Patent Publication Number: US-2011073226-A1

Title: All weather protective, adjustable and reversible slip over lacrosse stick head cover

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/247,443, filed Sep. 30, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a protective lacrosse stick head cover accessory that slips over the head of the stick(s) only and is adjustable and reversible. During games and practice in outdoor lacrosse, players do not have a form of protection for their back-up sticks when exposed to inclement weather. These sticks, which typically are not used during the course of a game or practice, lay flat on the ground exposed to rain, snow, cold weather, and the like. 
     As can be seen, there is a need for a device to ensure the protection of the head of the stick and the components within it, from inclement weather and abuse. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a lacrosse stick head cover is described comprising a bag open at one end made of waterproof material and having an interior and an exterior; a waterproof drawstring attached to the open end of the bag; a sliding and locking mechanism attached to the drawstring adapted to allow the drawstring to hold the open end of the bag closed; and a hanging mechanism attached to the exterior of the bag. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method of protecting a head of a lacrosse stick from damage during storage is described comprising providing a waterproof bag with one open end having a drawstring encircling the open end of the bag and a sliding and locking mechanism attached to the drawstring; slipping the open end of the bag over the head of the lacrosse stick; pulling the drawstring to close the open end of the bag securely against a shaft of the lacrosse stick; and securing the sliding and locking mechanism attached to the drawstring to hold the bag closed; thus protecting the head of the lacrosse stick from damage. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the device in place on a lacrosse stick head; a broken line shows the position of the device before closing with the drawstring; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the device according to  FIG. 1  in the open position, and also shows a lacrosse stick head ready to be covered with the exemplary embodiment of the device; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the device according to  FIG. 1  in the open position, and also shows a lacrosse stick ready to be covered with the exemplary embodiment of the device, and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 1  of an exemplary embodiment of the device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. 
     Broadly, embodiments of the present invention generally provide slip over, adjustable and reversible protective covers to serve as a lacrosse stick head accessory and designed to protect one or more lacrosse stick heads from weather exposure and physical damage. 
     This cover can protect the head of the stick only so that the elements can not negatively affect the components within the head of the stick such as mesh, leather, and stringing. The instant waterproof cover can slip over the head only of the lacrosse stick (not the shaft) and protect it from inclement weather and cold temperatures. Furthermore, it is quick and easy to put on and take off, making it useful during games when the cover needs to be removed quickly. 
     An exemplary embodiment of the device is shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The device  10  comprises a bag  20  composed of material that is waterproof, provides insulation, and resists abrasion, with all the stitching inside the bag  20  and not exposed. Exemplary dimensions for covering a short stick head  60  can be rectangular in shape about 8 inches wide by 13 inches long. Exemplary dimensions for the larger goalie sticks can be about 14.5 inches wide by 20 inches long. Both bags can have a depth between the walls of the bag  20  of about 2.5 inches to 3 inches. Attached to the bag  20  on the inside and within the bag  20 , so it acts as one solid piece, is a padded and insulated material  110  to help insulate the bag  20  as well as protect the head  60  of the stick  70  from damage. A variety of suitable materials and fabrics are known in the art. A hanging mechanism  30  such as a hook or loop can be attached to the bag  20  to allow the device to be easily hung up. The open end of the bag  20  can be encircled by an integral waterproof drawstring  40 . The drawstring  40  can be contained within a reinforced channel  80  at the open end of the bag  20 . Attached to the drawstring  40  can be a sliding and locking mechanism  50  to assist in opening and closing the cover and securing it tightly to the shaft of the stick  70 . When pulled tight and locked in place, the bag  20  can be held firmly to the shaft of the stick  70  (see  FIG. 1 ) so elements can not enter the bag  20 , as well as keeping the bag  20  firmly in place and unable to fall off. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a two-drawstring system may be implemented where the two drawstrings can be pulled from opposite sides of the open end of the bag. In another alternative embodiment, a hook and loop fastener system such as a VELCRO® strap can be combined with the drawstring system, or used by itself, but VELCRO® may not perform optimally in inclement weather. The device may also be expanded to a larger cover so that multiple sticks may be covered within one bag. An optional element may be an insulated pouch  100  within the bag to facilitate storage of small items or insertion of a heat pad to control the interior temperature during cold weather. 
     When considering on-the-field needs when outdoors, this device can function with the following exemplary elements. The device can function as an integrated piece and can be waterproof and insulated to protect against inclement weather and cold temperatures. The waterproof, insulated and damage-resistant cover is important for protection when outdoors. Additionally, the cover can comprise parts and pieces that do not easily break or jam in inclement weather. The re-enforced material for holding the drawstring securely around the base of the bag, the waterproof drawstring and the sliding and locking mechanism are important elements. This device ensures that players are provided with a cover that is easy to use, does not consist of parts and pieces that easily break or jam, as well as securing the device tightly to the head of the stick so elements cannot enter the cover, the cover cannot fall off as well as allowing the player to take the cover on and off quickly during games. Players often have a secondary or back-up stick in addition to the one being actively used in a game. 
     In order to use the device, disengage the locking mechanism and pull the drawstring so that the opening of the bag is expanded to its maximum width. Slip the bag over the head of the stick only so that the head is completely protected and not visible. When the bag is applied, hold the drawstring and gather the open end of the cover towards the shaft of the stick at the base of the head of the stick (where the head joins the shaft). Slide the locking mechanism on the drawstring toward the shaft of the stick and lock the cover in place so it is held securely against the shaft of the stick. When complete, the head of the lacrosse stick is completely covered and protected and the cover is securely held in place against the stick shaft at the base of the cover so elements cannot enter the cover, and the cover cannot fall off. 
     This instant invention can be used in multiple ways. Players can use the instant invention as an on-the-field cover to protect their sticks in inclement weather. Players can also use this cover when traveling for protection against abuse under buses, planes, and the like. Additionally, the cover can be used as a bag to hold wallets, keys, and the like. The device can optionally come with a see-through pouch  90  on the exterior allowing users to insert personal identity items for easier recognition of property. The bag can also be reversible. 
     It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.