Ergonomic grip sleeve for sport sticks

Abstract

A sleeve adapted for receiving the solid or hollow end of a sports stick. The sleeve has dorsal and ventral cantle regions each providing a curved support surface for the hand of the athlete when the athlete is gripping the sports stick. The dorsal cantle region and the ventral cantle region each have a radius of curvature in the sagittal plane wherein the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region is greater than the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region.

Claims

1. A sleeve adapted for receiving a gripping end of a sports stick including a shaft having a central longitudinal axis, a contact surface at one end of the shaft and the gripping end at an opposing end of the shaft, the sleeve comprising: a cavity into which the gripping end of the shaft is inserted; a central longitudinal axis that is coincident with the shaft central longitudinal axis; a neck; a neck end; a grip end being distal to the contact surface, the grip end having a planar bottom surface distal to the neck; and a flange being positioned between the neck and the grip end with the neck being proximate to the contact surface, wherein the flange includes a dorsal cantle region and a ventral cantle region, the dorsal and ventral cantle regions being between the neck and the grip end and on opposing sides of an imaginary coronal plane containing the central longitudinal axis and bisected by an imaginary sagittal plane that contains the sleeve central longitudinal axis and is orthogonal to the imaginary coronal plane, the dorsal and ventral cantle regions each providing a curved support surface, the dorsal cantle region and the ventral cantle region each having a radius of curvature in the sagittal plane, the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region being greater than the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region, the ventral cantle region and the contact surface being on the same side of the imaginary coronal plane, the dorsal cantle region and the contact surface being on opposite sides of the imaginary coronal plane, and the neck having a gripping surface and a length with the neck extending from the neck end to the dorsal cantle region and the ventral cantle region with the gripping surface of the neck being equidistant from the central longitudinal axis along the length of the neck.

2. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein a ratio of the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region to the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region is at least 3:1, respectively.

3. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein a ratio of the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region to the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region is less than 10:1.

4. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein the imaginary sagittal plane bisects each of the dorsal and the ventral cantle regions into symmetrical halves, respectively and the imaginary coronal plane intersects with the imaginary sagittal plane at the central longitudinal axis in a center of the planar bottom surface.

5. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein the ventral cantle region smoothly transitions about the central longitudinal axis to the dorsal cantle region.

6. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein the neck has a circumference and the grip end has a circumference that is at least 150% of the circumference of the neck.

7. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein the cavity has a length measured along the sleeve central longitudinal axis of 2 inches to 12 inches.

8. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein the length of the neck measured along the sleeve central longitudinal axis is at least 0.25 inches.

9. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein the length of the neck measured along the sleeve central longitudinal axis is in the range of 1 inch to 14 inches.

10. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein the sleeve comprises a polymer.

11. A sports implement comprising a sports stick including a shaft having a central longitudinal axis, a contact surface at one end of the shaft and a gripping end at the opposing end of the shaft; and a sleeve comprising a cavity and into which the gripping end of the shaft is inserted, the sleeve further comprising a central longitudinal axis that is coincident with the shaft central longitudinal axis, a neck, a neck end, a grip end being distal to the contact surface, the grip end having a planar bottom surface distal to the neck, and a flange being between the neck and the grip end with the neck being proximate to the contact surface, the flange comprising a dorsal cantle region and a ventral cantle region, the dorsal and ventral cantle regions being between the neck and the grip end and on opposing sides of an imaginary coronal plane containing the central longitudinal axis and bisected by an imaginary sagittal plane that contains the sleeve central longitudinal axis and is orthogonal to the imaginary coronal plane, the dorsal and ventral cantle regions each providing a curved support surface, the dorsal cantle region and the ventral cantle region each having a radius of curvature in the sagittal plane, the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region being greater than the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region, the ventral cantle region and the contact surface being on the same side of the imaginary coronal plane, the dorsal cantle region and the contact surface being on opposite sides of the imaginary coronal plane, the neck having a gripping surface and a length with the neck extending from the neck end to the dorsal cantle region and the ventral cantle region with the gripping surface of the neck being equidistant from the sleeve central longitudinal axis along the length of the neck.

12. The sports implement of claim 11 wherein a ratio of the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region to the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region is at least 3:1 and less than 10:1, respectively.

13. The sports implement of claim 12 wherein the imaginary sagittal plane bisects each of the dorsal and the ventral cantle regions into symmetrical halves, respectively and the imaginary coronal plane intersects with the imaginary sagittal plane at the central longitudinal axis in a center of the planar bottom surface.

14. The sports implement of claim 13 wherein the ventral cantle region smoothly transitions about the central longitudinal axis to the dorsal cantle region.

15. The sports implement of claim 11 wherein the neck has a circumference and the grip end has a circumference that is at least 150% of the circumference of the neck.

16. The sports implement of claim 11 wherein the cavity has a length measured along the sleeve central longitudinal axis of 2 inches to 12 inches.

17. The sports implement of claim 11 wherein the length of the neck measured along the central longitudinal axis is in the range of 1 inch to 14 inches.

18. The sports implement of claim 11 wherein the sleeve comprises a polymer.

19. A sleeve adapted for receiving a gripping end of a sports stick including a shaft having a central longitudinal axis, a contact surface at one end of the shaft and the gripping end at an opposing end of the shaft, the sleeve comprising: a cavity into which the gripping end of the shaft is inserted; a central longitudinal axis that is coincident with the shaft central longitudinal axis; a neck; a neck end; a grip end being distal to the contact surface, the grip end having a planar bottom surface distal to the neck; and a flange being positioned between the neck and the grip end with the neck being proximate to the contact surface, wherein the flange includes a dorsal cantle region and a ventral cantle region, the dorsal and ventral cantle regions being between the neck and the grip end and on opposing sides of an imaginary coronal plane containing the central longitudinal axis and bisected by an imaginary sagittal plane that contains the sleeve central longitudinal axis and is orthogonal to the imaginary coronal plane, the dorsal and ventral cantle regions each providing a curved support surface, the dorsal cantle region and the ventral cantle region each having a radius of curvature in the sagittal plane, the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region being greater than the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region, at least one of the ventral cantle region or the dorsal cantle region being oriented perpendicularly to the contact surface, and the neck having a gripping surface and a length with the neck extending from the neck end to the dorsal cantle region and the ventral cantle region with the gripping surface of the neck being equidistant from the central longitudinal axis along the length of the neck.

20. The sleeve of claim 19 wherein a ratio of the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region to the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region is at least 3:1, respectively.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a profile view of a sleeve of the present disclosure for use in combination with a sports stick

(2) FIG. 2 is a detail view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 with a portion of neck 1.9 removed;

(3) FIG. 2A is a cross-section of the sleeve of FIG. 1 taken along imaginary plane 2.14 and perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis;

(4) FIG. 2B is a cross-section of the sleeve of FIG. 1 taken along imaginary plane 2.13 and perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis;

(5) FIG. 2C is a cross-section of the sleeve of FIG. 1 taken along imaginary plane 2.12 and perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis;

(6) FIG. 3A is a front view of the sleeve of FIG. 1.

(7) FIG. 3B is a cross-section of the sleeve of FIG. 3A, taken along sagittal plane SP;

(8) FIG. 3C is a cross-section of the sleeve of FIG. 3A, taken along sagittal plane SP and is the complementary cross-section to the cross-section of FIG. 3B;

(9) FIG. 4 is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

(10) FIG. 5 is a profile view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with a fragmentary of a sport stick inserted into the sleeve with a gripping hand with the insertion portion of the stick being shown in phantom;

(11) FIG. 6 is a ¾ below perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with a fragmentary of a hollow rectangular stick;

(12) FIG. 7 is a ¾ below perspective of the embodiment of FIG. 1, adapted with an octagonal sleeve with a fragmentary of a hollow octagonal stick;

(13) FIG. 8 is a top view of the sleeve for application with a solid or hollow rectangular stick;

(14) FIG. 9 is a top view of the sleeve for application with a solid or hollow octagonal stick;

(15) FIG. 10 is a profile view of a complete hockey stick with the embodiment of FIG. 1 applied to the handle end with a gripping hand:

(16) FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary, profile view of FIG. 10;

(17) FIG. 12 is a profile view of a lacrosse stick with the embodiment of FIG. 1 applied to the handle end with a gripping hand;

(18) FIG. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary, profile view of FIG. 12;

(19) FIG. 14 is a profile view of a baseball bat with the embodiment of FIG. 1 applied to the handle end with a gripping hand;

(20) FIG. 15 is a profile view of a golf club with the embodiment of FIG. 1. Applied to the handle end with a gripping hand;

(21) FIG. 16 is a profile view of the sleeve with support flange and neck for application with a sports stick with a flat butt end;

(22) FIG. 17 is a profile view of the sleeve with support flange and neck for application with a sports stick with a rounded butt end;

(23) FIG. 18 is a profile view of the sleeve with support flange and neck for application with a sports stick with a thick gripping butt end;

(24) FIG. 19 is a profile view of the sleeve with support flange for application with a baseball bat shown in phantom;

(25) FIG. 20 is a profile view of the sleeve with support flange, short neck and open blunt end for application with a baseball bat shown in phantom;

(26) FIG. 21 is a profile view of FIG. 1 adapted with a cavity in the blunt end of the sleeve sized for housing a sensor;

(27) FIG. 22 is a fragmentary profile view of FIG. 1, adapted with an internal plug structure for insertion into the hollow gripping end of a sports stick; and

(28) FIG. 23 is a top view of the sleeve for application with a round hollow stick.

(29) Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

(30) The following definitions and methods are provided to better define the present disclosure and to guide those of ordinary skill in the art in the practice of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise noted, terms are to be understood according to conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

(31) The term “axially symmetric” as used herein refers to symmetry about an axis in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis.

(32) The term “cantle” as used herein in connection with a surface refers to a surface that is curved upwardly similar to the raised, curved part at the back of a horse saddle. In the context of the present disclosure, the cantle is adapted to engage the hypothenar of the gripping hand. Like a cantle of a saddle, which cradles the gluteus maximus or bottom of a rider, the cantle-like structure of the sleeve described herein cradles the hypothenar of the hand in the same way giving support, stability and increased surface area contact to the hand throughout a swing.

(33) The term “coronal plane” as used herein refers to a plane containing the central longitudinal axis dividing a sleeve of the present disclosure (or an element thereof) into ventral and dorsal (anterior and posterior, respectively) sections. The coronal plane is orthogonal to the sagittal plane, and the two planes intersect along the central longitudinal axis.

(34) The term “sagittal plane” as used herein refers to a vertical, longitudinal plane containing the central longitudinal axis which passes from anterior to posterior along the central longitudinal axis, dividing a sleeve of the present disclosure (or an element thereof) into right and left halves. The sagittal plane is orthogonal to the coronal plane, and the two planes intersect along the central longitudinal axis.

(35) The term “supplementary angles” as used herein refers to two angles having a sum of 180 degrees.

(36) When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and not exclusive (i.e., there may be other elements in addition to the recited elements). The use of “or” means “and/or” unless specifically stated otherwise, and the use of the singular includes the plural and plural encompasses singular, unless specifically stated otherwise.

EMBODIMENTS

(37) In brief overview, the present disclosure features an ergonomic sleeve for use with a solid or hollow swinging implement used in a sport such as a stick or club used to play hockey, lacrosse, baseball (including softball), cricket, or golf. More specifically, the sleeve is adapted to be applied to the solid or hollow end of such a stick or club and aligns with the range of motion and grip of the hand to provide increased support, increased surface area contact, increased grip stability, increased swing precision, increased stick control, increased swing-power transfer from hands through the stick to the targeted object and a reduction of injury causing compression factors.

(38) The sleeve may be formed from any of a variety of materials that provide the mechanical strength and tactile properties for the sport. Typically, therefore, the sleeve will comprise a ceramic, metal, polymer, composite, wood or a composite or laminate thereof. For example, in some embodiments the sleeve comprises a metal or an alloy thereof. Exemplary metals and metal alloys include such as aluminum, an aluminum alloys, or other metal such as nickel, nickel alloys such as nickel iron, and cobalt alloys such as cobalt phosphorous, or a similar metallic material. By way of further example, in some embodiments the sleeve comprises a polymer such as an epoxy resin, polyamine, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyether, polyimide, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, laser-fused plastic powders, or a copolymer or blend thereof. By way of further example, in some embodiments the sleeve comprises a composite such as a fiber-reinforced polymer wherein the polymer is one of the aforementioned polymers or a co-polymer or blend thereof, and the reinforcing fiber comprises aluminum fibers, an aramid or other polymeric fibers, carbon fibers, ceramic fibers, carbon nanotubes, glass fibers or a combination thereof. By way of further example, in one embodiment the sleeve is a laminate of wood or a polymeric material and a fiber reinforced composite. Additionally, the sleeve may be solid, or wholly or partly hollow.

(39) The sleeve is adapted to be applied to a solid or hollow handle end of a swinging implement adapted for sports. In some embodiments, the solid or hollow shaft to which the sleeve is applied may comprise a material other than wood. For example, the solid or hollow shaft may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of ceramics, metals, polymers, composites, and combinations thereof (in laminate or non-laminate form). For example, in some embodiments the solid or hollow shaft of the swinging implement comprises a metal or an alloy thereof. Exemplary metals and metal alloys include aluminum, aluminum alloys, nickel, nickel alloys such as nickel iron, and cobalt alloys such as cobalt phosphorous. By way of further example, in some embodiments the solid or hollow shaft comprises a polymer such as an epoxy resin, polyamine, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyether, polyimide, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or a copolymer or blend thereof. By way of further example, in some embodiments the solid or hollow shaft comprises a composite such as a fiber-reinforced polymer wherein the polymer is one of the aforementioned polymers and the reinforcing fiber comprises aluminum fibers, an aramid or other polymeric fibers, carbon fibers, ceramic fibers, carbon nanotubes, glass fibers or a combination thereof. By way of further example, in one embodiment the solid or hollow shaft comprises a laminate comprising an outer layer of resin-impregnated wood veneer formed integrally with an inner sheath of a fiber-reinforced fabric and resin composite. By way of further example, in one embodiment the solid or hollow shaft the two outer layers are formed over a core which may be formed of foamed plastic core. In an alternative embodiment, the foam core extends through the handle area and the blade is formed of synthetic fibers overlaid and bonded to an outer wood veneer sheath by resin which impregnates both layers.

(40) Referring now to FIG. 1, a sleeve in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1.1. Sleeve 1.1 comprises a grip 1.3 and butt end 1.5 disposed along central longitudinal axis 1.2. Grip 1.3 comprises the neck 1.9 and the Flange 1.8

(41) Neck 1.9 extends from imaginary plane 2.14 longitudinally up neck end 1.6, and is adapted for being applied to the solid or hollow end of a sports stick (not shown) by insertion of the solid or hollow stick into cavity 1.4 within the neck, resulting in the greater sleeve enclosing a portion of the gripping handle of the sports stick. In some embodiments, the inner diameter and cross-sectional shape of the cavity 1.4 is adapted to conform to and closely fit over the outer longitudinal cross-section diameter of the solid or hollow stick. For example, the cavity 1.4 may have a polygonal (e.g., triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.) oval, round or other regular or irregular cross-sectional shape that is adapted to conform to and closely fit the outer cross-sectional shape of the solid or hollow swinging implement. Additionally, the cavity 1.4 will have a length (measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2) to provide adequate insertion depth of the solid or hollow handle of the swinging implement to provide a secure and solid connection between the sleeve and the stick. For example, in one embodiment cavity 1.4 has a length (measured along central axis 1.2) of about 2 inches to about 3 inches. By way of further example, in one embodiment cavity 1.4 has a length of about 3 inches to about 5 inches. By way of further example, in one embodiment cavity 1.4 has a length of about 5 inches to about 12 inches. Additionally, in one embodiment, upon insertion of the solid or hollow end of the sports stick into cavity 1.4, the central longitudinal axis 1.2 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the sports stick to provide a shared common longitudinal axis. There are many options for securing the solid or hollow stick to the interior cavity 1.4 which include, but are not limited to screws, nails, staples, glue, adhesive, heat-activated glue, epoxies and others.

(42) Sleeve 1.1 is adapted to provide a structure and surface that enables an athlete to firmly grasp sleeve 1.1 while supporting an athlete's gripping hand (FIG. 5). Grip 1.3 extends from neck end 1.6 to imaginary plane 2.1 and includes neck region 1.9 and flange region 1.8. In one embodiment and referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, sleeve 1.1 is divided into two parts by imaginary sagittal plane SP. In one such embodiment, sleeve 1.1 is bisected by imaginary sagittal plane SP. Stated differently, in this embodiment cross-section 1.3B (FIG. 3B) and cross-section 1.3C (FIG. 3C), respectively, are mirror images of each other.

(43) Referring now to FIG. 2, neck 1.9 is adapted to provide a gripping surface for the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger of the gripping hand of an athlete (see FIG. 5) and a smooth transition from the handle of the sports stick where the neck end 1.6 engages the solid or hollow handle end of the sports stick to flange 1.8 when the solid or hollow handle end of the sports stick is inserted into cavity 1.4. Moving in the direction from neck end 1.6 to imaginary plane 2.14, the neck transitions from a cross section that matches the cross-section of the outer longitudinal surfaces of the solid or hollow stick (when viewed in cross-section perpendicular to central longitudinal axis 1.2) to a smooth, cross-section (e.g., rounded cross-section) in the region of imaginary plane 2.14. Stated differently, and referring now to FIG. 2A in one embodiment imaginary points CP1 and CP2 and imaginary points VC1 and DC1 are approximately equidistant from central longitudinal axis 1.2 at imaginary plane 2.14.

(44) The neck can be of varying lengths, cross sectional shapes and perimeters without departing from the principles of the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment neck 1.9 has a length (measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2) of at least about 0.25 inches. In general, however, neck will have a length of less than about 18 inches. In some exemplary embodiments, the neck will have a length of about 0.25 to about 4 inches. In other embodiments, the neck will have a length of about 1 to 8 inches. In other embodiments, the neck will have a length of about 1 to about 2 inches. In other embodiments, the neck will have a length of about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches.

(45) Referring again to FIG. 2, flange 1.8 extends between neck 1.9 and grip end 1.5 and is adapted to provide a gripping and supporting surface for the little finger (sometimes referred to as the “small finger” or the “pinky”) and the hypothenar of the athlete's gripping hand (see FIG. 5). Flange 1.8 smoothly increases in circumference from imaginary transverse plane 2.14 to grip end 1.5. To provide the desired support, flange 1.8 comprises ventral cantle region 5.1 and dorsal cantle region 5.2 that support the small finger and hypothenar, respectively. In general, ventral cantle region 5.1 and dorsal cantle region 5.2 are separated by imaginary coronal plane CP (coincident with central longitudinal axis 1.2 in FIGS. 2 and 5; see FIGS. 6 and 7). Additionally, and moving along central longitudinal axis 1.2 in a direction toward grip end 1.5, ventral cantle region 5.1 and dorsal cantle region 5.2 gradually curve away from central longitudinal axis with dorsal cantle region 5.2 having a radius of curvature R.sup.DC that is less than the radius of curvature R.sup.VC of ventral cantle region 5.1 (see FIG. 1). For example, in one embodiment, the ratio of R.sup.DC to R.sup.VC will be at least 2:1. By way of further example, in one embodiment the ratio of R.sup.DC to R.sup.VC will be at least 3:1. By way of further example, in one embodiment the ratio of R.sup.DC to R.sup.VC will be at least 4:1. By way of further example, in one embodiment the ratio of R.sup.DC to R.sup.VC will be at least 5:1. In general, however, the ratio of R.sup.DC to R.sup.VC will be less than about 20:1. Thus, for example, in some embodiments the ratio of R.sup.DC to R.sup.VC will be in the range of about 3:1 to about 20:1. By way of further in one embodiment the ratio of R.sup.DC to R.sup.VC will be in the range of about 4:1 to about 17.5:1. By way of further in one embodiment the ratio of R.sup.DC to R.sup.VC will be in the range of about 5:1 to about 15:1. By way of further in one embodiment the ratio of R.sup.DC to R.sup.VC will be in the range of about 5:1 to about 10:1. As a result of the difference in the radii of curvature (i.e., R.sup.VC>R.sup.DC) the volume of dorsal cantle region exceeds the volume of ventral cantle region. This difference in volume may be seen, for example, in FIGS. 2B and 2C, which illustrate cross-sections of flange 1.8 taken along imaginary planes 2.13 and 2.12, respectively. As depicted in FIG. 2B, the distance from central longitudinal axis to imaginary point DC2 at the surface of the dorsal cantle region exceeds the distance from central longitudinal axis to imaginary point VC2 at the surface of the ventral cantle region and the semicircle on the dorsal side of coronal plane CP (i.e., the semicircle containing imaginary points CP3, CP4 and DC2 and coronal plane CP) has a greater surface area than the semicircle on the ventral side of coronal plane CP (i.e., the semicircle containing imaginary points CP3, CP4 and VC2 and coronal plane CP). Similarly, and as depicted in FIG. 2C, the distance from central longitudinal axis to imaginary point DC3 at the surface of the dorsal cantle region exceeds the distance from central longitudinal axis to imaginary point VC3 at the surface of the ventral cantle region and the semicircle on the dorsal side of coronal plane CP (i.e., the semicircle containing imaginary points CP5, CP6 and DC3 and coronal plane CP) has a greater surface area than the semicircle on the ventral side of coronal plane CP (i.e., the semicircle containing imaginary points CP5, CP6 and VC3 and coronal plane CP). Additionally, ventral cantle region 5.1 and dorsal cantle region 5.2 each increase in size moving along central longitudinal axis in the direction of grip end 1.5. Stated differently, the cross-sectional area of ventral cantle region 5.1 and dorsal cantle region 5.2 taken along imaginary plane 2.12 exceeds the cross-sectional area of ventral cantle region 5.1 and dorsal cantle region 5.2 taken along imaginary plane 2.13. As a result, ventral cantle region 5.1 provides a more gradual transition between the neck 1.9 and grip end 1.5, thereby providing a more comfortable resting place for the hypothenar or “heal” of the hand, the palmar arches, and the fifth digit (i.e., pinky finger).

(46) Grip end 1.5 is configured to cooperate with the user's hand so as to help prevent the user's hand from slipping from the grip 1.3 and terminates in generally planar bottom surface 1.7 disposed at an oblique angle relative to central longitudinal axis 1.2. In general, the grip end will have a circumference that exceeds the circumference of the neck 1.9 proximate step 1.31. For example, in one embodiment grip end 1.5 will have a circumference that is at least 110% of the circumference of the neck 1.9 proximate step 1.31. By way of further example, in one embodiment grip end 1.5 will have a circumference that is at least 150% of the circumference of the neck 1.9 proximate step 1.31. By way of further example, in one embodiment grip end 1.5 will have a circumference that is at least 200% of the circumference of the neck 1.9 proximate step 1.31. Typically, however, grip end 1.5 will have a circumference that is less than 300% of the circumference of the neck 1.9 proximate step 1.31. Thus, in some embodiments grip end 1.5 will have a circumference that is in the range of about 110 to 300% of the circumference of the neck 1.9 proximate step 1.31. For example, in some embodiments grip end 1.5 will have a circumference that is in the range of 110-150%, 150 to 200% or even 200-300% of the circumference of the neck 1.9 proximate step 1.31.

(47) In one embodiment, surface 1.7 of grip end is at an oblique angle relative to central longitudinal axis. For example, and referring now to FIG. 2 in one embodiment angle A is between 90 and 170 degrees and angle B is between 10 and 90 degrees, wherein angles A and B are supplementary angles. By way of further example, in one embodiment A is between 90 and 120 and degrees and angle B is between 90 and 60 degrees, wherein angles A and B are supplementary angles. By way of further example in one embodiment A is between 120 and 170 degrees and angle B is between 60 and 10 degrees, wherein angles A and B are supplementary angles.

(48) In one embodiment, cavity 1.4 will have a length, as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 5 to about 95% of the distance between grip end 1.5 and neck end 1.6, as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 95 to about 5% of the distance between grip end 1.5 and neck end 1.6. For example, in one such embodiment, grip 1.3 will have a length, as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 15 to about 85% of the distance between grip end 1.5 and cavity end 1.6 as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 85 to about 15% of the distance between grip end 1.5 and neck end 1.6. By way of further example, in one embodiment grip 1.3 will have a length, as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 25 to about 75% of the distance between grip end 1.5 and neck end 1.6 as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 75 to about 25% of the distance between grip end 1.5 and neck end 1.6. By way of further example, in one embodiment grip 1.3 will have a length, as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 35 to about 65% of the distance between grip end 1.5 and neck end 1.6 as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 65 to about 35% of the distance between grip end 1.5 and neck end 1.6. By way of further example, in one embodiment grip 1.3 will have a length, as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 40 to about 60% of the distance between grip end 1.5 and neck end 1.6 as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 60 to about 40% of the distance between grip end 1.5 and neck end 1.6.

(49) FIG. 3A shows the sleeve in front view with the ventral cantle region shown comprising generally half the circumference of the sleeve and smoothly transitioning to the dorsal cantle gripping surface on the opposing side of the sleeve as shown in FIG. 4. The two longitudinal oppositional halves of the sleeve, shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, with the shared sagittal plane SP are mirrored shapes, providing the same structural support to hypothenar of a gripping hand, regardless of which hand is gripping the sleeve—left hand or right hand.

(50) FIG. 4 is a rear view of the sleeve 1.1 and depicts dorsal cantle region 5.2 (shown in dashed lines. As previously described, dorsal cantle region smoothly transitions to the ventral cantle region on the opposing side of the sleeve (see FIG. 3). The two longitudinal halves of the sleeve, left longitudinal half 4.2 and right longitudinal half 4.3 are separated by the imaginary plane (coincident with central longitudinal axis 1.2) are mirrored shapes, providing the same structural to the little finger of a gripping hand, regardless of which hand is gripping the sleeve left hand or right hand.

(51) FIG. 5 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 (with stick 5.3 fully inserted (shown in phantom) into the cavity 1.4 of the sleeve having a sports stick longitudinal axis 5.5 that is coincident with central longitudinal axis 1.2) with a gripping right hand wherein the hypothenar of the gripping hand is cradled by the ventral cantle region, generally indicated 5.1, and wherein the small finger is gripping the dorsal cantle structure generally indicated 5.2. Given the longitudinal symmetry of the sleeve (about the imaginary sagittal plane) as described above, the gripping hand, left or right, gripping the same sleeve will properly align with the structures of the sleeve with either hand to provide proper support and grip. Additionally, this arrangement allows the small finger of the gripping hand to firmly grasp, generally around the central axis of the sleeve, in opposition to the hypothenar, thereby enabling a strong and stable grip on the sleeve and thus to the stick to which it is inserted into cavity 1.4 of the sleeve.

(52) FIG. 6 shows a ¾ rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with a generally rectangular cavity, 1.4, for close longitudinal insertion by a solid or hollow, generally rectangular stick, as indicated 6.4. Neck 1.9 provides a transitions from the generally smoothly curved flange (as previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2) to a generally smaller diameter, cross sectional shape which disposes at neck end 1.6, whose outer most circumference dimensions, align with the outer most cross-sectional circumference dimensions of the solid or hollow end of the stick to which the sleeve is applied. FIG. 6 shows the neck structure, 1.9, shaped and aligned for close insertion by the solid or hollow, longitudinal end of a hockey stick, 6.4 having longitudinal axis 5.5. Upon insertion of stick 6.4 into the cavity sleeve end 1.6 of the sleeve, central longitudinal axis 1.2 and stick longitudinal axis 5.5 are coincident.

(53) FIG. 7 shows a ¾ rear view of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1, with a generally octagonal neck, 7.2, for close longitudinal insertion by a solid or hollow, generally octagonal stick 7.4, as the greater number of lacrosse sticks are comprised. In this embodiment, sleeve 7.2 has an octagonal cross-section exterior and cavity to match the outer cross-section of stick 7.4. The neck 7.2, transitions the generally round cross section of the flange to a generally octagonal cross section as demonstrated in the description of FIG. 2.

(54) FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 demonstrate just two of a multitude of possible combinations of sleeve shape and solid or hollow stick shapes which can allow the present disclosure to be affixed to any number of solid or hollow sticks, handles, shafts and the like.

(55) FIG. 8 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, from the generally rectangular neck-end 1.6 of the sleeve. The top view of the ventral cantle region is generally indicated 8.1 and the top view of the dorsal cantle gripping structure is generally indicated 8.2. The mirrored longitudinal halves of the sleeve, as previously described, are generally indicated 8.5 and 8.6. The neck and cavity as shown are configured for alignment with a generally rectangular solid or hollow stick similar to those comprising hockey sticks.

(56) FIG. 9 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 of a generally octagonal neck end, from the neck-end of the sleeve with the central longitudinal axis of the sleeve indicated as 1.2. The top view of the ventral cantle region is generally indicated 9.1, and the top view of the dorsal cantle gripping structure is generally indicated 9.2. The mirrored longitudinal halves of the sleeve, as previously described, are generally indicated 9.5 and 9.6. The neck and cavity as shown are configured for alignment with a generally octagonal hollow stick similar to those comprising lacrosse sticks.

(57) As demonstrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the dorsal and ventral cantle support and gripping structures remain generally unchanged while the shape of the cavity and the neck of the sleeve may comprise different dimensions and shapes without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

(58) FIG. 10 shows the sleeve and hand of FIG. 5, with the handle end of the hockey stick fully inserted into the cavity, as indicated 10.1. The sleeve is affixed to the stick, with the ventral cantle surface facing upward with the sagittal plane aligning on the same plane as the blade of the stick, in an orientation which specifically brings the proper gripping relationship of the hand and the stick into proper alignment wherein the blade, as shown 10.2, aligns on the same side of the coronal plane 10.3 of the stick as the ventral cantle-like supporting surface of the sleeve. In this embodiment, central longitudinal axis 1.2 is coincident with longitudinal axis 5.5 of the hockey stick.

(59) FIG. 11 shows in greater detail, the sleeve, gripping hand and fragmentary of the hockey stick from FIG. 10, wherein the stick 10.1 is fully inserted into the sleeve cavity 1.4. The central longitudinal axis of the sleeve, 1.2 is shown in parallel overlay, 11.3, with the central longitudinal axis of the hockey stick 5.5. Further, the external longitudinal surfaces of the hockey stick directly align with the external longitudinal surfaces of the neck of the sleeve providing a contiguous surface from stick to sleeve.

(60) FIG. 12 shows the sleeve of FIG. 7, with gripping hand, fully affixed to a lacrosse stick, as indicated 12.1. The sleeve is affixed to the stick in an orientation which specifically brings the gripping relationship of the hand and the stick into proper alignment wherein the net-side of the head, as shown 12.2, aligns on the same side of the stick as the ventral cantle-like supporting surface of the sleeve 12.3. This is generally the proper relationship for the base-gripping hand to engage a lacrosse stick.

(61) FIG. 13 shows in greater detail, the sleeve, gripping hand and fragmentary of the lacrosse stick from FIG. 12, wherein the lacrosse stick is fully inserted into the cavity of the sleeve. The central longitudinal axis of the sleeve, 1.2 is shown in parallel overlay, 13.3, with the central longitudinal axis of the hockey stick 5.5. Further, the external longitudinal surfaces of the lacrosse stick directly align with the external longitudinal surfaces of the neck of the sleeve providing a contiguous surface from stick to sleeve.

(62) FIG. 14 shows the handle of a bat fully inserted into the cavity of the sleeve, 14.1, being gripped by a gripping hand.

(63) FIG. 15 shows the sleeve 15.4 of FIG. 1, with a handle end of a golf club fully inserted into the cavity of the sleeve being gripped by a gripping hand. The sleeve is affixed to the stick wherein the ventral cantle gripping structure of the sleeve is aligned on the same side of the cantle plane CP as the club head and the dorsal cantle region is on the opposite side of the cantle plane from the club head as shown 15.2.

(64) In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, as shown in FIG. 16, surface 16.1 of grip end is substantially perpendicular to central longitudinal axis 1.2. In this embodiment, grip end 1.5 is wedge shaped but the structure and features of neck 1.9, flange 1.8 (including ventral and dorsal cantle regions 5.1 and 5.2) and grip end 1.5 are as previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.

(65) In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, as shown in FIG. 17, surface 17.1 of grip end is substantially dome-shaped but the structure and features of neck 1.9, flange 1.8 (including ventral and dorsal cantle regions 5.1 and 5.2) and grip end 1.5 are as previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.

(66) In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, as shown in FIG. 18, surface 18.1 of grip end is substantially planar and disposed at an oblique angle relative to central longitudinal axis 1.2. In this embodiment, grip-end 1.5 is proportionately (relative to flange 1.8) larger than in certain other embodiments described herein but the structure and features of neck 1.9 and flange 1.8 (including ventral and dorsal cantle regions 5.1 and 5.2) are as previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.

(67) In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, as shown in FIG. 19, a bat 19.4 is fully inserted into the cavity 19.3, which is internally shaped to accommodate the volume and shape of the sleeve of a bat, 19.5. Stated differently, sleeve 1.1 include space inside the cavity at the butt endward portion of the cavity, which allow a bat knob to be closely inserted and fitted such that the knob and portion of the handle of a bat is encapsulated inside a similar wedge shaped butt end as described in FIG. 16. In this embodiment, the structure and features of flange 1.8 (including ventral and dorsal cantle regions 5.1 and 5.2) and grip end 1.5 are as previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally, grip end 1.5 may possess any of the alternative shapes as described, for example, in connection with FIGS. 16, 17 and 18.

(68) In another embodiment of the present disclosure, referring now to FIG. 20, a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 19, the cavity 20.3 of the sleeve is open at the blunt end with a truncated neck portion, applied on the knob end of a baseball bat 20.4. In this embodiment, the structure and features of flange 1.8 (including ventral and dorsal cantle regions 5.1 and 5.2) and grip end 1.5 are as previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 20 demonstrates the present disclosure without blunt end 1.7, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

(69) In another embodiment of the present disclosure, and referring now to FIG. 21, sleeve 1.1 includes an internal cavity 21.2 in the blunt end 1.7 to accommodate an electronic device 21.4 such as an accelerometer or other electronic sensor to monitor an athlete's swing when the handle of the stick is fully inserted into cavity 1.4 such as a baseball bat (see, e.g., FIG. 14). In this embodiment, electronic device has a central axis 21.5 that is aligned with sleeve central longitudinal axis 1.2. The electronic device may be held by friction fit, adhesive, a mechanical fastener, and the like. Optionally, cavity 21.2 is enclosed by cover 21.6 after electronic device 21.4 is inserted into cavity. Exemplary electronic devices include Zepp brand electronic motion sensors sold by Zepp Labs (Los Gatos, Calif.) and those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,725,452 (which is incorporated herein in its entirety).

(70) In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, the cavity 1.4 at the butt end includes a plug 22.1 which, when a hollow handle of a stick is fully inserted into cavity 1.4, the plug is sized, in cross section to closely fit into the hollow opening at the end of the handle of the sports stick. This embodiment can also be constructed to include the cavity 21.2. This embodiment is applicable to all hollow sports sticks when fully inserted into the cavity 1.4 and provides increased stability and connection between the sleeve and the hollow sports stick.

(71) FIG. 23 shows a top view of FIG. 22, configured for a round cross sectional hollow sports stick wherein the plug 22.1 is round in cross section.

(72) The present disclosure further includes the following enumerated embodiments.

Embodiment 1

(73) A sleeve adapted for receiving the solid or hollow end of a sports stick, the sleeve comprising a central longitudinal axis, a neck for receiving the end of the sports stick, a grip adapted for being grasped by the hand of an athlete, the grip comprising a grip end distal to the neck, a dorsal cantle region and a ventral cantle region, the dorsal and ventral cantle regions being between the neck and the grip end and on opposing sides of an imaginary coronal plane containing the central longitudinal axis and bisected by an imaginary sagittal plane that contains the central longitudinal axis and is orthogonal to the imaginary coronal plane, the dorsal and ventral cantle regions each providing a curved support surface for the hand of the athlete when the athlete is gripping the sports stick, the dorsal cantle region and the ventral cantle region each having a radius of curvature in the sagittal plane, the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region being greater than the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region.

Embodiment 2

(74) The sleeve of Embodiment 1 wherein a ratio of the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region to the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region is at least 2:1, respectively.

Embodiment 3

(75) The sleeve of Embodiment 1 wherein a ratio of the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region to the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region is at least 3:1, respectively.

Embodiment 4

(76) The sleeve of Embodiment 1 wherein a ratio of the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region to the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region is at least 5:1, respectively.

Embodiment 5

(77) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-4 wherein a ratio of the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region to the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region is less than 20:1.

Embodiment 6

(78) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-4 wherein a ratio of the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region to the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region is less than 15:1, respectively.

Embodiment 7

(79) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-4 wherein a ratio of the radius of curvature of the ventral cantle region to the radius of curvature of the dorsal cantle region is less than 10:1, respectively.

Embodiment 8

(80) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-7 wherein the imaginary sagittal plane bisects each of the dorsal and the ventral cantle regions into symmetrical halves, respectively.

Embodiment 9

(81) A sleeve adapted for receiving the end of a sports stick, the sleeve comprising a central longitudinal axis, a cavity for receiving the solid or hollow end of the sports stick, a grip adapted for being grasped by the hand of an athlete, the grip comprising a grip end distal to the cavity, a dorsal cantle region and a ventral cantle region, the dorsal and ventral cantle regions being between the cavity and the grip end and on opposing sides of an imaginary coronal plane containing the central longitudinal axis and bisected by an imaginary sagittal plane that contains the central longitudinal axis and is orthogonal to the imaginary coronal plane, the dorsal and ventral cantle regions each providing a curved support surface for the hand of the athlete when the athlete is gripping the sports stick, wherein the dorsal cantle region and ventral cantle region are asymmetric relative to each other about the coronal plane and the sagittal plane bisects each of the ventral and the dorsal cantle regions into symmetrical halves, respectively.

Embodiment 10

(82) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-9 wherein the ventral cantle region smoothly transitions about the central longitudinal axis to the dorsal cantle region.

Embodiment 11

(83) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-10 wherein the grip end has a circumference that is at least 110% of the circumference of the neck.

Embodiment 12

(84) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-10 wherein the grip end has a circumference that is at least 150% of the circumference of the neck.

Embodiment 13

(85) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-10 wherein the grip end has a circumference that is at least 200% of the circumference of the neck.

Embodiment 14

(86) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-10 wherein the grip end has a circumference that is at least 300% of the circumference of the neck.

Embodiment 15

(87) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-14 wherein the cavity has a length measured along the central longitudinal axis of about 2 to about 12 inches.

Embodiment 16

(88) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-14 wherein the cavity has a length measured along the central longitudinal axis of about 2 to about 6 inches.

Embodiment 17

(89) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-16 wherein the grip has a length, as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 5 to about 95% of the length of the sleeve and the cavity has a complementary length, as measured along the central longitudinal axis, that is about 95 to about 5% of the length of the sleeve.

Embodiment 18

(90) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-16 wherein the grip has a length, as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 15 to about 85% of the length of the sleeve and the cavity has a complementary length, as measured along the central longitudinal axis, that is about 85 to about 15% of the length of the sleeve.

Embodiment 19

(91) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-16 wherein the grip has a length, as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 25 to about 75% of the length of the sleeve and the cavity has a complementary length, as measured along the central longitudinal axis, that is about 75 to about 25% of the length of the sleeve.

Embodiment 20

(92) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-16 wherein the grip has a length, as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 35 to about 65% of the length of the sleeve and the cavity has a complementary length, as measured along the central longitudinal axis, that is about 65 to about 35% of the length of the sleeve.

Embodiment 21

(93) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-16 wherein the grip has a length, as measured along central longitudinal axis 1.2, that is about 40 to about 60% of the length of the sleeve and the cavity has a complementary length, as measured along the central longitudinal axis, that is about 60 to about 40% of the length of the sleeve.

Embodiment 22

(94) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-21 wherein the grip comprises a neck between the flange and the cavity.

Embodiment 23

(95) The sleeve of Embodiment 22 wherein the neck has a length measured along the central longitudinal axis of at least about 0.25 inches.

Embodiment 24

(96) The sleeve of Embodiment 22 wherein the neck has a length measured along the central longitudinal axis in the range of about 0.25 to about 4 inches.

Embodiment 25

(97) The sleeve of Embodiment 22 wherein the neck has a length measured along the central longitudinal axis in the range of about 1 to about 4 inches.

Embodiment 26

(98) The sleeve of Embodiment 22 wherein the neck has a length measured along the central longitudinal axis in the range of about 1 to about 2 inches.

Embodiment 27

(99) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-26 wherein the sleeve comprises a ceramic, metal, polymer, composite, wood or a composite or laminate thereof.

Embodiment 28

(100) The sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-26 wherein the sleeve comprises a ceramic, metal, polymer, composite, or a composite or laminate thereof.

Embodiment 29

(101) A combination of a sport stick and a sleeve, the sleeve corresponding to the sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-28 and being inserted into a hollow end of the sport stick.

Embodiment 30

(102) The combination of Embodiment 29 wherein the sport stick is a hockey stick, a lacrosse stick, a golf club, or a baseball bat.

Embodiment 31

(103) The combination of Embodiment 29 wherein the sport stick is a hockey stick, a lacrosse stick, or a golf club.

Embodiment 32

(104) A combination of a hockey stick and a sleeve, the sleeve corresponding to the sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-28 and being inserted into a hollow end of the hockey stick wherein the ventral cantle region of sleeve is on the same side of the hockey stick as the blade of the hockey stick.

Embodiment 33

(105) A combination of a lacrosse stick and a sleeve, the sleeve corresponding to the sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-28 and being inserted into a hollow end of the lacrosse stick wherein the ventral cantle region of sleeve is on the same side of the lacrosse stick as the net-side of the head of the lacrosse stick.

Embodiment 34

(106) A combination of a golf club and a sleeve, the sleeve corresponding to the sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-28 and being inserted into a hollow end of the golf club wherein the ventral cantle region of sleeve and the head of the golf club are on the same side of the imaginary cantle plane and the dorsal cantle region and the head of the golf club are on opposite sides of the imaginary cantle plane.

Embodiment 35

(107) A combination of a baseball bat and a sleeve, the sleeve corresponding to the sleeve of any of Embodiments 1-28 and being inserted into a hollow end of the baseball bat wherein the cavity has a circular cross-section.

(108) Having described the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.