U.S. patent application number 09/443703 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-22 for lacrosse stick pocket shooting strings and thong elements.
Invention is credited to CRAWFORD, WILLIAM C..
Application Number | 20010044347 09/443703 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23761863 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010044347 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CRAWFORD, WILLIAM C. |
November 22, 2001 |
LACROSSE STICK POCKET SHOOTING STRINGS AND THONG ELEMENTS
Abstract
A head for a lacrosse stick that includes a web for receiving a
ball, the web being attached to a frame member of the head, and one
or more tube-like woven or non-woven polymer shooting string
elements extending transversely between side walls of the frame
member and through the frame member, to facilitate pocket
adjustment. The head may also include one or more tube-like woven
or non-woven polymer thong elements extending longitudinally
between the scoop and the stop of the frame member.
Inventors: |
CRAWFORD, WILLIAM C.;
(BALTIMORE, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CONNOLLY BOVE LODGE & HUTZ LLP
P O BOX 2207
WILMINGTON
DE
198992207
|
Family ID: |
23761863 |
Appl. No.: |
09/443703 |
Filed: |
November 19, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/513 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/00 20130101;
A63B 51/02 20130101; A63B 2102/14 20151001; A63B 59/20
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/513 |
International
Class: |
A63B 059/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A head for a lacrosse stick, comprising: a frame member having
first and second side walls, each of the side walls having a
proximal end and a distal end, the frame member further having a
scoop extending between the distal ends of the side walls, and a
stop extending between the proximal ends of the side walls; a web
for receiving a ball, the web being attached to the frame member;
and one or more tube-like polymer elements extending transversely
and/or longitudinally within the frame member.
2. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 1, wherein the
one or more tube-like polymer elements extend through the frame
member and are tied off.
3. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 1, wherein the
one or more tube-like polymer elements are tied off inside the
frame member.
4. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 1, wherein the
one or more tube-like polymer elements extend in the upper section
of the web below the scoop.
5. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 1, wherein the
one or more tube-like polymer elements extend transversely within
the frame member in one of an arcuate, angled, or non-linear
shape.
6. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 1, wherein each
of the one or more tube-like polymer elements comprises a
string-like woven polymer material housed inside of a non-woven
polymer tubing.
7. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 6, wherein the
string-like material extends through the frame member and is tied
off.
8. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 6, wherein the
string-like material is tied off inside the frame member.
9. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 6, wherein the
one or more tube-like polymer elements extend in the upper section
of the web below the scoop.
10. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 6, wherein the
one or more tube-like polymer elements extend transversely within
the frame member in one of an arcuate, angled, or non-linear
shape.
11. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 1, wherein each
of the one or more tube-like polymer elements comprises a non-woven
polymer material housed inside of a non-woven polymer tubing.
12. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 11, wherein the
non-woven polymer material extends through the frame member and is
tied off.
13. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 11, wherein the
non-woven polymer material is tied off inside the frame member.
14. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 11, wherein the
one or more tube-like polymer elements extend in the upper section
of the web below the scoop.
15. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 14, wherein the
one or more tube-like polymer elements extend transversely within
the frame member in one of an arcuate, angled, or non-linear
shape.
16. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 1, wherein each
of the one or more tube-like polymer elements comprises a
string-like woven polymer material housed inside of a woven polymer
tubing.
17. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 16, wherein the
string-like material extends through the frame member and is tied
off.
18. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 16, wherein the
string-like material is tied off inside the frame member.
19. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 16, wherein the
one or more tube-like polymer elements extend in the upper section
of the web below the scoop.
20. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 16, wherein the
one or more tube-like polymer elements extend transversely within
the frame member in one of an arcuate, angled, or non-linear
shape.
21. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 1, wherein each
of the one or more polymer elements comprises a nonwoven polymer
material housed inside of a woven polymer tubing.
22. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 21, wherein the
nonwoven polymer material extends through the frame member and is
tied off.
23. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 21, wherein the
nonwoven polymer material is tied off inside the frame member.
24. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 21, wherein the
one or more polymer elements extend in the upper section of the web
below the scoop.
25. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 24, wherein the
one or more polymer elements extend transversely within the frame
member in one of an arcuate, angled, or non-linear shape.
26. A head for a lacrosse stick, comprising: a frame member having
first and second side walls, each of the side walls having a
proximal end and a distal end, the frame member further having a
scoop extending between the distal ends of the side walls, and a
stop extending between the proximal ends of the side walls; a web
for receiving a ball, the web being attached to the frame member;
and one or more polyurethane cords extending transversely and/or
longitudinally within the frame member.
27. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 26, wherein the
one or more polyurethane cords extend through the frame member and
are tied off.
28. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 26, wherein the
one or more polyurethane cords are tied off inside the frame
member.
29. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 1, wherein the
one or more polyurethane cords extend in the upper section of the
web below the scoop.
30. A head for a lacrosse stick as recited in claim 1, wherein the
one or more polyurethane cords extend transversely within the frame
member in one of an arcuate, angled, or non-linear shape.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to lacrosse sticks
and, more particularly, to shooting string and thong elements used
in a lacrosse stick pocket.
[0003] B. Description of the Related Art
[0004] As shown in FIG. 1A, a traditional lacrosse stick stringing
assembly configuration 10 usually comprises four longitudinal
leather thong elements 12 which extend between respective apertures
22 defined in the part of a head of a lacrosse stick known as the
scoop 16, and the base of the head adjacent to the part of a
lacrosse head known as the stop 23. Each leather thong element 12
comprises one or more vertical slits 20 for attaching leather thong
element 12 in an aperture 22 provided in scoop 16 of the head. An
open weave cross lacing 14 extends transversely to interconnect
leather thong elements 12 to the head frame and maintain the same
in a predetermined space relation. Open weave cross lacing 14 wraps
around leather thong elements 12 in certain sections, but may also
extend through vertical slits provided in leather thong elements
12. The overall assembly thus forms what is referred to as a
traditionally strung pocket for catching, carrying and throwing the
lacrosse ball.
[0005] Another lacrosse stick stringing configuration known in the
art is the mesh configuration. Rather than the longitudinal thongs
and open weave lacing of the traditional lacrosse stick stringing
configuration, the mesh configuration employs a mesh knitted as a
continuous strip of woven material (see FIG. 1B) having a plurality
of openings or "mesh diamonds" provided therein. The mesh is
peripherally coupled to the head of the lacrosse stick by multiple
stringing cords or other binding materials. Still another
conventional stringing configuration 30, as shown in FIG. 1B,
includes a central mesh portion 32 and open weave lacing 34
interconnecting mesh portion 32 to side walls 38 of the head frame.
This configuration provides sufficient flexibility to a central
portion of the pocket, facilitating formation of a suitable ball
pocket due to the relatively non-deformable open weave lacings.
[0006] In all conventional stringing configurations, transverse
lacing 26 (in FIG. 1A), 36 (in FIG. 1B), also known as
"throwstrings" or "shooting strings," is further provided adjacent
the scoop of the lacrosse stick head. Conventional shooting strings
are made from cord, shoe-lace or other string-like material,
including woven synthetic materials such as nylon, and are
interwoven among the pocket lacing and leather thongs or in between
the mesh diamonds. In addition to supporting the pocket stringing,
the shooting strings prevent the thrown ball from traveling too far
up the pocket assembly and striking the scoop area of the head. A
ball striking the scoop area causes inaccurate passing and shooting
of the ball. Thus, shooting strings are designed to be the point of
departure of a thrown ball, facilitating accurate passing and
shooting. Players use one or more shooting strings in a variety of
locations and positions in the pocket in an effort to fine-tune and
adjust their pocket to suit their style of play regarding catching,
cradling and throwing the ball. These same shooting string
materials may be interwoven among the pocket lacing and leather
thongs or in between the mesh diamonds in the pocket from sidewall
to sidewall in an arc-like or upside down V or U-shape, enhancing
pocket formation and ball location, and creating a channeling-like
effect when the ball is cradled, carried or thrown.
[0007] Unfortunately, traditional shooting string and thong element
materials rot, break, crack, wear out, absorb water, and stretch
due to weather conditions and the constant wear and tear of
catching and throwing a lacrosse ball. Also, the surface of
traditional shooting strings that makes contact with a lacrosse
ball provides little consistency or design variability to the
pocket, such surface being randomly determined by the mesh
diamond-like designs or the traditional leather thong elements and
open weave cross lacing through which shooting strings have been
interwoven. In addition, traditional shooting strings and
longitudinal thongs are not easy to adjust since they require
loosening of knots made to hold them in place and a tedious
adjustment process along the parts of the shooting string and thong
that are interwoven among the pocket lacing or mesh diamonds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An object of the invention is to provide flexible, tube-like
polymer shooting string and thong elements for a lacrosse stick
that overcome the problems of the related art by virtue of their
adjustability, consistency, durability and varied properties.
[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide
flexible, tube-like polymer shooting string and thong elements for
a lacrosse stick that are easily interwoven with either mesh or
traditionally strung pockets.
[0010] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide flexible, tube-like polymer shooting string and thong
elements for a lacrosse stick that are lightweight and water
resistant, enhance lacrosse ball catching and throwing, and provide
greatly improved abrasion-resistant qualities.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide
flexible, tube-like polymer shooting string and thong elements for
a lacrosse stick that offer a player more options to fine tune the
pocket and prevent undesirable slipping of the open weave cross
lacing design, sometimes referred to as "diamonds" by those skilled
in the art.
[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
flexible, tube-like polymer shooting string and thong elements that
allow a player more easily to control the depth of the pocket,
permitting custom pocket choices not available with traditional
shooting strings and thongs.
[0013] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part
will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice
of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will
be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
[0014] To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of
the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the
invention comprises a head for a lacrosse stick, having: a frame
member having first and second side walls, each of the side walls
having a proximal end and a distal end, the frame member further
having a scoop extending between the distal ends of the side walls,
and a stop extending between the proximal ends of the side walls; a
web for receiving a ball, the web being attached to the frame
member; and one or more tube-like polymer elements extending
transversely and/or longitudinally within the frame member.
[0015] To further achieve the objects, the present invention
comprises a head for a lacrosse stick, having: a frame member
having first and second side walls, each of the side walls having a
proximal end and a distal end, the frame member further having a
scoop extending between the distal ends of the side walls, and a
stop extending between the proximal ends of the side walls; a web
for receiving a ball, the web being attached to the frame member;
and one or more polyurethane cords extending transversely and/or
longitudinally within the frame member.
[0016] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several
embodiments of the invention and together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the
drawings:
[0018] FIG. 1A is a front elevational view of a lacrosse stick head
having conventional shooting string elements, conventional thong
elements, and an open weave cross lacing;
[0019] FIG. 1B is a fragmental top plan view of a lacrosse stick
head having conventional mesh web configuration and shooting string
elements;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a lacrosse stick head
having an open weave cross lacing, and tube-like polymer shooting
string and thong elements in accordance with the preferred
embodiments of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a lacrosse stick head
having a mesh web configuration and polymer shooting string
elements extending transversely along the width of the head
adjacent the scoop and in an arc-like shape midway in the head in
accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 4A is an exploded orthogonal view of a first
configuration of the tube-like polymer shooting string and thong
elements of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4B is an exploded orthogonal view of a second
configuration of the tube-like polymer shooting string and thong
elements of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4C is an exploded orthogonal view of a third
configuration of the polymer cord shooting string and thong
elements of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4D is an exploded orthogonal view of a fourth
configuration of the tube-like polymer shooting string and thong
elements of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 4E is an exploded orthogonal view of a fifth
configuration of the tube-like polymer shooting string and thong
elements of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts. All of the figures show
directional arrows, wherein a longitudinal direction corresponds to
the vertical direction and a transverse direction corresponds to
the horizontal direction.
[0028] As used herein, the term "polymer" generally includes, but
is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as, for example,
block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc.
and blends and modifications thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise
specifically limited, the term "polymer" shall include all possible
geometrical configurations of the material. These configurations
include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and random
symmetries.
[0029] As used herein, the term "non-woven polymer" means a polymer
having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are
interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner. Whereas the term
"woven polymer" means a polymer having a structure of individual
fibers or threads which are interlaid in an identifiable manner or
pattern.
[0030] As used herein, the term "synthetic polymer" means a polymer
that is artificially created and not found in nature. Whereas the
term "natural polymer" is defined as a polymer found in nature,
such as silk, wool, and cellulose, by way of illustration only.
[0031] As used herein, the term "sidestrings" means the material
that attach a lacrosse stringing assembly to the sidewalls of the
lacrosse head. Sidestrings typically are made from a string-like
material, such as a shoelace, that tie the stringing assembly to
the sidewalls.
[0032] In accordance with the invention, the present invention is
drawn generally to a head for a lacrosse stick. The head preferably
includes a frame member having first and second side walls, each of
the side walls having a proximal end and a distal end. The frame
member further includes a transverse wall or scoop extending
between the distal ends of the side walls, and an end wall or a
stop extending between the proximal ends of the side walls. The
head further preferably comprises a web for receiving a ball, the
web being attached to the frame member, and at least one flexible,
tube-like polymer shooting string element extending transversely
between the side walls of the frame member. Preferably, the
tube-like polymer shooting string element extends through the frame
member and is tied off. If the web is an open weave cross lacing,
then the invention preferably includes at least one flexible,
tube-like polymer thong element extending longitudinally between
the scoop and stop of the frame member. The tube-like polymer thong
element or the material it houses extends through the frame member
and is tied off.
[0033] More particularly, as embodied herein and as shown in FIG.
2, a lacrosse stick 40 comprises a handle 42 shown in phantom lines
and broken away, and a synthetic head 50. Head 50 comprises an
integral, generally V-shaped frame having a juncture 52, sidewalls
54 and 56, a transverse wall or scoop 58 joining sidewalls 54, 56
at a distal end of head 50, and an end wall or a stop 60 joining
sidewalls 54, 56 at a proximal end of head 50. Handle 42 fits into
and through juncture 52 and abuts stop 60. Preferably, a plurality
of string holes 62 are formed in sidewalls 54, 56, and a plurality
of string holes 64 are formed in scoop 58. Scoop 58 need not have
string holes 64, but may contain protrusions known in the art as
"tabs" in place of holes 64. Stop 60 also preferably has a
plurality of string holes provided therein.
[0034] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, lacrosse stick 40 further includes a stringing assembly
unit comprising an open weave cross lacing 70 of string-like
material extending transversely between side walls 54, 56 of the
frame of head 50 and being coupled directly to the frame member of
head 50 or via sidestrings. The stringing assembly unit further
comprises a plurality of tube-like polymer thong elements 80, 82,
87 extending longitudinally along the length of the frame of head
50. Each polymer thong element 80, 82, 87 or the material it houses
may be connected to scoop 58, via a corresponding opening 64, and
to stop 60 in a conventional manner.
[0035] Tube-like polymer thong elements 80, 82, 87 are
substantially parallel throughout the longitudinal length of the
frame member of head 50 and are spaced apart to provide a tracking
area for movement of the lacrosse ball in head 50. Although four
tube-like polymer thong elements 80, 82, 87 are shown in FIG. 2,
the lacrosse stick head may comprise as few as two tube-like
polymer thong elements or more than four tube-like polymer thong
elements.
[0036] The tube-like polymer thong elements of the present
invention preferably comprise one of five types of configurations.
In a first configuration, the tube-like polymer thong element 82
comprise a tube 86 made of rubber, urethane or some other non-woven
synthetic or natural polymer and having varying shapes (e.g.
cylindrical, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal) and
constructions (e.g. segmented, spiraled, straight, open, slit)
through which traditional string-like material 84 is fed.
Traditional string-like material 84 is fed through tube 86 until
such material 84, which may be ornamentally designed and exposed
through a transparent or translucent tube 86, extends outside the
tube ends and through the frame of the lacrosse head for use in
tightening, loosening or adjusting thong elements 82 and shaping a
desired pocket.
[0037] In a second configuration, the tube-like polymer thong
elements 87 comprise a tube 89 made of rubber, urethane or some
other non-woven synthetic or natural polymer and having varying
shapes (e.g. cylindrical, square, rectangular, triangular,
polygonal) and constructions (e.g. segmented, spiraled, straight,
open, slit) through which a second non-woven synthetic or natural
polymer material 88 is fed until such material 88 extends outside
the tube ends and through the frame of the lacrosse head for use in
tightening, loosening or adjusting thong elements 87 and shaping a
desired pocket.
[0038] In a third configuration, the polymer thong elements 80
comprise a flexible cord made from rubber, urethane or some other
non-woven synthetic or natural polymer of solid construction (even
if segmented, spiraled or split) and having varying shapes (e.g.
cylindrical, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal) that
extends through the frame of the lacrosse head for use in
tightening, loosening or adjusting the thong elements and shaping a
desired pocket.
[0039] In a fourth configuration, the tube-like polymer thong
elements comprise a tube made of nylon or some other woven
synthetic or natural polymer and having varying shapes (e.g.
cylindrical, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal) and
constructions (e.g. segmented, spiraled, straight, open, slit)
through which a second woven synthetic or natural polymer material
is fed until such material extends outside the tube ends and
through the frame of the lacrosse head for use in tightening,
loosening or adjusting thong elements and shaping a desired
pocket.
[0040] In a fifth configuration, the polymer thong elements
comprise a tube made of rubber, urethane or some other non-woven
synthetic or natural polymer or of nylon or some other woven
synthetic or natural polymer and having varying shapes (e.g.
cylindrical, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal) and open
construction (even if segmented, spiraled or split) which are tied
off inside the frame or extend through the frame of the lacrosse
head for use in tightening, loosening or adjusting the thong
elements and shaping a desired pocket.
[0041] The stringing assembly unit further preferably comprises a
plurality of tube-like polymer shooting string elements (or throw
strings) 90, 98, providing extra support to the upper portion of
the pocket. Tube-like polymer shooting string elements 90, 98
extend transversely along the width of the frame member, and are
connected to side walls 54, 56, via openings in side walls 54, 56,
or are tied off adjacent to and inside the side wall(s) of the
frame member.
[0042] Tube-like polymer shooting string elements 90, 98 may be
substantially parallel throughout the width of the frame member of
head 50 and may be spaced apart or in close proximity. Although two
tube-like polymer shooting string elements 90, 98 are shown in FIG.
2, the lacrosse stick head may comprise any number of tube-like
polymer shooting string elements, depending upon a player's
preference for influencing the release of a thrown ball.
[0043] The polymer shooting string elements of the present
invention preferably comprise one of the five types of
configurations shown above for the polymer thong elements. For ease
of reference, FIG. 2 shows only the first and third configurations.
In the first configuration, the polymer shooting string elements 90
comprise a tube 92 made of rubber, urethane or some other non-woven
synthetic or natural polymer and having varying shapes (e.g.
cylindrical, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal) and
constructions (e.g. segmented, spiraled, straight, solid, open,
slit) through which traditional string-like material 94 is fed. The
third configuration comprises polymer shooting string elements 98
made from a flexible polymer cord like the third configuration of
the polymer thong elements.
[0044] FIG. 4A shows an exploded orthogonal view of the first
configuration of the polymer shooting string and thong elements of
the present invention, as reference numeral 120. In the first
configuration, polymer thong or shooting string elements 120
comprise a flexible tube 122 made of urethane or some other
non-woven polymer and having varying shapes (e.g. cylindrical,
square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, although FIG. 4A shows
the cylindrical shape for exemplary purposes) and constructions
(e.g. segmented, spiraled, straight, open, slit) through which a
traditional string-like material 124 is fed. Traditional
string-like material 124 is fed through tube 122 until such
material 124, which may be ornamentally designed and exposed
through a transparent or translucent tube 122, extends outside ends
126 of tube 122.
[0045] FIG. 4B shows an exploded orthogonal view of the second
configuration of the polymer shooting string and thong elements of
the present invention, as reference numeral 130. In the second
configuration, polymer thong or shooting string elements 130
comprise a flexible tube 132 made of urethane or some other
non-woven polymer and having varying shapes (e.g. cylindrical,
square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, although FIG. 4B shows
the cylindrical shape for exemplary purposes) and constructions
(e.g. segmented, spiraled, straight, open, slit) through which a
second non-woven polymer material 134 is fed until such material
134 extends outside ends 136 of tube 132.
[0046] FIG. 4C shows an exploded orthogonal view of the third
configuration of the polymer shooting string and thong elements of
the present invention, as reference numeral 140. In the third
configuration, polymer shooting string elements 140 comprise a
flexible polymer cord made from rubber, urethane or some other
non-woven synthetic or natural polymer of solid construction and
having varying shapes (e.g. cylindrical, square, rectangular,
triangular, polygonal).
[0047] FIG. 4D shows an exploded orthogonal view of the fourth
configuration of the polymer shooting string and thong elements of
the present invention, as reference number 150. In the fourth
configuration, polymer thong or shooting string elements 150
comprise a flexible tube 152 made of a woven polymer and having
varying shapes (e.g. cylindrical, square, rectangular, triangular,
polygonal, although FIG. 4D shows the cylindrical shape for
exemplary purposes) and constructions (e.g. segmented, spiraled,
straight, open, slit) through which a second woven polymer material
154 is fed until such material 154 extends outside ends 156 of tube
152.
[0048] FIG. 4E shows an exploded orthogonal view of the fifth
configuration of the polymer shooting string and thong elements of
the present invention, as reference numeral 160. In the fifth
configuration, polymer thong or shooting string elements 160
comprise a flexible tube made of urethane or some other non-woven
polymer and having varying shapes (e.g. cylindrical, square,
rectangular, triangular, polygonal, although FIG. 4E shows the
cylindrical shape for exemplary purposes) and constructions (e.g.
segmented, spiraled, straight, open, slit). Flexible tube may also
be transparent or translucent, and may be made from any color.
[0049] The non-woven polymer material of the present invention is a
waterproof material having specified and variable stretching
characteristics. Since the material is waterproof, it eliminates
the problems experienced by conventional leather thong and woven
shooting string elements, such as rotting, breaking, cracking,
wearing, absorbing water, and unwanted stretching. The non-woven or
woven polymer material also prevents open weave cross lacing from
sliding out of place, ensuring a uniform pocket area.
[0050] In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the non-woven or woven synthetic or natural polymer used in the
thong and shooting string elements comprises polyurethane tubing
manufactured by Stevens Urethane of Holyoke, Mass. Stevens
polyurethane tubing has, inter alia, the following properties:
tensile strength up to 8,000 psi; outstanding tear strength; high
burst strength; withstands millions of flexes without significant
loss of properties; withstands continued exposure to temperatures
from -65.degree. F. to 220.degree. F. (-54.degree. C. to
104.degree. C.) without deterioration; abrasion resistance; and
high resistance to most other chemicals.
[0051] Traditional leather thong elements and woven shooting string
elements exhibit varied and random stretching characteristics until
they are worn out through use. In contrast, the flexible, tube-like
polymer thong and shooting string elements of the present invention
may have controlled and predictable stretching characteristics that
are unaffected by use. Controlled stretching properties allow for a
more shock-absorbing and softer pocket area for receiving a thrown
ball, and more trampoline-like effect (greater velocity) when a
ball is thrown from the lacrosse stick.
[0052] The polymer thong elements of the present invention can be
easily made wider than conventional thong elements having a width
0.25 inches. Accordingly, in a four thong element assembly, the two
outside thong elements may be wider or thinner than the two inside
thong elements, creating more of a channel for the ball in the
pocket. The polymer thong elements of the present invention are
extremely lightweight, each weighing approximately 0.5 grams less
than conventional leather thong elements when dry, and, in a four
thong element assembly, approximately 1.35 ounces less than four
saturated leather thongs.
[0053] The polymer shooting string and thong elements of the
present invention have a coefficient of friction greater than
traditional shooting string and thong elements. This allows for
improved ball handling, control and feel, and prevents the open
weave cross lacing from sliding out of place, ensuring a uniform
pocket area. These advantages can be enhanced by creating rough,
abraded, and irregular surfaces on the shooting string and thong
elements of the present invention.
[0054] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the polymer shooting
string and thong elements of the present invention and in
construction of these shooting string and thong elements without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. As an example
and as shown in FIG. 3, the shooting string elements of the present
invention may be used with a mesh configuration 110 that employs a
mesh knitted as a continuous strip of woven material having a
plurality of openings provided 112 therein. Any of the five
configurations of the polymer shooting string elements may be used
with the mesh configuration, although FIG. 3 shows only the first
and second types of tube-like polymer shooting string elements 90,
98. Furthermore, any of the five configurations of the polymer
shooting string elements may be used with a conventional central
mesh utilizing an open weave lacing along the frame.
[0055] As another example of a modification, the tube-like polymer
shooting string elements of the present invention need not extend
transversely along the width of the frame member. Rather, as shown
in FIG. 3, polymer shooting string elements 100 may extend along
the width of the frame member near the center portion of the web in
an arcuate or upside down V- or U-shape, enhancing pocket formation
and ball location, and creating a channeling-like effect when the
ball is cradled, carried or thrown. The polymer shooting string
elements may extend through the frame member and be tied off or be
tied around the side string in a mesh configuration or the open
weave lacing in a traditionally strung head.
[0056] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
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