a greater aperture beneath the stick through which the ball can pass in a reverse stick block and both have the potential to lead to an unbalanced and ungainly dribbling action. The rearward deviation is preferably at least 0.5cm and more preferably at least l cm. However it should be noted that increasing the rearward deviation does not necessarily lead to an unbalanced dribbling action. Where the deviation is small, the weight provided rearwardly of the axis of the handle counterbalances the weight provided forwardly by the toe (as herebelow defined) of the stick/ and where the sizes of these two elements are chosen carefully the balance can be

7
substantially improved and resultantly so can the dribbling action.
In earlier modified hockey sticks, there has been an attempt to centralise the crown of the stick beneath the axis of the handle to improve the dribbling action and although this feature is desirable in this invention it produces a detrimental reduction in the angle of the handle. Hence a balance must also be drawn when designing sticks of this invention between the ease of the primary ball propelling action and the balance of the dribbling action, and the ability to produce a reverse stick block action. Although a centralised head with a long parallel or forwardly inclined playing section is beneficial in some respects, a stick with a head in its more traditional position with the crown some 2cm to 4cm forward of the axis of the handle, with a forwardly inclined playing section may be more beneficial. The detrimental effect upon the dribbling action of a substantially forwardly disposed head may be enough to outweigh the benefit provided of enhanced length of playing section and improved angle of inclination. Thus, particularly preferred sticks have playing sections of around 20cms length, inclined either parallel to the axis of the handle or at any angle above this, with good results being produced at around 5 to 12 degrees and possibly at greater angles up to 25 degrees.
Due to the counterbalancing effects of the rearward deviation which can be provided in this invention there is a clear opportunity.to provide a balanced yet enlarged toe

8
area and the toe height, that is the distance measured from the ground to the tip of the toe when the stick is placed on the ground with the handle region vertical, is preferably between 7cm and 10.2Scm.
In all the various embodiments defined above, the extended playing region is preferably generally straight. In some sticks however, the extended playing region may be gently curved to provide a generally convex outer edge.
Whilst the invention has been described above,, it extends to any 'inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following description.
The invention may be performed in various ways, and certain embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings:-
Figures and are an enlarged rear view of the head
and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a first embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 2a and 2b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing seccion, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively o£ a second embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,-
Figures 3a and 3b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a third embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 4a and 4b are an enlarged rear view of the head

9
and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a fourth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,
Figures 5a and 5b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively' of a fifth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 6a and 6b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a sixth embodiment of hockey
stick of this invention;
Figures 7a and 7b are an enlarged rear view of the head
and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a seventh embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 8a and 8b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a eighth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 9a and 9b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a ninth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,-
Figures 10^ and 106; are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a tenth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,-
Figures l^( and llji are an enlarged rear view of the

o10
head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a eleventh embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 12^ and 12b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a twelfth embodiment: cf hockey stick of this invention;
Figures l3a and 13b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a thirteenth embodiment of hockev scick of this invention;
Figures 14a and 14b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole s^ick respectively of a fourteenth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 15JC and 15,8 are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a fifteenth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; and
Figure 16 is a. view on the rear cf a sixteenth embodiment of hockey stick scill in accordance with this invention.
In the informal drawings accompanying this
Specification various dimensions are given; these are illustrative only and are not intended to restrict the invention. Furthermore/ the sticks as illustrated have been designed to comply with current understanding of the guideline of the Federation Internationale de Hockey Rules

11
Board, but the invention is not . limited to sticks in compliance with these guidelines.
Referring to the Figures, many parts are the same or similar and so are given the same reference numerals. The stick of Figures la and 1b will be described in detail and then the variations of the remaining sticks will be described.
The hockey sticks illustrated comprise a handle 10, a shaft 12, and extended playing section 14 (also referred to as a power 2one) , a head IS and a toe 13. The region 20 of the head 16 which contacts the ground when the stick is held with the handle 10 vertical is called the crown. in Figure 1, the playing section 14 is offset rearwardly such that the rearward deviation 13 of the outer edge from the line of the shaft is 2cm,' the maximum allowed under current practice. This deviation is referred to herein as "the rearward deviation". Likewise the width of the playing section 14 is the currently allowed maximum of 5cm. The toe 18 is of average height, 7cm.
Three ground lines are marked in Figures 1 to 15, namely a reverse stick ground line 22 which is the ground line when the stick is placed-in the reverse block position; a playing section ground line 24 which is the ground line when the stick is in the open stick position with the playing section flat or as nearly as possible to the ground (the lower playing position); and a raised section ground line 26, which is the ground line when the stick is pivoted about the head away from the playing section ground line 24

12
until the highest part of the playing section is spaced by-half the height of a ball 28 off the ground (the raised playing position). This is generally the furthest that the stick can be raised whilst still providing the full length of the playing section 14.
In use, when the stick is played open stick with the head on the ground, the extended playing section 14 provides an elongated playing section or power zone along which a ball may be accelerated or decelerated in either direction between the head end and the shaft end of the playing section. The full elongate extent of this section is available as soon as the stick is placed m the raised playing position although many players may prefer to drop the stick to the lower playing position in which, in Figure 1 at least, the outer edge of the stick is laid flat along the ground. In Figure 1, when the stick is in the lower playing position, the handle is upwardly inclined at about 7°. This means that the players hands are well clear of the ground when the stick is in this position.
In Figures 2a and 2b, the arrangement of the handle and shaft is generally similar to Figure l, but the toe height is. much less.
In Figures 3a and 3b the playing section is generally similar although there is a slight forward curve at the lower end of the shaft before the playing section begins. The toe height is intermediate that of Figures 1 and 2 and the head is less tightly curved.
Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, here the toe height is

13
increased to provide a hooked head.
Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, in this arrangement the head is generally V-shaped.
Referring to Figures 6a and 6b, in this arrangement the head is provided with a recessed portion for encircling a hockey ball and providing a catching, cradling, or cupping effect similar to that described in my earlier International Patent Application No. PCT/GB97/01212.
In Figures 7a and 7b, there is shown an arrangement in which the axial length of the extended playing section is shorter than that of Figure 1, and the angle of inclination of the elongate axis of the playing section relative to that of the handle is increased to about 11°. The toe height and tightness of the curve of the head is similar to that of Figure 1.
The stick of Figures 8a and 8b is similar to that of Figures 7 except that the length of the playing section is shorter still with a commensurate increase in the angle of inclination of the handle.
Figures 9a and 9b show a stick similar to that of Figures 4a and 4b although the angle of inclination of the playing section is increased with the result that the crown is positioned well forward of the longitudinal axis of the handle.
Figures 10a and lob show a stick similar to that of Figure 1 except that the extended playing section is gently curved to provide a rolling curve.
Figures lla and l1b show an arrangement in which there

14
is no offset between the longitudinal axis of the handle and the longitudinal axis of the playing section. Thus the stick is similar to that of Figure 1 except without the rearward offset, making the crown substantially forwardiy offset.
Figures 12a and 12b show an arrangement similar to Figure 1 with an offset between the axis of the playing section and the handle but in which these axis are parallel. Figures 13a and 13b show an arrangement similar to Figure I at the lower end of the stick buc with a serpentine curved region extending forwardly before extending rearwardly as previously.
Figures 14a and 14b show an arrangement in which the shaft incorporates a rearwardly projecting serpentine curve before merging with the playing section.
Figures 15a and 15b show an arrangement in which the shaft incorporates a forward curve followed by a rearward curve before merging with the playing section 14.
Figure IS shows an arrangement in which the .lower end of the playing section 14 terminates with a rearward curve which blends into an enlarged playing head 16 of the type described in my Published PCT Application No. PCT/GB97/01212.
The embodiments of Figures 1 to 12 and 14 to 16 each comprise an arrangement in which the longitudinal axis of the playing section 14 is offset: rearwardly to that of the remainder of the handle 10 and the shaft 12.
As will be clear from the above embodiments, various

15
modifications to the stick may be incorporated without departing from the invention.
The sticks as described above provide a number of benefits:-
1. Improved dribbling action - produced through the
provision of a rearward curve in the shaft which centralises
the head beneath the shaft, and provides weight to the rear
of the shaft counterbalancing the forward extending toe
region,
2. Improved reverse stick skills - through the
availability to provide an enlarged toe which is not too
cumbersome in the dribbling action because it is balanced by
the enlarged power zone. Thus the stick can hit, push,
flick and control che ball better on the reverse side.
3. Improved and safer open stick ball collection -
the elongate playing section can be used at greater reach
and from a more comfortable and upright position to collect
the ball on the ground with the shaft more or less laid
along the ground. This same strong barrier can be provided
in the process of a tackle and may provide greater power,
strength, mobility and safety than the traditional sticks.
This facility has much to offer goalkeepers who often have
to play the ball whilst outstretched on the ground and
wearing large protective gloves which commonly force the
right hand and the stick some crucial three or more inches
off the ground. Hence the described sticks can be used to
counter this problem.
4. Improved power and deception when pushing the ball

16
in a more manoeuvrable, upright and safer position; or the ability to push the ball with the stick held almost flat to the ground, where the ball starts contact some fifteen centimetres up the stick from the crown and is slung down the shaft, has been possible with straight traditional sticks, but only for the most courageous and skilled players. The existing sticks place the head close to the ground and put considerable strain on the back whilst often scraping the knuckles on the floor drawing blood. The sticks described above allow this action to be performed with the knuckles some one to two feet off the ground, making it safer, easier, more comfortable and mobile to perform.
5. . Improved drag flicking - this art.is commonly used
at penalty corners and involves the ball being driven down
the stick from the crown whilst the stick is near to flat on
the ground and then flung back down Che shaft which is
inclined slightly backwards as Che player lurches forward
and upwards to propel the ball into the air at pace. By
allowing the player to lay the shaft flat along the ground
with the knuckles a foot or so off the ground the action is
made considerably more comfortable, safe and easier to
perform.
6. Guiding collection for ball catching in
configurations of this stick where a substantial gape is
provided between the 1 imbs of the head and hence bal 1
catching of one type or other is available, the power zone
provides a guide down which the ball can be driven to ease

17 and guide collection of the ball into the gape.

18
WE CLAIM
1. A hockey stick comprising an elongate handle region (10), an elongate
shaft region (12) which merges at its lower end with an extended playing
section (14), which merges at its lower end with a head region (16),
wherein said extended playing section (14) is angled to or offset from the
axis of the handle region (10) characterized in that
(i) when the stick is held in open stick position in a vertical plane, with the rearmost edge region of the stick in contact with the ground and a longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) disposed parallel to the ground, the free end of the handle region (10) is spaced off the ground by at least 2cm, and
(ii) said extended playing section (14) has a straight or gently curved outer edge and has an axial length of at least 15cm measured between the last forward curve of the shaft region (12) and the region (16).
2. A hockey stick as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the axis of the extended
playing section (14) extends at a forward Iy inclined angle relative to the
axis of the handle region (10).
3. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the extended
playing section (14) has an axial length of approximately 20cm.
4. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the
longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) is offset rearwardty
with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle region (10).

5. A hockey stick as claimed h any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the
extended playing section (14) comprising a cranked extension of the shaft
region (12).
6. A hockey stick as claimed in any of preceding claims, which comprises one
or more forward or rearward curves intermediate the lower end of said
handle region (10) and the extended playing section (14),
7. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 6, comprising an upper, rearward curve
and a lower compensating forward curve disposed above said extended
playing section.
8. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 7, comprising an additional forward
curve above said rearward curve.
9. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising one
or more forward or rearward curves in the merger region of the lower end
of said extended playing section (14) and the head region (16).
10. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 9, comprising a rearward compensating
curve between the lower end of the extended playing section (14) and the
head region (16),
11. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the
longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) extends at an angle
of between 5° and 20° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle
region (10).

20
12. A hockey stack as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the
longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) extends at an angle
of between 7° and 12° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle
region (10).
13. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the
rearward deviation (as herein defined) of the shaft region (12) adjacent
the upper end of the extended playing section (14) is at least 0.5cm.
14. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 13, wherein the rearward deviation is at
least lcm.
15. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 13 or 14, whereh itie weight provided
rearwardly of the axis of the handle (10) substantially counterbalances the
weight provided forwardly by the toe (as herein defined).
16. A hockey stick as claimed in claim any of the precedffig claims, wherefri
the extended playrig section (14) is generally straight,

17. A hockey stick as claimed in claim any of the preceding claims 1 to 15,
wherein the extended playing section (14) is curved to provide a generally
convex outer edge.
18. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said
extended playing section (14) and said head region (16) are configured
such that the outer edge of the extended playhg section may be laid
generally flat along the ground.

1
IMPROVED HOCKEY STICK
This invention relates to an improved hockey stick and, in particular but not exclusively, to hockey sticks intended for outfield players.
A traditional form of hockey stick is made up of four portions, namely a handle, a shaft, a head and a toe. The handle typically extends for the upper three fifths or sc of the stick. The shaft typically occupies the majority of the remaining lower two fifths of the stick and merges at its lower end with the head. The head typically occupies only a small proportion of the vertical dimension at the base of the sticks but the bulk of the horizontal dimension. The head terminates in a generally upwardly directed toe portion.
The allowable playing surface or "face" of the stick is the front, predominantly flat area of the stick which is presented forwardly with the toe provided on the right ha£ In this Specification, various terms are used describe the shape and geometry of a hockey slick References to vertical, brisontal, rearward, forward etc
refer to the stick when viewed in the orientation of figure
i
1 of the accompanying drawings, that is on the back of the
stick, with the axes of the handle and shaft generally

vertical, with the toe pointing away from the player (ie. forwardly) . Thus a forward curve or inclination is an anticlockwise angular displacement when the stick is viewed in

2
the orientation of Figure 1.
Playing on the open stick means playing the stick forehand in the usual attitude with the toe of the stick pointing away from the player, and the bulk of the stick on the player's right hand side; playing on the reverse stick means playing the stick backhand with the stick flipped through 1800 about the axis of the handle, so that the toe is nearest the ground and the bulk of the stick lies on the player's left hand side. At present all sticks are right-handed but the invention extends to left-handed versions (i.e. substantially mirror images of left-handed sticks) and the terminology herein is to be interpreted accordingly.
A reverse stick block is when the stick is held on the reverse stick side with the free end of the toe'in contact with the ground, and the shaft extending generally parallel to the ground.
As a professional coach, I have analysed the features
of existing sticks and also, the dynamics of the strategy of
the game itself. I have found chat a player's skill and
ball control can be considerably improved if the hockey
stick is re-designed to provide the unusual and innovative
feature of an extended elongate playing area in the region
of the head and/or shaft of the stick, which extended area
allows a player to slide and propel the hockey ball to
impart substantial acceleration or deceleration and
potential lift to the ball. . This feature, with suitable
training, can help generate enhanced pace, accuracy and
deception in passing and drag-flicking. Something

.3
approaching this effect can be produced by expert players with certain traditional sticks, but only whilst placing the knuckles practically on the ground surface and only when exhibiting considerable skill, and it is not available in any sticks which centralise the head by means of a curve or bend in the lower shaft region.
Accordingly, this invention provides a hockey stick comprising an elonqate handle region merging at its lower end with an elongate shaft region which merges at its lower end with a head region wherein the shaft region and/or the head region incorporate an extended playing section disposed such that, in open stick use, when the outer edge of the head region and/or the extended playing section in the region of the merger thereof is in contact with the ground, and the axis of the extended playing section is generally parallel to the ground, the free end of the handle region is spaced off the ground by at least 2cm.
In one preferred embodiment/ this invention provides a hockey stick comprising a handle region merging at its lower end with a shaft region which merges at its lowpr end with a head region, wherein the shaft region and/or the head region incorporate an extended playing section which extends at a forwardly inclined angle with respect to the axis of the handle region.
By this arrangement, when the stick is located in an open stick playing fashion with the outer edge of the playing section extending along the ground, the handle extends at an upwardly inclined angle to the ground. In order to make effective use of the playing area, the stick

4
does not need to be held with Che playing section in contact with the ground along the whole of its outer edge; provided the highesc point of the outer edge is no more than half a ball height (that is typically 3.5cm) off the ground, the playing section may still provide an effective playing area along its entire length. This therefore further increases the angle of inclination of the handle to the ground. This feature is extremely important as it means that the player can place the playing section on the ground or in close proximity thereto without needing to place the handle close to the ground. Thus he does not have to reach so far to get the playing section in contact with the ball when on the ground, or sufficiently near, which means that he can reach this position quicker. Also the fact that the knuckles are further away from the ground means they are less likely to be damaged during play. In turn this keeps the head further from the ground improving safety in many ways. Once the stick is disposed with the playing section in contact with the ground or with the outer edge no more than half a ball height off the ground, this gives an extended playing surface along which the ball can be accelerated or decelerated in use as required to perform a particular manoeuvre. This elongated acceleration/deceleration region is extremely useful in creating substantial power and/or lift, for example in passing, or drag flicking or other manoeuvres.
The longitudinal axis of the playing section is preferably offset rearwardly with respect to the

s
longitudinal axis of the handle region; alternatively there may be no offset and the playing section may comprise a cranked extension of the shaft region. , The term "offset rearwardly" is used to mean that the longitudinal axis of the playing section is disposed rearwardly of the longitudinal axis of the handle region at their merger, and that the longitudinal axes may or may not be parallel.
The stick may include one or more forward or rearward curves intermediate the playing section and the lower end of said handle region. In one preferred arrangement, the stick includes an upper, rearward curve and a lower compensating forward curve disposed above said playing section. In certain arrangements it may be beneficial to include a further forward curve above said rearward curve.
Likewise, the stick may advantageously include one or more forward or rearward curves in the merger region of the lower end of said shaft region and the head region.
Preferably the playing section extends at an angle of between 5° and 20° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle region, and more preferably between 7° and 12°. It will be appreciated that an increased angle of inclination between the playing section and the longitudinal axis of the handle region increases the effective height of the handle region off the ground when the playing section extends horizontally in the open stick position.
The preferred angle of inclination for any particular stick may depend partly on the length of the playing section. In general the shorter the playing section, the

6
greater the angle may be. However it is also true that the greater the playing section the greater the potential power and deception derived. Hence it is clear that in designing the sticks of this invention a balance must be achieved between ease of action and power/deception. Where the length is less than 10cm the derived benefits of the playing section are not evident; a clear advantage at a comfortable angle is achieved with a length of at least 12. 5cm and preferably at least 15cm, and a very good balance of effects is obtained at 20-rm.
The angle of inclination could be enhanced without modifying the length of the playing section by increasing the rearward deviation (as herebelow defined) of the shaft just prior to the playing section or offsetting the head forwardly of its natural position where the crown (as herebelow defined) lies just forward of the axis of the handle. Both of these .produce a greater aperture beneath the stick through which the ball can pass in a reverse stick block and both have the potential to lead to an unbalanced and ungainly dribbling action. The rearward deviation is preferably at least 0.5cm and more preferably at least l cm. However it should be noted that increasing the rearward deviation does not necessarily lead to an unbalanced dribbling action. Where the deviation is small, the weight provided rearwardly of the axis of the handle counterbalances the weight provided forwardly by the toe (as herebelow defined) of the stick/ and where the sizes of these two elements are chosen carefully the balance can be

7
substantially improved and resultantly so can the dribbling action.
In earlier modified hockey sticks, there has been an attempt to centralise the crown of the stick beneath the axis of the handle to improve the dribbling action and although this feature is desirable in this invention it produces a detrimental reduction in the angle of the handle. Hence a balance must also be drawn when designing sticks of this invention between the ease of the primary ball propelling action and the balance of the dribbling action, and the ability to produce a reverse stick block action. Although a centralised head with a long parallel or forwardly inclined playing section is beneficial in some respects, a stick with a head in its more traditional position with the crown some 2cm to 4cm forward of the axis of the handle, with a forwardly inclined playing section may be more beneficial. The detrimental effect upon the dribbling action of a substantially forwardly disposed head may be enough to outweigh the benefit provided of enhanced length of playing section and improved angle of inclination. Thus, particularly preferred sticks have playing sections of around 20cms length, inclined either parallel to the axis of the handle or at any angle above this, with good results being produced at around 5 to 12 degrees and possibly at greater angles up to 25 degrees.
Due to the counterbalancing effects of the rearward deviation which can be provided in this invention there is a clear opportunity.to provide a balanced yet enlarged toe

8
area and the toe height, that is the distance measured from the ground to the tip of the toe when the stick is placed on the ground with the handle region vertical, is preferably between 7cm and 10.2Scm.
In all the various embodiments defined above, the extended playing region is preferably generally straight. In some sticks however, the extended playing region may be gently curved to provide a generally convex outer edge.
Whilst the invention has been described above,, it extends to any 'inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following description.
The invention may be performed in various ways, and certain embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings:-
Figures and are an enlarged rear view of the head
and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a first embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 2a and 2b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing seccion, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively o£ a second embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,-
Figures 3a and 3b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a third embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 4a and 4b are an enlarged rear view of the head

9
and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a fourth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,
Figures 5a and 5b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively' of a fifth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 6a and 6b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a sixth embodiment of hockey
stick of this invention;
Figures 7a and 7b are an enlarged rear view of the head
and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a seventh embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 8a and 8b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a eighth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 9a and 9b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a ninth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,-
Figures 10^ and 106; are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a tenth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention,-
Figures l^( and llji are an enlarged rear view of the

o10
head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a eleventh embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 12^ and 12b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a twelfth embodiment: cf hockey stick of this invention;
Figures l3a and 13b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a thirteenth embodiment of hockev scick of this invention;
Figures 14a and 14b are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole s^ick respectively of a fourteenth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention;
Figures 15JC and 15,8 are an enlarged rear view of the head and extended playing section, and a view on the rear of the whole stick respectively of a fifteenth embodiment of hockey stick of this invention; and
Figure 16 is a. view on the rear cf a sixteenth embodiment of hockey stick scill in accordance with this invention.
In the informal drawings accompanying this
Specification various dimensions are given; these are illustrative only and are not intended to restrict the invention. Furthermore/ the sticks as illustrated have been designed to comply with current understanding of the guideline of the Federation Internationale de Hockey Rules

11
Board, but the invention is not . limited to sticks in compliance with these guidelines.
Referring to the Figures, many parts are the same or similar and so are given the same reference numerals. The stick of Figures la and 1b will be described in detail and then the variations of the remaining sticks will be described.
The hockey sticks illustrated comprise a handle 10, a shaft 12, and extended playing section 14 (also referred to as a power 2one) , a head IS and a toe 13. The region 20 of the head 16 which contacts the ground when the stick is held with the handle 10 vertical is called the crown. in Figure 1, the playing section 14 is offset rearwardly such that the rearward deviation 13 of the outer edge from the line of the shaft is 2cm,' the maximum allowed under current practice. This deviation is referred to herein as "the rearward deviation". Likewise the width of the playing section 14 is the currently allowed maximum of 5cm. The toe 18 is of average height, 7cm.
Three ground lines are marked in Figures 1 to 15, namely a reverse stick ground line 22 which is the ground line when the stick is placed-in the reverse block position; a playing section ground line 24 which is the ground line when the stick is in the open stick position with the playing section flat or as nearly as possible to the ground (the lower playing position); and a raised section ground line 26, which is the ground line when the stick is pivoted about the head away from the playing section ground line 24

12
until the highest part of the playing section is spaced by-half the height of a ball 28 off the ground (the raised playing position). This is generally the furthest that the stick can be raised whilst still providing the full length of the playing section 14.
In use, when the stick is played open stick with the head on the ground, the extended playing section 14 provides an elongated playing section or power zone along which a ball may be accelerated or decelerated in either direction between the head end and the shaft end of the playing section. The full elongate extent of this section is available as soon as the stick is placed m the raised playing position although many players may prefer to drop the stick to the lower playing position in which, in Figure 1 at least, the outer edge of the stick is laid flat along the ground. In Figure 1, when the stick is in the lower playing position, the handle is upwardly inclined at about 7°. This means that the players hands are well clear of the ground when the stick is in this position.
In Figures 2a and 2b, the arrangement of the handle and shaft is generally similar to Figure l, but the toe height is. much less.
In Figures 3a and 3b the playing section is generally similar although there is a slight forward curve at the lower end of the shaft before the playing section begins. The toe height is intermediate that of Figures 1 and 2 and the head is less tightly curved.
Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, here the toe height is

13
increased to provide a hooked head.
Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, in this arrangement the head is generally V-shaped.
Referring to Figures 6a and 6b, in this arrangement the head is provided with a recessed portion for encircling a hockey ball and providing a catching, cradling, or cupping effect similar to that described in my earlier International Patent Application No. PCT/GB97/01212.
In Figures 7a and 7b, there is shown an arrangement in which the axial length of the extended playing section is shorter than that of Figure 1, and the angle of inclination of the elongate axis of the playing section relative to that of the handle is increased to about 11°. The toe height and tightness of the curve of the head is similar to that of Figure 1.
The stick of Figures 8a and 8b is similar to that of Figures 7 except that the length of the playing section is shorter still with a commensurate increase in the angle of inclination of the handle.
Figures 9a and 9b show a stick similar to that of Figures 4a and 4b although the angle of inclination of the playing section is increased with the result that the crown is positioned well forward of the longitudinal axis of the handle.
Figures 10a and lob show a stick similar to that of Figure 1 except that the extended playing section is gently curved to provide a rolling curve.
Figures lla and l1b show an arrangement in which there

14
is no offset between the longitudinal axis of the handle and the longitudinal axis of the playing section. Thus the stick is similar to that of Figure 1 except without the rearward offset, making the crown substantially forwardiy offset.
Figures 12a and 12b show an arrangement similar to Figure 1 with an offset between the axis of the playing section and the handle but in which these axis are parallel. Figures 13a and 13b show an arrangement similar to Figure I at the lower end of the stick buc with a serpentine curved region extending forwardly before extending rearwardly as previously.
Figures 14a and 14b show an arrangement in which the shaft incorporates a rearwardly projecting serpentine curve before merging with the playing section.
Figures 15a and 15b show an arrangement in which the shaft incorporates a forward curve followed by a rearward curve before merging with the playing section 14.
Figure IS shows an arrangement in which the .lower end of the playing section 14 terminates with a rearward curve which blends into an enlarged playing head 16 of the type described in my Published PCT Application No. PCT/GB97/01212.
The embodiments of Figures 1 to 12 and 14 to 16 each comprise an arrangement in which the longitudinal axis of the playing section 14 is offset: rearwardly to that of the remainder of the handle 10 and the shaft 12.
As will be clear from the above embodiments, various

15
modifications to the stick may be incorporated without departing from the invention.
The sticks as described above provide a number of benefits:-
1. Improved dribbling action - produced through the
provision of a rearward curve in the shaft which centralises
the head beneath the shaft, and provides weight to the rear
of the shaft counterbalancing the forward extending toe
region,
2. Improved reverse stick skills - through the
availability to provide an enlarged toe which is not too
cumbersome in the dribbling action because it is balanced by
the enlarged power zone. Thus the stick can hit, push,
flick and control che ball better on the reverse side.
3. Improved and safer open stick ball collection -
the elongate playing section can be used at greater reach
and from a more comfortable and upright position to collect
the ball on the ground with the shaft more or less laid
along the ground. This same strong barrier can be provided
in the process of a tackle and may provide greater power,
strength, mobility and safety than the traditional sticks.
This facility has much to offer goalkeepers who often have
to play the ball whilst outstretched on the ground and
wearing large protective gloves which commonly force the
right hand and the stick some crucial three or more inches
off the ground. Hence the described sticks can be used to
counter this problem.
4. Improved power and deception when pushing the ball

16
in a more manoeuvrable, upright and safer position; or the ability to push the ball with the stick held almost flat to the ground, where the ball starts contact some fifteen centimetres up the stick from the crown and is slung down the shaft, has been possible with straight traditional sticks, but only for the most courageous and skilled players. The existing sticks place the head close to the ground and put considerable strain on the back whilst often scraping the knuckles on the floor drawing blood. The sticks described above allow this action to be performed with the knuckles some one to two feet off the ground, making it safer, easier, more comfortable and mobile to perform.
5. . Improved drag flicking - this art.is commonly used
at penalty corners and involves the ball being driven down
the stick from the crown whilst the stick is near to flat on
the ground and then flung back down Che shaft which is
inclined slightly backwards as Che player lurches forward
and upwards to propel the ball into the air at pace. By
allowing the player to lay the shaft flat along the ground
with the knuckles a foot or so off the ground the action is
made considerably more comfortable, safe and easier to
perform.
6. Guiding collection for ball catching in
configurations of this stick where a substantial gape is
provided between the 1 imbs of the head and hence bal 1
catching of one type or other is available, the power zone
provides a guide down which the ball can be driven to ease

17 and guide collection of the ball into the gape.

18
WE CLAIM
1. A hockey stick comprising an elongate handle region (10), an elongate
shaft region (12) which merges at its lower end with an extended playing
section (14), which merges at its lower end with a head region (16),
wherein said extended playing section (14) is angled to or offset from the
axis of the handle region (10) characterized in that
(i) when the stick is held in open stick position in a vertical plane, with the rearmost edge region of the stick in contact with the ground and a longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) disposed parallel to the ground, the free end of the handle region (10) is spaced off the ground by at least 2cm, and
(ii) said extended playing section (14) has a straight or gently curved outer edge and has an axial length of at least 15cm measured between the last forward curve of the shaft region (12) and the region (16).
2. A hockey stick as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the axis of the extended
playing section (14) extends at a forward Iy inclined angle relative to the
axis of the handle region (10).
3. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the extended
playing section (14) has an axial length of approximately 20cm.
4. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the
longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) is offset rearwardty
with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle region (10).

5. A hockey stick as claimed h any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the
extended playing section (14) comprising a cranked extension of the shaft
region (12).
6. A hockey stick as claimed in any of preceding claims, which comprises one
or more forward or rearward curves intermediate the lower end of said
handle region (10) and the extended playing section (14),
7. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 6, comprising an upper, rearward curve
and a lower compensating forward curve disposed above said extended
playing section.
8. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 7, comprising an additional forward
curve above said rearward curve.
9. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising one
or more forward or rearward curves in the merger region of the lower end
of said extended playing section (14) and the head region (16).
10. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 9, comprising a rearward compensating
curve between the lower end of the extended playing section (14) and the
head region (16),
11. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the
longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) extends at an angle
of between 5° and 20° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle
region (10).

20
12. A hockey stack as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the
longitudinal axis of the extended playing section (14) extends at an angle
of between 7° and 12° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle
region (10).
13. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the
rearward deviation (as herein defined) of the shaft region (12) adjacent
the upper end of the extended playing section (14) is at least 0.5cm.
14. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 13, wherein the rearward deviation is at
least lcm.
15. A hockey stick as claimed in claim 13 or 14, whereh itie weight provided
rearwardly of the axis of the handle (10) substantially counterbalances the
weight provided forwardly by the toe (as herein defined).
16. A hockey stick as claimed in claim any of the precedffig claims, wherefri
the extended playrig section (14) is generally straight,

17. A hockey stick as claimed in claim any of the preceding claims 1 to 15,
wherein the extended playing section (14) is curved to provide a generally
convex outer edge.
18. A hockey stick as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said
extended playing section (14) and said head region (16) are configured
such that the outer edge of the extended playhg section may be laid
generally flat along the ground.

A hockey stick comprising an elongate handle region (10) merging at its lower end with an elongate shaft region (12) which merges at its lower end with a head region (16), characterized in that the shaft region (12) and/or the head region (16) incorporate an extended playing section (14) disposed such that, in open stick use, when the outer edge of the head region (16) and/or the extended playing section in the region of the merger thereof is in contact with the ground, and the axis of the extended playing section (14) is generally parallel to the ground, the free end of the handle region (10) is spaced off the ground by at least 2cm.

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Patent Number

207400

Indian Patent Application Number

IN/PCT/2000/00547/KOL

PG Journal Number

23/2007

Publication Date

08-Jun-2007

Grant Date

08-Jun-2007

Date of Filing

22-Nov-2000

Name of Patentee

HOWGATE IAN ROBERT MALCOLM, GREAT BRITAIN

Applicant Address

9 ACOMB CRESCENT, CHARLTON KINGS CHELTENHAM GL52 6 YH ,

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	HOWGATE IAN ROBERT MALCOLM	9 ACOMB CRESCENT, CHARLTON KINGS CHELTENHAM GL52 6 YH ,

PCT International Classification Number

A 63 B 59/12

PCT International Application Number

PCT/GB99/01621

PCT International Filing date

1999-05-21

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	9811039.8	1998-05-22	U.K.