Lacrosse Practice Aid

Abstract

A lacrosse practice aid is provided for use with a lacrosse stick assembly including a lacrosse stick, a lacrosse head having a head base, head sidewalls, and a head lip, a netting element attached to the lacrosse head, and a lacrosse ball positioned within the netting element. The lacrosse practice aid includes a rear cover portion including a rear neck portion and a rear head engagement portion and a flexible front cover portion including a front neck portion, a front head engagement portion, and a front center flex region. The flexible front cover portion is in communication with the rear cover portion to form a head engagement pocket configured to secure the lacrosse head within. The front center flex region comprises a flexible surface such that the lacrosse ball is retained within the lacrosse head while providing an extended range of ball handling feel. The front neck portion and the rear neck portion form a neck perimeter.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/824,378 filed Sep. 1, 2006, and entitled “Lacrosse Practice Aid”.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a lacrosse practice aid and more particular to a lacrosse head cover with simulated-play characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The sport of lacrosse has increased in popularity significantly over the years. Wherein it once had a limited range of collegiate clubs in the east coast, it now ranges throughout the United States and Internationally. In combination with its official growth, so too has the growth of general popularity and the resultant increase in general recreational play. One key aspect of lacrosse is the necessity for developing ball-control skills. In essence, these skills are fundamental to the development and maintenance of proper lacrosse performance. As such, players of every skill level commonly dedicate time to the practice of ball-control handling.

Outdoor ball handling is often the most common form of practice. Indoor practice often is utilized to extend practice time and is utilized when outdoor practice is not available. In either case, ball-handling practice often results in the lacrosse-ball leaving the lacrosse head. In outdoor practice, this requires the athlete to chase down and retrieve the ball before resumption of practice. During indoor practice the cited scenario can result in more serious situations. Losing a ball from the head during indoor practice may result in damage to home or property if practice is performed in an unprotected indoor environment.

It would therefore be highly desirable to have a lacrosse practice aid that allowed athletes to practice ball-handling without requiring the athlete to chase down and retrieve the lacrosse ball. It would further be highly desirable to have such a lacrosse practice aid that allowed athletes to practice ball-handling indoors without concern for damage to home or property resultant from the ball exiting the lacrosse-head. Finally, it would be highly desirable to have such a practice aid that further provided the athlete with a full range of ball-handling experiences and feels including the sensation of the lacrosse ball exiting the lacrosse head. This would allow the athlete to push handling skills to the limit without actually losing ball control.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the objects of the present invention, a lacrosse practice aid is provided for use with a lacrosse stick assembly including a lacrosse stick, a lacrosse head having a head ball stop, head sidewalls, and a head lip, a netting element attached to the lacrosse head, and a lacrosse ball positioned within, but not secured to, the netting element. The lacrosse practice aid includes a rear cover portion including a rear neck portion and a rear head engagement portion and a flexible front cover portion including a front neck portion, a front head engagement portion, and a front center flex region. The flexible front cover portion is in communication with the rear cover portion to form a head engagement pocket configured to house the lacrosse head therewithin. The front center flex region includes a flexible surface such that the lacrosse ball is retained within the lacrosse head while providing an extended range of ball handling feel. The front neck portion and the rear neck portion form a neck perimeter.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description and preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view illustration of a lacrosse practice aid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a lacrosse stick assembly for use with the lacrosse practice aid illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view illustration of the lacrosse practice aid illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the lacrosse practice aid illustrated in FIG. 3, the lacrosse practice aid being illustrated in an open position for installation over a lacrosse head in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the lacrosse practice aid illustrated in FIG. 1 shown installed onto the lacrosse stick assembly illustrated in FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, which is an illustration of a lacrosse practice aid 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The lacrosse practice aid 10 is intended for use with a lacrosse stick assembly 12 (see FIG. 2) including a lacrosse stick 14, a lacrosse head 16 and netting element 18 affixed to the lacrosse head 16. A lacrosse ball 20 may be positioned within the netting element 18 and ball handled within the lacrosse head 16. The lacrosse head 16 includes a head ball stop 22, a pair of head sidewalls 24 and a head lip or scoop 26. Athletes place the lacrosse ball 20 within the netting element 18 and by manipulation of the lacrosse stick 14 perform ball-handling exercises. A difficulty with such exercises stems from the ball exiting the lacrosse head 16. Outdoors, this may cause inconvenience. Indoors, the lacrosse ball 20 may impact undesirable objects.

The present invention addresses these issues through the development of the lacrosse head practice aid 10. The lacrosse head practice aid 10 includes a front cover portion 28 and a rear cover portion 30 (see FIG. 3). The front cover portion 28 is preferably a flexible cover with a general pear-shape. It is comprised of a front neck portion 32, a front head engagement portion 34 and a front center flex region 36. In one embodiment, the entire front cover portion 28 is flexible and made of a semi-elastic material, such as mesh or elastic material. In other embodiments, only the front center flex region 36 has such flexible characteristics. Similarly, the rear cover portion 30 is generally pear-shaped and comprised of a rear head engagement portion 38 and a rear neck portion 40. The front cover portion 28 and the rear cover portion 30 are in communication to form a head engagement pocket 42 (see FIG. 4). Additionally the front neck portion 32 and the rear neck portion 40 combine to form a neck perimeter 44. The rear cover portion 30 may be formed using a similarly flexible material or mesh as the front cover portion 28. In other embodiments, however, it is contemplated that the rear cover portion 30 may be formed using a more resilient or rigid material. Although the front cover portion 28 may be directly attached to the rear cover portion 30, it is contemplated that a side trim element 46 may be positioned therebetween along the cover periphery 48. This allows the head sidewalls 24 to more securely engage the side trim element 46 upon insertion of the lacrosse head 16 into the head engagement pocket 42.

In accordance with the operation of the lacrosse head practice aid 10, an athlete places the lacrosse ball 20 into the netting element 18 and then places the lacrosse head 16 into the head engagement pocket 42. The lacrosse head practice aid 10 thereby retains the lacrosse ball 20 within the lacrosse head 16 (see FIG. 5). At the same time, however, the front center flex region 36 allows the athlete to perform ball-handling drills while achieving a similar feel to handling without the lacrosse head practice aid 10. This is achieved because the front center flex region 36 provides the same feel as when the lacrosse ball 20 exits the lacrosse head 16 during unencumbered play. Thus, an increased range of ball handling feels can be achieved while still containing the lacrosse ball 20 within the lacrosse head 16.

A number of methods may be utilized to achieve placement of the lacrosse head 16 within the head engagement pocket 42. In one embodiment, the neck perimeter 44 may be elastic or flexible enough to be pulled over the lacrosse head 16. In another embodiment, however, it is contemplated that a side entry element 50 may be positioned between the front cover portion 28 and the rear cover portion 30. In one embodiment, the side entry element 50 may be mounted on the side trim element 46 (see FIG. 4). The side entry element 50 is alternately openable to provide unfettered entry of the lacrosse head 16 into the head engagement pocket 42 and securable to trap the lacrosse head 16 therein. This provides a quick and simple insertion of the lacrosse head 16. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the side entry element 50 be comprised of a zipper, which can be moved between an open position allowing insertion of the head and a closed position which secures the head. In other embodiments, however, Velcro or other attachment methodologies are contemplated. Once the ball-laden lacrosse head 16 is secured in the head engagement pocket 42, ball-handling exercises may be safely performed without risk of the ball exiting the head.

It should be noted that the present invention is configured such that the shape and configuration of the front cover portion 28 and rear cover portion 30 is such that the lacrosse ball 20 is prevented from exiting past the head sidewalls 24 and thus outside the frame element once the lacrosse head practice aid 10 has been securely attached. In one embodiment, this is accomplished through a tight tailoring of the cover periphery 48. In another embodiment, the side trim element 46 engages the sidewalls 24 with sufficient lack of give to prevent such ball passage.

The present invention may further include a neck securing element 52 mounted to the neck perimeter 44 for adequately securing the lacrosse head practice aid 10 to the head base 22 (see FIGS. 1-4) after the lacrosse head 16 has been secured therein such as by zipping the cover closed. A wide variety of synching or securing methodologies are contemplated. In one embodiment, however, it is contemplated that the neck securing element 52 is comprised of a Velcro synch element 54 affixed in a long band around the neck perimeter 44 and extending therefrom. A double back ring 56 is affixed to one end. A double back extension tab portion 58 of the securing element 52 is passed through the double back ring 56 and pulled tight. It then engages the Velcro synch element 54 along the neck perimeter 44. This acts to further secure the lacrosse head practice aid 10 to the lacrosse stick assembly 12 and further prevent lacrosse ball 20 escapage. A neck pad element 60 may be mounted along the inner surface 52 of the neck perimeter 44 to allow adequate synching without concern for scratching of the lacrosse stick assembly 12. In addition, this padding 60 prevents undesirable shifting which improves the quality of feel of the invention.

While the invention has been described in connection with one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that the specific mechanisms and techniques which have been described are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, numerous modifications may be made to the methods and apparatus described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lacrosse practice aid for use with a lacrosse stick assembly including a lacrosse stick, a lacrosse head having a head base, head sidewalls, and a head lip, a netting element attached to the lacrosse head, and a lacrosse ball positioned within the netting element, the lacrosse practice aid comprising:

a rear cover portion including a rear neck portion and a rear head engagement portion;

a flexible front cover portion including a front neck portion, a front head engagement portion, and a front center flex region, said flexible front cover portion in communication with said rear cover portion to form a head engagement pocket configured to secure the lacrosse head within, said front center flex region comprising a flexible surface such that the lacrosse ball is retained within the lacrosse head while providing an extended range of ball handling feel, said front neck portion and said rear neck portion forming a neck perimeter.

2. A lacrosse practice aid as described in claim 1, wherein said head engagement pocket is configured to prevent the lacrosse ball from passing past the sidewalls.

3. A lacrosse practice aid as described in claim 1, further comprising a neck securing element to secure said front neck portion and said rear neck portion to the lacrosse stick.

4. A lacrosse practice aid as described in claim 3, wherein said neck securing element comprises:

a double back ring; and

a Velcro synch element secured to said neck perimeter, said Velcro synch element passing through said double back ring and self securable to synch said neck perimeter to the lacrosse stick.

5. A lacrosse stick practice aid as described in claim 1, further comprising:

a neck pad element affixed to the inner surface of said neck perimeter.

6. A lacrosse stick practice aid as described in claim 1, further comprising:

a side entry element positioned between said rear cover portion and said flexible front cover portion, said side entry element openable to facilitate insertion of the lacrosse head into said engagement pocket and securable to retain the lacrosse head within said engagement pocket.

7. A lacrosse practice aid as described in claim 6, wherein said side entry element comprises a zipper assembly.

8. A lacrosse practice aid as described in claim 6, wherein said side entry element comprises a side Velcro assembly.

9. A lacrosse practice aid as described in claim 1, wherein said front center flex region comprises a mesh material.

10. A lacrosse practice aid as described in claim 1, further comprising:

a side trim portion positioned between said rear cover portion and said flexible front cover portion along a cover periphery.

11. A lacrosse practice aid for use with a lacrosse stick assembly including a lacrosse stick, a lacrosse head having a head base, head sidewalls, and a head lip, a netting element attached to the lacrosse head, and a lacrosse ball positioned within the netting element, the lacrosse practice aid comprising:

a rear cover portion;

a flexible front cover portion including a front center flex region, said flexible front cover portion in communication with said rear cover portion to form a head engagement pocket configured to secure the lacrosse head within, said front center flex region comprising a flexible surface such that the lacrosse ball is retained within the lacrosse head while providing an extended range of ball handling feel, said flexible front cover portion and said rear cover portion forming a neck perimeter.

12. A lacrosse practice aid as described in claim 11, wherein said head engagement pocket is configured to prevent the lacrosse ball from passing past the sidewalls.

13. A lacrosse practice aid as described in claim 12, wherein said front cover portion and said rear cover portion include a cover periphery tightly tailored to prevent the lacrosse ball from passing past the sidewalls.

14. A lacrosse practice aid as described in claim 11, further comprising:

a side trim portion positioned between said rear cover portion and said flexible front cover portion along a cover periphery, said side trim portion configured to engage the sidewalls to prevent the lacrosse ball from passing past.

15. A lacrosse practice aid as described in claim 11, further comprising a neck securing element to secure said rear cover portion and said flexible front cover portion to the lacrosse stick.

16. A lacrosse practice aid as described in claim 15, wherein said neck securing element comprises:

a double back ring; and

a Velcro synch element secured to said neck perimeter, said Velcro synch element passing through said double back ring and self securable to synch said neck perimeter to the lacrosse stick.

17. A lacrosse stick practice aid as described in claim 11, further comprising:

a neck pad element affixed to the inner surface of said neck perimeter.

18. A lacrosse stick practice aid as described in claim 11, wherein said rear cover portion comprises a resilient material.

19. A lacrosse stick practice aid as described in claim 11, wherein said neck perimeter comprises a flexible neck perimeter capable of being pulled over the lacrosse head.

20. A lacrosse stick practice aid comprising:

a lacrosse stick assembly comprising: a lacrosse stick; a lacrosse stick head comprising: a head base; a pair of head sidewalls; and a head lip; and a netting element attached to the lacrosse head; and a lacrosse ball positioned within said netting element;

a rear cover portion;

a flexible front cover portion including a front center flex region, said flexible front cover portion in communication with said rear cover portion to form a head engagement pocket configured to secure said lacrosse head within, said front center flex region comprising a flexible surface such that said lacrosse ball is retained within said lacrosse head while providing an extended range of ball handling feel, said flexible front cover portion and said rear cover portion forming a neck perimeter.