U.S. patent application number 16/059506 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-14 for lacrosse head with ascending scoop.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wm. T. Burnett IP, LLC. Invention is credited to Austin Scott Brown, John William Coe.
Application Number | 20190046852 16/059506 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65273956 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190046852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Austin Scott ; et
al. |
February 14, 2019 |
LACROSSE HEAD WITH ASCENDING SCOOP
Abstract
Embodiments provide a lacrosse head having a juncture configured
to receive a handle, with a majority length of the handle defining
a horizontal centerline, a stop member adjacent to the juncture, a
first and second sidewall each extending from the stop member in a
forward direction, and a transverse wall connecting the first and
second sidewall opposite to the stop member and defining a terminal
contact point at which a ball traveling in a forward direction
generally along a bisecting line of the head may last contact and
release from the head during a throwing motion. When viewed from a
side view, a lower sidewall rail of the first sidewall may descend
to a lowest point that is at least 1.75 inches below the horizontal
centerline, and the terminal contact point may be at least 2.25
inches higher than the lowest point of the lower sidewall rail.
Inventors: |
Brown; Austin Scott; (Glen
Rock, PA) ; Coe; John William; (Millersville,
MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wm. T. Burnett IP, LLC |
Baltimore |
MD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65273956 |
Appl. No.: |
16/059506 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62543450 |
Aug 10, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/08 20151001;
A63B 60/16 20151001; A63B 59/20 20151001; A63B 2102/14
20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 60/16 20060101
A63B060/16; A63B 59/20 20060101 A63B059/20 |
Claims
1. A lacrosse head comprising: a juncture configured to receive a
handle, a majority length of the handle defining a horizontal
centerline; a stop member adjacent to the juncture; a first
sidewall extending from the stop member in a forward direction; a
second sidewall extending from the stop member in the forward
direction; and a transverse wall connecting the first sidewall and
the second sidewall opposite to the stop member, wherein when
viewed from a front view, the lacrosse head defines a bisecting
line, wherein the transverse wall defines a terminal contact point
at which a ball traveling in a forward direction generally along
the bisecting line is able to last contact and release from the
lacrosse head during a throwing motion, wherein the first sidewall
has an upper sidewall rail and a lower sidewall rail, wherein when
viewed from a side view: the lower sidewall rail descends to a
lowest point that is at least 1.75 inches below the horizontal
centerline, and the terminal contact point of the transverse wall
is at least 2.25 inches higher in a vertical direction than the
lowest point of the lower sidewall rail.
2. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the terminal contact point
of the transverse wall is disposed approximately on the bisecting
line.
3. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the terminal contact point
of the transverse wall comprises two points opposite each other
across the bisecting line and equidistant from the bisecting
line.
4. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the terminal contact point
of the transverse wall is at least 5 mm higher in a vertical
direction than the horizontal centerline.
5. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein a line extending between
the lowest point of the lower sidewall rail and the terminal
contact point of the transverse wall is at an angle with respect to
the horizontal centerline, and wherein the angle is within a range
of about 18 degrees to about 30 degrees.
6. The lacrosse head of claim 5, wherein the angle is within a
range of about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees.
7. The lacrosse head of claim 6, wherein the angle is about 21
degrees.
8. The lacrosse head of claim 5, wherein the terminal contact point
is disposed at a distance of about 4 inches to about 7 inches in a
horizontal direction from the lowest point.
9. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein a transition region
between the transverse wall and the upper sidewall rail of the
first sidewall defines a highest point of the lacrosse head above
the terminal contact point of the transverse wall, disposed
horizontally between the lowest point and the terminal contact
point.
10. The lacrosse head of claim 9, wherein a line extending between
the lowest point of the lower sidewall rail and the highest point
is at an angle with respect to the horizontal centerline, and
wherein the angle is within a range of about 25 degrees to about 30
degrees.
11. The lacrosse head of claim 10, wherein the highest point is
about 2.39 inches higher in a vertical direction than the lowest
point of the lower sidewall rail.
12. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the upper sidewall rail
descends to a lowest point at or below the horizontal
centerline.
13. The lacrosse head of claim 12, wherein the lowest point of the
upper sidewall rail is disposed approximately vertically above the
lowest point of the lower sidewall rail.
14. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the lowest point of the
lower sidewall rail is approximately 1.9 inches below the
horizontal centerline.
15. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the lowest point is
disposed within a region approximately 1/3 approximately 2/3 a
distance from an inside face of the stop member to a distal end of
the transverse wall.
16. The lacrosse head of claim 15, wherein the lowest point is
disposed at approximately the distance from the inside face of the
stop member to the distal end of the transverse wall.
17. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the lacrosse head defines
a distance of at least 10 inches from an inside face of the stop
member to a distal end of the transverse wall.
18. The lacrosse head of claim 1, further comprising a handle
attached to the juncture.
19. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the terminal contact
point comprises a highest point and/or forwardmost point of the
transverse wall.
20. A lacrosse stick comprising: a handle, a majority length of the
handle defining a horizontal centerline; and a head including a
juncture adjoining the handle; a stop member adjoining the
juncture; a first sidewall extending from the stop member in a
forward direction; a second sidewall extending from the stop member
in the forward direction; a transverse wall connecting the first
sidewall and the second sidewall opposite to the stop member,
wherein when viewed from a front view, the head defines a bisecting
line, wherein the transverse wall defines a terminal contact point
at which a ball traveling in a forward direction generally along
the bisecting line is able to last contact and release from the
head during a throwing motion, wherein the first sidewall has an
upper sidewall rail and a lower sidewall rail, wherein when viewed
from a side view: the lower sidewall rail descends to a lowest
point that is at least 1.75 inches below the horizontal centerline,
and the terminal contact point of the transverse wall is at least
2.25 inches higher in a vertical direction than the lowest point of
the lower sidewall rail.
21. The lacrosse stick of claim 20, wherein a full length of the
handle is straight.
22. The lacrosse stick of claim 20, wherein an end portion of the
handle is bent at an angle 1-10 degrees from the horizontal
centerline of the majority length of the handle, and wherein the
end portion of the handle adjoins the juncture of the head.
23. The lacrosse stick of claim 20, wherein the terminal contact
point of the transverse wall is at least 5 mm higher in a vertical
direction than the horizontal centerline.
24. The lacrosse stick of claim 20, wherein a line extending
between the lowest point of the lower sidewall rail and the
terminal contact point of the transverse wall is at an angle with
respect to the horizontal centerline, and wherein the angle is
within a range of about 18 degrees to about 30 degrees.
25. A lacrosse head comprising: a juncture configured to receive a
handle, a majority length of the handle defining a horizontal
centerline; a stop member adjoining the juncture; a first sidewall
extending from the stop member in a forward direction; a second
sidewall extending from the stop member in the forward direction;
and a transverse wall connecting the first sidewall and the second
sidewall opposite to the stop member, wherein when viewed from a
front view, the lacrosse head defines a bisecting line, wherein the
transverse wall defines a terminal contact point at which a ball
traveling in a forward direction generally along the bisecting line
is able to last contact and release from the lacrosse head during a
throwing motion, wherein the first sidewall has an upper sidewall
rail and a lower sidewall rail, wherein the lacrosse head defines a
distance of at least 10 inches from an inside face of the stop
member to a distal end of the transverse wall, and wherein when
viewed from a side view: the lower sidewall rail descends to a
lowest point that is at least 1.75 inches below the horizontal
centerline, a line extending between the lowest point of the lower
sidewall rail and the terminal contact point of the transverse wall
is at an angle with respect to the horizontal centerline, and
wherein the angle is within a range of about 18 degrees to about 30
degrees.
26. The lacrosse head of claim 25, wherein the angle is within a
range of about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees.
27. The lacrosse head of claim 26, wherein the angle is about 21
degrees.
28. The lacrosse head of claim 25, wherein the terminal contact
point of the transverse wall is at least 2.25 inches higher in a
vertical direction than the lowest point of the lower sidewall
rail.
29. The lacrosse head of claim 25, wherein the terminal contact
point of the transverse wall is at least 5 mm higher in a vertical
direction than the horizontal centerline.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/543,450, filed Aug. 10, 2017, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The present embodiments relate generally to lacrosse
equipment, and more particularly, to a lacrosse head having a
forward portion that is significantly upwardly canted with respect
to a lowest point of the sidewalls, so as to provide enhanced hold
and shot speed.
Background
[0003] Lacrosse players prefer lacrosse sticks that maximize ball
control and optimize hold of the ball through a throwing motion to
increase shot speed.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments provide a lacrosse head having a juncture, a
stop member, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a transverse
wall. The juncture may be configured to receive a handle, with a
majority length of the handle defining a horizontal centerline. The
stop member may be adjacent to the juncture, on a side of the
juncture opposite to the handle. The first sidewall may extend from
the stop member in a forward direction. The second sidewall may
extend from the stop member in the forward direction. The
transverse wall may connect the first sidewall and the second
sidewall opposite to the stop member. When viewed from a front
view, the lacrosse head may define a bisecting line. The transverse
wall may define a terminal contact point at which a ball traveling
in a forward direction generally along the bisecting line may last
contact and release from the lacrosse head during a throwing
motion. The first sidewall may have an upper sidewall rail and a
lower sidewall rail. When viewed from a side view, the lower
sidewall rail may descend to a lowest point that is at least 1.75
inches below the horizontal centerline, and the terminal contact
point of the transverse wall may be at least 2.25 inches higher in
a vertical direction than the lowest point of the lower sidewall
rail.
[0005] As used herein, the term "point" refers generally to an
elevational position and not necessarily to a single point, and may
include one or more points.
[0006] As used herein, the term "hold" refers generally to the
length of an arc between the start point and the release point of a
ball during a lacrosse stick throwing motion, wherein the arc is
the path along which the ball travels.
[0007] As used herein, the term "sidewall rail" refers generally to
the edge or surface of a sidewall running along the upper or lower
portion of the sidewall. In this respect, a sidewall rail does not
have to be a bar-like member as illustrated in open-sidewall
embodiments described herein, and could instead be an integral
member of a closed sidewall configuration, in which the upper edge
of the closed sidewall can be considered an upper sidewall rail and
the lower edge of the closed sidewall can be considered a lower
sidewall rail. In addition, a sidewall rail could also be both
bar-like and integral in a partially open sidewall configuration,
for example, where the openings do not extend the full length of
the sidewall, or in areas where a sidewall typically decreases in
height and assumes a solid construction through the height, such as
near the stop member or the transverse wall. Accordingly,
notwithstanding the particular embodiments illustrated herein, the
term "sidewall rail" should be broadly interpreted to cover any
upper or lower edge or surface portion of a sidewall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The embodiments can be better understood with reference to
the following drawings and description. The components in the
figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed
upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in
the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a front view of a lacrosse
head according to an embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a rear view of the lacrosse
head of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a right side view of the
lacrosse head of FIG. 1, illustrating an upwardly canted forward
portion;
[0012] FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of a left side view of
the lacrosse head of FIG. 1, which is a mirror opposite of the
right side view of FIG. 3;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the lacrosse
head of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a bottom view of the
lacrosse head of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of perspective views of
the lacrosse head of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a lacrosse stick handle
having a bent end portion, according to an embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of
an embodiment of a straight head-handle configuration, showing a
centerline for purposes of the present embodiments;
[0018] FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams of a partial top view
and a partial front view, respectively, of a lacrosse head, showing
a transverse wall according to an alternative embodiment;
[0019] FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams of a partial top view
and a partial front view, respectively, of a lacrosse head, showing
a transverse wall according to another alternative embodiment;
and
[0020] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a partial top view of a
lacrosse head, showing a transverse wall according to another
alternative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Embodiments provide a lacrosse head having a forward portion
that is upwardly canted with respect to a lowest point of a
sidewall of the head, which may provide enhanced hold and shot
speed. In particular, the lacrosse head may have a lower sidewall
rail that descends to a lowest point considerably below a
horizontal centerline of the head, and a forward portion that
ascends to a highest point significantly spaced higher in a
vertical direction from the lowest point of the lower sidewall rail
and/or from the horizontal centerline. That significant spacing may
enhance the hold of the lacrosse head during maneuvering of a
lacrosse stick and especially during shooting, when the lacrosse
head may provide a controlled hold on the ball through a swinging
motion, which may favorably time the release of the ball to
increase shot speed.
[0022] FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an embodiment of a lacrosse stick 100,
including a handle 102 shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1 and a
double-wall synthetic head 104. As used herein, "stick" refers to
the stick as a whole, including the head and the handle. Head 104
may have a generally V-shaped frame having a juncture 106,
sidewalls 108 and 110, a transverse wall (or "scoop") 112 joining
the sidewalls at their ends opposite juncture 106, and a stop
member (or "ball stop") 114 adjoining juncture 106 and joining
sidewalls 108 and 110 at their ends nearest juncture 106. The frame
may be considered to extend from a rearward end at the juncture 106
to a forward end at the transverse wall 112. As shown, handle 102
may fit into and through juncture 106, may abut stop member 114,
and may define (by a majority length of the handle, as discussed
below) a horizontal centerline of the handle 102 and head 104 as
shown, for example, in the side elevational view of FIG. 3, as well
as a bisecting line 119 as shown, for example, in the front view of
FIG. 1 (bisecting the head 104 longitudinally into two halves).
Screws or other fasteners may be placed through openings 107,
securing handle 102 to head 104. Features of lacrosse sticks are
shown generally in Tucker et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,495, Crawford
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,984, and Tucker et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,566,947, which are all incorporated by reference herein.
[0023] In embodiments, lacrosse stick head 104 may have a
"traditional" pocket configuration or a "mesh" pocket
configuration. The traditional pocket may include thongs made of
leather or synthetic material strung from forward thong holes 116
in transverse wall 112 to rearward thong holes 118 in stop member
114. To complete the pocket web, the thongs may have nylon strings
threaded around the thongs and string laced through string holes in
sidewalls 108 and 110, forming any number of diamonds or other
shapes (crosslacing).
[0024] In traditional pockets, thongs (not shown in FIGS. 1-9) made
of leather or synthetic material may extend from forward thong
holes 116 in transverse wall 112 to rearward thong holes 118 in
stop member 114 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6-7). As one embodiment, FIGS. 1,
2, 6, and 7 show four pairs (116, 118) of thong holes that may
accept four thongs. Other numbers of pairs may be used. To complete
the pocket web, nylon strings may be threaded around the thongs and
string may be laced through string holes 120 in sidewalls 108 and
110, forming any number of diamonds or other shapes (crosslacing).
In embodiments, one or more throwing or shooting strings may extend
transversely between the forward portions of sidewalls 108 and 110,
attaching to throwing string holes 124 and a string laced through
string holes 122. In embodiments, a thong may not be attached
directly to a thong hole, and instead may be connected to a
separate material that attaches the thong to the lacrosse head
frame and that is easier to adjust through the thong hole. In
addition, in some embodiments, a top string (e.g., nylon string)
may be strung along the thong holes of the scoop, and the thongs
may be attached to the top string.
[0025] A mesh pocket configuration may use a mesh knitted as a
continuous piece of material. This continuous piece of material may
attach to the lacrosse head as a single unit. The mesh may be
attached to the lacrosse head using transverse lacing, which may
reinforce the web of the mesh that is adjacent to the lacrosse
head.
[0026] Embodiments may include provisions for improving the
performance of a men's lacrosse stick, within the context of rules
governing the configuration of a men's lacrosse head. In
particular, certain rules for men's lacrosse (e.g., NCAA Men's
Lacrosse 2017 and 2018 Rules, Rule 1, Sections 18-19) require that
the lacrosse head sidewall be no more than 2 inches deep (e.g., in
the vertical direction in FIG. 3) and that the lacrosse stick be
relatively straight from the butt end to the end of the head, such
that when the lacrosse stick is laid flat on a tabletop on the side
opposite the netting so that a substantial portion of the lacrosse
stick rests on the table, with the butt-end placed off of the
table, the distance from the tabletop to the bottom edge of the
head at no point exceeds 2-3/4 inches (often referred to as the
"tabletop test"). In addition, certain rules for men's lacrosse
(e.g., NCAA Men's Lacrosse 2017 and 2018 Rules, Rule 1, Section 17)
require that the length of a lacrosse head be a minimum of 10
inches from the outside edge (or distal end) of the head (i.e.,
scoop tip) to the beginning of the throat of the head (or inside
face of the stop member), regardless of whether a ball stop is
used. Other rules for men's lacrosse (e.g., NCAA Lacrosse 2017 and
2018 Rules, Appendix IV) specify that a lacrosse ball may measure
between 73/4 and 8 inches in circumference, which corresponds to a
diameter within a range of 2.47 to 2.55 inches. Within one or more
of those restrictions, embodiments provide a favorable relative
geometry between a lowest point of a sidewall of the head and a
highest point of a forward portion of the head, which enhances hold
and control of a ball through a swinging motion, and facilitates
higher shot speeds without sacrificing throwing accuracy.
[0027] Referring to the side view of FIG. 3, to provide a
beneficial "hold" to a lacrosse head 104, embodiments may
incorporate a significant upwardly canted geometry between a lower
sidewall rail and a forward portion of a head 104. In embodiments,
lacrosse head 104 may have a lower sidewall rail 130 that at its
lowest point 135 is a distance 131 below a horizontal centerline
146 of the juncture 106 of the head 104. In embodiments, distance
131 may be, for example, at least about 1.75 inches. In one
implementation, as shown in FIG. 3, an upper sidewall rail 132 may
descend to a lowest point 137 that is disposed approximately on the
horizontal centerline 146 and approximately vertically above the
lowest point 135 of the lower sidewall rail 130, with the distance
131 being approximately at the rule-limited 2 inches, e.g., at
approximately 1.9 inches below the lowest point 137 of the upper
sidewall rail 132 and the horizontal centerline 146. Positioning
the lowest point 137 on or below the horizontal centerline 146 may
allow embodiments to achieve a maximum downward offset of the
sidewalls with respect to the horizontal centerline 146 and a
maximum height of the sidewalls, while still complying with the
tabletop test.
[0028] In embodiments, the lowest point 135 of the lower sidewall
rail 130 and the lowest point 137 of the upper sidewall rail 132
may be disposed at a mid-portion of the head, for example, within a
region approximately 1/3 to 2/3 of the distance from the inside
(i.e., pocket side) of the stop member 114 to the outside of the
transverse wall 112. For example, in one embodiment, the lowest
points 135, 137 may be disposed at approximately of the distance
from the inside of the stop member 114 to the outside of transverse
wall 112. In one particular implementation, with a lacrosse head
defining a distance 128 of at least 10 inches (e.g., about 10.1
inches (257 mm)) from the inside face of the stop member 114 to the
distal end of the transverse wall 112, the lowest points 135, 137
may be disposed within a region about 3 inches (76 mm) to about 6
inches (152 mm) from the inside of the stop member 114, e.g., with
the lowest point 135 at about 4.3 inches (109 mm) from the inside
of the stop member 114 and the lowest point 137 at about 4.2 inches
(106 mm) from the inside of the stop member 114. In embodiments,
distances measured from the inside of a stop member are measured
from the stop member itself, as a part of the lacrosse head, and
not from any add-on piece (e.g., ball stop or pad) applied to the
stop member.
[0029] In alternative embodiments, a lower sidewall rail may extend
in the forward direction at a constant maximum distance below the
horizontal centerline or may reach the maximum distance at more
than one instance, in which case the lowest point may be considered
the forwardmost location of the lower sidewall rail at which the
maximum distance is reached before ascending toward the highest
point of the forward portion of the head. Thus, for example, if
there are multiple points at which the lower sidewall rail reaches
the maximum distance below the horizontal centerline (e.g., with a
wavy lower sidewall rail), then the point that is closest to the
highest point of the forward portion of the head may be considered
the lowest point.
[0030] Similarly, an upper sidewall rail may extend in the forward
direction at a constant lowest elevation or may reach a lowest
elevation at more than one instance, in which case the lowest point
may be considered the forwardmost location of the upper sidewall
rail at which the lowest elevation is reached before ascending
toward the highest point of the forward portion of the head. Thus,
for example, if there are multiple low points of an upper sidewall
rail (e.g., with a wavy upper sidewall rail), then the low point
that is closest to the highest point of the forward portion of the
head may be considered the lowest point.
[0031] To provide the helpful upwardly canted geometry, embodiments
may upwardly cant a forward portion of the head, relative to the
lowest point in the sidewalls of the head, which may be in a
mid-portion of the head. A forward portion may be considered any
portion forward of a point halfway between the inside of the stop
member 114 and the distal end of the transverse wall 112 (see,
e.g., distance 128 in FIG. 3, which may be at least 10 inches, for
example). The upward cant in the forward portion of the head may
ascend to a highest point at, for example, any location along the
forward end of the sidewalls, the shoulders of the head (at the
transitions between the sidewalls and transverse wall), or the
transverse wall. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a forward portion
of head 104 may ascend to a highest point 139, which is disposed at
a shoulder of the head 104 and is a distance 133 higher in a
vertical direction than the lowest point 135 of the lower sidewall
rail 130. In one implementation, highest point 139 may be a
distance 133 of at least about 2.25 inches higher in a vertical
direction than the lowest point 135, e.g., at approximately 2.39
inches in a vertical direction above the lowest point 135, and may
be a horizontal distance 134 forward of the lowest point 135 of
between about 4 inches to about 5 inches, e.g., at approximately
4.5 inches. In embodiments, horizontal distance 134 may be between
about 3 inches to about 6 inches.
[0032] In addition, transverse wall 112 may define a terminal
contact point at which a ball traveling in a forward direction
generally along bisecting line 119 may last contact and release
from the head during a throwing motion of the lacrosse stick.
Terminal contact point 142 may be disposed at a highest and/or
forwardmost point of lacrosse head 100. Terminal contact point 142
may be disposed at a height even with, or below, the highest point
139, to provide a desired scoop angle that facilitates retrieving
ground balls into the head at higher angles of the stick relative
to the ground, while also providing a beneficial hold and an
optimal release to increase ball velocity during a throw. In
embodiments, for example, terminal contact point 142 may be a
distance 141 in a vertical direction above the lowest point 135 of
at least about 2.25 inches, e.g., about 2.26 inches, and may be a
horizontal distance 136 forward of the lowest point 135 of between
about 4 inches to about 7 inches, e.g., at approximately 5.84
inches. In addition, in embodiments, the position of the terminal
contact point 142 relative to the horizontal centerline 146 may
contribute to the beneficial hold and optimal release, with desired
performance characteristics obtained at a distance 151 of at least
about 5 mm above horizontal centerline 146, for example.
[0033] In embodiments, the terminal contact point 142 may be
disposed generally along the bisecting line 119 (see FIG. 1), or
may be one or more points each disposed offset from bisecting line
119 (e.g., above and below line 119 in FIG. 1) so long as a ball
traveling in a forward direction generally along the bisecting line
119 may last contact and release off of the terminal contact point
or points. For example, as shown in the partial top view of FIG. 12
and the partial front view of FIG. 13, terminal contact point 142
may include two points 142A, 142B opposite each other across
bisecting line 119 (e.g., to the left and right of line 119 in
FIGS. 12 and 13) and equidistant from line 119, and each positioned
at a highest elevation and forwardmost position at which a ball 400
may last contact and release from the head in a direction generally
along the bisecting line 119 during a throwing motion of the
lacrosse stick, as represented by arrow 402.
[0034] In other embodiments, a terminal contact point 142 may not
necessarily be both a highest point and a forwardmost point. For
example, as shown in the partial top view of FIG. 14 and the
partial front view of FIG. 15, terminal contact point 142 may be a
highest point (see FIG. 14) but not a forwardmost point in view of
the projecting portions 410 of the transverse wall 112 (see FIG.
15). In this configuration, as represented by the arrow 402, a ball
400 moving in a direction generally along the bisecting line 119
may last contact the terminal contact point 142, and not the
projecting portions 410, which are beyond the width of the
contacting surface of the ball 400. Other embodiments may provide a
terminal contact point that is forwardmost, but not highest, such
as the configuration shown in FIG. 16, where the terminal contact
point 142 is forwardmost but is lower than points 412.
[0035] In embodiments, the transverse wall 112 may define the
highest point of a forward portion of a head. For example,
referring to the front view of FIG. 1, the transverse wall 112 may
define the highest point at two locations equidistant from
bisecting line 119, as mirror opposites across line 119. The two
locations may be near the shoulder of the head 104, at the
transition regions to the sidewalls 108, 110. For example, a
transition region between the transverse wall 112 and the upper
sidewall rails 132 of the sidewalls 108, 110 may define the highest
point. In other embodiments, a highest point of transverse wall 112
may be at a single location disposed approximately on the bisecting
line 119 of head 104.
[0036] The geometric relationships between the highest point 139 of
the forward portion of the head and the lowest point 135 of the
sidewalls of the head, and/or between the terminal contact point
142 of the transverse wall 122 and the lowest point 135 of the
sidewalls of the head, may lead to surprising benefits, for
example, related to providing a lacrosse stick with optimal hold
and control during shooting, affording players increased shot
speed, all while complying with applicable rules governing men's
lacrosse head construction. Testing of the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-9 by varyingly-skilled lacrosse players and by a lacrosse
swing rig machine, has demonstrated increased shot speed of up to
10% (with a mean increase of about 4-5%), over conventional
lacrosse heads. Generally, shot speed may be increased
approximately 5 mph. The lacrosse head frame geometry provides an
optimized hold of the ball through the throwing motion, while
avoiding a prolonged hold that precludes the ball from rolling
toward the scoop and causes an uncontrolled downward release of the
ball from the pocket, sometimes referred to as "whip." The present
embodiments allow a ball to travel farther up the pocket and off
the scoop, in a controlled fashion, thereby increasing power on
shots and passes.
[0037] As used herein, the "centerline" refers to the centerline of
the majority of a handle. In the case of a straight handle, the
centerline coincides with the center longitudinal axis of the
straight handle. In instances of handles having angled end portions
inserted into lacrosse head frames, or in instances of angled
throat sections of lacrosse heads, the centerline would be defined
by the remaining majority length of the handle that extends away
from the angled end portion or angled throat, and that is held by a
player. For example, referring to FIG. 10, if a handle 302 bends
within the last few inches (e.g., 3 inches) of the end of the
handle 302, which in this example is bent at a 10 degree angle,
then that bent end portion 303 is to be ignored for purposes of the
centerline. Thus, in the example of FIG. 10, the horizontal line
346, which corresponds to the majority length 305 of the handle
302, is the centerline for purposes of the present embodiments. The
line 347 is the center longitudinal axis of the bent end portion
303, and is not the centerline for purposes of the present
embodiments.
[0038] In embodiments, the increased vertical distance between the
lowest point of the sidewall of the head and the highest point of
the forward portion of the head, and/or between the lowest point of
the sidewall and the terminal contact point, especially when
compared to conventional lacrosse head geometries, may allow for an
increased slope of the pocket (when viewed from the side) in the
forward portion of the head, which may enhance the "hold" of the
ball within the pocket, as well as feel, control, and accuracy in
handling the ball in the pocket and releasing the ball from the
pocket during a throw. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the
upwardly canted geometry may provide an increased angle 143 as
graphically represented by the arrow 147 extending between the
lowest point 135 of the lower sidewall rail 130 and the terminal
contact point 142 of the transverse wall 112. In embodiments, on a
head 104 defining a distance 128 of at least 10 inches, angle 143
may be within a range of about 18 degrees to about 30 degrees, and
preferably within a range of about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees.
In one implementation, angle 143 may be about 21.4 degrees. When a
pocket (not shown) is strung to the head, the upwardly canted
geometry of the angle 143 may provide an optimal hold on a ball
during a throwing motion, to increase shot speed. Due to the
optimal hold, a player may start the shooting motion from farther
back and still achieve the same release point, and since the player
has more time to transfer energy to the ball, the ball may release
with a higher velocity. The physics provided by this configuration
may be considered similar to the increased energy applied to a golf
ball by a wider and/or longer golf club swing. In addition, the
upwardly canted geometry, including the increased angle 143 and a
more forwardly positioned lowest point 135, may allow deeper
portions of a pocket to be positioned more forward in a lacrosse
head, which may provide desired hold and control according to
player preferences.
[0039] In embodiments, the upwardly canted geometry of the forward
portion of the head may be characterized by the relative positions
of the lowest point 135 of the lower sidewall rail 130 and the
highest point 139 of the forward portion of the head (rather than
the terminal contact point 142 of the transverse wall 112). For
example, as shown in FIG. 5, the upwardly canted geometry may
provide an increased angle 148 as graphically represented by the
arrow 149 extending between the lowest point 135 of the lower
sidewall rail 130 and the highest point 139. In embodiments, on a
head 104 defining a distance 128 of at least 10 inches, angle 148
may be within a range of about 25 degrees to about 30 degrees. In
one implementation, angle 148 may be about 28 degrees. When a
pocket (not shown) is strung to the head, the upwardly canted
geometry of the angle 148 may also provide an optimal hold on a
ball during a throwing motion, to increase shot speed. Due to the
optimal hold, a player may start the shooting motion from farther
back and still achieve the same release point, and since the player
has more time to transfer energy to the ball, the ball may release
with a higher velocity. Again, the physics provided by this
configuration may be considered similar to the increased energy
applied to a golf ball by a wider and/or longer golf club
swing.
[0040] In further embodiments, the upwardly canted geometry may be
characterized by both the angle 143 and the angle 148 together, to
provide desired hold and throwing characteristics.
[0041] The lacrosse head embodiments of FIGS. 1-9 are configured to
receive a straight handle, and are described herein under the
assumption that such a straight handle is received in the lacrosse
head. An example of this straight head-handle configuration is
shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11, with the horizontal
centerline 146 coinciding with the entire centerline 346 of the
straight handle 302. In alternative embodiments, a lacrosse head
may be configured to receive a bent handle, in which case the same
geometric and angular relationships described herein in the context
of a straight handle would also apply to the lacrosse head that is
configured to receive a bent handle and receives a bent handle. For
example, the socket of the juncture 106 could be configured to
receive a handle with an end portion bent at an angle of between
about 1-10 degrees, with the horizontal centerline 146
corresponding to the centerline of the majority length of the
handle. The bent handle configuration may provide the same benefits
as a straight head-handle configuration, for example, in terms of
the upward cant of the forward portion of the head with respect to
the lowest point of the sidewalls of the head, which facilitates
optimized hold and increased shot speed. Thus, in embodiments, a
lacrosse stick having the features described herein may include
configurations having a downwardly canted handle, examples of which
are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,488,266, issued Feb. 10, 2009,
which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0042] Examples of suitable materials for a lacrosse head according
to the present embodiments include nylon, composite materials,
elastomers, metal, urethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyketone, polybutylene terephalate, acetals (e.g.,
Delrin.TM. by DuPont), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS),
acrylic, acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA), alcryn (partially
crosslinked halogenated polyolefin alloy),
styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-butylene styrene,
thermoplastic olefinic (TPO), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV),
ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Examples of suitable materials for a handle according to the
present embodiments include wood, metal (e.g., aluminum, titanium,
scandium, CU31, C405, and C555), plastic, and composites.
[0043] For purposes of convenience various directional adjectives
are used in describing the embodiments. For example, the
description may refer to the top, bottom, and side portions or
surfaces of a component. It may be appreciated that these are only
intended to be relative terms and, for example, the top and bottom
portions may not always be aligned with vertical up and down
directions depending on the orientation of a component or lacrosse
stick.
[0044] It should also be noted that relative terms such as "upper,"
"lower," "top," and "bottom," are used herein to describe the
embodiments as depicted in the accompanying figures and are not
intended to be limiting. Unless the context of the usage dictates
otherwise, when used in reference to a lacrosse stick or head as a
whole, the term "front" refers to the side of the lacrosse stick
through which a ball is caught and the terms "back" and "rear"
refer to the side of the lacrosse stick that is opposite to the
"front" and is where the pocket is disposed. It should also be
noted that figures provided herein generally depict the illustrated
lacrosse head with the pocket side of the head (i.e., the rear)
facing downward. It will be apparent to skilled practitioners that
the orientation of a lacrosse stick varies dramatically during play
and the relative positions of the elements of the present
embodiments will similarly vary from those depicted.
[0045] The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments has
been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the
precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the
embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art in light of the above disclosure.
[0046] While various embodiments have been described, the
description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and
it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many
more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within
the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be
used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or
element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted.
Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in
light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various
modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the
attached claims.
[0047] Further, in describing representative embodiments, the
specification may have presented a method and/or process as a
particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the
method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps
set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to
the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary
skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be
possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in
the specification should not be construed as limitations on the
claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or
process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in
the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily
appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within
the spirit and scope of the present embodiments.
* * * * *