ILLUMINATING LACROSSE SHAFT

Abstract

An illuminating lacrosse shaft is configured for attachment to a lacrosse head to form a lacrosse stick for low-light use. The lacrosse shaft includes an elongated, cylindrical, substantially hollow translucent shaft formed with a head end axially separated from a butt end, a connector for attaching a lacrosse head to the head end of the shaft. A light source positioned within the shaft and an electronic controller connected to the light source controls the light source operation including activating the light source to radiate light axially between within the shaft in response to a signal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates broadly to a lacrosse stick and, more particularly relates to an illuminating lacrosse shaft configured for use with separate interchangeable lacrosse shaft heads and, for illuminated play during non-daylight hours.

[0002] Lacrosse sticks are known to comprise a lacrosse shaft and a lacrosse head, where the lacrosse head is preferably detachable from the shaft in order to interchange lacrosse heads. While traditionally wood (e.g., oak), modern lacrosse sticks typically comprise a metal shaft detachably connected to a substantially plastic molded lacrosse head. But whether metal or wood, the known lacrosse shafts are tube-like structures that may or may not be solid.

[0003] Known tube-like structures (such as might be used in a lacrosse shaft) also are found in other sports equipment and toys. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,769 discloses a laser light tube (tube-like structure) that functions as a toy and emits coherent light. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,442 discloses an (light) illuminated wand, which is a tube-like structure. The illumination comes from a number of LEDs arranged internal a translucent tube forming the wand body. U.S. Pat. No. 4,208,701, also discloses a luminous toy comprising a hollow elongated tube-like member configured with a sinuous strip of light-reflecting material to reflect light directed along the axial center of the hollow tube.

[0004] Chinese Patent No CN 2626560Y discloses a shaft with a transparent segment. In the transparent segment are disposed decorative members (characters) in a fixed arrangement. When a light is passed through the transparent segment, the characters are light-activated by the irradiating light.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,335,111 discloses a pool cue comprising a first hollow rod with a light source, a second hollow rod and a coupler for coupling light from the first light source. The light source projects light along the length of the cue. Inserts are placed in the hollow rods to change color and illumination pattern of the pool cue, e.g., to advertise. U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,652 discloses a pool cue with a tip 26 and butt end 28 that light up.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,671 discloses a fishing pole with an illuminated handle. The illuminated handle is formed as a light tube with a fluorescent lamp that illuminates an area around a user.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,002 discloses a baseball bat configured to emit a light stream co-axial with the axial center of the bat and laterally out at the knob end in order to support a new batter in aligning the knob end (using the light) with the ball.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,226 discloses a hockey stick with LEDs mounted along the shaft to enable recognition of the physical features of the hockey stick when used at dusk or after, where U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,390 discloses a croquet set with an illuminated handle, head and ball. Each of the aforementioned parts includes a groove or channel for receiving a chemical glow stick or coil. The coils/glow sticks are manually placed and activated to radiate light.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 8,152,661 discloses a lacrosse training device. The lacrosse training device comprises a shaft portion 105, a head portion and an end cap 115 at the butt end 125. The end cap at the butt end houses a light source 155 (in a central cavity 160). Light source 155 generates a visible light beam that operates to form a point on a target towards which the butt end of the training device is pointed. The point source, however, does not provide sufficient light for dusk or post-dusk use.

[0010] US Published Patent Application Ser. No. 2013/0040767 discloses a bat made from a hollow translucent tube and a ball made with an outer translucent shell. The ball also includes a first illuminating element and first inertial device. Likewise, the bat includes a second illuminating device and a second inertial device. Force contacting the bat and ball compel the switches to light up the light sources. While effective for supplying a visual signal communicating bat and ball contact, the bat and ball so configured do not provide sufficient light for play without ball contact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides a lacrosse shaft that overcomes the shortcomings of the known arts.

[0012] In one embodiment, the invention provides an illuminating lacrosse shaft configured for attachment to a lacrosse head to form a lacrosse stick for low-light use. The lacrosse shaft embodies an elongated, cylindrical, substantially hollow translucent shaft formed with a head end axially separated from a butt end, a connecting means for attaching a lacrosse head to the head end of the shaft, a light source positioned within the shaft and an electronic controller connected to the light source to control the light source operation. The electronic controller activates the light source to radiate light axially between within the shaft in response to a signal.

[0013] The illuminating lacrosse shaft has a switch, a sensor or both where the signal is generated by the switch, the sensor or both. The switch is positioned along the axial length of the shaft between the head end and the butt end, or positioned at the butt end or positioned in an end cap attached or attachable at the butt end of the shaft.

[0014] In an embodiment, the shaft further comprises a protective end cap that is slid on to and over the butt end of the shaft to minimize and damage that butt end might cause if inadvertently contacting a person or property and wherein the switch and a light source is positioned in the end cap. Preferably, the sensor is a sensor selected from the group consisting of an ambient light sensor, a motion sensor, a force sensor, a gyro, a proximity sensor that senses a presence of a lacrosse ball or that the shaft is proximate a goal and combinations thereof.

[0015] In an embodiment, the illuminating lacrosse shaft also includes at least one additional light source that is activated by the electronic controller upon receipt of a signal generated by the motion sensor, where the at least one additional light source preferably is activated by the electronic controller depending of an amount of force imparted by the swing. The sensor signals are compared with at least one predetermined signal level to determine if a force imparted by a user swinging the shaft is sufficient to light the light source. Alternatively, the sensor signals are compared with at least one predetermined signal level to determine if an ambient light level is sufficiently low to light the light source.

[0016] In an embodiment, the connecting means for attaching the lacrosse head to the lacrosse shaft includes an electrical connector to electrical connect an electronic device and/or a sensor present in a lacrosse head to the electronic controller in the lacrosse shaft upon attachment of the lacrosse head to the shaft by the connecting means.

[0017] In another embodiment, the invention provides a lacrosse stick. The lacrosse stick comprises a lacrosse head and an illuminating lacrosse shaft configured for detachable attachment to the lacrosse head, the lacrosse stick configured for low-light use. The lacrosse shaft comprises an elongated, cylindrical, substantially hollow translucent shaft formed with a head end axially separated from a butt end, a connecting means for attaching a lacrosse head to the head end of the shaft, a light source positioned within the shaft, an electronic controller connected to the light source to control the light source operation and a switch, a sensor or both for generating at least one signal that is processed by the electronic controller. The electronic controller activates the light source to radiate light axially between within the shaft in response to the at least one signal.

[0018] The sensor is a sensor selected from the group consisting of an ambient light sensor, a motion sensor, a force sensor, a gyro, a proximity sensor that senses a presence of a lacrosse ball or that the shaft is proximate a goal and combinations thereof. The lacrosse head includes an illuminating device and wherein the connecting means includes an electrical connector to electrically connect the illuminating device in the lacrosse head to the electronic controller in the lacrosse shaft upon attachment of the lacrosse head to the shaft by the connecting means.

[0019] Alternatively, the lacrosse head includes a sensor and wherein the connecting means includes an electrical connector to electrically connect the sensor in the lacrosse head to the electronic controller in the lacrosse shaft upon attachment of the lacrosse head to the shaft by the connecting means. The sensor in the lacrosse head senses a presence of a lacrosse ball in the lacrosse head. Alternatively, the sensor in the lacrosse head senses a proximity of the lacrosse stick to a goal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments that follows, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

[0021] FIG. 1A depicts one embodiment of an illuminating lacrosse shaft 10 of the invention, to which a lacrosse stick head is attached.

[0022] FIG. 1B depicts a portion of an illuminating lacrosse shaft 10' that is an alternative embodiment to that of FIG. 1A, including two-way lighting and a different switch arrangement;

[0023] FIG. 1C depicts an alternative version of the illuminating lacrosse shaft depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, including electronic devices are mounted in the butt end;

[0024] FIG. 1D depicts an embodiment of the lacrosse shaft 10'' with a light sensor 20 for sensing the ambient light;

[0025] FIG. 1E depicts an embodiment of the lacrosse shaft 10'' with a motion or swing sensor 22 that detects when the shaft is being swung by the user;

[0026] FIG. 1G depicts an embodiment of the lacrosse shaft 10'' with a force sensor 24 for detecting an amount of mechanical force to which the shaft is subjected;

[0027] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the lacrosse shaft 10''' for use with specially designed lacrosse heads 30' configured for attachement to and operation with the lacrosse shaft 10''';

[0028] FIG. 3A depicts an embodiment of a lacrosse shaft 10', 10'' and 10''' that include a machined ("scratched") inner surface that refracts, absorbs, reflects some portion of light derived from one or more light sources;

[0029] FIG. 3B depicts an embodiment of a lacrosse shaft 10'''' that includes a cone-like reflector that refracts, absorbs, reflects some portion of light derived from one or more light sources;

[0030] FIG. 3C depicts an embodiment of a lacrosse shaft 10''''' that includes a coating that generates charge when exposed to sunlight, the coating wired to a controller and/or any electrical or electronic devices included to operate the embodiment as intended;

[0031] FIG. 4A depicts a variation on the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 in which a sensor wire in head webbing detects a force imposed by a ball;

[0032] FIG. 4B depicts the sensor wire in a head formed integrally with the lacrosse shaft;

[0033] FIG. 4C depicts an embodiment that operates with a "presence" sensor to detect a presence of the ball in the head;

[0034] FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment of a lacrosse shaft of the invention; and

[0035] FIG. 6 depicts a target according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The following is a detailed description of example embodiments of the invention depicted in the accompanying drawings. The example embodiments are presented in such detail as to clearly communicate the invention and are designed to make such embodiments obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

[0037] FIG. 1A depicts a first embodiment of the illuminating lacrosse shaft 10 of the invention. Therein, lacrosse shaft 10 is shown attached to a detachably connectable lacrosse head 30 at a top end 12 of a translucent, cylindrical or tube-like structure functioning as a handle. In the embodiment shown, the handle also functions as a housing for maintaining any electrical and/or electronic devices, for example, wires, batteries, light devices, various sensors (e.g., a gyro, force sensor or contact sensor), without limitation. Preferably, the outer surface of the cylindrical or tube-like lacrosse shaft 10 is not simply circular but octagonal, as shown.

[0038] The shaft (cylindrical, tube-like) structure is preferably formed from clear or translucent plastic, fiberglass, polymer or polymeric material (e.g., hybrid polyurethane) to form a hollow shell structure, i.e., the cylindrical, tube-like shaft structure. As is commonly known, such a shell forming lacrosse shaft structures displays a shell thickness in a range between 0.004 and 0.375 inches. In the embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings, the thickness of the shell forming the translucent, cylindrical or tube-like handle lacrosse shaft is 0.125 inch.

[0039] Top end 12 of shaft 10 is axially opposed to butt end 14, to which is attached a protective end cap 14A. End cap 14A is manufactured from soft rubber-like (e.g., rubber) shock-absorbent material and is configured to slip over the butt end 14 in a friction fit (relying on a tapered diameter), or otherwise connect to the butt end 14 in order to protect persons and things that might be contacted forcefully by an unprotected butt end (which is "hard") during intended use.

[0040] The interchangeable lacrosse heads 30 are attached to the illuminating lacrosse shaft 10 using a fastening means 40, as known to the skilled artisan. For example, the head may be attached conventionally whereby the head slips over the top 12 of the shaft and is secured thereon using a simple screw. Alternatively. the top end 12 may be formed with a helical ridge or thread 11, configured to mate with a complementary internal thread 11 formed on an inner surface of the head 30, which receives the top end 12. Alternatively, the head 30 may be configured to be inserted into an opening in top end 12, where the external thread is found on an outer surface of the head for mating with an inner thread formed in the shaft opening.

[0041] A switch 16 is used for activating a light source 18 included in the shaft 10. By depressing the switch, the state of the one of light sources 18 positioned in the shaft are toggled between on and off. The switch 16 and the light source 18 (e.g., LED light sources) are positioned about midway between the top and butt ends in the FIG. 1A embodiment. The invention, however, is not limited thereto, as the switch and light source may be positioned at the top 12, the bottom or butt end 14 of the shaft. In this case, the end cap 14A merely slips over the butt end 14 of the shaft 10 to not only protect against injury, but also to protect any electronic devices positioned in the butt end 14. While LED light sources are preferred, other light source may be used. For example, a chemical glow stick or coil may be manually placed in the inside of the shaft and activated to radiate light chemically, rather than electrically.

[0042] If positioned at the top end 12, a light source 18 preferably radiates light downwards along the shaft axis, where the light also escapes laterally. Where the light source 18 (and/or switch) is positioned in the butt end 14, light radiates upwards and laterally. For that matter, the invention can include multiple light sources positioned anywhere along the axial length of the shaft, in any combination, without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention, limited only by the claims appended hereto. In any embodiments described and claimed, an inner surface of the cylinder-like shaft (e.g., hexagonal, octagonal, etc., without limitation) is treated with a light reflecting or light refracting coating, at least partially.

[0043] FIG. 1B shows a shaft 10' which is an alternative embodiment to that depicted in FIG. 1A. Illuminating lacrosse shaft 10' as shown in FIG. 1B is distinguishable from the FIG. 1A embodiment (shaft 10) in that shaft 10' includes two or more light sources 18. In the embodiment shown, shaft 10' further includes two or more switches 16 for controlling the two or more light sources. The light sources 18 are preferably are LED light sources. While the light sources 18 as shown may radiate light at one frequency, it is within the scope of the invention that the light sources 18 may be different from one another. That is, one light source may radiate one color while another may radiate a different color. For that matter, in a case of different light sources 18, switch 16 may be configured to enable, upon activation, lighting the different lights sources 18 concurrently, sequentially, for limited time periods, for example. The two light sources 18 preferably shine their light in different directions. For example, one light source 18 may be position at the top end 12, radiating light downwards towards the butt end 14, where a light source 18 is positioned in the butt end 14 (or in the end cap 14A) to radiate light upwards towards the top end 12.

[0044] While FIG. 1B depicts inventive shaft 10' with two light sources 18 (which may operate at the same or at different frequencies), and with two switches 16 for respectively driving same light sources 18, the illuminating lacrosse shaft of the invention is not limited to one switch for one light source, for example, the two switches 16 and two respective light sources 18 shown. The inventive illuminating lacrosse shaft may have any number of light sources, controlled by an equal number of switches, or, controlled by a single switch or by a switch controller (to be discussed in greater detail below) that controls all of the light sources and/or under conditions for lighting same.

[0045] Preferably, the surfaces at both the butt end 14 and a top end 12 are reflective (e.g. comprise reflective coatings), or include reflective materials positioned there, such as metallic foils/plate, in order to reflect light from the at least one light source 18 for illuminating, which light is directed substantially axially between the respective reflective surfaces (or metal foils/plate) 13. Such illumination between two reflective surfaces mimics laser operation in the lacrosse shaft 10''. As seen in FIG. 1C, the illumination part of light source 18 extends from the center of a plane of coating or foil 13 in the direction of top end 12 of shaft 10''.

[0046] FIG. 1C shows another embodiment of an illuminating lacrosse shaft 10'' according to the invention. Illuminating lacrosse shaft 10'' differs from the lacrosse shaft embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B in that the end cap or protector 14B includes a light source 18, a switch 16, an electronic circuit 15, a battery 17, and an optional electronic controller 15A, for activating light source 18. The inventive lacrosse shaft also may include the aforementioned light source 18, a switch 16, an electronic circuit 15, a battery 17, and an optional electronic controller 15A, for activating light source 18 in the hollow of the butt end 14, where an end cap slips over the butt end and is configured to allow access to the switch, preferable extending out slightly for user access. In this case, a wire 26 may extend from the electronic controller to control and power other light sources positioned in the shaft, such as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0047] For that matter, all light sources in shaft 10'' are controlled by the single switch 16, in cooperation with controller 15A, as shown in FIG. 1C. Please note that while the switch 16 is shown in the end cap 14B, at its base or lowest surface relative the head 30, the invention is not limited thereto. The switch 16, etc., may be positioned anywhere in or on the surface of the end cap 14B, as long as same do not interfere with the light upwardly directed from light source 18 towards the top or head end 12.

[0048] In an embodiment, the electronic circuit 15 and controller 15A also may be configured not only for connecting, powering and controlling the switches 16 and light sources 18, but also for receiving and processing sensor signal data and, controlling activation of the one or more light sources 18 based on the sensor signal data. That is, the invention can include sensors (20, 22, 24) for detecting an ambient light level and automatically activating one or more light sources 18 when the ambient light drops past a specified light level (for example, at dusk). Light sources 18 also may be activated by a light, a motion (via a motion sensor), a force sensing switch that detects percussive shaft contact (e.g., a force of a ball caught in the shaft head may act to light one or more of the at least one light source) and/or in accordance with a received signal from an outside controller.

[0049] For example, a FIG. 1D embodiment depicts shaft 10'' with a light sensor 20 that senses the ambient light and generates a signal representative of same ambient light level. A controller 15A in electronic circuit 15 processes the light sensor signal to determine whether it is dusk and/or dark and that the light source or light sources should be activated. The controller 15A then activates one light source, all the light sources, a subset of the light sources, including changing the activation of one or all as a function of time. Hence, the invention provides for different lighting schemes devised to respond to different lighting conditions. Please note that the aforementioned electronics are mounted in the inner shaft volume, proximate or at the butt end 14, where an end cap 14A is slipped over the butt end 14 to not only protect against user injury but also to protect the electronics.

[0050] Alternatively, or in addition to the ambient light sensor 20, shaft 10'' may include other sensors, such as a gyro or force sensor to determine when the shaft, or a head end of the shaft is swung and in some cases, to indicate whether the swing is hard or less hard. FIG. 1E shows an embodiment of shaft 10'' that includes a motion or swing sensor 22 that detects that the shaft is being swung by the user. This motion sensor 22 generates a signal sent via wire 26 to the controller 15A in circuit 15. Motion sensor 22 may be replaced with a gyro 22, which also detects a swing, or pitch of the shaft, where controller 15A is responsive to the gyro signal and controls one or more of the various light sources 18 based thereon.

[0051] For that matter, FIG. 1G shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein shaft 10'' includes a force sensor 24 that detects an amount of mechanical force to which the shaft is subjected, for example, when catching a lacrosse ball in the head 30 (not shown in any of FIGS. 1B-1G). The controller 15A responds to force sensor signals by controlling the light sources 18. Preferably, the controller 15A activates the light sources 18 to radiate light as a function of time, as a function of the amount of day light available (or lack thereof), a force of a swing with lacrosse stick including an illuminating lacrosse shaft of the invention, a force at which a ball is launched and received in a head attached to the inventive illuminating lacrosse shaft, etc.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows only a very top portion of an alternative shaft 10''' for use with specially designed lacrosse heads 30'. Lacrosse heads 30' are configured for attachment to and operation with the lacrosse shaft 10''', for example, using fastener 40 as described in detail aboveherein. Lacrosse head 30' includes at least one light source 18 positioned in a way that upon activation, light readily shines from the source 18 clearly identifying and distinguishing the lacrosse head 30' from the lacrosse shaft 10'''. For example, multiple light sources may be positioned along the perimeter wall 27 of head 30' (not shown) which together when activated provide a clear outline of the head 30'. That is, while only one light source 18 is shown in FIG. 2, any number of lights sources 18 may be included, at any available frequencies that are controlled by controller 15A.

[0053] To accomplish same, the one or more light sources are connected via wires 26 to an electrical connector 28, which connects a wire 26' in the head 30' (itself connected to the light sources 18) with the wire 26 in shaft 10''' to allow the sources to be controlled by controller 15A. The light sources 18 may be controlled, therefore, as a function of time, as a function of the amount of day light available (or lack thereof), an amount of force of a swing with the lacrosse stick 10''', a force at which a ball is launched and received in a head attached to the inventive illuminating lacrosse shaft, a presence of a ball in a head 30', etc. For that matter, a light sensor 20, a movement sensor/gyro 22 and a force sensor 24 may be positioned in head 30' sensor signals from which are communicated to controller 15A via connecting means 40 and connector 28.

[0054] In one embodiment, for example, the controller 15A may respond to a signal form light sensor 20 that indicates a low-light condition (dawn or dusk) and if below the predetermined signal level activates a light source 18 for 5 seconds of every 10 second periods, or constantly over time. If the movement sensor/gyro 22 in head 30' further senses a swing (while one or more sources 18 are "on" or "blinking), and generates a signal indicative thereof, the controller 15A processes the motion signal to determine its relative force. In its simplest form, the embodiment activates the light source 18 (or a subset or entire set of light sources positioned in head 30'), continuously for the time of the swing, and back to the periodic activation post swing. Alternatively, the detected swing may be used to trigger an additional light source (18) or multiple light sources (LEDs) which generate the same or different colored (frequency) light.

[0055] The lacrosse shafts disclosed and described herein can be molded or extruded from translucent or light transparent materials such as hard plastics and acrylics, as known to those with skill in the art. Hence, any light directed downward from a light source positioned at a top end 12, or directed upwards from a light source positioned in the butt end 14, or reflected back and further between the top 12 and butt end 14 surfaces 13, is readily apparent from the lateral sides, i.e., light radiates laterally from the shafts (10; 10'; 10''; 10''').

[0056] FIG. 3A depicts variations on the embodiments of lacrosse shafts 10', 10'' and 10''' that include a machined or otherwise conditioned inner surface (e.g., "scratched" or "scoured") that refracts or reflects axially directed light derived from one or more light sources 18 so that the shaft appears to glow. In the embodiment, top end 12 and butt end 14 are shown without the head (30, 30') attached, without a fastener 40, lights sources 18, electronics circuit 15, etc., in order to simply highlight the conditioned/machined inner surface.

[0057] FIG. 3B depicts an embodiment of a lacrosse shaft 10'''' which differs from the FIG. 3A embodiments in that the shafts include a light condenser, collector or collimator 32, which is in a form of a cone-like collimator for collecting light directed upwards from a light source included on a butt end 14 and directs the light axially upwards. Alternatively, light condenser or collimator 32 may be positioned at an upper end of the shaft to collect light from a source 18 at or proximate the top end 14, collecting and directing collimated light downwards.

[0058] FIG. 3C depicts an embodiment of a lacrosse shaft 10''''' that includes a coating 34 that generates charge when exposed to sunlight. For that matter, multiple coatings 34, or coatings positioned in other locations on the shaft are wired to the controller 15A, which includes a device for collecting the charge for use as a DC power source. The coating(s) 34 may alternatively be used as a charger to charge battery 17

[0059] FIG. 4A depicts an embodiment where a detachably connectable head 30 includes a sensor wire 52 that is intertwined in the head webbing 53 to detects a force imposed by a ball (not shown in FIG. 4A) on the lacrosse shaft or stick when the ball is captured in the head 30'' by the webbing 53. Wire 54 is shown connected at one end to the wire sensor 52 and to an electronic controller 15A at the wire's other end. The controller 15A responds to the signal from sensor 52 and activates light source 18 connected via wire 26. For that matter, there may be multiple lights sources in the head 30'', or alternatively, in shaft (10, 10', 10'', 10'''), which are activated in response to a ball capture. Preferably, the light source(s) 18 is/are maintained in their active state until the shaft senses that that ball is discharged. In this way, the players always know which player (i.e., shaft and head) carries the ball. Alternatively, in an embodiment where one or all of the light sources 18 are activated by a low-light sensor, the shaft/head with the ball will radiate light that is different in frequency that that light from those sources activated in response to ambient light only.

[0060] FIG. 4B depicts the sensor wire 52 in a head 30w that is formed integrally with the inventive lacrosse shaft 10w to realize lacrosse shaft and head combination 50, which operates according to the FIG. 4B embodiment.

[0061] FIG. 4C depicts and embodiment that operates with a "presence" sensor 56, positioned on a structural portion 11 of head 30. Sensor 56 is contact sensor that generates a signal when the ball is present in the head and in contact with the sensor 56. Wire 54' connects the sensor 56 to the electronic controller 15A. while the ball contacts sensor 56, a signal is generated and coupled to the controller which may control one or all of the light sources present in the head 30w or shaft 10w. Lacrosse shaft 10, 10', 10'', 10''' and head 30'' (FIG. 4A) and, lacrosse shaft 10w and head 30w formed integrally as combination or lacrosse stick 50 (FIG. 4B), may include any of the features found with any of the other embodiments herein, which features are not shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C for ease of explanation.

[0062] FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a lacrosse shaft (10, 10', 10'', 10''', 10w) that includes a receiver 58, preferably as part of circuit 15, which is configured to receive (i.e., detect) an incoming control signal from an electronic transmitter device 60. Controller 15A identifies and processes the signal content to control the lights in the various shafts and heads, whether the shafts and heads are integrally formed as one piece combinations (FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C) or are separately detachable (as preferred).

[0063] Alternatively, the receiver 58 may also detect/receive signals sent from a proximity device 62, where the signal is received only when the shaft is proximate the proximity device 62. Lights that are lit highlight the position of the player holding the shaft or stick proximate the target device. For example, if the proximity device 62 is position at the goal or target 63, the players closest to the goal are identified by an activated light pattern controlled by the controller 15A in response to detection of the wireless signal from the proximity device 62.

[0064] FIG. 6 depicts the target device 66, which is shown in an alternative embodiment to target 63 of FIG. 5. Target device 66 includes a rim 68 defining an opening through which the ball is tossed. Target device 66 may also include a proximity device 62, such as in target 63 (FIG. 5). A sensor wire 72 may be formed in a netting part 70 that senses the incoming ball. The wire 72 is connected to a transmitter 73 that broadcasts a signal for receipt by receivers 58 in the shafts/sticks. Alternatively, a sensor 74 may be formed in the netting part 70, or a sensor 76 formed in the rim 68. The rim sensor 76 is responsive to a signal (for example, a near field, Bluetooth or other signal for communicating over short distances) generated by a signal source 80 in a ball 78 that is detected by rim sensor 73 when the ball passes through the rim opening in the target, causing light sources 18 to activate. Please note that alternatively, light sources 18 in the target may be continuously activated at dusk in order that the target is always locatable.

[0065] Please note that the aforementioned figures and description are presented for exemplary purposes only; and, the dimensions may be modified without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention, but are not limited thereto.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0066] 10 illuminating lacrosse shaft

[0067] 10' illuminating lacrosse shaft

[0068] 10'' illuminating lacrosse shaft

[0069] 10''' illuminating lacrosse shaft

[0070] 10'''' illuminating lacrosse shaft

[0071] 10''''' illuminating lacrosse shaft

[0072] 10w illuminating lacrosse shaft integraly connected to lacrosse head 30w

[0073] 11 machined surface or threads

[0074] 12 top or head end of lacrosse shaft

[0075] 13 reflective surface or reflective material

[0076] 14A butt end of lacrosse shaft

[0077] 14B butt or protector

[0078] 14C electrical contact

[0079] 15 electronic circuit

[0080] 15A electronic controller

[0081] 16 switches

[0082] 17 battery or power source

[0083] 18 light source(s)

[0084] 20 light sensor

[0085] 22 movement sensor/gyro

[0086] 24 force sensor

[0087] 26 wire

[0088] 26' wire in lacrosse head

[0089] 28 connector

[0090] 30 lacrosse head

[0091] 30' lacrosse head

[0092] 30'' lacrosse head that senses presence of ball in webbing

[0093] 30w lacrosse head integrally connected to shaft 10w

[0094] 32 light condenser or collimator

[0095] 34 light responsive, charge generating coating

[0096] 40 fastener or fastening means

[0097] 50 lacrosse shaft and head combination

[0098] 52 sensor wire included in any head to identify the capture or presence of a Ball in the pouch or web netting

[0099] 54 wire connecting sensor wire to controller

[0100] 56 sensor included in any head to identify the capture or presence of a ball in the head

[0101] 58 receiver

[0102] 60 electronic transmitter device

[0103] 62 proximity sensor or device

[0104] 63 target device

[0105] 66 target device

[0106] 68 rim of target device 66

[0107] 70 netting part of target device

[0108] 72 wire sensor

[0109] 73 transmitter

[0110] 74 presence sensor

[0111] 76 proximity sensor

[0112] 78 ball with radiating signal source 80 for sensing by sensor 76

[0113] 80 signal source positioned in ball 78

[0114] As will be evident to persons skilled in the art, the foregoing detailed description and figures are presented as examples of the invention, and that variations are contemplated that do not depart from the fair scope of the teachings and descriptions set forth in this disclosure. The foregoing is not intended to limit what has been invented, except to the extent that the following claims so limit that.

Claims

1. An illuminating lacrosse shaft configured for attachment to a lacrosse head to form a lacrosse stick for low-light use, the lacrosse shaft comprising: an elongated, cylindrical, substantially hollow translucent shaft formed with a head end axially separated from a butt end; a connecting means for attaching a lacrosse head to the head end of the shaft; a light source positioned within the shaft; and an electronic controller connected to the light source to control the light source operation; wherein the electronic controller activates the light source to radiate light axially within the shaft in response to a signal.

2. The illuminating lacrosse shaft as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a switch, a sensor or both and, wherein the signal is generated by the switch, the sensor or both.

3. The illuminating lacrosse shaft as set forth in claim 2, wherein the switch is positioned along the axial length of the shaft between the head end and the butt end.

4. The illuminating lacrosse shaft as set forth in claim 2, wherein the switch is positioned at the butt end.

5. The illuminating lacrosse shaft as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a protective end cap that is slid on to and over the butt end of the shaft to minimize any damage that the butt end might cause if inadvertently contacting a person or property and wherein the switch and a light source are positioned in the end cap.

6. The illuminating lacrosse shaft as set forth in claim 2, wherein the sensor is a sensor selected from the group consisting of an ambient light sensor, a motion sensor, a force sensor, a gyro, a proximity sensor that senses a presence of a lacrosse ball or that the shaft is proximate a goal and combinations thereof.

7. The illuminating lacrosse shaft of claim 6, further including at least one additional light source that is activated by the electronic controller upon receipt of a signal generated by the motion sensor.

8. The illuminating lacrosse shaft of claim 7, wherein said at least one additional light source is activated by the electronic controller depending of an amount of force imparted by the swing.

9. The illuminating lacrosse shaft of claim 8, wherein the sensor signals are compared with at least one predetermined signal level to determine if a force imparted by a user swinging the shaft is sufficient to light the light source.

10. The illuminating lacrosse shaft of claim 2, wherein the sensor signals are compared with at least one predetermined signal level to determine if an ambient light level is sufficiently low to light the light source.

11. The illuminating lacrosse shaft as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connecting means for attaching the lacrosse head to the lacrosse shaft includes an electrical connector to electrically connect an electronic device and/or a sensor present in a lacrosse head to the electronic controller in the lacrosse shaft upon attachment of the lacrosse head to the shaft by the connecting means.

12. A lacrosse stick, comprising a lacrosse head and an illuminating lacrosse shaft configured for detachable attachment to the lacrosse head, the lacrosse stick configured for low-light use, wherein the lacrosse shaft comprises: an elongated, cylindrical, substantially hollow translucent shaft formed with a head end axially separated from a butt end; a connecting means for attaching a lacrosse head to the head end of the shaft; a light source positioned within the shaft; an electronic controller connected to the light source to control the light source operation; and a switch, a sensor or both for generating at least one signal that is processed by the electronic controller; wherein the electronic controller activates the light source to radiate light axially between within the shaft in response to the at least one signal.

13. The lacrosse stick as set forth in claim 12, wherein the sensor is a sensor selected from the group consisting of an ambient light sensor, a motion sensor, a force sensor, a gyro, a proximity sensor that senses a presence of a lacrosse ball or that the shaft is proximate to a goal and combinations thereof.

14. The lacrosse stick as set forth in claim 12, wherein the lacrosse head includes an illuminating device and wherein the connecting means includes an electrical connector to electrically connect the illuminating device in the lacrosse head to the electronic controller in the lacrosse shaft upon attachment of the lacrosse head to the shaft by the connecting means.

15. The lacrosse stick as set forth in claim 14, wherein the lacrosse head includes a sensor and wherein the connecting means includes an electrical connector to electrically connect the sensor in the lacrosse head to the electronic controller in the lacrosse shaft upon attachment of the lacrosse head to the shaft by the connecting means.

16. The lacrosse stick as set forth in claim 15, wherein the sensor in the lacrosse head senses a presence of a lacrosse ball in the lacrosse head.

17. The lacrosse stick as set forth in claim 15, wherein the sensor in the lacrosse head senses a proximity of the lacrosse stick to a goal.

18. An illuminating lacrosse shaft configured for attachment to a lacrosse head to form a lacrosse stick for low-light use, the lacrosse shaft comprising: an elongated, cylindrical, substantially hollow translucent shaft formed with a head end axially separated from a butt end; a connecting means for attaching a lacrosse head to the head end of the shaft; a light source positioned within the shaft or within an end cap that is removably attached to the butt end of the shaft; an energy source; a switch electrically connected to the light source and to the battery to control and activate the light source to radiate light in response to an on state of the switch.

19. The illuminating lacrosse shaft as set forth in claim 18, further comprising a sensor that generates a signal and wherein activation of the light source is controlled by the switch in cooperation with the sensor signal.

20. The illumination lacrosse shaft as set forth in claim 1, wherein an inside surface of the shaft is scored or coated in order to communicate advertising copy when the light source is activated.

Images