Lacrosse Stick Pocket Enhancement

Abstract

Lacrosse stick features are disclosed that allow a player to have improved handling of the ball. The present invention discloses a lacrosse stick having a head including membranes that create the pocket in the cross head. The present invention also discloses a lacrosse stick having a head including at least one unique strand that creates improved performance with respect to handling as well as additions to the surface of the interior of the lacrosse head.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to lacrosse equipment and, more particularly, to enhancements in lacrosse stick pockets that improve ball handling and control especially during wet conditions.

2. Description of the Related Art

Lacrosse is a sport that utilizes a stick featuring a head and pocket on the end of a shaft, used for passing, catching, and shooting a hard rubber ball. Passing and especially shooting, often requires the release point and the stick trajectory be generated from a variety of positions and angles. Since there is a goalie and defensive players trying to cut off shooting angles and initiating other defensive means to prevent the ball from entering the goal, the shot velocity, trajectory, and control greatly influences shooting success.

While numerous designs exist for rigid head geometry and pocket stringing configurations, previous innovations have primarily focused on manufacturing efficiencies rather than performance enhancement. Traditional string-based pocket designs fail to adequately address critical performance factors such as ball control, spin generation, and impact absorption.

There have been instances where “shooting strings” have been added for improved control, but there have been few changes to the materials used for the strings or the internal surface of the head.

Consequently, a need has been felt for providing improved lacrosse stick pocket enhancements that allow for better ball control, improved shot velocity, and enhanced overall performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, utilizing brush elements, aims to address these limitations and provides a novel solution that enhances multiple aspects of lacrosse stick performance simultaneously.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide lacrosse stick pocket enhancements that improve ball handling and control.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide lacrosse stick pocket enhancements that increase shot velocity and accuracy.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide lacrosse stick pocket enhancements that improve ball stability during aggressive contact inherent in the sport.

One embodiment of the present invention discloses a twisted wire brush that is used in place of the current shooting strings and/or in other areas of the lacrosse pocket. The novelty of the multiple bristles that circumferentially emanate is that with this greater contact area to the ball, the player can generate more spin velocity making it more difficult for the goalie to predict the path of the ball to prevent a goal. In addition, the greater rigidity of the twisted wire spine can also create a pocket that has better ball stability for catching and control during the aggressive contact that the sport entails. The rigid wire spine of the twisted wire brush also provides greater stability during wet playing conditions.

A twisted wire brush is manufactured by taking a length of wire to create core formed from a single metallic wire folded in a generally u-shaped configuration to provide a pair of parallel wire segments. Bristles (also referred to as filaments or fibers), usually comprised of thin strands, are disposed between a portion of a length of the wire segments. The wire segments are then twisted, or rotated, about each other to form a helical core (also known as a twisted wire core) which holds the filaments substantially at their midpoints so as to clamp them. In this way, a bristle portion or bristle head is formed with radially extending bristles secured in the twisted wire core in a helical or spiral manner. Once these strands have been adequately anchored, they can be trimmed in either a uniform or non-uniform manner to produce the desired external geometry. The type of wire used (like stainless steel, brass, or fiber) and the bristle material will depend on the intended application. Some twisted brushes use a single pair of stem wires, while others may use multiple sets of stem wires for increased strength and bristle density.

Another known type of brush is the disc-array or stacked-disc brush, which typically includes an array of flexible discs that are disposed in an axial array along a central core. The discs can be formed individually in a variety of configurations, and assembled in a variety of combinations to yield assemblies having different characteristics. The central core of such brushes can be metal, but is typically formed from a polymer or plastic, such as by molding.

There also are brush assemblies or brush constructions that combine the benefits of known twisted-in-wire brushes and stacked disc array brushes, that provide a wider array of shapes and configurations that as a consequence, have unique performance characteristics.

The first embodiment utilizes the twisted wire brush that is attached to the pocket horizontally in addition to or as a replacement of, a horizontal shooting string. This location acts in a manner similar to the shooting strings now employed, but the plurality of the bristles and the materials utilized provide greater grip and ball control.

Another embodiment utilizes two twisted wire brush components located toward the bottom of the pocket in a vertical fashion that can help guide the ball to the center of the lacrosse head. These vertical components can be straight or curved and can be used alone or in combination with a horizontal shooting string which is a conventional design, or the twisted brush version discussed in the first embodiment.

Other embodiments of this concept include other stringing position geometries combinations thereof.

In addition to the wire wound, twisted brush approach, there is another brush that is created by another manufacturing method that allows the fibers to be attached to a plastic backing that can create a similar effect.

A “mohawk” style brush generally refers to any brush whose bristles are arranged in a narrow or raised strip down the center-much like a mohawk hairstyle-instead of being spread evenly across the head of the brush. Such a brush style may also include a narrow-profile brush with a single line of raised bristles). Mohawk-style brushes are made by winding yarn and/or filaments around a flat band creating a pile. The pile is anchored to a backing which is disposed at the desired angle to the band. The band wrapped with the pile and the two backings move together along an assembly path. Ultrasonic horns each have a split end, which moves perpendicular to the backing. Mechanisms guide the backings and the band each include a slotted plate oriented at the requisite angle. The edge of the pile wrapped band extends through the slot in the guide into contact with the backing. The band and the horn move in the same, horizontal plane, thereby simplifying the construction of the assembly apparatus. The wrapped fiber bundle has now been ultrasonically bonded to the two backings, creating an I-shaped configuration. This may be slit longitudinally by a slitter in the direction line of the travel to provide a pair of brushes, thus creating two T-shaped, “mohawk-style” brushes.

There are also grit, sandpaper, and/or aggressive, high-traction textures that can be added directly to the lacrosse head interior surface to create enhanced grip on the ball.

Further objects, features, elements and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a two typical twisted wire brushes, one with a protective ball end;

FIG. 2 shows another bristle manufactured technology where the bristles or tufted yarn elements are bonded to a polymer substrate;

FIG. 3 shows a typical lacrosse head;

FIG. 4 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of a horizontal twisted brush shooting string;

FIG. 5 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of a horizontal twisted brush shooting string and with the addition of two vertical twisted brush elements;

FIG. 6 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of two horizontal twisted brush shooting strings;

FIG. 7 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of two horizontal twisted brush shooting strings and with the addition of two vertical twisted brush elements;

FIG. 8 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of two vertical twisted brush elements with a curvilinear shape;

FIG. 9 shows a lacrosse head with the addition two vertical twisted brush elements with a curvilinear shape and with a curved horizontal brush element that is centrally located (25-75% area, top-to-bottom);

FIG. 10 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of a horizontal twisted brush shooting strings and with the addition of an upside down U-shaped twisted brush element;

FIG. 11 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of a horizontal twisted brush shooting string and two short vertical twisted brush elements at the top of the pocket;

FIG. 12 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of twisted brush elements placed in a shield-shaped configuration;

FIG. 13 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of a circular shaped twisted brush elements; and

FIG. 14 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of a high traction texture that is attached directly to the lacrosse head surface via adhesive.

Although FIGS. 5 through 13 exclusively illustrate twisted wire brush elements positioned in the lacrosse pocket, utilization of disc array, Mohawk-style, and or combinations of these elements can be used in a similar manner to create an advantageous effect.

These listed variations are provided for purposes of disclosing known variations of the best mode for carrying out the invention is presented; however, the order of presentation is not intended to imply a preference in terms of the inventions preferred embodiment but are provided for purpose of broadly disclosing the present innovation. It should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent and that the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures.

1. Detailed Description of the Figures

Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is important to understand that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction illustrated and the steps described herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Referring to FIG. 1, the two typical twisted wire brushes, one with a protective ball end are the novel elements of a lacrosse pocket according to subsequent embodiments shown generally, in the figures to follow. FIG. 2 shows another bristle manufactured technology (front view and side view), where the bristles or yarn elements are bonded to a polymer substrate. While the embodiment figures that follow illustrate the twisted wire geometry, it should be noted that the “Mohawk design” can also be utilized to allow the exposure of the bristle surface to the ball within the woven lacrosse head in a similar manner to enhance the performance properties.

FIG. 3 shows three typical components of a lacrosse head. 1 is the rigid plastic frame, 2 is the netting or mesh that makes up the bulk of the pocket and 3 is an example of how the mesh can be attached to the top of the rigid frame by tying. 4 is an example of a shooting string. Accurate control, shot touch, and velocity are critical skills to master for success.

FIG. 4 shows the first embodiment where the twisted brush element 5 is placed in a horizontal position in a similar manner to shooting strings that are sometimes employed in lacrosse head pockets. Although only one horizontal twisted brush element is shown, lacrosse pockets have been known to use two or more horizontal shooting strings. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the brush element(s) could be employed to replace any or all of the strings.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment where the twisted brush element 5 is placed in a horizontal position and used in combination with two vertical twisted brush elements 6 that begin at or near the bottom of the lacrosse head and terminate at or near the horizontal twisted brush element 5.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment where the twisted brush element 7 is added in a horizontal position above twisted brush element 5 in a similar manner to shooting strings that are sometimes employed in lacrosse head pockets.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment where the twisted brush element 7 is added in a horizontal position above twisted brush element 5 and used in combination with two vertical twisted brush elements 6 that begin at or near the bottom of the lacrosse head and terminate at or near the horizontal twisted brush element 5.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment where two curved vertical twisted brush elements 8 begin at or near the bottom of the lacrosse head and terminate at each side of the rigid lacrosse frame that creates the perimeter of the lacrosse pocket.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment where two curved vertical twisted brush elements 8 begin at or near the bottom of the lacrosse head and terminate at each side of the rigid lacrosse frame that creates the perimeter of the lacrosse pocket.

The two vertical twisted brush elements with a curvilinear shape are combined with a curved horizontal brush element 9.

FIG. 10 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of a horizontal twisted brush shooting strings 5 and with the addition of an upside down U-shaped twisted brush element 10. It should be noted that the U-shape can terminate vertically or have tails that flare outward as shown.

FIG. 11 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of a horizontal twisted brush shooting string 5 and two short vertical twisted brush elements 11 at the top of the pocket.

FIG. 12 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of twisted brush elements placed in a shield-shaped configuration 12, that creates a pocket within the pocket.

FIG. 13 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of a circular shaped twisted brush elements 13, that creates a pocket within the pocket.

FIG. 14 shows a lacrosse head with the addition of a high traction texture that is attached directly to the lacrosse head surface via adhesive. In the illustration the texture is attached to the top area (scoop) and two areas of the internal sidewall. It should be noted that this feature could be added to all areas shown, individual portions or other internal area not specifically highlighted.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiments

There are several skills that are key to being a successful lacrosse player and many of them involve ball control in the lacrosse pocket. The pocket is an important aspect whether the specific skill being employed is scooping ground balls, catching, passing, or shooting. Another key aspect is cradling, which is the term used for maintaining the ball in the pocket while running and changing stick positions to avoid contact. Cradling and ball security is important because there are times where contact with another player or stick inevitably occurs. It should be noted that the pocket geometry that includes shooting strings and the addition of other physical elements seldom optimizes performance in all areas, as there may be tradeoffs in execution.

The twisted wire brush elements provide quantifiable advantages over the strings and other fibers that are currently used. The radial extension of the plurality of bristles from the center wire spine creates a greater contact surface area for the ball, providing an immediate advantage. Greater contact can provide enhanced gripping that can be utilized to generate greater spin velocity that can result in a change in direction of the ball. This change of direction can be influenced by the techniques employed by offensive player but may be difficult to discern for the defensive player. In addition, the multitude of individual fibers of the twisted wire brush can flex and compress during initial contact with the ball which can create a distinct advantage while catching the ball. The ball used in lacrosse is hard rubber and in addition to correctly positioning the lacrosse pocket in the path of the ball, the player must also respond and to some degree cushion the impact of the ball so that it does not bounce out. The multitude of compressive fibers can therefore assist with catching the ball. Furthermore, while the bristles conform after contact, the rigid spine of the twisted wire helps maintain to position and integrity of the pocket in a way that is not provided by strings and laces. The rigid spine of the brush elements does not sag or deform under wet playing conditions providing another advantageous feature. This pocket integrity is advantageous to both consistency of response during play and also in helping with ball security making it easier to maintain position of the ball in the pocket during running and external impacts).

The bristles themselves can consist of any natural or polymeric fiber such as Cotton, Nylon, or Polypropylene, or an elastomer such as silicone and the fiber thickness, fiber density, and the length and configuration of the fibers can all be tailored to achieve different advantageous effects. The manufacturing process also allows a combination of different fibers to be used as well as individually molded discs that can be slid into position over the central spine. Injection molding and extrusion can also be used to create similar geometries fabricated with or without an over-molded center spine.

It should be noted that while the description refers to twisted wire elements that Kevlar, or other woven or polymeric materials could be used as one or more of the twisted wire spine. The selection of the materials used for the spine as well as their diameter will influences the properties of the finished component and how it will behave in the lacrosse pocket.

It should also be noted that a flexible leader extension can be incorporated into one or both ends to improve the ability to weave the twisted wire element into position.

This can be achieved by allowing one of the “wires” to extend beyond the twist termination point or by adding the leader through bonding, tying, or any other attachment method.

The other manufacturing method that also can create a larger contact surface area and more stable fiber bundle, utilizes a plastic backing that can also incorporate an adhesive. This “Mohawk-style” can be added and or integrated into similar positions of the lacrosse head as those described above for the twisted brush approach.

The other enhancement is the addition of high traction texture that is attached directly to the lacrosse head surface.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. The Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings and Abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Detailed Description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples, and the various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed. They are not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed and, obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to best explain principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that a scope of the invention be defined broadly by the Drawings and Specification appended hereto and to their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is in no way to be limited only by any adverse inference under the rulings of Warner-Jenkinson Company, v. Hilton Davis Chemical, 520 US 17 (1997) or Festo Corp. v. Shoketsu Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Co., 535 U.S. 722 (2002), or other similar caselaw or subsequent precedent should not be made if any future claims are added or amended subsequent to this patent application.

Claims

1. A ball control system for a lacrosse stick comprising: a plurality of twisted or Mohawk-style brush elements incorporated into the pocket structure;each brush element comprising a central spine and radiating bristles;the bristles configured to provide both impact absorption and spin generation;and the brush elements arranged to maintain pocket integrity during dynamic play conditions and environmental conditions.

2. The twisted brush element of claim 1, where the spine is a metal wire with fiber bristles.

3. The twisted brush element of claim 1, further comprising: where one or more twisted brush elements are placed in a horizontal position in a lacrosse head pocket.

4. The twisted brush element of claim 1, further comprising: where two vertical twisted brush elements are added to the lacrosse head pocket.

5. The twisted brush element of claim 1, further comprising: where two vertical twisted brush elements are added in a curvilinear fashion to the lacrosse head pocket.

6. The twisted brush element of claim 5, further comprising: where a curved horizontal twisted brush element is placed between the two vertical twisted brush elements in the lacrosse head pocket.

7. The twisted brush element of claim 1, further comprising: an addition of an upside down U-shaped twisted brush element to the lacrosse pocket.

8. The twisted brush element of claim 1, further comprising: where two vertical twisted brush elements are added to the top of the lacrosse head pocket.

9. The twisted brush element of claim 1, further comprising: where the twisted brush elements create a shield shape.

10. The twisted brush element of claim 1, further comprising: where the twisted brush elements create a circular shape.

11. The twisted brush element of claim 1, where the spine is a non-metal material with fiber bristles.

12. The Mohawk-style brush element of claim 1, further comprising: wherein one or more brush elements are placed in a horizontal position in a lacrosse head pocket.

13. The Mohawk-style brush element of claim 1, further comprising: wherein two vertical brush elements are added in a curvilinear fashion to the lacrosse head pocket.

14. The Mohawk-style brush element of claim 1, further comprising: an addition of an upside down U-shaped brush element to the lacrosse pocket.

15. The Mohawk-style brush element of claim 1, further comprising: wherein the brush elements create a shield shape.

16. A ball control system for a lacrosse stick comprising: polymer-backed Mohawk-style brush element incorporated into the pocket structure;each brush element comprising a polymer back and emanating bristles;the bristles configured to provide both impact absorption and spin generation; and the brush elements arranged to maintain pocket integrity during dynamic environmental or play conditions.

17. A lacrosse head that utilizes the brush elements of claim 1 for most of the pocket.

18. A high traction texture applied to one or more interior surfaces of a lacrosse head to enhance ball control and shooting accuracy.

19. The high traction texture of claim 16, wherein the texture is applied via adhesive backing to at least one of: the scoop area, the sidewall areas, or the throat area of the lacrosse head.

20. The high traction texture of claim 16, wherein the texture comprises a sandpaper-like surface with a grit rating selected to optimize ball grip while maintaining compliance with applicable lacrosse equipment regulations.