Lacrosse handle

Abstract

A handle for a lacrosse stick includes an elongate carbon fiber central core having a length extending substantially the entire length of the handle along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to rigidly connect to a lacrosse head, the second end being opposite to the first end; a layer of foam padding surrounding and affixed to the central core from the second end and extending substantially along the entire length of the central core, the first end of the central core protruding from the padding; and an adapter rigidly affixed to the protruding first end of the central core, the adapter having a cross-sectional shape and dimensions selected to rigidly engage an opening in the lacrosse head. The central core is formed from carbon fiber elements selected from hollow tubes and solid rods.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to the handle portion of a lacrosse stick and, more particularly, to a lacrosse handle which reduces the amount of shock to a player's hands and which minimizes trauma and reduces injuries caused to other players struck by the handle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Lacrosse handles, generally constructed from hollow metal tubes, were developed to replace prior wooden lacrosse handles, which were susceptible to damage and were relatively heavy and cumbersome. Typically, metal tube lacrosse handles are currently constructed from thin walled aluminum, titanium, or other suitable strong, lightweight metal alloys. Such lacrosse handles typically have a durable construction and an outer surface which is either bare metal or metal having a very thin coating layer, typically about 1 millimeter or less. Hollow handles generally have a desired cross-sectional configuration along substantially the entire length of the handle....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In accordance with another aspect of the invention, said adapter means comprises a tubular sleeve rigidly attached to said protruding first end of said central core, said tubular sleeve having a cross-sectional shape and dimension matching a receiving opening in said lacrosse head to facilitate easy insertion and to minimize twisting or turning of said lacrosse head relative to said handle.

Problems solved by technology

Lacrosse handles, generally constructed from hollow metal tubes, were developed to replace prior wooden lacrosse handles, which were susceptible to damage and were relatively heavy and cumbersome.

The rigid metal construction of lacrosse handles transmits shock to a player's hands when the lacrosse stick is subjected to a sudden impact, such as when a player accidentally strikes the ground with the lacrosse stick or when there is stick to stick contact.

Due to the fast pace of the game and the use by players of metal handled lacrosse sticks, it is common for a player to accidentally strike another player with a stick handle, e.g., during stick checks, causing injury to the struck player.

Women's lacrosse is not intended to be as high contact a sport with the result that intentional body contact is not legal and stick checking must be directed away from an opponent's head and body toward the pocketed end of the stick only.

Although men's gloves are padded, they are softer and more flexible than hockey gloves and provide only limited protection, and women are not required to wear gloves at all.

As a result, it has been found that fingers, hands or wrists struck by a metal lacrosse stick frequently are injured, sometimes severely.

Moreover, during stick checking and when attempting to scoop a ball, stick contact to the uncovered lower extremities are quite common and can cause serious injuries as well as abrasions.

In the women's game, which does not require helmets, head and face injuries often occur due to stick or ball contact.

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