LACROSSE HEAD POCKET AND RELATED METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to lacrosse equipment, and more particularly, to a lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture.

Conventional lacrosse sticks include a head joined with a handle. The head includes a frame that forms a region within which a lacrosse ball can be caught, held or shot. A net is joined with the back side of the frame. Typically, the net is constructed from laces (e.g., a traditional pocket) or mesh (e.g., a mesh pocket), which is further connected to the frame via multiple small net holes defined by the frame. The net forms a lacrosse pocket within which the lacrosse ball is held while a player is in possession of the ball, and can be a determinant factor as to the player's ability to catch, retain and shoot the ball.

When the net is in the form of a traditional pocket, it usually includes four separate leather thongs interwoven with the laces. The center two thongs are generally parallel, and are sometimes referred to as runners. These runners frequently form a shooting channel from which a ball is propelled during shooting or passing a ball. The laces are held in place with sidewall strings that are carefully sewn through net holes in the sidewall of the lacrosse head. Such traditional pockets typically require extensive maintenance, and are prone to deteriorated performance when the thongs are subject to moisture.

Repeated use of a traditional pocket also can stretch out the thongs, as well as the laces between the thongs themselves, and/or the thongs and the sidewalls, thereby changing the shape and performance of the pocket. Further, during play, the laces can become broken in, and in so doing, can loosen. Alternatively, the laces can sometimes tighten due to environmental factors. In turn, this can cause the thongs to separate from one another, becoming non-parallel, and can ultimately change the shape of a shooting channel within the pocket. In addition, when a traditional pocket wears out, the mere thought of replacing it can be daunting to many, particularly younger or less experienced lacrosse players. This also can be true for mesh pockets, which include a single, unitary piece of soft fabric mesh material that is carefully attached directly to the lacrosse head.

The reason many players dread tightening, replacing or servicing pockets is because most pockets require a complex lacing procedure, which is mastered by only a limited number of individuals, to align the thongs, secure the net to a lacrosse head and attain a desired pocket configuration. Thus, many lacrosse players, particularly youths and newcomers to the sport, are left at the mercy of having to wait for their runners, thongs and/or laces to be tightened, or their pocket to be entirely restrung by someone else.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A lacrosse head is provided including a lacrosse pocket tensioner that can modify the configuration of the pocket without having to restring or re-lace portions of the pocket.

In one embodiment, a first runner and a second runner are disposed laterally of a pocket longitudinal axis on opposing, respective first and second sides. A strand of material is joined with and extends between the first and second runners. Optionally, the strand can be continuous, extending from one end of the pocket to the other and back again.

In another embodiment, the pocket can be configured so that the strand is joined with a tensioning member. The tensioning member can be integral with and/or fastened to a lacrosse head to which the lacrosse pocket is joined. The tensioning member can be selectively adjustable to extend and/or retract the strand therefrom. As a result of this movement of the strand, the strand interacts with the first and/or second runners, and thereby alters their spatial relationship relative to one another.

In still another embodiment, the tensioning member can retract and/or extend the strand, and optionally two opposing ends of the strand. As a result, the strand engages the first and second runners to adjust the lateral spacing between the first and second runners. For example, when the tensioning member retracts the strand, the amount of strand outside the tensioning member decreases in length. This can cause the strand to pull the first and second runners laterally toward one another, and/or toward a longitudinal axis of the pocket. As another example, when the tensioning member extends the strand, the amount of strand outside the tensioning member increases in length. This can cause the strand to relax, and the first and second runners to move laterally away from one another, and/or away from a longitudinal axis of the pocket.

In yet another embodiment, the tensioning member is a reel-type tensioner adapted to spool in and/or spool out the strand during retraction and extension of the strand, respectively. The tensioner can include a manually rotatable dial, and/or a tool driven dial, so that a player can rotate a portion of the tensioner to thereby extend and/or retract the strand. Optionally, the tensioner can be mechanized and remotely controlled by a smart device so that a player can automatically adjust the configuration of the lacrosse pocket, for example, by extending or retracting the strand.

In even another embodiment, the tensioning member can include a limiter and/or locking mechanism to limit the amount by which the strand is retracted or extended, and/or to lock the tensioner in a fixed configuration so that after the strand is reconfigured in length, the tensioning member fixes that length at least temporarily. Optionally, in a reel-type tensioner, the locking mechanism can be a pawl that engages a spool or gear to prevent rotation of the same.

In a further embodiment, the first and second runners can form a ball receiving surface. The strand also can form part of a ball receiving surface. In some cases, the strand can be configured so that it directly engages and contacts the ball when the ball is in the pocket.

In still a further embodiment, the strand is guided by guide members associated with the first and second runners. The guide members generally redirect the strand in different directions. Each guide member can be configured to enable the strand to move and/or slide relative to it and other guide members. Optionally, the strand moves relative to the guide members, and the runners likewise move dynamically during such movement. This can enable a ball channel formed from the first and second runners to change dynamically during passing, shooting and/or catching of a ball.

In even a further embodiment, the lacrosse pocket can be configured so that the strand forms and/or is joined with shooting strings extending near a scoop of a lacrosse head. The strand can be joined with a tensioning member adjacent or near the scoop, optionally secured to a sidewall or the scoop of the lacrosse head. The tensioning member can extend and/or retract the strand, which in turn can alter the configuration of the strand forming and/or joined with the shooting strings. This can result in a more relaxed or taut shooting ramp where the strand and/or shooting strings are located. Accordingly, a player can easily customize the configuration of the shooting strings via use of the tensioning member and the strand.

In yet a further embodiment, a method of manufacturing the lacrosse pocket is provided. The method can include providing a tensioning member including a rotatable reel; joining a strand with the reel so that when the reel is rotated, the strand at least one of spools on or spools off the reel; and lacing the strand into a lacrosse pocket so that the strand faces a ball receiving surface of the lacrosse pocket. Subsequent adjustment of the tensioning member can cause the strand to modify the configuration of the lacrosse pocket.

The lacrosse pocket and methods herein can provide a pocket that is easily serviceable and adjustable. This can enables the pocket to have a substantially consistent profile and configuration, customized to a player's preference. In turn, this enables the player to play with confidence. Further, if the pocket becomes stretched, loosened or otherwise changes in configuration during play, a player can easily and quickly manipulate the tensioning member and return the pocket to a desired profile or configuration without untying, retying and/or manipulating a complex network of lacing. This can be helpful particularly under adverse environmental and playing conditions. It also can enable a player to change up the profile of their pocket on the fly, depending on their position on field and/or desired pocket performance characteristics.

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.

Before the embodiments herein 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

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a lacrosse head including a current embodiment of a lacrosse pocket;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the lacrosse pocket with a ball in a low position in the pocket;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the lacrosse pocket with a ball moving toward the scoop in the pocket from the low position;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a first alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket including a tensioner associated with shooting strings of the pocket;

FIG. 5 is a close up view of a sidewall guide member associated with the lacrosse pocket;

FIG. 6 is a close up view of a runner guide member associated with the lacrosse pocket;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a second alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket including runners having integrated guide members;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a third alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket including tensioned shooting strings; and

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a fourth alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket including tensioned shooting strings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS
I. Overview

A current embodiment of a lacrosse head pocket is shown in FIGS. 1-3 and generally designated 10. The lacrosse pocket 10 is adapted to be secured to a lacrosse head 20 to form a strung head. The lacrosse head 20 can be further joined with a handle (not shown) to form a completed lacrosse stick. As shown in FIG. 1, the lacrosse pocket includes first 31 and the second 32 runners that extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis LA of a lacrosse head 20 and/or lacrosse pocket 10. The runners 31 and 32 can also be generally perpendicular to a lateral axis PA which extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the lacrosse head and/or pocket. The runners are further joined with lacing section 11 and 12, which extend to the sidewalls 24 and 26 of the head 20.

The runners can include one or more guide members 40. These guide members can extend inwardly toward the longitudinal axis LA. The guide members slidingly or movingly receive a strand of material 50 which can crisscross back and forth between the guide members on the first runner 31 and the guide members 40 on the second runner 32, or more generally between the runners. Of course, although shown in a crisscross configuration, the strand can be wound or otherwise interfaced with the guide members 40 in a variety of different configurations to provide a desired movement or spatial reorientation of the first and second runners relative to one another or other components of the lacrosse pocket.

Optionally, in some embodiments, guide members can be joined directly to and/or formed in the sidewalls of the respective lacrosse head. The strand can be laced through these guide members directly, or alternatively through net holes defined by the lacrosse head. In this embodiment, the runners may or may not be present, depending on the application.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the strand can include a first end 51 and a second end 52. These ends can be joined with a tensioning member 60, which can be a reel type or spooling adjustment mechanism that can retract and/or extend one or both of the ends 51 and 52 and thus the strand 50 relative to the tensioning member 60.

When this lacing 11 and 12 becomes excessively loosened, so that the ball handling characteristics of the pocket changes, a player can laterally tighten the lacing by manipulating the tensioning member 60, which in turn causes the strand 50 to retract toward tensioning member 60. Thus, the total amount or length of the strand 50 external to the tensioning member 60 is reduced. In turn, this causes the strand to pull the respective guide members and runners on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis LA toward one another. When the runners are pulled, this creates a tension T in the lacing 11 and 12 which tightens this lacing and alters the configuration and/or profile of the lacrosse pocket 10. This causes a change in the spatial relationship between the respective first and second runners.

Sometimes the lacing can become overly taut or tightened. By loosening the tensioning member 60, the strand 50 is relaxed so the ends 51 and 52 can extend away from or relative to the tensioning member 60. In turn, this enables the first and second runners to move spatially relative to one another, changing the pocket profile. Where the strand 50 is extended from the tensioning member 60, the first and second runners can be pulled outwardly laterally relative to the longitudinal axis LA in opposing directions by the associated lacing 11 and 12 disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis LA as shown in FIG. 1.

II. Construction

The construction and components of the current embodiment of the lacrosse pocket will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. As shown there, the pocket 10 is joined with a lacrosse head 20, which is in the form of a women's lacrosse head. The pocket described herein, however, can be readily used and implemented in a men's lacrosse head. The lacrosse head 20 includes a base 21 including a ball stop 23 attached to a throat 22 which can be further connected to a handle (not shown). The head 20 can include opposing sidewalls 24 and 26 extending from the base or ball stop and/or scoop 28, which is connected to and joins the sidewalls 24 and 26. The lacrosse head 20 can include a front side 29A and a rear side 29B. The head 20 can also define an interior pocket area 27 which is generally bounded by the sidewalls 24, 26, the ball stop 23 and the scoop 21. In this area, on the front side 29A, a lacrosse ball 99 can be caught, handled and/or shot from the lacrosse head 20 and pocket 10.

The pocket 10 can be fitted within the confines of the interior pocket area 27. The pocket can be joined directly with the sidewalls 24, 26, the ball stop 23 and the scoop 21 via multiple different lacing structures, for example, lacing sections 11 and 12. The pocket 10 includes a rear surface 19B and a front surface 19A. The front surface 19A forms a ball receiving area of the pocket. This ball receiving area is configured and adapted to engage contact, receive, catch, shoot and/or hold the ball 99 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The various elements of the pocket, for example the first and second runners 31 and 32, the guide members 40, the strand 50 and the lacing 11 and 12 as well as the optional shooting strings 71 and 72 can form this ball receiving area. In most cases, the various components of the ball receiving area and the pocket mentioned above directly engage and contact the ball. In some cases, however, not all the components are be adapted to directly engage and/or contact the ball. For example, where the first and second runners 31 and 32 include raised surfaces in the ball receiving area, the ball may be suspended a sufficient distance above the strand 50 so that the strand is not directly contacted by the ball. In many cases however, the strand 50 can be contacted by the ball, depending on the application and desired performance of the ball channel.

As mentioned above, the pocket can include first and second runners 31 and 32, strand 50, lacing sections 11 and 12, as well as the guide members 40. The lacing sections 11 and 12, also referred to as lacing, can be constructed from nylon or other suitable material. The lacing as described herein is separately constructed and independent from the strand 50, and optionally the two components can be constructed from different materials, and are not continuously connected with one another. Optionally, the lacing 11 and 12 can include and/or can be leather runners or additional runners constructed from the same material as the runners 31 and 31, depending on the application. Further optionally, the lacing and/or runners can be in the form of a partially or fully molded lacrosse pocket, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,186,829 to Burns et al, filed Oct. 1, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The lacing sections 11 and 12 can extend on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis LA, and can be tied to the first and second runners respectively, and can extend to the first and second sidewalls 24 and 26 respectively. The lacing can be tied directly to net holes 29 (FIG. 2) that are defined by the respective components of the lacrosse head. The lacing sections 11 and 12 also can extend laterally outward from the first and second runners to respective side portions 11S and 12S of the pocket, where those side portions are connected directly to the sidewalls or other components of the head.

The lacing can be intricately woven around portions of the first and second runners, holding those components in preselected locations relative to the pocket. The lacing also can include shooting strings 71 and 72 which extend across the head near the scoop 28. Fewer or more shooting strings can be provided, depending on the particular application. Optionally, the shooting strings are generally perpendicular to the respective first and second runners in some applications.

As mentioned above, the pocket 10 includes the first and second runners 31 and 32. These runners can be constructed from a variety of different materials. For example, they can be constructed from rubber, thermoplastic, polyurethane, nylon, polyester, polyester polyurethane, polyether polyurethane, other polymeric materials, combination, laminates and other combinations thereof. Other suitable materials are disclosed in U.S. Published Patent Application 2014/0106910 to Burns et al., filed Oct. 1, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Although shown as including only two primary runners, the pocket 10 can be outfitted with one or more additional runners, located laterally away from the longitudinal axis LA, optionally between the first and second runners and the closest respective first and second sidewalls 24 and 26. Depending on the particular application and the rules of the sport, additional runners can be added. Likewise, the below described strand and tensioning element can also be coupled to these runners in varying configurations to allow a desired reconfiguration of the lacrosse pocket and the ball receiving surfaces.

The first and second runners 31 and 32 can extend from the ball stop 23 toward the scoop 28. These runners can be substantially parallel to one another and parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. During play or other modification, these first and second runners may become non-parallel with one another, for example, they may become angled relative to one another and/or the longitudinal axis LA at an angle of about 2° to about 6°. Generally, this deviation from parallel relative to the longitudinal axis does not substantially or adversely affect the travel of the ball within the ball channel 14, which is formed by the first and second runners. This ball channel 14 can be the primary region of the ball receiving surface that the lacrosse ball 99 engages when it is shot or passed or otherwise leaves the pocket and head.

The runners 31 and 32 also can be perpendicular to the lateral axis PA. The lateral axis can be taken at any point along the longitudinal axis LA. The lateral axis PA also can be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA. Along the lateral axis, a distance L, between respective first and second runners, can be measured to determine the effect of the adjustment of the tensioning member 60, as further explained below.

The runners 31 and 32 can be outfitted with guide members 40. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the guide members optionally can be in the form of nylon or other material, formed as closed loops that extend inwardly toward the longitudinal axis LA, and generally parallel to the lateral axis PA. The loops can be integrally formed and molded over by the material from which the first and second runners 31 and 32 are constructed. The guide members 40 can form the closed loop, with a first end secured to the runner, and a second end folded over the first end and also secured to the runner and/or integrally formed with a runner. The guide members 40 can include openings 41 through which the strand 50 is slidably and/or movable received. If desired, these components can be constructed from a low friction material and/or can be constructed to include a coating or housing of low friction material to enable the strand to move relative to the respective guide members.

The guide members 40 also can extend substantially parallel to one another on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis LA. Although shown as being precisely matched and opposing one another across the longitudinal axis LA, the guide members can be offset from one another along the longitudinal axis LA so that one guide member on one runner is not precisely opposite a guide member on the opposing runner.

Although shown as closed loop guide members, the guide members 40 can be in the form of tubes or J channels or C channels that are formed on portions of the runners and/or other components of the pocket and/or head as described further below. Yet other lace guides suitable for use herein can include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,953 to Hammerslag and U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,050 to Hammerslag, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the strand 50 can join the respective runners via the guide members 40. Generally, the strand can engage the guide members and the respective first and second runners to alter the spatial relationship between these components when the strand is under a level of tension in a retracted state or relaxed in an extended state. The strand can include a first end 51 and a second end 52. These ends can be joined directly with internal and/or external components of the tensioning member 60. The strand 50 can extend continuously from the first end 51 to the second end 52. Opposite the tensioning member 60, the last loop 59 of the strand can turn back toward the tensioning member 60. The strand 50 as illustrated can criss cross itself multiple times generally over the pocket longitudinal axis LA.

As illustrated, the strand can be registered and extend through multiple ones of the guide members 40 on the respective first and second runners 31 and 32. Due to this configuration, the strand and the first and second runners can form a ball receiving surface of the pocket, and optionally, all these components can engage and/or contact the surfaces of the ball 99 as it moves through and/or over them.

The strand, as used herein, refers to a component having a generally elongated shape and a somewhat high tensile strength, and a generally low elasticity. A strand can include, but is not limited to the following: a cable, a solid core wire, a solid core polymer, a multi-filament wire or polymer, which can be braided, woven, twisted or otherwise configured, a strap, a cord, a filament and combinations thereof. The strand can have an indefinite length and can be combined with other strands. Some strands can include wire and/or a synthetic material such as nylon, rayon, polyester and/or a polyacrylic compound. Other strands can be formed from silk. A specific, exemplary strand can be constructed from SPECTRA™, manufactured by Honeywell of Morris Township, N.J. Of course, other kinds of extended chain, high modulus polyethylene fiber materials can be substituted for this exemplary strand.

As mentioned above, the strand 50 is ultimately joined with the tensioning member 60. This tensioning member 60 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 is joined integrally and/or fastened with a fastener such as a screw, rivet, weld or other structure directly to the base 21 of the lacrosse head 20. Of course, this tensioning member 60 can be joined with other portions of the lacrosse head, for example, the sidewalls, scoop and/or the throat. The tensioning member 60 can be centered on the longitudinal axis LA of the pocket and/or head. In some cases, this component can be on the front face 29A and/or rear face 29B of the head, depending on the particular application. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is generally on the rear face 29B of the head. This rear face location can be out of the way of the player, and can be distal from the front face of the head, where a majority of impacts with balls and/or other sticks can occur.

The tensioning member 60 can be selectively adjustable so that it can either extend and/or retract the strand 50. This, in turn, can draw the first and second runners closer to one another and/or allow the first and second runners to separate from one another a greater distance than the distance before the tensioning member was engaged.

The tensioning member 60 can be disposed rearward of the ball stop 23 along the base. Although shown as an integrally formed structure with the lacrosse head, the tensioning member optionally can include a mounting plate or an aperture which facilitates fastening the tensioning element 60 to a particular head. In this manner, a lacrosse pocket of the current embodiment can be retrofitted on any type of head. Where the tensioning member 60 includes a mounting plate as described above, the plate can be fastened with fasteners, welding, glue or other materials directly to the lacrosse head, for example, the base. In some cases, the plate can be of sufficient size so that a zip tie, wire, cord, lace or cable can be wrapped around the plate to secure the tensioning member to the lacrosse head.

As illustrated, the tensioning member 60 optionally can be any reel-type tensioner which spools the strand 50 on or off an internal or external spool or reel during retraction and extension, respectively, of the strand 50 relative to the tensioning member 60. One suitable construction for this tensioning member is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,953 to Hammerslag, which is incorporated by reference herein.

The tensioning member can be in the form of a rotatable reel. The rotatable reel can include an external knob or control 63. The control can be manually grasped by a player by a player and rotated to extend or retract the strand. In some applications, for example, the one shown in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 4, the tensioning member 160 can include a drive feature 162. This drive feature can be in the form of a drive feature, for example, a Phillips screw driver hole, a flat screwdriver hole, a TORX hole or a hex-shaped hole that receives a tool 98 having a corresponding shape. The tool 98 can be used to rotate the rotatable tensioning member 160. Optionally, the tool can be the only element sufficient to adjust the tensioning member. Thus, a player can be prevented from illegally modifying the configuration of the pocket during play, manually on the field, after certain measurements of the lacrosse head are taken. Such a tool 98 can be stored on the sidelines of play so that a player can only adjust the tension in that pocket during certain times of a game, for example, before a game, or legally after the pocket begins to sag or stretch so that it is no longer in conformance with associated rules of the game.

Optionally, the tensioning member 60 can be constructed to include a clutch and/or a stop mechanism. This clutch or stop mechanism can generally limit the tightening of the strand 50 relative to the respective first and second runners. This can prevent the runners from becoming excessively or unintentionally misaligned with one another or tightened so much that the entire pocket acts more like a racquet that deflects caught balls, rather than a lacrosse head which catches balls. Where the tensioning member 60 is a reel-type tensioner, the clutch can engage when a player excessively rotates the control 63. The clutch can ensure that the knob no longer rotates an internal spool. In effect, the clutch ensures the amount of strand that is let out or taken in from the tensioning member 60 remains the same until the next full intentional adjustment by the player.

Operation of the lacrosse pocket 10 of the current embodiment will now be described in further detail. As mentioned above, the strand 50 is interlaced between the and through multiple ones of the guide members 40 on the respective first and second runners 31 and 32. The first and second runners 31 and 32 can be disposed in a first configuration at the beginning of the adjustment period. This configuration can include the runners 31 and 32 being generally parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis LA. Over time, a ball within the lacrosse pocket, or adverse environmental conditions, can alter the configuration of the lacing 11 and 12. As an example, the lacing can become loosened upon extensive play, particularly right after the strings and lacing are initially installed. This can cause the first and second runners 31 and 32 to generally bow inward toward the longitudinal axis LA, decreasing the distance L between the runners, or generally making that distance inconsistent from ball stop to scoop. With this altered distance between the runners, a ball 99 travelling along the runners and generally within ball channel 14 can sometimes move erratically or not in accordance with a player's preference.

With the current embodiment, a player can quickly address this nonparallel or undesired configuration or spatial relationship between the first and second runners, or generally any undesired orientation or configuration of the product. To do so, the player grasps the tensioning member 60, and in particular the control 63. The player then exerts a moment upon the control causing it to rotate in a first direction. In so doing, the first end 51 and second end 52 of the strand 50 are drawn into and/or retracted toward the tensioning member 60. Where it is a reel-type tensioner, these ends and portions of the strand 50 spool onto the respective spool. This in turn, decreases the total length of the strand 50 located adjacent or outside the tensioning member 60. With the strand length being reduced, the strand pulls on the respective guide members 40. Because the guide members are located generally across from one another and across the longitudinal axis LA, the guide members and the respective first and second runners 31 and 32 pull toward one another generally laterally toward the longitudinal axis LA. Different segments of the first and second runners move toward one another parallel to the lateral axis PA. In so doing, the overall distance L between the respective runners decreases. In turn, the lacing sections 11 and 12 are pulled more taut. This alters the profile of the pocket and generally the spatial orientation of the first and second runners relative to one another. For example, they become closer to one another within the ball receiving area. Optionally, a player can adjust the tensioning member 60 to exert a desired tension in the strand 50 so that the runners, lacing and pocket in general are reconfigured to a suitable orientation desired by the player.

In some cases, a player may desire to loosen the strand 50 so that the runners 31 and 32 have more slack or are generally looser, and/or the side sections 11 and 12 are generally looser. To do so, the player can engage the tensioning member 60 and exert a movement thereon to manually rotate the control 63 in an opposite direction. The ends 51 and 52 of the strand 50 can be let out or extended from the tensioning member. In so doing, the lateral distance L between the respective first and second runners can be increased to a desired extent. In some cases, as mentioned above, the tensioning member 60 can include a limit and/or a stop. This limit and/or stop can prevent the player from increasing distance L to an extent that would cause the head to fall out of conformance with any applicable rule relative to the distance between the respective runners 31 and 32.

During the selective adjustment of the tensioning member 60, the strand can move by either extending or retracting. The strand 50 also can move relative to the respective guide members 40. As mentioned above, the strand extends through the multiple guide members so as to span between the first and second runners. The strand can slide, move, glide or otherwise be displaced relative to the different portions of the guide members, and thus generally move likewise relative to the runners. This can enable the strand to move freely with regard to the guide members and runners during the extension or retraction.

In addition, when the tensioning member is no longer being used to extend or retract the strand 50, the strand 50 can still move, slide or otherwise change its spatial relationship relative to the respective guide members. This is illustrated better in FIGS. 2 and 3. There, the strand 50 and respective runners 31 and 32 form the ball channel 14 in the ball receiving surface 19A of the pocket 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the ball is illustrated in a low position, and located near ball stop 23. There, the ball 99 can exert a sufficient force so that the strand 50 slides relative to the guide members 40. As a result, the first runner 31 and the second runner 32 can be separated by a first distance D1. This first distance D1 can be different from the second distance D2 located farther up the runners, generally more toward the scoop 28. This distance D1 can be greater than the distance D2 closer to the scoop 28 when the ball is in the low position.

As the ball 99 transitions from the low position toward the scoop 28, as shown in FIG. 3, the pocket dynamically conforms to the ball moving along the pocket, and the runners' spatial relationship relative to one another can change. In particular, the first and second runners 31 and 32 can dynamically move relative to one another. They can because the strand 50 is not secured directly to the guide members and instead moves or slides relative to those guide members, and thus the runners. As a result, when the ball is located about mid-pocket, approaching the shooting ramps, the distance between the first and second runners is the same as the first distance D1 when the ball was in the low position as shown in FIG. 2.

In effect, the distances D1 and D2 are reversed or flipped from when the ball was in the low position in FIG. 2 to the mid-pocket position shown in FIG. 3. As an example, first, the distance between the runners was greater near the ball stop 23. As the ball progressed up the ball channel 14 toward the scoop 28, the first and second runners expanded or moved apart from one another to maintain this distance D1 therebetween at the points of contact between the ball and the runners and/or the strand. Thus, the ball channel dynamically changes and the runners effectively move and change the spatial relationship with one another as the ball moves along the runners and/or strand. This can provide enhanced cradling and shooting characteristics of the lacrosse pocket.

III. Method of Manufacture and Installation of the Current Embodiment

To manufacture a lacrosse pocket of the current embodiment, the tensioning member 60 can be provided. A strand 50 can be joined with the tensioning member 60. Where the tensioning member includes a rotatable reel, the strand is configured so that it either spools on or spools off the reel. The strand is then laced through the guide members of the respective first and second runners, or other components of the head or pocket, depending on the particular application. While the strand usually faces a ball receiving surface of the pocket, in some cases, it can be on a rear surface of the pocket as described below.

The pocket 10 can be installed on a head 20 and secured to respective components thereof, for example, the sidewalls, base and scoop. Shooting strings 71 and 72 can be laced to the first and second runners 31 and 32. Additionally, the side lacing 11 and 12 can be spanned between the respective runners and the sidewalls and/or scoop.

After installation, the pocket can be adjusted. As mentioned above, the tensioning member can be adjusted, so that the strand moves relative to the guide members and/or runners. This causes the strand to modify the configuration of the lacrosse pocket. For example, when retracted, the strand pulls the guide members, which pulls the first and second runners 31 and 31 toward one another and/or the longitudinal axis LA, generally moving these components laterally along lateral axis PA to decrease the distance L between the first and second runners. When the tensioning member is adjusted to extend the strand, the reverse occurs, that is, the runners can move away from one another and/or the longitudinal axis LA, with the distance L between runners or other components of the pocket increasing along the lateral axis PA of the pocket. Accordingly, a player can readily tighten or loosen a lacrosse pocket and/or modify the configuration of a ball channel of the same.

IV. First Alternative Embodiment

A first alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket is illustrated in FIG. 4 and generally designated 110. The pocket shown there is similar in structure, function and operation to the embodiment described above with several exceptions. For example, the pocket 110 can include a first tensioner 160 similar to the one described above. This tensioner can modify the strand 150 and its length, thereby altering the configuration of the runners and ball channel. The pocket and/or head can be outfitted with a second tensioning member 160′ which is similar to the tensioning member discussed in the embodiment above, but located near the scoop. The tensioning member 160′ can include a second strand 150′. This second strand 150′ can extend through guide members 140 that are associated with the respective first and second runners 131 or 132. The strand 150′ can further extend to additional guide members 140′ that are formed as a portion of the head, for example, the sidewalls and/or scoop and can span back and forth across the longitudinal axis LA of the head. In this embodiment, the strand 150′ can generally take the place of the shooting strings of the head.

The guide members 140 in this construction can be different from those described above. For example, the guide members 140 can be formed as tube 142 that extends through a respective runner, for example, runner 131 as shown in FIG. 6. The tube can be constructed from the same material as the runner 131, or it can be constructed from a low friction coating tubular member that is disposed within the material of the rubber. For example, the tube 142 can in the form of a high density polyethylene tube that is molded within, and the chemically and physically bonded to the material of the runner 131. The strand 150′ can extend through the tube, and can slide relative to it. Of course, in other constructions, the runners 131 and the respective guide members 140 can be substituted with other types of guide members, such as loops, washers, an/or D rings that are molded, attached or otherwise fastened to the rear side of the runners or to other components of the pocket and/or the head where runners are not provided.

The strand 150′ of this embodiment can extend all the way to the respective sidewalls 124 and 126 and/or a portion of the scoop 128. As shown in FIG. 5, the sidewall 126 itself can include a guide member 140′. This guide member 140′ can include a primary flange 141′ that extends outwardly from the sidewall. This flange 141′ can transition to a J shaped channel 142′ of a predeterminate length. The strand 150′ can be captured by the J channel 142′ and optionally can move or slide relative to the same. The J channel generally captures the strand, holding it in place so that the strand 150′ can establish the shape and/or configuration of shooting strings of the pocket.

V. Second Alternative Embodiment

A second alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket is illustrated in FIG. 7 and generally designated 210. The pocket shown there is similar in structure, function and operation of the embodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, in this construction, the runners 231 and 232 generally extend in parallel to one another and/or to the longitudinal axis LA of the pocket 210. The guide members 240 of this embodiment however are different. In this construction, the guide members can be generally in the form of U shaped tubes that are fastened, glued, welded or optionally integrally formed with the respective runners 231 and 232. These U shaped tubes generally include a U shaped portion 242 that redirects the direction of the strand 250 as it extends therethrough. Each U shaped member 242 terminates at openings 243 that open generally toward the longitudinal axis LA of the lacrosse pocket. These guide members 240 can be integrally formed with the runners 231 or 232 on either the front or rear surfaces of the pocket depending on the particular desired performance of the pocket.

VI. Third Alternative Embodiment

A third alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket is illustrated in FIG. 8 and generally designated 310. The pocket shown there is similar in structure, function and operation to the embodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, the pocket 310 can include first and second runners 331 and 332. These runners can be generally joined with fixed length cross pieces 333 that extend therebetween. This can generally fix the distance between the runners 331 and 332 relative to one another. The pocket 310, however, can be outfitted with a strand 350 that functions like shooting strings. This strand 350 can be joined with the tensioning member 360, which itself is joined with a sidewall or scoop of the head. The strand extends through and moves relative to guide members 340. These guide members 340 can be in the form of tubes that allow the strand to move and/or slide relative to them. The strand is laced through those tubes, for example, on the sidewalls 324 and 326 of the head 320. The guide members 240 are configured to redirect the strands along lines that mimic conventional shooting strings.

The runners 331 and 332 can be outfitted with tubular guide members 341 which guide the strand as well. By adjusting the tensioning member 360, a player can tighten strand 350 so that the strand acts more like tightened shooting strings. By loosening the strand 350 with a tensioning member 360, a player can render the shooting string strand less taut, to provide desired performance characteristics.

VII. Fourth Alternative Embodiment

A fourth alternative embodiment of a lacrosse pocket is illustrated in FIG. 9 and generally designated 410. The pocket shown there is similar in structure, function and operation of the embodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, the pocket 410 includes first and second runners 431 and 432. These runners can be joined with cross laces 433 that provide a fixed distance between the respective runners 431 and 432. The pocket 410 can also be outfitted with shooting string members 445 and 446. These shooting string members can span across the pocket and the respective first and second runners. They also can be attached to the respective sidewalls 424 and 426 of the head 420. A tensioning member 460 can be mounted to one or more of the sidewalls 424 or 426. The tensioning member can be joined with or include a strand 450 that is looped through multiple guide members 440, which are associated with the first 445 and second 446 shooting strings. Opposite the tensioning member 460, a return guide member 448 can be associated with a sidewall. By extending or retracting the strand 450 and adjustably modifying the tensioning member, the configuration of the shooting strings can be changed, as well as the performance of the head.

Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).

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.

LACROSSE HEAD POCKET AND RELATED METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

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