Patent Publication Number: US-7896761-B2

Title: Lacrosse head having a flexible stringing member and a recessed scoop

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/345,321, filed Feb. 2, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/648,688, filed Feb. 2, 2005, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to lacrosse sticks, and more particularly, to a lacrosse stick head having at least one of a flexible stringing member and a recessed scoop. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional lacrosse stick  100  having a handle  102  shown in dotted lines and a double-wall synthetic head  104 . Head  104  comprises 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  114  joining sidewalls  108  and  110  at their ends nearest juncture  106 . As shown, handle  102  fits into and through juncture  106 , and abuts stop member  114 . A screw or other fastener placed through opening  107  secures handle  102  to head  104 . 
     For traditionally-strung pockets (which have thongs and string instead of mesh), thongs (not shown) made of leather or synthetic material extend from upper thong holes  116  in transverse wall  112  to lower thong holes  118  in stop member  114 . In some designs, such as the design shown in  FIG. 1 , upper thong holes  116  are located on tabs  117  of the scoop  112 . On other designs, upper thong holes  116  are located directly on the scoop  112 .  FIG. 1  shows four pairs ( 116 ,  118 ) of thong holes that accept four thongs. To complete the pocket web, nylon strings are threaded around the thongs and string is laced through string holes  120  in sidewalls  108  and  110 , forming any number of diamonds (crosslacing). Finally, one or more throwing or shooting strings extend transversely between the upper portions of sidewalls  108  and  110 , attaching to throwing string holes  124  and a string laced through string holes  122 . A handle or shaft  102  is disposed in juncture  106  of head  104  and is secured to head  104  with a screw or similar fastener placed in opening  107 . The typical features of a lacrosse stick 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. 
     Conventional rigid lacrosse heads that string the pocket directly to the rigid frame frustrate a manufacturer&#39;s ability to satisfy divergent performance characteristics. For example, to provide better ball control during face-offs or when scooping ground balls, a player may prefer a strong but deformable lacrosse head that returns to its original shape once the deforming force is removed. At the same time, a player may desire a less rigid, vibration-dampening lacrosse head that absorbs impacts to the lacrosse head by other sticks to help prevent a ball from being jarred from the head. With a conventional rigid head that strings the pocket directly to the rigid frame, the manufacturer must choose a material that serves both of these disparate purposes. Although the manufacturer can compensate somewhat for this performance tradeoff by using structural elements (e.g., increasing the thickness of the sidewalls), the practical result of the tradeoff is a lacrosse head that satisfies neither purpose optimally. 
     There are many other examples of these types of tradeoffs in choosing a material for a conventional rigid lacrosse head. For example, providing the necessary rigidity in a lacrosse head can compromise the ability to provide a dampening pocket. In an effort to deepen a pocket as much as possible, some conventional men&#39;s lacrosse heads maximize the height of the sidewalls to the upper limit of 2 inches that is mandated by applicable rules. Unfortunately, maximizing the height of the traditional rigid sidewall does not enhance the flexibility of the pocket in any way. The rigid frame of the traditional lacrosse head can make the overall catching area stiff and unforgiving. Indeed, the only non-rigid component of the conventional men&#39;s lacrosse head is the pocket. A sharp jolt to the stick, as often happens when a player is checked, can cause the stiff frame to jerk the pocket and propel the ball out of the lacrosse head. Players would therefore prefer a less rigid lacrosse head that better dampens the pocket to keep a ball in the lacrosse head. 
     Another example of a performance tradeoff concerns the rigidity of the lacrosse head frame in relation to the tightness of the pocket strings. With conventional rigid lacrosse heads that attach the pocket directly to the rigid frame, the stiffer the material of the head, the less the head flexes or “gives” in response to tension on the pocket. As a result, the pocket in a women&#39;s lacrosse head can become excessively tight, such that impact with the ball causes a trampoline effect that makes the ball hard to catch and control. In essence, the pocket, strung on a rigid unforgiving frame, acts like the strings of a tennis racquet and rebounds the ball out of the pocket. This trampoline effect is especially troublesome for women&#39;s lacrosse sticks, which have shallower and more tightly strung pockets than men&#39;s lacrosse sticks. Again, restricted to a rigid head that attaches the pocket directly to the rigid frame, a manufacturer could use a more energy absorbing material to reduce the trampoline effect. However, using a more energy absorbing material can make the head less rigid and less suitable for accurate passing and shooting, and for protecting against ball-jarring hits. 
     Thus, there remains a need for a lacrosse head that better satisfies the divergent performance requirements discussed above. In particular, there remains a need for a lacrosse head that possesses the necessary structural support while also satisfying preferences for pocket dampening, ball control and retention, protective cushioning, and light weight. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An embodiment of the present invention provides a lacrosse stick having at least one of a flexible stringing member and a recessed scoop. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, a slot is formed in a lacrosse head along a stop member, a sidewall, and/or a scoop to provide the flexible stringing member. When provided at the scoop, the scoop and the flexible stringing member can overlap each other such that no through passage is visible through the slot when viewed in a direction facing a ball receiving side of the head. The flexible stringing member and lacrosse head frame can also have aligned holes separated by a gap, with the holes configured to receive an attachment member that adjusts the size of the gap. The flexible stringing member provided by the slot can move in multiple directions relative to the lacrosse head frame to provide both dampening and narrowing of the pocket. 
     In another embodiment, the flexible stringing member is a flexible stringing bar that extends from a stop member to a scoop. A flexible stringing bar can be provided adjacent to each sidewall, with the pocket attached to the bars. In this manner, when a ball is received into the pocket the flexible stringing bars can move toward each other to dynamically narrow the pocket, while also dampening the pull of the pocket. This dampening and narrowing greatly enhances ball control and retention. 
     In another embodiment, the flexible stringing member is more flexible in one direction than another. For example, the flexible stringing member can flex more in a first direction generally from the ball receiving side of the lacrosse head toward the ball retaining side of the lacrosse head than in a second direction generally from the ball retaining side of the lacrosse head toward the ball receiving side of the lacrosse head. The greater flexibility in the first direction dampens the pocket and improves ball control. The lesser flexibility in the second direction improves passing and shooting accuracy by providing a contoured pocket against which the ball can rise and release. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention provides upper sidewalls that are independent of a flexible lower sidewall member. The lower sidewall member can have a crosspiece that connects two lower sidewall members. The flexible stringing member can lie over the crosspiece for further support and/or flexibility. The lower sidewall member can be disposed outwardly of the upper sidewalls to absorb impacts before the upper sidewalls. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a lacrosse head has a recess in the scoop that curves toward the stop member to increase the amount of surface area that underlies and contacts a ball when scooping. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a lacrosse stick. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of an exemplary lacrosse stick having flexible stringing rails, a recessed scoop, and flexible pocket members, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating an end view of an exemplary lacrosse head having a flexible stringing rail along a recessed scoop according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of an exemplary lacrosse stick having flexible stringing rails, a recessed scoop, and a flexible pocket member, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of a ball receiving side of an exemplary lacrosse head having a flexible stringing rail along a recessed scoop, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary recessed scoop, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of a ball retaining side of an exemplary lacrosse head having a flexible stringing rail along a recessed scoop, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective end view of an exemplary lacrosse head having flexible stringing rails and a recessed scoop, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of an exemplary lacrosse stick having a recessed scoop, flexible stringing bars, flexible side rails, and flexible pocket members, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of the lacrosse stick shown in  FIG. 8 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are schematic diagrams illustrating a perspective view of flexible pocket members, along with an exploded view of components of the flexible pocket members, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of flexible pocket members, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating top and side views of the flexible pocket members shown in  FIG. 11 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of flexible pocket members having additional slots, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the ball receiving side of an exemplary lacrosse head having flexible stringing bars from the stop member to the scoop, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective side view of another exemplary lacrosse head having a flexible stringing bar disposed along a sidewall, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective side view of an exemplary lacrosse head having flexible stringing bars disposed on the lower edge of the upper sidewalls and near the scoop, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An embodiment of the present invention provides a lacrosse head having a flexible stringing member, for example, in at least one of the stop member, the sidewalls, and the scoop. The flexible stringing member provides additional “spring” or “give,” especially while catching and cradling, but without sacrificing too much movement in the reverse shooting direction. As used herein, a flexible stringing member refers to a member that, in response to a force such as the pull of a pocket from catching or cradling a regulation lacrosse ball, moves a greater distance than the main lacrosse head frame. 
       FIGS. 2-7  show an exemplary lacrosse stick  200  with a head  204  having flexible stringing rails  226  in the sidewalls  208 ,  210  and a flexible stringing rail  232  in the scoop  212 . Both of these flexible rails  226 ,  232  in the sidewalls  208 ,  210  and the scoop  212  can be limited in their motion toward the ball receiving side of the head  204  by the main frame  237  (e.g., about 0.020 inches toward the inside taper ends of the slot openings  228 ,  234 ), but are able to flex or move away much farther (e.g., greater than 0.090 inches) from the main frame  237  when, for example, pulled by the pocket strings (not shown) in a direction toward the ball retaining side of head  204 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the motion of the flexible rails  226 ,  232  is not limited in any direction, which can be accomplished, for example, by providing a larger slot opening  228 ,  234 . In another alternative embodiment, the flexible rails  226  can be disposed inwardly of the main frame  237 , rather than outwardly as is shown in  FIG. 3 , so that the flexible rails  226  are unimpeded in a direction toward the interior of head  204 . 
     The ends of the slot openings  228 ,  234  may be teardrop shaped  230 ,  235  so as to minimize the stress points during flexure of the plastic material at the end points where the flexible stringing rails  226 ,  232  are attached to the main frame  237 . In one embodiment, in the scoop  212 , the slot opening  234  is about 7.2 inches long and about 0.05 inches wide (as represented by dimension  271  in  FIG. 3 ), with a 2 degree taper inward (toward the interior of head  204 ) and rounded edges, as is best shown in  FIG. 3 . The teardrop shapes  230 ,  235  at the ends of the slot are approximately 0.3 inches in diameter and the amount of material between the bottom of the teardrop shapes  230 ,  235  and the outside of the scoop  212  is approximately 0.12 inches (as represented by dimension  275 ). This amount of material can be increased or decreased, as desired, to permit more or less flexure of the material at those end points respectively. 
     In another embodiment, in the sidewall, the slot opening  228  is about 7 inches long measured along a straight line from end point to end point and is about 0.03 inches wide, with a 2 degree taper inward (toward the interior of the head), when viewed from a side elevation as in  FIG. 4 . When viewed from the bottom as in  FIG. 6 , the slot  228  is about 0.05 inches wide with a 2 degree taper toward the ball receiving side of the lacrosse head frame. The teardrop shapes  230  (see  FIG. 4 ) at the ends of the slot  228  are approximately 0.18 inches in diameter and the amount of material between the bottom of the teardrop shapes  230  and the outside of the main frame  237  is approximately 0.12 inches. This amount of material can be increased or decreased, as desired, to permit more or less flexure of the material at those end points respectively. 
     As shown best in  FIG. 5A , on the flexible rail  232  of the scoop  212 , floating string attachments  217  (six in this example, but could be two or more) can be below the surface of the main scoop  212  even during full closure of the slot opening  234 . The floating string attachments  217  can be constructed as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,852,047, issued to Tucker, Sr., which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The slot opening  234  at the 30 degree scooping plane is mainly behind the front scoop surface  212  so as to minimize the potential of catching a lip of the moving flexible rail  234  during ball retrieval on the ground. For example, as shown in FIG.  7 , within a flat section F (e.g., 2.5 inches in width) of the scoop  212 , the slot opening  234  can be “hidden” from the ground contact surface. In addition, as shown best in  FIG. 5A , the scoop  212  and flexible rail  234  can overlap each other such that no through passage is visible through the slot when viewed in a direction facing a ball receiving side of the head. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the flat section F may define a plane that forms an angle with the shaft axis of the head  204  of between approximately 20 to 40 degrees. Thus, the flat section F would lie flat against the ground when a player approaches a ball with the stick held at that angle, the approach angle depending on the specific size of the player and their playing style. 
     As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 4 and 5A , the recessed or scalloped scoop  212  having recessed edge  215  and inwardly extending edge  213  enables the main scoop  212  to be farther underneath a ball  238  during the natural scooping motion. This configuration facilitates easier ball retrieval, as compared to the traditional scoop shape  112  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) in which the uppermost point of the scoop (farthest from the base) contacts the ball, and the portions of the scoop adjacent to the uppermost point curve back away from the ball. Indeed, with the traditional scoop  112  only a limited portion of the scoop is under the ball during scooping. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5A , with the scalloped scoop  212  design, upon initial contact with the ball  238 , the scoop itself, and especially all of the surfaces to the left and right of the low point on the recess  215  or scalloped portion, are further underneath the ball  238 . As an example, with a 2.5 inch diameter ball  238 , 30 degree scoop plane, and approximately 1 inch wide scoop, the scoop  212  may contact the ball  238  at a diameter on the ball of about 1.62 inches (represented by the dotted contact diameter line  239 ), roughly 0.3 inches above the surface on which the ball  238  is resting. At this location, the recessed shape  215  of the scoop  212  approximates the curve of the ball  238  and a significant portion of the scoop  212  is underneath the ball  238 . This recessed shape is generally represented by the dotted line  241 , representing a compound curve, with a diameter greater than 2.5 inches. Thus, with a simple (shorter) downward motion on the handle  202  (or upward motion of the scoop end), the ball  238  is more easily controlled during entry into the head  204 . 
     In addition, given that a player may not scoop a ball with the center of the ball perfectly on center with the head  204 , the scalloped scoop design  212  can provide at least two points of contact with the ball  238  (and can provide more scoop initially farther underneath the ball) for easier pickup and control during entry into the head  204 . For example, if the radius of curvature of the recessed scoop  212  is smaller than the radius of curvature of the contact diameter of the ball  238 , then the recessed scoop  212  can contact the ball  238  at least at two points. Relative to the exemplary embodiment described above in which a representative contact diameter is approximately 1.62 inches ( FIG. 5A ), a radius of curvature of the recess could be approximately 0.9 inches or less. As a skilled artisan would appreciate, the appropriate radius of curvature of the recess would depend on the height at which the scoop contacts the ball, as determined by, for example, the angle and width of the scoop and the angle at which the stick is held relative to the ground when scooping the ball. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates dimensions of an exemplary lacrosse head having a recessed scoop, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, when viewed in a direction along the shaft axis, the angle of incline a of the scoop  212  from the center point of the scoop preferably is a maximum of approximately 30 degrees. As shown in  FIG. 5B , when viewing the ball receiving side of the head, the recess area  216  can be about 0.2 to about 1.32 square inches. The width  501  of the recess area  216  could be about 0.3 to about 2.4 inches. The depth  502  of the recess area  216  (center point of scallop recess distance) could be about 0.2 inches to about 1.4 inches. The approximate area of the scoop  212  under a ball  238  (total left and right combined) could be about 0.02 to about 4.5 square inches. 
     As shown, for example, in the bottom view of  FIG. 6  and in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the flexible rails  232 ,  226  on the scoop  212  and sidewalls  208 ,  210  can also have aligned holes or slots  219 ,  236  through both the main frame  237  and the flexing rails  232 ,  226  to provide additional pocket adjustment. As shown best in  FIG. 3 , in this area, the main frame  237  and the flexible rails  226 ,  232  can be spaced apart by a gap of approximately 0.05 inches (as represented by dimensions  273 ) with a 2 degree taper toward the ball receiving side of head  204  and rounded edges. The spring wall adjustment string holes and slots  219 ,  236  can be used to connect the main frame  237  to the moving flexible rails  232 ,  226 , to accommodate desired performance characteristics. On the scoop  212 , there may be two holes  219  at the center that can be strung through either loosely, tightly, or not at all to adjust the permissible motion of the entire flexible scoop member  232 . The flexible side rails  226  are shown with two similar slots  236  (could also be holes) that serve the same adjustability unction with respect to the main frame  237  itself. 
     The flexible scoop rail  232  can be limited in motion toward the ball receiving side of the head by the more rigid main frame  237 . Similarly, movement of the flexible side rails  226  may be limited toward the interior of head  204  by the main frame  237 , limiting the potential for fracture during stick or body checks regularly delivered to the outside frame during lacrosse play. There are also openings  220  for attaching string members solely to the flexing side rail members  226 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , an exemplary lacrosse head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may include flexible pocket members  250  either in addition to or instead of the flexible stringing rails  226 ,  232 . The flexible pocket members  250  may be configured to provide additional flexure upon impact with a ball being caught, thrown, or cradled. The flexible pocket members  250  can be formed of a material or a series of elements that is configured to be more flexible when forced in one direction (e.g., toward the ball retaining side of a head) and less flexible when forced in an opposite direction (e.g., toward the ball receiving side of a head). The flexible pocket members further provide a channel that guides the travel of the ball in and out of the pocket, to enable better ball control and more accurate throwing. 
     To provide flexible pocket members  250  that are more flexible in one direction and less in the opposite direction, the members  250  may be made of a continuous length of material such as that shown in  FIGS. 11-13 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the member  250  is constructed such that the top portion  252  of member  250  is continuous while the bottom portion of member  250  comprises a plurality of separated protrusions  254  that extend downwardly from the top portion  252  and are in contact but not attached to one another. The protrusions  254  are shaped to just be in contact with one another when the flexible pocket member  250  is oriented in a straight line. Alternatively, the protrusions  254  can be configured to be oversized such that, instead of a straight line, the natural orientation (in the absence of other forces) of the flexible pocket member is to be concave when viewing a head from a side elevation. In another alternative, the protrusions  254  can be configured to be undersized such that the natural orientation of the flexible pocket member is convex when viewing a head from a side elevation. 
     In another embodiment, the protrusions may not touch each other when the member is in its natural orientation (e.g., concave, straight, or convex), to allow more flexibility when forced in a direction toward the ball receiving side of the head. In other words, when forced in a direction toward the ball receiving side of the head, the member would flex, and the protrusions would come together and eventually touch each other and prevent further flexing of the member. 
     In any of the above described embodiments of continuous flexible pocket member  250 , lateral through-holes  256  may be provided that extend across the width of the member that allow strings to be threaded transversely through member  250  in order to form a pocket in the lacrosse head  204 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 13 , slots  258  may be provided in the continuous flexible pocket members  250  transverse to through-holes  256 . Slots  258  may be cut out of the top portion  252  of the flexible pocket members  250  and contribute to overall weight reduction and increased flexibility due to the removal of material. In addition, it is possible to thread pocket strings through the slots  258  and therefore provide additional stringing configurations. 
     As an alternative or in addition to continuous flexible pocket member  250 , a lacrosse head may include adjustable length flexible pocket members  260 , as shown in  FIGS. 10A-B . Adjustable length flexible pocket members  260  may comprise a length of inter-engaging elements  262 . In a similar manner to the protrusions  254  of continuous flexible pocket member  250 , the elements  262  of adjustable length flexible pocket member  260  provide more flexibility to member  260  when member  260  is forced in a direction toward the ball retaining side of the head and less flexibility when member  260  is forced in a direction toward the ball receiving side of the head. This variable flexibility is provided by the interlocking of tab  266  and notch  268 ,  270  elements on the top portion of the member  260  and the separability of body elements  264  on the bottom portion of the member  260 . 
     Each of the inter-engaging elements  262  may include a body  264 , a tab  266 , a body notch  268 , a tab notch  270 , a longitudinal through-hole  272 , and a lateral through-hole  274 . To assemble the adjustable length flexible pocket member  260 , a tab  266  of a first inter-engaging element A is inserted into a tab notch  270  of a second inter-engaging element B, as shown in  FIGS. 10A-B . In so doing, the length of the tab  266  of the element A is aligned with the length of the tab notch  270  of the element B when it is inserted, and the element A is then rotated to lock the tab  266  of element A in the notch  270  of element B and to align the elements A and B. The first element A is then positioned so that its tab notch  270  lies over the body notch  268  of the second element B. A third inter-engaging element C is then provided and its tab  266  is simultaneously inserted into both the tab notch  270  of the first element A and the body notch  268  of the second element B. The third element C is then rotated to lock the tab  266  into the two notches  268 ,  270  of the elements B, A, respectively, and to align the body longitudinally. The process is then repeated for a fourth element (not shown) and so on until the adjustable length flexible pocket member  260  has reached a desired length. 
       FIGS. 10A-B  also show strings  278  that are threaded through the series of longitudinal through-holes  272  formed by successive inter-engaging elements  262 . These optional strings  278  may be inserted into the flexible pocket member  260  for added stability, form, or strength, as the user may find necessary. The lateral through-holes  274  may be used for cross-strings (not shown) or throwing strings (not shown) that may form the rest of the pocket. The flexible pocket members  260 , cross-strings, and throwing strings may all be configured according to the specific needs of a user in order to achieve the ideal shape for the pocket. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the flexible pocket members  250  may also include longitudinal through-holes  253  and lateral through-holes  256  to enable pocket strings to be threaded through the flexible members  250  in a similar manner as described above with respect to adjustable length flexible pocket members  260 . 
     While the figures show an exemplary lacrosse head having flexible pocket members  250 ,  260  extending from the stop member  214  area to the scoop  212  area, the present invention also contemplates the flexible pocket members  250 ,  260  extending in other directions across the frame, such as laterally across the pocket. The flexible members  250 ,  260  may be attached to each of the sidewalls  208 ,  210  or any other appropriate member (e.g., stop or scoop) of the head to run across the width of the pockets Such a configuration may provide the pocket with additional flexural capabilities, thus improving the catching and throwing characteristics of the lacrosse head. 
     The present invention further contemplates an embodiment in which the flexible members  250 ,  260  do not extend continuously from stop member  214  to scoop  212  or from sidewall  208  to sidewall  210 . The flexible pocket members  250 ,  260  in accordance with this aspect of the invention may extend only partially across the pocket with one end attached to either the stop member  214 , the scoop  212 , or a sidewall  208 ,  210 , or the flexible pocket member  250 ,  260  may not be attached to any part of the frame and may instead be wholly strung into the pocket. Alternatively, a lacrosse head may comprise a plurality of flexible pocket members  250 ,  260  that extend intermittently across a pocket such that more than one piece of the flexible pocket member  250 ,  260  extends along a single string line. 
     Additionally, flexible pocket members  250 ,  260 , may include bumps, ridges, grooves, or nubs that may enhance ball grip. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , flexible pocket member  250  may include nubs  251  disposed along the length of the top portion  252  of the member  250 . Likewise, individual inter-engaging elements  262  that form adjustable length flexible pocket member  260 , as shown in  FIGS. 10A-B , may include raised ridges  276  that enhance ball grip. 
     The adjustable length flexible pocket members  260  and the continuous flexible pocket members  250  may be formed of any suitably flexible material, such as urethane or an elastomer. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an exemplary lacrosse stick  300  with a head  304  having a recessed scoop  312 , flexible stringing bars  326 , upper sidewalls  338 , a flexible lower sidewall member  328 , and flexible pocket members  350 . The recessed scoop  312  has characteristics similar to the recessed scoop  212  in the embodiment of the invention depicted in  FIGS. 2-7 . 
     The flexible pocket members  350  may have the same characteristics as flexible pocket members  250  and are labeled as equivalents in  FIGS. 11-13 . Alternatively, adjustable length flexible pocket members  360 , as shown in  FIGS. 10A-B , are equivalent to the previously described adjustable length flexible pocket members  260  and may be used in addition to or instead of flexible pocket members  350  in the same way as is described above with reference to the interchangeability of adjustable length flexible pocket members  260  and continuous flexible pocket members  250 . In either case, flexible pocket members  350  or  360 , when oriented longitudinally (from stop member  314  to scoop  312 ), provide a guide track that may increase the accuracy and speed of a thrown ball, among other advantages. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a rigid upper frame on the ball receiving side of head  304  comprised of upper sidewalls  338  and scoop  312 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upper sidewalls  338  extend from stop member  314  and are connected on their sides opposite stop member  314  by scoop  312 . Upper sidewalls  338  may have a cross-section that helps maximize rigidity and overall strength of the head  304 , such as the triangular shape shown in  FIG. 8 . The scoop  312  may have a cross-section designed to accommodate the flexibility desired in scooping balls, such as a somewhat flat or oval shaped cross-section as shown in  FIG. 8 . The rigid triangular cross-section of upper sidewalls  338  gradually transitions into the flat or oval shaped cross-section of the scoop  312 . This transition may be at the widest portion of the lacrosse head  304  or may be located at any other location along the head  304 , such as at a location halfway between the stop member  314  and scoop  312 . In this manner, this embodiment of the present invention can optimize the strength, rigidity, and flexibility of the upper frame of head  204  by combining rigid upper sidewalls  338  in the rear portion of the head (i.e., toward the stop member  314 ) with a more flexible scoop  312  in the forward portion of the head (i.e., toward the scoop  312 ). Such optimization can satisfy desired performance characteristics of the head  304 , such as the ability to withstand and deliver checks while also allowing for flexibility in scooping balls. 
     The embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  additionally includes a flexible lower sidewall member  328 . The lower sidewall member  328  includes a left member  330  extending from stop member  314 , a right member  332  extending from stop member  314 , and a crosspiece  334  joining the left and right members  330 ,  332  at their ends opposite stop member  314 . The lower sidewall member  328  enhances the ability of the lacrosse head to absorb shock imparted by a check from another stick, or from some other impact, and to better protect the ball  238  during catching, throwing, or cradling, as described in more detail below. The crosspiece  334  of the lower sidewall member  328  extends beneath the strung pocket and may act as a “throwing” or “shooting” bar, similar to a “throwing” or “shooting” string as used in traditional lacrosse pockets to increase the speed and accuracy of a thrown ball. 
     In one embodiment, lower sidewall member  328  is conveniently interchangeable with head  304 . The lower sidewall member  328  may be interchangeable in that no pocket strings  336  are fixed to it and that the lower sidewall member  328  does not connect to the upper sidewall  338  except for their mutual connection to a stop member  314 . The lower sidewall member  328  may be connected to the stop member  314  by a snap-in fitting, a set screw, or any other suitable fastening device. 
     To reduce the force imparted to the pocket of the lacrosse head  304 , the width between the left and right members  330 ,  332  of lower sidewall member  328  may be larger than the width between upper sidewalls  338  such that a stick or other object moving toward the head  304  from the side or back will contact the lower sidewall member  328  first before contacting the upper sidewall  338 . In this way, the lower sidewall member  328  may take an initial hit and flex to greatly reduce or eliminate the force transferred to the pocket and ball, since no strings  336  are attached to lower sidewall member  328  and there is a space between lower sidewall member  328  and the pocket, as seen in  FIG. 8 . 
     The head  304  may include flexible stringing bars  326  that support the pocket strings  336  and provide form to the pocket. The flexible stringing bars  326  may extend from an attachment point close to the stop member  314  to an attachment point located on or close to the scoop  312 . In one embodiment, the flexible stringing bars  326  are disposed inwardly (toward the center of the head) of the upper sidewalls  338  and/or the lower sidewall member  328 , which can provide, for example, a more narrow ball retaining structure in comparison to the wider ball receiving structure provided by the upper sidewalls  338 . The flexible stringing bars  326  can also provide additional cushioning and flexure in the pocket when a ball is caught, thrown, or cradled, thus making the lacrosse head  304  more maneuverable and forgiving. The flexible stringing bars  326  may extend and lie over the crosspiece  334  in order to take advantage of their combined flexibility and guide track-forming characteristics. The flexible stringing bars  326  can be made of any suitably durable and flexible material, such as urethane or an elastomer. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , flexible pocket members  350  extend from stop member  314  to scoop  312  and the cross strings  336  extend from side to side and attach to the stringing bars  326  at string holes  320 . In this manner, a ball guide track is formed by the flexible pocket members  350 , which hang over the free-floating crosspiece  334  of the lower sidewall  328 , and the amount of strings used is minimized. A further advantage of this arrangement is that the strings  336  are placed between the ball  238  and the lower sidewall member  328  so that rattling is reduced. 
     The present invention also contemplates an embodiment in which the flexible pocket members  350  extend from side to side and the cross strings  336  extend from stop member  314  to scoop  312 . In either case, the cross strings  336  may be configured to pass through string holes in flexible pocket members  350  or  360  as described above with regard to flexible pocket members  250  and  260 . 
     In alternative embodiment of the head  304  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , lower sidewall member  328  does not include crosspiece  334 , and instead includes only left and right members  330 ,  332  extending from stop member  314 . In this embodiment, left and right members  330 ,  332  may terminate at a free end in the forward portion of head  204  near scoop  312 . 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary lacrosse head  404  having flexible stringing bars  426  from the stop member  414  to the scoop  412 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown by this example, each stringing bar  426  can be attached to the scoop  412  and the stop member  414 , and can span the lacrosse head frame  404  for substantially the length of a sidewall  408 ,  410 . In spanning the frame  404 , the stringing bars  426  can be inside the sidewalls  408 ,  410 , i.e., the stringing bars  426  are above the lower edge (at the ball retaining side) and below the upper edge (at the ball receiving side) of the sidewalls  408 ,  410  when viewed from a side elevation. The stringing bars  426  can include thread holes  420  to which a pocket can be strung. 
     The stringing bars  426  can connect to the lacrosse head frame  404  in any number of ways including, for example, Christmas tree-type fasteners in two or more locations (e.g., lower and higher). In another embodiment, a stringing bar  426  could be part of a mesh pocket, with the stringing bar  426  attaching to the frame  404 . 
     In one implementation, the stringing bar  426  is part of the manufactured head frame  404 . In another implementation, the stringing bar  426  can be separately attached to the head frame  404  in different positions to enable customization. In another implementation, the flexible stringing bar  426  can hang below portions of the head frame  404  so that, in a strung head, the ball may be carried, for example, lower in the rear portion of the head (closer to the stop member) than in the forward portion of the head (closer to the scoop). 
     A lacrosse head  404  according to this embodiment could be adapted for men&#39;s lacrosse in that at least a portion of a ball resting in the pocket can be disposed above the lower edge of the frame  404  for compliance with the widely accepted rules of lacrosse. 
       FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram of another exemplary lacrosse head  504  having a flexible stringing bar  526  along a sidewall  508 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. In comparison to the head  404  of  FIG. 14 , the head  504  of  FIG. 15  illustrates slightly different attachment points and positioning. A flexible stringing bar  526  may be disposed on one or both of the sidewalls  508 ,  510 . 
       FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary lacrosse head  604  having flexible stringing bars  626  disposed on the lower edge of the upper sidewalls  608 ,  610 , in the forward portion of head  604  near the scoop  612 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. The stringing bars  626  may be formed of a stiff material that allows little deflection or they may be formed of a material having relatively more flexibility, which would allow for greater deflection and, thus, a greater ability to absorb impact. 
     In an important aspect of the present invention, embodiments of the invention can both dampen and narrow a pocket to greatly enhance ball control. The dampening can occur primarily in response to a force directed toward the ball retaining side of the head, for example, when a ball is received into the head and hits the pocket. The dampening can also occur in other directions or combinations of directions within the head, such as laterally from sidewall to sidewall as the pocket is pulled during cradling. The flexible frame and pocket members described above, such as flexible stringing rails  226 ,  232 , flexible stringing bars  326 , and flexible pocket members  250 ,  350 ,  260 ,  360 , can provide this dampening. The dampening prevents a trampoline effect that would propel the ball out of the pocket. In other words, in response to the pull of the pocket, the flexible members can flex, dampen the pull of the pocket, and then gradually recover to their original position without excessive rebound. 
     The narrowing of the pocket occurs as flexible members of the frame or pocket move in a direction generally toward the interior of the head. For example, with reference to  FIG. 8 , the flexible stringing bars  326  can flex toward each other (e.g., toward the centerline of head  304 ) when a ball is received in the pocket and can effectively narrow the pocket and help retain the ball within the pocket. The distance between the flexed bars  326  would be less than both the distance between the bars  326  in their non-flexed position and also the distance between the upper sidewalls  338 . This narrowing can occur simultaneously with the dampening of the pocket in response to a force in the direction from the ball receiving side of the head toward the ball retaining side of the head (e.g. a force from a ball entering the head and pocket). As another example, the flexible stringing rails  226  in  FIG. 2  could also be configured to flex toward the interior of the head and effectively narrow the pocket. Thus, the present invention can dampen the force of a ball entering a head, as well as narrow the pocket to retain the ball in the head. 
     As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, any of the heads  204 ,  304 ,  404 ,  504 , or  604  depicted in the figures may be strung with either a traditional thong and cross-string type pocket or a mesh pocket, and may in either case retain the advantages of the disclosure. 
     In addition, although the above embodiments of the present invention describe flexible members (e.g., flexible pocket members, flexible stringing rails, and flexible stringing bars) as disposed in certain locations of the head, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that these flexible members could be provided in any location of a head appropriate for providing the desired performance characteristics. For example, a flexible stringing rail similar to the rails  232 ,  226  of  FIG. 2  could be provided in the stop member of head  204 . Likewise, a flexible stringing bar similar to the bars  326  of  FIG. 8  could be provided at the stop member of head  304 , for example, attaching both ends of the bar to two different locations on the stop member. As another example, a flexible stringing bar similar to the bars  326  of  FIG. 8  could be provided at the scoop of head  304 , for example, attaching both ends of the bar to two different locations on the scoop. 
     Examples of suitable materials for a lacrosse head according to the present invention 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). 
     The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention 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. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims, and by their equivalents. 
     Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention 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 of the present invention 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 invention.