Lacrosse head

Abstract

A lacrosse head including a sidewall having upper and lower rails and an optional cross member. At least one of the upper and lower rails and cross member are cored out to define a recess. The recess can be partitioned by multiple trusses into multiple individual voids. The voids can be of increasing depth, progressing from shallower to deeper depths from the bottom rail to the upper rail. The lower rail can be reinforced with additional trusses near the base or ball stop of the head to add strength and rigidity there. The density of the trusses and/or cross sectional area of material can be altered in the upper rail, lower rail and cross member to selectively alter stiffness in those components. The stiffness of these components can also vary to provide different position heads, for example, attack, midfield and defense heads, with selectively different stiffness and strength characteristics.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to lacrosse heads, and more particularly, to lacrosse heads having selectively disposed stiffness and flexibility regions.[0002]Conventional lacrosse heads are constructed from plastic and include an open frame having a ball stop joined with the base, a pair of sidewalls that diverge from the ball stop and a scoop that connects the sidewalls, opposite the ball stop. The sidewalls include a lower rail that defines multiple circular or elliptical string holes. A net is strung to the lower rail via the string holes, around the back side of the frame, leaving the opposing side of the frame open for catching or shooting a lacrosse ball.[0003]Most lacrosse heads are constructed to be light and maneuverable. Typically, this is accomplished by reducing or eliminating material from the head, for example, by making larger through holes in the frame. Many times, however, this reduction in material and corresponding large openings i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]A lacrosse head is provided including frame having a ball stop joined with a base, a scoop, and sidewalls joining the base and scoop. The frame defines a plurality of recesses and / or voids on the ball facing interior of the head. The recesses and / or voids are strategically positioned, reinforced and dimensioned to provide strength and flexibility to select regions of the head. The voids optionally can be reinforced with one or more trusses that are disposed at least partially within the voids.

Problems solved by technology

Many times, however, this reduction in material and corresponding large openings in the frame, leads to undesired flexibility and strength reduction.

In turn, the head can be susceptible to bending, deformation and / or breakage.

Flexibility in the wrong places in the head also can lead to improper ball control, and can compromise accurate, consistent shooting and passing with the head.

While there are some heads that incorporate certain types of structures to bolster the strength of the head without significantly increasing weight, many fall short of their goal.

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