Abstract:
A lacrosse head having a front scoop geometry optimized to promote smooth ground ball play such as scooping of a ball by ground contact. The lacrosse head has a distal scoop with a mid-section cross-section shaped like a chef&#39;s-knife with a foremost point, a rear edge (lower edge of tang), a rearmost corner point (tower distal end of tang), a low continuous curve point (where heel joins choil), and rear-innermost point (choil), with a continuous perimeter bounding all of said points, the perimeter bounding said rear edge, lowest continuous curve point, and rear-innermost point defining a cavity extending toward said foremost point. The perimeter joining the foremost point and low continuous curve point is formed to optimize ground ball play when incorporated into a lacrosse head scoop,

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application derives priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/294,016 filed 11 Feb. 2016. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to lacrosse and, more particularly, to an improved head for a lacrosse stick adapted for improved playing characteristics. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Background 
         [0005]    In 1970, the introduction of double-wall, synthetic lacrosse heads revolutionized the game of lacrosse. In comparison to the traditional single-wall heads made of wood, the molded synthetic heads imparted a lightness, maneuverability, and flexibility never-before experienced by lacrosse players. These performance advantages greatly enhanced players&#39; skills such as throwing, catching, cradling, and scooping, and brought the sport of lacrosse to new levels of speed and excitement. 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates a typical molded double-wall synthetic head  104  mounted on a handle  100  (dotted lines). Head  104  comprises a generally V-shaped frame having a juncture  106 , sidewalls  108  and  110 , a transverse wall for (“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  2  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 . Sidewalls  108  and  110  have an inside face, an outside face, a bottom rail edge from which the pocket (not shown) is traditionally strung, and a top rail edge opposite the bottom rail edge. This geometry allows a ball to freely roll within the pocket along a sidewall or stop member without obstruction, from the back of the pocket to the front face of head  104 . 
         [0007]    Viewed from the exterior side ( FIG. 3 ), the scoop  112  of the double-wall synthetic head  104  includes a peripheral side rail  127  and a base  129 , as seen in  FIG. 2 . However, as seen in  FIG. 3  the side rail  127  and base  129  are not necessarily a uniform monolithic block. To conserve weight and/or material they may be a rather complex molded framework of reinforcing, layered walls. Moreover, the shape often changes from the center of scoop  112  toward the peripheral side rails  127 . For example, the cross-sectional profile of scoop  112  may change from position A- A′ to position B-B′ ( FIG. 2 ), in this instance morphing from the centrally split ribbed cross-section shown in dotted lines in  FIG. 3  (A-A′ of  FIG. 2 ) to an airfoil shape outward along side rail  127  (toward B-B′ of  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0008]      FIG. 4  isolates one prior art cross-section of scoop  112  at its foremost center-point A-A′.  FIG. 5  isolates the prior art cross-section of scoop  112  at peripheral center-point B-B′, which cross-section resembles a knife blade (inset at right). In both cases of  FIGS. 4-5 . the respective cross-sections can be characterized by a foremost point FP, a rear edge RE, a rearmost corner point (RCP), a low continuous curve—point LCP, and rear-innermost point RI. String holes intermittently penetrate the scoop  112  between the rear edge RE and low continuous curve point LCP for stringing the pocket, and the strung pocket results in looped strings S a shown in  FIG. 5 . If the lacrosse head of  FIG. 4  is placed along the x-axis of an xyz coordinate system, one observes that at its foremost center-point A-A′ the perimeter between the foremost point FP and low continuous curve point LCP has a pronounced angular or jagged shape. This geometry is used primarily to achieve durability at a highly stressed portion of a lacrosse head, while also facilitating conventional clam shell mold manufacturing.+ However, it results in an inefficient and somewhat obstructive design for an essential lacrosse head maneuver, i.e., scooping, Scooping a lacrosse ball resembles a snow shoveling motion where the front and bottom side of the scoop  112  scrape the playing surface in an effort to entrap a ball that is resting or rolling on the playing surface. The jagged or angled geometry ( FIG. 4 ) of the prior art scoop cross-sections makes for a less than smooth head/surface interaction, decreasing scooping efficiency. In addition, the conventional scoop cross-section is not configured to prevent exposed strings, leading to wear and tear of the exposed pocket strings S as seen in ( FIG. 5 ). The strings S and playing surface (dotted lines) interact directly during play as seen in  FIG. 5 , resulting in substantial abrasion and wear. What is needed then is a more advanced central scoop cross-section that facilitates these two scoop shortcomings without compromising scoop durability. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a lacrosse stick head having a front scoop geometry optimized to promote smooth ground ball play such as scooping of a ball off of a playing surface. 
         [0010]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide a lacrosse head having an optimized front scoop geometry as described above that extends over a significant portion of the scoop width, thereby protecting pocket stringing that extends through the scoop. 
         [0011]    It is another object to provide a lacrosse head having an optimized front scoop geometry as above that is easily moldable and ultimately durable and robust. 
         [0012]    The present invention is a lacrosse head having a distal scoop with a substantially constant cross-section along at least an inch, located one-half inch on either side of the front dead center of the scoop portion of the lacrosse head centered at its foremost center-point (e.g., A-A′ of  FIG. 1 ). The term “substantially constant cross-section” is herein defined as not deviating from the cross-section&#39;s basic shape and maintaining reasonable proportionality of the fundamental characteristics of that shape as described in the point framework defined below. Referring back to  FIG. 5  (inset), the features of the present cross-section likewise resemble a knife blade, and the analogy is helpful in defining the relevant points. There is likewise a tip or “foremost point” (FP)”, a spine (back edge of the blade), a tang embedded in the handle, the tang extending along a “rear edge” (RE) to a rearmost corner point (RCP). The blade edge runs from tip to a heel, and there is a recessed choil behind the heel arching inward. There is a “low continuous carve point” (LCP) where the heel joins the choil, the choil arching inward to a “rear-innermost point” (RI), all said points being connected by a continuous perimeter. The choil indentation at the heel in one preferred embodiment defines a U-shaped cavity and in another embodiment an angled notch, in either case the cavity or notch extending toward said foremost point (FP). In one embodiment, the perimeter section joining said foremost point (FP) and low continuous curve point (LCP) is a smooth continuous outwardly-convex curve. In another embodiment, the perimeter section joining said foremost point (FP) and low continuous curve point (LCP) is a relatively straight line. In yet another embodiment, when the lacrosse head is horizontally-oriented along the x-axis of an xyz coordinate system as shown in  FIG. 10 , the low continuous curve point (LCP) projects below the rearmost corner point (RCP), the rear innermost point (RI), and any point there between along the rear edge (RE). The improved scoop geometry is optimized to promote smooth ground ball play and to eliminate scoop string wear from playing surface contact. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a prior art lacrosse head. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged bottom view of the scoop of the prior art lacrosse head of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a partial side view of the prior art lacrosse head a  FIGS. 1-2 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a front dead-center cross-section of the scoop of the prior art lacrosse head of  FIGS. 1-3  taken along line A-A′ of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a cross-section of the scoop of the prior art lacrosse head of  FIGS. 1-3  taken along line B-B′ of  FIG. 2  with inset (right) illustrating knife shape. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a lacrosse head  200  according to the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged bottom view of the scoop of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8(A)  is a perspective side view of the present invention with cross-section taken at point FP of  FIG. 6 , 
           [0022]      FIG. 8(B)  is a perspective side view of the present invention with cross-section taken at distance N offset from point FP of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the improved scoop of  FIGS. 6-8 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating the essential characterizing features of the improved scoop of  FIGS. 6-9 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  illustrates variations on the improved scoop of  FIGS. 6-10 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0026]    The present invention is a molded double-wall synthetic lacrosse head having an improved scoop geometry that facilitates scooping up a ball while it rests or rolls on the playing surface. 
         [0027]    For purposes of this disclosure, the lacrosse head “front dead center” is herein defined as the foremost point (FP) on the lacrosse head that is furthest along the x-axis from the origin when the lacrosse head is horizontally-oriented along the x-axis of an xyz coordinate system.  FIGS. 6-9  illustrate the lacrosse head with improved scoop geometry for ground play according to the invention, which improved scoop geometry is described with reference to a cross-section taken at front dead center along the x-y plane. 
         [0028]    As seen in  FIG. 6  the lacrosse head  200  generally comprises a V- or U-shaped frame engaged to a handle at a juncture  206 . A stop member  214  is provided adjacent to the juncture  206  and a pair of sidewalls  208  and  210  extend from the stop member  214  and juncture  206  in a generally divergent arrangement ending at a curvilinear transverse wall  212  joining the sidewalls  208 ,  210  at their ends opposite juncture  206 . The divergent sidewall arrangement provides a wider or enlarged transverse wall  212  that defines the scoop of the lacrosse head intended to catch or scoop up a ball and funnel it into a pocket toward the narrow end between the sidewalls  208 ,  210  and at the stop member  214 . In order to facilitate scooping up a ball resting or rolling on the playing surface, the transverse wall  212  of the disclosure employs a substantially consistent geometry within a certain distance N extending on either side of the “foremost point” (FP). 
         [0029]    As indicated above the cross-section resembles the blade of a chef&#39;s knife, analogously having a tip or “foremost point” (FP), a spine (back edge of the blade), an, opposing tang extending along a “rear edge” (RE) to a rearmost corner point (RCP), a point where the innermost heel joins the blade before the choil or, e.g., the “low continuous curve point” (LCP), and an indentation analogous to a choil at the juncture of the tang and heel, the indentation extending inward to a “rear-innermost point” (RI), all said points being connected by a continuous perimeter. 
         [0030]    The present lacrosse head  200  geometry dictates that the “contact perimeter” joining FP and LCP is a smooth continuous straight line, slightly angular, or slightly-convex curve, which promotes smooth around ball play, such as scooping of a ball off of a playing surface. Toward this end the present invention flattens out the contact perimeter so that it is oriented along a low angle relative to the plane of the head  200 , such that when the head  200  is lowered to the playing surface the contact perimeter is flat or nearly flat against the playing surface and offers little resistance to the ball entering the head and being funneled to the pocket. The perimeter between FP and LCP may be linear, angular or convex as described, but not jagged as per prior art  FIG. 4 . When the lacrosse head is horizontally-oriented along the x-axis of an xyz coordinate system, e.g., sitting flat on a table as seen in  FIGS. 10-11 , then the contact angle at any point between FP and LCP is acute, preferably within a range of from 5-85 degrees. Where the perimeter between FP and LCP is linear, after the lacrosse head is moved to a scoop position (rotated clockwise) the contact angle is constant at any point between FP and LCP. However, where the perimeter between FP and LCP is angular or convex the tangential contact angle is reduced toward the scoop position. That geometry enhances scooping, and the geometry remains substantially constant on either side of the FP point by distance N which is at least one-half inch on either side of the front dead center FP point of the scoop portion of the lacrosse head, more preferably greater than one-fifth of the total width of a lacrosse head, and optimally between 6-6½″ (inside measurement) for a field player&#39;s head and between 10-12″ (inside measurement) for a larger goal keeper head. 
         [0031]    As depicted in  FIG. 10  the cross-section is hounded by the FP, RE, RCP, and LCP, and the LCP is offset below an imaginary line extending from the RCP to the FP. The indentation at the juncture of the tang and heel is denoted as lower indentation D 2  between the RCP and LCP and, in one embodiment, the rear-innermost point RI is the point of maximum concavity of this lower indentation D 2 .  FIG. 10  shows the lacrosse head horizontally-oriented alone the x-axis of a xyz coordinate system, effectively lying flat on a table. 
         [0032]      FIG. 8(A)  is a perspective view of the FP cross-section relative to the point on  FIG. 7  where it was taken. The FP cross-section is generally characterized by this indentation D 2  in combination with the perimeter between the LCP and FP points, which may define a smooth curve. The FP cross-section may also have an upper channel D 1  that allows for the desired scoop flexibility while also maintaining the overall strength of the scoop element. The foregoing features produce a cross-section in the nature of a knife blade that promotes smooth ground ball play. One skilled in the art will understand that the characterizing FP cross-section remains substantially consistent for at least distance N on opposing sides of the FP point, where distance N is at least one-half inch on either side of the front dead center FP point of the scoop portion of the lacrosse head. Alternatively, the entirety of the scoop element may consist of the same Unproved cross-section.  FIG. 8(B)  illustrates that non-essential characterizing features such as the upper channel D 1  may vary somewhat over distance N on opposing sides of the FP point, but the lower indentation D 2  and perimeter geometry between LCP and FP is substantially constant in a given embodiment. The characterizing features are described in more detail below. 
         [0033]      FIG. 8(A)  illustrates the FP cross-section of  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 8(B)  illustrates the cross-section at distance N from the FP point, and  FIG. 9  is a side view. As seen in the side view of  FIG. 9 , the inventive scoop cross-section produces a ground contacting lip  219  that wraps around the central portion of the scoop and, in the process, provides cover for the pocket stringing exposed through scoop openings. 
         [0034]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating the essential characterizing features of the invention in a preferred embodiment, namely, the lower indentation D 2  and arched perimeter between the foremost point (FP) and the low continuous curve point (LCP). The sides are joined in a closed-loop perimeter defined by the foremost point (FP), the rear edge (RE), rearmost corner point (RCP) and low continuous curve point (LCP), as designated in  FIG. 10 . In one preferred embodiment, there is a pronounced indentation D 2  between the RE and LCP, and the rear-innermost point (RI) is the point of maximum indentation. The indentation D 2  defines a U-shaped curve or V-shaped notch that extends a first distance d 1  from RE to RI and a second distance d 2  from RI to LCP, the first distance d 1  being longer than the second distance d 2 . Alternatively, d 1  and d 2  can be the same distances or d 2  may be longer than d 1 . In one embodiment, the perimeter section joining FP and LCP is a smooth continuous outwardly-convex curve configured to contact a playing surface. In another embodiment, the perimeter section joining FP and LCP is a relatively straight line. In the embodiment of and orientation shown in  FIG. 10  (when the lacrosse head is horizontally-oriented along the x-axis of an xyz coordinate system) the LCP projects below FP, RE, RI, and any point there between. In any case the apex RI of indentation D 2  is closer to the FP point than either LCP or the rear edge RE. The pronounced notch D 2  in the direction of FP separates the rear edge RE and low continuous curve point LCP along the perimeter. The perimeter essentially takes the cross-sectional shape of a full-tang blade of a kitchen chefs knife with a choil corresponding to a U- or V-shaped cavity D 2  between the tail extending inward and working in combination with the smooth underbelly to promote smooth ground ball play and scoop string protection. This feature greatly enhances a players&#39; scooping skills fundamental to the game of lacrosse. Also, as clearly seen by the dotted line of  FIG. 10 , this optimized front scoop geometry displaces the low continuous curve point LCP away from RE, elevating pocket stringing S off the ground, thereby protecting pocket stringing S that extends through the scoop. 
         [0035]      FIG. 11  illustrates several variations on the improved scoop cross-section of  FIGS. 6-10 , All the lacrosse heads of  FIG. 11  are shown horizontally-oriented along the x-axis of an xyz coordinate system, e.g., sitting flat on a table. With all the lacrosse heads of  FIG. 11 ; 1) there is a notch to RI; 2) the LCP is offset below an imaginary line extending from the RCP to FP; and 3) the perimeter section between the LCP point and FP point defines a relatively straight line or continuous smooth outwardly-convex curve. As seen in (A) and (B), RI may be closer to the FP than the LCP point, but as (C) illustrates, LCP may alternatively be forward of RI. As seen in (B) and (D), the notch D 2  need not be U-shaped but may alternatively be angled with the perimeter lines creating the angle having about the same or slightly different lengths. Note also that with all the lacrosse heads of  FIG. 10 and 11  that given an imaginary line drawn from the RCP to the FP, another imaginary line drawn from FP to LCP diverges below that line at an acute angle within a range of from 5-85 degrees. 
         [0036]    Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiment and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims.