The present invention relates generally to lacrosse equipment, and more particularly, to a lacrosse stick 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 netting structure is joined with the back side of the frame, typically laced through multiple small holes defined by the frame. The netting structure typically forms a pocket within which the 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.
Typically, different players at different positions prefer pockets having certain properties and certain configurations. For example, while a player at an attack position generally prefers a relatively shallow pocket for the quick release and accurate shooting of a lacrosse ball, a midfielder prefers a deeper pocket, so that they can better control and safely carry a ball by cradling it back and forth, causing the ball to snugly set in the pocket due to the centrifugal force produced by the cradling. Further, depending on the particular player, they may prefer a modification of the pocket. For example, an attacker may prefer their shooting strings, which generally form the ramp of the pocket from which the lacrosse ball is shot, to be at a certain angle, or at to have a particular resilience.
With many conventional pockets, however, it is frequently difficult to accommodate these player preferences without significant knowledge and experience about how to modify the netting so that the pocket has a specific profile and performs as desired. Further, when conventional pockets wear out after extensive play, the mere thought of replacing it can be daunting to many, particularly younger or less experienced lacrosse players. The reason for this is because most pockets require a complex lacing procedure, which is mastered by only a limited number of individuals, to secure the netting to a lacrosse frame in 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 lacrosse sticks to be restrung by someone else, and even then, after the pocket is strung, they usually must wait several weeks or months until it is properly broken in.
In addition to conventional lacrosse pockets being difficult to customize and replace, they usually are affected by climate. For example, even where netting is woven or otherwise constructed from filaments of nylon or polypropylene, when wetted by a rain, the netting of the pocket can shrink or become slippery, which can significantly alter how a lacrosse ball is shot from the pocket. This can lead to inconsistent shooting, which can be detrimental to the player's performance.
Some manufacturers have attempted to resolve the above issues, but few have succeeded. One approach is implemented in a pocket called the deBeer Gripper Pro, commercially available from J. deBeer & Son of Altamont, N.Y. The technology of this pocket is presented in U.S. Pat. No. 7,524,253 to Gait, which generally describes a pre-formed pocket including runners having two layers of multiple types of different materials and perpendicular cross pieces strung between the runners. A first layer includes a polyurethane material that is joined with a braided nylon web. A second layer also includes a polyurethane material joined with another braided nylon web. The first and second layers are sandwiched and machine stitched together in some areas, but separated in other areas to form openings between the layers. The openings are large enough so that the cross pieces can be loosely inserted through them. The cross pieces or other laces are then laced through openings in the lacrosse head frame.
While this construction provides an easy-to-install runner system, it requires a skill to precisely position and connect the cross pieces to the multilayered runners, which skill may not be possessed by younger or inexperienced players. Moreover, although the polyurethane and braided nylon layers work well, the layering of different materials requires additional assembly time. The extra machine stitching and sewing to join the various layers also requires additional assembly time and resources. Thus, while the above systems work, there remains room for improvement.
A lacrosse head is provided that includes a pocket that is durable and easy to replace relative to the lacrosse head. A method for making the pocket is also provided.
In one embodiment, the pocket includes an elongate single layer runner or thong constructed from a material, such as a polymeric material, overmolded over a first cross piece and the second cross piece so that the material encapsulates at least a portion of these pieces. The single layer runner can be generally transverse to each cross piece, and optionally perpendicular to the cross pieces. Further optionally, the cross pieces include speed loops that are adapted to receive a net lace to join the pocket with a frame of a lacrosse head.
In another embodiment, the pocket can include a throat tie having a throat tie end. The polymeric material can be molded over the throat tie so that the material encapsulates at least a portion of the throat tie end.
In still another embodiment, a method for manufacturing the lacrosse pocket is provided. The method includes providing cross pieces having first and second opposing ends; overmolding a material over the cross pieces to form first and second single layer runners with the material, where the overmolded material is the only structure extending between connecting the first cross piece and a second cross piece; where the first cross piece and second cross piece are transverse to the first and second single layer runners.
In yet another embodiment, the method includes providing a throat tie and overmolding the material over at least a portion of the throat tie so that the material joins the throat tie with the cross pieces.
In a still yet another embodiment, a pocket for a lacrosse head includes a runner base layer, a first piece joined at a junction with the runner base layer, with the first piece being transverse to the runner base layer. An overmold layer is molded over at least a portion of the runner, a portion of the first piece, and the junction. A separate molded connection element is formed by the overmolded layer that spans between and connects the runner and the first piece. The separate molded connection element is spaced away from and independent from the junction.
In a further embodiment, the lacrosse head pocket first piece is a side piece that extends outwardly and laterally away from the runner base layer toward at least an opposing sidewall of the lacrosse head. The side piece, however, optionally may not extend beyond the runner base layer toward the other opposing sidewall.
In yet a further embodiment the first piece is a shooting string that is transverse to the runner and extends from one opposing sidewall to the other opposing sidewall.
In still a further embodiment, the first piece includes a speed loop at the end thereof. The speed loop can define an opening through which a net lace is positioned. The speed loop of the first piece can extend beyond the sidewalls and can be connected directly to the sidewalls with the net lace.
In still yet a further embodiment, the method for making the pocket for a lacrosse head is provided. The method can include providing a runner joined at a junction with a first piece, the first piece being transverse to the runner; molding the material over at least a portion of the runner and the junction; and molding the material so that it forms a separate connection element that spans between and connects the runner and the first piece, the connection element being spaced away from and independent from the junction.
In another further embodiment, the runner can include a throat tie and the method can include molding the material over the throat tie so that a portion of the throat tie remains unmolded. Optionally the runner and the throat tie and/or first piece can be sewn together at the junction described above.
In yet another further embodiment, the pocket components, such as the single layer runners can be constructed from an polymeric material, for example, thermoplastic elastomer polymers, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamides, polyolefin blends, styrenic block polymers, and/or elastomeric alloys, as well as rubber, formable but flexible resins, hydrophobic flexible materials, and/or other similar flexible materials.
The lacrosse pocket and method herein provide a lacrosse net structure that is easily replaceable relative to a lacrosse head, even by youth and newcomers to the sport. Multiple different, custom pocket profiles can be formed with the present method, thereby offering a high degree of pocket customization to lacrosse players, without those players having to have significant knowledge and experience in shaping and fitting a pocket, and without having to pay someone else to install the netting structure.
Further, where the material is constructed from hydrophobic or waterproof materials, the netting is virtually unaffected by weather changes, temperature changes and moisture, which enables it to have a substantially consistent profile and configuration throughout such conditions. In turn, this enables the player to play with confidence, even under adverse environmental conditions.
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.
I. Overview
A current embodiment of a lacrosse head pocket is shown in
In the embodiment illustrated in
II. Construction
Construction of the current embodiment of
The sidewalls 116 and/or scoop can define multiple netting structure connections 117, which as shown, are holes that pass through the scoop, sidewalls or the frame. Optionally, the netting structure connections can vary in number, size and location from those shown in the figures. Even further optionally, depending on the application, the netting structure connections can be replaced with other alternative structures, such as a series of hooks or posts (not shown) that allow the attachment ends of the netting structure to be joined with the frame 112.
The pocket 10 can be joined with the frame 112 in a variety of manners. For example, the cross pieces 40 are joined with the frame 112 via lacing 119, which extends directly or indirectly to the frame 112. The single layer runner 20 can be joined with throat ties 60 that extend generally from the first end 22 of the single layer runners 20 toward the base 113. The throat ties 60 can be tied in a conventional manner to the frame 112. As illustrated in
Referring to
Optionally, if desired, the cross pieces can be joined with the elongate single layer runners so that they are movable relative thereto. For example, the cross pieces can move laterally, side-to-side, through the openings. To create this construction, the runners can first be molded with openings therethrough. Then, the cross pieces can be placed transversely through the openings, and left to freely slide or move in the openings. Further optionally, no other elements or structures join the adjacent cross pieces 41 and 43, other than the single layer runner.
The single layer runners 20 can include a first surface 21 and a second surface 23. The first surface 21 can generally face the front side of the head 114 while the rear surface 23 can generally face the rear side 115 of the head 100. The thickness of the respective single layer runners 20 between the front surface and the back surface between the ridges can range from about 1 millimeter to about 5 millimeters, optionally about 2 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, further optionally about 2.3 millimeters. The total thickness of the single layer runner in the regions where the cross pieces 40 are encapsulated and overmolded by the material can be about 4 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, optionally about 5 millimeters to about 7 millimeters, and further optionally about 6 millimeters. The total width of a single layer runner from one side to the other side can be about 5 millimeters to about 15 millimeters, optionally about 7 millimeters to about 13 millimeters, further optionally about 8 millimeters to about 11 millimeters, and even further optionally about 9 millimeters in width. The runners 20 from the scoop end 24 to the throat tie end 24 can generally be of a length suitable for the appropriate lacrosse head, generally ranging from about 22 centimeters to about 28 centimeters, optionally from about 23 centimeters to about 25 centimeters, and further optionally about 24 centimeters. Of course other dimensions may be suitable depending on the application.
With respect to each individual single layer runner, the cross section can vary. As shown in
The single layer runners can be constructed from a variety of polymeric materials, which include, but are not limited to, elastomeric materials, such as the thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic resins, thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, polyolefin blends, styrenic block polymers, and elastomeric alloys, as well as rubber, formable but flexible resins, hydrophobic flexible materials, or similar flexible materials, or combinations of the foregoing. Where the material is hydrophobic, the single layer runners and the resulting pocket can be resistant to shrinkage or shape alteration due to moisture, and in many cases changes in ambient temperature. Optionally, the entire structure of each runner is formed from a single, monolithic piece of polymeric material, having different thicknesses and cross sections of components as desired.
As shown in
The pocket 10, and more particularly, the single layer runners can be joined with a throat tie 60 at the ball stop end 22 of the runners. The actual joining of the throat tie 60 and single layer runner can vary as desired. As shown in
Further optionally, the connection between the throat tie 60 and the single layer runner 20 can be altered. In a first alternative embodiment illustrated in
Referring to the current embodiment of
Each cross piece 40 can be constructed to form a material such as a web, twine, string or lace. Materials that can be used to make the cross pieces include ballistic nylon, a braided nylon web, natural leather, synthetic leather, fabrics, cloths, or other polymeric materials. Optionally, the single layer runners 20 can be constructed from one polymeric material, and the cross pieces can be constructed from a second, different polymeric material, as mentioned above.
With reference to
The net lace 119 that can be used in connection with the cross pieces 40 or other components of the pocket 10 can be any conventional net lace, that is a lace, twine, web or other construction made from nylon, polyester or any other materials mentioned herein.
As shown in
Optionally, the cross members can terminate adjacent and/or within the single layer runners. For example, as illustrated in
III. Method of Manufacture and Use
A method of manufacturing the lacrosse pocket of the current embodiment will now be described with reference to
In this encapsulation, the polymeric material generally engages and covers at least a portion of the front surface 42 and the rear surface 44 of each of the respective cross pieces as well as the front surface and rear surface 61 and 69 of the throat ties (
Of course, where the speed loops are absent, for example, as shown in
A variety of techniques can be utilized for the molding process. For example, the polymeric material can be injection molded into a cavity formed above and/or below the respective throat ties and cross pieces. Alternatively, the polymeric material can be pour molded into a mold already containing the cross pieces and throat ties. Other molding operations and techniques can be used as desired.
In the molding process, a variety of the different components of the pocket 10 as described above can be formed. For example, the scoop and holes 26 and throat tie holes 29 can be formed in the single layer runner 20. Additionally, the mold can be configured so that it engages the throat tie end 62 to form kinks in it to attain the threaded configuration through the holes as shown in
Where the cross pieces 40 are preformed before including them in the mold, the speed loops 50 can be constructed by folding the end of the cross piece 40 back over itself and fastening these components with fastening structures as described above to form the respective speed loops.
After the single layer runners 40 are molded over the cross pieces and throat ties, the finished pocket 10 can be removed from the mold and allowed to cure. After it cures, flashing or trim can be removed from the single layer runners 20. Further, finishing operations can be performed so that the pocket 10 is ready for packaging or further processing. Given this preformed construction, the pocket 10 can be easily strung on a lacrosse head without significant skill.
IV. Second Alternative Embodiment
A second alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket 210 is illustrated in
With reference to
To even further join the cores 264 to the cross pieces 240, stitching lines 282 can be run along the length of the cores 264 as illustrated in
V. Third Alternative Embodiment
The third alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket 310 is illustrated in
VI. Fourth Alternative Embodiment
A fourth alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket is illustrated in
The cross pieces 440 can be joined with fastening structures to the second layer 464 as desired. The second layer 464 and the cross pieces 440 can form a pocket base. The pocket base can be overmolded by polymeric materials such as those described above. In general, the polymeric materials cover and/or encapsulates the front surface 466 of the second layer 464. The overmolded polymeric material also overlays and is overmolded to portions of the front surface 442 of the respective cross pieces 440. In this configuration, no openings are formed within the single layer runner, other than an opening at the scoop end and optional openings to accommodate a threaded through throat tie. The finished product also can include speed loops 450 that extend beyond the runners 420 laterally toward the sidewalls of the respective head 100 on with which the pocket is used.
VII. Fifth Alternative Embodiment
A fifth alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket is illustrated in
The runner bases 564 are generally spaced from one another, and can extend longitudinally along the length of the pocket 510. One or more cross pieces 540 can be joined between and connect the runner bases 564. The cross piece 540 can be oriented transversely to the runners 564, optionally in a non-perpendicular manner, and generally positioned between the runners. The side pieces 568 can extend laterally from the runner bases 564.
Optionally, the side pieces and cross pieces are separate and different elements. For example, side pieces terminate at a runner, and do not cross to another runner. Likewise, the cross pieces do not extend to the sides of the lacrosse head like the side pieces. The side pieces 568 can terminate at their ends at speed lace loops 550 of the type described above. These speed lace loops, and thus the respective side pieces, can extend to and/or beyond the sidewalls, and can be adapted to be laced with net lace 119 on the outside, or optionally the inside, and/or through the sidewalls 116 of the lacrosse head 100 as illustrated in
The runner bases 564 also extend toward the scoop 118 of the head 100. Adjacent the scoop, shooting strings 570 can be positioned transversely relative to the respective runner bases 564, generally in the ramp region 582 of the pocket base 512. As is known, these shooting strings are not considered side pieces or cross pieces, and they are optionally independent from these components of the pocket base. Moreover, the shoot strings can extend to the sides of the lacrosse head and/or scoop. The pocket base 512 can also include ramp elements 565 which can be joined to the side pieces 568 as well as the shooting strings 570. Optionally, these ramp elements 565, shooting strings 570 and side pieces 568 do not form part of the runner bases 564 nor portions of the runners 520 in the finished pocket 510.
Any of the pieces described above, for example, the shooting strings 570 or the ramp elements 565, as well as the runner bases 564 can terminate at speed lace loops 550 or other structures that connect them to the lacrosse head or net laces.
The various components of the pocket base 512 can be joined together at junctions 590 using a variety of fastening structures such as those described above. For example, in
As shown in
The overmolded material 523 also can form one or more separate molded connection elements. For example, as shown in the cross section of
Another type of connection element 596 can be formed between adjacent runner bases 564. There, again, the connection element 596 is the only component connecting and spanning between the runner bases in that region. Another type of connection element 505 can be formed between the shooting strings 570, the runner bases 564 and the ramp elements 565. Yet other type of connection element 507 can be formed between the runner bases 564 and the ramp elements 565. Indeed, even other connection elements 506 can be formed between adjacent side pieces 568. These connection elements can join the various components of the pocket base 512 to one another in addition to and independently from the fastening structures and/or junctions that join the various pocket base components.
With reference to
In use, the pocket 510 can be laced onto a lacrosse head as illustrated in
Optionally, the overmolded layer 523 can be co-molded from materials of different density, or completely different materials altogether. For example, a high density TPU can be overmolded over the runner base layers 564, while a low density TPU can be overmolded over the side pieces 568. Alternatively, different materials, such as TPU and polyethylene can be overmolded over different elements of the pocket base 512. This two material overmolding can be performed using a 2-shot process, or other techniques for molding structures from two or more different materials.
Further optionally, the exoskeleton 513 can be die cut from a sheet of polymeric material. The sheet can be constructed of different materials or different densities in different regions to provide the desired thickness or flexibility in selected regions. The cut exoskeleton 513 can be attached with fastening structures to the pocket base 512.
With all of the embodiments described above, a durable and easy-to-install pocket and related method are provided.
The above descriptions are those of the 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. Any references 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.
This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/098,464, filed Sep. 19, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
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