BACKGROUND
Traditional ski poles lack sustainability and often contribute to environmental waste. Conversely, millions of retired or broken hockey sticks are discarded annually, leading to environmental concerns.
Improvements are needed.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for repurposing hockey sticks into functional ski poles, reducing waste and providing skiers with durable, customizable, and nostalgic ski pole options.
In an aspect, the present disclosure comprises a conversion system that transforms retired or broken hockey sticks into functional ski poles. The systems and methods may utilize an adapter to fit a replacement tip and basket onto the hockey stick, creating a versatile and ergonomic ski pole suitable for various skiing terrains and user preferences.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following drawings show generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various examples discussed in the present disclosure. Like numerals reference similar elements. In the drawings:
FIGS. 1A-1B show an example hockey stick with a ski adapter according to the systems and methods disclosed herein.
FIG. 2 shows the example hockey stick with the ski adapter of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example adapter according to the systems and methods disclosed herein.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example adapter according to the systems and methods disclosed herein.
FIG. 5 illustrates an example adapter according to the systems and methods disclosed herein, showing an exploded view of circle C.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example adapter according to the systems and methods disclosed herein, showing an exploded view of circle D.
FIG. 7 illustrates an example adapter according to the systems and methods disclosed herein.
FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate an example adapter according to the systems and methods disclosed herein.
FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate an example adapter according to the systems and methods disclosed herein.
The accompanying drawings show examples of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the examples shown in the drawings and/or discussed herein are non-exclusive and that there are other examples of how the disclosure may be practiced.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure relates to conversion systems, methods, and adapter that transform retired or broken hockey sticks into functional ski poles. As an example, the present disclosure provides an adapter to fit a replacement tip and basket onto the hockey stick, creating a versatile and ergonomic ski pole suitable for various skiing terrains and user preferences.
As an illustrative example FIGS. 1-2 show a system 100 may comprise a hockey stick 110 and an adapter 120. As shown, the adapter 120 comprises a tip portion 130 configured to receive a replaceable ski pole tip and/or basket. The tip portion 130 may be tapered. The tip portion 130 may have a generally conical shape with a blunt end. Other components may be used. Other components may include a grip, a wristlet, and/or a plug.
In an aspect, the hockey stick 110 may comprise a discarded/recycled hockey stick, which may be formed from various materials such as wood, polymer, carbon fiber, composites, and the like. As an illustrative example, used hockey sticks may be sourced from local ice rinks. As a further example, approximately 3.7 million sticks are manufactured annually, with 75% ending up in landfills due to breakage or expiration of warranties.
In an aspect, the adapter 120 may be configured to be disposed on an end 112 of the hockey stick 110. The adapter 120 may be constructed from various materials (e.g., polymer, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)). The adapter 120 may be formed from various manufacturing techniques (e.g., 3D printing). In use, the adapter 120 is disposed at the end 112 of the hockey stick 110. As an example, the end 112 may be hollow and the adapter 120 may be configured to be disposed into the end 112. As a further example, the adapter 120 may be coupled to the hockey stick 110 with a coupling device such as a screw capable of withstanding up to 2000 PSI. Other coupling devices and parameters may be used.
As shown in FIGS. 1-9, the adapter 120 comprises a main body 122 having an insert portion 124, a collar 126, and the tip 130 disposed opposite the insert portion 124. The adapter 120 may be designed to provide stability and support while skiing, especially during lift disembarking, mountain climbing, and downhill skiing. As an illustrative example, the insert portion 124 is inserted into the end 112 of the hockey stick 110 up to the collar 126. The adapter 120 may be friction fitted or secure by a coupling means. As an illustrative example, one or more angled barbs 123 may be formed or disposed to extend radially outwardly from the main body 122. The one or more angled barbs 123 may have various shapes such as a ramp shape with radially thickness extending from the main body 122 increasing from a proximal end of the main body 122 toward a distal end (e.g., tip 130) of the main body 122. The one or more angled barbs 123 may be solid or hollow. The one or more angled barbs 123 may have various size, shapes, or coupling features to engage the hockey stick 110 (e.g., an interior portion of the hockey stick 110).
Once disposed in the hockey stick 110, the tip 130 extends outwardly from the collar 126 and is configured to receive a replaceable ski pole tip. Replacement tips may be secured to the adapter 120 by friction fitting or coupling means. As an illustrative example, and as more clearly shown in FIGS. 8-9, an interior of the tip 130 (and/or main body 122) may further comprise a threaded portion 132. The thread portion 132 may be configured to engage ski pole tips or other features to secure to the tip 130. The threaded portion 132 may be formed in the main body 122 or may comprise a threaded insert disposed in a hollow main body 122. Other configurations may be used. Ski baskets and other ski pole features may be configured to be coupled to the adapter 120. As an example, universally sized replacement components compatible with the adapter 120 may enable easy attachment and securing to accommodate various skiing conditions.
Grips and/or wristlets may be provided. The grip, which may be made from various materials including nylon string and colored electrical tape, offers skiers a secure and comfortable handle adaptable to diverse terrains. Grips may include rubber handles. Other materials and shapes may be used. Wristlets, which may be made from hockey laces, ensure pole retention and user security during falls. Wristlets may include one or more of nylon webbing straps, plastic adjustable buckles, canvas boat snaps. Wristlets may be configured to break away if you were to fall. Wristlets may adjust for various users.
A plug may be provided and may secure the wristlet in place, enhancing skier safety. The plug may be formed from various materials.
The present disclosure includes at least the following aspects and examples:
- Example Clause A: An adapter for a conversion system for recycled hockey sticks, the adapter may include: a main body having an insertion portion configured to be disposed in a hollow end of a hockey stick, main body has a cross-section that is rectangular; a collar disposed adjacent the insertion portion, the collar extending radially outwardly from the main body and configured to abut a portion of the hockey stick; and a tapered ski pole tip disposed opposite the insertion portion, where the insertion portion is tapered from the collar to a proximal end, and where the ski pole tip is disposed at a distal end of the adapter.
- Example Clause B: The adapter of Example Clause A, where the main body has a cross-section that is rectangular with one or more rounded corners.
- Example Clause C: An adapter for a conversion system for recycled hockey sticks, the adapter may include: a main body having an insertion portion configured to be disposed in a hollow end of a hockey stick; a collar disposed adjacent the insertion portion, the collar extending radially outwardly from the main body and configured to abut a portion of the hockey stick; and a ski pole tip disposed opposite the insertion portion.
- Example Clause D: The adapter of Example Clause C, where at least a portion of the insertion portion of the main body is hollow.
- Example Clause E: The adapter of Example Clause C or Example Clause D, where the insertion portion is tapered from the collar to a proximal end, and where the ski pole tip is disposed at a distal end of the adapter.
- Example Clause F: The adapter of any one of Example Clauses C-E, where the main body has a cross-section that is rectangular.
- Example Clause G: The adapter of any one of Example Clauses C-F, where the main body has a cross-section that is rectangular with one or more rounded corners.
- Example Clause H: The adapter of any one of Example Clauses C-G, where the collar has a cross-section that is rectangular.
- Example Clause I: The adapter of any one of Example Clauses C-H, where the collar has a cross-section that is rectangular with one or more rounded corners.
- Example Clause J: The adapter of any one of Example Clauses C-I, where the ski pole tip is tapered.
- Example Clause K: The adapter of any one of Example Clauses C-J, where the main body is formed from polymer.
- Example Clause L: A conversion system for recycled hockey sticks, the conversion system may include: a hockey stick having a hollow end; and an adapter may include a main body having an insertion portion configured to be disposed in the hollow end of the hockey stick, a collar disposed adjacent the insertion portion and configured to abut a portion of the hockey stick, and a ski pole tip disposed opposite the insertion portion.
- Example Clause M: The conversion system of Example Clause L, where at least a portion of the insertion portion of the main body is hollow.
- Example Clause N: The conversion system of Example Clause L or Example Clause M, where the insertion portion is tapered from the collar to a proximal end, and where the ski pole tip is disposed at a distal end of the adapter.
- Example Clause O: The conversion system of any one of Example Clauses L-N, where the main body has a cross-section that is rectangular.
- Example Clause P: The conversion system of any one of Example Clauses L-O, where the main body has a cross-section that is rectangular with one or more rounded corners.
- Example Clause Q: The conversion system of any one of Example Clauses L-P, where the collar has a cross-section that is rectangular.
- Example Clause R: The conversion system of any one of Example Clauses L-Q, where the collar has a cross-section that is rectangular with one or more rounded corners.
- Example Clause S: The conversion system of any one of Example Clauses L-R, where the ski pole tip is tapered.
- Example Clause T: The conversion system of any one of Example Clauses L-S, where the main body is formed from polymer.
Example Manufacturing Process:
As a non-limiting illustrative example, a retired hockey stick undergoes cleaning and modification, cutting both ends for even surfaces. The adapter, secured using welding glue, is inserted into the hockey stick and allowed to set. Construction of the grip involves nylon lace wrapping and covering it with electrical tape for durability. The wristlet is secured using welding glue and inserted into the top of the hockey stick ski pole and secured by the plug which is also secured using welding glue. The replacement tip and basket are affixed to the adapter to complete the ski pole conversion.
As an illustrative example, the present disclosure offers functional ski poles while repurposing discarded hockey sticks. Each ski pole carries its own history and durability from previous use, catering to varied user preferences. Its uniqueness lies in sustainability, personalization, and nostalgia within the skiing and hockey communities.
Patent Application
20250186868
