Patent Publication Number: US-6213901-B1

Title: Lacrosse stick string configuration

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various string configurations for lacrosse sticks have been proposed to enhance control of the ball. One such configuration is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,495, wherein four, spaced, longitudinal thong elements extend between, and are connected to, the head of the lacrosse stick and the base of the head adjacent the stop. A relatively open weave lacing extends transversely of the head to interconnect the longitudinal thongs and for maintaining the thongs in the spaced relationship. The string configuration thus forms a pocket for catching, carrying, and throwing the lacrosse ball. 
     While the above-noted string configuration has been satisfactory for its intended purpose, it has been characterized by a disadvantage in controlling the ball due to the open weave lacing. 
     After considerable research and experimentation, the lacrosse stick string configuration has been devised for improving the control of the lacrosse ball in catching, carrying, and throwing the ball. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The lacrosse stick string configuration of the present invention comprises, essentially, a plurality of spaced, longitudinally extending thongs connected to the top of the head of the lacrosse stick and to the base of the head. A plurality of longitudinally extending twisted cords are positioned in the spaces between the thongs, and are also connected to the top of the head and base of the head. Portions of the twisted cords extend transversely of the head to interconnect the longitudinal thongs and for maintaining the thongs in spaced relationship. By the construction and arrangement of the thongs and twisted cords, a relatively closed mesh pocket is formed having substantially rectangular openings or windows, whereby the control of the ball during catching, carrying, and throwing thereof is enhanced. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front of a lacrosse showing the string configuration of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the lacross stick head and associated string configuration shown in FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the string configuration  1  of the present invention is adapted to be connected to a conventional lacrosse stick  2  having a head  3  and a handle  4 . While the string configuration  1  of the present invention may be connected to various types of lacrosse sticks, it is shown connected to a BRINE® lacrosse stick, wherein the head  3  is of molded plastic having a top portion  5  and a base portion  6  interconnected by a pair of reinforced side walls  7 . 
     The string configuration  1  comprises four, spaced, longitudinally extending leather thongs  8  connected to the top of the head  5  as at  9  and to the base  6  of the head as at  10 . The connection  9  is obtained by providing the end of each thong  8  with a pair of longitudinally spaced slits  9   a  and  9   b.  The end of each thong  8  is inserted through apertures in the head top portion  5  from the front of the top portion  5  to the back, and the end of the thong  8  is then inserted through the slits  9   a  and  9   b.  The connection  10  is obtained by inserting the opposite end of each thong  8  through openings in the base portion  6  of the head  5 . 
     A plurality of spaced, longitudinally extending ball control strings  11  are positioned in the spaces between the thongs  8 . Each string  11  comprises a twisted nylon cord looped as at  12  around a transversely extending lacing  13  secured to opposite side walls  7  in proximity to the top portion of the head  5 . The ends of the string  11  are inserted through a slit in the lower end of the thong  8  and held therein by a suitable knot  11   a.  Portions of the string  11  are wrapped around the thongs  8  as at  11   b  to provide transverse lacings for maintaining the thongs  8  in spaced relationship and to form rectangular openings or windows  14 . The lateral ends of the transversely extending lacings of the string  11  are looped as at  11   c  around longitudinally extending cords  15  fastened to the side walls  7  of the head  5 . 
     To complete the construction of the string configuration, shooting strings are provided by a plurality of twisted transversely extending fabric laces  16 , intertwined with the strings  11  and thongs  8 , and secured at each end to the longitudinally extending cords  15 . 
     Transverse lacing  17 , provided by a nylon cord interlaced or intertwined with itself and the thongs  8  and twisted strings  11 , is secured at its opposite ends to the side wall  7  of the head, to thereby reinforce the string configuration. 
     From the above description, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the construction and arrangement of the thongs  8  and twisted cords  11  and associated rectangular openings  12  provide an improved lacrosse stick string configuration, whereby the control of the ball during catching, carrying, and throwing thereof is enhanced. 
     It is to be understood that the form of the invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from, the spirit of the invention or scope of the subjoined claims.