Three-Dimensional Molded Runner For Lacrosse Stick

Abstract

A runner for a lacrosse head made of a molded material includes a first longitudinal rail, a second longitudinal rail, and a plurality of cross pieces coupled to the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail. A first cross piece is disposed in a first direction and a second cross piece is disposed in a second direction.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to three-dimensional molded runners for lacrosse stick heads for improved ball control and shooting. For example, the present disclosure relates to embodiments of molded runners formed in a curved shape having a pair of rails with a plurality of cross pieces connecting the rails.

Background

Both women's and men's lacrosse have numerous rules and regulations provided by the governing bodies (e.g., NCAA) to ensure fairness and safety for the players. Some rules relate to the pocket of the lacrosse stick head. For example, there are rules pertaining to the design and placement of thongs (or runners) including the width, material (e.g., leather or synthetic), and placement. With all of these rules, it can difficult for a player to design her lacrosse head to her liking, while conforming to the rules.

Lacrosse heads often incorporate runners in the pocket region. These runners may provide ball control, support, and shooting power for players. Some players prefer certain characteristics for their runners to achieve optimal playing abilities during a game. Current runners are not sturdy and therefore do not provide optimal performance.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a runner for a lacrosse head can include a first longitudinal rail, a second longitudinal rail, and a plurality of cross pieces coupled to the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail. In some embodiments, an apex of a first cross piece can be disposed in a first direction and an apex of a second cross piece can be disposed in a second direction. In some embodiments, the first cross piece can be adjacent to the second cross piece. In some embodiments, the runner can be made of a molded material. In some embodiments, the runner can be a unitary molded structure. In some embodiments, the molded material can be thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, and/or thermoplastic polyurethane. In some embodiments, the runner can be formed by injection molding (e.g., injecting the material into a molding having the desired shape of the runner).

In some embodiments, the first cross piece and the second cross piece can extend rearward from a rear surface of the longitudinal rails. In some embodiments, the first cross piece and the second cross piece can be arches. In some embodiments, an amplitude of the first cross piece can be smaller than an amplitude of the second cross piece.

In some embodiments, a first portion of the runner can extend in a first direction and a second portion of the runner can extend in a second direction. In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion can form an obtuse angle. In some embodiments, the runner can have a curved shape along its length.

In some embodiments, the first and second longitudinal rails can each comprise a top end having a through-hole configured to receive a lace to couple the top ends to the lacrosse head. In some embodiments, the first and second longitudinal rails can each comprise a bottom end having a through-hole configured to receive a lace to couple the bottom ends to the lacrosse head.

In some embodiments, a distance between the first and second longitudinal rails can be wider at a top portion of the runner than at a bottom portion. In some embodiments, a distance between the first and second longitudinal rails can be wider at a middle portion of the runner than at the top portion. In some embodiments, the first and second longitudinal rails can have one or more notches in a front surface of the rail configured to receive laces to couple the rails to the lacrosse head.

In some embodiments, a lacrosse stick can include a head having a first sidewall, a second sidewall disposed opposite the first sidewall, a scoop connecting the first and second sidewalls, and a throat. In some embodiments, a pocket can be coupled to the head. In some embodiments, the pocket can include a runner having a first longitudinal rail, a second longitudinal rail, and a plurality of cross pieces coupled to the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail. In some embodiments, an apex of a first cross piece can be disposed in a first direction and an apex of a second cross piece can be disposed in a second direction. In some embodiments, the runner can be made of a molded material.

In some embodiments, the cross pieces can form arches extending rearward from the first and second longitudinal rails. In some embodiments, a first arch can be angled in a first direction and a second arch can be angled in a second direction.

In some embodiments, the pocket of the lacrosse stick head can include a first longitudinal thong disposed between the first longitudinal rail of the runner and the first sidewall and a second longitudinal thong can be disposed between the second longitudinal rail of the runner and the second sidewall. In some embodiments, the pocket can include a plurality of laces coupling the runner to the head. In some embodiments, the first and second longitudinal rails of the runner can have notches in a front surface of the rail configured to receive the laces.

In some embodiments, a runner for a lacrosse head can include a unitary molded member having a first longitudinal rail, a second longitudinal rail, and a plurality of cross pieces coupling the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail. In some embodiments, the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail can be configured to be displaced apart by a force applied on a front surface of the runner. In some embodiments, a first cross piece can have an arch extending rearward from a rear surface of the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail. In some embodiments, an amplitude of the arch can decrease when the force is applied on the runner. In some embodiments, a distance between the first and second longitudinal rails can be wider at a top portion of the runner than at a bottom portion. In some embodiments, the molded member can be an elastomeric material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a head and a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of a head and a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a head and a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of a head and a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a strung head with a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of a strung head with a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10A illustrates a rear perspective view of a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10B illustrates a side perspective view of a molded runner, according to an embodiment

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic of a ball in a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12B illustrates a side view of a molded runner, according to an embodiment.

The features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present embodiments. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Embodiments of the molded runners disclosed herein for lacrosse stick pockets are formed, for example, in a single-piece, three-dimensional molded shape. The molded runners improve ball control, catching, cradling, passing, and shooting, while remaining in compliance with the rules and regulations of the lacrosse governing bodies. For example, the geometry (e.g., curvature) of the molded runners facilitates positioning of the ball in the ideal pocket location, allowing for a quick release when passing or shooting.

The pre-formed pocket shape also allows for easier stringing of the lacrosse head by providing a sturdy attachment point for other thongs and strings. The molded runner, with rails and cross pieces, decreases the number of stringing components required to form the pocket, allowing for quicker stringing of the head. The consistent molded form allows for a standardized pocket shape and location in multiple lacrosse sticks, while at the same time allowing for customization of the pocket depending on the shape of the mold. This is helpful to a player because, for example, if one stick breaks, another stick with the same molded runner will have a consistent feel and performance.

The design of the cross pieces of the molded runner, for example, also provide improved ball control and shooting capability. When the ball is received in the pocket, the ball applies a force to the runner. In some embodiments, this force displaces the rails wider apart, increasing ball control by providing a wider ball channel between the rails of the molded runner. In some embodiments, the cross pieces are in the shape of arches and as the rails are forced apart an amplitude (i.e., height) of the arches decreases. That is, the arches become flatter as the rails spread apart. This can bring the cross pieces into contact with the ball, providing friction and thereby improving control.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a head 100 for a lacrosse stick and a molded runner 210, according to an embodiment. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a head 100 strung with a pocket 200 that includes the molded runner 210, according to an embodiment. The lacrosse stick head 100 can include a scoop 102 connecting the tops of opposing sidewalls 104. The sidewalls 104 can include one or more openings 105 of various shapes and sizes. The bottom portion of the head 100 can have a throat 108 and a ball stop 106. The head 100 can include a plurality of holes 110, for example, in the scoop 102, the sidewalls 104, and/or the throat 108 for laces 242 of the pocket 200 that attach the pocket 200 to the head 100.

As shown, for example, in FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, molded runner 210 can be coupled to head 100 by one or more laces 242. In some embodiments, one or more additional thongs 240 can be included to form pocket 200, providing additional anchoring points for laces 242. For example, in some embodiments, laces 242 can be wrapped around thong 240 or weaved through a hole in the thong. Thongs 240 can be made of, for example, leather, synthetic leather, or any other suitable material. Generally, thongs 240 can run in the same lengthwise direction as molded runner 210. In some embodiments, a first thong 240 can be disposed between a first rail 220 of molded runner 210 and a first sidewall 104. In some embodiments a second thong 240 can be disposed between a second rail 220 of molded runner 210 and a second sidewall 104.

Any number of laces 242 can be used to attach molded runner 210 to head 100. Laces 242 can be, for example, string, cord, braided or woven fibers (e.g., nylon) or another other suitable attachment element to attach molded runner 210 to head 100. In some embodiments, laces 242 can extend through holes 227 in top ends 226 of the rails 220 of molded runner 210 and through holes 110 in the scoop 102 and/or sidewalls 104 of head 100. In some embodiments, laces 242 can wrap around rails 220 of molded runner 210 and through holes 110 of sidewalls 104. For example, in some embodiments, laces 242 can be disposed within notches 223 in rails 220 of molded runner 210. In some embodiments, laces 242 can extend through holes 227 in the bottom ends 228 of rails 220 and through holes 110, for example, in throat 108 of head 100. An example of a molded runner 210 with holes 227 in bottom ends 228 is shown, for example, in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8A.

In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, rails 220 of molded runner 210 can extend directly through holes 110 of head 100. In some embodiments, the bottom ends 228 of rails 220 can be tied off around throat 108 or around the shaft of the lacrosse stick. An example of this type of molded runner 210 is also shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

Embodiments of the molded runners 210 disclosed herein can be made from a variety of materials. It is important that the material is pliable but also returns to its pre-formed shape after flexing, bending, twisting, etc. in the course of using the lacrosse head 100. In some embodiments, the molded runner 210 can be made from, but not limited to, any moldable thermoplastic polymer, such as, for example, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), and/or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some embodiments, the molded runner can be formed by an injection molding process. For example, a liquid material can be injected into a mold such that upon cooling, the runner has a geometry conforming to the mold. This can provide the shapes, curvatures, angles, arches, thicknesses, and/or tapering of the molded runner, as shown, for example, in the embodiments in FIGS. 1-11. Other types of molding processes, for example, compression molding or vacuum forming, can also be used.

Embodiments of the molded runners 210 disclosed herein can include a plurality of rails 220. In some embodiments, molded runner 210 can have two rails 220. In some embodiments, molded runner 210 can include more than two rails, for example, three, four, or more rails. The rails 220 can form a channel for controlling the ball within the pocket 200. In some embodiments, the distance between a first rail and a second rail can vary along the length of the rails. For example, in some embodiments, the distance between top ends 226 can be greater than a distance between bottom ends 228 of rails 220. In some embodiments, the distance between rails 220 can be greatest at a ball pocket region 244, which can be disposed between top ends 226 and bottom ends 228 of rails 220. In some embodiments, the rails 220 can taper toward each other, for example, from ball pocket region 244 to top ends 226 and/or from ball pocket region 244 to bottom ends 228.

In some embodiments, a maximum distance between rails 220, as measured between interior edges of the rails while at rest (i.e., without external forces pressing on the molded runner 210), can be about 7 cm and a minimum distance between rails 220 can be about 0.1 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between rails 220 at top ends 226 can be between 1 cm and 5 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between rails 220 at top ends 226 can be between 2 cm and 4 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between rails 220 at top ends 226 can be about 3 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between rails 220 at bottom ends 228 can less than 1 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between rails 220 at bottom ends 228 can be less than 1 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between rails 220 at bottom ends 228 can be about 0.5 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between rails 220 at ball pocket region 244 can be between 3 cm and 6 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between rails 220 at ball pocket region 244 can be between 4 cm and 5 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between rails 220 at ball pocket region 244 can be about 4.5 cm.

As shown, for example in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, a front surface 222 of rails 220 can include one or more notches 223. These notches 223 can receive laces 242 to facilitate stringing the pocket 200 and minimize movement of the laces 242 that are wrapped around rails 220 when the lacrosse stick is in use. In some embodiments, the depth of the notches 223 is approximately equal to the diameter of the laces 242 to minimize the interaction between the laces and ball, thereby improving ball control in the pocket 200. For example, in some embodiments, the depth of notches 223 can be between 0.5 mm and 4 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of notches 223 can be between 1 mm and 3 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of notches 223 can be about 2 mm. In some embodiments, the front surface 222 of rails 220 can be textured (e.g., having grooves and/or ridges), which can facilitate gripping the lacrosse ball.

In some embodiments, molded runner 210 can include a plurality of cross pieces 230 that connect the rails 220. The cross pieces 230 can help funnel the lacrosse ball toward the ball pocket region 244. In some embodiments, the molded runner 210 can include one or more cross piece 230A above the ball pocket region 244 and one or more cross piece 230B below the ball pocket region 244. For example, in some embodiments, there can be one, two, three, or more cross pieces 230A above the ball pocket region 244 and one, two, three, four, five, or more cross pieces 230B below the ball pocket region 244. More or fewer cross pieces 230 can be used above and below the ball pocket region 244 and overall between the rails 220.

The cross pieces 230 can have various shapes, sizes, thicknesses, orientations, and angles. Each cross piece 230 can have a front surface 232 that faces the ball when the ball is in the pocket 200, a rear surface 234 facing away from the head 100 (see e.g., FIGS. 2 and 6), an upper edge 236 closest to scoop 102, and a lower edge 238 closest to throat 108. The distance between the upper edge 236 and lower edge 238 of adjacent cross pieces 230 can be the same or different for each adjacent pair of cross pieces 230 along the molded runner 210. For example, in some embodiments, the distance between the upper edge 236 and lower edge 238 of adjacent cross pieces 230 can be between 1 cm and 6. In some embodiment, the distance between the upper edge 236 and lower edge 238 of adjacent cross pieces 230 can be between 1 cm and 3. In some embodiments, the distance between the upper edge 236 and lower edge 238 of adjacent cross pieces 230 can be about 1.5 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between the upper edge 236 and lower edge 238 of adjacent cross pieces 230 can be about 4 cm. In some embodiments, the greatest distance between the upper edge 236 and lower edge 238 of adjacent cross pieces 230 can be between the cross pieces 230 forming the ball pocket region 244.

In some embodiments, cross pieces 230 can be arches that extend away from a rear surface 224 of rails 220. This is shown, for example, in FIGS. 7B and 8B. The amplitude of the arches of the cross pieces 230 can be the same or different for each cross piece 230 along the molded runner 210. The “amplitude” of an arch is defined herein as a perpendicular distance from a line connecting the intersection points 233 of the upper edge 236 of the cross piece 230 at the rails 220 to the apex 237 of the cross piece 230 while at rest, without external forces pressing on the molded runner 210 (see e.g., FIGS. 7A-B and 8A-B). For example, in some embodiments, the amplitude A of a cross piece 230 can be between 0.3 cm and 3 cm. In some embodiments, the amplitude A of a cross piece 230 can be between 0.5 cm and 2 cm. In some embodiments, the amplitude A of a cross piece 230 can be about 1 cm. In some embodiments, the amplitude A of a cross piece 230B below the ball pocket region 244 can be greater than the amplitude A of a cross piece 230A above the ball pocket region 244. In some embodiments, the amplitude A of cross pieces 230A and/or 230B can decrease the further the cross piece is from the ball pocket region 244.

The angle of the cross pieces 230 can also be the same or different for each cross piece 230 along the molded runner 210. For example, in some embodiments, a cross piece 230A can be angled upward toward scoop 102 such that an angle θ₁ between upper edge 236 and rail 220 forms an acute angle. For example, the apex 237 of the cross piece 230A can be closer to the scoop 102 than the intersection point 233 where the cross piece 230A meets the rail 220. In some embodiments, a cross piece 230B can have an angle θ₂ such that the upper edge 236 is approximately perpendicular to rail 220. For example, the apex 237 of the cross piece 230B can approximately the same distance from the scoop 102 as the intersection point 233 where the cross piece 230B meets the rail 220. In some embodiments, the angle formed between the cross piece 230 and rail 220 can be obtuse such that the cross piece 230 is angled downward toward the throat 108 of head 100. For example, the apex 237 of the cross piece 230 can be farther from the scoop 102 than the intersection point 233 where the cross piece 230 meets the rail 220. In some embodiments, cross pieces 230A and 230B forming the ball pocket region 244 can be angled in opposite directions (e.g., cross piece 230A can be angled toward scoop 102 and cross piece 230B can be angled toward throat 108).

The thickness of the cross pieces 230 (i.e., the distance between the upper edge 236 and lower edge 238) can also be the same or different for each cross piece 230 along the molded runner 210. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of the cross pieces 230 at the center can be between 0.2 cm and 1.5 cm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the cross pieces 230 at the center can be about 0.5 cm. In some embodiments, the middle of the cross piece 230 can be thinner than portions of the cross piece near the rails 220.

The different amplitudes, angles, orientations, and thickness of cross pieces 230 can help funnel the lacrosse ball toward ball pocket region 244 of molded runner 210. This can provide better ball control and improve shooting quickness and accuracy.

FIGS. 9 and 10A-B illustrate molded runners 210, according to embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9, in some embodiments, cross pieces 230 can be generally perpendicular to rails 220. By way of comparison, FIG. 10A illustrates an embodiment of a molded runner 210 having a narrower distance between rails 220 than in FIG. 9. Also, the cross pieces 230 in FIG. 9 are generally flat, whereas the cross pieces 230 in FIGS. 10A-B are arches.

FIGS. 12A-B illustrate a molded runner 210, according to embodiments. Any of the features of molded runner 210 described herein can be applied to the embodiments of FIGS. 12A-B. As shown in FIGS. 12A-B, the molded runner 210 can include rails 220 having a front surface 222 and a rear surface 224. In some embodiments, rails 220 can have notches 223 to receive laces. In some embodiments, top ends 226 and/or bottom ends 228 of rails 220 can include holes 227 therethrough. In some embodiments holes 227 can extend through a width (i.e., side to side) of rails 220, as shown, for example, at top ends 226 in FIG. 12A. In some embodiments holes 227 can extend through a thickness (i.e., front to back) of rails 220, as shown, for example, at bottom ends 228 in FIG. 12A.

The molded runner 210 can include a plurality of cross pieces 230, 230A, 230B that connect the rails 220. The cross pieces 230, 230A, 230B can have a front surface 232, rear surface 234, upper edge 236, and lower edge 238. The cross pieces 230, 230A, 230B can connect to the rail 220 at an intersection point 233. In some embodiments, the cross pieces 230, 230A, 230B can be arches having an amplitude as discussed above.

In comparison, for example to FIGS. 8A-B, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12A-B include an additional cross piece 230 at the ball pocket region 244. In some embodiments, the additional cross piece 230 can be disposed in the location of the ball pocket region 244 between the cross pieces 230A and 230B shown in FIG. 8A. This can facilitate smooth release of the ball from the ball pocket region 244, for example, when passing or shooting.

Also in comparison, for example to FIGS. 8A-B, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12A-B illustrate that a cross piece 230B can have an angle θ₂ that forms an acute angle, rather than the obtuse angle shown, for example, in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic of a lacrosse ball 300 disposed within molded runner 210. When the lacrosse ball 300 is disposed in the pocket 200, it applies a force onto molded runner 210. In some embodiments, this force can push the rails 220 of molded runner 210 apart, widening the channel between rails 220 and thereby improving ball control. In some embodiments, for example where cross pieces 230 are arches, as rails 220 are pushed apart, the amplitude of the cross pieces 230 can decrease (i.e., the arch becomes flatter).

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Brief Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of molded runners as contemplated by the inventors, and thus, are not intended to limit the present embodiments and the appended claims in any way.

The present disclosure has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.

The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A runner for a lacrosse head, comprising:

a first longitudinal rail;

a second longitudinal rail; and

a plurality of cross pieces coupled to the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail, wherein a first cross piece is angled in a first direction and a second cross piece is angled in a second direction that differs from the first direction,

wherein the runner comprises a molded material.

2. The runner of claim 1, wherein the runner is a unitary molded structure.

3. The runner of claim 1, wherein the molded material comprises at least one of: thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, and thermoplastic polyurethane.

4. The runner of claim 1, wherein the runner is formed by injection molding.

5. The runner of claim 1, wherein the first cross piece is adjacent to the second cross piece.

6. The runner of claim 1, wherein the first cross piece and the second cross piece extend rearward from a rear surface of the longitudinal rails.

7. (canceled)

8. The runner of claim 1, wherein an amplitude of the first cross piece is smaller than an amplitude of the second cross piece.

9. The runner of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the runner extends in a first direction and a second portion of the runner extends in a second direction, wherein the first portion and the second portion form an obtuse angle.

10. The runner of claim 1, wherein the runner comprises a curved shape along its length.

11. The runner of claim 1, wherein the first and second longitudinal rails each comprise a top end having a through-hole configured to receive a lace to couple the top ends to the lacrosse head.

12. The runner of claim 1, wherein the first and second longitudinal rails each comprise a bottom end having a through-hole configured to receive a lace to couple the bottom ends to the lacrosse head.

13. The runner of claim 1, wherein a distance between the first and second longitudinal rails is wider at a top portion of the runner than at a bottom portion.

14. The runner of claim 1, wherein a distance between the first and second longitudinal rails is wider at a middle portion of the runner than at a top portion of the runner.

15. The runner of claim 1, wherein the first and second longitudinal rails comprise notches in a front surface of the rail configured to receive laces to couple the rails to the lacrosse head.

16. A lacrosse stick, comprising:

a head, comprising: a first sidewall; a second sidewall disposed opposite the first sidewall; a scoop connecting the first and second sidewalls; and a throat; and

a pocket coupled to the head, the pocket comprising: a runner, comprising: a first longitudinal rail; a second longitudinal rail; and a plurality of cross pieces coupled to the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail, wherein a first cross piece is angled toward the scoop and a second cross piece is angled toward the throat, wherein the runner comprises a molded material.

17. The lacrosse stick of claim 16, wherein the cross pieces form arches extending rearward from the first and second longitudinal rails, where a first arch is angled in a first direction and a second arch is angled in a second direction.

18. The lacrosse stick of claim 16, wherein the pocket further comprises a first longitudinal thong disposed between the first longitudinal rail of the runner and the first sidewall and a second longitudinal thong disposed between the second longitudinal rail of the runner and the second sidewall.

19. The lacrosse stick of claim 16, wherein the pocket further comprises a plurality of laces coupling the runner to the head.

20. The lacrosse stick of claim 19, wherein the first and second longitudinal rails of the runner comprise notches in a front surface of the rail configured to receive the laces.

21. A runner for a lacrosse head, comprising:

a unitary molded member comprising: a first longitudinal rail; a second longitudinal rail; and a plurality of cross pieces coupling the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail, wherein the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail are configured to be displaced apart by a force applied on a front surface of the runner.

22. The runner of claim 21, wherein a first cross piece comprises an arch extending rearward from a rear surface of the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail, wherein an amplitude of the arch decreases when the force is applied on the runner.

23. The runner of claim 21, wherein a distance between the first and second longitudinal rails is wider at a top portion of the runner than at a bottom portion.

24. The runner of claim 21, wherein the molded member comprises an elastomeric material.