Abstract: A lacrosse head in which one of the opposing sidewall portions is shortened by bringing its lower rim upward relative to the corresponding lower rim of the opposing sidewall. At the same time, the upper rim of each of the opposing sidewalls is maintained at the same level. This moves the pivot point of the shortened sidewall closer to the player's hands and allows faster clamping when facing-off. Faster clamping likely results in an increased number of “wins”, or possessions, that occur after the face-off.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an offset lacrosse head comprising a shaft, a collar, and a head. The collar defines an opening that receives the shaft. The head has a juncture. The juncture defines a socket that receives the collar, and the socket and the shaft are non-concentric. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the shaft has a shaft axis, the opening of the collar has an opening axis, the socket of the juncture has a socket axis, and at least one of the socket axis, the opening axis, and the shaft axis is offset, when viewed from a side elevation of the lacrosse stick facing an exterior of a sidewall of the head.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a sports equipment handle, such as a lacrosse stick handle, that includes a hollow tubular lacrosse stick shaft, a wall of the shaft defining a cavity extending around the shaft in a direction perpendicular to the shaft axis, and a pre-molded latitudinal rib disposed in the cavity, wherein a dimension of the rib is slightly larger than a corresponding dimension of the cavity such that the rib is compressed within the cavity. The shaft can also define a slot substantially parallel to the shaft axis, with a longitudinal rib disposed in the slot. The ribs can be specially located and structured to provide the shaft with structural and tactile features that correspond to and accommodate the way in which a player moves his hands along the shaft and grips the shaft, to enhance the player's control of the shaft when performing various skills.

Abstract: A shock for a lacrosse head comprising an energy absorbing element for use with a lacrosse head.

Abstract: A handle for a lacrosse head is provided. The handle includes a hollow metal tube having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The hollow metal tube has a first end for communicating with a throat portion of a lacrosse head and a second end opposing the first end. The hollow metal tube has a first thickness defined by a distance between the interior surface and the exterior surface at one location along the hollow metal tube and a second thickness defined by a distance between the interior surface and the exterior thickness at another location along the hollow metal tube. The first thickness has a greater magnitude than the second thickness.

Abstract: A thong used for stringing the head of a lacrosse stick, a pre-laced pocket incorporating said thong and a net incorporating said pre-laced pocket. The thong has a plurality of holes defined therein and which extend between the front and rear surfaces of the thong. The holes are configured to receive a lacing member therethrough. The pre-laced pocket is comprised of a plurality of said thongs and a lacing member threaded through the holes in a diamond-shaped, cross-laced pattern. The net is comprised of the pre-laced pocket and one or more connector strings that extend between the pre-laced pocket and the head's frame.

Abstract: A lacrosse stick including a lacrosse head attached to a handle, wherein the lacrosse head has a taller, or thicker, ball stop, wherein a portion of the ball stop portion is lowered with respect to the immediately adjacent portions of the sidewall portions relative to a centerline of the handle. The net securing structures in the ball stop are preferably located in the lowered portion and therein provides increased ball retention characteristics. The lower portion of the ball stop portion includes a concave inner surface that is preferably flared, or sloped, slightly outwardly along its interior surface from its front side to its back side. The openings for attaching the netting in the ball stop are preferably slightly recessed with respect to the upper surface.

Abstract: A mechanism for securing a handle to a head, particularly of a lacrosse stick, comprises a shaft having a wedge portion positioned at a distal end thereof, a binding plate positioned adjacent to said shaft, and a means for moving said wedge portion in a longitudinal direction relative to said binding plate. Longitudinal movement of said wedge portion causes latitudinal movement of said binding plate, thereby binding said handle to said head. Such a mechanism can be used in a method for securing and maintaining secure the joint between a handle and a head, either in a new lacrosse stick or as a retrofit.

Abstract: A lacrosse head comprising a frame, a plurality of vertical attachment projections, and a pocket. The frame includes a pair of sidewalls with each sidewall including an exterior surface and an interior surface. The vertical attachment projections are spaced along each sidewall wherein each vertical attachment projection is vertically attached to the interior surface of one of the sidewalls. The pocket is then attached to the vertical attachment projections.

Abstract: A lacrosse head that is constructed of multiple different materials or components having different strength characteristics with the stronger materials or components located in predetermined locations to provide increased resistance to flex and/or breakage in those areas while allowing desired flex in some areas. The lacrosse head is co-formed of the multiple different materials by such processes as injection molding, gas assist injection molding, compression molding, thermal forming and extrusion such that the multiple different materials are coupled to form a single integrated structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lacrosse stick (220) comprising a unibody head and shaft construction that increases lacrosse throwing accuracy and power.

Abstract: A lacrosse stick includes a flared (e.g., forked) end and a flexible head frame adapted to receive a mesh thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lacrosse stick head having at least one of a grooved frame member and an independent stop. The lacrosse stick head has grooved construction in the entirety or portions of its frame to provide lightness while retaining the strength and durability of the prior art lacrosse stick heads. The lacrosse stick head may include a double wall scoop (e.g., upper and lower rails) to provide lightness while retaining strength and durability without altering the effectiveness of picking up a ground ball. The independent ball stop is separated from the sidewalls in order to reduce weight.

Abstract: A handle is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object. A structure for a hockey stick is described by using a single, hollow tube of composite material, wherein tubular “ports” extend through the hollow tube. The ends of the ports are bonded to the walls of the hollow tube. The ports improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of the hockey stick.

Abstract: A pocket for a head of a lacrosse stick is provided that includes a plurality of runners extending generally in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of cross laces extending generally in a transverse direction. The pocket further includes one or more joint members that are formed at an intersection of a runner and a cross lace. The runner and the cross lace lie over one another and are held in place by the joint member. A method for forming the pocket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lacrosse stick including a lacrosse head attached to a handle, wherein the lacrosse head has a taller, or thicker, ball stop, wherein a portion of the ball stop portion is lowered with respect to the immediately adjacent portions of the sidewall portions relative to a centerline of the handle. The net securing structures in the ball stop are preferably located in the lowered portion and therein provides increased ball retention characteristics. The lower portion of the ball stop portion includes a concave inner surface that is preferably flared, or sloped, slightly outwardly along its interior surface from its front side to its back side. The openings for attaching the netting in the ball stop are preferably slightly recessed with respect to the upper surface.

Abstract: A lacrosse head including a sidewall having at least one upper rail, extending between a base and a scoop, including a primary rail and a secondary rail. The secondary rail can diverge from the primary rail at a junction as the primary rail extends from the scoop toward the base. The primary and secondary rails can define an aperture therebetween, where the aperture accentuates the offset configuration of the head. The bifurcated upper rail can also enhance the strength of the sidewall at or near the base.

Abstract: A reinforced lacrosse head having improved strength includes a pair of opposing sidewall portions each having a top end and a bottom end, a scoop portion extending between the sidewall portions, a base portion extending between the bottom ends of the sidewall portions, and a throat portion extending from the base portion for attachment to a lacrosse handle. This reinforced lacrosse head has one or more reinforcement members that are coupled to one or more portions of the lacrosse head.

Abstract: A weighted stick practice aid is provided for use with a lacrosse stick assembly including a lacrosse stick, a lacrosse head having a head neck portion, a head ball stop portion, head sidewalls, and a head lip. The weighted stick practice aid comprises a flexible padded weight donut comprising a horizontal donut portion including a first engagement end, a second engagement end, and a weighted interior center portion. The weighted interior center portion includes a plurality of weighted particulates contained within. A head engagement portion extends from the second engagement end and includes a donut loop hole formed within. The horizontal donut portion is configured to wrap around the lacrosse stick and form a primary catch by engaging the first engagement end to the second engagement end. The head engagement portion is configured to extend to sit within the head ball stop portion.

Abstract: A reinforced lacrosse head having improved strength includes a pair of opposing sidewall portions each having a top end and a bottom end, a scoop portion extending between the sidewall portions, a base portion extending between the bottom ends of the sidewall portions, and a throat portion extending from the base portion for attachment to a lacrosse handle. This reinforced lacrosse head has one or more reinforcement members that are coupled to one or more portions of the lacrosse head.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket includes an elongated single layer runner with multiple cross pieces. The single layer runner can be constructed from a material, such as a polymeric material, molded over the cross pieces. The cross pieces and/or runner can include speed lace loops with which a net lace can be joined. A related method includes providing cross pieces, overmolding a polymeric material over the cross pieces to form a single layer runner, where the overmolded material is the only structure extending between and connecting the cross pieces, and where the cross pieces are transverse to the runners. Another method includes providing a pocket base overmolding the base with a polymeric material to cover portions of it, and forming connection elements between different portions independently of any other components of the pocket base.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a monolithic lacrosse stick handle having a first portion, a second portion, and a transition portion disposed between the first and second portion. The first portion has a first cross-section of a first shape. The second portion has a second cross-section of a second shape. The second shape is different from the first shape. Over the transition portion, the cross-sectional shape of the handle transitions from the first shape to the second shape. The handle can be integrally formed from a malleable material. The handle can have varying cross-sectional areas (e.g., wall thicknesses) along its length. A further embodiment provides a lacrosse stick handle that changes in direction, rather than defining a single longitudinal axis as in traditional handles. The nonlinear handle can have, for example, a linear main portion, a curved intermediate portion, and a linear dowel portion.

Abstract: A lacrosse head comprising a frame, a plurality of vertical attachment projections, and a pocket. The frame includes a pair of sidewalls with each sidewall including an exterior surface and an interior surface. The vertical attachment projections are spaced along each sidewall wherein each vertical attachment projection is vertically attached to the interior surface of one of the sidewalls. The pocket is then attached to the vertical attachment projections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for physical training purposes and specifically to training weights for use on a lacrosse head. This weight training device for lacrosse distributes weight uniformly around the entire perimeter of a lacrosse head, is easy to attach to lacrosse heads from multiple manufacturers, is unobtrusive to be used during ball handling, and is available in multiple weight models to address the needs of beginners to professionals.

Abstract: A structured lacrosse shaft includes a head portion configured to be connected to a lacrosse head, an end portion configured to be capped by an end cap, and a middle portion. At least one of the head portion, the end portion, or the middle portion includes an interior portion and an outer layer on an outer surface of the interior portion. The outer layer comprises wood veneer.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a sports equipment handle, such as a lacrosse stick handle, that includes a hollow tubular lacrosse stick shaft, a wall of the shaft defining a cavity extending around the shaft in a direction perpendicular to the shaft axis, and a pre-molded latitudinal rib disposed in the cavity, wherein a dimension of the rib is slightly larger than a corresponding dimension of the cavity such that the rib is compressed within the cavity. The shaft can also define a slot substantially parallel to the shaft axis, with a longitudinal rib disposed in the slot. The ribs can be specially located and structured to provide the shaft with structural and tactile features that correspond to and accommodate the way in which a player moves his hands along the shaft and grips the shaft, to enhance the player's control of the shaft when performing various skills.

Abstract: A lacrosse head includes a ball stop having a bottom and side regions that transition at transition regions to head sidewalls, which are joined with a scoop of the head. The ball stop can include a longitudinal axis that extends toward the scoop. The transition regions can be located on a horizontal axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. At a distance less than or equal to 1.25 inches from the bottom along the longitudinal axis, opposing side regions and/or sidewalls are separated by a minimum width of 3 inches from the bottom. This construction provides a generally v-shaped ball stop that complies with proposed 2010 NCAA Lacrosse Rules regarding the dimensional requirements for a lacrosse head, while providing improved ball retention within the lacrosse head.

Abstract: A lacrosse handle including a gripping structure that provides a user with an improved grip of the handle. The gripping structure can provide tactile feedback regarding the precise positioning of the lower hand at a particular location between the top end and bottom end of the handle. Optionally, the upper portion of the lacrosse handle may remain substantially bare, allowing a user to easily position and reposition their upper hand by sliding the hand up and down the upper portion of the handle during play. The gripping structure can be formed having one or more layers of a clear lacquer material and one or more ink layers applied to the outer surface of the handle via a wet transfer technique, or other processes.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an improved handle (12) for a lacrosse head (16) is provided. The improved handle (12) includes a tubular member (20) having a top end (14) for attachment to the lacrosse head (16) and a bottom end (18) that is opposite to the top end (14). The tubular member (20) further includes an outer surface (22) having one or more predetermined portions (24) with a substantially hard coating (26) coupled thereto. The substantially hard coating (26) is utilized for strengthening the tubular member (20), preventing damage thereto, decreasing vibration therein, and providing the player with tactile stimuli as to the orientation of a lacrosse stick (10) within his hands.

Abstract: A lacrosse head frame includes a first frame portion comprising a top portion and two side walls, and a second frame portion, at least a portion of the second frame portion is moveable relative to the first frame. A lacrosse head frame includes a first frame portion comprising a proximal end, and a second frame portion having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end extends from, or is connected to, the first frame, and a spring, wherein the proximal end of the second frame is coupled to the proximal end of the first frame via the spring.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a sports equipment handle, such as a lacrosse stick handle, that includes a hollow tubular lacrosse stick shaft defining a slot substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a rib disposed in the slot. The shaft and the rib comprise separate structures. In a cross-section of the shaft taken substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal shaft axis, the slot has an opening smaller than a width of the rib such that the rib is retained within the slot. The rib is moveable within and removable from the slot. The rib can be specially located and structured to provide the shaft with structural and tactile features that correspond to and accommodate the way in which a player moves his hands along the shaft and grips the shaft, to enhance the player's control of the shaft when performing various skills.

Abstract: An elongated shaft has a shock-absorbing core, a fiber-reinforced durable plastic outer skin encasing the core, and an elongated stiffening member encased within the core. The elongated stiffening member may be a spar or a hollow tube. If it is a hollow tube, the tube may contain a weight that moves along the inside of the tube as the shaft is swung. The shaft also has a way to attach athletic equipment, such as a lacrosse head frame and net, to one end.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an offset lacrosse head comprising a shaft, a collar, and a head. The collar defines an opening that receives the shaft. The head has a juncture. The juncture defines a socket that receives the collar, and the socket and the shaft are non-concentric. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the shaft has a shaft axis, the opening of the collar has an opening axis, the socket of the juncture has a socket axis, and at least one of the socket axis, the opening axis, and the shaft axis is offset, when viewed from a side elevation of the lacrosse stick facing an exterior of a sidewall of the head.

Abstract: A shaft for a lacrosse stick includes two or more axially aligned portions that may be rotated independently of each other. Resistance to rotation provides exercise to strengthen the hands, arms and wrists of lacrosse players who use the stick.

Abstract: An end cap for a lacrosse stick is provided. The end cap includes a cover configured for being placed over at least a portion of a shaft of a lacrosse stick. The end cap also includes a weighted member carried by the cover and configured for being at least partially located within the shaft of the lacrosse stick when the cover is placed over at least a portion of the shaft of the lacrosse stick.

Abstract: A lacrosse head includes a ball stop (throat), a pair of opposing sidewalls, and a scoop. The sidewalls can include visible markings, or sets of indicia, on the front and/or on the rear of the head. The indicia can be located at 1.25, 3.0, and 5.0 inches from the ball stop. The indicia can be marked on the surface of the sidewalls, and/or can be in the form or protrusions on or recesses defined by the sidewalls. The indicia can provide consistent measurement locations to assist officials and others in measuring the lacrosse head to ensure that it complies with the proposed 2010 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Rules regarding the dimensional measurements for a lacrosse head. A method for molding the lacrosse head including the indicia is also provided.

Abstract: A lacrosse head includes a base, a scoop, and a pair of sidewalls. The sidewalls include upper and lower rims and further include a dual flare configuration. The first flare is in a rear portion and is characterized by the upper rims of the sidewalls being spaced closer together to one another than the lower rims. The second flare begins from approximately the middle portion of the sidewalls and generally throughout the forward portion and is characterized by the upper rims of the sidewalls being spaced further apart from each other than the lower rims.

Abstract: A shaft for sporting equipment comprises an elongate outer wall with a longitudinal bore extending between its first and second ends. An X-shaped web is disposed within the bore and extends along the entire length thereof. The web has four legs that radiate outwardly from a central core and connect to the outer wall. At least one longitudinal opening is defined in the outer wall. The outer wall and web define at least one closed cavity in the shaft. The outer wall, web and opening further define at least one open cavity in the shaft.

Abstract: A handle for attachment to a lacrosse head, comprising, a rod having a top end adapted for coupling to a lacrosse head, a bottom end opposite the top end, a first and second grip area, wherein the first grip area is located generally at the bottom end of the rod and the second grip area is located generally at the top end of the rod. A teardrop shaped handle is located at the bottom end of the rod as the first grip area, and a smaller octagon shaped grip area is located at the top end of the rod, adapted to fit smaller hands.

Abstract: A lacrosse stick mesh is disclosed in which each aperture of the mesh has the form of an extended diamond shape. The extended diamond shape of each aperture has a greater length in a vertical direction than in a horizontal direction. The vertical direction is the direction in which the lacrosse ball is thrown from the pocket of the lacrosse stick mesh. The lacrosse stick mesh has more surface area that is in contact with a lacrosse ball in the vertical direction when the lacrosse ball is in the mesh pocket. When a player swings the lacrosse stick to impart force to the lacrosse ball and throws the lacrosse ball from the mesh pocket, more of the force is imparted to the ball in the vertical direction by the lacrosse stick mesh than would be imparted if the lacrosse stick mesh were formed having prior art aperture shapes.

Abstract: A lacrosse head (10) is provided for improving ball retention and throwing accuracy. The lacrosse head (10) includes a pair of opposing sidewall portions (14) each having a top end, a bottom end, and an inner intermediate section with a shelf (28) integrated therein. Each shelf assists a user in retaining a lacrosse ball within the lacrosse head (10). The top ends of the opposing sidewall portions (14) are connected to each other by a scoop portion (16) that has a non-skid surface formed thereon for gripping the lacrosse ball. The bottom ends of the opposing sidewall portions (14) are connected by a base portion (18).

Abstract: A lacrosse head comprising a frame, a pocket attached to the frame, and at least one energy absorbing element engaging the frame to absorb energy from an impact to the pocket. Preferably, the frame, which includes a scoop, a throat, and sidewalls, includes energy absorbing elements positioned proximate to the throat and along the sidewalls of the frame. The energy absorbing elements can be positioned on an external surface of the perimeter of the frame. The frame includes pocket attachment apertures and the energy absorbing elements include apertures, wherein the apertures on the energy absorbing elements are substantially aligned with the pocket attachment apertures to secure the energy absorbing elements to the frame.

Abstract: A lacrosse head is provided that includes a base and two sidewalls connected to the base. Each of the sidewalls includes an upper rail, a lower rail, and a transverse rail. The transverse rail is connected to the upper rail and the lower rail and disposed outwardly of the upper rail and the lower rail. A scoop is connected to the two sidewalls opposite to the base. Various configurations and geometries are disclosed, which comprise the several embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A lacrosse head having at least one of a flexible stringing member and a recessed scoop is provided. In one embodiment, a slot is formed in a head along a stop member, a sidewall, and/or a scoop to provide the flexible stringing member. In another embodiment, the flexible stringing member is a flexible stringing bar that extends from a stop member to a scoop. In another embodiment, the flexible stringing member is more flexible in one direction than another. Through these embodiments, a flexible stringing member can dampen and dynamically narrow the pocket, enhance ball retention, increase pass/shot accuracy, and satisfy pocket-forming preferences. In another embodiment, a scoop has a recess that curves toward a stop member to increase the amount of surface area that contacts a ball when scooping.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of making same is disclosed including a portable lightweight lacrosse practice device having a lacrosse ball connected to a lacrosse stick with a return cord in such way that during return of the ball to a player conducting skill building drills the player experiences true ball roll and bounce consistent with game play without the device slipping off of the lacrosse stick and without the ball becoming entangled in the elastic cord.

Abstract: A lacrosse head includes a base, a scoop, and a pair of sidewalls. The sidewalls include upper and lower rims and further include a dual flare configuration. The first flare is in a rear portion and is characterized by the upper rims of the sidewalls being spaced closer together to one another than the lower rims. The second flare begins from approximately the middle portion of the sidewalls and generally throughout the forward portion and is characterized by the upper rims of the sidewalls being spaced further apart from each other than the lower rims.

Abstract: A lacrosse handle having two sidewalls each with a channel and two arched walls extending between the sidewalls is disclosed herein. The channels contribute to increased gripping ability by the user and overall increased strength of the handle. Each channel is capable of receiving an insert that includes individualized information, for example, a school name or colors. Further, one of the arched walls may have a textured surface and the other arched wall may have a smooth surface to provide the user with a more accurate handle to head orientation than conventional lacrosse handles.

Abstract: A reinforced lacrosse head having improved strength includes a pair of opposing sidewall portions each having a top end and a bottom end, a scoop portion extending between the sidewall portions, a base portion extending between the bottom ends of the sidewall portions, and a throat portion extending from the base portion for attachment to a lacrosse handle. This reinforced lacrosse head has one or more reinforcement members that are coupled to one or more portions of the lacrosse head.

Abstract: A lacrosse stick having a downwardly canted handle and an upwardly canted head. In an embodiment, the handle can comprise a main portion and a dowel portion. The main portion can have a main portion axis and the dowel portion can have a dowel portion axis. The dowel portion axis can be disposed downwardly at a first angle to the main portion axis. The head can comprise a throat portion and a frame portion. The frame portion can be upwardly canted with respect to the throat portion, when viewed from a side elevation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a box lacrosse goalie stick including a generally triangular shaped frame having a scoop portion with a flat exterior surface measuring in the range from 14.5 inches to 16.5 inches. The lacrosse stick of the present invention includes a head that is larger than field lacrosse goalie sticks. Further, the lacrosse stick of the present invention is lighter weight and more balanced than a box lacrosse goalie stick that is hand made from wood.