Lacrosse stick head

#The present invention relates generally to a lacrosse head and, more particularly, to a lacrosse head for a lacrosse stick that can more accurately locate a lacrosse ball in the pocket of the head and therefore provide improved ball control, retention, and playability.

#Current lacrosse heads are typically constructed of an open frame having a base with a concave interior surface that defines a ball rest, a pair of sidewalls that diverge from the base, and a lip or scoop that interconnects the sidewalls remotely of the base. Openings or other attachment structures are carried by the frame for securing a lacrosse net around the back side of the frame, leaving the opposing front side of the frame open for receiving lacrosse balls. A throat or other structure exteriorly projects from the base of the frame and has a socket formed therein for attachment to a handle. The handle and throat attachment define a handle/head axis, which typically, although not necessarily forms, the central axis and/or an axis of lateral symmetry of the head. All or at least a major portion of the front side of the head is conventionally disposed in a plane parallel to the handle/head axis.

#More recently, however, lacrosse heads have been commercially introduced that have a portion of the sidewall disposed below the handle/head axis. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,925 to Warrior Lacrosse discloses one embodiment for a scooped lacrosse head where the sidewall curves downward below and away from the handle/head axis and then curves upward back toward the axis. The scooped lacrosse head possesses numerous advantages over conventional lacrosse head constructions in which the front side of the frame is disposed essentially or entirely in a plane that lies parallel to the upper surface of the lacrosse stick. The curved sidewalls of the lacrosse head disclosed in the '925 patent naturally channel the lacrosse ball into the “sweet spot” or pocket of the net. Further, the pocket of the net will typically have a deeper construction than with conventional heads, such that the lacrosse ball lies a further distance below the upper rims of the sidewalls. Moreover, the arched scoop-like construction of the head, and the consequent scooped construction of the net attached to the head, provides a greater distance for the ball to travel in the net during a throwing motion, thereby improving both ball speed and “feel.”

#FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a lacrosse head and attached handle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a lacrosse head and attached handle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 3 is top view of a lacrosse head and attached handle with a ball positioned in the head in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

#Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, which illustrate a lacrosse head 10 in accordance with the present invention. The lacrosse head 10 has a frame element 12, which includes a base or arcuate wall 14, a pair of opposing sidewalls 16, 18, and a scoop or lip 20 connecting the pair of opposing sidewalls 16, 18 opposite the base 14. The lacrosse head 10 has a throat or socket 22 that extends generally rearwardly from the frame element 12 for attachment of a stick handle or element 24 therein. The stick handle 24 is preferably secured in the socket 22 by a securing means, such as a screw or the like, which is inserted into a fixation hole 26 formed in the socket 22. The fixation hole 26 is preferably formed in a lower surface 28 of the socket 22 (FIG. 4). However, it should be understood that the fixation hole 26 can be formed in any portion of the socket 22.

#The base 14 has an upper rim 30 and a lower rim 32. Additionally, the sidewalls 16, 18 each have an upper rim 34 and a lower rim 36. The lower rims 36 of each of the sidewalls 16, 18 are preferably recessed with respect to the sidewalls 16, 18 to form a recessed channel 38. The recessed channel 38 is recessed outwardly with respect to an inner surface 39, 41 of each sidewall 16, 18. Similarly, the lower rim 32 of the base 14 is preferably recessed with respect to the base 14 to form a recessed channel 38′. The recessed channels 38, 38′ preferably have a plurality of net securing structures 40 located therein. The net securing structures 40 are preferably stringing holes that are formed through the head to allow attachment of the netting. However, it will be understood that a variety of other net securing structures may be utilized. By locating the net securing means 40 in the recessed channels 38, 38′, undue wear on the netting is prevented when the ball is received into or shot or passed from the lacrosse head 10. In addition to protecting the net from abrasion, the recessed channels 38, 38′ greatly facilitate ball control during play. Further, the recessed channels 38, 38′ allow the lacrosse ball to rest more deeply in the pocket of the net and throat of the head than in the case of prior art constructions.

#The recessed channel 38 in each sidewall preferably has a top surface 42, which extends outwardly from and generally perpendicular to each of the sidewalls 16, 18 and an outer surface 44, which extends generally downwardly from and generally perpendicularly to the top surface 42 towards the lower rim 32. This provides a generally stepped back configuration. The recessed channel 38 is preferably integrally formed in the lower portion of the sidewalls 16, 18. In addition to protecting the stringing, the recessed channel 38 also acts as a seat for the ball when it is in the netting. The recessed channel 38 thus enhances the ability of the player to retain and secure the ball in the lacrosse head 10 while also facilitating play of the ball from the head 10. It will be understood that instead of two surfaces 42, 44, the recessed channel 38 could be configured as a single curved surface, an outwardly slanting surface or other similar shape.