LACROSSE STICK HEAD COVER

Abstract

Presently disclosed is a cover for a lacrosse stick head. The cover includes an enclosure having an opening adapted to receive a head of a lacrosse stick into an interior of the enclosure; wherein the enclosure is configured to protect a pocket defined in a mesh of the head of the lacrosse stick. In another embodiment, the cover includes an enclosure with an opening adapted to receive a head of a lacrosse stick, wherein the head includes a mesh defining a pocket. The enclosure may include a first portion configured to inhibit displacement of the mesh from a shooting side of the lacrosse stick, and a second portion configured to inhibit displacement of the mesh from a backside of the lacrosse stick to maintain a configuration of the pocket.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/906,170 filed Nov. 19, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to protective covers for lacrosse sticks, and more particularly to protective covers for the head of a lacrosse stick.

A lacrosse stick is commonly known in the sport of lacrosse as the instrument used by lacrosse players to handle the ball. Players use the stick and particularly the head of the stick to catch, carry and throw the ball during the course of a game. The performance of the lacrosse stick, especially the head of the stick, directly affects a player's effectiveness during a game.

A typical lacrosse stick is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown, a lacrosse stick 10 includes a head 12 connected to a shaft 14. A player holds the lacrosse stick 10 by the shaft 14 and uses the head 12 for catching, carrying and throwing the ball. The head 12 is bound by a sidewall 16 extending up from the shaft 14 and includes a mesh 18. The mesh 18 may be formed of nylon, leather or other appropriate material and is often specified by US Lacrosse, or the regional/local governing body for a given lacrosse league or organization. The mesh 18 is strung between the sidewalls 16 and may include both vertical and horizontal components, which may be different materials. In the lacrosse stick illustrated, the head 12 also includes shooting strings 20 which are positioned near the top of the head. The purpose of the shooting strings is to guide the ball when it is thrown and to increase the accuracy of a thrown ball. In addition, the head 12 includes a pocket 22 defined in the mesh 18. The head may be characterized as having a shooting side (the right side of FIG. 1B) from which the ball is shot or caught, and a back side (the left side of FIG. 1A) which is opposite the shooting side.

The pocket 22 is used for catching and carrying the ball, and affects the release of the ball when thrown. A well-formed pocket is known to provide performance advantages, therefore players work to conform the pocket to the shape of the ball. In addition, the configuration of the pocket is typically regulated by a given lacrosse league or organization. A malformed (e.g., overly deepened) pocket therefore not only adversely affects game play, but may also render a stick illegal under the applicable rules.

The configuration of the pocket of a lacrosse stick head may be altered unintentionally by a variety of factors. For example, when playing or practicing in the rain, moisture may soften the mesh causing the pocket to lose its previously developed shape. The pocket is also susceptible to physical alteration such as may occur when an object pressed upon the pocket either from the shooting side or the back side. At some levels of play, players may typically have more than one stick ready for use. The need to store the spare sticks in the field of play increases the likelihood of damage or displacement of the pocket while these spare sticks are awaiting use.

It is customary to store lacrosse sticks in duffle bags that contain the entire stick but that fail to provide any protection to the critical head portion of the stick. Likewise, a more recent trend is to transport a lacrosse stick on the side of a lacrosse-specific backpack whereby the entire stick, and especially the head of the stick, is completely exposed and lacking of any protection. Lacrosse sticks stored in either of these manners are susceptible to the types of damage noted above and which damage may be more likely when other equipment is loosely stored in the same bag and allowed to move against the head of the stick.

Therefore, there remains a need for a cover for a lacrosse stick head that provides a measure of protection for the head. There is also a need for a cover for a lacrosse stick head that inhibits displacement of the pocket in order to maintain the pocket configuration developed by a player.

Presently disclosed is a cover for a lacrosse stick head. In various embodiments, the cover includes an enclosure having an opening adapted to receive a head of a lacrosse stick into an interior of the enclosure; wherein the enclosure is configured to protect a pocket defined in a mesh of the head of the lacrosse stick.

In some embodiments, the enclosure has a three dimensional profile configured to inhibit displacement of the mesh when the head is within the interior of the enclosure to maintain the configuration of the pocket. The enclosure may include a concave portion configured to receive a pocket of the mesh.

In some embodiments, the enclosure includes a clam-shell configured to receive the head of the lacrosse stick. The clam-shell may include a front portion and a back portion, in which the front portion and back portion are connected by a hinge. The hinge may be disposed on a side portion of the clam-shell or on a top portion of the clam-shell. The clam-shell may also include a clasp configured to secure the front portion to the back portion in a closed position.

In some embodiments, the cover also includes a closure for securing the opening of the enclosure about a shaft of the lacrosse stick. In various embodiments, the closure may be a tie, a drawstring, a hook and loop fastener, or other closure mechanism.

In some embodiments, the cover further includes padding disposed in at least a portion of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure may taper outwardly from a bottom portion adapted to receive the shaft of the lacrosse stick toward a top portion adapted to receive the head of the lacrosse stick. The enclosure may have a generally trapezoidal shape for receiving the head of the lacrosse stick.

In some embodiments, the cover further includes a compartment provided in the interior of the enclosure, in which at least a portion of the compartment is formed of anti-microbial material.

Also disclosed is a cover for a lacrosse stick head that includes an enclosure with an opening adapted to receive a head of a lacrosse stick, wherein the head includes a mesh defining a pocket; wherein the enclosure includes: a first portion configured to inhibit displacement of the mesh from a shooting side of the lacrosse stick, and a second portion configured to inhibit displacement of the mesh from a backside of the lacrosse stick to maintain a configuration of the pocket.

In some embodiments, one or both of the first portion and the second portion of the enclosure comprise a rigid plastic profile. In some embodiments, one or both of the first portion and the second portion may comprise a flexible cover extending over at least a portion of the pocket.

In some embodiments, one or both of the first portion and the second portion of the enclosure may have a concave profile facing the interior of the enclosure. In other embodiments, the first portion has a planar profile adjacent the head of the lacrosse stick. The cover may also include a closure for securing the opening of the enclosure about a shaft of the lacrosse stick.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which particular embodiments of the invention are illustrated as described in more detail in the description below, in which:

FIG. 1A is a front view of a portion of a lacrosse stick;

FIG. 1B is a side view of a portion of a lacrosse stick;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a lacrosse stick head cover;

FIG. 3 is a back view of the lacrosse stick head cover of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the lacrosse stick head cover of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the lacrosse stick head cover of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an interior view of the lacrosse stick head cover of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lacrosse stick head cover;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a lacrosse stick head cover; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a lacrosse stick head cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-9, embodiments of a lacrosse stick head cover are disclosed. A lacrosse stick head cover may be used in various embodiments to cover and protect the head of a lacrosse stick when the lacrosse stick is not in use.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, one embodiment of a cover 100 for a lacrosse stick head is illustrated. The cover 100 includes an enclosure having an opening 102 configured to receive the head of a lacrosse stick. As shown, the head of the lacrosse stick is positioned within an interior of the enclosure. In various configurations, the enclosure includes a first portion 104 and a second portion 106. During use, the lacrosse stick head is disposed between the first portion 104 and the section portion 106.

The cover 100 is opened to receive the lacrosse stick head as illustrated in FIG. 2. The cover 100 may then be closed to contain and protect the lacrosse stick head as illustrated in FIG. 3. A cover may be opened and closed using a zipper 108 disposed on the second portion 106 of the enclosure. Alternatively a zipper or other fastener may be disposed along the first portion 104, or along a seam between the first portion and the second portion. The opposite side of the cover 100 provides the first portion 104, which may be seamless as illustrated in FIG. 4 or may also include a zipper or other closure mechanism as desired.

In addition or as an alternative, the cover 100 may include a closure for securing the opening of the enclosure about a shaft of the lacrosse stick. In one embodiment, a tie or drawstring 110 is configured to secure the enclosure around the shaft of the lacrosse stick. The drawstring 110 may be used to prevent the enclosure from sliding off the head of the lacrosse stick and/or may also be used to close the enclosure around the shaft to more fully enclose the head of the lacrosse stick within the interior of the enclosure. In other embodiments, the closure may comprise a hook and loop fastener, a snap, clamp or other clasp for securing the opening of the enclosure around the shaft of the lacrosse stick. Once closed, the cover 100 inhibits moisture from contacting the head and mesh thereby protecting these components.

The enclosure may have a three dimensional profile configured to inhibit displacement of the mesh when the head is within the interior of the enclosure in order to maintain the configuration of the pocket of the lacrosse stick. As shown in FIG. 5, the enclosure is configured to receive the head of the lacrosse stick with the shooting side of the head adjacent the first portion 104 and the back side of the head adjacent the second portion 106. As shown by FIGS. 1A-B above, the shooting side of the head of a lacrosse stick is relatively flat, therefore the first portion 104 of the enclosure may also be relatively flat or planar. In contrast, the back side of the head has a concave configuration defined by the mesh and the pocket. The second portion 106 of the enclosure may therefore include a concave portion configured to receive the pocket. By conforming the three dimensional shape of the enclosure to the configuration of the lacrosse stick head, the cover protects the pocket by providing sufficient room in the interior of the enclosure for the pocket to maintain its desired shape. The enclosure may be further configured to maintain its configuration and thereby inhibit displacement of the mesh when the head is within the interior of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure may shape defining elements, such as an internal frame, to assist in maintaining the shape of the enclosure. In other embodiments, the enclosure may be construed of materials with sufficient strength to maintain their configuration and resist deformation that may displace the mesh of the lacrosse stick head.

The cover 100 may further include a sealable compartment 120 disposed in the interior of the enclosure. The compartment 120 may include an accessory pocket 122 closable with a flap 124. In some embodiments, the compartment 120 is configured to store a player's mouth guard. In other embodiments, the compartment 120 may be configured to store an athletic protective cup or other equipment required by the player. In this manner, the cover 100 may provide convenient storage for a player's aforementioned equipment when not in use. To facilitate storage, at least a portion of the compartment may be formed of anti-microbial material to inhibit the growth of bacteria within the enclosure. The cover may also include vents configured to allow airflow into the interior of the cover to facilitate drying of equipment within the cover. The vents may also be configured to substantially limit or prevent moisture from entering the interior of the cover.

Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of a cover 200 for a lacrosse stick head is illustrated. The cover 200 may generally be described as a clam-shell type cover having a first portion 204 and a second portion 206 connected by a hinge 208. As illustrated, a single hinge 208 may be disposed along a side of the cover 200, however other configurations are also contemplated including the use of two or more hinges as may be desired. In some embodiments, the first portion 204 and the second portion 206 are each formed from plastic having a profile adapted to receive the head of the lacrosse stick. In addition, the first portion 204 and second portion 206 may be sufficiently rigid to maintain their profile thereby inhibiting displacement of the mesh. In other embodiments, the first portion 204 may be flexible while the second portion 206 comprises a rigid plastic profile. A flexible first portion adjacent the shooting side may provide sufficient protection because the pocket extends from the back side of the head. In some embodiments, a seal may be provided along the edges of the first portion and the second portion to further reduce moisture penetration into the interior of the cover.

The clam shell style cover 200 may include a closure mechanism to secure the first portion 203 to the second portion 206 opposite the hinge. In one embodiment, the first portion 204 includes a clasp 210 and the second portion 206 includes a receptacle 212 for the clasp 210. In other embodiments, a strap, buckle, snap or other closure mechanism may be used to secure the first portion to the second portion in order to retain the lacrosse stock head within the interior of the enclosure. In addition or as an alternative, the first portion 204 may be configured to directly engage the second portion 206, such as by means of an interlocking connection to enclose the lacrosse stick head.

A clam shell style cover, such as cover 200, may be particularly beneficial for college or professional lacrosse players whose equipment may be frequently transported increasing the risk of damage to the head and mesh or undesired alternation to the pocket. Moreover, at more advanced levels of play, the configuration of the pocket may have a greater impact on a player's performance further increasing the benefits of protecting the configuration of the pocket when not in use.

Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a clam-shell style cover is illustrated. The cover 300 includes a first portion 304 and a second portion 306 connected by a hinge 308. As shown, the hinge 308 is disposed at a top portion of the cover 300 such that the first portion and the second portion fold onto the head of the lacrosse stick from the top. One or more closure mechanisms (not shown in FIG. 8) may be provided analogous to those previously discussed.

The cover 300 further includes optional padding 310 disposed on the interior surface of the first portion 304 and the second portion 306. The optional padding 310 may include foam or other cushioning material. When the head of the lacrosse stick is within the interior of the enclosure, portions of the head may contact the interior surface of the enclosure depending upon how securely the head is held in place. The optional padding 310 may be configured to engage at least a portion of the head, such as the side wall in order to inhibit the head from moving relative to the enclosure and avoiding unintended contact between the head and the first portion 304 or the second portion 306. The padding 310 may also extend toward the opening 302 at the enclosure and surround the shaft of the lacrosse stick. In this manner, the padding 310 may prevent water or soil from entering the interior of the enclosure around the shaft. The padding 310 may also comprise anti-microbial material to inhibit the growth of bacteria within the enclosure, especially when a lacrosse stick is placed into the cover when wet.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a cover 400 is illustrated. The cover 400 includes a first portion 404 a second portion 406. The first portion 404 and the second portion 406 are discrete components such that the first portion 404 may be completely removed from the second portion 406 in order to place the head of the lacrosse stick into the interior of the enclosure. As with the covers previously discussed, the enclosure includes an opening 402 through which the shaft of the lacrosse stick may extend.

In some embodiments, the first portion 404 is secured to the second portion 406 with one or more closure mechanisms, such as three clasps 410. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the shape of the cover is configured to accommodate the head of the lacrosse stick. The cover 400 has a generally trapezoidal shape, including top and bottom portions at least a portion of which are parallel, and opposite side portions each of which taper outwardly from the bottom portion towards the top portion. To avoid damaging other sticks or users, the corners of the cover 400 may be curved while still retaining the generally trapezoidal configuration illustrated in FIG. 9. In other embodiments, a two piece cover may be provided in any other desired shape to accommodate the head of the lacrosse stick with the desired degree of protection.

A cover for the head of the a lacrosse stick as presently disclosed may be water resistant to further protect the mesh of the head of the lacrosse stick. In some embodiments, the enclosure may be constructed of natural or synthetic materials that are water resistant or even water proof. For example, the cover may be constructed of plastic or fabric. When fabric is used, a non-abrasive fabric may be desired to reduce the possibility of covers catching each other when lacrosse sticks are placed in a pile as can be common at some levels of play, especially when the lacrosse sticks are transported to and from practices and games. In embodiments where at least a portion of the enclosure comprises fabric, the enclosure may be construed without seams to prevent the ingress of water into the interior of the enclosure. Alternatively, if the enclosure is constructed with seams, the seams may be sealed to maintain the water resistant nature of the cover.

In some embodiments, the cover may be ornamented with decorations or identifying insignia. For example, a player identification, such as name and/or number, may be imprinted on the cover to facilitate identifying which of the lacrosse sticks belong to a given player. In addition, team logos may be displayed on the exterior of the cover to facilitate equipment identification and to promote the team brand. In yet other embodiments, the exterior surface of the cover may include decorative ornamentation as desired by an individual player. A dye sublimation process or other non-penetrating technique may be used to apply ornamentation to the surface of the exterior of the cover in order to maintain the water resistance. Other surface ornamentation techniques, such as embroidery or glitz applique, may also be used when water resistance is not desired or, alternatively, may be used in combination with additional measures, such as a sealant, to provide water resistance to the cover.

Although the above embodiments are described in connection with protecting the mesh and pocket of a lacrosse stick head, the presently disclosed cover also protects lacrosse sticks on which the pockets are much less pronounced, such as those presently used in girls lacrosse. The presently disclosed cover also can be adapted to cover a specialty lacrosse stick that is used by goalies, which goalie sticks contain heads that are significantly larger in both length and diameter. As such the presently disclosed cover is intended for use in protecting the heads of the lacrosse sticks used in all levels of lacrosse for both male and female players and all position players.

In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, any use of the terms “first,” “second,” etc., do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be”.

The terms “including” and “having” are used as the plain language equivalents of the term “comprising”; the term “in which” is equivalent to “wherein.” Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. Moreover, certain embodiments may be shown as having like or similar elements, however, this is merely for illustration purposes, and such embodiments need not necessarily have the same elements unless specified in the claims.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The embodiments described herein are examples of articles, systems, and methods having elements corresponding to the elements of the invention recited in the claims. This written description may enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of the invention recited in the claims. The scope of the invention thus includes articles, systems and methods that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, and further includes other articles, systems and methods with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. While only certain features and embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes may occur to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

Claims

1. A cover for a lacrosse stick head comprising:

an enclosure having an opening adapted to receive a head of a lacrosse stick into an interior of the enclosure;

wherein the enclosure is configured to protect a pocket defined in a mesh of the head of the lacrosse stick.

2. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure has a three dimensional profile configured to inhibit displacement of the mesh when the head is within the interior of the enclosure to maintain the configuration of the pocket.

3. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises a concave portion configured to receive a pocket of the mesh.

4. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises a clam-shell configured to receive the head of the lacrosse stick.

5. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 4, wherein the clam-shell comprises a front portion and a back portion, and wherein the front portion and back portion are connected by a hinge.

6. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 5, wherein the hinge is disposed on a side portion of the clam-shell or on a top portion of the clam-shell.

7. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 5, wherein the clam-shell further comprises a clasp configured to secure the front portion to the back portion in a closed position.

8. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

a closure for securing the opening of the enclosure about a shaft of the lacrosse stick.

9. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 1 further comprising padding disposed in at least a portion of the enclosure.

10. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure tapers outwardly from a bottom portion adapted to receive the shaft of the lacrosse stick toward a top portion adapted to receive the head of the lacrosse stick.

11. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure has a generally trapezoidal shape for receiving the head of the lacrosse stick.

12. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure further comprises a sealable compartment provided in the interior of the enclosure, wherein at least a portion of the compartment is formed of anti-microbial material.

13. A cover for a lacrosse stick head comprising:

an enclosure with an opening adapted to receive a head of a lacrosse stick, wherein the head includes a mesh defining a pocket;

wherein the enclosure includes: a first portion configured to inhibit displacement of the mesh from a shooting side of the lacrosse stick, and a second portion configured to inhibit displacement of the mesh from a backside of the lacrosse stick to maintain a configuration of the pocket.

14. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first portion and the second portion each comprise a rigid plastic profile.

15. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second portion comprises a ridge plastic profile.

16. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first portion comprises a flexible cover extending over at least a portion of the pocket.

17. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second portion has a concave profile facing the interior of the enclosure.

18. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first portion has a concave profile to the interior of the enclosure

19. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first portion has a planar profile adjacent the head of the lacrosse stick.

20. The cover for a lacrosse stick head as claimed in claim 13 further comprising:

a closure for securing the opening of the enclosure about a shaft of the lacrosse stick.