U.S. patent application number 14/300848 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-08 for lacrosse head.
The applicant listed for this patent is Warrior Sports, Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas H. Burns, Richard J. Janisse, Matthew W. McPhail.
Application Number | 20150011341 14/300848 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52133192 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150011341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Janisse; Richard J. ; et
al. |
January 8, 2015 |
LACROSSE HEAD
Abstract
A lacrosse head including a sidewall having upper and lower
rails and an optional cross member. At least one of the upper and
lower rails and cross member are cored out to define a recess. The
recess can be partitioned by multiple trusses into multiple
individual voids. The voids can be of increasing depth, progressing
from shallower to deeper depths from the bottom rail to the upper
rail. The lower rail can be reinforced with additional trusses near
the base or ball stop of the head to add strength and rigidity
there. The density of the trusses and/or cross sectional area of
material can be altered in the upper rail, lower rail and cross
member to selectively alter stiffness in those components. The
stiffness of these components can also vary to provide different
position heads, for example, attack, midfield and defense heads,
with selectively different stiffness and strength
characteristics.
Inventors: |
Janisse; Richard J.;
(Windsor, CA) ; Burns; Thomas H.; (Royal Oak,
MI) ; McPhail; Matthew W.; (Royal Oak, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Warrior Sports, Inc. |
Warren |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52133192 |
Appl. No.: |
14/300848 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61842173 |
Jul 2, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/513 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/00 20151001;
A63B 59/20 20151001; A63B 2102/14 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/513 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/02 20060101
A63B059/02 |
Claims
1. A lacrosse head comprising: a throat adapted to connect to a
lacrosse handle; a base joined with the throat, the base including
a ball stop, the ball stop extending from an upper ball stop rim to
a lower ball stop rim; a scoop distal from the base; a first
sidewall and a second sidewall, each extending from the base toward
the scoop and joined with one another distal from the base at the
scoop, each first and second sidewall being of an open frame
construction, each first and second sidewall including an upper
rail and a lower rail and a cross member extending between and
joined with the upper rail and the lower rail, and a longitudinal
axis extending from the ball stop toward the scoop, wherein at
least one of the upper rail, lower rail and cross member is cored
out to define a plurality of voids, wherein each of the plurality
of voids opens toward an interior of the head, toward the
longitudinal axis, wherein at least one void from the plurality of
voids includes a first truss extending across the at least one
void.
2. The lacrosse head of claim 1 wherein the plurality of voids are
defined in the upper rail, the lower rail and the cross member.
3. The lacrosse head of claim 2 wherein voids defined by the bottom
rail are shallower than the voids defined by the upper rail.
4. The lacrosse head of claim 1 wherein the first truss includes an
interior edge that faces toward the longitudinal axis and forms a
ball contact surface on the interior.
5. The lacrosse head of claim 4 wherein the lower rail includes a
truss density, wherein the truss density is greater adjacent the
ball stop, and decreases toward the scoop.
6. The lacrosse head of claim 1 wherein the lower rail includes a
first truss density and the upper rail includes a second truss
density, the first truss density greater than the second truss
density.
7. The lacrosse head of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of
voids is bounded by a closed bottom wall, a first truss inner wall
and a second truss inner wall, wherein the bottom wall is
substantially concave.
8. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein a first plurality of voids
are defined in the upper rail, wherein a second plurality of voids
are defined in the lower rail, wherein a third plurality of voids
are defined in the cross member.
9. The lacrosse head of claim 8, wherein a first void is common to
the first plurality of voids defined in the upper rail and the
third plurality of voids defined in the cross member.
10. A lacrosse head comprising: a throat adapted for connection to
a lacrosse handle; a base joined with the throat; a scoop distal
from the base; a pair of sidewalls extending from the base and
joined with one another distal from the base at the scoop, each
sidewall being of an open frame construction and including at least
one non-string hole, each sidewall including an upper rail and a
lower rail separated from one another by a distance, each sidewall
including a cross member joined with the upper rail and the lower
rail; and a longitudinal axis extending from the base toward the
scoop; wherein the base, scoop and pair of sidewalls form an
interior of the head and an outwardly facing exterior; wherein the
lower rail defines a first plurality of voids opening toward the
interior, but not the exterior, toward the longitudinal axis,
wherein individual voids from the first plurality of voids are
separated from one another and generally bounded by a first
plurality of intersecting trusses arranged perpendicular to a
vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis; wherein each
of the first plurality of voids is bounded by a first closed bottom
so that each of the first plurality of voids does not extend
completely through the lower rail, the first closed bottom further
bounding each of the first plurality of voids. wherein a plurality
of net holes are defined in the lower rail, in a plurality of
preselected closed bottoms.
11. The lacrosse head of claim 10, wherein the upper rail defines a
second plurality of voids opening toward the interior, toward the
longitudinal axis, wherein the second plurality of voids are
separated from one another and bounded by a second plurality of
intersecting trusses arranged perpendicular to the vertical plane
passing through the longitudinal axis; wherein each of the second
plurality of voids is bounded by a second closed bottom so that the
each of the second plurality of voids does not extend completely
through the upper rail.
12. The lacrosse head of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of
voids have a first void depth, wherein the second plurality of
voids have a second void depth, wherein the first void depth is
less than the second void depth.
13. The lacrosse head of claim 12 wherein the cross member defines
a third plurality of voids opening toward the interior, toward the
longitudinal axis, wherein the third plurality of voids are
separated from one another and bounded by a third plurality of
intersecting trusses arranged perpendicular to the vertical plane
passing through the longitudinal axis; wherein each of third
plurality of voids is further bounded by a third closed bottom so
that the each of third plurality of voids does not extend
completely through the cross member.
14. The lacrosse head of claim 13, wherein the third plurality of
voids have a third void depth, wherein the third void depth is less
than the second void depth.
15. The lacrosse head of claim 10 wherein the first plurality of
trusses have a truss density that is greater near the base than
near the scoop.
16. The lacrosse head of claim 10 wherein the upper rail and cross
member have a second and third plurality of voids, respectively,
wherein a depth of the first plurality of voids is greater than
another depth of the second and third plurality of voids.
17. A lacrosse head comprising: a throat adapted for connection to
a lacrosse handle; a base joined with the throat; a scoop distal
from the base; a pair of sidewalls extending from the base and
joined with one another distal from the base at the scoop, each
sidewall being of an open frame construction and including at least
one non-string hole, each sidewall including an upper rail and a
lower rail separated from one another by a distance, each sidewall
including a cross member joined with the upper rail and the lower
rail; and a longitudinal axis extending from the base toward the
scoop, wherein the upper rail, lower rail and cross member reach
include a cored out portion, wherein the upper rail, lower rail and
cross member include a plurality of trusses that separate the cored
out portion into a plurality of voids, wherein the plurality of
voids open inward, toward the longitudinal axis.
18. The lacrosse head of claim 17, wherein the cored out portion is
generally concave, opening toward the longitudinal axis, wherein
the plurality of trusses extend inward toward the longitudinal
axis, wherein the plurality of trusses are generally planar
elements, wherein the plurality of trusses are substantially
perpendicular to a plane extending through the longitudinal
axis.
19. The lacrosse head of claim 17 wherein the plurality of voids
increase in depth progressing from the lower rail to the upper
rail.
20. The lacrosse head of claim 17 wherein the plurality of voids
include a first void of a first depth, and a second void of a
second depth, wherein the first depth is greater than the second
depth, wherein the respective first and second depths impart a
preselected flexibility to at least one of the upper rail, lower
rail and cross member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to lacrosse heads, and more
particularly, to lacrosse heads having selectively disposed
stiffness and flexibility regions.
[0002] Conventional lacrosse heads are constructed from plastic and
include an open frame having a ball stop joined with the base, a
pair of sidewalls that diverge from the ball stop and a scoop that
connects the sidewalls, opposite the ball stop. The sidewalls
include a lower rail that defines multiple circular or elliptical
string holes. A net is strung to the lower rail via the string
holes, around the back side of the frame, leaving the opposing side
of the frame open for catching or shooting a lacrosse ball.
[0003] Most lacrosse heads are constructed to be light and
maneuverable. Typically, this is accomplished by reducing or
eliminating material from the head, for example, by making larger
through holes in the frame. Many times, however, this reduction in
material and corresponding large openings in the frame, leads to
undesired flexibility and strength reduction. In turn, the head can
be susceptible to bending, deformation and/or breakage. Flexibility
in the wrong places in the head also can lead to improper ball
control, and can compromise accurate, consistent shooting and
passing with the head.
[0004] While there are some heads that incorporate certain types of
structures to bolster the strength of the head without
significantly increasing weight, many fall short of their goal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A lacrosse head is provided including frame having a ball
stop joined with a base, a scoop, and sidewalls joining the base
and scoop. The frame defines a plurality of recesses and/or voids
on the ball facing interior of the head. The recesses and/or voids
are strategically positioned, reinforced and dimensioned to provide
strength and flexibility to select regions of the head. The voids
optionally can be reinforced with one or more trusses that are
disposed at least partially within the voids.
[0006] In one embodiment, the lacrosse head includes sidewalls each
having an upper rail, a lower rail and one or more upper and
optional cross members. The upper rail, lower rail and/or cross
member can define one or more recesses. The recesses can be
partitioned by a plurality of trusses that establish multiple voids
in the respective upper rails, lower rail and/or cross member. The
trusses and voids can enhance the strength and rigidity of the head
while enabling it to remain lightweight and maneuverable.
[0007] In another embodiment, the voids are configured to face
toward a longitudinal axis of the head and open generally toward
the interior of the head. The bottom of the voids can be generally
closed except for stringer net holes at the bottoms of certain
voids, the net holes projecting through the lower rail.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, the voids and/or recesses are
progressively deeper as they transition from the lower rail to the
upper rail, optionally through the cross member. In some cases, the
voids can be about 1% to about 200%, about 10% to about 150%, about
25% to about 100%, or about 50% to about 100% greater in depth in
the upper rail than in the lower rail. Optionally, the lower rail
can define shallower voids and/or can include more material per
cross sectional area, as compared to the upper rail. Thus, the
lower rail can be stiffer and more rigid than the upper rail, which
can be more flexible and/or resilient than the lower rail.
[0009] In still another embodiment, the voids and/or recesses
defined in a lower rail, upper rail and/or cross member are
progressively deeper transitioning from a base or ball stop to a
scoop of the head, or vice versa. In some cases, the voids can be
about 1% to about 200%, about 10% to about 150%, about 25% to about
100%, or about 50% to about 100% greater in depth in the part of
the head near the scoop than in the part of the head near the base
or ball stop of the head.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the voids and/or recesses defined
in a lower rail, upper rail and/or cross member are deeper in
certain parts of those elements than in other parts to fine tune
the dynamic flexing of the head. Depending on the desired
flexibility of the head, the voids can be about 1% to about 200%,
about 10% to about 150%, about 25% to about 100%, or about 50% to
about 100% greater in depth in certain parts or locations along the
lower rail, upper rail and/or cross member than in other parts of
the same lower rail, upper rail and/or cross member.
[0011] In even another embodiment, the trusses vary in density in
various portions of the upper rail and/or the lower rail. For
example, in the lower rail, the density of the trusses, and thus
the reinforcement of the lower rail, can be enhanced adjacent the
ball stop.
[0012] In a further embodiment, the density of the trusses can be
decreased forward of the ball stop and optionally increased yet
again where a cross member intersects the lower rail. Varying
densities can be achieved throughout the upper and lower rails by
altering the density of the trusses and/or the overall material at
a given cross section of the respective rails and/or cross
member.
[0013] In still a further embodiment, the recesses can be included
in the upper rail, the lower rail and the cross members forward of
the ball stop and rearward of the scoop. The truss members,
recesses and voids can terminate short of the scoop and short of
the ball stop, being contained only in the upper and lower rails
and cross member of the sidewalls.
[0014] The lacrosse head described herein provides exceptional
stiffness and rigidity, as well as flexibility in preselected
locations within the head. The recesses and voids diminish the
overall weight of a head which lends itself to improved
maneuverability and feel. The optional trusses enable the head to
provide improved deflection characteristics, comparable to heads
having significantly greater amounts of material built into a given
component. Thus, the head exhibits a unique balance of stiffness
and flexibility where needed. In addition, the truss members, voids
and recesses can provide enhanced rigidity and a reduced deflection
of the head when certain forces are exerted on the head. Further,
due to the lightweight construction and the voids and recesses, a
significant weight savings for the head is achieved. The dimensions
and locations of trusses, recesses and voids can be selectively
modified for heads used in a variety of different positions, for
example, attack, midfield and defense positions. This can lend to
the overall ease of playability in those positions and can assist a
player adapting to those various positions.
[0015] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the
invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by
reference to the description of the current embodiment and the
drawings.
[0016] Before the embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to the details of
operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of
the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in
various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried
out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein
are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations
thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and
equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents
thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of
various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of
enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to
any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of
enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the
invention any additional steps or components that might be combined
with or into the enumerated steps or components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a current embodiment
of a lacrosse head;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a close up perspective view of a lower rail of the
lacrosse head;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the lacrosse head;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the lacrosse head;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the exterior of the
lacrosse head;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an interior of a sidewall
of the lacrosse head;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a section view of the lacrosse head sidewall taken
along lines 7-7 in FIG. 6;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a section view of the lacrosse head sidewall taken
along lines 8-8 in FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of an interior of a sidewall
of a first alternative embodiment of the lacrosse head; and
[0026] FIG. 10 is a section view of the lacrosse head sidewall
taken along lines 10-10 in FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS
I. Overview
[0027] A current embodiment of the lacrosse head is shown in FIGS.
1-8 and generally designated 10. The lacrosse head 10 includes a
throat 11 to connect the head to a lacrosse handle (not shown), a
pair of opposing sidewalls 20 and a scoop 30 connecting the pair of
opposing sidewalls 20 opposite the throat 11. Located at the lower
end of the head, adjacent the throat 11 is a base 50 which includes
a ball stop 52. The sidewalls 20 can be of an open frame
construction, that is then they can define at least one non-string
hole that extends completely through the sidewalls, from the
interior to the exterior, where the non-string hole reduces the
weight of the head. Exemplary non-string holes are the frame holes
21, 22 and 23 shown in FIG. 5. The sidewalls, ball stop and scoop
can generally wrap around and form a periphery of the interior 13
of the head. The interior of the head optionally can be the portion
and surfaces of the head that directly contact the ball while the
ball is being carried in, caught by or shot from the head. Each
sidewall can include an upper rail 60 and a lower rail 70. One or
more cross members 30 can be joined with the upper rail and a lower
rail, generally extending from one to the other adjacent one or
more of the openings 21, 22 and 23.
[0028] The lacrosse head 10 includes one or more cored out sections
or recesses 80, 81 and 81 defined by the cross members, upper rail
and/or lower rail respectively. These recesses can be generally
partitioned into multiple voids 32, 62 and 72 by multiple
respective trusses 33, 63 and 73. The voids can be of progressively
decreasing depths D1-D10 as shown in FIG. 8. from the upper rail 60
to the lower rail 70, optionally through the cross members 30. The
truss members can increase in density in select regions, for
example regions 16 and 18. Further, the amount of material and/or
trusses in a given cross section can increase or decrease,
depending on the desired rigidity or flexibility in certain regions
or components of the head. As an example, region 16 is adjacent the
ball stop 52 and in an area of the head that is subject to extreme
bending forces during play. The truss density or cross sectional
areas of the head components can be increased in this region to
improve rigidity and prevent or impair flex in this region. Region
18 can be located in or adjacent the lower rail 70 adjacent the
forward most cross member 30. This area can include increased truss
density and/or increased cross sectional areas of material as
desired.
[0029] Generally, the head can be constructed so that the lower
rail 70 is stiffer and has a higher modulus of elasticity than the
upper rail 60. This can enable the lower rail to remain more rigid
while allowing the upper rail to be more flexible, which can
improve the maneuverability, play and feel of the head 10. Each of
the above structures will now be described in further detail.
II. Construction
[0030] The general construction of the exemplary head 10 will now
be described further with reference to FIGS. 1-8. As shown, the
throat 11 can extend from the base 50 and can define a socket S.
The socket S can be tubular in shape and can define a cavity to
receive a handle 12. Alternatively, the throat 11 can include a
projection which is adapted to fit within a handle (not shown). The
handle can be secured to socket S, optionally via a fastener (not
shown) such as a screw, peg or other fastening device or material,
such as an adhesive, cement or glue. Optionally, the throat 11
and/or socket S can define apertures or holes as shown to reduce
the weight of the head 10.
[0031] The head 10 includes sidewalls 20 that generally are
positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis LA of the head,
which optionally can bisect the head into opposing halves. The
longitudinal LA extends from the ball stop 52 and/or base 50 toward
the scoop 40. A plane P can be established through the longitudinal
axis LA. For example, the plane P can extend perpendicular to the
plane of FIG. 4 and can intersect the longitudinal axis LA along
its length. One or both of the sidewalls 20 can extend from the
ball stop 52 toward the scoop 40 which is located at the opposite
end of the head 10.
[0032] Each sidewall 20 can include upper rails 60 and lower rails
70. These rails can be secured to an extent between the base 50 and
the scoop 40. Alternatively, these upper and lower rails can be an
extension of the base 50. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper
rails 60, lower rails 70 and the sidewalls 20 can follow an outward
curvilinear path near the base 50 before extending generally
parallel to the longitudinal axis LA, generally within the throat
T. The throat T can generally extend from a ball stop 50 about 1/2
to 2/3 the length of the interior 13, of the head or other distance
as desired.
[0033] The upper and lower rails 60, 70 can include an exterior
surface 60E and 70E, respectively, located generally opposite the
interior 13 of the head. The exterior surfaces can form part of an
exterior of the head, which generally is not configured to contact
the ball as it is held or shot from the head. These exterior
surfaces can be of a partial circular, polygonal, elliptical,
rectangular or beveled cross section that are generally uniform or
vary as these surfaces extend from the base 50 to the scoop 40.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the sidewalls 20 can be of an
open frame construction, defining one or more non-string apertures
21, 22, 23 between the upper and lower rails 60, 70. These
apertures can be of any preselected shape and can be configured for
structural or aesthetic purposes as desired. In addition to the
non-string holes, the sidewalls 20, and in particular the lower
rails 70, can define one or more string holes 18 that allow
attachment of a net or pocket (not shown) to the head 10. The
precise placement of these string holes can vary as desired.
Further, although shown as generally rounded, circular or
elliptical holes, these string holes can vary in geometric shape
depending on the application.
[0035] The sidewalls 20, and in particular the upper rails 60, can
join with an upper rim or portion of the ball stop 52, as well as
the upper rim or portion 46 of the scoop 40. This bounded region
can define a ball receiving area or interior 13, also sometimes
referred to as a ball receiving area, which is where the lacrosse
ball can enter and exit the head 10 when the ball is caught,
thrown, shot or dislodged therefrom. Opposite the ball interior or
receiving area, the sidewall lower rim 70, scoop lower rim 47 and
lower ball stop rim 56 can define a lower bounded region, which can
define a ball retaining area. This is where the lacrosse ball
typically is located when retained in the head 10, particularly in
a net (not shown) attached to the head 10.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the sidewalls also can include
cross members 30 that can extend between and be joined with the
upper rail 60 and the lower rail 70. The cross members 30 each can
include a first end 30A and a second end 30B that join with the
respective upper 60 and lower 70 rails. As illustrated, the cross
members 30 can be slightly curved and extending at an angle
relative to the upper and lower rails.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lacrosse head 10 can include
one or more recesses 80 cored out from and/or defined by the
respective upper rail 60, lower rail 70 and/or cross members 30 in
any combination. Although shown in each of the respective
components, the recesses 80 can be formed in the components
individually or in combination. The recesses 80 shown in FIG. 2 can
be of a concave rounded, partial circular geometric shape, and/or
can include a rounded, planar, polygonal or other shaped bottom. Of
course, the recesses can be of virtually any geometric shape as
described below. Generally, the bottom 84 of the recess 80 is
closed so that the voids 72 do not extend all the way from the
interior 13 through to the exterior 70E of the lower rail 70.
Although described primarily in connection with the lower rail, the
recesses, trusses, and voids herein can be of similar construction
and position in other components, such as the cross member 30
and/or upper rail 60.
[0038] Returning to FIG. 2, the recess 80 can extend from
immediately adjacent the ball stop 52 up toward but short of the
scoop 40. The recess 80 as shown in FIG. 6 of the lower rail 70 can
intersect and be joined with the recess 81 of the upper rail 60
near the scoop 40, forward of the respective cross members 30. The
recesses 80 ad 81 optionally can be coextensive. Further
optionally, each of the recesses 80 and 81 can be coextensive with
and form an extension of the recesses 82 formed in the respective
cross members 30. Depending on the particular application and the
desired location, the recesses can take on a variety of different
configurations and intersect one another at different locations. In
addition, although shown as having a recess 80 in the lower rail, a
recess 81 in the upper rail and a recess 82 in the cross members,
one or more of these recesses can be selectively deleted. For
example, the cross members 30 can include no recesses.
[0039] Optionally, the recesses in the lower rails 70 can be of a
first depth, and the recesses in the upper rail 60 can be of a
second depth. The second depth can be about 0.1 mm, 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm,
2.0 mm, 5.0 mm, 10 mm or more, greater than the first depth. The
corresponding cross section of the upper rail and lower rail can
differ in area accordingly. For example, in a cross section taken
along line 7-7 of FIG. 6, the cross sectional area of the upper
rail can be greater than that of the cross sectional area of the
lower rail farther along the same line. Further optionally, the
cross sectional area of material in the lower rail can be greater
than the cross sectional area of material in the upper rail.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, the recesses can form a closed
bottom 84, which is concave and opens toward the longitudinal axis
LA or generally toward the plane P of the head 10. The bottom 84
can be planar, flat, rounded or of a semi-circular construction.
Alternatively, the bottom (and the recess in general) can be of a
rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal or other shape and cross
section desired. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the recesses 80'
and 80'' can be of square or rectangular in the respective upper
rail 60 and lower rail 70. Again, the precise configuration of the
recesses can be selected depending on the application.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 2, the recesses 80 of any of the
rails and/or cross members can be partitioned by multiple truss
members 73. These truss members can extend transversely relative to
the recess 80, partitioning the recess into multiple adjacent voids
72. These adjacent voids can be of a variety of different shapes
and configurations. As illustrated, the voids 72 can be of a
generally triangular shape. The triangular shape can be an
isosceles triangular shape, a right angle triangular shape, and
equilateral triangular shape or some other triangular shape. Of
course, the voids 72 can be of other geometric shapes, such as
polygonal, hexagonal, square, rectangular and/or elliptical shapes.
The corresponding trusses 73 that bound the voids can form similar
geometric shapes as the voids, and can form the boundaries of the
respective voids 72.
[0042] The trusses 73 can extend generally perpendicular to the
plane P extending through the longitudinal axis LA. Of course if
desired, the trusses 73 can be offset at some predetermined angle,
for example 10.degree., 15.degree., 20.degree., 25.degree.,
45.degree., 60.degree., 70.degree., 80.degree. or some other angle
relative to the plane P. The trusses 73 can extend substantially
entirely from the interior 13 of the head to the bottom 84 of the
recess 80.
[0043] If desired, the trusses 73 can be of multiple first 73A,
second 73B and third 73C truss types, as shown in FIG. 2. For
example, the truss 73A can extend generally from the lower
perimeter wall 75 to the upper perimeter wall 74 of the lower rail
and can be perpendicular to the edges 74E and 75E of the rail. The
second truss 73B can extend at some angle .alpha. relative to the
edge 74E and at some angle .beta. relative to the edge 75E. These
angles can vary depending on the particular construction of the
voids. As shown, the angles .alpha. and .beta. can be between about
45.degree. and 75.degree., further optionally, about 50.degree. to
about 60.degree.. Of course, other angles can be selected,
depending on the application.
[0044] The respective first and second trusses 73A and 73B can
extend to and be generally contiguous with the upper perimeter wall
74. The second truss 73B and third truss 73C can also extend to and
be contiguous with the lower perimeter wall 75 of the lower rail
70. Optionally, all of the respective inner surfaces facing toward
the longitudinal axis LA of the respective perimeter walls 74, 75,
the trusses 73, 73A, 73B and 73C, can lay in a continuous plane
that is parallel to or at some angle relative to the plane P.
Generally, these combined surfaces can form the portion of the
interior 13 of the head that contacts a lacrosse ball when the ball
is held within or shot from the head 10.
[0045] The trusses 73 can intersect at a plurality of intersections
77 as shown in FIG. 2. At these intersections, for example, the
first truss 73A and the second truss 73B can intersect.
Intersections 77 also can form an intersection between the trusses
and the upper perimeter wall 74 and/or the lower perimeter wall 75.
Where multiple trusses come together, an intersection 77 can be
relatively crowded. Any number of trusses can intersect at an
intersection 77, for example 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 or more, depending
on the particular application and desired truss density.
Optionally, each of the trusses 73 can be of a planar configuration
and can extend generally toward the longitudinal axis LA and/or
plane P depending on the particular application.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the respective voids 72 can be
bounded within the recess 80 by respective walls of the trusses.
For example, the truss inner wall 73A', the truss inner wall 73B'
and the bottom 84 can bound the void 72. Of course, where the
recess is of a different configuration, for example, as shown in
FIG. 7 which is more rectangular, the void 72' can be bounded by
the bottom 84' and the inner walls 73A'' and 73B''. The exact
number of truss inner walls and the bottoms bounding a particular
void can vary depending on the geometric configuration of the
recess 80 and the trusses.
[0047] Returning to FIG. 2, the bottom 84 of a void can intersect
the inner wall 73A' of the first truss 73A. The bottom 84 extends
up to and intersects the opposite interior wall 73B' of the second
truss 73B. The bottom can also extend up to the edge 75E and lower
perimeter wall 75. Of course, if the void is adjacent the upper
perimeter wall 74 or edge 74E, the bottom 84 can also intersect or
transition to that wall or edge as well. Where the void is not
adjacent the upper perimeter wall or the lower perimeter wall, the
bottom can simply intersect interior walls of any trusses adjacent
the void.
[0048] The respective perimeter walls 74 and 75 and their edges 74E
and 75E can transition to the exterior 70E of the rail 70. This
exterior 70E generally extends outwardly and forms the exterior
surface of the rail 70. Optionally, at least one of an upper
perimeter wall and a lower perimeter wall is contiguous with and
extends to an exterior surface of at least one of the first
sidewall, second sidewall, and cross member. Further optionally,
the upper perimeter wall and lower perimeter wall each can be
contiguous with and can extend to an exterior surface of at least
one of the first sidewall, second sidewall and cross member. Where
a net string hole 18 is defined in the lower rail 70, it can extend
from the bottom 84 through the side rail 70 to the exterior surface
70E of the lower rail 70. Even with this construction, however, the
voids and/or recesses still retain a "closed bottom." More
particularly, these net openings 18 are not considered to "open"
the closed bottom 84. To have an open bottom, a substantial portion
of the void 72 would have to open to through the exterior 70E,
other than only the net holes 18.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the trusses 73 can be of any increased
density or number in the regions 16 and 18. These regions can
correspond to areas of high stress and fatigue, typically
associated with breakage of the heads. Truss density in a given
area or region can be calculated by counting the number of
individual trusses (or the overall sum of the area of the truss
inner surfaces) in that area or region on the interior 13 of the
head. Each truss between two points of intersection with one or
more other trusses counts as a single truss in the truss density
calculation. Thus, although a truss may extend from a top to a
bottom rail, if there are two intersections with other trusses,
that truss would count as three trusses total for calculation of
truss density.
[0050] As can be seen in FIG. 6, the density of the trusses 73 in
region 16 is greater than the density of trusses in like sized
region 17 further forward along the rail 70. This different density
of trusses can add to the strength and rigidity of the head in
preselected locations, and maintain weight savings in other areas.
Generally, the truss density can increase in the area 16 nearest
the ball stop, decrease between the respective cross members 30,
and then increase again at the second cross member farthest from
the ball stop 52 in region 18. From there, truss density can again
decrease forward toward the scoop 40.
[0051] As another example, the truss density can increase from the
lower rail 70 toward the upper rail 60. Additionally or
alternatively, the corresponding cross sectional area along a given
line (such as line 7-7) can increase from the lower rail to the
upper rail.
[0052] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the trusses can form a
generally repeating pattern between the respective cross members
along a length L that is optionally greater than 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 or
3/4 of the overall length of the interior 13 from the ball stop 52
to the inner edge of the scoop 40 along longitudinal axis LA.
Further optionally, the length L can be about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%,
50%, 60%, 70% or 80% of the overall length from the ball stop 52 to
the inner edge of the scoop 40 along the longitudinal axis LA.
[0053] The voids 72 defined by head 10 can be of a varying depth D
in the different portions or components of the head. For example,
the depth of the voids 62 in the upper rail 60 can be greater than
the depth of the voids 32 in the cross members 30 and/or greater
than the depth of voids 72 in the lower rail 70. Optionally, the
depth of the voids 62 in the upper rail can be 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%,
20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, 250% and/or 300% greater than
the depths of the voids 72 in the lower rail 70. Further
optionally, the depth of the voids 32 in the cross members 30 can
be 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, 250%
and/or 300% greater than the depths of the voids 72 in the lower
rail 70. These depths can be varied depending on the particular
application and whether or not the different portions include
different void depths.
[0054] As another example, FIG. 8, shows a section view of the
voids taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6. The depths D1-D9 of the voids
decrease incrementally from the upper rail 60 through the cross
member 30 into the lower rail 70. Many times this results in a
total amount of material--from which the head is made, and the
respective cross sectional areas of that material, in those
different components, for example the plastic or other material in
the upper rail 60 cross member 30 and lower rail 70--generally
increasing from the lower rail to the upper rail. FIG. 7 also
illustrates the difference in depths of the voids 72' in the lower
rail 70 relative to the void 62' in the upper rail 60 taken along
line 7-7 of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the depth D11 in the lower
rail is about half the depth D12. These depths, their differences
and ratios to one another can vary depending on the particular
application. Of course, in some circumstances, the depths of the
voids can remain consistent, that is all can be of a singular depth
throughout all of the components in which the voids are defined.
Alternatively, the void depths might be reversed in some limited
applications.
[0055] As further shown in FIG. 7, the overall cross sectional
areas in the upper and lower rails can differ. For example, the
cross sectional area of material LA in the lower rail can be
generally greater than the cross sectional area of material UA in
the upper rail. The cross sectional area LA can be optionally 5%,
10%, 20%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 200% more than the cross sectional
area UA, depending on the application. Generally, this can result
in the lower rail being more stiff and rigid than the more flexible
upper rail.
[0056] The voids and trusses of the head can be common to different
components. For example as shown in FIG. 6, the void 36 can be
common to the cross member 30 and the upper rail 60. The void 37
can be common to the cross member 30 as well as the lower rail 70.
Optionally, if the entire cross member defines a single void, that
void would be common with both the upper rail, the cross member and
the lower rail.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, any one of the rails and/or cross member
can include a cross section. This cross section can be taken
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and/or plane P through
the upper rail and/or lower rail. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower
rail includes the material of the lower rail that fills a cross
sectional area A1. This cross section also shows the lower rail
includes a void cross sectional area A2. Optionally, any cross
section through a lower rail, upper rail and/or cross section taken
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and/or plane P (where
there is a void) can have a void cross sectional area A2 that is
less than 1/2 the cross sectional area A1 of material in the
respective component. Further optionally, in a cross section taken
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis through the upper rail
and/or a lower rail, each void in the cross section can have a
cross sectional area that is less than half of a cross sectional
area of a remainder of the respective upper rail and lower rail
adjacent the void. In some cases, this can ensure that the rail has
enough material to provide the desired stiffness and/or strength to
the head 10.
[0058] In general, the lacrosse head 10 can be constructed so that
the lower rail 70 has a greater stiffness than the upper rail 60.
For example, the lower rail 70 can be 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%,
60%, 70%, 80% stiffer than the upper rail 60. Optionally, the upper
rail 70 can be 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% more
flexible than the lower rail 60. Of course, the stiffness also or
alternatively can vary from the ball stop 52 toward the scoop 40.
As mentioned above, the stiffness can be greater in the regions 16
and 18 or any other preselected locations along the lower rail.
[0059] The lacrosse head and its components can be constructed from
a variety of materials such as nylon, urethane, polycarbonate,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polyketone, polybutylene terephalate,
polypthalamide and/or optionally, any of a variety of polyamides.
Other materials such as composites, metals and alloys can be used
as well.
III. First Alternative Embodiment
[0060] A first alternative embodiment of the lacrosse head is
illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 and generally designated 110. This
embodiment is similar to the embodiment above with a few
exceptions. For example, the head 110 includes upper and lower
rails 160 and 170, as well as optional cross members 130A and 130B.
Although not shown, the head 110 can also include a longitudinal
axis LA and a plane P (not shown) similar in placement and position
to that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. As with the embodiment
above, the respective voids 172 and recesses 80 can be bounded by
one or more truss members 173, truss walls, truss inner walls and
bottoms. Further, the voids can be bounded by upper perimeter walls
and/or lower perimeter walls as explained in connection with the
embodiment above.
[0061] As with the embodiment above, the sidewalls can include
trusses 173 that extend generally perpendicularly to a plane P
extending through the longitudinal axis LA (e.g. FIG. 4). The
trusses 173 can also be offset at the predetermined angles
identified above relative to the plane P in the embodiment above if
desired.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 9, the trusses 173 as can be in a
homogeneous and/or repeating pattern. Accordingly, the voids 172
can be generally of the same length, from top to bottom corners,
and width, from side to side corners, when they are formed entirely
within one of the respective upper rails, lower rails or cross
members. An example of this is illustrated by the voids 191 and 192
in the lower rail 170 in FIG. 9. Where the voids 172 break adjacent
one of the perimeter walls 175, they can be truncated. An example
of this is the void 193, which is basically half or a portion of
the size of the voids 191 and 192.
[0063] The respective voids 172A and 172B can be of the same area
when viewed from the interior of the head. Optionally, other
"whole" voids 172 elsewhere throughout the head sidewall 120 can
likewise be of the same area on the interior, when viewed along the
interior of the head facing away from the longitudinal axis LA or
toward the sidewall 120. Further optionally, such whole voids can
be generally polygonal, and optionally in the form of
parallelograms.
[0064] Where the voids are formed in a substantially repeating
pattern of the interior sidewall, the intersections 177 can be
equally spaced from one another across the respective adjacent
voids along the respective truss members. The intersections 177 can
be equally spaced from one another along a particular truss member.
This is shown in FIG. 9, where the intersections 177A, 177B and
177C lay along a common truss member 173A. All of these
intersections are generally equal spaced from one another. For
example, intersection 177A is a first distance from 177B, and
intersection 177B is spaced the same first distance from
intersection 177C.
[0065] The respective elements, for example the lower rail 170
and/or upper rail 160 as well as a cross member 130A can include
voids of varying depths. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the
depth of the voids 172 can vary from the base 150 and/or ball stop
152 toward the scoop 140. The depths can increase along the
direction from the ball stop 152 to the scoop 140. As one example,
the depth D14 of the void 172G closer to the ball stop 152 can be
less than the depth D13 of the void 172F adjacent the scoop. Put
another way, the first depth D13 can be greater than the second
depth D14. Generally, the depths of the voids and/or recesses can
become progressively deeper progressing from the ball stop 152
toward the scoop 150.
[0066] Optionally, the depth and/or volume of the voids toward the
scoop can be 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%,
200%, 250% and/or 300% greater than the depths and/or volumes of
the voids near the base. Further optionally, the depth and/or
volume of the voids in a first location in the upper rail, lower
rail or cross member can be 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%,
100%, 150%, 200%, 250% and/or 300% greater than the depths and/or
volumes of the voids in second locations in the upper rail, lower
rail or cross member, or elsewhere in the same component. These
depths can be varied of course, depending on the particular
application and whether or not the different portions include
different void depths and/or volumes.
[0067] Generally, as with the embodiment above, the depth of a void
172 can be established by measuring from the interior surface 1051
on the sidewall 120 to the bottom 172B of the respective void as
shown in FIG. 10. The volume of a void can be established by
measuring the volume of the space shown in broken lines 172V.
[0068] Optionally, the volumes of the voids 172 can progressively
increase from the base 150 toward the scoop 140. Further
optionally, if desired, the volumes of the voids 172 can also
decrease generally from the upper rail 160 through the cross
members 130A to the lower rail 170. Of course, this volume change
can be reversed depending on the application.
[0069] The respective depths and volumes of voids can be
strategically preselected for certain areas of the respective upper
rail lower rail and cross members. For example, a first depth of a
void 172X, that is, depth D15, can be selected to be greater than a
second depth D14 of another void 172G, that is closer to the ball
stop. This depth D15 can be determined based on, for example, the
attachment of the cross member 130A immediately adjacent the void
172X. The cross member can add additional structural rigidity to
the lower rail at that point, and therefore the void 172X can be
slightly deeper in this location to provide weight savings to the
head.
[0070] Optionally, in some cases, the depths of voids can be out of
order. In a progression of depths that generally increases, for
example, from the base 150 to the scoop 140, void 172X is a
specific example of this. The depth D15 of void 172X can be
slightly deeper than the next void 172 toward the scoop.
[0071] Generally, the depths of individual voids can be preselected
based on desired performance characteristics, such as rigidity and
flexibility, in certain regions of the respective upper rail, lower
rail and/or cross members 130. In turn, the head can be selectively
tuned for flexibility.
[0072] The respective sidewalls 120 can include cross members 130A
and 130B. As shown, one or more of the cross members, for example
130B, can be without any of the voids or recesses. In this
construction, when a lacrosse ball is in the head, adjacent the
sidewalls, it can contact the clean, generally planar or contoured
inner surfaces of the cross members 130B when it engages those
cross members. Of course, when the lacrosse ball is adjacent and
contacting the upper rail 160 and/or lower rail 170 or other
portions of the cross members 130A, the lacrosse ball can engage
one, two, three, four or more of the multiple truss members 173. In
some cases, the lacrosse ball and the head can contact both the
interior surface of a cross member 130B as well as one or more
trusses 173, or some other area on the rails or cross member
without voids or recesses. For example, if desired, certain select
portions of the respective upper rail 160 and lower rail 170 can be
void of any voids or recesses, in which case the interior facing
portion of those elements is simply a planar or contoured surface
without any voids or recesses. The particular location of these
respective "clean" parts of these elements can be selected
depending on the desired flexing and strength characteristics of
the head. These same voidless parts can be engaged by a lacrosse
ball on the inside of the head.
[0073] The above description is that of current embodiments of the
invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as
defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in
accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine
of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative
purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description
of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the
claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in
connection with these embodiments. For example, and without
limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention
may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially
similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This
includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such
as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art,
and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such
as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development,
recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments
include a plurality of features that are described in concert and
that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The
present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that
include all of these features or that provide all of the stated
benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the
issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for
example, using the articles "a," "an," "the" or "said," is not to
be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference
to claim elements as "at least one of X, Y and Z" is meant to
include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of
X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.
* * * * *