U.S. patent application number 11/957609 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-19 for over-folded mesh.
Invention is credited to Paul Gait.
Application Number | 20080146387 11/957609 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39528054 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080146387 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gait; Paul |
June 19, 2008 |
Over-Folded Mesh
Abstract
An over-folded mesh useful for, inter alia, providing for a
quicker and easier installation of a pocket into a lacrosse
head.
Inventors: |
Gait; Paul; (Altamont,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WADDEY & PATTERSON, P.C.
1600 DIVISION STREET, SUITE 500
NASHVILLE
TN
37203
US
|
Family ID: |
39528054 |
Appl. No.: |
11/957609 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60875488 |
Dec 18, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/513 ;
473/510 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 59/20 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/513 ;
473/510 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/02 20060101
A63B059/02 |
Claims
1. A pocket for a lacrosse head comprising a piece of mesh having a
main mesh body and a folded mesh portion with a fold between the
mesh body and the folded mesh portion, and with the folded mesh
portion attached to the main mesh body after the fold.
2. The pocket of claim 1 wherein the mesh comprises nylon.
3. The pocket of claim 1 wherein the mesh comprises polyester.
4. The pocket of claim 1 further comprising the folded mesh portion
attached to the main mesh body by adhesive.
5. The pocket of claim 1 further comprising the folded mesh portion
attached to the main mesh body by glue.
6. The pocket of claim 1 further comprising the folded mesh portion
attached to the main mesh body by adhesive.
7. The pocket of claim 1 further comprising the folded mesh portion
attached to the main mesh body by stitching.
8. The pocket of claim 1 further comprising the folded mesh portion
attached to the main mesh body by thermal attachment.
9. The pocket of claim 1 further comprising the main mesh body and
folded mesh portion having openings.
10. The pocket of claim 9 further comprising the openings varying
in size.
11. The pocket of claim 9 wherein the openings of the main mesh
body and the openings of the folded mesh portion are aligned.
12. A pocket for a lacrosse head comprising mesh with
spaced-openings, a main mesh body and at least one dual-layer mesh
edge having at least one edge of the mesh folded over with the
folded over portion of the mesh attached back to the main mesh body
with the spaced-openings aligned.
13. The pocket of claim 11 wherein the dual-layers are attached by
adhesive.
14. The pocket of claim 11 wherein the dual-layers are attached by
stitching.
15. The pocket of claim 11 wherein the spaced-openings may vary in
size.
16. A strung lacrosse head comprising: a frame having a scoop; a
pocket comprising a piece of mesh with a main mesh body and at
least one dual-layer edge having the mesh folded over with the
folded over portion attached back to the mesh main mesh body; and a
top-string attaching the dual-layer edge of the mesh to the
scoop.
17. The lacrosse head of claim 15 wherein the mesh further
comprises spaced-openings.
18. The lacrosse head of claim 17 further comprising the dual-layer
edge having aligned spaced-openings with the spaced-openings of the
folded portion of the mesh aligning with the spaced-openings of the
mesh body.
19. The lacrosse head of claim 17 wherein the top-string is weaved
between the aligned spaced openings and the scoop.
20. A lacrosse stick comprising: a handle; a head attached to the
handle; and a pocket attached to the head comprising a piece of
mesh with a main mesh body and at least one dual-layer edge having
the mesh folded over with the folded over portion attached back to
the mesh main mesh body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a utility application which claims
benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/875,488 filed
Dec. 18, 2006, entitled "Over-Folded Mesh" which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to the mesh utilized in
forming a pocket for a lacrosse stick. More particularly, the
present invention relates to an over-folded mesh which allows for a
simpler and faster installation of a pocket into a lacrosse head.
The invention also includes the lacrosse head strung with the novel
mesh pocket.
BACKGROUND OF THE ART
[0003] The lacrosse game originated with the American and Canadian
native Americans. Traditionally, a lacrosse stick has a handle
portion attached to a head with the head consisting generally of a
frame and a pocket. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art that a well constructed lacrosse head is essential
in both the general play by and especially the success of
participants of the sport of lacrosse.
[0004] Generally, the lacrosse head can be described as a basket
that attaches to the end of the handle that is used to catch,
transport, and deliver the ball as desired. The lacrosse head not
only catches the ball and holds the ball during play, but is also
used during defensive maneuvers and to obtain the ball during a
face off. As such, the lacrosse head is subjected to both large and
varying forces during the game. As such, lacrosse heads are
typically formed of some type of plastic material which is rigid
although can slightly deform so as not to crack or break under the
typical stresses experienced during participation in a lacrosse
game.
[0005] Traditionally, the pocket for the lacrosse head is strung by
the player as the stringing of the pocket dictates the performance
characteristics of the lacrosse stick. Unfortunately, if one string
breaks or significantly weakens, the pocket will have to be either
replaced or repaired prior to the stick being used again during
game play.
[0006] There are currently at least three popular ways to construct
the lacrosse pocket;
[0007] Traditional: braided nylon or polyester lace woven between
side wall and longitudinal runners (sometimes referred to as
thongs). The runners are traditionally leather or braided nylon and
run between the scoop and inside throat area of the lacrosse head.
The pocket is woven to the head as it is being created. Most
traditional pockets comprise four runners, cross lacing, and side
wall stringing. These materials are typically hand woven or strung
in the traditional manner to form a pocket. The stringing and/or
weaving of a traditional pocket is very labor intensive and is
typically done by hand.
[0008] Mesh: machine-woven nylon mesh is pre-manufactured and later
attached to the side wall scoop and inside throat areas via string.
The mesh pockets consist of a polyester or nylon material woven
together to create a mesh with a diamond-like arrangement. This
mesh material is machine made and is the integral body of the
pocket. Furthermore, a mesh material allows for one consistent
weave pattern.
[0009] Traditional/Mesh: a head that is strung with a combination
of pre-manufactured mesh, hand-woven lace, and longitudinal
runners.
[0010] A disadvantage to the traditional style of pocket is that
stringing a lacrosse head in a traditional manner requires both
skill and time. Lacrosse players who do not have stringing skills
are often required to hire independents that do. Alternatively, one
can buy a head factory strung by the lacrosse manufacturer although
the pocket may not be designed exactly to the player's
specifications. Furthermore, traditional pockets experience more
variation and performance in rainy weather as the leather present
in the pocket stretches upon being exposed to water.
[0011] Thus, mesh has become one of the more popular pockets in
both junior league and collegiate level play. Mesh is not as
greatly affected by moisture, is easier to string and adjust to the
desired specifications of the player, and furthermore, is typically
more durable.
[0012] Despite being simpler than traditional pockets, mesh pockets
also take significant time to "break in." During this period, the
player becomes accustomed to the pocket, makes adjustments to make
it personalized, and the pockets undergo both stretching and
expansion. The pocket is arguably the most crucial part of a
lacrosse stick because of the basis for good ball control, accurate
passing, and fast, accurate shooting. Once the pocket is broken in
and the shape and performance characteristics are as the player
desires, the pocket is used for game play and only periodically
adjusted to maintain the desired performance characteristics.
[0013] Unfortunately, with extended game play and practice, as well
as the varying environmental conditions the lacrosse head pocket is
exposed to, the strings will break requiring the pocket to be
replaced. Furthermore, strings may break during game play, thus
requiring the pocket to be repaired or restrung quickly.
[0014] Accordingly, there is a need for a mesh pocket that is both
easier and quicker to string into a lacrosse head while still
providing the performance characteristics demanded by lacrosse
players.
[0015] Unfortunately, lacrosse head pockets of the prior art are
not designed for a quick and easy replacement. The prior art
pockets generally available require skill and patience making
re-stringing a lacrosse head difficult in only a short amount of
time.
[0016] What is desired, therefore, is a mesh pocket which is
over-folded so that a lacrosse player can quickly and easily string
the pocket of the lacrosse stick. Indeed, a combination of
characteristics, including a mesh pocket having at least an
over-folded edge, has been found to be necessary in simplifying the
installation of a pocket into a lacrosse head. Also desired is a
lacrosse head pre-strung with the novel mesh pocket.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention provides a mesh pocket for a lacrosse
head which is uniquely capable of being easily and quickly
installed into a lacrosse head.
[0018] More particularly, the inventive mesh pocket has at least
one edge over-folded so that the mesh may be strung more easily
into a lacrosse head. The over-folded edge of the mesh may be
attached to itself so that the openings within the mesh align with
themselves. Furthermore, the over-folded section of mesh may be
either glued or stitched so that at least the top row of mesh is
permanently doubled over.
[0019] The inventive mesh pocket with at least one edge of the mesh
over-folded can be strung into a lacrosse head with the top string
fed through the holes of the over-folded section of the mesh. In
addition, the mesh design may be of multiple types including but
not limited to hard mesh, durable mesh, soft mesh, or even a
micro-mesh design.
[0020] Advantageously, to produce a strong lacrosse head with the
novel mesh pocket, the over-folded mesh is attached within the
lacrosse head with the top string fed through the holes in the
over-folded edge.
[0021] An object of the invention, therefore, is a mesh pocket
having characteristics which enable it to be employed quickly and
easily into a lacrosse head.
[0022] Another object of the invention is a mesh pocket having at
least one edge over-folded with the folded portion attached to
itself by glue.
[0023] Still another object of the invention is a mesh pocket
having at least one over-folded edge with the over-folded portion
stitched to itself.
[0024] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a pocket
that can be adjusted easily and replaced quickly.
[0025] Another object of the invention is a mesh pocket that can be
easily manufactured.
[0026] Still another object of the invention is to provide a
lacrosse head strung with the over-folded mesh.
[0027] These aspects and others that will become apparent to the
artisan upon review of the following description can be
accomplished by providing a portion of mesh for stringing a
lacrosse stick and permanently over-folding at least one edge of
the mesh so that the mesh pattern is substantially aligned.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a prior art portion of mesh for
comprising a lacrosse pocket.
[0029] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a side view of a prior art
portion of mesh for comprising a lacrosse pocket.
[0030] FIG. 3 is an illustration of over-folded mesh of the present
invention for comprising a lacrosse pocket.
[0031] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a side view of over-folded mesh
of the present invention for comprising a lacrosse pocket.
[0032] FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of the folded
portion of the over-folded mesh of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 6 is an illustration of over-folded mesh of the present
invention comprising a lacrosse pocket within a lacrosse head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is generally shown
a portion of mesh of the prior art for use within a lacrosse
pocket. As can be seen, the mesh has only a single layer design and
must be manipulated for stringing within a lacrosse pocket.
[0035] In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, there is shown generally at 10, one
embodiment of the over-folded mesh of the present invention. As can
be seen from FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, over-folded mesh 10 has over-folded
edge 12, lateral sides 14 and 16, and throat side 18.
[0036] Over-folded mesh 10 can be comprised of a variety of
different types of mesh for use in forming a lacrosse head pocket.
Generally the mesh can be hard mesh, soft mesh, dura-mesh, as well
as types of mesh which fit in between the above classifications.
Furthermore, the mesh of over-folded mesh 10 can have a variety of
different diamond patterns. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the mesh of
over-folded mesh 12 is diamond mesh 10 referring to the number of
diamonds formed in the mesh when measured from lateral side 14 to
lateral side 16. Further embodiments may include 6 diamond mesh or
12 or 14 diamond mesh as well as mesh patterns which may be both
smaller or larger than the 10 diamond pattern as illustrated in
FIG. 3.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, over-folded mesh 12 is comprised
of nylon. Both the weave and size of the nylon fibers that comprise
the mesh of over-folded mesh 10 may be varied so as to provide
differing strength and stiffness to the mesh.
[0038] Over-folded edge 12 has at least one diamond of the mesh
over-folded so that the diamond pattern of the over-folded portion
of the mesh aligns with the main body of over-folded mesh 10. In
further embodiments, more than one diamond may be over-folded, thus
providing more options for the player in stringing over-folded mesh
12 into a lacrosse head.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 5, a close-up side view of the
over-folded edge 12 of one embodiment of the present invention is
presented. Over-folded edge 12 includes attachment 22, main mesh
body 24, and folded portion 26.
[0040] Inner edge of folded portion 26 may be attached to inner
edge of main mesh body 24 so that folded portion 26 is
substantially connected to main mesh body 24 by attachment 22.
Attachment 22 may include glue, epoxies, cements, or other
chemicals or adhesives so that folded portion 26 remains in either
partial or continuous connected contact with main mesh body 24. As
such, attachment 22 as illustrated in FIG. 5 is only one possible
embodiment of the positioning of attachment 22 with attachment 22
covering greater or lesser areas of folded portion 26. In
additional embodiments, folded portion 26 may be thermally attached
to main mesh body 24 wherein heat is utilized to connect folded
portion 26 to main mesh body 24. Yet furthermore, folded portion 26
may be stitched or otherwise woven into main mesh body 24 so that
the attachment is made and the diamond pattern aligns properly.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown generally a
partially strung lacrosse head. The lateral sides 14 and 16 of
over-folded mesh 10 are attached to side walls 32 and 34 by side
wall strings 36 and 38. Side wall strings 36 and 38 weave in and
out of lateral sides 14 and 16 of over-folded mesh 10 and back
through openings in side walls 36 and 38, thus attaching the
lateral sides of over-folded mesh 10 to lacrosse head 30. Throat
portion 20 of over-folded mesh 10 can be attached to throat 40 of
lacrosse head 30 by bottom string 42. Alternatively, in other
embodiments, side wall strings 36 and 38 can connect lower on
lacrosse head 30 so as to attach throat portion 20 of over-folded
mesh 10 to throat 40 of lacrosse head 30 without the need of bottom
strength 42.
[0042] Top string 44 is utilized to attach over-folded edge 12 of
over-folded mesh 10 to scoop 46 of lacrosse head 30.
[0043] More specifically, top string 44 weaves within the openings
created from the alignment and permanent attachment of folded
portion 26 to main body 24 of over-folded mesh 10. Top string 44
goes within these openings to attachment points in scoop 46 of
lacrosse head 30, thereby forming the pocket.
[0044] The use of over-folded mesh 10 with over-folded edge 12
provides great ease and simplicity in stringing a lacrosse stick as
a player does not have to constantly fold and align the edge of the
mesh for installation in the pocket as over-folded mesh 12 already
has an edge over-folded and attached with the mesh pattern aligned.
This allows a player to simply weave top string 44 through
over-folded edge 12 without having to constantly manipulate the
edge for proper alignment as over-folded edge 12 maintains the mesh
pattern in alignment.
[0045] The over-folded mesh of the present invention allows a
player to quickly and easily install a pocket into a lacrosse head
in short amounts of time. As such, the present invention can be
used to create a pocket in the lacrosse head which can quickly and
easily be maintained and fixed even during short intervals during a
lacrosse game.
[0046] Accordingly, by the practice of the present invention, a
mesh lacrosse pocket having heretofore unrecognized characteristics
is created. The over-folded mesh provides for greater ease and
timeliness in stringing a lacrosse stick as the over-folded edge is
already aligned for weaving to the scoop.
[0047] The disclosure of all cited patents and publications
referred to in this application are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0048] The above description is intended to enable the person
skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is not intended to
detail all the possible variations and modifications that will
become apparent to the skilled worker upon reading the description.
It is intended, however, that all such modifications and variations
be included within the scope of the invention that is defined by
the following claims. The claims are intended to cover the
indicated elements and steps that any arrangement or sequence that
is effective to meet the objectives intended for the invention,
unless the context specifically indicate the contrary.
* * * * *