Abstract: A pocket for a lacrosse head including a scoop, a throat, first and second sides, a front and a back. The pocket comprises at least one runner having a first layer attached to a second layer and substantially flat first and second sections. At least one opening is positioned between the first and second sections wherein at least one opening spaces the first layer from the second layer. Each layer is comprised of multiple materials. The pocket can include first and second runners, wherein each runner engages the scoop and the throat and are positioned substantially adjacent to each other. At least one tubular member can be positioned between the first and second runners and at least one cross member can traverse the tubular member.

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: A pocket for a lacrosse head including a scoop, a throat, first and second sides, a front and a back. The pocket comprises first and second runners engaging the scoop and the throat, wherein the runners are positioned substantially adjacent to each other. A tubular member can be positioned between the first and second runners and a cross member can traverse the tubular member. The first runner restricts movement of the tubular member relative to the first side while the second runner restricts movement of the tubular member relative to the second side. The cross member can be connected to the first and second sides of the lacrosse head and move relative to the first and second sides independent of the first or second runner. Alternately, the cross member can engage the first runner to the second runner wherein the cross member restricts movement of the first runner relative to the second runner.

Abstract: A pocket for a lacrosse head including a scoop, a throat, first and second sides, a front and a back. The pocket comprises at least one runner having a longitudinal axis a first runner side positioned to face the front, a second runner side positioned to face the back. An opening is positioned between the first and second runner sides wherein the opening spaces the first runner side from the second runner side and is positioned and shaped to restrict movement of a cross member in directions parallel with the axis of the runner, toward the front of the lacrosse head, and toward the back of the lacrosse head. The opening is positioned and shaped to allow movement of the cross member in directions toward the sides of the lacrosse head. At least one tubular member can be positioned between the first and second runners and the cross member can traverse the tubular member.

Abstract: A lacrosse head having a skeletal member and an outer skin that encapsulates the skeletal member. In an embodiment of the invention, the outer skin is made of a material that is more energy absorbing than the material of the skeletal member. Corresponding methods for making the lacrosse head are also disclosed.

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: A two-piece sports stick exhibiting a superior strength to weight ratio. A two-piece sports stick comprising two identical sections, each comprising a substantially smooth external portion and an internal portion possessing at least one cutaway; and a multiplicity of construction pegs. The sports stick of claim 1 wherein said striking surface is adaptable to multiple sports selected from the group consisting of a lacrosse head, a blade, a racquet, and a golf club head. The sports stick design allows for decreased flexure, increased rigidity and increased durability, which lend to greater generation of force, accuracy, reliability and longer life expectancy. The sports stick also affords enhanced strength in the direction of a shot and receipt of a pass. The sports stick also provides for channeling away of fluids throughout the length of the stick.

Abstract: Included herein is a pocket for a lacrosse head. The lacrosse head includes a scoop, a throat, first and second sides, a front and a back. The pocket comprises a mesh material preformed to a desired shape so that when the pocket is placed on a stick, the location of the deepest or bulbous portion will be at an optimal location and a channel may also be formed. The mesh material is preformed using a mold and/or a heat source. A package is provided to maintain the shape of the pocket during shipment and inventory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a net shaper for use with a lacrosse stick that specifically interacts with the net of the lacrosse stick to form a certain shape or contour of the net. The net shaper is a component having a generally nose-shaped profile that interacts with the net and at least two protrusions extending out from the component. The at least two protrusions interact with the frame and the net to maintain the position of the net shaper within the net of the lacrosse head.

Abstract: A variable hand placement sports equipment handle, such as a lacrosse stick handle, hockey stick handle, or field hockey stick handle, that includes a shaft and at least one overlay attached to the shaft at a location of frequent hand placement. The overlays are 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. The structural and tactile features, such as ribs, grooves, and hourglass and conical shapes, are located on the shaft to enhance a player's control of the shaft when performing various skills.

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: The invention relates to training devices for sports playing sticks with head frames. More particularly, the invention relates to weighted training devices that may be attached to a playing stick such as a lacrosse stick. The invention includes devices and methods for training and conditioning sports players, particularly lacrosse players.

Abstract: A lacrosse head having a wide catching area and channeled thongs. One embodiment includes a stop member, a left sidewall connected to the stop member, a right sidewall connected to the stop member, and a scoop connecting the left sidewall to the right sidewall opposite the stop member. The scoop is disposed about 25.5 cm from the stop member. The widest point of lacrosse head is in a catching section disposed from about 6 cm to about 17 cm from the stop member. The left sidewall is convex with respect to the interior area of the head at a portion of the left sidewall between the widest point and the scoop. The right sidewall is convex at a portion of the right sidewall between the widest point and the scoop. In another embodiment, the sidewalls rise from the plane of the scoop and include thong holes to provide channeled thongs.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an improved handle (12) for a lacrosse stick (10) is provided. The improved handle (12) includes a tubular member (14) having a top end (16) for attachment to the lacrosse head (18) and a bottom end (20) that is opposite the top end (16). The tubular member (14) further includes an outer surface (22) having one or more predetermined portions (24) with a coating (26) coupled thereto. The coating (26) is utilized for strengthening the tubular member (14), 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 ball catching and delivery head including a frame and a base for a lacrosse stick is provided. In addition to a socket for receiving a handle, the base includes a cavity for receiving a flexible cartridge and also trusses laterally located relative to the base that terminally connect with the frame and the base. The frame is vertically flexible relative to the base and the extent to which the frame is so flexible is dependent upon the cartridge flexibility and compressibility. The trusses prevent lateral movements of the frame relative to the base. Different cartridges made of different materials may be substituted for one another to achieve different flexing characteristics.

Abstract: A pocket for a lacrosse head including a scoop, a throat, first and second sides, a front and a back. The pocket comprises first and second runners engaging the scoop and the throat, wherein the runners are positioned substantially adjacent to each other. A tubular member can be positioned between the first and second runners and a cross member can traverse the tubular member. The first runner restricts movement of the tubular member relative to the first side while the second runner restricts movement of the tubular member relative to the second side. The cross member can be connected to the first and second sides of the lacrosse head and move relative to the first and second sides independent of the first or second runner. Alternately, the cross member can engage the first runner to the second runner wherein the cross member restricts movement of the first runner relative to the second runner.

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 pocket for a lacrosse head including a scoop, a throat, first and second sides, a front and a back. The pocket comprises at least one runner having a first layer attached to a second layer and substantially flat first and second sections. At least one opening is positioned between the first and second sections wherein at least one opening spaces the first layer from the second layer. Each layer is comprised of multiple materials. The pocket can include first and second runners, wherein each runner engages the scoop and the throat and are positioned substantially adjacent to each other. At least one tubular member can be positioned between the first and second runners and at least one cross member can traverse the tubular member.

Abstract: Lacrosse-stick heads are described. In one embodiment, a lacrosse-stick head includes a throat, a transverse wall, and two sidewalls extending outward from the throat and connected by the transverse wall. The throat includes two side surfaces. At least one of the sidewalls and an adjacent side surface of the throat are sized, shaped, and positioned for stably rolling a lacrosse ball throughout at least a portion of the length of the at least one of the sidewalls and onto the adjacent side surface. The portion includes more than one half of the length of the at least one of the sidewalls.

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 having a netting with a shallow pocket is provided for improving the handling and the retention of a lacrosse ball. The lacrosse head includes a frame element comprised of a pair of opposing sidewalls that each have a top end and a bottom end, a scoop portion connecting the top ends of the sidewalls, and a base portion connecting the bottom ends of the sidewalls. Furthermore, the lacrosse head includes a netting that is coupled to the opposing sidewalls. This netting has one or more partitions coupled thereto for substantially defining a ball retention region and one or more peripheral regions of the netting. These partitions protrude outwardly from the netting and are adapted for contacting a lacrosse ball and retaining the lacrosse ball within the ball retention region.

Abstract: An articulated lacrosse stick having a head portion, a handle portion and an articulation mechanism capable of moving a first portion of the stick from a first position to a second different position with respect to a second portion of the stick is disclosed. The head portion may be articulated with respect to the handle portion. A first handle portion of stick may be articulated with respect to a second handle portion.

Abstract: A lacrosse head having a soft mesh pocket with an area of its strings coated with stiffening material. The coated area defines, for example, a ball release area, a ball pocket, and/or a throwing channel. One embodiment provides a lacrosse head pocket that includes a continuous piece of mesh, and a stiffening material coating a first area of the mesh, with a second area of the mesh being uncoated. The first area defines, for example, a ball release area, a ball pocket, and/or a throwing channel.

Abstract: A lacrosse head for use with a lacrosse handle includes a frame element including an arcuate wall, a scoop opposing the arcuate wall, and a pair of opposing sidewalls. The sidewalls generally extend between the arcuate wall and the scoop. The frame element has a socket extending rearwardly therefrom for receipt of a handle therein. The lacrosse head has a plurality of net attachment means formed therein for attachment of lacrosse net thereto. The lacrosse head has a pocket area defined by a lower portion of the arcuate wall, the scoop, and a lower portion of each of the pair of opposing sidewalls. The lacrosse head also has a catching area defined by an upper portion of the arcuate wall, the scoop, and an upper portion of each of the pair of opposing sidewalls. The catching area of the head is larger than the pocket area.

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 frame for a ball catching and delivery head for use in, for example, the sport of lacrosse comprising a frame having a scoop, a base and spaced lateral sidewalls therebetween defining the periphery of a ball receiving and delivery face. Each of the lateral sidewalls includes a flex region which is more elastically compliant and resilient than the remainder of the frame. In one embodiment, the flex regions define regions of the sidewalls comprised of a material which is more flexible than the material comprising the remainder of the frame. In another embodiment, the flex regions are defined by springs incorporated into the sidewalls. In a further embodiment, the flex regions are defined by regions of the sidewalls of reduced height and cross-section. In a further embodiment, the sidewalls comprise separate, pivotable aft and fore frame/sidewall members.

Abstract: A lacrosse head with improved weight and handling characteristics includes a frame element having a base portion, a scoop portion, and a pair of opposing sidewall portions extending between the base portion and the scoop portion. The frame element includes one or more cavities integrally formed within one or more of the sidewall portions, the base portion, and the scoop portion. In addition, the lacrosse head includes a no-skid surface integrated with a portion of the frame element. This surface is intended to create friction between the no-skid surface and a lacrosse ball, as well as to absorb kinetic energy of the lacrosse ball preventing the ball from inadvertently bouncing out of the lacrosse head or rattling therein.

Abstract: A head of a lacrosse stick including a frame defining a back stop wall at one end, a scoop wall at an opposite end and side walls therebetween. A plurality of fingers are spaced along the interior face of the back wall and side walls respectively. Each of the fingers protrude outwardly from the interior face of the back wall and side walls respectively and include an outer sloped surface adapted to guide and direct a lacrosse ball into the pocket of the head. Each of the fingers also include a lower sloped shoulder adapted to hold the lacrosse ball in the head and guide and direct the ball between the back wall and the scoop wall. In one embodiment, the length of the fingers increases between the back wall and the side walls to define a pocket for the ball and then decreases along the side walls in the direction of the scoop wall to define a ball ramp.

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 having a netting with a shallow pocket is provided for improving the handling and the retention of a lacrosse ball. The lacrosse head includes a frame element comprised of a pair of opposing sidewalls that each have a top end and a bottom end, a scoop portion connecting the top ends of the sidewalls, and a base portion connecting the bottom ends of the sidewalls. Furthermore, the lacrosse head includes a netting that is coupled to the opposing sidewalls. This netting has one or more partitions coupled thereto for substantially defining a ball retention region and one or more peripheral regions of the netting. These partitions protrude outwardly from the netting and are adapted for contacting a lacrosse ball and retaining the lacrosse ball within the ball retention region.

Abstract: A handle for sports equipment such as a lacrosse or hockey stick including cushioning and grip ribs. In one embodiment, the shaft of the handle defines one or more regions of reduced diameter or thickness such as, in one embodiment, a plurality of elongate longitudinal grooves extending around the periphery thereof in spaced-apart relationship. Interior cushioning ribs are defined in the region of the grooves by a layer of cover or coating material which is applied to the surface of the shaft and fills the grooves. In another embodiment, the shaft includes tapered regions in the shaft and the layer of cover or coating material fills the tapered regions to define cushioning ribs.

Abstract: A lacrosse head having protrusions on its top and/or bottom edges, which improve ball control. Preferably, the protrusions on the top edge protrude toward the interior of the lacrosse head and the protrusions on the bottom edge protrude away from the interior of the lacrosse head. In a further embodiment, the lacrosse head has a top protrusion disposed on the top edge of a sidewall, and a bottom protrusion on disposed on the bottom edge of the sidewall, such that any height of the lacrosse head frame, inclusive of the top protrusion and the bottom protrusion, does not exceed a specified sidewall height, even though the sum of the height of the sidewall, the height of the top protrusion, and the height of the bottom protrusion, measured separately and nonlinearly, exceed the specified sidewall height.

Abstract: A lacrosse head having a frame and an articulated member moveably coupled to the frame. In one embodiment, a lacrosse head includes a stop member; a first sidewall connected to the stop member; a second sidewall connected to the stop member opposite the first sidewall; and a scoop connected to the first sidewall and the second sidewall opposite the stop member, wherein the first sidewall includes a first member integrally connected to the stop member and the scoop, and a second member moveably coupled to the first member. The second member can include pocket thread openings for attaching a pocket to the head. The lacrosse head can also include a stiffening member attached to the scoop and a sidewall of the frame, and a collared male plug for joining the frame to a hollow shaft.

Abstract: A lacrosse stick with replaceable modular handle sections includes a sectional handle, an interlocking mechanism for the sectional handle, and a head. The sectional handle includes an upper elongate section having both a top end and a locking bottom end and a lower elongate section having both a locking top end and a bottom end. The interlocking mechanism serves to interlock the locking bottom end of the upper elongate section with the locking top end of the lower elongate section. The head is mounted on the top end of the upper elongate section and includes both a closed-loop frame and a net suspended substantially within the confines of the frame. The interlocking mechanism can be unlocked so that either the upper elongate section or the lower elongate section of the sectional handle may be replaced as desired in a modular fashion with a substitutive elongate section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses lacrosse head having a throat for receiving a handle, a scoop distal from the throat, a pair of sidewalls extending from the throat to the scoop, and a ball stop adjacent the throat. A pair of floating ribs corresponding to each of the pair of sidewalls is provided. Each of the floating ribs has a first end and a second end separated by a middle portion wherein the first end is joined proximal the throat and the second end is joined proximal the side wall and a segment of the middle portion is not attached to the sidewall. The socket is provided with an inner perimeter and outer perimeter. The outer perimeter has a proximal end proximal a mouth for receiving the lacrosse handle and a distal end distal the proximal end, the distal end being larger than the proximal end. The outer perimeter is substantially smooth.

Abstract: A multi-component lacrosse stick head, made of at least two materials, including a base lacrosse head structure of one material and one or more overlays made of one or more other materials strategically located on the base structure. The base structure and overlays provide particular performance characteristics for the lacrosse head. An embodiment of the invention includes a base lacrosse head structure, and at least one of a ball stop overlay, a sidewall overlay, an edge overlay, a thread opening overlay, and a scoop overlay. The overlays are affixed to the base lacrosse head structure by, for example, insert molding, over molding, reaction injection molding, spray application, rotational molding, dual extrusion, casting, or an interference fit.

Abstract: A pre-manufactured or pre-formed pocket. The pocket can be secured using cross lace pieces and either runners or throat tie downs can be attached to the frame. Generally, the runners are made of a top runner piece and a bottom runner piece that are stitched together. In between the top runner piece and the bottom runner piece there are placed any number of cross pieces and cross lace pieces. The cross pieces maintain the maximum distance between the runners. The cross lace pieces are used to tie to secure the pocket to the frame. Either throat ties or the runners are then used to secure the bottom portion of the pockets to the throat of the frame. The top runner piece and the bottom runner piece can be secured together in any way including stitching or adhesive. Another embodiment creates a pocket from one or more sheets of material. A die or knife is used to cut the material into the desired shape. In that way a piece of material can be cut into a mesh pocket.

Abstract: A lacrosse head construction comprising a frame comprising a forward scoop having a width, a rearward wall more narrow than the scoop width and two opposing sidewalls between the scoop and the rearward wall; wherein at least a portion of each sidewall comprises a material that is softer than the material of at least the scoop, to create sidewalls that help to dampen movement of a lacrosse ball into or within the lacrosse head.

Abstract: A pocket for a lacrosse head (10) includes a netting portion (20) attached to the lacrosse head (10). The netting portion (20) has a plurality of holes (22) therein. The netting portion (20) is characterized by a middle section (28) with a plurality of center holes (32) therein intended to grip a lacrosse ball (24) and provide enhanced ball control characteristics. The netting portion (20) further includes at least one peripheral section (30) with a plurality of peripheral holes (34) therein capable of funneling the lacrosse ball (24) toward the middle section (28) and improving ball retention capabilities of the lacrosse head (10).