U.S. patent application number 15/861506 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-26 for lacrosse head with improved features.
This patent application is currently assigned to Element Lacrosse. The applicant listed for this patent is Element Lacrosse. Invention is credited to Mitchell Larson.
Application Number | 20180207498 15/861506 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62905914 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180207498 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Larson; Mitchell |
July 26, 2018 |
Lacrosse Head with Improved Features
Abstract
A lacrosse head for attachment to a lacrosse stick includes a
shaft section with an opening for coaxially accommodating the
lacrosse stick therein along a longitudinal centerline, a front
surface of the shaft section defining a first plane. The lacrosse
head also includes two sidewalls extending divergently from the
shaft section and including a throat section, curving rearwardly
with respect to the shaft section, and a flare-out section flaring
further outward from the throat section, with a scoop connecting
the two sidewalls distally from the shaft section. A front surface
of the flare-out section lies in a second plane, which is
rearwardly offset from and parallel to the first plane. The shaft
section includes two attachment holes oriented perpendicularly with
respect to the longitudinal centerline and configured for
accommodating an attachment device for securing the lacrosse head
onto the lacrosse stick inserted into the opening in the shaft
section.
Inventors: |
Larson; Mitchell; (Aurora,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Element Lacrosse |
Aurora |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Element Lacrosse
Aurora
CO
|
Family ID: |
62905914 |
Appl. No.: |
15/861506 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62443021 |
Jan 6, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/14 20151001;
A63B 60/50 20151001; A63B 59/20 20151001; A63B 49/032 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/20 20060101
A63B059/20 |
Claims
1. A lacrosse head for attachment to a lacrosse stick, the lacrosse
head comprising: a shaft section including an opening for coaxially
accommodating the lacrosse stick therein along a longitudinal
centerline, a front surface of the shaft section defining a first
plane; two sidewalls extending divergently from the shaft section
and defining a throat section and a flare-out section, the two
sidewalls curving rearwardly with respect to the shaft section in
the throat section and flaring further outward with respect to the
longitudinal centerline in the flare-out section; and a scoop
connecting the two sidewalls distally from the shaft section,
wherein a front surface of the flare-out section substantially lies
in a second plane, the second plane being rearwardly offset from
and parallel to the first plane, and wherein the shaft section
includes first and second attachment holes oriented perpendicularly
with respect to the longitudinal centerline, each one of the first
and second attachment holes being configured for accommodating an
attachment device therein for securing the lacrosse head onto the
lacrosse stick inserted into the opening in the shaft section.
2. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the first and second
attachment holes are angled with respect to each other such that a
first attachment device inserted into the first attachment hole
becomes oriented at an angle that is not parallel to a second
attachment device inserted into the second attachment hole.
3. The lacrosse head of claim 2, wherein the first and second
attachment devices are screws.
4. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the opening in the shaft
section is octagonal in shape.
5. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein each one of the two
sidewalls comprise a forward rail and a rearward rail extending
from the shaft section and tapering together into a single piece at
the scoop.
6. The lacrosse head of claim 5, further comprising at least two
truss sections connecting the forward rail and the rearward rail on
each one of the two sidewalls.
7. The lacrosse head of claim 6, wherein the at least two truss
sections are located in the throat section, wherein the at least
two truss sections are further connected to each other by a
reinforcement section, the reinforcement section running generally
in parallel to the forward and rearward rails in the throat
section, and wherein one of the at least two truss sections is
located in the flare-out section.
8. The lacrosse head of claim 5, wherein each one of the forward
and rearward rails has a pentagonal cross section through the
flare-out section.
9. The lacrosse head of claim 5, wherein the rearward rail of each
one of the two sidewalls includes a plurality of holes for
accommodating strings threaded therethrough to secure a part of a
mesh thereon, the plurality of holes being configured such that the
strings are protected from direct contact with a lacrosse ball
carried within the lacrosse head and the mesh.
10. The lacrosse head of claim 9, wherein each one of the plurality
of holes in the rearward rail is diamond shaped.
11. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the scoop tapers from the
two sidewalls into a thin lip toward the longitudinal centerline,
and wherein an edge of the thin lip distal from the shaft lies
rearward of the second plane.
12. The lacrosse head of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
generally semicircular holes located in the scoop for accommodating
strings threaded therethrough to secure a part of a mesh onto the
lacrosse head, a curved section of each one of the semicircular
holes being pointed toward the shaft section.
13. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the first and second
planes are offset by at least 1/4-inch.
14. A lacrosse head for attachment to a lacrosse stick, the
lacrosse head comprising: a shaft section including an opening for
coaxially accommodating the lacrosse stick therein along a
longitudinal centerline, a front portion of the shaft section
defining a first plane; two sidewalls extending divergently from
the shaft section and defining a throat section and a flare-out
section, the two sidewalls curving rearwardly with respect to the
shaft section in the throat section and flaring further outward
with respect to the longitudinal centerline in the flare-out
section; and a scoop connecting the two sidewalls distally from the
shaft section, wherein a front surface of the flare-out section
substantially lies in a second plane, the second plane being
rearwardly offset from and parallel to the first plane, and wherein
each one of the two sidewalls comprise a forward rail and a
rearward rail extending from the shaft section and tapering
together into a single piece at the scoop, each one of the forward
and rearward rails having a pentagonal cross section through the
flare-out section.
15. The lacrosse head of claim 14, further comprising at least two
truss sections connecting the forward rail and the rearward rail on
each one of the two sidewalls, wherein the at least two truss
sections are located in the throat section, and wherein the at
least two truss sections are further connected to each other by a
reinforcement section, the reinforcement section running generally
in parallel to the forward and rearward rails in the throat
section.
16. The lacrosse head of claim 15, further comprising a third truss
section connecting the forward and rearward rails on each one of
the two sidewalls, wherein the third truss section is located in
the flare-out section.
17. The lacrosse head of claim 14, further comprising a plurality
of generally semicircular holes located in the scoop for
accommodating strings threaded therethrough to secure a part of a
mesh onto the lacrosse head, a curved section of each one of the
semicircular holes being pointed toward the shaft section.
18. The lacrosse head of claim 14, wherein the first and second
planes are offset by approximately 1-inch.
19. The lacrosse head of claim 14, further comprising first and
second attachment holes in the shaft section, the first and second
attachment holes being oriented perpendicularly with respect to the
longitudinal centerline, each one of the first and second
attachment holes being configured for accommodating an attachment
device therein for securing the lacrosse head onto the lacrosse
stick inserted into the opening in the shaft section.
20. The lacrosse head of claim 19, wherein the first and second
attachment holes are angled with respect to each other such that a
first attachment device inserted into the first attachment hole
becomes oriented at an angle that is not parallel to a second
attachment device inserted into the second attachment hole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/443,021 filed on Jan. 6, 2017.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to sporting equipment and,
more particularly, to equipment for use in playing the sport of
lacrosse.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A variety of lacrosse heads are used today in the game of
lacrosse. Commercial lacrosse heads are generally formed of
injection molded plastics and composites, and configured to be
secured onto lacrosse sticks, which are ordinarily sold separately
from the lacrosse heads. Additionally, lacrosse heads usually
include a series of holes for accommodating a combination of a mesh
and strings for catching and throwing lacrosse balls within the
lacrosse heads.
[0004] While different brands of lacrosse heads feature various
configurational modifications, there is still room for improvement
in achieving a lacrosse head with performance and weight
characteristics while staying in compliance with standard
rules.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is
provided a lacrosse head for attachment to a lacrosse stick, the
lacrosse head including a shaft section, which in turn includes an
opening for coaxially accommodating the lacrosse stick therein
along a longitudinal centerline. A front surface of the shaft
section defines a first plane. The lacrosse head further includes
two sidewalls extending divergently from the shaft section and
defining a throat section and a flare-out section. The two
sidewalls curve rearwardly with respect to the shaft section in the
throat section, and the two sidewalls flare further outward with
respect to the longitudinal centerline in the flare-out section.
The lacrosse head also includes a scoop connecting the two
sidewalls distally from the shaft section. A front surface of the
flare-out section substantially lies in a second plane, where the
second plane is rearwardly offset from and parallel to the first
plane. Additionally, the shaft section includes first and second
attachment holes oriented perpendicularly with respect to the
longitudinal centerline. Each one of the first and second
attachment holes is configured for accommodating an attachment
device therein for securing the lacrosse head onto the lacrosse
stick inserted into the opening in the shaft section.
[0006] In another aspect of the embodiment, the first and second
attachment holes of the lacrosse head are angled with respect to
each other such that a first attachment device inserted into the
first attachment hole becomes oriented at an angle that is not
parallel to a second attachment device inserted into the second
attachment holes. For example, the first and second attachment
devices may be attachment screws.
[0007] In another aspect of the embodiment, the opening in the
shaft section is octagonal in shape for accommodating therein
lacrosse sticks of a variety of cross-sectional shapes.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment, a lacrosse head for
attachment to a lacrosse stick includes a shaft section with an
opening for coaxially accommodating the lacrosse stick therein
along a longitudinal centerline. A front portion of the shaft
section defines a first plane. The lacrosse head further includes
two sidewalls extending divergently from the shaft section and
defining a throat section and a flare-out section. The two
sidewalls curve rearwardly with respect to the shaft section in the
throat section, and flare further outward with respect to the
longitudinal centerline in the flare-out section. The lacrosse head
further includes a scoop connecting the two sidewalls distally from
the shaft section. A front surface of the flare-out section
substantially lies in a second plane, the second plane being
rearwardly offset from and parallel to the first plane. The offset
distance between the first and second planes may be 1/4-inch or
more. Further, each one of the two sidewalls includes a forward
rail and a rearward rail extending from the shaft section and
tapering together to into a single piece at the scoop. Each one of
the forward and rearward rails has a pentagonal cross section
through the flare-out section.
[0009] In another embodiment, the lacrosse head further includes at
least two truss sections connecting the forward rail and rearward
rail on each one of the two sidewalls. At least two truss sections
are located in the throat section, and are connected to each other
by a reinforcement section. The reinforcement section runs
generally in parallel to the forward and rearward rails in the
throat section. The embodiment may further include a third truss
section connecting the forward and rearward rails on each one of
the sidewalls in the flare-out section.
[0010] In still another embodiment, the lacrosse head may also
include a plurality of generally semicircular holes located in the
scoop for accommodating strings threaded therethrough to secure a
part of a mesh onto the lacrosse head. The curved section of each
one of the semicircular holes is pointed toward the shaft
section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a lacrosse head in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, showing the different sections
of the lacrosse head.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front view of the lacrosse head in accordance
with an embodiment, shown here to illustrate the features of the
lacrosse head as visible from the front of the lacrosse head.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the lacrosse head in accordance
with an embodiment, shown here to illustrate the features of the
lacrosse head as viewed from one side.
[0014] FIG. 4 is another view of the lacrosse head in accordance
with an embodiment, shown here to better illustrate the
characteristics of the rails and trusses in the sidewalls.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the lacrosse head in accordance
with an embodiment, as viewed from the rear.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the lacrosse head in accordance
with an embodiment, as viewed from the opening configured for
accommodating a lacrosse stick therein.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the lacrosse head in accordance
with an embodiment, as viewed from the scoop end of the lacrosse
head.
[0018] FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the lacrosse head in
accordance with an embodiment, illustrating the cross-sectional
configuration of the rails.
[0019] FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view of the lacrosse head
in accordance with an embodiment, particularly illustrating the
cross section of the scoop and shaft sections as viewed from the
side.
[0020] FIG. 10 shows examples of other possible cross-sectional
profile configurations for the rails as contemplated in related
embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 11 is an abbreviated view of a scoop configuration with
a hard flare near the taper section for defensive pickups.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The present invention is described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments
of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to
those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size and relative
sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like
numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[0023] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited
by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another region,
layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer
or section discussed below could be termed a second element,
component, region, layer or section without departing from the
teachings of the present invention.
[0024] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below,"
"lower," "under," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used
herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's
relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in
the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative
terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the
device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted
in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned
over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" or "under" other
elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other
elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms "below" and "under"
can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device
may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other
orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein
interpreted accordingly. In addition, it will also be understood
that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it
can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more
intervening layers may also be present.
[0025] As described herein, "front" or "forward" side of the
described lacrosse head refers generally to the face of the
lacrosse head that faces a lacrosse ball when the lacrosse head is
used to catch the lacrosse ball. Similarly, the "rear" or
"rearward" side refers generally to the side away from the
ball-catching face. In conventional uses, the mesh and string
arrangements, which is used to attach the mesh to the lacrosse
head, are attached to the rear side of the lacrosse head.
[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As
used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of
one or more of the associated listed items, and may be abbreviated
as "/".
[0027] It will be understood that when an element or layer is
referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to," or
"adjacent to" another element or layer, it can be directly on,
connected, coupled, or adjacent to the other element or layer, or
intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an
element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected
to," "directly coupled to," or "immediately adjacent to" another
element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers
present. Likewise, when light is received or provided "from" one
element, it can be received or provided directly from that element
or from an intervening element. On the other hand, when light is
received or provided "directly from" one element, there are no
intervening elements present.
[0028] Embodiments of the invention are described herein with
reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic
illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate
structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes
of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing
techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments
of the invention should not be construed as limited to the
particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include
deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Accordingly, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic
in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the
actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit
the scope of the invention.
[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present
specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0030] Referring now to the figures, an embodiment of a lacrosse
head of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The lacrosse head
embodiments described herein meets all current rules and standards
set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for
Men's Lacrosse.
[0031] In FIG. 1, a lacrosse head 100 includes a shaft section 102,
two sidewalls 104 extending divergently from shaft section 102 and
defining a throat section 106 and a flare-out section 108. Shaft
section 102 is configured for coaxially accommodating a lacrosse
stick (not shown) along a longitudinal centerline 103. Two
sidewalls 104 curve rearwardly with respect to shaft section 102 in
throat section 106, then flare outwardly with respect to
longitudinal centerline 103 in flare-out section 108.
[0032] Each of two sidewalls 104 includes a forward rail 120 and a
rearward rail 122. Each pair of forward rail 120 and rearward rail
122 taper from shaft section 102 through flare-out section 108 such
that sidewalls 104 are connected, at the end away from shaft
section 102, by a scoop 110. A portion of shaft section 102
includes a ball stop 112, which is configured for stopping a
lacrosse ball (not shown) within throat section 106. As will be
described in more detail in reference to subsequent figures, shaft
section 102 and flare-out section 108 lie on different planes that
are offset from each other.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, which shows a front view of
lacrosse head 100 of FIG. 1, the outward flaring of flare-out
section 108 is more visibly shown. As shown in FIG. 2, flare-out
section 108 flares outwardly from longitudinal centerline 103 from
throat section 106. The outward flare of flare-out section 108 is
configured so as to facilitate the capture of a lacrosse ball (not
shown) in the open area of flare-out section 108 and direct the
lacrosse ball into throat section 106. Also, shaft section 102 is
shown to include an optional, ornamental design, which may be
customized by the manufacturer.
[0034] Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, scoop 110 further includes a
lip 202 at an outer edge of scoop 110 away from shaft section 102,
and a plurality of scoop string holes 204. Scoop string holes 204
are generally semicircular in shape, with the curved portion of
scoop string holes 204 pointing away from lip 202 and toward shaft
section 102. The shape of scoop string holes 204 are configured to
help angle any string tied therethrough toward longitudinal
centerline 103 and shaft section 102, which consequently aids in
keeping the mesh (not shown) centered with respect to lacrosse head
100. While six scoop string holes 204 are shown in FIG. 2 and other
figures, it is possible to have fewer or more holes of the same or
different dimensions.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view of lacrosse head 100 is
shown. As shown in FIG. 3, shaft section 102 and flare-out section
108 lie in different planes separated by an offset, indicated by a
double-headed arrow 303, which is defined as the separation between
a first plane containing a front surface of shaft section 102 and a
second plane containing a front edge of forward rail 120 in
flare-out section 108.
[0036] Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, it may be seen that shaft
section 102 may include an ornamental design on a side surface,
shown here immediately below ball stop 112. The configuration of
forward rail 120 and rearward rail 122 forming sidewall 104 is also
visible. Forward rail 120 and rearward rail 122 curves rearward
through throat section 106 such that flare-out section 108 is
offset from shaft section 102 by offset 303. Also, as sidewall 104
nears scoop 110, forward rail 120 and rearward rail 122 come
together into a single piece in a taper section 306.
[0037] Between shaft section 102 and taper section 306, forward
rail 120 and rearward rail 122 are connected by a first truss 310
near the transition from shaft section 102 to throat section 106, a
second truss 312 near the transition from throat section 106 to
flare-out section 108, and a third truss 314 near the transition
from flare-out section 108 to taper section 306. A reinforcement
320 connects first truss 310 and second truss 312 to provide
additional structural support in throat section 106 while
maintaining enough flexibility in lacrosse head 100 to allow a user
to manually pinch throat section 106, if so desired. In fact, first
truss 310, second truss 312, third truss 314, and reinforcement 320
are configured to provide support and stiffness in specific regions
of lacrosse head 100, while maintaining enough flex in lacrosse
head 100 in other strategic areas, such as throat section 106.
While three trusses are shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, it is
noted that fewer or more trusses and/or reinforcements may be used
in accordance with the amount of stiffness and flexibility desired
for the lacrosse head.
[0038] Still referring to FIG. 3, rearward rail 122 includes a
plurality of rear string holes 330. Like scoop string holes 204,
rear string holes 330 are configured to accommodate strings for
securing a mesh (not shown) onto lacrosse head 100. In the present
embodiment, rear string holes 330 are placed toward the rear of
rearward rail 122 such that the mesh attached thereto may be pulled
rearward while protecting the strings from direct contact with a
lacrosse ball when the lacrosse ball is caught using lacrosse head
100. Rear string holes 330 also have diamond-shaped openings, which
allows the user to achieve unique stringing configurations not
readily obtainable with conventional circular or oval string holes.
Other shapes of rear string holes 330, as well as more or fewer
number of rear string holes 330 are also contemplated and
considered within the scope of the present embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows the combination of various features described
in conjunctions with FIGS. 1-3, as well as a shaft opening 402 in
shaft section 102. Shaft opening 402 is configured to coaxially
accommodate a lacrosse stick (not shown) therein along longitudinal
centerline 103. Also, as is better visible in FIG. 4, scoop 110 is
angled from taper section 306 toward longitudinal centerline 103
such that a user is able to pick up ground balls at a variety of
angles by using different parts of scoop 110.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a rear view of lacrosse head 100. In addition to
features already described above, shaft section 102 further
includes first and second attachment holes 502 and 504,
respectively, for securing a lacrosse stick inserted into shaft
opening 402. First and second attachment holes 502 and 504,
respectively, are arranged perpendicularly with respect to
longitudinal centerline 103 in order to reduce the possibility of
lacrosse head 100 wobbling with respect to the lacrosse stick.
Furthermore, first and second attachment holes are angled with
respect to each other such that a first attachment device (e.g., a
screw, a clilp, or another similar mechanism) inserted into first
attachment hole 502 will be inserted into the lacrosse stick at a
non-parallel angle with respect to a second attachment device
inserted into second attachment hole 504. The non-parallel angle of
the attachment devices further helps to reduce wobble by better
securing the lacrosse stick within shaft opening 402 of lacrosse
head 100.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, a view of lacrosse head 100 as seen
along longitudinal centerline 103, looking from shaft section 102
toward scoop 110, is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6,
shaft opening 402 is octagonal in shape, which accommodates
lacrosse sticks of a variety of cross-sectional shapes. Also, the
size of shaft opening 402 is also configured to tightly fit around
any standard-sized lacrosse stick inserted therein thus further
reducing any wobble of lacrosse head 100 on the lacrosse stick so
inserted. The offset between the front surface of shaft section 102
and front edge of forward rail 120 is also readily visible, as
indicated by double-headed arrow 303, in FIG. 6.
[0042] FIG. 7 shows lacrosse head 100 again as seen along
longitudinal centerline 103, this time looking from scoop 110
toward shaft section 102. The angled curvature configuration of
scoop 110, as previously discussed in reference to FIG. 4, is
readily visible in this view. Also, the placement of ball stop 112
in shaft section 102 may also be seen in FIG. 7.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of lacrosse head 100, taken
along the cross-section line shown in FIG. 3, looking along
longitudinal centerline 103 toward scoop 100 from partway through
flare-out section 108. Again, the curved configuration of scoop 110
is visible in FIG. 8. Additionally, it may be seen that forward
rail 120 has a forward rail cross section 820, and rearward rail
122 has a rearward rail cross section 822, both of which are
generally pentagonal for structural stability. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 8, forward rail cross section 820 and rearward rail
cross section 822 are pentagonal throughout the lengths of forward
rail 120 and rearward rail 122. Having this consistent
cross-sectional shape throughout the forward and rearward rails
allows for an even distribution of impact, thus creating less
stress on lacrosse head 100 when it is hit by another object.
Additionally, the uniform cross-sectional shape may also allow for
a consistent feel for the user during different usage situations,
such as shooting, passing, checking, and picking up ground balls.
Alternatively, it may be desirable to have a different
cross-sectional shape between the front and rearward rails, or even
between throat section 106 and flare-out section 108 to provide
different performance characteristics in those regions.
[0044] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of lacrosse head 100,
taken along the cross-section line shown in FIG. 7, looking from
longitudinal centerline 103 toward forward and rearward rails 120
and 122, respectively. An inset shows a scoop cross section 902, as
well as the angled configuration of scoop 110 from taper section
306 toward longitudinal centerline 103 (i.e., the location of scoop
cross section 902 shown in FIG. 9). Scoop cross section 902 is
configured to facilitate picking up of ground balls while
protecting the strings (not shown), which are tied through scoop
string holes 204, from scraping the ground.
[0045] FIG. 10 shows examples of possible cross-sectional shapes
contemplated for the forward and rearward rails, such as for
forward rail cross section 820 and rearward rail cross section 822
shown in FIG. 8. For example, FIG. 10(A) and FIG. 10(B) show
variations of I-beam shapes to provide stiffness and strength to at
least portions of forward rail 120 and/or rearward rail 122. A
triangular shape, such as those shown in FIG. 10(C) and FIG. 10(D)
may also provide desired performance characteristics for certain
uses of the lacrosse head. Still additional shapes, such as those
shown in FIG. 10(E), FIG. 10(F), and FIG. 10(G) may also provide
advantages in manufacturability and performance. Again, while using
generally the same cross-sectional shapes throughout forward rail
120 and rearward rail 122 may provide consistency in feel of
lacrosse head 100 for the user in a variety of use scenarios, the
use of different cross-sectional shapes for the forward and
rearward rails and/or for different portions of the lacrosse head
(e.g., a different cross section in the throat section compared to
in the flare-out section) is also contemplated.
[0046] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and
is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few
exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications
are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this
invention. For example, a defense-specific lacrosse head may
include a modified scoop design, such as that shown in FIG. 11. A
scoop portion 1110 in FIG. 11 includes a lip 1112 and a flare
section 1114, which is wider than the rest of scoop portion 1110 to
facilitate defensive pickups. In another example, additional
material may be added to increase the thickness of certain
components for reinforcement, such as in shaft section 102 around
attachment holes 502 and 504. In similar ways, portions of the
lacrosse head embodiments described herein may be specifically
adapted for use by offense and defense players, as well as for
goalies.
[0047] Accordingly, many different embodiments stem from the above
description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would
be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and
illustrate every combination and subcombination of these
embodiments. As such, the present specification, including the
drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written
description of all combinations and subcombinations of the
embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of
making and using them, and shall support claims to any such
combination or subcombination.
[0048] In the specification, there have been disclosed embodiments
of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they
are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation. Although a few exemplary embodiments of
this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the
exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel
teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this
invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be
understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present
invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific
embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed
embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be
included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is
defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to
be included therein.
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