LACROSSE POCKET INCLUDING VARIABLE WIDTH THONGS

Abstract

A lacrosse stick is disclosed that allows a player to have improved handling of the ball. The present invention discloses a lacrosse stick having a head including at least two thongs wherein the width dimensions of the two thongs are different. The present invention also discloses a lacrosse stick having a head including at least one thong having a variable width dimension.

Description

CROSS-SECTION TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 60/892,414, entitled “Lacrosse Pocket Including Variable Width Thongs” and filed on Mar. 1, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to sports equipment and more specifically to a pocket for a lacrosse stick.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

All players playing the sport of lacrosse use a lacrosse stick to interact with the ball. It is known that not all lacrosse sticks are the same, but vary to suit a player's desired performance. Each player typically has an individual preference for the particular features of his or her lacrosse stick. Some features may be more beneficial to one particular player, while another player may prefer a different set of features.

A player selects the desired features to enhance their individual playing style. The decision is not necessarily based on the position that they play. It is known that a pocket's physical features directly impact the “feel” of the stick. The “feel” of the stick relates to the interaction between the lacrosse ball and the physical features of the pocket.

Known lacrosse sticks include a head frame to which a handle is attached. The pocket in turn is secured to the frame. Further, there are several known types of pockets. For example, there is a traditional woven pocket, a manufactured pocket and a mesh pocket. These different types of pockets also provide players with different playing characteristics.

The traditional woven pocket typically consists of a series of straps that the player or manufacturer assembles and attaches to the head frame by hand. There are straps that fit within the lacrosse head frame in a generally vertical fashion that are referred to as thongs and also straps that interact with or attach to the thongs and fit within the head frame in a generally horizontal fashion that are referred to as pocket cords. The portion of the thongs that have contact with the lacrosse ball can be made from a number of different materials including, but not limited to, leather or synthetic leather. The pocket cords can also be made from a number of different materials including, but not limited to, nylon cord.

A second type of pocket, the manufactured pocket, is sold as a preassembled pocket having similar features to a traditional woven pocket including generally vertically oriented thongs and generally horizontally oriented pocket cords positioned within the head frame.

In general, the mesh pocket includes a hole pattern arranged such that there is even spacing between the mesh holes. Typical mesh pockets do not use thongs. The mesh material is woven in continuous lengths with a repeating hole pattern, typically on a Raschel knitting machine, and is cut to individual lengths.

It is known that for any specific traditional woven pocket or manufactured pocket that the width dimension of each thong in the horizontal direction in the pocket is the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a lacrosse head pocket that allows the player to customize the feel of the lacrosse stick. The present invention allows the player a variety of pocket configurations within the lacrosse head.

In accordance with the advantages of the present invention, a lacrosse stick is disclosed that includes a pocket having at least two thongs generally vertically positioned and multiple pocket cords for attachment to the at least two thongs. The pocket cords are generally horizontally positioned with respect to the thongs. Each thong has a first attachment region at a first end and a second attachment region at a second end. A ball contacting region extends between the first attachment region and the second attachment region. One of the thongs has a first width dimension within the ball contacting region and the other thong has a second width dimension within the ball contacting region. The first width dimension is different from the second width dimension. In another embodiment of the present invention, one of the thongs may have a variable width dimension.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of a lacrosse head having a pocket secured thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a back view of a lacrosse head shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having four thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a back view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having four thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having five thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having five thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having five thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having five thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having four thongs each individually having a variable width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having one thong with a variable width and two thongs with a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having one thong with a constant width and two thongs with a variable width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having four thongs with variable widths in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having four thongs each with variable widths within the ball throwing area and the ball carrying area in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having two thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having three thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having three thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having three thongs each individually having a constant width that are all different from each other in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having four thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having four thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having five thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having five thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having five thongs each individually having a constant width in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having one thong with a variable width dimension and another thong with a constant width dimension in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having one thong with a variable width dimension within the ball throwing area and a variable width dimension within the ball carrying area and another thong with a constant width dimension;

FIG. 24 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having one thong with a variable width dimension within the ball-contacting region and another thong with a variable width dimension within the throwing area and a variable width dimension within the ball carrying area; and

FIG. 25 is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse pocket having three thongs each individually having a variable width dimension within the ball-contacting region.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention discloses a lacrosse pocket having thongs with varying widths. More specifically, to provide lacrosse players with a wide variety of pocket options the present invention includes a lacrosse head pocket having at least one thong with a first width dimension that is different from the width dimension of the other thongs in the pocket. The present invention also includes an embodiment wherein at least one thong has a variable width dimension at different points along its length.

The standards for allowable thong widths typically vary for men's lacrosse heads and women's lacrosse heads. Further, these allowable widths are usually set by the particular institutions having the authority to do so for various leagues.

FIG. 1A illustrates the front of a lacrosse head and FIG. 1B illustrates the back of a stick head, shown generally at 20. The head 20 includes a frame 22 and a pocket, shown generally at 24, positioned within and attached to the frame 22. A handle 26 is also attached to the frame 22, such as at a socket. FIGS. 2A and 2B more specifically illustrate the embodiment of the pocket illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2A illustrates the front of a portion of the lacrosse pocket detached from the lacrosse head. FIG. 2B illustrates the back of the lacrosse pocket portion detached from the lacrosse head.

The frame 22 includes a ball stop portion 28, a pair of opposing sidewalls 30, and a scoop or lip portion 32 connecting the pair of opposing sidewalls 30 opposite from the ball stop portion 28. The frame 22 has a throat portion 34 that extends rearwardly from the ball stop portion 28 for attachment to the handle 26. There are a plurality of pocket securing apertures 36 located within the scoop portion 32 of the frame 22, a plurality of pocket securing apertures 37 located within the sidewalls 30 of the frame 22, and a plurality of pocket securing apertures 38 located within the ball stop portion 28 of the frame 22.

Pocket 24 includes thongs 40, 41, 42, 43 and a plurality of pocket cords 44. It is important to note that the pattern of the pocket cords 44 does not have any impact on the inventive nature of the present invention. Further, the invention is not limited to a pocket having any particular number of thongs. For discussion purposes, thong 40 is specifically referred to and described hereinafter, however, each thong 40, 41, 42, 43 has the same characteristics.

Each individual thong 40 is coupled generally vertically within the frame 22. In other words, each thong extends between the scoop portion 32 and the ball stop portion 28. The thong 40 consists of a ball contacting region 56 located between a first end 46 and a second end 48.

The first end 46 has a first attachment region 50 that allows the thong 40 to be secured to the frame 22 at a pocket securing aperture 36 in the scoop portion 32 of the frame 22. The first attachment region 50 is generally circular shaped having an inner aperture 52. It will be understood that the first attachment region 50 can take on a variety of different configurations.

The second end 48 has a second attachment region 54 that allows the thong 40 to be secured to the frame 22 at a pocket securing aperture 38 in the ball stop portion 28 of the frame 22. It will be understood that the second attachment region 54 can also take on a variety of different configurations.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate how the lacrosse pocket is attached to the lacrosse head frame. It is general knowledge that the first attachment region 50 is attached to the scoop portion 32 of the head frame 22 by feeding the first attachment region 50 of each thong through a pocket securing aperture 36 in the scoop 32. Along the ball stop portion 32 of the frame 22, the second attachment region 54 of each thong is fed through a pocket securing aperture 38 in the ball stop portion 28 and secured in place, often by tying it into a knot. Pocket cords 44 are laced through the sidewall 30 apertures 37, intertwined with the thongs and secured in place. After the first attachment region 50 is fed through the scoop pocket securing aperture 36 it is folded down and a pocket cord 44 is intertwined or laced through the first attachment region aperture 52 to secure the first attachment region 50 down against the top of the ball contacting region 56 of the thong. The pocket cords 44 are commonly secured in place by tying them into a knot. It will be understood that each thong is secured to the frame in the fashion described above.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the thong 40 is actually formed of two separate pieces of material coupled together in the ball contacting region 56 between the first end 46 and second end 48. The first piece of material 47 consists of a flexible, durable material such as leather or synthetic leather. The first material 47 includes the first attachment region 50 and a first material ball contacting portion 53.

The second piece of material 49 consists of a flexible, cloth like material such as nylon lace and includes the second attachment region 54 and a second material ball contacting portion 55. In general, the second piece of material 49 is more flexible than the first piece of material 47.

The second material ball contacting portion 55 is attached to the back of the first material ball contacting portion 53 within the ball contacting region 56. The ball contacting portion 55 of the second piece of material 55 may be sewn or glued to the ball contacting portion 53 of the first piece of material 47 and thus forms the portion of the thong 40 in the ball contacting portion 56. The width 71 of the ball contacting portion 53 of the first piece of material 47, as shown herein, is wider than the width 62 of the ball contacting portion 55 of the second piece of material 47. In other embodiments, the width 71 of the ball contacting portion 53 may be equal to or less than the width 62 of the ball contacting portion 55 and still fall within the spirit of the present invention. An overall width dimension 58 for thong 40 is thus determined as the wider of the width 71 of the ball contacting region 53 and the width 62 of the ball contacting region 55. The pocket cords 44 are attached to the thong 40 such that they are positioned exterior to the second piece of material 55, as illustrated best in FIG. 2B.

In known lacrosse pockets there is one constant width dimension for each individual thong in the ball contacting region 56. In other words, each thong in the pocket has the same constant width. The width variations in the first and second attachment regions 50, 54 are not part of the present invention. For example, it is known to one of ordinary skill in the art of lacrosse sticks that the outer diameter of the circular area 60 in the first attachment region 50 is wider than the thong's width dimension 58 in the ball contacting region 56. Further, the width 62 of the second piece of material 47 in the second attachment region 54 may have a smaller width than the width 62 of the second piece of material 49 in the ball contacting portion 55.

In general, a wider thong width dimension 58 in the ball contacting region 56 provides a more solid ramp for the ball because there is more surface area. A narrower thong width dimension 58, by contrast, provides less surface area to interact with the ball and as a result the cross-lacing of the pocket cords 44 has more of an effect on the ball.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B illustrate a lacrosse pocket 24 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the pocket 24 includes at least four thongs, namely a first outer thong 42, a second outer thong 43, a first inner thong 40 and a second inner thong 41. The first outer thong 42 and the second outer thong 43 each have the same first width dimension 59 along their length. The first inner thong 40 and the second inner thong 41 each have the same second width dimension 58 along their length. The first width dimension 59 is less than the second width dimension 58. In other words, the first and second outer thongs 42, 43 are narrower than the first and second inner thongs 40, 41. It will be understood that the pattern of cords that help retain the thongs is not critical and can vary. Additionally, any number of thongs can be utilized as desired. It will be understood that the term pocket as used herein refers to the portion of the pocket shown and described, which is incorporated into the full pocket.

FIG. 3 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 124 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is the opposite of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. The pocket 124 includes at least four thongs, namely a first outer thong 142, a second outer thong 143, a first inner thong 140 and a second inner thong 141. The two inner thongs 140, 141 have a narrower width dimension 158 along their length than the two outer thongs 142, 143. The first outer thong 142 and the second outer thong 143 each have the same first width dimension 159. The first inner thong 140 and the second inner thong 141 each have the same second width dimension 158. The first width dimension 159 is greater than the second width dimension 158. Again, any number of thongs may be utilized.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment including four thongs. This pocket 1524 includes a first outer thong 1540 and a first inner thong 1542 each having a first width dimension 1560. It also includes a second outer thong 1541 and a second inner thong 1543 each having a second width dimension 1561. In this particular embodiment, the first outer thong 1540 and the first inner thong 1542 are adjacent to each other. Similarly, the second outer thong 1541 and the second inner thong 1543 are adjacent to each other. The first width dimension 1560 is greater than the second width dimension 1561 along the length of the thongs.

FIG. 18 also illustrates a pocket 1525 having four thongs. However, the thongs are arranged in an alternating pattern. The first outer thong 1540 and the first inner thong 1542 each has a first width dimension 1560 along their length and the second outer thong 1541 and the second inner thong 1543 each has a second width dimension 1561 along their length. The first outer thong 1540 is adjacent to the second inner thong 1543 and the second outer thong 1541 is adjacent to the first inner thong 1542. The first width dimension 1560 is greater than the second width dimension 1561.

FIG. 13 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 1124 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. This pocket 1124 includes two thongs, namely a first thong 1140 and a second thong 1141. The first thong 1140 has a first width dimension 1160 along its length and the second thong 1141 has a second width dimension 1161 along its length. The first width dimension 1160 is greater than the second width dimension 1161.

FIG. 14 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 1224 in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. This pocket 1224 includes three thongs, namely, a first thong 1240, a second thong 1241 and a third thong 1242. The first thong 1240 has a first width dimension 1260 along its length. The second thong 1241 and the third thong 1242 each have a second width dimension 1261 along their lengths. The first width dimension 1260 is greater than the second width dimension 1261.

FIG. 15 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 1324 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein the pocket 1324 has three thongs, a first thong 1340 having a first width dimension 1360 along its length and a second thong 1341 and a third thong 1342 each having a second width dimension 1361 along their respective lengths. However, in this embodiment, the first width dimension 1360 is less than the second width dimension 1361.

FIG. 16 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 1424 in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. This pocket 1424 includes three thongs, namely, a first thong 1440 having a first width dimension 1460, a second thong 1441 having a second width dimension 1461 and a third thong 1442 having a third width dimension 1462. All three width dimensions 1460, 1461, 1462 are different from each other. In the embodiment illustrated, the third width dimension 1462 is less than the second width dimension 1461. The second width dimension 1461 is less than the first width dimension 1460. However, it should be understood that the orientation of the thongs with respect to each other could vary.

FIG. 4 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 224 in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. This pocket 224 includes at least five thongs, namely a center thong 244, a first intermediate thong 240, a second intermediate thong 241, a first outer thong 242 and a second outer thong 243. In this embodiment, the center thong 244 has a width dimension 260 that is different from the other four thongs 240, 241, 242, 243. The center thong 244 has a first width dimension 260 along its length. The first intermediate thong 240, the second intermediate thong 241, the first outer thong 242 and the second outer thong 243 each has a second width dimension 261 along their length. The first width dimension 260 is less than the second width dimension 261. In other words, the center thong 244 is narrower than all four of the other thongs 240, 241, 242, 243.

FIG. 5 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 324 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. This pocket 324 includes at least five thongs, namely a center thong 344, a first intermediate thong 340, a second intermediate thong 341, a first outer thong 342 and a second outer thong 343. This is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 except that in this embodiment, the center thong 344 is wider than the other four thongs 340, 341, 342, 343. The center thong 344 has a first width dimension 360 along its length. The first intermediate thong 340, the second intermediate thong 341, the first outer thong 342 and the second outer thong 343 each has a second width dimension 361 along their respective length. The first width dimension 360 is greater than the second width dimension 361.

FIG. 6 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 424 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. This pocket 424 includes at least five thongs 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, however it differs from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 because three thongs have a width dimension 460 different from the width dimension 461 of the other two thongs. In this embodiment, the pocket includes a center thong 444, a first intermediate thong 440, a second intermediate thong 441, a first outer thong 442 and a second outer thong 443. The center thong 444, the first intermediate thong 440 and the second intermediate thong 441 each has a first width dimension 460 along their lengths. The first outer thong 442 and the second outer thong 443 each have a second width dimension 461 along their lengths. The first width dimension 460 is greater than the second width dimension 461.

Referring to FIG. 19, an embodiment is illustrated where the lacrosse pocket 1624 includes the center thong 444, the first intermediate thong 440 and the second intermediate thong 441 each having a second width dimension 461. Similarly, the first outer thong 442 and the second outer thong each have a first width dimension 460. The first width dimension 460 is greater than the second width dimension 461.

FIG. 7 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 524 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. This pocket 524 includes at least five thongs, namely a center thong 544, a first intermediate thong 540, a second intermediate thong 541, a first outer thong 542 and a second outer thong 543. The center thong 544, the first outer thong 542 and the second outer thong 543 each has a first width dimension 560 along their length. The first intermediate thong 540 and the second intermediate thong 541 each have a second width dimension 561. The first width dimension 560 is greater than the second width dimension 561 along their length. In other words, the two intermediate thongs 540, 541 are narrower than the center 544, first outer 542 and second outer 543 thongs.

Referring to FIG. 20, also shown is an embodiment where the lacrosse pocket 1724 includes the center thong 544, the first outer thong 542 and the second outer thong 543 each having the second width dimension 561. Whereas, the first intermediate thong 540 and the second intermediate thong 541 each have the first width dimension 560. In other words, the two intermediate thongs 540, 541 are wider than the center 544, the first outer 542 and the second outer 543 thongs.

The lacrosse head pocket 1824 illustrated in FIG. 21 includes thongs having three different width dimensions. The center thong 1844 has a first width dimension 1860, the first intermediate thong 1840 and the second intermediate thong 1841 each has a second width dimension 1861. The first outer thong 1842 and the second outer thong 1843 each have a third width dimension 1862. In this embodiment, the first width dimension 1860 is less than the second width dimension 1861, and the second width dimension 1861 is less than the third width dimension 1862. It will be understood that the order of the thongs could vary from the order depicted.

It will be understood that the width dimension of any given thong can vary along its length within the ball contacting region 56. To more clearly describe these embodiments one should note that there are further zone distinctions made within the ball contacting region 56 of the pocket. The throwing area 64 is the region of the pocket 24 that is adjacent to the scoop or lip portion 32 of the frame 22. The ball carrying area 66 is the region of the pocket 24 that is adjacent to the ball stop portion 28 of the frame 22.

In still another embodiment, the width dimension along any one individual thong could vary within the ball contacting region 56. There is a transition or taper in the width of the individual thong from the ball contacting region 56 near the first attachment region 50 to the ball contacting region 56 near the second attachment region. The transition could be gradual or abrupt. An individual thong 40 may have a wider width dimension in the throwing area 64 and a narrower width dimension in the ball carrying area 66. Alternatively, an individual thong 40 may have a narrower width dimension in the throwing area 64 and a wider width dimension in the ball carrying area 66. There could be just one thong in the pocket 24 having a variable width dimension with all of the other thongs having a constant width, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 22 and 23.

Alternatively, all of the thongs in the pocket 24 could have a variable width dimension. If all of the thongs have a variable width dimension they could all be aligned, as illustrated in FIG. 11, or their orientations could alternate as illustrated in FIG. 8. As yet another alternative, there could be at least one variable width thong and at least one constant width thong for an individual pocket 24 as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, and 22. As yet another alternative, there could be thongs having a variable width within the throwing area and a variable width within the ball carrying area as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 23. For example, at least one thong may be wide at the top of the throwing area, narrow at the bottom of the throwing area, wide at the top of the ball carrying area and narrow at the bottom of the ball carrying area. Listed below are some examples of different variations within the scope and teachings of the present invention.

It should be understood that the width dimensions may differ for each thong in a multiple variable width thong pocket. For example, the first width dimension for one thong and the first width dimension for another thong in the pocket may be the same or they may be different.

FIG. 22 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 1924 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention including a first thong 1940 and a second thong 1941. The first thong 1940 has a variable width dimension 1960, 1961 and the second thong 1941 has a constant width dimension 1962. The first thong 1940 has a first width dimension 1960 in the ball throwing area 64 and a second width dimension 1961 in the ball carrying area 66. In FIG. 22 the first width dimension 1960 is less than the second width dimension 1961. However, it should be understood that first width dimension could be greater than the second width dimension.

FIG. 23 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 2024 similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, but including a first thong 2040 having a variable width dimension within the ball throwing area 64 and a variable width dimension within the ball carrying area 66. The second thong 2041 has a constant width dimension 2064. The first thong 2040 has a first width dimension 2060 and a second width dimension 2061 within the throwing area 64. Similarly, the first thong 2040 has a first width dimension 2062 and a second width dimension 2063 within the ball carrying area 66. In the embodiment illustrated, the throwing area first width dimension 2060 is less than the throwing area second width dimension 2061. The throwing area second width dimension 2061 is greater than the ball carrying area first width dimension 2062. The ball carrying area first width dimension 2062 is less than the ball carrying area second width dimension 2063.

FIG. 25 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 2224 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pocket 2224 includes three thongs, a first thong 2240, a second thong 2241, and third thong 2243. The first thong 2240 has a first width dimension 2260 and a second width dimension 2261. The second thong 2241 has a third width dimension 2262 and a fourth width dimension 2263. The third thong 2243 has a fifth width dimension 2264 and a sixth width dimension 2265. The first width dimension 2260 is less than the second width dimension 2261. The third width dimension 2241 is greater than the fourth width dimension 2263. The fifth width dimension is less than the sixth width dimension.

FIG. 8 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 624 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pocket 624 includes at least four thongs 640, 641, 642, 643. There is a first outer thong 642, a second outer thong 643, a first inner thong 640 and a second inner thong 641. The first outer thong 642 and the second outer thong 643 each has a wider width dimension 660 in the ball carrying area and a narrower width dimension 661 in the throwing area. The first inner thong 640 and the second inner thong 641 each has a larger width dimension 663 in the throwing area and a narrower width dimension 662 in the ball carrying area. In an alternative embodiment, the configuration could be the opposite. In other words, the first outer thong 642 and the second outer thong 643 could have a wider width dimension in the throwing area and a narrower width dimension in the ball carrying area. Whereas the first inner thong 642 and the second inner thong 643 could each have a wider width dimension in the ball carrying area and a narrower width dimension in the throwing area.

FIG. 9 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 724 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The pocket 724 includes at least three thongs 740, 741, 742. There is a center thong 740, a first outer thong 741 and a second outer thong 742. The center thong 740 has a wider width dimension 760 in the throwing area and a narrower width dimension 761 in the ball carrying area. The first and second outer thongs 741, 742 each have a constant width dimension 762. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second outer thongs 741, 742 could have constant width dimensions that are different from each other. In yet another embodiment, the center thong 740 could be reversed having a wider width dimension in the ball carrying area and a narrower width dimension in the throwing area.

FIG. 10 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 824 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The pocket 824 is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein there are at least three thongs, a center thong 840, a first outer thong 841 and a second outer thong 842. However, the center thong 840 has a constant width dimension 860 and the first and second outer thongs 841, 842 each has a variable width dimension. In one embodiment, the first and second outer thongs 841, 842 have a narrower width dimension 861 in the throwing area and a wider width dimension 862 in the ball carrying area. Alternatively, the first and second outer thongs could have a narrower width dimension in the ball carrying area and a wider width dimension in the throwing area.

FIG. 11 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 924 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The pocket 924 includes at least four thongs 940, 941, 942, 943. There is a first outer thong 942, a second outer thong 943, a first inner thong 940 and a second inner thong 941. Each of the thongs 940, 941, 942, 943 has a wider width dimension 960 in the throwing area and a narrower width dimension 961 in the ball carrying area. In an alternative embodiment, the configuration could be the opposite. In other words, the thongs could have a narrower width dimension in the throwing area and a wider width dimension in the ball carrying area.

FIG. 12 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 1024 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The pocket 1024 includes at least one thong, however four thongs are illustrated. There is a first outer thong 1042, a second outer thong 1043, a first inner thong 1040 and a second inner thong 1041. Each of the thongs 1040, 1041, 1042, 1043 has a variable width dimension within each region 64, 66 of the pocket 1024. More specifically, each thong has a first width dimension 1060 and a second width dimension 1061 within the throwing area 64. Similarly, each thong has a first width dimension 1062 and a second width dimension 1063 within the ball carrying area 66. In the embodiment illustrated the throwing area first width dimension 1060 is greater than the throwing area second width dimension 1061. The throwing area second width dimension 1061 is less than the ball carrying area first width dimension 1062. The ball carrying area first width dimension 1062 is greater than the ball carrying area second width dimension 1063. In alternative embodiments, the configuration of each thong could be the opposite from what is illustrated in FIG. 12 or the configuration of the thongs could alternate.

FIG. 24 illustrates a lacrosse pocket 2124 including at least two thongs. The first thong 2140 has a first width dimension 2160 in the throwing area and a second width dimension 2162 in the ball-carrying area. The second thong 2141 has a first width dimension 2163 and a second width dimension 2164 within the throwing area 64 and a third width dimension 2165 and a fourth width dimension 2166 within the ball carrying area 66. The first thong 2140 first width dimension 2160 and the second thong 2141 first width dimension 2163 may be the same or they may differ from each other. Similarly, the first thong 2140 second width dimension 2162 and the second thong 2141 second width dimension 2164 may be the same or they may differ from each other.

While the invention has been described in connection with one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that the specific mechanics 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 head pocket comprising:

at least two thongs generally vertically positioned, wherein each thong has a first attachment region at a first end, a second attachment region at a second end, and a ball contacting region that extends between said first attachment region and said second attachment region;

multiple pocket cords for attachment to said at least two thongs and generally horizontally positioned with respect to said thongs; and

wherein a first thong of said at least two thongs has a first width dimension within said ball contacting region and a second thong of said at least two thongs has a second width dimension within said ball contacting region, wherein said first width dimension is different from said second width dimension.

2. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 1 wherein there are three thongs, a first thong, a second thong, and a third thong.

3. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 2 wherein said first thong has said first width dimension and said second thong and said third thong each has said second width dimension and said first width dimension is greater than said second width dimension.

4. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 2 wherein said first thong has said first width dimension and said second thong and said third thong each has said second width dimension, said first width dimension is less than said second width dimension.

5. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 2 wherein said first thong has a first width dimension, said second thong has a second width dimension, and said third thong has a third width dimension wherein said first width dimension, said second width dimension and said third width dimension are all different from each other.

6. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 1 wherein there are four thongs, a first outer thong, a second outer thong, a first inner thong and a second inner thong.

7. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 6 wherein said first outer thong and said second outer thong each has a first width dimension and said first inner thong and said second inner thong each has a second width dimension.

8. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 7 wherein said first width dimension is greater than said second width dimension.

9. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 7 wherein said first width dimension is less than said second width dimension.

10. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 6 said first outer thong and said first inner thong each has a first width dimension and said second outer thong and said second inner thong each has a second width dimension.

11. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 10 wherein said first width dimension is greater than said second width dimension.

12. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 1 wherein there are five (5) thongs, a center thong, a first intermediate thong, a second intermediate thong, a first outer thong, and a second outer thong.

13. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 12 wherein said center thong has a first width dimension and said first intermediate thong, said second intermediate thong, said first outer thong and said second outer thong each has a second width dimension.

14. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 13 wherein said first width dimension is greater than said second width dimension.

15. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 13 wherein said first width dimension is less than said second width dimension.

16. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 12 wherein said center thong, said first intermediate thong and said second intermediate thong each has a first width dimension, and said first outer thong and said second outer thong each has a second width dimension.

17. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 16 wherein said first width dimension is greater than said second width dimension.

18. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 16 wherein said first width dimension is less than said second width dimension.

19. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 12 wherein said center thong, said first outer thong and said second outer thong each has a first width dimension, and said first intermediate thong and said second intermediate thong each has a second width dimension, wherein said first width dimension is greater than said second width dimension.

20. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 19 wherein said center thong, said first outer thong and said second outer thong each has a first width dimension, and said first intermediate thong and said second intermediate thong each has a second width dimension, wherein said first width dimension is less than said second width dimension.

21. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 12 wherein said center thong has a first width dimension, said first intermediate thong and said second intermediate thong each has a second width dimension, and said first outer thong and said second outer thong each has a third width dimension, wherein said first width dimension, said second width dimension and said third width dimension are all different from each other.

22. A lacrosse head pocket comprising:

at least two thongs generally vertically positioned, wherein each thong has a first attachment region at a first end, a second attachment region at a second end, and a ball contacting region that extends between said first attachment region and said second attachment region;

multiple pocket cords for attachment to said at least two thongs and generally horizontally positioned with respect to said thongs; and

wherein at least one thong of said at least two thongs has a variable width dimension within said ball contacting region.

23. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 22 wherein said ball contacting region for each thong includes a throwing area adjacent to said first attachment region and a ball carrying area adjacent to said second attachment region.

24. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 23 wherein a first thong of said at least two thongs has a first width dimension in said throwing area and a second width dimension in said ball carrying area, and a second thong of said at least two thongs has a constant width dimension within said ball contacting region.

25. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 24 wherein said first width dimension is greater than said second width dimension.

26. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 24 wherein said first width dimension is less than said second width dimension.

27. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 23 wherein a first thong of said at least two thongs has a first width dimension in said throwing area and a second width dimension in said ball carrying area and a second thong of said at least two thongs has a first width dimension in said throwing area and a second width dimension in said ball carrying area.

28. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 27 wherein said first width dimension is greater than said second width dimension.

29. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 27 wherein said first width dimension is less than said second width dimension.

30. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 23 wherein a first thong of said at least two thongs has a first width dimension in said throwing area and a second width dimension in said ball carrying area, and a second thong of said at least two thongs has a second width dimension in said throwing area and a first width dimension in said ball carrying area.

31. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 30 wherein said first width dimension is greater than said second width dimension.

32. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 23 wherein a first thong of said at least two thongs has a variable width dimension within said throwing area and a variable width dimension within said ball carrying area.

33. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 32 wherein said first thong has a first width dimension and a second width dimension within said throwing area and a first width dimension and a second width dimension within said ball carrying area.

34. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 33 wherein said first width dimension in said throwing area is greater than said second width dimension in said throwing area, said second width dimension in said throwing area is less than said first width dimension in said ball-carrying area, and said first width dimension in said ball-carrying area is greater than said second width dimension in said ball-carrying area.

35. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 33 wherein said first width dimension in said throwing area is less than said second width dimension in said throwing area, said second width dimension in said throwing area is greater than said first width dimension in said ball-carrying area, and said first width dimension in said ball-carrying area is less than said second width dimension in said ball-carrying area.

36. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 34 including a second thong having a first width dimension and a second width dimension within said throwing area, and a first width dimension and a second width dimension within said ball-carrying area.

37. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 36 wherein said second thong first width dimension in said throwing area is greater than said second thong second width dimension in said throwing area, said second thong second width dimension in said throwing area is less than said second thong first width dimension in said ball-carrying area, and said second thong first width dimension in said ball-carrying area is greater than said second thong second width dimension in said ball-carrying area.

38. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 22 wherein said first thong has a first width dimension in said throwing area and a second width dimension in said ball carrying area, and said second thong has a first width dimension and a second width dimension in said throwing area and a third width dimension and a fourth width dimension in said ball carrying area.

39. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 33 wherein there are four thongs and each of said four thongs has said first width dimension and said second width dimension within said throwing area and said first width dimension and said second width dimension within said ball-carrying area.

40. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 22 wherein there is a first thong having a first width dimension and a second width dimension, a second thong having a third width dimension and a fourth width dimension and a third thong having a fifth width dimension and a sixth width dimension.

41. A lacrosse stick comprising:

a head frame;

a handle attached to said frame;

a lacrosse head pocket attached to said head frame, said lacrosse head pocket including:

at least two thongs generally vertically positioned within and attached to said head frame, wherein each thong has a first attachment region at a first end, a second attachment region at a second end, and a ball contacting region extending between said first attachment region and said second attachment region;

multiple pocket cords attached to said at least two thongs and generally horizontally positioned within and attached to said head frame;

wherein a first thong of said at least two thongs has a first width dimension within said ball contacting region and a second thong of said at least two thongs has a second width dimension within said ball contacting region and said first width dimension is different from said second width dimension.

42. The lacrosse stick of claim 41, wherein said first thong of said at least two thongs also has a second width dimension within said ball contacting region and said second thong of said at least two thongs also includes a first width dimension within said ball contacting region.