Suiter Swantz IP takes a look back at past inventions and inventors with our Patent of the Day.
On this day in 1915, Newell T. Fogg was granted U.S. Patent No. 1,143,376 for a HOCKEY STICK.
This invention relates to a novel construction of a hockey stick such as is used by ice skaters. A stick of this general form is employed in playing the well known game of ice hockey. It is also common for one to carry such a stick when skating though not indulging in the game mentioned. Numerous accidents and fatalities constantly occur among the many devotees of this pastime in the higher latitudes through sudden breaking of the ice surface, or through the hidden dangers of air holes or rotted or weakened ice with the resultant precipitation of the skaters into the icy waters. Due to the fact that the ice surrounding such a break is usually cracked and weakened and of insufficient thickness and strength to hold others desirous of accomplishing rescue, it is common to attempt the extrication of the immersed skater by forming a chain of prostrate human bodies or by obtaining and throwing thereto a coil of rope, or by similar devices, which obviate the necessity for a person to approach unaided the hole or break. Such tactics entail delays which often prevent ultimate rescue, especially, where the ice is formed over running water and the immersed skater passes underneath the ice, or where he is unable to swim or keep afloat in the numbing water.
The object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a hockey stick, similar to those commonly carried by ice skaters, with a life saving means—a life line attachment. Another object is to construct such an improved hockey stick having a life line attachment which is carried on the stick in such manner as to form an improved handle or grip therefor.
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