Patent Publication Number: US-10765924-B2

Title: Lacrosse head having a pinched ball containment area

Description:
This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design application No. 29/670,695, filed Nov. 19, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present embodiments relate generally to lacrosse equipment, and more particularly, to a lacrosse head having a pinched ball containment area. In embodiments, the lacrosse head may have sidewalls providing a narrow ball containment width in the forward portion of the head, which may enhance ball control during a draw to aid in gaining possession of the ball. 
     Background 
     Lacrosse players prefer lacrosse sticks that maximize ball control while performing game skills. In women&#39;s lacrosse in particular, one skill of recently increasing significance is the draw, which occurs at the start or resumption of play and involves two players competing for possession of the ball. During a draw, a ball is placed between the backs of two lacrosse heads held together by two opposing players. After a whistle is blown, the players draw their lacrosse sticks up and away, sending the ball above the heads of the players. The players then compete for possession of the ball. 
     Controlling how the ball is propelled upwardly during the draw can determine who gains possession of the ball. Thus, lacrosse players—in particular, “draw specialists”—desire lacrosse heads that promote ball control during draws. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments provide a lacrosse head having a pinched ball containment area. 
     An embodiment provides a lacrosse head for controlling a ball having a diameter, the lacrosse head having a juncture, stop member, first and second sidewalls, and a transverse wall. The juncture may be configured to receive a handle, a majority length of the handle defining a horizontal centerline when the lacrosse head is viewed from a side view and a bisecting line when the lacrosse head is viewed from a front view. The stop member may adjoin the juncture. The first sidewall may extend from the stop member in a forward direction. The second sidewall may extend from the stop member in the forward direction. The transverse wall may connect the first sidewall and the second sidewall opposite to the stop member. The adjoining transverse wall and first sidewall may form a first shoulder portion of the lacrosse head and the adjoining transverse wall and second sidewall may form a second shoulder portion of the lacrosse head. The first shoulder portion and the second shoulder portion may define an inside widest point of the lacrosse head perpendicularly across the bisecting line when viewed from the front view. Within a distance from the widest point in a rearward direction equal to about half of the diameter, the first sidewall and the second sidewall may define a ball containment width equal to or less than about 1.8 times the diameter. 
     In an aspect, the diameter may be approximately 63 mm and the ball containment width may be 114 mm or less. 
     In another aspect, the first sidewall and the second sidewall may define the ball containment width within a distance from the widest point in a rearward direction equal to about ¼ of the diameter. 
     In another aspect, the first sidewall and the second sidewall may define the ball containment width immediately adjacent to the widest point. 
     In another aspect, when viewed from the side view, a first lower edge of the first sidewall may define a first downward protrusion at the ball containment width, and a second lower edge of the second sidewall may define a second downward protrusion at the ball containment width. 
     In another aspect, when viewed from the side view, the first lower edge of the first sidewall may define a first adjacent lower edge portion rearward and upward of the first downward protrusion, and the second lower edge of the second sidewall may define a second adjacent lower edge portion rearward and upward of the second downward protrusion. The first adjacent lower edge portion and the second adjacent lower edge portion may extend generally parallel to the horizontal centerline. The first adjacent lower edge portion and the first downward protrusion may form a first recessed area, and the second adjacent lower edge portion and the second downward protrusion may form a second recessed area, such that the first recessed area and the second recessed area are configured to receive a scoop of an opposing lacrosse head placed back-to-back with the lacrosse head. 
     Another embodiment provides a lacrosse head having a juncture, stop member, first and second sidewalls, and a transverse wall. The juncture may be configured to receive a handle, a majority length of the handle defining a horizontal centerline when the lacrosse head is viewed from a side view and a bisecting line when the lacrosse head is viewed from a front view. The stop member may adjoin the juncture. The first sidewall may extend from the stop member in a forward direction. The second sidewall may extend from the stop member in the forward direction. The transverse wall may connect the first sidewall and the second sidewall opposite to the stop member. The adjoining transverse wall and first sidewall may form a first shoulder portion of the lacrosse head and the adjoining transverse wall and second sidewall may form a second shoulder portion of the lacrosse head. The first shoulder portion and the second shoulder portion may define an inside widest point of the lacrosse head perpendicularly across the bisecting line when viewed from the front view. The first sidewall may have a first longitudinal portion extending longitudinally with respect to the bisecting line and a first lateral portion extending from the first longitudinal portion to the first shoulder portion laterally with respect to the bisecting line. When viewed from the front view, the first longitudinal portion and the first lateral portion may meet at a first interior elbow portion at an angle within a range of about 60 degrees to about 130 degrees. The second sidewall may have a second longitudinal portion extending longitudinally with respect to the bisecting line and a second lateral portion extending from the second longitudinal portion to the second shoulder portion laterally with respect to the bisecting line. When viewed from the front view, the second longitudinal portion and the second lateral portion may meet at a second interior elbow portion at an angle within a range of about 60 degrees to about 130 degrees. 
     In an aspect, the first longitudinal portion and the first lateral portion may meet at the first interior elbow portion at an angle within a range of about 75 degrees to about 115 degrees, and the second longitudinal portion and the second lateral portion may meet at the second interior elbow portion at an angle within a range of about 75 degrees to about 115 degrees. 
     In another aspect, the first interior elbow portion and the second interior elbow portion may be rounded. 
     In another aspect, the lacrosse head may define an overall length along the bisecting line from an inside point on the stop member to a top outside point on the transverse wall. From a midpoint of the overall length in a forward direction, an innermost edge of the first longitudinal portion of the first sidewall may extend from the midpoint to the first interior elbow portion and have an angle of divergence from parallel to the bisecting line in at least one of the forward or rearward directions that is not greater than 25 degrees. From the midpoint of the overall length in the forward direction, an innermost edge of the second longitudinal portion of the second sidewall may extend from the midpoint to the second interior elbow portion and have an angle of divergence from parallel to the bisecting line in at least one of the forward or rearward directions that is not greater than 25 degrees. 
     In another aspect, an innermost edge of the first lateral portion of the first sidewall may extend from the first interior elbow portion to the first shoulder portion within a range of 25 degrees of perpendicular to the bisecting line when viewed from the front view, and an innermost edge of the second lateral portion of the second sidewall may extend from the second interior elbow portion to the second shoulder portion within a range of 25 degrees of perpendicular to the bisecting line when viewed from the front view. 
     In another aspect, the lacrosse head may define an overall length along the bisecting line from an inside point on the stop member to a top outside point on the transverse wall. From a midpoint of the overall length moving in a forward direction, a ball containment width between an innermost edge of the first longitudinal portion and an innermost edge of the second longitudinal portion, measured perpendicularly across the bisecting line, may reach a minimum width of 114 mm or less, and the widest interior point may be at least 159 mm. 
     In another aspect, from a point disposed on the bisecting line 163 mm from an inside point on the stop member moving in a forward direction, a ball containment width between an innermost edge of the first longitudinal portion and an innermost edge of the second longitudinal portion, measured perpendicularly across the bisecting line, may reach a minimum width of 114 mm or less, and the widest interior point may be at least 159 mm. 
     In another aspect, when viewed from the side view, a first lower edge of the first sidewall may define a first downward protrusion at the first interior elbow portion, and a second lower edge of the second sidewall may define a second downward protrusion at the second interior elbow portion. 
     In another aspect, the first downward protrusion and the second downward protrusion may be round. 
     In another aspect, the first lower edge at the first downward protrusion may lie along an approximately 90 degree arc of a circle, and the second lower edge at the second downward protrusion may lie along an approximately 90 degree arc of a circle. 
     In another aspect, when viewed from the front view, the lacrosse head may define a first gap extending generally parallel to the bisecting line between the first interior elbow portion and a first innermost point of the transverse wall, and a second gap extending generally parallel to the bisecting line between the second interior elbow portion and a second innermost point of the transverse wall, with each of the first gap and the second gap being shorter than a diameter of a lacrosse ball with which the lacrosse head is used. 
     In another aspect, each of the first gap and the second gap may be shorter than 62.7 mm. 
     In another aspect, the first lateral portion of the first sidewall may define a string channel leading to a string hole through the shoulder portion. 
     Another embodiment provides a lacrosse stick for controlling a ball having a diameter, the lacrosse stick having a handle and a head. The head may have a juncture, stop member, first and second sidewalls, and a transverse wall. The juncture may be configured to receive the handle, a majority length of the handle defining a horizontal centerline when the lacrosse stick is viewed from a side view and a bisecting line when the lacrosse stick is viewed from a front view. The stop member may adjoin the juncture. The first sidewall may extend from the stop member in a forward direction. The second sidewall may extend from the stop member in the forward direction. The transverse wall may connect the first sidewall and the second sidewall opposite to the stop member. The adjoining transverse wall and first sidewall may form a first shoulder portion of the lacrosse head and the adjoining transverse wall and second sidewall may form a second shoulder portion of the lacrosse head. The first shoulder portion and the second shoulder portion may define an inside widest point of the lacrosse head perpendicularly across the bisecting line when viewed from the front view. Within a distance from the widest point in a rearward direction equal to about half of the diameter, the first sidewall and the second sidewall may define a ball containment width equal to or less than about 1.8 times the diameter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are schematic diagrams of front views of a lacrosse stick having a pinched ball containment area, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a side elevational view of the lacrosse stick of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a front isometric perspective view of a lacrosse head according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a front view of the lacrosse head of  FIG. 4 , shown with a handle; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a rear view of the lacrosse head of  FIG. 4 , shown with a handle; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a side elevational view of the lacrosse head of  FIG. 4 , shown with a handle; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of an opposite side elevational view of the lacrosse head of  FIG. 4 , shown with a handle; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of a top plan view of the lacrosse head of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of a bottom plan view of the lacrosse head of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of another front view of the lacrosse head of  FIG. 4 , shown with a handle and illustrating dimensions of the head; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram of a front view of a lacrosse head according to an embodiment and a rear view of an opposing conventional lacrosse head, during a draw; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram of a side view of a lacrosse head according to an embodiment and an opposing conventional lacrosse head, during a draw; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram of another front view of the lacrosse head of  FIG. 4 , shown with a handle and illustrating frame geometries that limit a lacrosse ball from contacting certain portions of the frame; 
         FIGS. 15-19  are schematic diagrams of front views of lacrosse heads with alternative sidewall configurations, according to alternative embodiments; and 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram of a top view of a lacrosse head having a pinched ball containment area and stringing channels, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments provide a lacrosse head having a pinched ball containment area that may enhance ball control during a draw. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a representative embodiment of a lacrosse stick  100 , including a handle  102  (partially shown) and a double-wall synthetic head  104 . As used herein, “stick” refers to the stick as a whole, including the head and the handle. Head  104  may have a generally V-shaped frame having a juncture  106 , sidewalls  108  and  110 , a transverse wall (or “scoop”)  112  joining the sidewalls at their ends opposite juncture  106 , and a stop member (or “ball stop”)  114  adjoining juncture  106  and joining sidewalls  108  and  110  at their ends nearest juncture  106 . The frame may be considered to extend from a rearward end at the juncture  106  to a forward end at the transverse wall  112 . As shown, handle  102  may fit into and through juncture  106 , may abut stop member  114 , and may define (by a majority length of the handle) a horizontal centerline of the handle  102  and head  104  as shown, for example, in a side elevational view of head  104 , as well as a bisecting line  119  as shown, for example, in the front view of  FIG. 1  (bisecting the head  104  longitudinally into two halves). Screws or other fasteners may be placed through openings (not shown) in juncture  106 , securing handle  102  to head  104 . Features of lacrosse sticks are shown generally in Tucker et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,495, Crawford et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,984, and Tucker et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,947, which are all incorporated by reference herein. 
     In embodiments, lacrosse stick head  104  may have a “traditional” pocket configuration, a “mesh” pocket configuration, or a combination of both configurations. The traditional pocket may include thongs made of leather or synthetic material strung from forward thong holes  116  in transverse wall  112  to rearward thong holes in stop member  114 . To complete the pocket web, the thongs may have nylon strings threaded around the thongs and string laced through string holes in sidewalls  108  and  110 , forming any number of diamonds or other shapes (crosslacing). 
     In traditional pockets, thongs (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) made of leather or synthetic material may extend from forward thong holes  116  in transverse wall  112  to rearward thong holes in stop member  114 . As one embodiment,  FIG. 1  shows four thong holes  116  that may accept four thongs. Other numbers of thongs and thong holes may be used. To complete the pocket web, nylon strings may be threaded around the thongs and string may be laced through string holes in sidewalls  108  and  110 , forming any number of diamonds or other shapes (crosslacing). In embodiments, one or more throwing or shooting strings may extend transversely between the forward portions of sidewalls  108  and  110 , attaching to throwing string holes defined in the sidewalls  108  and  110 . In embodiments, a thong may not be attached directly to a thong hole, and instead may be connected to a separate material that attaches the thong to the lacrosse head frame and that is easier to adjust through the thong hole. In addition, in some embodiments, a top string (e.g., nylon string) may be strung along the thong holes of the scoop, and the thongs may be attached to the top string. 
     A mesh pocket configuration may use a mesh knitted as a continuous piece of material. This continuous piece of material may attach to the lacrosse head as a single unit. The mesh may be attached to the lacrosse head using transverse lacing, which may reinforce the web of the mesh that is adjacent to the lacrosse head. 
     As exemplified in  FIG. 1 , embodiments may include provisions for improving the performance of a women&#39;s lacrosse stick, especially with respect to draw maneuvers, and within the context of rules governing the configuration of a women&#39;s lacrosse head. In particular, certain rules for women&#39;s lacrosse (e.g., NCAA Women&#39;s Lacrosse 2018 and 2019 Rules, Appendix E, Section 18.d and 18.e) require that the inside width  20  between the sidewalls  108  and  110  of the head  104 , as measured a distance  22  of 10.2 cm (102 mm) from the center of ball stop  114 , be 8.7 cm minimum, and that the inside width between the walls at the widest point  24  at the top of the head  104  be a distance of 16.0 cm minimum. Certain rules also dictate that the overall length of the head, as measured from the center of the ball stop (where the top, back edge of the stop pad meets the plastic) to the top outside edge of the scoop, be a distance  26  between 25.4 cm minimum to 30.5 cm maximum (e.g., NCAA Women&#39;s Lacrosse 2018 and 2019 Rule 2, Section 23). Other rules (e.g., NCAA Men&#39;s Lacrosse 2018 and 2019 Rules, Appendix IV) specify that a lacrosse ball  28  may measure between 7¾ and 8 inches in circumference, which corresponds to a diameter within a range of 2.47 inches (62.7 mm) to 2.55 inches (64.8 mm). Within one or more of those restrictions, embodiments provide a favorable lacrosse head geometry that enhances ball control during a women&#39;s lacrosse draw to aid in gaining possession of the ball. Although embodiments are described herein in the context of women&#39;s lacrosse sticks and rules, embodiments are also applicable to men&#39;s lacrosse sticks, rules, and performance characteristics, including aspects relating to containing and controlling a lacrosse ball on the backside of a forward portion of a lacrosse head during a face-off, the men&#39;s game version of a draw. 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , lacrosse head  104  may have a pinched forward portion that positions the innermost edges of sidewalls  108  and  110  relatively close to longitudinal bisecting line  119  to define a relatively narrow ball containment width  30  of head  104  near the widest point  24  along the longitudinal bisecting line  119 . In embodiments, the ball containment width  30  is provided as close to widest point  24  as possible. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , relatively sharp interior elbow portions of sidewalls  108  and  110 , in combination with a rapid increase in width may allow ball containment width  30  to be disposed close to widest point  24  along the longitudinal bisecting line  119 . Embodiments may provide this dramatic change in width by configuring each of sidewalls  108  and  110  with an elbow portion connecting a generally longitudinal portion to a generally lateral portion. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , sidewall  108  may include an elbow portion  1080  joining a generally longitudinal portion  1082  and a generally lateral portion  1084 , while similarly, sidewall  110  may include an elbow portion  1100  joining a generally longitudinal portion  1102  and a generally lateral portion  1104 . In embodiments, the longitudinal, elbow, and lateral portions refer to the inside structures of the sidewalls, which may provide the ball control aspects described herein. 
     To position ball containment width  30  close to widest point  24 , an innermost edge of lateral portion  1084  of first sidewall  108  may extend from the interior corner of elbow portion  1080  to shoulder portion  111  within a range of ±25 degrees of perpendicular to longitudinal bisecting line  119  when viewed from a front view, as in  FIG. 1 . Similarly, an innermost edge of lateral portion  1104  of first sidewall  110  may extend from the interior corner of elbow portion  1100  to shoulder portion  113  within a range of ±25 degrees of perpendicular to longitudinal bisecting line  119  when viewed from a front view. 
     In embodiments, ball containment width  30  may be disposed within a distance from widest point  24  measured along longitudinal bisecting line  119 , equal to or less than about half the diameter of a lacrosse ball  28  with which head  104  is used. For example, based on widely accepted dimensions of a lacrosse ball (e.g., a 63 mm-diameter ball), ball containment width  30  may be disposed within a distance of about 31.5 mm or less from widest point  24 . In particular implementations, ball containment width  30  may be disposed closer to widest point  24 , for example, a distance equal to about ¼ of the diameter of a lacrosse ball (e.g., about 16 mm for a 63 mm-diameter ball). In other implementations, ball containment width  30  may be disposed immediately adjacent to widest point  24 , for example, when the inside edge of the generally lateral portion ( 1084  or  1104 ) is perpendicular to, or even beyond perpendicular to (e.g., extending in both a lateral and a forward-to-rearward direction, examples of which are shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , described below), the longitudinal bisecting line  119 . This positioning of ball containment width  30  may enable better control of ball  28  when ball  28  is placed on the back side of the forward portion of head  104  between sidewalls  108  and  110  and shoulder portions  111  and  113 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the pinched configuration in the forward portion of head  104  contains ball  28  within a smaller width across longitudinal bisecting line  119 . In extreme embodiments, ball containment width  30  may be slightly larger than a diameter of a lacrosse ball with which head  104  is used. For example, ball containment width  30  may be as small as about 63 mm. In other embodiments, ball containment width  30  may be greater and still provide desired ball control. For example, within a longitudinal distance  32  in the rearward direction of widest point  24  equal to about half a diameter of a ball with which head  104  is used (e.g., 31.5 mm for a 63 mm-diameter ball), ball containment width  30  may reach a minimum width within a range of about 63 mm to about 114 mm, and provide desired ball control. In other words, for example, the ball containment width  30  may reach a minimum width within a range of about 1 times to about 1.8 times the ball diameter. In one implementation, ball containment width  30  may reach a minimum width within a range of about 63 mm to about 103 mm, or about 1 times to about 1.7 times the ball diameter. 
     Embodiments may also provide a relatively narrow ball containment width within a containment zone that is located with respect to the center of the ball stop. As shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, embodiments may locate ball containment width  30  within containment zone  38 , which begins a distance  34  from the center of ball stop  114  and extends in the forward direction toward widest point  24 . In a particular implementation, containment zone  38  may begin at a distance  34  of approximately 163 mm from the center of ball stop  114 , and within that containment zone  38 , ball containment width may reach a minimum width within a range of about 63 mm to about 114 mm, centered across longitudinal bisecting line  119 . Proportionally, distance  34  at which ball containment zone  38  begins may be approximately 53% to approximately 64% of the overall length of head  24  as measured at distance  26 , based on an approximate distance  34  of 163 mm and an overall length (distance  26 ) of head  104  ranging from about 254 mm minimum to about 305 mm maximum, according to widely accepted rules dictating women&#39;s lacrosse head dimensions. In one implementation, distance  34  is approximately 63% of distance  26 , based on an approximate distance  34  of 163 mm and an overall length (distance  26 ) of approximately 259 mm. 
     In embodiments, the ball containment width may be provided in the forward portion of head, where the forward portion starts at approximately a midpoint of the overall length of the head measured along the longitudinal bisecting line from an inside point on the stop member to a top outside on the transverse wall. In embodiments, the midpoint may be a distance from stop member ranging from about 127 mm to about 152.5 mm, based on an overall length (distance  26 ) of head  104  ranging from about 254 mm minimum to about 305 mm maximum. Referring to  FIG. 2 , a midpoint would be half of distance  26 . In an exemplary implementation, with a lacrosse head having a widest point  24  of about 159 mm, from the midpoint moving in a forward direction toward widest point  24 , the ball containment width  30  between the innermost edge of first longitudinal portion  1082  and the innermost edge of second longitudinal portion  1102 , measured perpendicularly across longitudinal bisecting line  119 , would reach a minimum width of at least 114 mm within a distance in the rearward direction of widest point  24  equal to about half a diameter of a ball with which head  104  is used. In particular embodiments, which may provide a smaller containment area and more ball control, ball containment width  30  would reach a minimum width of about 103 mm, and in extreme embodiments may reach a minimum width slightly wider than a diameter of a typical lacrosse ball, e.g., 63 mm. 
     In embodiments, to provide a narrow ball containment width  30  in a containment zone  38 , lateral and longitudinal portions of a sidewall may be joined by the elbow portion at angles to each other. For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , longitudinal portion  1082  and lateral portion  1084  may meet at elbow portion  1080  at angle  40  within a range of about 60 degrees to about 130 degrees. In other embodiments, longitudinal portion  1082  and lateral portion  1084  may meet at elbow portion  1080  at angle  40  within a range of about 75 degrees to about 115 degrees. Longitudinal portion  1102 , lateral portion  1104 , and elbow portion  1100  may be similarly configured, with angle  42 . In embodiments, the configurations of the lateral, longitudinal, and elbow portions of sidewalls  108  and  110  may be the same so that the configurations are symmetrical. In other embodiments, the configurations may be different from each other to provide an asymmetrical configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , elbow portions  1080  and  1100  may provide sharp interior corners with vertices. In alternative embodiments, elbow portions  1080  and  1100  may provide rounded interior corners, in which case the angles of the longitudinal and lateral portions may be measured beyond the rounded corner. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15-19 , embodiments may provide alternative sidewall configurations for forming a narrow ball containment width  30  in a containment zone  38  of a lacrosse head. In these examples, as a reference, ball containment zone  38  begins at approximately a distance in the rearward direction from widest point  24  along longitudinal bisecting line  119  equal to half a diameter of a lacrosse ball  28  (e.g., 31.5 mm for a 63 mm-diameter ball). As shown, within that containment zone  38 , each sidewall configuration of  FIGS. 15-19  reaches a minimum ball containment width  30 . The sidewall configurations of  FIGS. 15 and 17-19  provide a minimum ball containment width  30  slightly larger than the diameter of ball  28 . The sidewall configuration of  FIG. 16  reaches a minimum ball containment width  30  that is greater than those of  FIGS. 15 and 17-19 , e.g., ⅓ larger than the diameter of the ball  28 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , a head  1504  may include sidewalls having longitudinal portions moving closer to longitudinal bisecting line  119  as the longitudinal portions extend in the forward direction, and lateral portions that extend toward longitudinal bisecting line  119  and in a forward direction, meeting at acutely angled elbow portions (e.g., about 75 degrees). 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , a head  1604  may include sidewalls having longitudinal portions extending generally parallel to longitudinal bisecting line  119  in the forward direction, and lateral portions that extend toward bisecting line  24  and in a forward direction greater than the configuration of  FIG. 15 , but also meeting at acutely angled elbow portions (e.g., also about 75 degrees). 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , a head  1704  may include sidewalls having elbow portions in a more rearward position, as compared to the embodiments of  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The sidewalls may have longitudinal portions moving closer to longitudinal bisecting line  119  as the longitudinal portions extend in the forward direction, and lateral portions that extend toward longitudinal bisecting line  119  and in a rearward direction, meeting at obtusely angled elbow portions (e.g., about 115 degrees). 
     Embodiments may also include sidewalls having more than two portions, as well as continuous or indistinct portions, provided by rounded or freeform shapes. As shown in  FIG. 18 , a head  1804  may include sidewalls each having a generally lateral portion and a generally longitudinal portion having two sub-portions. The two generally longitudinal sub-portions may form an elbow at which a minimum width is provided, as well as an overall hourglass shape, with the minimum ball containment width  30  provided forward of the minimum width and within containment zone  38 . Head  1804  may define an overall length along longitudinal bisecting line  119  from an inside point on the stop member to a top outside point on the transverse wall. From a midpoint of the overall length in a forward direction, an innermost edge of the first longitudinal portion of the first sidewall may extend from the midpoint to the first interior corner and may have an angle of divergence from parallel  50  to longitudinal bisecting line  119  in at least one of the forward  51  or rearward  52  directions that is not greater than 25 degrees. Likewise, from the midpoint of the overall length in the forward direction, an innermost edge of the second longitudinal portion of the second sidewall extends from the midpoint to the second interior corner and has an angle of divergence from parallel to longitudinal bisecting line  119  in at least one of the forward or rearward directions that is not greater than 25 degrees. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , a head  1904  may include sidewalls having freeform shapes that provide a minimum ball containment width  30  through the ball containment zone  38 . 
     Thus, notwithstanding the particular pinched sidewall configurations described herein, the present embodiments should be considered broadly applicable to any lacrosse head constructions that position sidewalls close to each other in the forward portion of the head, near the widest point of the head, and within a certain distance in the rearward direction of the widest point, such as a distance equal to approximately the half diameter of a typical lacrosse ball. 
     In addition to a pinched forward head configuration, embodiments may include provisions for extending the pinched configuration into the frame of an opposing lacrosse head against which a head of the present embodiments is placed back-to-back during a draw. As shown in the side view of  FIG. 3 , head  104  may include downward protrusions  306  on each of sidewalls  108  and  110  (the opposite side view of  FIG. 3  is a mirror image in this embodiment), which when viewed from the side view, protrude downwardly away from horizontal centerline  121 , which may be defined by a majority length of handle  102 . The protrusions  306  may be formed by the elbow portions  1100  and  1080 , which also provide the minimum ball containment width  30  in this embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . The protrusions  306  protrude downwardly with respect to the adjacent lower edges  304  of the sidewalls  108  and  110  disposed in the rearward direction, and with respect to the shoulder portions  111  and  113  disposed in the forward direction. The lower edges  304  of sidewalls  108  and  110  may extend generally parallel to horizontal centerline  121  and may join stop member  114 , which descends moving in a rearward direction to a lowermost point  302 . In embodiments, lowermost point  302  of stop member  114  and a lowermost point of protrusions  306  may be generally disposed on a plane  308  that is generally parallel to horizontal centerline  121 . In addition, lower edges  304  of sidewalls  108  and  110  may be generally parallel to horizontal centerline  121 . 
     In embodiments, the raised lower edges  304  and downward protrusions  306  may cooperate with complementary structures of the back of an opposing lacrosse head during a draw, and provide a ball containment area within the frame of the opposing lacrosse head. In particular, with an embodiment placed back-to-back with an opposing lacrosse head, the recessed area  310  formed by stop member  114 , lower edges  304 , and protrusions  306  may receive the scoop of the opposing lacrosse head, while protrusions  306  may protrude into the pocket of the opposing lacrosse head and, notably, inside of the scoop, shoulder portions, and sidewalls of the opposing lacrosse head. With that configuration, the frame of head  104  may reach up and over the scoop of the opposing lacrosse head, and extend deep within the frame of the opposing lacrosse head. As represented by the dashed lines in  FIG. 3 , a ball  28  placed between the backs of the heads may then be contained inside protrusions  306 , such that ball  28  is closer to the frame of head  104  than to the frame of the opposing lacrosse head. 
     Incorporating aspects described above in reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , an embodiment provides a lacrosse stick  200  having both a pinched ball containment area in the forward portion of the head  204 , and also downwardly extending protrusions in the forward portion, as shown in  FIGS. 4-10 . Lacrosse stick  200  may include a handle  202  (partially shown in  FIGS. 5-8 ) and a double-wall synthetic head  204 . Head  204  may have a generally V-shaped frame having a juncture  206 , sidewalls  208  and  210 , a transverse wall  212  joining the sidewalls  208  and  210  at their ends opposite juncture  206 , and a stop member  214  adjoining juncture  206  and joining sidewalls  208  and  210  at their ends nearest juncture  206 . The frame may be considered to extend from a rearward end at the juncture  206  to a forward end at the transverse wall  212 . As shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , handle  202  may fit into and through juncture  206 , may abut stop member  214 , and may define (by a majority length of handle  202 ) a horizontal centerline  121  of the handle  202  and head  204  as shown, for example, in the side elevation views of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , as well as a longitudinal bisecting line  119  as shown, for example, in the front view of  FIG. 5  and rear view of  FIG. 6  (bisecting the head  204  longitudinally into two halves). Screws or other fasteners may be placed through openings  207  in juncture  206 , securing handle  202  to head  204 . 
     In embodiments, lacrosse stick head  204  may have a traditional pocket configuration, a mesh pocket configuration, or a combination of the two configurations. The traditional pocket may include thongs made of leather or synthetic material strung from forward thong holes  216  in transverse wall  212  to rearward thong holes  218  in stop member  214 . To complete the pocket web, the thongs may have nylon strings threaded around the thongs and string laced through string holes in sidewalls  208  and  210 , forming any number of diamonds or other shapes (crosslacing). 
     In traditional pockets, thongs (not shown in  FIGS. 5-8 ) made of leather or synthetic material may extend from forward thong holes  216  in transverse wall  212  to rearward thong holes  218  in stop member  214  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ). As one embodiment,  FIGS. 4-10  show four pairs ( 216 ,  218 ) of thong holes that may accept four thongs. Other numbers of pairs may be used. To complete the pocket web, nylon strings may be threaded around the thongs and string may be laced through string holes  220  in sidewalls  208  and  210 , forming any number of diamonds or other shapes (crosslacing). In embodiments, one or more throwing or shooting strings may extend transversely between the forward portions of sidewalls  208  and  210 , attaching to throwing string holes  224  and a string laced through string holes  222 . In embodiments, a thong may not be attached directly to a thong hole, and instead may be connected to a separate material that attaches the thong to the lacrosse head frame and that is easier to adjust through the thong hole. In addition, in some embodiments, a top string (e.g., nylon string) may be strung along the thong holes of the scoop, and the thongs may be attached to the top string. 
     A completely mesh pocket configuration may use a mesh knitted as a continuous piece of material. This continuous piece of material may attach to the lacrosse head as a single unit. The mesh may be attached to the lacrosse head using transverse lacing, which may reinforce the web of the mesh that is adjacent to the lacrosse head. 
     As with the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , embodiments according to  FIGS. 5-8  may include provisions for improving the performance of a women&#39;s lacrosse stick, especially with respect to draw maneuvers, and within the context of rules governing the configuration of lacrosse heads. In particular, lacrosse head  204  may include provisions for forming in a forward portion of the head a ball containment area that fits within the frame of an opposing conventional lacrosse head. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , lacrosse head  204  may have a pinched forward portion that positions the innermost edges of sidewalls  208  and  210  relatively close to longitudinal bisecting line  119  to define a relatively narrow ball containment width  30  of head  204  near the widest point  24  along the longitudinal bisecting line  119 . In embodiments, the ball containment width  30  is provided as close to widest point  24  as possible. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , rounded interior elbow portions of sidewalls  208  and  210 , in combination with a rapid increase in width may allow ball containment width  30  to be disposed close to widest point  24  along the longitudinal bisecting line  119 . Embodiments may provide this dramatic change in width by configuring each of sidewalls  208  and  210  with an elbow portion connecting a generally longitudinal portion to a generally lateral portion. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , sidewall  208  may include an elbow portion  2080  joining a generally longitudinal portion  2082  and a generally lateral portion  2084 , while similarly, sidewall  210  may include an elbow portion  2100  joining a generally longitudinal portion  2102  and a generally lateral portion  2104 . In embodiments, the longitudinal, elbow, and lateral portions refer to the inside structures of the sidewalls, which may provide the ball control aspects described herein. 
     In embodiments of  FIGS. 4-10 , ball containment width  30  may be positioned close to widest point  24  by configuring an innermost edge of lateral portion  2084  of first sidewall  208  to extend from the interior rounded corner of elbow portion  2080  to shoulder portion  211  within a range of ±25 degrees of perpendicular to longitudinal bisecting line  119  when viewed from a front view, as represented by the dashed line  240  in  FIG. 5 . Similarly, an innermost edge of lateral portion  2104  of first sidewall  210  may extend from the interior corner of elbow portion  2100  to shoulder portion  213  within a range of ±25 degrees of perpendicular to longitudinal bisecting line  119  when viewed from a front view, as represented by the dashed line  241  in  FIG. 5 . 
     In embodiments, ball containment width  30  may be disposed within a distance from widest point  24  measured along longitudinal bisecting line  119 , equal to or less than about half the diameter of a lacrosse ball  28  with which head  204  is used. For example, referring to  FIG. 11 , based on widely accepted dimensions of a lacrosse ball, ball containment width  30  may be disposed within a distance  36  of about 32 mm or less from widest point  24 , as represented by ball containment zone  38 . In a particular implementation, ball containment width  30  may be disposed within a range that begins at approximately 15 mm rearward of the widest point  24  and continues rearwardly to a distance from widest point  24  of approximately 32 mm, over which ball containment width  30  may vary within a range of about 93 mm to about 103 mm. Containment zone  38  may begin at a distance  34  of approximately 163 mm from the center of ball stop  214 . Thus, within that containment zone  38 , ball containment width  30  may reach a minimum width of at least 103 mm, centered across longitudinal bisecting line  119 . In a particular implementation of  FIG. 11 , distance  34 , at which containment zone  38  begins, is approximately 63% of distance  26 , based on an approximate distance  34  of 163 mm and an overall length (distance  26 ) of approximately 259 mm. 
     In embodiments, to provide a narrow ball containment  30  width in a containment zone  38 , lateral and longitudinal portions of a sidewall may be joined by the elbow portion at angles to each other. For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , longitudinal portion  2082  and lateral portion  2084  may meet at elbow portion  2080  at an angle (between dashed lines  240  and  242 ) within a range of about 60 degrees to about 130 degrees. In other embodiments, longitudinal portion  2082  and lateral portion  2084  may meet at elbow portion  2080  at an angle within a range of about 75 degrees to about 115 degrees. Longitudinal portion  2102 , lateral portion  2104 , and elbow portion  2100  may be similarly configured. In a particular implementation, the angle of an elbow portion is approximately 95 degrees. 
     The pinched forward configuration of head  204  provides beneficial performance characteristics, especially in the context of play-starting draws. As shown in  FIG. 12 , for example, the pinched forward portion of a head  204  according to the present embodiments may rest inside the frame of an opposing lacrosse head  1200 . A ball  28  placed between the rear sides of head  204  and head  1200  is therefore closer to the frame of head  204  and therefore more controllable by head  204 . 
     As shown best in  FIGS. 4 and 7-10 , head  204  may also include provisions for extending deep within the frame of opposing lacrosse head  1200  (in a direction into the sheet of  FIG. 12 ). As shown in the side views of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , head  204  may include abrupt downward protrusions  406  on each of sidewalls  208  and  210 , which when viewed from the side view, protrude downwardly away from horizontal centerline  121 , which may be defined by a majority length of handle  202 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , protrusions  406  may be formed by the elbow portions  2100  and  2080 , which may also provide ball containment width  30  in this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Protrusions  406  protrude downwardly with respect to the adjacent lower edges  404  of the sidewalls  208  and  210  disposed in the rearward direction, and with respect to the shoulder portions  211  and  213  disposed in the forward direction. The lower edges  404  of sidewalls  208  and  210  may extend generally parallel to longitudinal centerline  121  and may join stop member  214 , which descends moving in a rearward direction to a lowermost point  402 . In embodiments, lowermost point  402  of stop member  214  and a lowermost point of protrusions  406  may be generally disposed on a plane  408  that is generally parallel to horizontal centerline  121 . In addition, lower edges  404  of sidewalls  208  and  210  may be generally parallel to horizontal centerline  121 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , in embodiments, raised lower edges  404  and downward protrusions  406  may cooperate with complementary structures of the back of an opposing lacrosse head  1200  during a draw, and provide a ball containment area within the frame of the opposing lacrosse head  1200 . In particular, the recessed area  410  formed by stop member  214 , lower edges  404 , and protrusions  406  may receive the scoop  1212  of the opposing lacrosse head, while protrusions  406  may protrude into the frame of the opposing lacrosse head  1200  and, notably, inside of the scoop  1212 , shoulder portions  1213 , and sidewalls  1208  of the opposing lacrosse head. With that configuration, the frame of head  204  may reach up and over the scoop  1212  of the opposing lacrosse head  1200 , and extend deep within the frame of the opposing lacrosse head  1200 . As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a ball  28  placed between the backs of the heads may then be contained inside protrusions  406 , such that ball  28  is closer to the frame of head  204  than to the frame of the opposing lacrosse head  1200 . 
     In embodiments, a first lower edge of sidewall  208  may define a first downward protrusion  406  at the first elbow portion  2080 , and a second lower edge of sidewall  210  may define a second downward protrusion  406  at the second elbow portion  2100 . As shown in the side views of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , downward protrusions may be round. In embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 7 , second lower edge of sidewall  210  at protrusion  406  may lie along an approximately 90 degree arc of circle  412  having a radius of about 12 mm. First lower edge of sidewall  208  at protrusion  406  may be similarly configured. Those sizes and shapes may lead to surprising benefits in smoothly sliding over the scoop and pocket of an opposing lacrosse head without snagging, and in matching the shape of a lacrosse ball, for cupping the ball and improving ball control. 
     Embodiments may provide further aspects of ball control relative to frame openings between elbow portions of the sidewalls and the transverse wall. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , when viewed from a front view, lacrosse head  204  may define a first gap  250  extending generally parallel to longitudinal bisecting line  119  between an interior edge of first elbow portion  2080  and a first innermost point of transverse wall  212 , and a second gap  252  extending generally parallel to longitudinal bisecting line  119  between an interior edge of second elbow portion  2100  and a second innermost point of transverse wall  212 , with each of first gap  250  and second gap  252  being shorter than the diameter of a lacrosse ball  28 , for example, shorter than 62.7 mm. Such configurations form frame areas that a lacrosse ball cannot enter. As shown in  FIG. 14 , ball  28  simultaneously contacts the elbow portion  2100  of sidewall  210  and the transverse wall  212 , preventing ball  28  from entering the area represented by arrow  254 . The pinched frame geometry therefore provides additional ball control by containing a ball toward the center of the forward portion of the lacrosse head, to gain control of the ball over an opponent during a draw. During a draw, the pinched frame geometry, in effect, may suspend the ball away from the shoulder portion of the lacrosse head frame. The pinched frame geometry may also provide a channel for enhanced ball control during throwing and catching. 
     In embodiments described herein, sidewall portions of a lacrosse head may extend generally lateral to a longitudinal bisecting line, such as first lateral portion  2084  and second lateral portion  2104  of head  204 , shown in  FIG. 5 . The lateral configuration may present challenges in providing string holes in that area of a head, to which a pocket may be attached. Embodiments may therefore include provisions for receiving stringing members of the pocket. For example, as shown in  FIG. 20 , head  204  may include a first stringing channel  2089  through lateral portion  2084  and a second stringing channel  2109  through lateral portion  2104 . Channels  2089  and  2109  may extend generally along their respective lateral portions  2084  and  2104  and lead to string holes through their respective shoulder portions  111  and  113 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , the walls of channels  2089  and  2090  may gradually decrease in size so that the edges of the channels are angled and rounded, and so that the channels gradually fade away. The configurations of the channels therefore allow for attaching a pocket to the pinched forward portion of head  204 . 
     Overall, based on the aspects of the pinched forward configuration described above, the present embodiments may provide surprising benefits in performance, for example, in terms of ball control, quickness, and durability. The pinched configurations provide draw-specific shapes that allow a player to maneuver her lacrosse head within her opponent&#39;s lacrosse head and gain control of the ball. The pinched sidewall configuration may also enable a lightweight head that allows for an easy “reach” once the ball is released, while also providing a strong and durable head that enables a player to “power through” the draw with strength and stability. 
     During a draw, when a ball is placed between a lacrosse head of the present embodiments and a conventional lacrosse head, the ball is essentially predisposed to fall within the geometry of the present embodiments, due to the pinched face shape. That geometry places the frame of the present embodiments closer to the ball than the frame of the opposing lacrosse head. Therefore, the present embodiments provide significant performance improvements in providing first contact and control when the referee “sets” the ball. In addition, the lower sidewall edge protrusion profile further cups the ball and enhances contact with and control of the ball. 
     The present embodiments may also provide beneficial post-draw performance, in scooping, cradling, controlling, and throwing a lacrosse ball. The pinched configuration may provide a sturdy forward portion of the head that may provide desired support and stability in competing for ground balls post-draw, and in scooping through the ground. To further improve scooping, the downward protrusions described above (e.g., protrusions  406  of  FIG. 7 ) may allow a lacrosse head to smoothly slide across the ground without snagging on dirt, grass, or turf. 
     The pinched configurations of the present embodiments may also provide benefits in controlling the ball during catching, cradling, and throwing actions. The ball containment widths provided by the sidewalls may act as pocket channels that keep the ball centered along the longitudinal bisecting line of the head when the ball is received in the forward portion of the head and moves toward the ball stop, when the ball is cradled in the forward portion of the head, and when the ball travels forward in the pocket and out of the pocket during a throw. The ball containment width within the ball containment zone may be fine-tuned to provide a desired balance between controlling a ball during a draw and controlling a ball when receiving or releasing the ball into/from the pocket of the head. For example, a ball containment width slightly larger than the ball may provide a high degree of ball control during a draw but may restrict movement of the ball into and out of the pocket during catching and throwing. In embodiments, a ball containment width that is ⅓ to ½ larger than a ball diameter may provide a suitable balance in performance. 
     The lacrosse head embodiments described herein may be configured to receive a straight handle or a bent handle. For example, referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the socket of the juncture  106  could be configured to receive a handle with an end portion bent at an angle of between about 1-10 degrees, with the horizontal centerline  121  corresponding to the centerline of the majority length of the handle. The bent handle configuration may provide the same benefits as a straight head-handle configuration, for example, in terms of a pinched forward head portion and downward protrusions, which facilitate ball control, especially during draws. Thus, in embodiments, a lacrosse stick having the features described herein may include configurations having a downwardly canted handle, examples of which are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,488,266, issued Feb. 10, 2009, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     As used herein, the “centerline” refers to the centerline of the majority of a handle. In the case of a straight handle, the centerline coincides with the center longitudinal axis of the straight handle. In instances of handles having angled end portions inserted into lacrosse head frames, or in instances of angled throat sections of lacrosse heads, the centerline would be defined by the remaining majority length of the handle that extends away from the angled end portion or angled throat, and that is held by a player. For example, referring to  FIG. 7 , if handle  202  bends within the last few inches (e.g., 3 inches) of the end of the handle  202  at a 10 degree angle, with the bent end portion disposed inside the socket of throat  206 , then that bent end portion is to be ignored for purposes of the centerline. Thus, in the example of  FIG. 7 , the horizontal line  121 , which corresponds to the majority length of the handle  202 , is the centerline for purposes of the present embodiments. 
     Examples of suitable materials for a lacrosse head according to the present embodiments include nylon, composite materials, elastomers, metal, urethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyketone, polybutylene terephalate, acetals (e.g., Delrin™ by DuPont), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), acrylic, acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA), alcryn (partially crosslinked halogenated polyolefin alloy), styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-butylene styrene, thermoplastic olefinic (TPO), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Examples of suitable materials for a handle according to the present embodiments include wood, metal (e.g., aluminum, titanium, scandium, CU31, C405, and C555), plastic, and composites. 
     As used herein, the term “point” refers generally to a dimensional position and not necessarily to a single point, and may include one or more points. 
     As used herein, the term “sidewall rail” refers generally to the edge or surface of a sidewall running along the upper or lower portion of the sidewall. In this respect, a sidewall rail does not have to be a bar-like member as illustrated in open-sidewall embodiments described herein, and could instead be an integral member of a closed sidewall configuration, in which the upper edge of the closed sidewall can be considered an upper sidewall rail and the lower edge of the closed sidewall can be considered a lower sidewall rail. In addition, a sidewall rail could also be both bar-like and integral in a partially open sidewall configuration, for example, where the openings do not extend the full length of the sidewall, or in areas where a sidewall typically decreases in height and assumes a solid construction through the height, such as near the stop member or the transverse wall. Accordingly, notwithstanding the particular embodiments illustrated herein, the term “sidewall rail” should be broadly interpreted to cover any upper or lower edge or surface portion of a sidewall. 
     For purposes of convenience various directional adjectives are used in describing the embodiments. For example, the description may refer to the top, bottom, and side portions or surfaces of a component. It may be appreciated that these are only intended to be relative terms and, for example, the top and bottom portions may not always be aligned with vertical up and down directions depending on the orientation of a component or lacrosse stick. 
     It should also be noted that relative terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “top,” and “bottom,” are used herein to describe the embodiments as depicted in the accompanying figures and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context of the usage dictates otherwise, when used in reference to a lacrosse stick or head as a whole, the term “front” refers to the side of the lacrosse stick through which a ball is caught and the terms “back” and “rear” refer to the side of the lacrosse stick that is opposite to the “front” and is where the pocket is disposed. It should also be noted that figures provided herein generally depict the illustrated lacrosse head with the pocket side of the head (i.e., the rear) facing downward. It will be apparent to skilled practitioners that the orientation of a lacrosse stick varies dramatically during play and the relative positions of the elements of the present embodiments will similarly vary from those depicted. 
     The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. 
     While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. 
     Further, in describing representative embodiments, the specification may have presented a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present embodiments.