LACROSSE MESH CONFIGURATION

Abstract

A lacrosse mesh configuration is provided. The mesh configuration can be coupled within a head of a lacrosse stick that is coupled to a handle. The mesh configuration includes a mesh in a folded condition, the mesh comprising a first portion and a second portion. The mesh configuration also includes a notch formed in the first portion. The notch provides access to the mesh of the second portion. The second portion accessible through the notch forms a pocket in response to stretching more than the remaining portion of the mesh that is in a doubled up configuration due to the folded condition. The mesh configuration provided also includes the use of at least two colors of thread or a plurality of colors of thread to form a repeatable mesh configuration, wherein the color configuration of the mesh is repeatable.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[S]

This application is a divisional of U.S. Patent Application entitled “LACROSSE MESH CONFIGURATION,” Ser. No. 14/324,979, filed Jul. 7, 2014, now pending; U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “LACROSSE MESH CONFIGURATION,” Ser. No. 61/843,299, filed Jul. 5, 2013; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “LACROSSE MESH CONFIGURATION,” Ser. No. 61/890,454, filed Oct. 14, 2013, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to a lacrosse mesh configuration and more particularly to a lacrosse mesh configuration for forming a deeper pocket and to a a multicolored lacrosse mesh configuration.

2. State of the Art

A crosse 10 or stick used to play the game of lacrosse, also more commonly known as lacrosse stick 10, as shown in FIG. 1, consists of a handle 12, a head 14 and mesh 16 laced into the head 14, wherein the mesh 16 includes a pocket 24 and is used to hold, catch and throw a ball. Conventional mesh 14 of a lacrosse stick 10 is usually strung with two or more laces, often referred to as shooting strings 18, 20, and 22. The shooting strings 18, 20, and 22 are graduated in tightness so that the pocket 24 can be deep. The shooting strings 18, 20, and 22 will act like slight steps as the ball travels out of the stick providing a smooth but tactile exit on shots and throws.

During a game of lacrosse, one aspect of the game include holding onto the ball when under attack from the opponent. Accordingly, players attempt to adjust the pocket to make it deeper without overly affect the shooting ability of the lacrosse stick 10. One conventional way of approaching this issue by use of a shooting string 22 in a V or U formation. The V or U formation shooting string 22 provides a channel structure while maintaining the pocket 24 deep, thereby allowing for better holding of the ball in the pocket 24 but often affects the shooting ability of the lacrosse stick.

Current rules, however, have made the use of V or U formation shooting strings illegal and therefore eliminating the benefits of such a shooting string.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lacrosse mesh configuration for forming a deeper pocket. Further, this invention relates to using various colored thread to form the lacrosse mesh, wherein the mesh transitions from one color to another without the use of dying or other type of treatment of the completed mesh. In other words, providing a mesh with at least two colors where the colors are sewn to form the mesh.

An embodiment includes lacrosse mesh configuration that comprises a mesh in a folded condition, the mesh comprising a first portion and a second portion. Further, the mesh configuration includes a notch formed in the first portion, the notch providing access to the mesh of the second portion. The second portion is accessible through the notch and forms a pocket in response to stretching more than the remaining portion of the mesh that is in a doubled up configuration due to the folded condition.

Another embodiment includes a lacrosse stick with a lacrosse mesh configuration that comprises a handle, a head coupled to an end of the handle, and a mesh in a folded condition, the mesh comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the mesh is coupled to the head in the folded condition. Further, the mesh configuration includes a notch formed in the first portion, the notch providing access to the mesh of the second portion. The second portion is accessible through the notch and forms a pocket in response to stretching more than the remaining portion of the mesh that is in a doubled up configuration due to the folded condition.

In some embodiments, the notch is a V shape. Further, in these embodiments, an edge of the notch forms a V shaped channel. Additionally, in other embodiments, the notch is a U shape. In these embodiments, an edge of the notch forms a U shaped channel.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the mesh configuration includes any of the previously discussed mesh configurations with the addition of utilizing at least two colors, or a plurality of colors of yarn to form a multicolored mesh. The use of a plurality of colors of thread allow for the formation of mesh of various colors without the need of color treating the completed mesh configuration.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art lacrosse stick;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a lacrosse stick showing new shooting string rules;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a mesh configuration for use with a lacrosse stick in an unfolded condition;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the mesh configuration of FIG. 2 with the mesh in a folded condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a head of a lacrosse stick with a mesh configuration laced into the head;

FIG. 6 is front view of a transitional mesh; and

FIG. 7 is a front view of an asymmetrical mesh.

FIG. 8 a head of a lacrosse stick with a mesh configuration laced into the head;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a head of a lacrosse stick with a mesh configuration laced into the head;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a transition and asymmetrical mesh configuration;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a transition mesh configuration;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a mesh configuration with varying mesh sizes;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a mesh with further varying mesh size configurations;

FIG. 14 is a front view of another mesh configuration with varying mesh sizes with a rail portion;

FIG. 15 is yet another front view of a mesh configuration with varying mesh sizes with a rail portion; and

FIG. 16 includes front views of a plurality of mesh configurations, wherein each mesh configuration as at least two colors of thread utilized to form the mesh configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to lacrosse mesh configuration for forming a deeper pocket.

New rules that have been enacted that affect the mesh and shooting strings of a lacrosse stick. Players will be allowed to have shooting strings up to but not touching four inches from the top of the lacrosse stick as shown in FIG. 2. Additionally, three other field tests will be performed to ensure that all sticks meet certain specifications. These field tests are: 1) The ball will be placed in the head of the lacrosse stick (perpendicular to the ground) at the throat, then the lacrosse stick is tipped forward 90 degrees; 2) The ball is placed in the head of the lacrosse stick (horizontal to the ground) at the deepest point of the pocket, then the lacrosse stick is tipped forward 90 degrees so the ball rolls out at the tip of the head; and 3) The ball is placed in the back of the head of the lacrosse stick at the deepest point of the pocket and pushed in to reverse the pocket. The lacrosse stick is inverted 180 degrees. The ball must come out of the head of the lacrosse stick without shaking, etc.

With the new rule changes, there is a need and a desire from players to be able to have a similar pocket that can be formed with a V or U formation shooting string as depicted in FIG. 1 and still meet and pass the field tests. Both the shooting string and the field test are critical and can affect the player's ability to perform on the field. Therefore, embodiments have been established and created to address this need.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9, an embodiment of a mesh 30 is shown. The mesh 30 includes a V or U shaped notch 32 cut into the mesh 30. The mesh 30 is then folded over to provide a first portion 34 and a second portion 36. The notch 32 is formed in the first portion 34 and allows for access to the mesh of the second portion 36. The mesh 30 is then laced into the head of the lacrosse stick in the folded condition. As the mesh is broken in, the areas where the mesh 30 is double over, or in other words the mesh that overlaps due to the folded condition has greater resistance to stretch due to the doubled over mesh. The V or U shaped notch 32 in the mesh creates a pocket 38, wherein the pocket 38 stretches more than the doubled over mesh.

Further, the edge 40 of the notch 32 forms a channel similar to a V or U formation shooting sting. Shooting strings in the V or U formation often times affect the shooting or throwing ability of the lacrosse stick. The notch 32 provides the same pocket shape benefit of the V or U formation shooting string, however, with a smooth transition out of the pocket without the need for the ball to travel past a string. This allows for better repeatability, reliable whip and control of throws and shots.

Additionally, the mesh 30 with the notch 32 allows for the use of shooting strings within 4 inches from the top of the lacrosse stick. Therefore, the mesh 30 of this embodiment meets the standards established by the current rules of lacrosse.

With reference to FIG. 5, other embodiments of a mesh 50 may be provided and laced into head 52. In each instance the mesh 50 has a configuration to create a pocket 54 without the use of a V or U formation shooting string.

An embodiment of a mesh 50 includes a transition mesh, as shown in FIG. 6. A transition mesh includes a layer of mesh at the bottom of the head 52, wherein the mesh expands more than the other areas of mesh that are formed of a smaller mesh. Therefore, the mesh transitioning from a small mesh 60 to a bigger mesh 62 defines a type of transition mesh. This transition mesh allows for a pocket 54 to be formed in the portion of the mesh 50 with bigger mesh 62.

Another embodiment of mesh 50 may include a combination of a transition mesh and notch. For example, and without limitation, the mesh 50 may have a V or U shaped notch cut into the mesh 50, such as the notch 32 cut into mesh 30. The mesh is then folded over to provide a first portion and a second portion. The notch is formed in the first portion and allows for access to the mesh of the second portion. The mesh is then laced into the head of the lacrosse stick in the folded condition. As the mesh is broken in, the areas where the mesh is double over, or in other words the mesh that overlaps due to the folded condition has greater resistance to stretch due to the doubled over mesh and further resistance to stretch because it is a smaller mesh. The V or U shaped notch in the mesh creates a pocket 52, and in addition, the mesh in the area of pocket 52 located on the back portion of the folded over mesh is formed of bigger mesh 62 and stretches more than the smaller mesh 60 to also help in the formation of the pocket 38.

Additionally, the mesh 50 may include two lanes of transition formed in the mesh and correspond to the notch, the lanes forming a V or U shape, thereby providing the benefits of the V or U formation shooting string, however, with a smooth transition out of the pocket without the need for the ball to travel past a string. The lanes of transition include transitioning from one mesh size to another along different lanes.

In another embodiment, the mesh 50 may include a pocket 52, wherein the pocket is formed of a mesh that changes horizontally. The mesh configuration would then have a mesh that stretches differently than the rest of the mesh and can then be used to form a pocket. Again the change in horizontal mesh may be a section of mesh that includes a V or U shaped notch. This again provides the same pocket shape benefit of the V or U formation shooting string, however, with a smooth transition out of the pocket without the need for the ball to travel past a shooting string.

In yet another embodiment of mesh 50, the mesh may include an asymmetrical mesh shown in FIG. 7, wherein the mesh 50 includes for example, without limitation, a first size of mesh on side portions 70 of mesh 50 and a second size of mesh on a center portion 72 of mesh 50. In an asymmetrical mesh, the shape of a stitch 74 between the center portion 72 and the side portions 70 of the mesh 50 at a pocket area 52 may change in size wherein the stitch 74 is a mesh size that is different from the rest of the mesh 50. This mesh stitch 74 can then form a throwing rail 74 built into the mesh without the use of a shooting string. This asymmetrical mesh can also include a notch as described previously.

In yet another embodiment of mesh 50, the mesh may include a combination mesh 100 of a transition and asymmetrical mesh as shown in FIG. 10, wherein the mesh 50 includes for example, without limitation, a first size of mesh on side portions 80 of mesh 50 and a second size of mesh on a center portion 82 of mesh 50. In an asymmetrical mesh, the shape of a stitch 84 between the center portion 82 and the side portions 80 of the mesh 50 at a pocket area 52 may change in size wherein the stitch 84 is a mesh size that is different from the rest of the mesh 50. This mesh stitch 84 can then form a throwing rail 84 built into the mesh without the use of a shooting string.

Further, in this combination mesh, the center portion 82 may be a transition mesh that includes a first layer 90 of mesh of the center portion 82, wherein the first layer expands more than a second layer 92 of mesh of the center portion 82. The second layer 92 of mesh expands more than the third layer 94 of mesh of the center portion 82 that is formed of a smaller mesh. In some embodiments, the mesh of side portions 80 may be the same sixed mesh as the third layer 94. Therefore, the mesh transitioning from a small mesh 94 to a bigger mesh 90 defines a type of transition mesh. This transition mesh allows for a pocket to be formed in the portion of the mesh with bigger mesh 90. This combination mesh can also include a notch 32, which provides benefits as described previously.

Referring to FIG. 11, another type of transition mesh is provided. Industry standard is to have a mesh that is ten mesh openings wide. The mesh configuration of FIG. 11 shows a first portion 110 of mesh that is industry standard with ten mesh openings 112 across the width of the first portion 110. The mesh transitions to a second portion 114 of mesh with mesh openings 116 that is bigger than the mesh openings 112 of the first portions. The mesh openings 116 of the second portion 114 are such that only eight mesh openings 116 extend across the width of the second portion 114, wherein the first portion 110 and the second portion 114 are substantially the same width. In other words, the mesh configuration of FIG. 11 transitions from ten openings to eight openings in width.

FIG. 12 is another mesh configuration that transitions the mesh size both vertically and horizontally. For example, first mesh portion 120 has a mesh opening 121 of a first size. Second portion 122 of the mesh has a second mesh opening 123 that is larger both vertically and horizontally than mesh openings 121.

FIG. 13 depicts a mesh configuration with a first portion 130 have a mesh opening 131 of a first size. The mesh includes a second portion 132 with a mesh opening 133 of a second size, wherein the second size is bigger than the first size. The mesh further includes a third portion 134 with a mesh opening 135 of a third size, wherein the third size is smaller than the first size. In this configuration, the mesh transitions through three different mesh sizes in manner where the largest mesh opening size divides the other two differing sized mesh openings.

FIG. 14 depicts a mesh configuration with a transitioning mesh opening sizes. The mesh includes a first portion 140 having mesh opening 141 of a first size. The mesh also has a second mesh portion 142 with a mesh opening 143 of a second size larger than the first size. The mesh also includes a third portion 144 with mesh openings 145 of a third size, wherein the thirds size is larger than the first size and smaller than the second size. The second portion 142 and the third portion 144 are separated with inter-woven mesh openings that are of a size as mesh openings 141. The third portion 144 then transitions into mesh openings of a size as openings 141. Further, in this configuration, the mesh includes side rails 146, wherein the rails 146 have the same mesh openings as the first portion 140. The rails serve to assist as throwing rails when the pocket is formed.

FIG. 15 depicts a mesh configuration with transition mesh and side rails. The mesh includes a first portion 150 with mesh openings 151 of a first size. The mesh also includes a second portion 152 with mesh openings 153 of a second size, wherein the second size is larger than the first size, both vertically and horizontally. The mesh includes a third portion 154 with mesh openings 155 of a third size, wherein the third size is smaller than the second size and larger than the first size. The mesh also includes side rails 156 wherein the side rails transition from the first size of mesh openings 151 to the third size of mesh openings 155 is a manner different than the second portion 152. The rails serve to assist as throwing rails when the pocket is formed.

Referring to mesh configurations shown in FIGS. 11-15, the mesh transitions are provided to form a pocket quicker. Further the mesh configurations of FIGS. 12-15 include mesh openings that have a conventional mesh shape in portions with crossovers and legs wherein the crossover is shorter than the legs. The mesh in these figures then by transitioning to different mesh sizes also reverse the mesh opening configuration wherein the leg is shorter than the crossover. This provides additional strength to these portions of the mesh configurations. Additionally, these mesh configuration because of the transition of the mesh size both vertically and horizontally, improve the grip of the lacrosse ball by wrapping around the ball, in addition to the speed in which a pocket can be formed because of the transition mesh. Further, these mesh configurations of FIGS. 11-15 can be used with a V or U shaped notch as described previously. It will be understood that any combination of mesh transitions in order to form the pocket quicker and still fall within the proper rules.

Further still, another embodiments of the mesh 50 may include forming the mesh at the pocket area with a different material that has a different stretching characteristic. For example, and without limitation, the mesh in the pocket area may include elastic or a Kevlar to be knit into the mesh to change the characteristic of the mesh in the pocket area.

Referring further to the drawings, FIG. 16 depicts a plurality of repeatable multicolored mesh configurations 160-170, wherein each repeatable mesh configuration is formed with the use of at least two colors of thread. Mesh configuration 160 utilizes pink thread and white thread. Mesh configuration 161 is a Rastafarian design with a plurality of colors of thread, wherein sections of the plurality of colors of thread are separated by a solid black thread to form a noticeable throwing lane in the mesh configuration. Mesh configuration 162 utilizes a neon green and neon yellow thread to form the mesh. Mesh configuration 163 utilizes a blue and a pink thread to form the mesh. Mesh configuration 164 utilizes a black thread, a yellow thread and a purple thread. Mesh configuration 165 utilizes a green thread and a black thread to form the mesh. Mesh configuration 166 utilizes a black thread, yellow thread and green thread to form the mesh. Mesh configuration 167 utilizes a black thread and a white thread to form the mesh. Mesh configuration 168 utilizes a yellow thread and a blue thread to form the mesh. Mesh configuration 169 utilized a red thread, a white thread and a blue thread to form the mesh. Mesh configuration 170 utilizes a black thread, a pink thread, a yellow thread, a green thread and an orange thread to form the mesh.

While specific examples of mesh formed with a plurality of thread colors has been shown, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the depicted mesh configurations 160-170, but rather that other colors of threads and patterns may be formed, so long as the mesh configurations are repeatable. It will be understood that repeatable mesh configurations 16-170 are repeatable in color, pattern and transition by the use of various colored threads in the processing. This provides a significant advantage over mesh configurations formed by other who utilize color treatment of the mesh after the mesh is formed. In those conventional methods, the opportunity to transition from one mesh color to another is unpredictable and difficult to repeat or reproduce with any amount of similarity. Embodiments of this invention allow for repeatability and virtually identical mesh configurations with any pattern of colors forming the mesh configurations.

The plurality of colors of thread mesh configurations shown in FIG. 16 is standard mesh, wherein the mesh size is consistent throughout the entire mesh configuration. In other embodiments, at least two colors of thread or a plurality of colors of thread may be used to form other types of mesh, such as a transition mesh shown in FIG. 6, an asymmetrical mesh shown in FIG. 7, a transition and asymmetrical mesh shown in FIG. 10, a transition mesh shown in FIG. 11, a mesh with varying mesh sizes as shown in FIGS. 12-15.

Embodiments of the present invention also show a transition of one color to the next by use of a plurality of colors of thread. For example, and without limitation, a mesh configuration, such those shown in FIG. 16 transition from one color to another in the crossover, wherein the colors are visually present in the crossover portions of the mesh when the mesh transitions from one color to the next. This provides a visual transition between different colored portions of the mesh configurations 160-170.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the forthcoming claims.

Claims

1. A lacrosse stick with a lacrosse mesh configuration comprising:

a handle;

a head coupled to an end of the handle;

a mesh in a folded condition, the mesh comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the mesh is coupled to the head in the folded condition; and

a notch formed in the first portion, the notch providing access to the mesh of the second portion, wherein the second portion accessible through the notch forms a pocket in response to stretching more than the remaining portion of the mesh that is in a doubled up configuration due to the folded condition.

2. The mesh of claim 1, wherein the notch is a V shape.

3. The mesh of claim 2, wherein an edge of the notch forms a V shaped channel.

4. The mesh of claim 1, wherein notch is a U shape.

5. The mesh of claim 4, wherein an edge of the notch forms a U shaped channel