System and Method for Lacrosse Including a Collapsible Field Marking Device

Abstract

A lacrosse system including a portable, collapsible field marker, a system of weights for a lacrosse stick, a lacrosse ball cleaner, and a pocket former for a lacrosse stick that solves the problems discussed above. The collapsible field marker having a series of elongated segments, each segment attachable to two adjacent segments forming a series of segments, the series of segments attachable end-to-end to form a closed polygon in a closed configuration or unattached end-to-end to form a geometric pattern in an open configuration; each segment including a semi rigid center member enclosed by a thin flat marking strip; an expandable cord passing through the rigid center member of each segment attaching the series of segments together or flexible connectors on ends of each of said segments attaching the series of segments together.

Description

This application is related to, and claims priority from, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/698,667 filed Sep. 9, 2012. Application 61/698,667 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the game of lacrosse and more particularly to a system and method for this sport that contains various integral parts.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Lacrosse is a well-known team sport played with sticks, balls and nets, each uniquely designed for the game. The games are played on a grass or turf field with markings designating specific areas of the field. The lacrosse stick consists of a shaft with molded resin head which includes a flexible mesh pocket that is generally shaped like a lacrosse ball. A lacrosse ball is a solid rubber ball molded in a highly visible color. Lacrosse goals are trapezoidal in shape and are placed within a marked circular area on the field called a crease. Prior art creases were generally painted or tacked onto the field.

The pocket in the lacrosse stick was previously manipulated to the shape of the lacrosse ball by using an actual lacrosse ball or similarly shaped instrument to press the shape against the mesh pocket.

Lacrosse balls were previously cleaned by hand or with a hand brush to remove dirt and scuff marks in order to retail the high visibility color.

Lacrosse sticks were sometimes weighted during practices to help improve the player's strength and performance. Weighting the stick in different areas provides additional strength conditioning in specific areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lacrosse system including a portable, collapsible field marker, a system of weights for a lacrosse stick, a lacrosse ball cleaner, and a pocket former for a lacrosse stick that solves the problems discussed above. The collapsible field marker having a series of elongated segments, each segment attachable to two adjacent segments forming a series of segments, the series of segments attachable end-to-end to form a closed polygon in a closed configuration or unattached end-to-end to form a geometric pattern in an open configuration; each segment including a semi rigid center member enclosed by a thin flat marking strip; an expandable cord passing through the rigid center member of each segment attaching the series of segments together or flexible connectors on ends of each of said segments attaching the series of segments together.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Attention is now directed to several drawing that illustrate the features of the present invention.

FIG. 1A shows the shape of a complete crease according to present invention.

FIG. 1B shows an enlargement of part of the embodiment of the crease from FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 shows parts of the foldable crease according to the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows positions of an adjustable weight inside a lacrosse stick according to the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows different weights and weight accessories.

FIG. 4 shows different parts of a lacrosse ball cleaner according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows details of a lacrosse pocket former according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows alternate configurations for crease of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2.

Several drawings and illustrations have been presented to aid in understanding the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A shows a complete crease 1 according to the present invention in its unfolded, ready-to-play shape. This crease is foldable and portable. It comes apart in sections. The crease 1 is assembled from several sections 2 that connected together 3. FIG. 1B shows a section, or close up, of the crease segments. Each segment is connected to the adjacent segment to form a circle. A standard crease is 18 feet in diameter. If each segment is approximately 36 inches long, it takes 19 segments to make the complete crease. The segments are a combination of a rigid center spine and a thin, flexible marking strip integrally connected to the spine. The segments are attached together with a flexible connector such as a continuous elastic band that runs through the hollow center spines of the segments or by flexible connectors at the ends of each segment. FIG. 6 shows the segments of the foldable crease in additional configurations either as a straight line or zig-zag orientation commonly used for speed and agility conditioning.

On the left in FIG. 2 is the disassembled crease 10 with the individual sections folded together. FIG. 2 also shows an individual section assembly 9, which includes the structural rod with a connecting end feature installed within a flexible sleeve. The rod 6 can be seen in an end view of the individual section assembly 9. The flexible sleeve 8 and the rod body 7 can also be seen shown separately in FIG. 2. A rod port 5 can be seen as well as the rod end 4.

FIG. 3A shows an adjustable shaft-weight assembly for a lacrosse stick 20 with a pocket 21. The first two drawings from the left in FIG. 3A show an adjustable shaft weight 22 assembly installed within the hollow shaft 20 of a lacrosse stick according to the present invention. This adjustable shaft weight can be moved fore and aft inside the shaft to achieve the desired center-of-gravity. The next five views in FIG. 3A show various multiple possible positions of the adjustable shaft weight. The shaft weight can be positioned at the top of the shaft, middle, bottom, or at any position along the weight positioning rod. Additional shaft weights may be installed on the weight positioning rod to increase the weight of the stick. The next three sticks in FIG. 3A show the possible combinations of shaft weights 24 installed on the weight positioning rod ranging from a full set of weights to a single weight positioned on the rod. The small details 23 and 25 in FIG. 3A show the positioning rod, the top 25 and bottom 23 ends of the rod configured to hold the rod and installed weights securely within the hollow shaft of the lacrosse stick. Also shown in FIG. 3B is the adjustable weight cylinder and positioning features that hold the weight securely to the rod and also prevent the rod and weight assembly from shifting within the hollow shaft of the lacrosse stick. A possible embodiment is a threaded rod that incorporates a movable stopper with a mating thread feature that allows the stopper to engage with the threaded rod. The stopper with threaded feature would allow the weight cylinder to be securely positioned at any point along the threaded rod.

FIG. 4 shows a ball cleaner according to the present invention. Shown in the figure are multiple views of the lacrosse ball cleaner including the sliding ball carriage 31 positioned within a tubular frame 30. Also shown are the two opposing, removable abrasive pads 32 connectedly attached to the inside of the tubular frame. The carriage 31 has a large hole 34 that holds the ball and a smaller finger hole 33 that allows the carriage 31 to be moved in and out of the tubular frame 30. When the ball is inserted into the large hole 34 which is sized to receive it, the assembly can be inserted into the carriage 31 and moved in and out to clean the ball against the abrasive pads 32. While any abrasive pads may be used with the present invention, the preferred abrasive pads are thin SCOTCHBRITE™ scrubbing pads manufactured by 3M.

FIG. 5 shows a pocket former for a lacrosse stick with a pocket 41. A wire holder 44 is formed to slide over and attach to the shaft of the stick 40 with the extending section of the holder positioned over the mesh portion 41 of the lacrosse stick head. The adjustable pocket forming assembly, which includes a threaded shaft with positioning feature, is installed between the mesh 41 of the stick and the extending section of the wire holder 44. The pocket former includes a forming ball 43 on a handle 42. The handle of the adjustable pocket forms an assembly that can be twisted to extend the threaded portion of the pocket forming assembly so that the forming ball 43 can be pressed into the pocket 41 shaping the pocket. The extending action of the adjustable pocket forming assembly applies pressure to the fabric mesh 41. The wire frame 44 of the pocket forming assembly attached to the shaft of the lacrosse stick can be moved along the axis of the shaft allowing for multiple positions for the forming ball 43 within the mesh 41 of the lacrosse stick. The forming ball 42 should be hard and rigid in order to form the pocket. While any material may be used for the forming ball, the preferred material is a wood ball with a relatively smooth surface.

FIG. 6 shows alternate configurations for the crease system embodiment of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2. Any crease configuration is within the scope of the present invention.

The entire system forms part of a complete lacrosse apparatus including, but not limited to, a foldable crease, a system of lacrosse stick weights, a lacrosse ball cleaner, and a lacrosse pocket former.

In particular embodiments of the present invention, the elastic band running through the entire assembly could be replaced by smaller end caps incorporating an elastic band between and connecting each segment. In other embodiments, an extruded or molded segment with ball and socket connections molded into either end can be used. In embodiment the segments can include a semi rigid segment attached to the adjacent segment incorporating an interlocking connection that securely attaches one segment end to the adjacent segment end using a ball and socket or other mechanism.

Several descriptions and illustrations have been presented that aid in understanding features of the present invention. One with skill in the art will realize numerous changes and variations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Each of these changes and variations is within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable, folding field marker device comprising:

a series of elongated segments, each segment attachable to two adjacent segments forming a series of segments, the series of segments attachable end-to-end to form a closed polygon in a closed configuration or capable of being unattached end-to-end to form a geometric pattern in an open configuration;

each segment including a semi rigid center member enclosed by a thin flat marking strip.

2. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 1 wherein said series of segments are attached end-to-end to form an approximate circle representing a lacrosse crease.

3. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 2 wherein said approximate circle is approximately 18 feet in diameter.

4. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 1 wherein each of said segments is approximately 36 inches long.

5. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 1 wherein said series of segments are not attached end-to-end and arranged to form a line segment.

6. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 1 wherein said series of segments are not attached end-to-end and arranged to form a zig-zag configuration.

7. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 1 wherein said segments are slightly curved.

8. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 1 wherein said thin flat marking strip is flexible.

9. A portable, folding field marker device comprising:

a series of elongated segments, each segment attachable to two adjacent segments forming a series of segments, the series of segments attachable end-to-end to form a closed polygon in a closed configuration or capable of being unattached end-to-end to form a geometric pattern in an open configuration;

each segment including a semi rigid center member enclosed by a thin flat marking strip;

an expandable cord passing through the rigid center member of each segment attaching the series of segments together or flexible connectors on ends of each of said segments attaching the series of segments together.

10. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 9 wherein said series of segments are attached end-to-end to form an approximate circle representing a lacrosse crease.

11. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 10 wherein said approximate circle is approximately 18 feet in diameter.

12. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 9 wherein each of said segments is approximately 36 inches long.

13. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 9 wherein said series of segments are not attached end-to-end and arranged to form a line segment.

14. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 9 wherein said series of segments are not attached end-to-end and arranged to form a zig-zag configuration.

15. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 9 wherein said segments are slightly curved.

16. The portable, folding field marker device of claim 9 wherein said thin flat marking strip is flexible.

17. A method for providing portable, folding field marker device comprising:

providing a series of elongated segments, each segment attachable to two adjacent segments forming a series of segments, the series of segments attachable end-to-end to form a closed polygon in a closed configuration or capable of being unattached end-to-end to form a geometric pattern in an open configuration,

providing for each segment a semi rigid center member enclosed by a thin flat marking strip;

providing an expandable cord passing through the rigid center member of each segment attaching the series of segments together or providing flexible connectors on ends of each of said segments attaching the series of segments together.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein each of said segments is approximately 36 inches long.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein said series of segments can be connected end-to-end to form an approximate circle approximately 18 feet in diameter.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein said segments are slightly curved.