Abstract:
A method of treating a mesh pocket of a lacrosse stick includes providing a solid wax compound, providing a mesh pocket having a plurality of inter-engaged strands that define a plurality of mesh openings, and manually applying the solid wax compound to at least a portion of at least some of the inter-engaged strands of the mesh pocket. A kit for treating a mesh pocket of a lacrosse stick includes a solid wax compound disposed in a retractable applicator, a mesh pocket attached to or attachable to a lacrosse stick, and instructions describing manually applying the solid wax compound to the mesh pocket.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to accessories for lacrosse. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for treating a mesh pocket of a lacrosse stick. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a lacrosse stick  10  known in the art includes a shaft  14  and a head  16 . Head  16  defines a frame  18  that has attached thereto a plurality of strands  24  that are inter-engaged to define a mesh pocket  12 , which is supported within frame  18 . In use, the user grips the shaft  14  and uses the frame  18  with mesh pocket  12  to cup and support a ball (not shown). 
         [0003]    Typically, nylon and leather runners or strands  24  are used to construct the mesh pocket  12 . A leather pocket has leather runners that are fixed at the top and bottom of the frame  18 . The leather runners are joined to the side of the frame by a nylon rope that is woven to form a net or mesh to hold the ball. The runners are advantageous as they allow the ball to leave the pocket at a relatively high velocity and a high degree of accuracy. One disadvantage of such a construction is that the leather runners are extremely water absorbent and will stretch when wet. Further, when the leather dries, the leather will shrink, which may occur unevenly. 
         [0004]    Two types of nylon mesh are used, namely a hard mesh and a soft mesh. A hard mesh allows the ball to leave the stick at a relatively high velocity, similar to that of a mesh with leather runners. However, the mesh has very little give. Accordingly, it is difficult to catch passes and carry the ball in the mesh while running. Further, the ball has a tendency to pop out of the pocket when the stick is “checked.” 
         [0005]    A hard or firm mesh is obtained by coating nylon strands with a liquid rope whipping agent or stiffening agent. A whipping agent typically is liquid rubber and is applied to the newly-cut end of a rope or line to prevent it from unraveling or fraying. Whipping agents have been used in the past to treat a strand to seal it from the elements and to waterproof the strand. Whipping agents have also been used to coat a strands in a mesh to make a “hard mesh” or at least harder than the mesh as it comes off the loom. Whipping agents, however, do not condition a mesh pocket for a “broken-in feel” nor do they provide tack for ball control. 
         [0006]    A stiffening agent is typically a liquid latex rubber and/or an acrylic coating that is sprayed onto the nylon or synthetic strand when the strand is removed from a loom. The amount of stiffening agent used determines how stiff the strands become. Stiffening agents are also used to seal the strand from the elements. Like whipping agents, stiffening agents also do not condition the strands of a mesh to provide a “broken-in feel” nor provide tack for better ball control. 
         [0007]    For example, United States patent application publication 2006/0258488 to Lamson discloses coating the mesh with polyurethane elastomer, polyester, vinyl, polyvinylidene fluoride, polypropylene, EVA, ionomer, thermoplastic urethane, and polyamide. According to Lamson, such stiffening agents allow the user to throw the ball faster and with more accuracy. However, the use of stiffening agents may also reduce the ease with which a user may carry or hold the ball in the mesh. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, to address the problems of stiffening agents, U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,936 to Tucker discloses coating only a portion of the mesh with a stiffening agent, such that the ball may be held in the coated portion when the user is throwing the ball, and held in the non-coated portion of the mesh pocket when a user is carrying the ball. In the &#39;936 patent to Tucker, the stiffening agent is applied to the stick by spraying, painting, or dipping. A soft mesh, such as a nylon that is not coated with a liquid rope whipping agent, has superior cushioning and holding characteristics, thereby producing a pocket that is better for catching passes, carrying the ball while running, and picking up a ball. 
         [0009]    Several methods are known for applying a wax to a substrate such as a fabric or a surface. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,633 to Van Huffel et al. discloses a method of applying a wax to a surface such as the bottoms of skis. The method includes providing a carrier sheet that is loaded with wax and is substantially impervious to the passage of melted wax therethrough. The carrier sheet is applied to the surface and heated to melt the wax and deposit it on the skis. 
         [0010]    Similar to the Van Huffel et al. method, U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,303 to Polsky discloses a method of applying a wax to a cloth material for creating Batik art. The method involves applying a carrier sheet, which is loaded with wax, to the cloth supported on a table or other surface. Pressure is then applied to the carrier sheet to deposit the wax onto the cloth. 
         [0011]    Another method includes heating of a mesh pocket and pouring molten wax onto one or more strands of strings within the pocket. For example, U.S. published patent application no. 2011/0010914 A1 to Leveille et al. discloses the need for molten wax in order to permeate the layer of the mesh pocket with an optional step of pre-heating the mesh pocket to apply wax, molten wax, and/or a color to the mesh pocket prior to stringing the pocket. This method requires heating one or both sides of the mesh pocket to allow a molten wax to adhere to the mesh pocket. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The methods of applying wax as disclosed by Van Huffel et al. and Polsky are applicable to smooth, solid surfaces, such as skis and supported textiles, where the wax is transferred to the substrate and spread across the surface of the substrate by applying pressure. Such a method, however, does not work for a mesh pocket having openings between strands forming the mesh because much of the wax is lost or wasted when it falls through the openings of the mesh pocket. The method also does not work for a mesh that has a relatively uneven surface as is found with a mesh pocket because the wax does not adhere well or absorb into desired portions of the mesh pocket strands. 
         [0013]    A deficiency of the method disclosed by Tucker is that the stiffening agent tends to grip the ball as the ball is shot. This undesirably results in the ball having a relatively slower velocity and reduced accuracy. 
         [0014]    In the method disclosed by Leveille et al. discussed above, applying molten wax to the mesh pocket must be done prior stringing the completed lacrosse stick head. A problem with this method is that when the wax ceases to be effective, the mesh pocket must be removed from the stick and reprocessed or replaced with a new mesh pocket. Taking apart the stick wastes time and is impractical in a game or practice situation where one lacks the time necessary to disassemble the stick, heat the pocket and wax, apply the wax, allow it to cool, and reassemble the mesh pocket on the stick. Also, due to the heating requirement of both the wax and the mesh pocket, the Leveille et al. method is impractical for game and practice situations where one does not have access to equipment for heating the mesh pocket and the wax. 
         [0015]    Accordingly, what is needed is an improved apparatus and method for treating a mesh pocket, such as the mesh pocket of a lacrosse stick. 
         [0016]    In one aspect of the present invention, a method of treating a mesh pocket of a lacrosse stick includes providing a solid wax compound and providing a mesh pocket having a plurality of inter-engaged strands that define a plurality of mesh openings. A solid wax compound is pressed or moved against at least a portion of at least some of the inter-engaged strands of the mesh pocket, thereby applying the wax compound to the mesh pocket. If the material of the strands is able to absorb the wax compound, then the wax compound may be absorbed into the material of the strands themselves. 
         [0017]    In other embodiments, the strands of the mesh pocket are made from a synthetic material, e.g., nylon or polyester, which is not permeable to the wax compound. In such a case, the stands may be made from a plurality of elongate members and the wax compound may be manually pressed into the strands by being deposited in the interstitial spaces between adjacent elongate members. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment of the method, the step of providing a mesh pocket includes providing a lacrosse stick having a head portion with the mesh pocket secured to the head portion. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment of the method, each of the plurality of inter-engaged strands includes a plurality of elongate members and the step of manually applying the solid wax compound includes pressing the solid wax compound into interstitial spaces between adjacent ones of the plurality of elongate members. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment of the method, the solid wax compound is disposed within a retractable applicator where the retractable applicator is adjustable to move the solid wax compound to extend beyond a distal end opening of the retractable applicator. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment of the method, the retractable applicator has a removable cap and the method includes the step of pressing the removable cap against the inter-engaged strands of the mesh pocket used on a lacrosse stick to cause the solid wax compound to penetrate a wax-permeable layer of the inter-engaged strands of the mesh pocket. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment of the method, each of the plurality of inter-engaged strands is made of nylon and lacks a liquid rope whipping agent. In another embodiment, each strand is made of polyester. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment of the method, the solid wax compound includes at least one component that is a petroleum wax, a vegetable wax, a mineral wax, an animal wax, a synthetic wax, and a paraffin wax. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment of the method, the step of manually moving the solid wax compound against each of the plurality of inter-engaged strands of the mesh pocket includes impregnating substantially all portions of substantially all of the inter-engaged strands with the solid wax compound. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment of the method, the step of manually moving the solid wax compound against the inter-engaged strands of the mesh pocket includes applying the solid wax compound to a first side and to an opposite second side of the mesh pocket. 
         [0026]    In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for applying a solid wax compound has a tubular body with a distal end opening. A solid wax compound is disposed within the tubular body. The apparatus includes a means for advancing the solid wax compound through the tubular body to extend beyond the distal end opening. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment of the apparatus, the tubular body has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, an oval, and a polygon. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the tube has a minimum dimension that is greater than an average diameter of the plurality of mesh openings. 
         [0028]    In another embodiment, the apparatus also includes a cap removably attachable over the distal end opening. 
         [0029]    In another aspect of the present invention, a treatment kit for a lacrosse stick mesh pocket includes a solid wax compound disposed in a retractable applicator, a mesh pocket having a plurality of inter-engaged strands and attachable to a lacrosse stick, and instructions describing manually applying the solid wax compound to at least a portion of at least some of the plurality of inter-engaged strands of the mesh pocket. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment of the kit, the instructions further describe using a cap of the retractable applicator to press against the inter-engaged strands with the solid wax compound applied thereto to impregnate the solid wax compound into the inter-engaged strands. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment of the kit, the instructions further describe breaking-in the solid wax compound applied to the inter-engaged strands by throwing and catching a lacrosse ball for at least thirty minutes. 
         [0032]    In another aspect of the present invention, a method of using a solid wax compound includes the steps of manually applying a solid wax compound to inter-engaged strands of a mesh pocket attached to or attachable to a lacrosse stick and using a smooth solid surface to press against the inter-engaged strands with the solid wax compound applied thereto, thereby impregnating the inter-engaged strands with the solid wax compound to provide the mesh pocket with a memory characteristic. 
         [0033]    Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous because the wax compound provides the ability to throw a ball with speed and accuracy. The present invention also allows the ball to be held longer and carried with ease because of a tacking agent present in the wax compound. 
         [0034]    Additionally, embodiments of the present invention are advantageous as the wax provides water resistance to the strands. That is, the wax reduces the amount of water that is absorbed into the strands. This in turn reduces the amount that the strands stretch when the stick is used. 
         [0035]    Additionally, embodiments of the present invention are advantageous because the wax allows the pocket to retain its shape. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, each strand comprises a plurality of elongate members, and the wax is positioned between the elongate members. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the wax is at least one of a petroleum wax, a vegetable wax, a mineral wax, an animal wax, a synthetic wax, and a combination thereof. In some further embodiments, the wax is a paraffin wax. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, strands of the mesh pocket comprise elongated members of nylon or polyester. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, the wax is applied as a solid that contours to the mesh pocket upon application. Such embodiments may be advantageous because the wax may penetrate deeply into the strands. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, the mesh pocket has a plurality of openings between adjacent strands and the openings have an absence of wax. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, the wax is impregnated into an entire portion of all of the strands. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, the wax is impregnated into all portions of all of the strands. 
         [0043]    In another broad aspect, a process for applying a wax to a mesh of a lacrosse stick is provided. The process comprises manually applying the solid wax by pressing the wax into the wax-permeable layer. The process further comprises providing wax in a solid state that is in a retractable applicator to the first and second opposed side of the wax-permeable layer. The wax passes through a wax-permeable layer of the mesh. 
         [0044]    Embodiments of the present invention may allow for the wax to be impregnated (pushed into each strand of the nylon or treated nylon) into the mesh with or without filing the openings in the mesh. Embodiments of the present invention may be advantageous because the wax may provide increased durability to the strands and promote longevity of the mesh pocket. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a “broken-in feel” to a mesh pocket. 
         [0045]    Embodiments of the present invention have the advantage of the tube itself containing the solid wax compound where it is stored until the time of use and then used by the end user as needed. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the wax compound will work its way out of the mesh pocket with continued use. Such embodiments are advantageous should the user want to discontinue with a wax permeable mesh pocket. 
         [0047]    These and other advantages of the present invention will be more fully and particularly understood in connection with the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0048]      FIG. 1  is a front view of part of one embodiment of a lacrosse stick with a mesh pocket as known in the art. 
           [0049]      FIG. 2   a  is a side view of the head portion of the lacrosse stick of  FIG. 1  showing the mesh pocket configured as a regular pocket. 
           [0050]      FIG. 2   b  is a side view of the head portion of the lacrosse stick of  FIG. 1  showing the mesh pocket configured as a low pocket. 
           [0051]      FIG. 2   c  is a side view of the head portion of the lacrosse stick of  FIG. 1  showing the mesh pocket configured as a high pocket. 
           [0052]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of a strand from area A of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 4  is a cross-section of the strand of  FIG. 3  taken along line  4 - 4 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a retractable applicator and steps of one embodiment of a method of treating a mesh pocket of the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 6  illustrates a retractable applicator without a cap is shown alongside a head portion of a lacrosse stick as useful in performing steps of one embodiment of a method of treating a mesh pocket of the present invention. 
           [0056]      FIG. 6   a  illustrates the retractable applicator with a cap is shown alongside a head portion of a lacrosse stick as useful in performing steps of one embodiment of a method of treating a mesh pocket of the present invention. 
           [0057]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method of treating a mesh pocket of the present invention 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0058]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate embodiments of a lacrosse sticks and mesh pockets as known in the art. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , a portion of a lacrosse stick  10  comprising one embodiment of a mesh pocket  12  of the prior is shown. Lacrosse stick  10  comprises a shaft  14  and a head  16 . Head  16  comprises a frame  18 , which supports mesh pocket  12 . In the embodiment shown, mesh pocket  12 , is secured to frame  18  by a securing member  20 , which is woven between portions of mesh pocket  12  and openings  22  provided in frame  18 . Mesh pocket  12  has an upper portion  28 , a middle portion  36 , and a lower portion  40 . In other embodiments, mesh pocket  12  may be secured to frame  18  in another manner. Lacrosse stick  10  may be of any design known in the art. 
         [0059]    It will be appreciated that mesh pocket  12  may be secured to frame  18  or separate from frame  18 . For example, mesh pocket  12  may be sold as a replacement part to be secured onto a pre-existing frame  18 . Furthermore, mesh pocket  12  may be pre-formed, or may be formed onto frame  18  after securing mesh pocket  12  to frame  18 . 
         [0060]    Mesh pocket  12  is defined by a plurality of strands  24  which are inter-engaged as is known in the art to form an expanse of mesh having openings  26  between adjacent strands  24 . Any construction known in the art may be used. 
         [0061]    For example, strands  24  may be woven, knotted, spun, intertwined, welded, or otherwise interconnected to form mesh pocket  12 . Strands  24  may be inter-engaged in a variety of ways to form various configurations of mesh pocket  12 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2   a - 2   c , strands  24  are inter-engaged, for example by being intermittently connected to one another along their lengths, to form a mesh pocket having diamond-shaped openings  26 . In other embodiments, openings  26  may be round, rectangular, or have other shapes. 
         [0062]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c , side views are shown of the head portion  16  of lacrosse stick  10  of  FIG. 1 . Strands  24  are inter-engaged to form a mesh pocket  12  having a variety of depths D. For example, when viewed from the side, as shown in  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c , mesh pocket  12  has a concavity or profile  28  having a depth D. Additionally, strands  24  are inter-engaged to form a mesh pocket  12  suitable for being secured to a variety of frames  18  of different shapes. 
         [0063]    The profile  28  of pocket  12  may be varied, such as by adjusting shooting strings  42 . By tightening shooting strings  42 , a regular pocket as exemplified in  FIG. 2   a  may be configured as a low pocket as exemplified in  FIG. 2   b . Conversely, by loosening shooting strings  42 , a regular pocket as exemplified in  FIG. 2   a  may be configured as a high pocket as exemplified in  FIG. 2   c.    
         [0064]    It will be appreciated that the plurality of strands  24  preferably comprises a plurality of distinct strands  24  that together form mesh pocket  12 . 
         [0065]    Strands  24  may be fabricated from a variety of materials. Any material known in the lacrosse arts may be used. Such materials include, but are not limited to, nylon, leather, and polyester. Furthermore, in some embodiments, mesh pocket  12  may comprise a mixture of different materials. For example, mesh pocket  12  may comprise a plurality of nylon strands, a plurality of leather strands, and a plurality of polyester strands. Preferably, strands  24  are nylon or polyester (e.g., a soft nylon or polyester mesh) that is not coated with a liquid rope whipping agent. 
         [0066]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an enlarged view of one strand  24  is shown from area A of  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments as exemplified in  FIG. 3 , each strand  24  comprises a plurality of elongate members  32 . For example, a plurality of nylon or polyester elongate members  32  may be spun, woven or braided together to form strand  24 . It will be appreciated that each elongate member  32  may itself be formed of a plurality of members that are spun, woven or braided together. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a wax compound  34  is shown impregnated into strand  24 . As used herein, the term “impregnated” or “pressed into” means wax compound  34  penetrates beyond the surface of strand  24  to occupy interstitial spaces between elongated members  32  and/or to be absorbed into strand  24 . For example, wax compound  34  may be absorbed into the material forming strand  24 . Alternatively, or in addition, as exemplified in  FIG. 4 , wax compound  34  may penetrate into the interstitial or open space  36  between at least some of the adjacent elongate members  32  of strand  24 , where wax compound  34  is positioned in at least a portion of the interstitial space  36  between adjacent elongate members  32 . 
         [0068]    In some embodiments, wax compound  34  is impregnated into at least a portion of at least some of strands  24  of mesh pocket  12 . Preferably, wax compound  34  is impregnated into at least a portion of all of strands  24 . More preferably, wax compound  34  is impregnated into all or substantially all of strands  24 . Accordingly, wax compound  34  substantially coats all surfaces of mesh pocket  12 . 
         [0069]    Preferably, wax compound  34  is applied to mesh pocket  12  as a solid in order to impregnate strands  24 , as will be further described herein below. More preferably, wax compound  34  is applied in such a manner so as to not fill mesh openings  26  between adjacent strands  24 . 
         [0070]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a retractable applicator  500  is shown and includes wax compound  34  disposed within a tubular body  501 , a means  513  for advancing wax compound  34  through tubular body  501 , and a removable cap  503 . Means  513  for advancing wax compound  34  include a threaded rod  510  with push plate  512  within tubular body  504 . A rotating dial  502  is located outside a proximal end  514  of tubular body  504  and connected to threaded rod  510 , where rotating dial  502  advances push plate  512  along threaded rod  510  to move wax compound  34  through tubular body  504 . Means  513  also includes push plate  512  that the user manually advances through tubular body  504  by pressing against it via an open proximal end  514  of tubular body  504  (shown obstructed by rotating dial  502  in  FIG. 5 ). Other means  513  known in the art are acceptable for advancing wax compound  34  through tubular body  504 , such as those used for lip balm, lip stick, ice cream, and the like. 
         [0071]    In one embodiment, wax compound  24  is applied to mesh pocket  12  using retractable applicator  500 . After applying wax compound  34  to strands  24 , removable cap  503  (e.g., a twist-on cap or snap-on cap) is placed back onto an open distal end  504  of tubular body  501 . Removable cap  503  is preferably made of smooth plastic, but may be made of other materials with smooth or slightly-roughened surfaces. Removable cap  503  is then used to further impregnate mesh pocket  12  with wax compound  34  by pressing removable cap  503  against wax compound  34  applied to strands  24 . Pressing removable cap  503  against strands  24  with wax compound  34  applied thereto pushes wax compound  34  deeper and deeper into a permeable layer of strands  24 . That is, wax compound  34  absorbs into the strand material (e.g., leather) and/or to occupies interstitial spaces  36  between adjacent elongate members  32  of strands  24  (e.g., woven nylon or polyester strands). 
         [0072]    After wax compound  34  is applied to strands  24 , mesh pocket  12  may then be broken in, such as by using the stick to throw and catch a ball for, e.g., one hour. During this break-in process, wax compound  34  that is applied to mesh pocket  12  is impregnated into strands  24  will be fractured. Some of wax compound  34  may be broken away from strands  24  and fall from mesh pocket  12 . 
         [0073]    Wax compound  34  improves the speed and accuracy with which the ball may be thrown, and also allows the ball to be held and carried with ease because of the tacking agent used in conjunction wax compound  34 . It is believed that once a mesh pocket  12  with wax compound  34  applied thereto has been broken in, wax compound  34  that remains in strands  24  is sufficient to provide mesh pocket  12  with a memory characteristic similar to that of a hard mesh. The memory characteristic enables the player to shoot a ball with increased accuracy and velocity. However, prior to breaking in mesh pocket  12  with wax compound  34  applied thereto, mesh pocket  12  has the characteristics of a soft mesh, namely increased cushioning and permitting better carrying capabilities than a hard mesh. 
         [0074]    Additionally, wax compound  34  has a waterproofing effect that reduces the amount of water that is absorbed into strands  24 , e.g. if stick  10  is used outside when it is raining. For example, the amount of water that is absorbed into strands  24  that are impregnated with wax compound  34  may be less than half of the amount of water that is absorbed into strands  24  that are not impregnated with wax compound  34 . This in turn reduces the amount that strands  24  stretch when stick  10  is used. 
         [0075]    Furthermore, wax compound  34  allows mesh pocket  12  to retain its shape. In particular, by treating a soft nylon or polyester mesh pocket  12  with wax compound  34 , a shape of mesh pocket  12  may be customized by a player. For example, the player may break in stick  10  to position the pocket at a preferred location. This may be achieved by the player breaking in mesh pocket  12 , for example by applying pressure or force to mesh pocket  12  in a particular area to break, fracture or otherwise affect wax compound  34  in strands  24  so that mesh pocket  12  retains the desired shape. 
         [0076]    In addition to the above benefits, wax compound  34  acts as a tacking agent to increase ball control within mesh pocket  12 . 
         [0077]    In some embodiments, wax compound  34  may be impregnated into only a portion of each strand  24 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2   a , where mesh pocket  12  has concavity  28 , wax compound  34  may be impregnated into the portion of strands  24  defining concavity  28 . In other embodiments, wax compound  34  may be impregnated into only some strands  24  of mesh pocket  12 . For example, wax compound  34  may be impregnated into every other strand  24 . Such configurations, where wax compound  34  is impregnated into only some strands  24  or into only a portion of each strand  24 , may be useful when it is desired that different portions  38 ,  36 ,  40  of mesh pocket  12  to have different properties or to be used for different purposes. However, because wax compound  34  provides the ability to throw a ball with speed and accuracy, and also allows the ball to be held and carried with ease, in the preferred embodiment, wax compound is impregnated into substantially the entirety of each one of substantially all strands  24 . 
         [0078]    Wax compound  34  may be selected from a variety waxes, including petroleum waxes, vegetable waxes, mineral waxes, animal waxes, synthetic waxes, and combinations thereof. In the preferred embodiment, wax compound  34  is a paraffin wax. 
         [0079]    Wax compound  34  may be applied to mesh pocket  12 , preferably where the wax is provided in a retractable applicator  500 . In such an application, retractable applicator  500  is used to apply wax compound  34  without the need to melt wax compound  34  or heat mesh pocket  12 . Further, such an application enables one to apply wax compound  34  to mesh pocket  12  while mesh pocket  12  is secured to frame  18  of stick  10  and without the need to disassemble mesh pocket  12  from frame  18 . 
         [0080]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 ,  6   a  and  7 , one embodiment of a method  600  of treating a mesh pocket  12  is discussed.  FIGS. 6 and 6   a  illustrate an embodiment of retractable applicator  500  without removable cap  503  and with removable cap  503 , respectively. In each figure, a front view of head portion  16  of lacrosse stick  10  is also shown to further illustrate the steps of method  600 , which is discussed below. 
         [0081]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flow chart illustrating the steps of one embodiment of method  600 . Any or all of the steps of method  600  may be performed manually. Preferably, any or all of the steps of method  600  may be performed while mesh pocket  12  is secured to frame  18 . Method  600  may also be performed with mesh pocket  12  separated from frame  18  (e.g., as provided by itself when mesh pocket  12  is sold as a replacement part). 
         [0082]    In step  602 , wax compound  34  is provided. Preferably wax compound  34  is provided disposed in a retractable applicator  500  that includes removable cap  503  as discussed above. In step  603 , if wax compound  34  is provided in retractable applicator  500 , removable cap  503  is removed. 
         [0083]    In step  604 , wax compound  34  is exposed. If needed, the user advances wax compound  34  through tubular body  504  so that wax compound  34  extends beyond distal open end  506  of tubular body  504 . 
         [0084]    In step  605 , wax compound  34  is applied to strands  24  by moving, pressing, and/or rubbing wax compound  34  against strands  24  of mesh pocket  12 . In step  606 , removable cap  503  is installed over distal open end  506  of retractable applicator  500 . In step  607 , removable cap  503  is optionally pressed against strands  24  having wax compound  34  applied thereto to further penetrate wax compound  34  deeper into elongated members  32  of strands  24 , therefore further impregnating strands  24  with wax compound  34 . In step  608 , the user optionally breaks-in mesh pocket  12  with wax compound  34  applied thereto. 
         [0085]    It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which, for clarity, are described in the context of separate embodiments or separate aspects, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which, for brevity, are described in the context of a single embodiment or aspect, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. 
         [0086]    Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, the above description is merely illustrative. Further modification of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.