Lacrosse head

Abstract

The lacrosse head has a downwardly facing vertex where the curvature of side walls stops extending downward and begins extending upward. When a mesh pocket is attached to the head, the vertex defines the location where the pocket is the deepest. The vertex is located at about the midpoint of the lacrosse head. The vertex causes the lacrosse head to come as close as possible to the 2.75 inch maximum thickness of the entire head. The pocket can be made as deep as possible within the limitation that it must extend below the bottom edge of the lower side rail by less than the minimum diameter of a lacrosse ball. Moving the vertex as close as possible to the scoop shortens the distance the ball must travel from deep in the pocket to leaving the distal end of the scoop. This results in quicker release from the lacrosse head.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an improved lacrosse head. The art of design of lacrosse heads is characterized by compromise. When inventing a novel and unobvious lacrosse head, the inventor must remain cognizant of the fact that any lacrosse head must fit within the requirements of the lacrosse rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).[0002]It is helpful to review the basic rules of the NCAA. With reference to FIG. 1, a diagram set forth in Appendix IV of the NCAA Crosse specifications is reproduced. As seen there, the lacrosse head must be at least 10 inches long from the throat to the end of the scoop. Other minimum dimensions between the throat and the scoop are also displayed. Additional requirements are set forth in Sections 17 and 18 of Rule 1 of the NCAA lacrosse rules. Of particular note is the limitation that the side wall may not be more than 2 inches wide.[0003]Appendix I of the lacrosse rules describes ways by which...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a new lacrosse head design that helps to quickly and easily release a ball from the head. The head is designed to have a small space between the ball and the edge of the scoop, which makes it easier for the ball to be snapped out of the head. This design also allows for better leverage for the player, allowing for greater force and speed in releasing the ball. Overall, the new lacrosse head improves the speed and efficiency of the game.

Problems solved by technology

Of particular note is the limitation that the side wall may not be more than 2 inches wide.

Concerning this latter aspect, in theory, if the mesh pocket is made shallower, this increases the risk that the ball can more easily be dislodged from the pocket either by an opponent or just through motions of the stick by the player holding it.

Since lacrosse heads are often arcuate in some of their aspects to define different structures thereon, this limitation limits the degree to which a lacrosse head can be “bent” for performance reasons.

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