Lacrosse stick

Abstract

Lacrosse sticks have a head frame and a stem that share at least a common continuous exterior material so as to define a unitary structure. At least a distal end of the head frame is more flexible than the stem portion of the lacrosse stick.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to lacrosse sticks. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In the game of lacrosse, players use sticks to receive and shoot a ball. Lacrosse sticks generally include an elongated stem and a head portion. The player grips a handle located toward the butt end of the stem, and utilizes the head portion, which includes mesh, to receive and shoot the ball during play. [0003] Decades ago, some lacrosse sticks were manufactured as one-piece, integral wooden structures. Such sticks were not only difficult and costly to fabricate, but owing to their unitary mechanical properties, also limited the maneuvers that a player could execute. For example, the stiff wood, while necessary for handle strength, was poorly suited to the head portion; the lack of flexibility would, for example, limit the player's ability to scoop up the ball from the ground or make it more difficult for a player to receive a hard pass without feeling excessive vibrations. [...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a new lacrosse stick with a continuous stem and head frame. The stem is stiffer than the head frame, making it more durable and easier for players to scoop balls and pass them through. The difference in stiffness between the stem and head frame allows for a whip-like action when hitting the ball. The stick is made from a single mechanical structure, with the head frame and stem mechanically joined or integrally continuous. The stem can be made from a flexible plastic or metal, and the head frame is more flexible than the stem. The distal end of the head frame is angled to improve performance. The stick is made from composite materials like glass or polymer, and the combination of materials can provide greater rigidity to the stem than the head frame. Overall, the invention provides a superior lacrosse stick for the game."

Problems solved by technology

Such sticks were not only difficult and costly to fabricate, but owing to their unitary mechanical properties, also limited the maneuvers that a player could execute.

For example, the stiff wood, while necessary for handle strength, was poorly suited to the head portion; the lack of flexibility would, for example, limit the player's ability to scoop up the ball from the ground or make it more difficult for a player to receive a hard pass without feeling excessive vibrations.

One problem with such a construction is that the connection between the head frame and stem may loosen during play, compromising the player's ability to effectively control his stick.

Worse, in some instances the head frame may detach entirely from the stem.

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