THONG FOR STRINGING THE HEAD OF A LACROSSE STICK AND A PRE-LACED POCKET AND NET INCORPORATING THE SAME

Abstract

A thong used for stringing the head of a lacrosse stick, a pre-laced pocket incorporating said thong and a net incorporating said pre-laced pocket. The thong has a plurality of holes defined therein and which extend between the front and rear surfaces of the thong. The holes are configured to receive a lacing member therethrough. The pre-laced pocket is comprised of a plurality of said thongs and a lacing member threaded through the holes in a diamond-shaped, cross-laced pattern. The net is comprised of the pre-laced pocket and one or more connector strings that extend between the pre-laced pocket and the head's frame.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention generally relates to sports equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to lacrosse sticks and to the nets used to catch and throw balls. Specifically, the invention relates to a thong used for stringing the head of a lacrosse stick and to a pre-laced pocket and net incorporating the same. The thongs have a plurality of holes defined therein, and the holes extend between the front and rear surfaces of the thong and are adapted to receive one or more lacing members therethrough. The pre-laced pocket is comprised of a plurality of said thongs and a lacing member. The net is comprised of the pre-laced pocket and one or more connector strings to secure the pre-laced pocket to the frame of the head.

2. Background Information

Lacrosse sticks typically comprise a head that is detachably secured to a shaft. The head includes a frame within which a net is strung to create a ball pocket shaped to catch and retain a ball. The type of net used in the frame is a matter of choice. Some players prefer traditionally strung nets while others prefer mesh type structures. The ultimate shape and curvature of the pocket formed by lacing the head in a particular manner are of importance as it affects the catching performance of the stick, the ability to retrieve and capture a ground ball, the throwing performance of the stick, the cradling ability of the stick and the ability of the pocket to be easily broken in when first laced into the head.

A traditional style net is made up of a number of thongs around which a string is laced in a diamond-shaped, cross-lace pattern. The string is knotted in various places to secure the design. Typically the net will include four thongs, or runners, that extend longitudinally between the ball stop, which is adjacent the shaft, and the scoop of the frame. The thongs are generally made from leather or from a synthetic material. Each thong includes a longitudinally aligned splice so that an end thereof may be passed through or around a connector on the scoop, back through the splice and then through an aperture proximate the ball stop. Usually, the first and third thongs secured to the frame are substantially identical in design with the splices being made in substantially the same locations. The second and fourth thongs require an additional splice to be made through the leather in the region of the ball stop. The location of the splice in the second thong differs from that in the fourth thong and cannot be predetermined. The second and fourth thongs are therefore usually cut in situ and the position of the splice is, at least, partially dictated by the number of traditional style knots that are to be made in the string. A traditional knot requires the cross-lace to be woven so that it passes around a thong in two directions.

In traditionally strung lacrosse sticks the ability of the ball pocket to retain its shape and integrity over time and through various temperature and humidity conditions is directly related to the number of knots used in the construction of the pocket in addition to the materials used to fabricate the pocket. The formation of a higher number of knots requires that a longer length of cross-lace be used in the formation of the pocket. Historically, only a single lace is used to construct the pocket. This single lace, as incorporated into a traditional lacrosse pocket, must be around twenty-four feet in length if synthetic cord is used. Stringing a lacrosse head constructed with a single lace is difficult and time consuming. The length of the single cord makes it especially time consuming and difficult to string the first two thirds of the lacrosse head as so much slack cord needs to be managed and manipulated to prevent self entanglement as it is woven and knotted around the thongs. The process also requires skill, patience, and a keen eye to determine at which locations on the thongs the knots should be fashioned. The process also requires a great deal of experience to lace the thongs correctly on the first attempt. An additional consideration when fashioning the pocket is that there are a number of rules and regulations that have to be complied with relating to the number of the knots formed which impacts the pitch between the knots and their locations on each thong. Taking all of these factors into consideration, creating this traditional style of net is a time-consuming endeavor and is of sufficient complexity that many players require professionals to string their nets. This complexity especially causes a lot of problems if a string breaks during a game. If this happens the player must undo each knot in the string before the string can be removed and then must thread and knot a replacement string into the net before he or she can continue playing. Obviously, this is very time consuming and requires sufficient skill to tackle the task. This problem alone causes many players to resort to using the mesh style net instead of the traditional net or causes players to simply use another stick during the game. If the replacement mesh net is not properly broken it will affect the player's performance. It is furthermore extremely difficult to replace the single cross-lace when it gets worn or ripped as the lace is woven back onto itself through knots, around the thongs and through the splices in the thongs. Since the thongs are themselves secured to the frame of the head, it is typical to completely remove the entire pocket and re-lace the same. Depending on the skill level and experience of the end-user, this can take anywhere between two and half and four hours, or even longer.

One of the ways in which the industry has attempted to address the issue of complexity of creating a suitable net is by providing a pre-laced pocket that may then be secured by one or more strings into the frame. The pocket includes a number of thongs that are secured to each other by short lengths of cord. The player attaches the pre-laced pocket into the frame by securing the ends of the thongs to the scoop and ball stop and then threads a string between the pocket and the side walls of the frame. A variety of pre-laced pockets have been disclosed in the prior art. Common to the majority of existing styles of pre-laced pockets is the need for complex and automated fabrication. The majority of products on the market feature either two, three or four thongs, each thong consisting of two layers of material, namely a front layer and a rear layer. During formation of the pocket, short lengths of cord are passed between the two layers of material and are pre-tacked in place at fixed intervals from each other. The lengths of cord essentially pass through apertures between the front and rear layers of material, i.e., from one lateral side of the thong to the other lateral side thereof. A fixed length of cord extends between each pair of adjacent thongs and this length does not and cannot change because the cords are glued or otherwise secured into place. The front and rear layers of material secured together in this fashion are then permanently fixed together after the sandwich of materials and laminations is secured together up and down the vertical length of the front and rear surfaces of the thongs. Sometimes, the securement is horizontal and parallel to the cross-members for additional reinforcement of the pocket. The patterns that these cords and thongs form are the subject of a number of patents. Players have been known to remark that some of the styles of currently known pre-laced pockets cannot be “broken-in”. By this it is meant that the pocket cannot be caused to form the compound curvature or hemispherical shape that conforms to the shape of the ball. This shape is advantageous to the player capturing and throwing the ball. The failure to be able to “break-in” the currently known pre-laced pockets is a result of the horizontal members or cross-lacing being secured in place by way of stitches and to the thongs being tied to the cross-lacing through stitching. There is therefore no “give” in the structure that will allow a player to shape the net in their chosen manner. This, obviously, affects the way the player can catch, cradle and throw the ball. Players consequently have to make the decision as to whether they want to use a traditional style net with all of its problems relating to stringing so that they can have improved ball handling performance, or if they want to use one of the currently available pre-formed pockets that can be rapidly replaced and repaired but has lesser ball handling performance.

There is therefore a need in the art for an improved way to string a traditional style net within the head of a lacrosse stick and for an improved pre-laced pocket for incorporation therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device of the present invention comprises a thong used for stringing the head of a lacrosse stick, a pre-laced pocket incorporating said thong and a net incorporating said pre-laced pocket. The thong has a plurality of holes defined therein, said holes extending between the front and rear surfaces of the thong. The holes are configured to receive two lacing members therethrough. The pre-laced pocket is comprised of a plurality of said thongs and the lacing members are threaded through the holes in a diamond-shaped, mirror-imaged cross-laced pattern. The net is comprised of the pre-laced pocket and one or more connector strings that extend between the pre-laced pocket and the head's frame.

The present invention provides a net for the head of a lacrosse stick that is easy to lace in that it incorporates at least two thongs that have apertures formed therein and through which a pair of braided nylon cords are threaded in a mirror-image pattern. Each thong has a front, ball-engaging surface, an opposed rear surface and lateral sides. The apertures are formed in the thongs so that they extend from the front surface through to the rear surface.

In a second embodiment, the net incorporates a pre-laced or pre-strung pocket that tends to more easily form the compound curvature in the longitudinal and latitudinal direction better than other previously known pre-laced pockets. It is believed that one of the reasons for this improved compound curvature formation is that the thongs are not secured to the cross-lacing by stitches. Consequently, the cross-lacing can dynamically conform to the shape of the ball. When the ball is caught, the energy of the impact of the ball on the pocket is absorbed and distributed along the longitudinal and latitudinal members of the pocket and the ball therefore more readily remains in the pocket instead of bouncing out of the net.

Additionally, the formation of the holes in the thongs for placement of the lacing eliminates the guesswork as to where to mate the cross-lacing with the thongs. The cords pass through the holes in the thongs instead of having to be wrapped around the thongs and then knotted to aid in retaining them in the correct position. The holes also have a pitch that indicates and directs where to weave the pair of braided nylon cords to form the pre-laced pocket with consistent and reproducible accuracy. As a result, a novice can string their pocket with the same exactitude as an experienced player. Furthermore, the weaving pattern dictated by the pitch and placement of the holes for the first two thongs is a mirror image of the pattern for the other two thongs. Finally, the pocket is secured into the head using two substantially shorter lengths of nylon cord than is required when lacing a net from scratch. The player can therefore weave the pre-laced pocket into the head without tangling the cord during the process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the head of a lacrosse stick shown strung with a net in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the head with the net removed and showing the holes defined in the sidewalls and ball stop of the head;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a single thong used to form the pre-laced pocket and net of the present invention;

FIG. 4b is a side view of the thong of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a single thong showing alternatively shaped holes formed therein;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the head of a lacrosse stick showing a first string for the net engaged therewith;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the head of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the head showing a second string for the net engaged therewith;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the head of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the head showing the four thongs attached to the scoop with a third stringing member and disposed intermediate the first and second strings but not connected thereto;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the head of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the head showing the first lacing of the four thongs with one of the nylon cords from the pair of stringing members;

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the head of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the head showing the second lacing of the four thongs with one of the nylon cords from the pair of stringing members;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the head of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the head showing the first connector string extending between the laced thongs and the first loops on the sidewall of the head;

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the head of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the head showing the second connector string extending between the laced thongs and the second loops on the sidewall of the head;

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the head of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20a is a front view of a pre-laced pocket for incorporation into the net of a head of a lacrosse stick;

FIG. 20b is a rear view of the pre-laced pocket of FIG. 20a;

FIG. 20c is a side view of the pre-laced pocket of FIG. 20a;

FIG. 21 is a front view of the pre-laced pocket with the thongs threaded through the holes in the ball stop of the head;

FIG. 22 is a front view of the head showing the pre-laced pocket secured at the scoop and being threadably engaged by a first connector string to the first loops on one of the sidewalls of the head;

FIG. 23 is a front view of an alternative method of threading the sidewall stringer on each side of the frame;

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the head showing the alternative stringing arrangement where the knots in the sidewall stringers in the scoop end of the head are secured to the third stringing member medial to the most lateral pair of holes in the scoop rather than through the knot that results from the third stringing member being secured through the lateral holes in the scoop as in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a front view of the head showing the alternative stringing arrangement where the knots in the sidewall stringers in the scoop end of the head are secured to the third stringing member lateral to the most lateral pair of holes in the scoop instead of through the knot that results from the third stringing member being secured through the lateral holes in the scoop as in FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 there is shown a head 10 of a lacrosse stick (not shown) incorporating a net 12 in accordance with the present invention. Head 10 comprises a frame having a scoop 14, a throat 16 including a ball stop 17, and sidewalls 18, 20 that surround and define an interior cavity 21. Throat 16 is configured to receive an end of the shaft (not shown) of the lacrosse stick and is secured thereto. The overall shape and configuration of head 10 may be of any suitable design and does not form part of the present invention.

Each of the scoop 14, ball stop 17, and sidewalls 18, 20 define a plurality of holes therein. Scoop 14 defines a plurality of holes 22, ball stop 17 defines a plurality of holes 24 (FIG. 3) therein, sidewall 18 defines a plurality of holes 26 therein and sidewall 20 defines a plurality of holes 28 therein. Holes 22, 24 are larger than holes 26, 28 as they are shaped to receive an end of a thong 30 therein. Holes 26, 28 are each shaped to receive a connector string 32, 34 therein as will be hereinafter described.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a single thong 30 in accordance with the present invention. Net 12 incorporates at least two and, preferably, four thongs 30 therein. Each thong 30 preferably is made of an elongated strip of leather and has a first end 30a and a second end 30b with a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends 30a, 30b. Second end 30b preferably is tapered as shown in FIG. 4 to allow thong 30 to be more easily threaded through holes 22, 24 in ball stop 17. Preferably, the leather strip is comprised of a single layer of material and it has a front, ball engaging surface and an opposed rear surface.

In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, a plurality of holes 36 are punched out or cut into the leather. Holes 36 are spaced at intervals from each other along the length of thong 30. The plurality of holes 36 is substantially aligned with or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the associated one of the first and second thongs 30. The holes 36 extend from the front surface to the rear surface of the thongs and are consequently generally disposed at right angles to the plane of the front surface of thong 30. Alternatively, the first and second thongs 30 may be manufactured from a synthetic material and may comprise more than longitudinally aligned layers of material. However, even in these instances, holes 36 extend from the front, ball engaging surface of the thong through to the opposed, non-ball-engaging rear surface. Holes 36 therefore extend through all of the longitudinally aligned layers of material that are disposed between the front and rear surfaces of the thongs. Holes 36 do not extend from one lateral side edge of the thong to the other lateral side edge thereof.

In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, each hole is punched in thong 30 in a specific location and at a consistent pitch. For example in a thong that is 450 mm in length, 2.8 cm wide and around 0.2 cm thick, an uppermost hole 36a is punched through thong 30 so that its uppermost end is at a distance of 15 mm from the uppermost end of the thong. Hole 36a is 3 mm×6 mm×R1.5 mm in size. The uppermost end of splice 38 is situated 25 mm from the uppermost end of the thong. Splice 38 is 20 mm long. The thong is folded along a foldline that is spaced a distance of 20 mm from the lowermost end of splice 38. The uppermost end of hole 36b is spaced 15 mm below the foldline. Hole 36b is 3 mm×6 mm×R1.5 mm. An additional seven holes are punched through thong 30. Each hole has the same dimensions, i.e., 3 mm×6 mm×R1.5 mm and the holes are spaced 25 mm apart from each other. The lowermost hole 36e preferably is substantially circular in shape having a diameter or 3 mm. It should be noted that lowermost end 30b of thong 30 may be cut at a 45 degree angle to make it easier to thread thong through the holes 24 in the ball stop 17 of head. It will be understood that this pattern of the holes may be varied without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Since the pattern of the holes in the thongs 30 is provided, there is no need for the player, or a manufacturer, to figure out where to make knots around the thongs. Because of these features, it is possible to rapidly weave a net that provides consistent performance.

A first hole 36a is formed in thong 30 proximate first end 30a of thong 30 and a second hole 36b is formed a spaced distance “D” therefrom. A longitudinally aligned slit 38 is cut into the leather between first and second holes 36a, 36b and preferably situated closer to first hole 36a. Third and subsequent holes 36c, 36d through 36e are spaced at substantially constant intervals relative to each other. The plurality of holes 36 are oriented in a row that is substantially aligned with or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the associated one of the first and second thongs 30. Each hole 36 is substantially elliptical in shape. FIG. 5 shows an alternative shape for the holes punched into the thong. In this instance, each hole 36 has the appearance of two circles abutting each other to form a figure eight. Whatever the shape of the holes punched into thong 30, the size of the holes 36 permits a first one 52a (FIG. 12) of the lacing members 52 to be interwoven between the two or preferably four thongs, and then a second one 52b of the lacing members 52 to be interwoven through the two to four thongs in a mirror-image pattern with just enough tolerance to allow the lacing members 52a, 52b to stretch and contract relative to the dynamic movement of thongs 30 when the ball is caught and released. Lacing members 52a, 52b are terminated in knots 53a, 53b respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 6-19, net 12 is constructed in the following manner. A first string 34 is threaded through the holes 28 in sidewall 20. When threading the string 34 the player does not pull string 34 taut so that it abuts the interior surface of sidewall 20 but, instead, forms a plurality of first loops 40 with string 34. This process is repeated all along sidewall 20 until string 34 is threaded through hole 28c. A knot 41 is tied in each end 34a, 34b of first string 34 to secure it in place. As shown in FIGS. 6 & 7, this process results in a plurality of first loops 40 extending inwardly into interior cavity 21.

In like manner, a second string 32 is threadably engaged in the holes 26 in sidewall 18. Once again, the second string 32 is not pulled taut and is permitted to form a plurality of second loops 42. This process is repeated all along sidewall 18 until string 32 exits through hole 26c (FIG. 3). A knot 43 is tied in each end 32a, 32b of second string 32. As shown in FIGS. 8 & 9, this process results in a plurality of second loops 42 extending inwardly into interior cavity 21. It will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that either of the first and second strings 34, 32 can be strung first or second and that the strings 32, 34 can be threaded from proximate scoop 14 toward ball stop 17 or vice versa without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, a third string 44 is inserted in like manner through every alternate hole 22 in scoop 14 so that a plurality of third loops 46 are formed along scoop 14 and extend inwardly into interior cavity 21. String 44 may be strung left to right or right to left. It may also be strung before or after one or both of strings 32 and 34. A gap 48 is created between each third loop 46 and the interior edge 14b of scoop 14. The free ends of third string 44 are formed into knots 47 to secure third string 44 in place. At least two, and preferably four, thongs 30 are secured to the frame of head 10. Each thong 30 is engaged in head 10 in substantially the same manner. Thong 30 is positioned so that first end 30a thereof is disposed in interior cavity 21 a short distance away from scoop 14 and the thong extends outwardly behind the rear surface 14a (FIG. 11) of scoop 14. Second end 30b is threaded through the gap 148 between the portion of the third string 46 and the interior surface 14b of scoop 14. The direction of this threading is from the front of head 10 toward the back thereof. Second end 30b is then inserted through splice 38 in thong and is pulled downwardly until thong tightens around the portion of third string 44 that forms that particular third loop 46. The second end 30b of thong 30 is inserted into one of holes 24 in ball stop 17 and is pulled downwardly so that a length of thong 30 extends outwardly beyond the end 50 of ball stop 17. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, alternatively, the top end 30a of each thong can be formed into a loop prior to the lacing of third string 44 into head. Then, when third string 44 is secured to the frame, third string 44 is passed through the loops at the top ends 30a of thongs 30 as third string 44 is laced onto the frame.

Referring to FIGS. 12-15, laces 52 are then used to connect the plurality of thongs 30 to each other. This is accomplished by threading laces 52 through the various holes 36 in adjacent thongs to create the diamond-shaped, cross-laced pattern. Preferably, two short laces 52a, 52b are woven between holes 36 in a mirror image pattern and forming loops 62a, 62b on the outside of thongs 30. Lace 52a is threaded to form loops 62a and lace 52b forms loops 62b. Laces 52a, 52b are each only about one third of the length of a traditional string, i.e., they may be around eight feet in length. The shorter length makes laces 52a, 52b easier to handle and less likely to tangle during the weaving process. The shorter laces 52a, 52b used for this purpose permit the net to be constructed in one sixth of the time it would typically take to weave a mirror-image pattern with a single lace. It should be noted, however, that a player could use a single lace if they so desired. Loops 62a, 62b on the outside of thongs 30 are provided for weaving first and second connector strings 60 and 64 therethrough. Loops 62a, 62b provide visual cues as to where and how to lace connector strings 60 and 64.

It should also be noted that as part of the lacing procedure, in each thong 30, lace 52a or 54b is pulled through the aligned pair of holes 36a and 36b. This causes first end 30a of thong 30 to be held in abutting contact with the region of the thong 30 that defines hole 36b and toward hole 36c. The free ends of each lace 52 are each tied in a knot 53 proximate ball stop 17. There is a decided advantage to this feature of “abutting contact” resulting from drawing the two opposing surfaces together by the lacing between holes 36a and 36b that draws the tail of the thong against the length of the thong distal to the loop. The abutment helps in the retrieval of ground balls by reducing friction between the underside of the pocket/net and the playing surface and it is easier to lower the head of the stick parallel to the ground and scoop under a ground ball. In a traditional pocket, there is friction between the floating tails (which are not tied to the underside of the thongs distal to the loop ends) and the natural grass, synthetic turf and/or concrete surfaces upon which a lacrosse match may be contested. The floating tails in a traditionally strung pocket can provide an uneven underside to a pocket as some may twist left while others may twist right, while some twist forward while some may in fact be momentarily pressured back in a desirable fashion against the underside of the thong distal to the loop. This unevenness may result in miss-played ground balls where the pocket cannot be lowered entirely parallel to the playing surface and the ball hops over or out of the pocket/net.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a first connector string 60 is threaded between first loops 40 and connector loops 62a, 62b formed during the cross-lacing of thongs 30. A first free end of the first connector string 60 is threaded through a loop 46 in string 44 proximate scoop 14 and is then tied in a knot 65 to secure the same in place. A second free end of first connector string 60 is terminated in a knot that is disposed proximate ball stop 17. Alternatively, the first free end of first connector string 60 may be tied directly to string 46 instead of passing it through the loop in string 46.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a second connector string 64 is secured to the frame in much the same fashion by threading a free end thereof between second loops 42 and the connector loops 62b formed in laces 52 during the cross-lacing of thongs 30. Each free end of the second connector string 64 is tied in a knot 65 to secure the same in place.

At this point, the net 12 is completely strung within the head 10. The player may adjust the thongs 30 by loosening them at the ball stop 17 to form longitudinal curvature around the ball. The lateral compound curvature around the ball is provided by the dynamic movement of the cross-lacing through holes 36, strings 60 and 64 through loops 62a and 62b, and loops 40 and 42. The player can deliberately shape the net and/or the energy of the ball itself may shape the net. Shooter strings (not shown) may also be threaded in any manner known in the art. Another advantage of the present invention is that if either one of the laces 52a, 52b break during a game, it is very easy for a player to rapidly remove the damaged component. This is possible because the player can clearly see which hole 36 in the thongs 30 the broken lace extends from, and can therefore easily figure out how to unravel the pattern. Once again, the holes 36 in the thongs 30 make it much easier to weave a replacement lace into the net as it is easy to see into which of the holes 36 the replacement lace must next be threaded.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that there are many alternative ways and patterns in which net 12 may be strung and that individual players can adjust the pattern as they desire to do so. The actual configurations of the patterns shown herein are by way of illustration only and do not form part of the present invention. The holes 36 in the thongs 30 give the player a quick and easy guide to follow so that they can string the net quickly and consistently, no matter which stringing pattern they chose to embrace.

FIGS. 20a-20c show a second embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, a pre-laced pocket 100 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Pre-laced pocket 100 incorporates at least two thongs 130 that are substantially identical in structure and function to the thongs shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Each thong 130 is provided with a plurality of holes 136 spaced at periodic intervals along the length of thong 130. During manufacture of pocket 100 a pair of laces 152a, 152b are threaded through holes 36 to form a desired pattern, such as a diamond-shaped, cross-laced pattern. Laces 152a, 152b thereby secure the thongs 130 together and form loops 162a, 162b on the outermost thongs 130. Laces 152 are secured in place by tying the free ends thereof into knots 153a, 153b (FIG. 20b).

FIG. 20a shows a front view of the pre-laced pocket 100. FIG. 20b shows a rear view of pocket 100 and illustrates the knots 153a, 153b at the ends of laces 152a, 152b. FIG. 20c shows the loop 184 formed at the upper end 130a of thong 130. Loop 184 defines an aperture 186 through which connector string may later be threaded to attach pocket 100 to the scoop of a lacrosse stick head. Laces 152a, 152b are also threaded in such a manner that connector loops 162a, 162b are formed along the outer lateral edges of pocket 100. Connector loops 162a, 162b are provided to receive connector strings therethrough when the pocket is secured to the sidewalls of the frame of the lacrosse stick.

Pocket 100 is provided so that the consumer does not need to thread the intricate interior region of the net, specifically, the region that is used to form the ball pocket thereof. The manner of securing pocket 100 into the head is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. Firstly, the consumer threads the first and second strings 140, 142 into the head as described with respect to the first embodiment of the invention. The pocket 100 is secured into the frame by threading the second ends 130b of each thong 130 of the pocket 100 through one of holes 128 in ball stop 117. A third string 144 is laced into scoop 114 and is threaded in succession through aperture 186 of each loop 184 as the player forms loops 146 in string 144. First and second connector strings 160 and 164 are used to secure connector loops 162, 162b to second and first loops 140, 142 respectively. When the first and second connector strings 160, 164 are secured in place, the finished net has substantially the same appearance of that shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

As with the first embodiment, lateral adjustment is made possible between pocket 100 and side string loops 140, 142 by string 160, 164. If pocket 100 was attached directly to sides 118, 120 of the head, lateral adjustment of the pocket would be impossible. This type of lateral adjustment was not possible with the pre-sewn pockets disclosed in the prior art. The ability to laterally adjust the pocket allows the pocket 100 to be broken in and shaped by the impact of the ball on the net. In the prior art designs, all of the horizontal and vertical members in the pocket are tied to each other with stitching or some other form of securement. Then, when the ball strikes the net in those previously known devices, it is essentially hitting a hard surface and the tendency is for the ball to bounce back out of the net like a ball hitting a tennis racquet. This is one of the reasons why the previously known pockets could not be broken in easily.

Pocket 100 of the present invention also provides for a rapid and relatively easy repair to the net. For example, if the first connector string 160 breaks during a game, then all the player has to do is untie the knots 165 at either end of first connector string 160, pull the first connector string 160 out of the connector loops 162a and first loops 140, and then thread a replacement connector string between the connector loops 162a and first loops 140. There is no need to remove any other components from the net. If the lace 152 breaks, on the other hand, then the player would detach each of the first, second and third connector strings, and would detach and remove the second ends 130b of the thongs 130 from ball stop 117. A replacement pocket could then be connected into the head in the manner previously described. There is thus no need to untie a plurality of knots in the region of the thongs, nor is there any need for a time consuming and intricate re-lacing of the pocket region. Consequently, the player can rapidly repair the damage to the net and can get back in the game. Additionally, because the pocket 100 is pre-laced, the tension between the thongs 130 and the lace 152 is pre-set. The net will therefore have a consistent “feel” and substantially identical ability to catch and retain the ball before and after this repair.

FIG. 22 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the method for threadably connecting pocket 100 to sidewall loops 140 and 142 using first and second connector strings 160 and 164 respectively. In FIG. 22, connector string 160 passes around sidestring loop 140 in the region of the scoop before passing through loop 162b in pocket 100 and then on to re-engage with the next sequential sidewall loop 140. Similarly, connector string 164 passes around sidestring loop 142 in the region of the scoop before passing through loop 162a in pocket 100 and then on to re-engage with the next sequential sidewall loop 142.

FIG. 23, on the other hand, illustrates a variation in how first and second connector strings 160,164 may be used to threadably connect pocket 100 to sidewall loops 140,142, respectively. In FIG. 23, connector string 160 first passes through loop 162b in pocket 100 in the region of the scoop and then on around sidewall loop 140 before re-engaging with pocket 100 through loop 162a. Similarly, connector string 164 first passes through loop 162a in pocket 100 in the region of the scoop and then on around sidewall loop 142 before re-engaging with pocket 100 through loop 162b. The figure shows that the knots 165 and 167 proximate scoop 114 are made after passing through loops 146 in string 144 as string 144 passes through holes 122 in the rear of scoop 114a instead of in the manner previously shown in FIG. 22.

Both FIGS. 24 and 25 demonstrate an alternative method for threading the sidewall stringers illustrated in FIG. 23. The two figures illustrate variations with respect to where the ends of the sidewall stringers are knotted through the third stringing member disposed intermediate the first and second strings.

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the head showing the alternative stringing arrangement where the knots in the sidewall stringers in the scoop end of the head are secured to the third stringing member medial to the most lateral pair of holes in the scoop rather than through the knot that results from the third stringing member being secured through the lateral holes in the scoop as in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a front view of the head showing the alternative stringing arrangement where the knots in the sidewall stringers in the scoop end of the head are secured to the third stringing member lateral to the most lateral pair of holes in the scoop instead of through the knot that results from the third stringing member being secured through the lateral holes in the scoop as in FIG. 23.

It should be noted that the variations shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 with respect to where the ends of the sidewall stringers are knotted through the third stringing member disposed intermediate the first and second strings but not connected thereto also may be applied to the preferred weaving method illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 22.

It will be understood that once pocket 100 is fully secured into head 110, shooter strings (not shown) can be threaded onto net by wrapping the same around the exterior of thongs 130 as is known in the art.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that the nature of the pocket is such that it does not need to be “broken in” by a player. Consequently, if a player decides during the course of a game that it is necessary to replace the pocket in the net, the old pocket can be quickly removed and a new one secured in place and the player is able to immediately use the stick.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A thong for use in stringing a head of a lacrosse stick, said thong comprising:

an elongated member having a first end, a second end, and a middle section extending thereinbetween; said middle section having a front face and a rear face and lateral sides extending therebetween; and

a plurality of holes defined in the middle section of the elongated member, said holes extending between the front face and rear face thereof; and being adapted to receive a lacing member therethrough.

2. The thong as defined in claim 1, wherein said thong has a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends; and the thong further comprises:

a longitudinally-aligned slit spaced a distance inwardly from the first end of the thong; wherein said second end of the thong is threadably received through said slit, whereby said first end of the thong comprises a substantially closed loop that surrounds and defines an aperture therein, and said aperture is adapted to receive a connector member therethrough.

3. The thong as defined in claim 2, wherein the plurality of holes in the thong are disposed in a longitudinally aligned row.

4. The thong as defined in claim 1, wherein each hole defined therein is configured to be one of a substantially elliptical shape and a figure-eight shape.

5. A pre-laced pocket for use in a net of a lacrosse stick head; said pocket comprising;

a first thong; having a first end, a second end and an elongate middle section; said middle section having a front ball-engaging surface and an opposed rear surface;

a second thong having a first end, a second end and an elongate middle section; said middle section having a front ball-engaging surface and an opposed rear surface;

a plurality of holes defined at spaced intervals in each of the middle sections of said first and second thongs; and wherein each hole extends from the front surface through to the rear surface thereof; and

at least one lace having a length and first and second ends, wherein said lace is threaded through holes in the first and through holes in the second thongs to secure the first and second thongs together.

6. The pocket as defined in claim 5, wherein each thong is an elongated member having a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends thereof; and wherein each of said holes is oriented generally at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the associated one of the first and second thongs.

7. The pocket as defined in claim 6, wherein the plurality of holes are oriented in a row and said row is one of aligned and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said associated one of the first and second thongs.

8. The pocket as defined in claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of holes is one of substantially elliptical and a figure-eight in shape

9. The pocket as defined in claim 5, wherein the lace extends outwardly from the front and rear surfaces of the first and second thongs when threaded through the holes therein.

10. The pocket as defined in claim 5, wherein each of the first and second thongs is manufactured from a single layer of material.

11. The pocket as defined in claim 5, wherein at least one of the first and second thongs is manufactured from at least two longitudinally aligned layers of material, and the front surface is an outer surface of a first layer of material, and the rear surface is an outer surface of a second layer of material, and the holes extend from the outer surface of the first layer of material through to the outer surface of the second layer of material.

12. The pocket as defined in claim 5, wherein at least one of the first and second thongs is manufactured from at least two longitudinally aligned layers of material, and the front surface is an outer surface of a first layer of material, and the rear surface is an outer surface of a second layer of material, and wherein the at least one of the first and second thongs has a pair of opposed lateral sides extending from the first end to the second end thereof; and wherein the holes therein do not extend between the opposed lateral sides.

13. The pocket as defined in claim 5, wherein the first end of each of the first and second thongs is shaped to define an aperture therein and the apertures are adapted to receive a string therethrough to secure said first and second thongs to a portion of the scoop of the lacrosse stick.

14. The pocket as defined in claim 5, further comprising a third and a fourth thong disposed laterally adjacent the first and the second thongs; and wherein each of the third and fourth thongs has a first end, a second end and an elongate middle section; said middle section having a front ball-engaging surface and an opposed rear surface; and wherein a plurality of holes are defined in each of the third and fourth thongs and said holes extend between the front surface and rear surface of each of said third and fourth thongs; and wherein said lace is threaded in a pattern through the holes in each of the first, second, third and fourth thongs to secure the first, second, third and fourth thongs together.

15. The pocket as defined in claim 14, wherein the at least one lace has a first end and a second end and each of the first and second ends is knotted to prevent withdrawal of the lace from its threaded engagement with the first, second, third and fourth thongs.

16. The pocket as defined in claim 15, further comprising a first connector string extending outwardly from one of the first and second thongs; and wherein said first connector string is adapted to be secured to a frame of the lacrosse stick head.

17. The pocket as defined in claim 16, further comprising a second connector string extending outwardly from the other of first and second thongs; and wherein said second connector string is adapted to be secured to the frame of the lacrosse stick head at a location spaced from the first connector string.

18. The pocket as defined in claim 17, wherein each of the first and second thongs has a first end and a second end; and wherein the pocket further includes a third connector string that extends outwardly away from proximate the first ends of the first and second thongs; and wherein said third connector string is adapted to be secured to the frame of the lacrosse stick head intermediate the first and second connector strings.

19. A head of a lacrosse stick, wherein said head comprises a frame having:

a throat region having an aperture adapted to receive a shaft therein; and a ball stop opposite said aperture;

a scoop disposed opposite said ball stop;

a first and a second sidewall extending between the ball stop and the scoop, said ball stop, scoop and first and second sidewalls surrounding and defining an interior cavity thereinbetween;

a plurality of holes defined in each of the ball stop, scoop, first and second sidewalls;

a net for engagement with said frame; wherein said net comprises: a first thong extending between a hole in the scoop and a hole in the ball stop; a plurality of first holes defined in the first thong, said holes extending between a front, ball engaging surface of the first thong and a rear surface of the first thong; a second thong extending between a second hole in the scoop and a second hole in the ball stop; a plurality of second holes defined in the second thong, said second holes extending between a front, ball engaging surface of the second thong and a second surface of the first thong;

at least one lace threaded through the plurality of first and second holes in the first and second thongs to secure the first and second thongs together; and

at least one connector string extending between the first and second thongs and the sidewalls of the frame.

20. A head of a lacrosse stick, wherein said head comprises a frame having:

a throat region having an aperture adapted to receive a shaft therein; and a ball stop opposite said aperture;

a scoop disposed opposite said ball stop;

a first and a second sidewall extending between the ball stop and the scoop, said ball stop, scoop and first and second sidewalls surrounding and defining an interior cavity thereinbetween;

a plurality of holes defined in each of the ball stop, scoop, first and second sidewalls;

a pre-laced pocket comprising a plurality of thongs adjustably secured together by a lace,

a first connector string extending between the pre-laced pocket and the first sidewall;

a second connector string extending between the pre-laced pocket and the second sidewall.

21. The head of a lacrosse stick as defined in claim 20, wherein the thongs in the pre-laced pocket each have a first end and a second end; and wherein the head further includes a third connector string that is secured to the first end of the pre-laced pocket and retains said first end of the pre-laced pocket proximate the scoop of the head; and wherein the second end of the pocket is secured to the ball stop of the head.

22. The head of the lacrosse stick as defined in claim 20, wherein the pre-laced pocket comprises:

a first thong; having a first end, a second end and an elongate middle section; said middle section having a front ball-engaging surface and an opposed rear surface;

a second thong, having a first end, a second end and an elongate middle section; said middle section having a front ball-engaging surface and an opposed rear surface;

a plurality of holes defined at spaced intervals in each of the middle sections of said first and second thongs; and wherein each hole extends from the front surface through to the rear surface thereof; and

at least one lace having a length and first and second ends, wherein said lace is threaded through holes in the first and second thongs to secure the first and second thongs together.

23. The head of the lacrosse stick as defined in claim 22, wherein a pair of laces are threaded through holes in the first and second thongs to connect the same together, and the pair of laces are cross-laced into a mirror-image diamond-shaped pattern.

24. The head of the lacrosse stick as defined in claim 22, further comprising:

a third thong having a first end, a second end and an elongate middle section; said middle section having a front ball-engaging surface and an opposed rear surface;

a fourth thong, having a first end, a second end and an elongate middle section; said middle section having a front ball-engaging surface and an opposed rear surface;

a plurality of holes defined at spaced intervals in each of the middle sections of said third and fourth thongs; and wherein each hole extends from the front surface through to the rear surface thereof; and wherein the lace further is threaded through holes in the third and fourth to secure the first, second, third and fourth thongs together.

25. The net as defined in claim 24, wherein the first thong is disposed adjacent the second thong, the third thong is disposed adjacent the second thong and the fourth thong is disposed adjacent the third thong; and wherein the lace passes twice through each hole in each of the first, second, third and fourth thongs.