LACROSSE HEAD WITH DIFFERENTIATED BALL STOP

Abstract

A lacrosse stick includes an elongated handle and a head frame which adapted for mounting thereon a net and which includes first and second portions which are made from different materials. One of the materials is typically more flexible than the other. Part of the handle and head frame may be formed as a unitary structure made of the same material. In addition, the stick provides a mechanism for forming the head frame with a center of gravity at a location which facilitates the ability of a player to discern orientation of the head frame by feel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to lacrosse sticks. More particularly, the invention relates to a lacrosse stick which may include a head frame including two portions which are formed of different materials wherein one material is more flexible than the other. The lacrosse stick may also include a unitary structure which is formed of one of the materials and includes a portion of the head frame and a portion of the handle.

2. Background Information

In the game of lacrosse, players use sticks to receive and shoot a ball. Lacrosse sticks generally include an elongated shaft and a head portion. The player grips the shaft with one or both hands, and utilizes the head portion, which includes mesh, or a net, to receive, carry and shoot the ball during play.

With the decreasing availability of high grade ash or hickory wood, decreasing availability of the woodworking skills necessary to form and fabricate lacrosse sticks having integral one-piece wooden stick/head frame constructions and in further view of the labor intensive nature of the fabrication of such integral one-piece wooden stick/head frame constructions it has become commonplace to fabricate lacrosse sticks using a straight shaft element formed of straight grained wood or wood laminate or a tough, lightweight metallic or reinforced plastic tubular element such as in the nature of a thin gauge metallic extrusion or a fiber reinforced composite plastic material and to affix, typically with a screw, to the forward end of the shaft a separate, bilaterally symmetrical head frame composed of a one-piece tough synthetic thermoplastic material, such as a high impact strength nylon. In such versions of a lacrosse stick, the head frame comprises a rearwardly oriented socket element to receive the forward end of the shaft, a pair of laterally divergent side wall elements extending forwardly of said socket element and a transversely oriented nose element bridging the forward ends of said pair of side wall elements. The apex of the angle defined between said divergently oriented side wall members is truncated by means of a rearwardly directed arcuate wall element bridging said side wall members and defining a ball stop. The transverse nose element is, desirably, canted forwardly at an upwardly positive angle so as to define a scoop-shaped lip member which facilitates the player's ability to receive a ground-borne lacrosse ball.

One problem with such a construction is that the rearwardly oriented socket element which is also made of the same flexible material as the frame must have additional material added to increase the stiffness and strength required to hold the shaft. This added material restricts the player from having their hand as close as possible to the head frame holding the ball, thereby reducing ball control.

Another ongoing problem with such construction is the difficulty for a player to ensure that the upper open rim of the head frame is facing the incoming ball. Some thermoplastic lacrosse head frames have a stop in the side wall of the head frame. The intention is to lower the center of gravity of the lacrosse head in an attempt to enable a player to sense the orientation of the lacrosse head by feeling the difference of weight distribution when the head is correctly oriented to receive and carry the ball. The problem is that there is a very subtle difference in this weight distribution that makes it difficult for a player to sense, by weight alone, the rotational orientation of the head. It is therefore generally necessary that the player first visually observe the head and then properly adjust the stick and its head's rotational orientation on the basis of such visual observation. This need for visual observation of the stick's head preparatory to receiving the ball at least momentarily distracts the player from observing the field of play and the ball and thus reduces his or her playing efficiency. In accordance with the present invention, this problem has been successfully addressed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a lacrosse stick having front and back ends defining therebetween a longitudinal direction and comprising: a head frame adapted for mounting thereon a net and comprising a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material which is more flexible than the first material.

The present invention also provides a lacrosse stick having front and back ends defining therebetween a longitudinal direction and comprising: a head frame adapted for mounting thereon a net and comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion comprising a ball stop; a longitudinally elongated shaft mounted on and extending rearwardly from the first portion; wherein the shaft and first portion are a unitary structure formed of a first material and the second portion is formed of a second material which is different than the first material.

The present invention also provides a lacrosse stick comprising: a head frame adapted for mounting thereon a net and comprising a ball stop; a longitudinally elongated shaft comprising front and rear longitudinally elongated segments; the front segment and ball stop being formed as a unitary structure; the rear segment having a longitudinal centerline and a lowermost surface defining a horizontal plane parallel to and below the centerline; a grip section of the front segment which is adjacent the ball stop and has a bottom surface which is higher than the plane; and a mechanism for causing the center of gravity of the head frame to lie at a distance sufficiently below the plane whereby a player is able to sense orientation of the head frame through tactile stimuli generated by the unitary structure acting through the rear segment, the mechanism comprising the bottom surface of the grip section being higher than the plane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a right side elevational view of the lacrosse stick of the present invention with portions of the handle cut away and with the net removed.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the lacrosse stick shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded right side elevational view of the lacrosse stick shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded top plan view of the lacrosse stick shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded right side elevational view of the head frame and a portion of the handle.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged exploded top plan view of the head frame and portions of the handle.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the head frame and portion of the handle with the net attached to the head frame and a lacrosse ball shown in dashed lines abutting the ball stop.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The lacrosse stick of the present invention is shown generally at 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. Stick 10 has front and back ends 12 and 14 which define therebetween a longitudinal direction of the stick, and left and right sides 16 and 18 which define therebetween an axial direction of the stick. Front and back ends 12 and 14 define therebetween a longitudinal length L1 of stick 10. Stick 10 generally includes a head 20 and a longitudinally elongated shaft or handle 22 which is rigidly secured to head 20 and extends rearwardly therefrom. Handle 22 includes a front handle segment 24 which is rigidly secured and extends rearwardly from head 20, a rear handle segment 26 which is rigidly secured to front segment 24 and extends rearwardly therefrom, and an end cap 28 which is mounted on the rear end of rear segment 26 and defines rear end 14. Head 20 includes a head frame 30, a net 32 (FIG. 7) such that head 20 is configured to receive, carry and shoot a lacrosse ball 34 (dashed lines in FIG. 7) during play. Other than FIG. 7, the other figures are shown without net 32 for clarity. Head frame 30 includes a rear portion 36 and a front portion 38 which is rigidly secured to rear portion 36 and extends forward therefrom. Rear portion 36 includes a ball stop 40 having a back end 42 which also serves as a front end of front handle segment 24 and handle 22. Ball stop 40 has a forward facing surface 41 which is concavely curved as viewed from above. Rear portion 36 has a U-shaped configuration as viewed from above.

Handle 22 thus has a front end 42 and a back end 14 which define therebetween a longitudinal length L2 of the handle. Front segment 24 has a back end 44 such that front and back ends 42 and 44 define therebetween a longitudinal length L3 of the front segment. In the exemplary embodiment, length L3 is approximately one-half length L2, and is preferably at least ⅙, ⅕, ¼ or ⅓ length L2. It is contemplated that front segment 24 may be extended rearwardly such that cap 28 is connected directly to the rear end of segment 24 whereby the separate rear handle segment 26 may be eliminated. In such a case, length L3 would be nearly the same as length L2 inasmuch as cap 28 adds only a very small amount to the overall length of handle 22. However, handle 22 is most typically formed using front segment 24 and rear segment 26 in combination.

Rear handle segment 26 is a straight longitudinally elongated shaft having front and back ends 46 and 48 (FIG. 4) defining therebetween a longitudinal length L4. In the exemplary embodiment, length L4 is similar to length L3 and typically somewhat longer. However, length L4 may be more or less than length L3 as will be evident with reference to the above discussion of the possible variations of length L3. End cap 28 has a front end 50 such that front and rear ends 50 and 14 define therebetween a length L5 which is relatively short, typically on the order of about 1 to 1½ inches or so. Cap 28 defines a cavity 52 having a front entrance opening 54 for receiving therein rear end 48 of rear segment 26 so that end cap 28 is secured to rear end of shaft 26. End cap 28 is typically formed of rubber or an elastomer which is relatively soft but durable and may be formed of any suitable material and have any suitable configuration known in the art. Rear handle segment 26 is a substantially rigid structure typically formed of materials typically used to form standard lacrosse stick shafts. Such materials include, but are not limited to straight grained wood, a wood laminate, or a tough, lightweight metallic or reinforced plastic tubular element such as a thin gauge metallic extrusion or a fiber-reinforced composite plastic material.

In accordance with the invention, front handle segment 24 and rear portion 36 of head frame 30 is formed as an integral one-piece member or a handle-ball stop unitary structure 56. Unitary structure 56 is thus formed entirely or primarily of the same material throughout. Structure 56 is typically formed entirely or primarily as an injection molded plastic material typically in the form of a composite material. For example, the composite material typically includes a suitable injection moldable plastic which is reinforced with fiberglass, aramid fibers, carbon, boron or ceramic materials. One suitable composite material is a fiberglass-reinforced nylon. While structure 56 is entirely or primarily formed of such a material which is uniform throughout, it may also be coated with an outer coating. Although various coatings may be used, one desirable type of coating involves the use of nano-materials or particles which are typically metal.

The material from which unitary structure 56 is formed is substantially rigid, but typically is somewhat more flexible than the material from which rear handle segment 26 is formed. The tensile modulus of elasticity of each of rear segment 26, unitary structure 56 and front portion 38 is given below, as measured in accordance with ISO 527. The material from which rear segment 26 is formed has a tensile modulus of elasticity typically in the range of about 12,000 to about 100,000 MPa (megapascals), with the analogous value for a rear segment 26 made of wood typically within the range of about 12,000 to about 16,000 MPa, for a rear segment 26 made of aluminum typically within the range of about 16,000 to about 26,000 MPa, and for a rear segment 26 made of a composite material typically within the range of about 26,000 to about 100,000 MPa and typically on the order of about 50,000 MPa. The material from which unitary structure 56 is entirely or primarily formed has a tensile modulus of elasticity typically in the range of about 15,000 or 16,000 to about 30,000 or 35,000 MPa. Front portion 38 of head frame 30 is typically formed of an injection moldable plastic material which is more flexible than either of the materials used to form segment 26 and unitary structure 56. The tensile modulus of elasticity of the material forming front portion 38 is typically in the range of about 700 or 800 to about 2100 or 2200 MPa. The material forming front portion 38 is typically a synthetic thermoplastic material such as a high impact strength nylon. The use of the unitary structure 56 thus minimizes the material needed to make the connection between the front end of the handle and the ball stop region of the head frame, thus overcoming the problem discussed in the Background section of the present application in which the added material used in prior art lacrosse sticks in this region restricts the player from positioning his or her hands as close as possible to the head frame. In addition, forming front portion 38 from a material which is more flexible than that of structure 56 still provides the flexibility, durability and high impact resistance found in the head frames of modern lacrosse sticks.

Handle 22 and unitary structure 56 are now described in greater detail. Rear segment 26 of handle 22 is a straight elongated shaft as viewed from the side (FIG. 1) and as viewed from above (FIG. 2). Rear segment 26 has a longitudinal centerline CL which is centered between the straight upper and lower surfaces 27 and 29 of shaft 26 as well as between the straight left and right sides thereof. Centerline CL passes through ends 46 and 48, is horizontal in the position of stick 10 shown in FIG. 1, and may be used as a reference for various structures of stick 10. Bottom surface 29 of shaft 26 defines a horizontal plane P2 which is parallel to and below centerline CL. Front segment 24 of handle 22 is substantially straight as viewed from above although it may be very slightly tapered along its left and right sides such that it is slightly wider at its front end 42 than at its rear end 44. Centerline CL passes through front segment 24 and serves as its center as viewed from above. Centerline CL also serves as the centerline for head frame 30 as viewed from above. Unitary structure 56 has a front end 58 such that front and rear ends 58 and 44 define therebetween a length L6 of structure 56. Front end 58 also serves as the front end of rear section 36 such that front and rear ends 58 and 42 define therebetween a length L7. In the exemplary embodiment, length L7 is about ¼ length L6, and length L3 is about ¾ length L6 although this may vary substantially depending on variations in length L3 and length L7. Structure 56 includes left and right side wall segments 60A and 60B which extend respectively laterally outwardly and forward from the left and right of ball stop 40 and form portions of respective left and right side walls of head frame 30. Front end 58 serves as the front terminal ends of segments 60A and 60B. Unitary structure 56 has a Y-shaped configuration as viewed from above such that front segment 24 serves as the upright of the Y, and ball stop and 40 and sidewall segments 60 serve as a pair of forks extending therefrom.

As viewed from the side (FIG. 1), front handle segment 24 includes a straight rear or back section 62, a rear tapered section 64 extending forward from back section 62, a narrow grip section 66 extending forward from rear tapered section 64, and a front tapered section 68 extending forward from narrow grip section 66 to front end 42. Front tapered section 68 is relatively short in the longitudinal direction, and thus grip section 66 is spaced rearwardly of and adjacent ball stop 40. Like the top and bottom surfaces of rear handle segment 26, the top and bottom surfaces of back section 62 are straight, parallel and horizontal in the position of FIG. 1. The top of back section 62 is part of a top or uppermost surface 70 of front segment 24 which is straight and horizontal from front end 42 to rear end 44 as viewed from the side. Thus, the top or uppermost surface of each of sections 62, 64, 66 and 68 is straight and horizontal and thus at the same height. Back section 62 defines a cavity 72 having a rear entrance opening 74 at rear end 44 for receiving the front end 46 of rear segment 26, which is inserted forward through entrance opening 74. In addition to a friction fit between the outer surface of the front portion of rear segment 26 and the inner surface which defines cavity 72, front and rear segments 24 and 26 are rigidly secured to one another typically by a fastener such as a screw 76 having a threaded shaft and an enlarged head wherein the threaded shaft is typically substantially perpendicular to centerline CL and is received in respective holes formed in back section 62 and the front portion of rear segment 26 so that screw 76 extends from back section 62 to rear segment 26.

Due to the use of unitary structure 56, screw 76 is spaced rearwardly from back end 42 of head frame 30 by a relatively substantial distance or length L8, which more particularly is a distance from the front of screw 76 to the front of handle segment 24 or the back end 42 of ball stop 40 or rear portion 36. In standard lacrosse sticks, a fastener such as a screw is typically used to secure the front of an elongated shaft or handle to the head frame at a location which is adjacent the ball stop. In particular, such screws are typically only 1 or 2 inches rearward of the ball stop. In contrast, distance or length L8 is typically at least 6, 8, or 12 inches, and may be as much as 14, 16, 18 or 20 inches. In the exemplary embodiment, handle 22 is free of a screw or other fastener which is rearward of and within distance L8 of the front end 42 (or back end of ball stop 40) which extends outward from the outer surface of the handle or which is used to secure the head frame to the handle.

Back section 62 has a substantially straight and horizontal bottom surface 77 extending forward from rear end 44; rear tapered section 64 has a tapered bottom surface 78 which tapers upwardly and forward from the front of bottom surface 77; narrow grip section 66 has a substantially horizontal and generally straight bottom surface 80 which extends substantially horizontally forward from the front of tapered bottom surface 78; and front tapered section 68 has a tapered bottom surface 82 which tapers downwardly and forward from the front of bottom surface 80 to an abrupt halt at back end 42 of rear portion 36, which is typically generally perpendicular to centerline CL. Tapered bottom surface 78 provides gentle angled transitions respectively with the front of bottom surface 77 and the back of bottom surface 80, while tapered surface 82 similarly provides a gentle angled transition from the front of bottom surface 80. These gentle transitions allow the player using stick 10 to easily slide his or her hand longitudinally along any portion of front segment 24 without catching on a sharply protruding component. Although a player may position his or her hand along any portion of the handle, the stick is often held with one hand grasping or gripping rear segment 26 adjacent back end 14 and the other hand grasping or gripping grip section 66 or portions of front segment 24 adjacent section 66. Top surface 70 of front segment 24 is substantially parallel to centerline CL and spaced there above, whereas tapered surface 78 angles upwardly and forward relative to an below centerline CL, and tapered surface 82 angles downwardly and forward relative to and below centerline CL. Bottom surface 80 and top surface 70 define therebetween a vertical distance or height H1 which is the vertically narrowest portion of front segment 24 and of handle 22. Height H1 is substantially less than the vertical distance or height of rear segment 26 defined between top and bottom surfaces 27 and 29, and also substantially less than the vertical distance or height of back section 62 defined between top and bottom surfaces 70 and 77. Height H1 is typically no more than, and may be less than, ¾ said vertical height of rear segment 26. Height H1 is typically no more than, and usually less than, ¾ said vertical height of back section 62 and may be no more than, or less than ½ the vertical height of back section 62.

Bottom surface 80 is substantially parallel to centerline CL and is preferably at the same height or above centerline CL although it may, for example, be below and closely adjacent centerline CL. Bottom surface 80 is higher than bottom surfaces 29, 77, 78 and 82. As shown in FIG. 1, the vast majority of head frame 30 is positioned lower than centerline CL and also substantially below plane P2 such that the center of gravity of head frame 30 and lacrosse head 20 is a sufficient distance below centerline CL, plane P2 and a horizontal plane P1 defined by uppermost surface 70 that a player is able to sense orientation of the lacrosse head through the tactile stimuli generated by the unitary structure 56 acting through rear segment 26 when the player has one hand on rear segment 26 and the other hand on grip section 66. Stick 10 thus provides a mechanism for causing the center of gravity of head frame 30 and of head 20 to lie at a distance sufficiently below the plane whereby a player is able to sense orientation of head frame 20 by feel or through tactile stimuli generated by the unitary structure acting through the rear segment, wherein the mechanism includes the bottom surface of the grip section being higher than the plane.

Head frame 20 is now described in greater detail with primary reference to FIG. 4. Front portion 38 has a back end 84 such that front and back ends 12 and 84 define therebetween a longitudinal length L9 of portion 38. Front end 12 and back end 42 define therebetween a longitudinal length L10 (FIG. 1) of head frame 20. In the exemplary embodiment, length L9 is approximately twice length L7 although length L9 may be three times length L7 or more. Furthermore, length L9 may be about the same as length L7 or even less than length L7 although length L9 is most typically at least as much as or more than length L7. In the exemplary embodiment, length L9 is about 7/10 L10 although length L9 may be as much or more than 8/10 or 9/10 length L10. Length L9 is typically at least ⅓ of length L10 and typically at least 4/10, 5/10 or 6/10 of length L10. In the exemplary embodiment, length L7 is about ⅓ or a little more than ⅓ of L10 although this may vary in keeping with the variation of lengths of portion 38. While length L7 in the exemplary embodiment is between 3/10 and 4/10 length L10, length L7 may be less than 1/10 length L10 although it is typically at least 1/10 or 2/10 length L10 and may be as much as or more than 6/10 or 7/10 length L10. In the exemplary embodiment, the sum of length L7 and length L9 is greater than length L10 in that the front of rear section 36 and the back of front section 38 longitudinally overlap one another.

Front portion 38 includes left and right side wall segments 86A and 86B which are secured respectively to left and right segments 60A and 60B of rear portion 36 in order to form left and right side walls of head frame 20. Front portion 38 further includes a lip or nose element 88 which is axially elongated, connected to the front ends of the left and right side walls of the frame head and extend therebetween so as to traverse centerline CL as viewed from above. Whereas the inner surfaces of ball stop 40 and the side walls tend to be generally vertical, the inner or upper surface of nose element 88 is typically canted forward and upwardly in order to assist the player in scooping the lacrosse ball off of the ground. Multiple net receiving or net mounting holes 90 are formed through nose element 88 as well as through the ball stop and side walls of frame head 20 for mounting thereon net 32, which typically includes several cords or straps which extend through some or all of said holes. Frame 20 has leftmost and rightmost points 92 and 94 defining therebetween a maximum axial width W1 of the frame head. Leftmost point 92 is adjacent the connection between the left end of nose element 88 and the front of the left side wall 60A, 86A whereas the rightmost point 94 is adjacent the right end of nose element 88 and its connection with the front of the right side wall 60B, 86B.

FIG. 2 illustrates left and right connections 96 and 98 between the front of rear portion 36 and the rear of front portion 38. Connections 96 and 98 are rearward of the leftmost and rightmost points 92 and 94 and nose element 88, and forward of ball stop 40 or may be at the front ends of ball stop 40. More particularly, left side wall segment 60A adjacent its front end 58 and left side wall segment 86A adjacent its rear end 84 are joined at left connection 96. Likewise, right side wall segment 60B adjacent its front end 58 and right side wall segment 86B adjacent its rear end 84 are joined at right connection 98. In the exemplary embodiment, each of unitary structure 56 and front portion 38 are injection molded components, and left and right connections 96 and 98 are overmolded connections which are formed by overmolding one of portions 36 and 38 over or onto the other injection molded portion 36 or 38, or by overmolding one of structure 56 and front portion 38 on the other. However, these connections may be formed in other ways as discussed further below. Preferably, connections 96 and 98 are rigid, permanent connections. The left and right halves of head frame 20 are substantially bilaterally symmetrical or are mirror images relative to a vertical longitudinal plane P3 in which centerline CL lies. The side walls of frame head 20 are divergent side walls which generally diverge outwardly respectively to the left and right and rearwardly relative to one another and relative to plane P3 from their respective connections to ball stop 40 to their respective connections to nose element 88. Thus, the ball stop, side walls and nose element of head frame 20 form an outer perimeter which is formed entirely by front and rear portions 36 and 38 and which defines an upwardly opening receiving space including a mouth 93 and a throat 95. Mouth 93 is the wider portion disposed between the leftmost and rightmost points 92 and 94 extending from nose element 88 rearwardly to the narrower throat 95 which extends forward from ball stop 40 between the narrower portions of the side walls.

As shown in FIG. 1, right side wall 60B, 86B includes an upper rim and a lower rim wherein the upper rim includes a rear upper rim segment 100 of right side wall segment 60B and a front upper rim segment 102 of right side wall segment 86B, and the lower rim includes a rear lower rim segment 104 of right segment 60B and a front lower rim segment 106 of right segment 86B. The lower rim is thus spaced downwardly of the upper rim. A rear brace 108 extends between and is rigidly secured to the bottom of rear upper end segment 100 and the top of rear lower rim segment 104. A front brace 110 likewise extends between and is rigidly connected to the bottom of front upper end segment 102 and top of front lower rim segment 106 whereby braces 108 and 110 provide additional strength to the overall structure of head frame.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, each of rear upper and lower rim segments 100 and 104 include wider sections 112 as viewed from above, with narrower sections or fingers 114 secured to and extending forward from wider sections 112. Each wider section 112 defines a forward facing surface 116 from which each corresponding finger 114 extends forward to front terminal end 58. Each finger 114 includes a longitudinally extending laterally facing surface 118 which extends forward from the corresponding surface 116 whereby the corresponding surfaces 116 and 118 define a notch 120 into which a fastening post 122 extends outwardly from surface 118 of finger 114. Each post 122 is forward of the corresponding surface 116 and rearward of the corresponding terminal end 58. Similarly, each front upper and lower end segment 102 and 106 includes a wider section 124 and a narrower section or finger 126 secured to and extending rearwardly therefrom to the respective rear terminal end 84. Each wider section 124 defines a rearward facing surface 128 from which each corresponding finger 126 extends rearwardly. Each finger 126 has a longitudinally elongated laterally facing surface which extends rearwardly from surface 128 such that the corresponding surfaces 128 and 130 define a notch 132. A hole 134 is formed in each finger 126 extending from inner surface 130 to the outer surface of the finger 126.

When rear and front portions 36 and 38 are joined to one another to form connections 96, each post 122 is received within the corresponding one of holes 134, each finger 114 is received in corresponding notch 132, each finger 126 is received in a corresponding notch 120, each rearward facing terminal end 84 abuts a corresponding forward facing surface 116, each forward facing terminal end 58 abuts a corresponding rearward facing surface 128, and laterally facing surfaces 118 and 130 abut one another. In the exemplary embodiment in which one of portions 36 and 38 is overmolded onto the other, each of the surfaces of rear portion 36 which engages surfaces of front portion 38 also form a chemical bond with one another, thus providing a chemically bonded connection. As previously noted, while the overmolded connections are highly desirable, the connections between the front and rear portions 36 and 38 may be formed in other ways, as with fasteners such as rivets which pass through fingers 114 and 126 or similar structures which overlap one another. Thus, post 122 also represents such fasteners as rivets which may be received in holes analogous to holes 134.

As shown in FIG. 7, net 32 is mounted on both the rear portion 36 and front portion 38 of head frame 20 via mounting holes 90. FIG. 7 also illustrates that lacrosse ball 34 when positioned in the throat of head frame 20 abutting surface 41 of ball stop 40, ball 34 is adjacent connections 96 and 98.

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 lacrosse stick having front and back ends defining therebetween a longitudinal direction and comprising:

a head frame adapted for mounting thereon a net and comprising a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material which is more flexible than the first material.

2. The lacrosse stick of claim 1 wherein the second portion defines the front end of the stick.

3. The lacrosse stick of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions overlap one another in the longitudinal direction.

4. The lacrosse stick of claim 1 further comprising a longitudinally elongated shaft mounted on and extending rearwardly from the head frame; wherein the shaft comprises a rear segment and a front segment; and the front segment and first portion are a unitary structure formed of the first material.

5. The lacrosse stick of claim 4 wherein the rear segment is formed of a third material which is different than the first and second materials.

6. The lacrosse stick of claim 5 wherein the first material is more flexible than the third material.

7. The lacrosse stick of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions abut one another.

8. The lacrosse stick of claim 1 further comprising an overmolded connection between the first and second portions.

9. The lacrosse stick of claim 1 further comprising a chemically bonded connection between the first and second portions.

10. The lacrosse stick of claim 1 further comprising a ball stop of the head frame; and wherein the first portion comprises the ball stop.

11. The lacrosse stick of claim 10 further comprising a longitudinally elongated shaft mounted on and extending rearwardly from the head frame; and a longitudinally elongated forward handle segment of the shaft; and wherein the first portion comprises the forward handle segment.

12. The lacrosse stick of claim 11 further comprising front and back ends on the elongated shaft defining therebetween a first longitudinal length; and front and back ends on the forward handle segment defining therebetween a second longitudinal length which is at least ⅙ the first length.

13. The lacrosse stick of claim 1 wherein the elongated shaft comprises a longitudinally elongated handle segment formed of a third material; and the first material is more flexible than the third material.

14. The lacrosse stick of claim 1 wherein the lacrosse stick has left and right sides defining therebetween an axial direction; and the head frame has a maximum axial width defined by the second portion.

15. The lacrosse stick of claim 1 wherein the second portion extends forward of the first portion.

16. The lacrosse stick of claim 1 wherein the head frame has front and back ends and comprises a ball stop adjacent the back end of the head frame, a nose element adjacent the front end of the head frame, and a pair of divergent sidewalls extending between the ball stop and nose element; and the second portion comprises the nose element.

17. The lacrosse stick of claim 16 wherein the second portion comprises respective segments of the sidewalls.

18. The lacrosse stick of claim 16 wherein the first portion comprises respective segments of the sidewalls.

19. A lacrosse stick having front and back ends defining therebetween a longitudinal direction and comprising:

a head frame adapted for mounting thereon a net and comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion comprising a ball stop;

a longitudinally elongated shaft mounted on and extending rearwardly from the first portion;

wherein the shaft and first portion are a unitary structure formed of a first material and the second portion is formed of a second material which is different than the first material.

20. A lacrosse stick comprising:

a head frame adapted for mounting thereon a net and comprising a ball stop;

a longitudinally elongated shaft comprising front and rear longitudinally elongated segments; the front segment and ball stop being formed as a unitary structure; the rear segment having a longitudinal centerline and a lowermost surface defining a horizontal plane parallel to and below the centerline;

a grip section of the front segment which is adjacent the ball stop and has a bottom surface which is higher than the plane; and

a mechanism for causing the center of gravity of the head frame to lie at a distance sufficiently below the plane whereby a player is able to sense orientation of the head frame through tactile stimuli generated by the unitary structure acting through the rear segment, the mechanism comprising the bottom surface of the grip section being higher than the plane.