U.S. patent application number 10/340661 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-28 for lacrosse stick string configuration.
Invention is credited to Dohm, Dustin Robert, O'Banion, Van William.
Application Number | 20030162612 10/340661 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27760352 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030162612 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Banion, Van William ; et
al. |
August 28, 2003 |
Lacrosse stick string configuration
Abstract
A lacrosse stick string arrangement for receiving and
manipulating a ball, the lacrosse stick having a head frame
including a top wall portion, a bottom wall portion, and a pair of
sidewalls which connect the top wall portion and the bottom wall
portion. The string arrangement includes at least two longitudinal
thongs extending in a spaced apart substantially parallel relation
relative to the central longitudinal axis of the head frame, the
longitudinal thongs being coupled to the top and bottom portions of
the head frame, a plurality of flexible netting material extending
between and intertwined with the longitudinal thongs, and a
sidewall connection mechanism for connecting the flexible netting
material to the head frame at the outer periphery of each
sidewall.
Inventors: |
O'Banion, Van William;
(Owings Mills, MD) ; Dohm, Dustin Robert; (Owings
Mills, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Todd A. Vaughn
P.O. Box 9117
Arlington
VA
22219
US
|
Family ID: |
27760352 |
Appl. No.: |
10/340661 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60346902 |
Jan 11, 2002 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/513 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/14 20151001;
A63B 59/20 20151001; A63B 60/00 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/513 |
International
Class: |
A63B 059/02; A63B
065/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lacrosse stick string arrangement for receiving and
manipulating a ball, the lacrosse stick having a head frame
including a top wall portion, a bottom wall portion, and a pair of
sidewalls which connect the top wall portion and the bottom wall
portion, said string arrangement comprising at least two
longitudinal thongs extending in a spaced apart substantially
parallel relation relative to the central longitudinal axis of the
head frame, said longitudinal thongs being coupled to said top
portion and said bottom portion of said head frame; a plurality of
flexible netting material surrounding said longitudinal thongs; and
a sidewall coupling mechanism for coupling said plurality of
flexible netting material to said head frame at the outer periphery
of said sidewalls.
2. A lacrosse stick string arrangement for receiving and
manipulating a ball, the lacrosse stick having a head frame
including a top wall portion, a bottom wall portion, and a pair of
sidewalls which connect the top wall portion and the bottom wall
portion, said string arrangement comprising: first and second
longitudinal thongs extending in a spaced apart substantially
parallel relation relative to the central longitudinal axis of the
head frame, said longitudinal thongs being coupled to said top
portion and said bottom portion of said head frame; first and
second arrays of lacing positioned between a respective
longitudinal thong and sidewall, each array including a length of
string which is twisted about itself so as to extend longitudinally
between said top portion and said bottom portion of said head
frame, a portion of said string including a first plurality of
coils which extend transversely to interconnect a respective
longitudinal thong to said sidewall; and a sidewall coupling
mechanism for connecting said first and second arrays to said head
frame at the outer periphery of each sidewall.
3. The string arrangement as claimed in claim 2, further comprising
a third array of lacing centrally disposed between said
longitudinal thongs so as to interconnect said longitudinal
thongs.
4. The string arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein said third
array includes a length of string which is twisted about itself so
as to extend longitudinally between said top portion and said
bottom portion of said head frame, a portion of said string
including a second plurality of coils extending transversely so as
to interconnect said longitudinal thongs.
5. The string arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein said
second plurality of coils includes a first coil segment which
extends from said string and is coupled to said first longitudinal
thong, and a second coil segment which extends from said string and
is couple to said second longitudinal thong.
6. The string arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
sidewall coupling mechanism comprises a length of string which is
attached to and extends along the outer periphery of each
respective sidewall.
7. The string arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
plurality of coils includes a first coil segment which extends from
said string and is coupled to a respective sidewall, and a second
coil segment which extends from said string and is coupled to a
respective longitudinal thong.
8. The string arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
string portion being attached at a first end to said top portion of
said head frame and at a second end to said connection mechanism,
and said second end of said first plurality of transverse coils
being attached to said connection mechanism.
9. The string arrangement as claimed in claim 2, further comprising
a mesh portion extending between and attached to each longitudinal
thong.
10. A string arrangement for a lacrosse stick having a head frame
including a top wall portion, a bottom wall portion, and a pair of
sidewalls which connect the top wall portion and the bottom wall
portion, said string arrangement comprising: a pair of inner
longitudinal thongs and a pair of outer longitudinal things each
extending in a spaced apart substantially parallel relation
relative to the central longitudinal axis of the head frame, said
longitudinal thongs being coupled to said top portion and said
bottom portion of said head frame; a plurality of symmetrical
transverse coils extending between a respective one of said
sidewalls and a respective outer longitudinal coil; a sidewall
connection mechanism for connecting said first and second plurality
of transverse coils to said head frame at the outer periphery of
said sidewalls, wherein said connection mechanism includes a length
of string secured to the outer periphery of said sidewalls and said
second end of said first plurality of transverse coils being
attached to said connection mechanism.
11. The string arrangement as in claim 10, further comprising a
mesh portion extending between and coupled to said inner
longitudinal thongs.
12. The string arrangement as in claim 10, further comprising a
length of string transversely extending in a plurality of
criss-cross patterns so as to interconnect an outer longitudinal
thong to a respective inner longitudinal thong.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
provisional application Ser. No. 60/346,902, filed Jan. 11,
2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed generally to a lacrosse
stick head, and particularly, to a lacrosse stick head string
configuration that permits enhanced ball control and shooting
accuracy.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] Lacrosse sticks having a net and a head frame with sidewalls
generally configured to catch, carry and throw a lacrosse ball are
well known in the art. As shown in FIG. 5, U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,372
to Brine, III et al. provides a traditional stringing configuration
for a head frame of a lacrosse stick generally include four
longitudinal leather thong elements which extend between an upper
portion of the head frame of the lacrosse stick and the lower base
portion of the head frame. An open weave cross lacing or threading
extends transversely to interconnect leather thong elements to the
head frame and maintain the same in a predetermined space relation.
The lacing is coupled to the head frame of the lacrosse stick by
stringing cords. Unfortunately, the coupling of the lacing is
coupled to the head frame at the inner periphery of the head frame,
and thus, minimizes the depth of the pocket and results in a more
tightly wound pocket design. This is disadvantageous in that it
results in poor ball handling and less accuracy when shooting or
passing the ball during play. This is further disadvantageous when
used in combination with the four longitudinal thong arrangement
because it further limits accurate passing and shooting of the
ball.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,901 B1 to Collinson discloses a lacrosse
stick string configuration which utilizes a plurality of
longitudinally extending thongs, a plurality of longitudinally
extending twisted chords positioned between the thongs, whereby
portions of the twisted chords extend transversely of the head
frame to interconnect the longitudinal thongs. However, the
transverse lacing is peripherally coupled to the side walls of the
head frame at an inner periphery of the head frame, and also leads
to the aforementioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
overcome the foregoing disadvantages in providing a string
arrangement for a lacrosse stick that forms a pocket that has more
depth to facilitate greater ease in catching and retaining the
lacrosse ball in the lacrosse head during play.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide
such a string arrangement that forms a pocket which helps channel
the lacrosse ball towards the center of the head frame when
received therein.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a string arrangement with a symmetrical design that creates a
channel that forms a pocket having a channel which permits the
handler of the lacrosse stick to have greater throwing accuracy and
speed by minimizing the amount of pocket area in which the ball
actually touches.
[0008] These, as well as other objects, are achieved in accordance
with the invention including a string configuration which forms a
flexible pocket for manipulating a lacrosse ball received therein,
the string configuration including a pair of thongs which
longitudinally extend in a spaced apart, yet substantially parallel
relation relative to the central longitudinal axis of the head
frame. The string configuration also includes symmetrical first and
second arrays of netting material which are positioned between the
sidewalls and longitudinal thongs that help facilitate the
funneling of the lacrosse ball towards the center of the head
frame. A third array of netting material is positioned in the
channel created between the longitudinal thongs to complete the
pocket.
[0009] In order to connect the first and second arrays to the head
frame, a coupling mechanism is provided that includes an individual
length of sidewall string which is looped through holes or
apertures on the sidewalls and is affixed thereto by knotting at
distal ends thereof The first and second arrays are connected to
the head frame at the outer periphery of each sidewall by way of
their attachment to the sidewall string.
[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
third array is coupled to the head frame by way of a coupling
mechanism that attaches at the inner periphery of the head frame,
and permits the third array to become essentially suspending
between the longitudinal coils. This creates a more flexible
channel in which to receive the ball, thereby providing enhanced
passing and shooting accuracy and ball control.
[0011] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention,
the string arrangement includes the combination of the coupling
mechanism with a traditional four longitudinal thong approach that
creates a channel in the central longitudinal axis of the head
frame in which a piece of mesh material or the like may be
positioned.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a rear elevational view of a string arrangement
for a lacrosse stick in a first embodiment of the invention,
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a rear elevational view of a string arrangement
for a lacrosse stick in a second embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a rear elevational view of a string arrangement
for a lacrosse stick in a third embodiment of the invention;
and
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the connection of a transverse
coil to the sidewall in as shown in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, which illustrate in string
configurations for a lacrosse stick 9 including a head frame 10
having an upper or top wall portion 11, a lower or bottom wall
portion 12 which attaches to the throat (not shown) of the head
frame, and a pair of sidewalls 13, 14 defining a plane which is
substantially perpendicular to the plane of the head frame 10.
[0017] The string configuration of FIG. 1 forms a flexible pocket
for manipulating a lacrosse ball received therein, the string
configuration including first and second thongs 15, 16 extending
longitudinally in a spaced apart, yet substantially parallel
relation relative to the central longitudinal axis of the head
frame 10. The thongs 15, 16 are preferably composed of a suitable
inelastic material, such as leather. The thongs 15, 16 are secured,
coupled or attached to the top wall portion 11 and the bottom wall
portion 12 of the head frame 10 in any conventional manner known in
the art.
[0018] First and second symmetrical arrays 17, 18 of flexible
netting material, each preferably composed of nylon string, are
positioned between each sidewall 13, 14 and a respective
longitudinal thong 15, 16 for facilitating the funneling of a
lacrosse ball towards the center of the head frame 10. The first
and second arrays 17, 18 each include a length of string 20, 21
which is spirally wound or twisted about itself so as to extend
longitudinally between the top wall portion 11 and the bottom
portion 12 of the head frame 10, a portion of each string 20, 21
including a plurality of transverse coils including a first coil
segment 23 having a first end which extends from its respective
spirally twisted string 20, 21, and a second end which is coupled
to a respective sidewall 13, 14, and a second coil segment 24
having a first end which extends from its respective spirally
twisted string 20, 21 and a second end which is coupled to its
respective longitudinal thong 15, 16 by way of a loop arrangement.
In other words, the first and second arrays 17, 18 are designed so
as to form consecutive and repeating twist-to-coil patterns from
the top wall portion 11 to the bottom wall portion 12 of the head
frame 10.
[0019] A third array 19 of netting material, also preferably
composed of nylon string, is positioned in the channel created
between the longitudinal thongs 15, 16. The third array of netting
material includes a length of string 22 which is spirally wound or
twisted about itself so as to extend longitudinally between the top
wall portion 11 and the bottom portion 12 of the head frame 10, a
portion of the string 22 including a plurality of coils which
extend transversely to interconnect the longitudinal thongs 15, 16.
The plurality of coils includes coil segments 25, 26 each having a
first end which extends from the spirally twisted string 22 and a
second end which is coupled to the longitudinal thongs 15, 16.
[0020] The third array is coupled to the head frame 10 by way of
first and second individual lengths of string 31, 32. Each length
of string 31, 32 is coupled to the upper wall portion 11 and
extends downwardly within the channel between the longitudinal
thongs 15, 16, looping around each longitudinal thong 15, 16 at
predetermined points. At distal ends thereof, the strings 31, 32
are coupled at lower portions of the longitudinal thongs 15, 16 at
a point adjacent to the lower wall portion 12. This design permits
the coil segments 25, 26 to become essentially suspended within the
channel, thereby creating a more flexible channel in which to
manipulate the ball. The pocket is completed by the addition of
transverse lacing or shooting strings 27, 28 and 29 adjacent the
top wall portion 11.
[0021] In order to connect the first and second arrays 17, 18 to
the head frame 10, second coupling mechanism is provided.
Preferably the second coupling mechanism includes an individual
length of sidewall string 27 composed of a material such as nylon.
The length of sidewall string 27 is looped through holes or
apertures (not shown) on the sidewalls 13, 14 and is affixed
thereto by knotting at distal ends thereof
[0022] Once the sidewall string 27 is affixed to each sidewall 13,
14, the first and second arrays 17, 18 are connected to the head
frame 10, in particular, at the outer periphery of each sidewall
13, 14 by way of the sidewall string 30. Each spirally twisted
string 20, 21 is attached at a first end to the top portion of the
head frame 10 and at a second end to the sidewall string 30 at a
point adjacent to the bottom section 12 of the head frame 10. The
second end of each one of the first plurality of transverse coils
23 is attached to the sidewall string 30 at a point adjacent to its
respective sidewall 13, 14.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a string configuration which includes first and
second thongs 115, 116 extending longitudinally in a spaced apart,
yet substantially parallel relation relative to the central
longitudinal axis of the head frame 110. The thongs 115, 116 are
preferably composed of a suitable inelastic material, such as
leather. The thongs 115, 116 are secured, coupled or attached to
the top wall portion 111 and the bottom wall portion 112 of the
head frame 110 in any conventional manner known in the art.
Transverse lacing, or shooting strings 127, 128 and 129 are
provided adjacent the top wall portion 111.
[0024] First and second symmetrical arrays 117, 118 of netting
material, each one preferably composed of a nylon string material,
are positioned between each sidewall 113, 114 and a respective
longitudinal thong 115, 116 that permits the funneling of the ball
towards the center of the head frame 110. The first and second
arrays 117, 118 each include an individual length of string 120,
121 which is spirally wound or twisted about itself so as to extend
longitudinally between the top wall portion 111 and the bottom
portion 112 of the head frame 110. A portion of each string 120,
121 includes a plurality of coils extending transversely therefrom
including a first coil segment 123 having a first end which extends
from its respective spirally twisted string 120, 121 and a second
end which is coupled to a respective sidewall 113, 114 and a second
coil segment 124 having a first end which extends from its
respective spirally twisted string 121 and a second end which is
coupled to its respective longitudinal thong 115, 116 by way of a
loop arrangement. In other words, the first and second arrays 117,
118 are designed to form consecutive and repeating twist-to-coil
patterns from the top wall portion 111 to the bottom wall portion
112 of the head frame 110.
[0025] A third array 119 of netting material, preferably composed
of nylon string, is positioned in the channel created between the
longitudinal thongs 115, 116. The third array of netting material
includes a length of string 122 which is spirally wound or twisted
about itself so as to extend longitudinally between the top wall
portion 111 and the bottom portion 112 of the head frame 110, a
portion of the string 122 including a plurality of coils which
extend transversely to interconnect the longitudinal thongs 115,
116. The plurality of coils includes coil segments 25, 26 each
having a first end which extends from the spirally twisted string
22 and a second end which is directly coupled to the longitudinal
thongs 115, 116.
[0026] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 also utilizes the
aforementioned coupling mechanism concept, i.e., an individual
length of sidewall string 130, for connecting the first and second
arrays to the head frame 110. However, the string arrangement
illustrated in FIG. 2 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1
in that the third array of netting material does not require a
separate coupling arrangement to the head frame 110, i.e., the
third array is coupled directly to the longitudinal thongs 115,
116.
[0027] The string arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a pair
of inner thongs 216, 217 and a pair of outer tongs 215, 218 which
each extend longitudinally in a spaced apart, yet substantially
parallel relation relative to the central longitudinal axis of the
head frame 210. The inner thongs 216, 217 and outer thongs 215, 218
are preferably composed of a suitable inelastic material, such as
leather. The inner thongs 216, 217 and outer thongs 215, 218 may be
secured, coupled or attached to the top wall portion 211 and the
bottom wall portion 212 of the head frame 210 in any conventional
manner known in the art. Shooting strings 227, 28, 229 and 230 are
provided adjacent the top wall portion 211.
[0028] The inner longitudinal thongs 216, 217 create a channel in
the central axis of the head frame 210 in which a flexible mesh
material 219 is positioned between each sidewall 213, 214.
Positioned in a space between the bottom wall portion 212 and the
flexible mesh material 219 are a pair of coils 220, 221 that
criss-cross in an X-shaped pattern so as to force the ball towards
the center of the head frame 210 when received therein.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, a coupling mechanism including an
individual length of sidewall string 226 composed of a material
such as nylon is provided and is looped through holes or apertures
(not shown) on the sidewalls 213, 214 and affixed thereto by
knotting at distal ends thereof The outer longitudinal thongs 215,
218 are connected to the sidewalls 213, 214 through a plurality of
transverse coils 222, 223 which are connected at one end to a
respective outer longitudinal thong 215, 218 and at another end to
the sidewall string 226. The inner longitudinal thongs 216, 217 and
outer longitudinal thongs 215, 218 are interconnected by way of a
length of nylon string 224, 225 which extends from a respective
transverse coil 222, 223 in a series of symmetrical X-shaped
patterns.
[0030] Accordingly, the string arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
employs a two-thong approach that creates a more open and spacious
pocket design when compared to conventional stringing arrangement.
In particular, the use of a twist-to-coil arrangement obviates the
need for a four-thong approach since it facilitates movement of the
ball towards the center of the head frame. This is advantageous in
that it results in greater shooting and passing accuracy while also
permitting greater ball handling.
[0031] Additionally, unlike conventional string arrangements
whereby the pocket is connected to the sidewall of the head frame
at the inner periphery thereof, the sidewall coupling mechanism of
the invention increases the depth in which to receive the ball, and
thus, permits the handler of the lacrosse stick to have greater
control of the ball once received therein. This also results in
increased throwing accuracy and trajectory when passing or
shooting. Moreover, the string arrangement shown in FIG. 3 utilizes
a conventional four-thong approach but includes the advantageous
sidewall string design to maximize pocket depth for enhancing
passing and shooting.
* * * * *