Abstract:
The present invention provides a cover for use with a lacrosse stick that specifically interacts with the net of the lacrosse head to protect the net and the pocket from the environment and selectively maintain a certain shape or contour of the pocket. The pocket retainer is a component that may be selectively positioned within the cover and thereby retains the contour of the net particular to the lacrosse player.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/463,189, filed on Feb. 14, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates in general to lacrosse equipment and, more particularly, to a lacrosse head cover for protecting the head and maintaining the integrity of the lacrosse head pocket. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The lacrosse head includes a frame and a netting that forms a pocket. The frame has a front open, or upper side, for catching and discharging a lacrosse ball and a lower or back side to which the net attaches. The pocket is formed to hold the ball and is used to impart the force upon the ball in order to shoot or pass the ball. A lacrosse head frame generally has a throat section that includes a ball stop for impacting a ball and a socket for receiving a handle or shaft. A pair of sidewalls is attached to the throat section and are joined distal from the throat section by a lip or scoop section. 
         [0005]    Men&#39;s lacrosse stick netting may be strung with leathers and nylon strings or mesh to form a pocket. Traditionally, a net for a lacrosse head is hand assembled using two or more cross members, or strings, with two or more longitudinal members, or runners. The runners and strings work together to form a pocket and are secured to the frame of the head using a combination of the runners, the cross pieces, and ties that attach to the cross pieces and the frame of the lacrosse head. Additionally, a lacrosse pocket can include other lateral members spanning the distance between the sides of the lacrosse head. Such lateral members, or strings, are referred to as shooting strings, “V” strings or accuracy strings. Such additional strings are used to adjust the depth and tension within the pocket and allow a particular player to customize the lacrosse head pocket to a preferred shooting style and technique. 
         [0006]    Another type of net and pocket is formed from a pre-made mesh. Machine woven nylon mesh is pre-manufactured and later attached to the sidewalls, scoop and inside throat areas. The mesh consists of a polyester or nylon material woven together to create a diamond mesh (much like a mesh gym bag). The mesh material is machine made and is the integral body of the pocket. The mesh usually has diamond-shaped holes separating the string-like portions. The mesh is tied to the lower side of the head using separate strings. Shooting strings also attach to the mesh and lateral side walls to adjust the depth and tension of the pocket. 
         [0007]    In types of net, the stringing or mesh form a pocket, which is flexible and provides enough material to give the pocket depth beyond the frame to catch, cradle and maneuver a lacrosse ball. A woman&#39;s stick head must be strung in the traditional manner, with a pocket formed by a grid of leather strings (no mesh is permitted). The net is attached to the frame via strings weaved through the net and inserted into openings within the frame. Further, the pocket on a woman&#39;s stick is much less pronounced than a pocket on a men&#39;s stick. 
         [0008]    Although the net is flexible, it is preferred to have the net form a particular shape that is optimal for maneuvering the lacrosse ball. The optimal position for a net and pocket often varies from player to player and the particular position played by the player. For example, attackmen and offense midfielders may prefer to have to pocket closer to the shooting strings for a quick release, such as a pass or a shot on goal. Defensemen, on the other hand, may want to have the pocket more proximal to the shooting strings or even close to the throat or proximal end of the head in order to maintain the ball in the pocket. In most cases, the location of the pocket is determined by the stringing technique for attaching the strings or mesh to the frame, as is well known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0009]    Since lacrosse is a game that is frequently played outdoors, in all weather conditions, the net will frequently get wet. When wet, the pocket loses its desired shape, and the passing and shooting accuracy of the player is severely hampered. In addition, the pocket loses its desired shape when not in use for an extended period of time, for example, stored in the garage during off season. Therefore, there is a need for a head protector to aid in protecting the head from the weather and also to form and maintain a desired shape of the pocket. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0010]    The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a front plan view of a lacrosse head; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a lacrosse head and net pocket with an alternate position of the pocket shown in phantom; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of one embodiment of the invention in an open position with a lacrosse head and shaft shown in phantom; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of one embodiment of the invention enclosing a lacrosse head, shown in phantom; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the invention shown in 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  with a lacrosse head shown in phantom; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view of an alternate embodiment of one component of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    Before explaining the present invention in detail, it should be noted that the invention is not limited in its application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative embodiments of the invention may be implemented or incorporated in other embodiments, variations and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Further, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative embodiments of the present invention for the convenience of the reader and are not for the purpose of limiting the invention. 
         [0019]    Further, it is understood that any one or more of the following-described embodiments, expressions of embodiments, examples, etc. can be combined with any one or more of the other following-described embodiments, expressions of embodiments, examples, etc. 
         [0020]    Still further, the invention will be described in the context of a men&#39;s lacrosse head and stick, but the invention has equal application for a women&#39;s lacrosse head and stick with obvious variation as will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Further, the invention will be described in the context of mesh netting, but the invention has equal application to a lacrosse head strung in the traditional manner. 
         [0021]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , the lacrosse head or frame  10  has an open first face, or upper side for catching and discharging a lacrosse ball and a second face or lower side to which a net  20  is attached for holding the ball and is used to impart the force upon the ball in order to shoot or pass the ball. The frame includes a throat  32 , a first sidewall  34 , a second sidewall  36  and a lip or scoop  38 . A handle (not shown) inserts into the throat  32  and is used by the player to control the lacrosse head. The lacrosse net  20  is flexible and includes enough material to give the net depth beyond the frame to form a pocket  40  to cradle a lacrosse ball. The net  20  attaches to the frame  30  by means of strings  22  that interlace the net  20  to the frame  30  at the sidewalls  34  and  36  and the scoop  38 . Shooting strings, “V” strings or accuracy strings  39   a ,  39   b  and  39   c  adjust the depth and tension within the pocket  40 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the pocket position may be adjusted to be more distal from the throat  32 , shown at position  42   b  or more proximal to the throat  32 , shown at position  42   a . The location of the pocket is determined by the means of stringing the net  20  to the frame  30 , as is well known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0022]    It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a player gripping the handle of the lacrosse stick. Thus, the frame  10  is distal with respect to the more proximal throat  32 . It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “front”, “back”, “up” and “down” are used herein with respect to the drawings. However, lacrosse sticks are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute. 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5 , shown is a first embodiment of a casing or lacrosse head cover or protector  50  having two opposing panels  52  and  54  for protecting a lacrosse head and shaping and maintaining a lacrosse net pocket by providing a component that will both protect the head and aid in maintaining a desired shape of a lacrosse pocket. The head protector  50  is easily secured over the lacrosse head or the entire lacrosse stick, and a pocket keeper or retainer  70  is integral with the head protector  50 , so that the head is protected and the pocket is maintained. The pocket keeper  70  is to form a certain shape or contour of the pocket  40 . The lacrosse ball is more easily maneuvered when the pocket  40  maintains the desired shape to cradle the ball. The pocket retainer  70  aids in maintaining the desired shape of the pocket whether the net is wet or dry. 
         [0024]    Head cover  50  may be customized with the player&#39;s name, team and uniform number, or with a favorite college or pro lacrosse team. Head cover  50  may also be accessorized to include pockets or compartments for storing spare stringing, screws, and the like. 
         [0025]    Panel  52  is substantially planar and panel  54  has a bulbous shape or protrusion to form a hollow or chamber  56  to accept a pocket  40  ( FIG. 5 ). Panels  52  and  54  are connected together along a first edge  58  by conventional means such as stitching, gluing, bonding or other known means. The remaining edges of panels  52  and  54  attach or fasten together by means of a zipper, Velcro strips, buttons, magnets or other fasteners commonly known. Panels  52  and  54  are preferably made from a water resistant material, such as plastic, Gore-Tex® or similar material. Panels  52  and  54  are sized to accept a lacrosse head  10  and a portion of the handle. In an alternate expression of the first embodiment, lacrosse head cover may include a tubular-shaped extension to accept the entire handle of the lacrosse stick. Further, panels  52  and  54  may be connected together at alternate edges, at more than one edge or alternatively may have a fastening means around the entire circumference or periphery of each panel. In still an alternate expression, head cover  50  may be bag-shaped and have a large opening for accepting lacrosse head  10  and a closure means, such as strings, elastic, and the like for closing the large opening after placement of lacrosse head  10 . 
         [0026]    Attached on the inside face  53  of panel  52  is the pocket keeper or retainer system  70 , which includes in one embodiment a mounting bracket  72  and a pocket retainer  74 . Pocket retainer  74  includes supports  76 , which interface with mounting bracket  72  and a pocket retainer element  78  for maintaining the shape of pocket  40 . Supports  76  are sized so that ball-shaped element  78  engages pocket  40  when panels  52  and  54  are fastened together (shown illustratively in  FIG. 5 ). Retainer element  78  may be ball-shaped having the dimensions of a lacrosse ball or may have alternate shapes as discussed below. Pocket retainer  74  may be made from any number of materials, such as, rubber, plastic or the like. To reduce weight, retainer element  78  may be hollow and also have cutouts, similar to a wiffle ball. In one expression of the first embodiment, retainer element  78  may comprise a hydrophilic material to help wick moisture away from net  20  when it is wet. In an alternate expression of the first embodiment, supports  76  may be adjustable to adjust the interface depth of retainer element  78 . 
         [0027]    In still another alternate expression of the first embodiment, supports  76  are moveable along bracket  72  so that retainer element  78  is moveable relative to lacrosse head  10  (e.g. in the y direction of  FIG. 1 ) depending upon the preferred location of pocket  40  by the user (see positions  42   a  and  42   b  of  FIG. 2 ). Supports  76  may slide along bracket  72  and held in place by a set screw or detents or other known means. In an alternate expression, pocket retainer  74  may fasten to the inside face  53  by means of Velcro strips, snaps, clips or other fastening means. Preferably, multiple fastening elements exist so the user may reposition pocket retainer  74  at alternate positions on inside face  53  as shown by arrows  80  and  81  of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , panel  54  is sized so that it expands to form a hollow  56  to accommodate net  20  and pocket  40  when pocket retainer  74  is positioned within net  20  and pocket  40 . In one expression, panel  54  may be made from a flexible material or simply sized to have excess material that conforms to pocket  20 , net  40  and pocket retainer  74  when the head cover  50  is in use. In still an alternate expression, panel  54  may be pre-formed in a bulbous-like shape to form a hollow sized to accommodate various positions of net  40  as discussed above. Such a pre-formed hollow may be obtained by integrating a piece of plastic molded in the desired shape of the hollow  56  within the fabric or material of panel  54 . Other methods for forming a hollow  56  are left up to those skilled in the art. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an alternate expression of a pocket retainer system is shown.  FIG. 6  discloses a pocket retainer  174  that combines supports  76  and retainer element  78  into a single structure. Pocket retainer  174  may be made from a moldable material, such as a plastic. Pocket retainer  174  may be solid or hollow, but has a surface  176  that interfaces with inner face  53  by way of a bracket or other fastening means as discussed above and a surface  178  for interfacing with pocket  40 . In an alternate expression, pocket retainer  174  may be formed of a pliable material and filled with a fluid or gel to provide shape and support to retain pocket  40 . In still an alternate expression, pocket retainer  174  may be a bladder that may be selectively filled with air or other fluids as determined by the user. For example, pocket retainer  174  may have a conventional valve  180  for accepting an air pump needle. The user may selectively inflate pocket retainer  174  with air. Alternatively, a pump  182  may be attached to or integrated into head cover  50  and allow for selective inflation and deflation of pocket retainer  174 . Pump  182  may be manual or powered using, batteries, for example. 
         [0030]    In still an alternate embodiment of the invention, head cover  50  may be sold with different sizes of a pocket retainer,  174  and  174   a  in a kit form. Each pocket retainer  174  and  174   a  takes on a separate shape or may be inflated to different shapes to allow the user to modify how much surface area of pocket  40  or a particular region of pocket  40  interfaces with a particular pocket retainer  174 ,  174   a . This may be convenient for a player that plays more than one position, such as middie and defense. 
         [0031]    While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or limit the spirit and scope of the appended claims to such detail. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, obvious variants of the lacrosse head cover  50  exist, such as a sack or casing having an opening for accepting a lacrosse head  10 . Positioned within the sack is a pocket retainer system of a form described above. 
         [0032]    Moreover, the structure of each element associated with the present invention can be alternatively described as a means for providing the function performed by the element. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.