Attachment Mechanism for a Lacrosse Head

Abstract

A push button mechanism for a lacrosse head is used to attach a head securely to the lacrosse handle. The mechanism comprises a button and a spring clip. The mechanism is placed into the shaft of the lacrosse handle and the push button locks in the corresponding hole. By pressing the button down, a lacrosse head can be slid over the hole and the push button can secure the head to the handle by locking into the corresponding hole of the lacrosse head. Using a push button attachment mechanism allows the user to easily change heads without the worry of damaging or stripping the holes of the head or handle and without the worry of carrying tools.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of provisional patent application “Attachment Mechanism for a Lacrosse Head,” serial No. 60/413,749, filed Sep. 27, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to sporting equipment. More specifically, the present invention is related to an attachment of a lacrosse stick head to a lacrosse handle.

[0004] 2. Discussion of Prior Art

[0005] Traditionally, a lacrosse head is attached to a lacrosse handle using a screw or a pin. A hole located in the base of the head allows for a screw or pin to be placed therethrough and into the shaft of the handle. Although using a screw or pin securely holds the head on the stick, it does not allow the user to easily change to a different size head. Because of the variety of stick lengths and pocket types, it is desirable that a user be able to change stick lengths or pockets with ease. For instance, it is well known that a longer stick is used while defending during the game to allow for greater reach. Should a player need to move from an attack position, which uses a shorter stick for more control and maneuverability, to a defending position, it is not easy to change the lacrosse head. Also, depending on the position that is being played and the preference of the user, pocket stiffness and depths come in a variety of ranges. Shooting players may want a tight pocket with shooting strings, whereas a goalkeeper may prefer a mesh netting with a deeper pocket to reduce rebounds.

[0006] Additionally, the use of a screw or pin can cause damage to the hole in the head or handle of the lacrosse stick. Since a great amount of force is used during the sport of lacrosse, the screw or pin can be stripped or strip the hole of the head, therefore not allowing the user to reattach the head securely. Since the head of a lacrosse stick is typically made of plastic, the stress of the bolt or pin on the head easily causes wear around the hole, even when attached and replacing the lacrosse head. This provides not only a problem with replacing the head, but also is a cost disadvantage for the player.

[0007] Because of the possibility of the screw easily causing damage to the holes of the head and handle, a further problem with the use of a screw is the possibility of a stick coming off mid-game. The force exerted onto the stick when it comes into contact with another player's stick, the ground, and catching and throwing can easily cause stress and loosening of the screw, therefore providing the disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] A push button mechanism is used to attach a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle. The push button mechanism snaps into the corresponding holes of the head and handle and allows for a secure fit without the worry of damaging or stripping the holes of the head or handle. The mechanism further allows the user to easily interchange different heads without the need of tools.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates the separate components used with the attachment mechanism.

[0010] FIG. 2a illustrates the lacrosse stick components before assembly.

[0011] FIG. 2b illustrates the lacrosse head being slid over the attachment mechanism.

[0012] FIG. 2c illustrates a lacrosse stick fully assembled using the attachment mechanism.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a variety of additional shapes of the push button of the attachment mechanism.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate attachment mechanism utilizing two push buttons.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment utilizing a guard around the hole of the lacrosse head.

[0016] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate an alternative spring clip design.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] While this invention is illustrated and described in a preferred embodiment, the device may be produced in many different configurations, forms and materials. There is depicted in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and the associated functional specifications for its construction and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the preferred embodiment of the attachment mechanism. As illustrated, lacrosse head 100 is attached to lacrosse handle 102 using push button mechanism 104. Both head 100 and handle 102 have holes 106 and 108 for placement of the attachment mechanism. Push button mechanism 104 is a solid piece that comprises two parts: button 110 and tension member, e.g. spring clip 112. Preferably, button 110 is made of aluminum and spring clip 112 is made of spring steel. Other equivalent materials, however, may also be used for assembly to secure the lacrosse head and handle together.

[0019] The use of a tension member, such as a spring clip mechanism in conjunction with a push button, allows a player to securely retain a lacrosse head on the handle (or stick). More desirably, it allows the user to quickly change stick lengths or pockets with ease and without the use of a tool, such as a screwdriver. The push button allows the head to be easily maneuvered on and off the handle (described below) while still providing a secure fit. Additionally, the wear and damage normally associated with a screw (such as stripping the hole of the head) is avoided, allowing the user to feel confident that the head will last longer and be more cost effective. Other advantages of using a push button/spring clip attachment mechanism include the ease of traveling. The attachment mechanism provides the convenience of quickly detaching the head from the handle, allowing the user to easily pack the stick into a travel bag.

[0020] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C sequentially show the assembly process. Spring clip 112 of push button mechanism 104 is placed into the shaft of handle 102 (not shown). Clip 112 is placed within the shaft of the handle in order to allow button 110 to be securely locked in hole 108 of handle 102 (FIG. 2A). Lacrosse head 100 is then slid onto the shaft of handle 102. By pressing button 110 of push button mechanism 104 into the shaft of handle 102 (button 110 is pressed into hole 108 of handle 102), and aligning hole 106 of head 100 with hole 108, head 100 can be easily slid over button 110 (FIG. 2B). Button 110 then securely locks into hole 106 of head 100 (FIG. 2C).

[0021] The button mechanism can be ergonomically designed and can be sized and shaped to retain variations on fit and feel. FIG. 3 illustrates nine examples of such mechanisms. These examples should be illustrative of the designs, but not limited thereto. Other shapes and sizes are envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] Illustrated in FIG. 4 is an alternate embodiment for the attachment mechanism, utilizing two push buttons 110 and 111 on either side of spring clip 112. As illustrated in FIG. 1, both head 100 and handle 102 have holes 106 and 108 for placement of the attachment mechanism, however, when utilizing the alternate attachment mechanism, head 100 and handle 102 have holes (not shown) that are similar and oppositely parallel holes 106 and 108 to allow second push button 111 to engage within head 100 and handle 102. Preferably, buttons 110 and 111 are made of aluminum and spring clip 112 is made of spring steel. Other equivalent materials, however, may also be used for assembly to secure the lacrosse head and handle together. The assembly process (not shown) for attaching the lacrosse stick follows similar steps to those mentioned above. Spring clip 112 of the push button mechanism 104 is placed into the shaft of handle 102. The clip 112 is placed within the shaft of the handle in order to allow buttons 110 and 111 to be securely locked in holes 108 of handle 102. Lacrosse head 100 is then slid onto the shaft of handle 102. By pressing buttons 110 and 111 of push button mechanism 104 into the shaft of handle 102 (buttons 110 and 111 are pressed into holes 108 of handle 102), and aligning holes 106 of head 100 with holes 108, head 100 can be easily slid over buttons 110 and 111. Buttons 110 and 111 then securely lock into holes 106 of head 100.

[0023] As mentioned previously, the use of a lacrosse stick during play exerts a force onto the lacrosse head and handle when it comes into contact with another player's stick, the ground, and while catching and throwing, easily causing stress and loosening of the screw, or further, damage to the hole(s) in the head or handle. By using the push button attachment mechanism, we decrease much of the stress applied to the hole(s), therefore, eliminating wearing or stripping. Also, since the push button “sticks out” from the head, damage to the push button may also occur.

[0024] To further protect the hole of the handle as well as the push button during play, button guard 107 is placed around hole 106 of head 100 (see FIG. 5). Although guard 107 is illustrated as an upstanding rigid piece design to surround button 110 of attachment mechanism 104, other guard designs that provide protection for the button are also acceptable. Preferably button guard 107 is made integral with the head during molding, however, other equivalent configurations for protection of the push button may also be used. Also, although FIG. 5 illustrates the button guard utilized with a lacrosse head having only one receiving hole for the push button mechanism, a head having two holes therein to receive an attachment mechanism having two push buttons may also utilize the above button guard design.

[0025] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an alternate design for the spring clip. Spring clip 113 has a U-shaped clip similar to clip 112 in FIG. 1, however, dip 114 is present near the head. A push button similar to those described above is attached to the end of the spring clip (not shown). Dip 114 limits the movement of the button, therefore preventing the button from being pushed all the way down into the shaft of the handle when attaching or removing the head. Dip 114 also provides horizontal spring tension, thereby resisting any horizontal force placed on the head, button, or handle and locking the head more securely.

CONCLUSION

[0026] A system and method has been shown in the above embodiments for the effective implementation of an attachment mechanism for a lacrosse head. While various preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, it is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. For example, the present invention should not be limited by specific materials, shape, or sizes. The mechanism can be one-piece, or multiple pieces, and be installed within the head as well, connecting into the shaft in the reverse direction of the described preferred embodiment. As mentioned, two buttons may also be utilized. The mechanism, however, may further utilize any number combination such as three push buttons, four push buttons, and so on.

[0027] The button guard mechanism can comprise any shape and should not be limited to a straight, rigid design. For instance, a curved or a lipped edge design may also be used. In addition, the spring clip mechanism can be replaced by functionally equivalent tensioning/button mechanisms.

Claims

1. An attachment system for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle, said lacrosse head having at least one receiving opening at its base, said attachment system comprising:

at least one push button;

at least a first tension member connected to said push button;

a hollow handle having a proximate end internally receiving said first tension member and associated button,

said hollow handle further comprising a button receiving opening located on said proximate end to receive said at least one push button, wherein said handle receives said head, said receiving and button receiving openings are aligned and said push button engages both of said openings to removably secure the lacrosse head to the handle.

2. An attachment system for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle as per claim 1, wherein said push button is made of aluminum.

3. An attachment system for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle as per claim 1, wherein said at least first tension member is a spring clip made of steel.

4. An attachment system for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle as per claim 1, wherein said push button is ergonomically shaped.

5. An attachment system for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle as per claim 1, wherein said head further comprises a button guard located on an external surface of said head and encapsulating said head receiving opening.

6. An attachment system for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle as per claim 1, wherein said at least one push button comprises two push buttons attached to said tension member, said handle has two button receiving openings, and said two push buttons are received in said button receiving openings respectively on opposite surfaces of said handle.

7. An attachment system for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle as per claim 1, wherein said tension member comprises a spring clip comprising an indent at one end thereof to create a stop for said button attachment.

8. An attachment method for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle, said handle having a proximate and distal end, said attachment method comprising:

engaging a bottom opening of said lacrosse head with a proximate end of said lacrosse handle;

aligning a first opening on said lacrosse head with a second opening located at said proximate end of said lacrosse handle;

engaging a push button mechanism located within said handle, and wherein said push button engages both said first and second openings to removably secure the lacrosse head to the handle.

9. An attachment method for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle, as per claim 8, wherein said head further comprises a button guard located on an external surface of said head and encapsulating said first opening.

10. An attachment method for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle, as per claim 8, wherein said push button is made of aluminum.

11. An attachment method for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle, as per claim 8, wherein said push button mechanism is a spring clip and associated button.

12. An attachment method for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle, as per claim 8, wherein said push button is ergonomically shaped.

13. An attachment method for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle, as per claim 8, wherein said push button mechanism comprises two push buttons attached to a tension member, said handle has two button receiving openings, and said two push buttons are received in said button receiving openings respectively on opposite surfaces of said handle.

14. An attachment method for removably attaching a lacrosse head to a lacrosse handle, as per claim 8, wherein push button mechanism comprises a spring clip comprising an indent at one end thereof to create a stop for attachment of said button.