LACROSSE MESH

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to sporting equipment in the sport of lacrosse. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a new style of mesh for creating a pocket in the head of the lacrosse stick, as well as heads or sticks incorporating any pocket.

BACKGROUND

Lacrosse mesh is an open net structure that is typically knit through different weaving patterns. Currently, this is the most common way to string a lacrosse pocket that is constructed from single or multiple materials. Often the material used is nylon, polyester or polypropylene. Many issues exist with such conventional mesh, including undesirable stretching on the bottom half of a full mesh stick. There have been multiple attempts to address this issue, but no changes have stayed relevant, other than the material used. This issue is made challenging to address in that the shape of the head of lacrosse sticks can vary by manufacturer and with the change of shape between manufacturers, this often dictates the shape of the bottom area of the pocket.

Traditional stringing methods include leather strands going vertically with string wrapped around those strands to create a lacrosse head pocket. While this option may provide enhanced customization, the ability of the leather to warp and expand in rain and otherwise become damaged becomes a challenge. Additionally, many the shape of the pocket is often modified by shooting strings interlaced in the mesh, thus the current mesh stringing kits provide a consistent shooting area of the pocket.

Traditional stringing suffers the downside in some cases of providing too much customization such that it is difficult to get a repeatable stringing job accomplished in that too much variation is provided which makes it difficult to re-string a stick and give it the same feel after striging as before.

Thereofore the present disclosure seeks to provide added customization to lacrosse sticks but also provide repeatable results for re-stringing to provide consistency and customzaiton at the same time.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the claimed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter nor delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the claimed subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

An aspect of the present disclosure involves the alternations of conventional diamonds, holes or lacrosse meshes alike. The product comprises half consistent or non-consistent diamonds, holes or mesh materials alike, that will then transition into free hanging strands or strand like matrials. This may be free hanging strands, synthetic traditional leathers, synthetic leathers, made with the same or similar material as standard lacrosse mesh.

In some configurations, the free hanging strands can either attach from one diamond, hole or synthetic location or alternatively these can attach to separate diamonds, holes or synthetic locations.

In some configurations, the threaded traditional strands (which may be made of the same material as mesh) that hang off the diamond, hole or synthetic mesh can range from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 synthetic leathers/strands. This allows for increased customization and player preference.

In some configurations, the individual synthetic leathers/strands can be reconnected at the bottom using threading diamonds, holes or synthetic mesh techniques.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a lacrosse mesh of hybrid construction that enables a hybrid construction of combined traditional like stringing and mesh stringing.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a more customizable stringing kit/material for lacrosse sticks which provides added consistency and repeatability.

These and other objects are achieved by providing... A lacrosse mesh for stringing to the head of a lacrosse stick, the lacrosse mesh comprising: a woven mesh structure including top and bottom portions. The top portion includes at least two rows of mesh diamonds with alternating interconnections between adjacent lengthwise strands, wherein the mesh diamonds have a mesh lengthmeasured between top and bottom interconnections of adjacent lengthwise strands. The lower portion contains at least two separated lengthwise strands extending generally parallel to each other such that along a distance of at least two times the unexpanded height the two separated lengthwise strands are separated from each other. In terms of being “generally parallel” it is understood that due to these strings/strands being flexible they are not necessarily perfectly straight or always laying in exactly parallel orientations, but when stretched vertically, the orientation of the strands aligns parallel to each other within reasonable tolerances due to the nature of the stringing material and its construction.

In certain aspects each of the two separated lengthwise strands comprises two adjacent lengthwise strands joined together. In other aspects the two adjacent lengthwise strands are joined and not joined in an alternating fashion such that gaps between the two adjacent lengthwise strands exist between upper and lower joints of the two adjacent lengthwise strands. In still other aspects the two adjacent lengthwise strands are joined along a length at least two times the unexpanded height. In yet other aspects, the at least two separated lengthwise strands comprise at least four separated lengthwise strands. In still other aspects the mesh and a length of cross lacing are packaged together in a lacrosse mesh stringing kit.

Still other objects are achieved by providing a lacrosse mesh including a woven mesh structure including a plurality of first and second portions. The first portion including at least two rows of mesh diamonds with alternating interconnections between adjacent lengthwise strands, wherein the mesh diamonds have a mesh lengthmeasured between top and bottom interconnections of adjacent lengthwise strands. The second portion includes at least two separated lengthwise strands extending generally parallel to each other such that along a distance of at least two times the unexpanded height the two separated lengthwise strands are separated from each other. The mesh is arranged as a continuous web of alternating ones of the first and second portions such that the continuous web comprised alternating sections of mesh diamonds followed by the at least two separated lengthwise strands continuing in an alternating fashion along the continuous web.

In other aspects a method of manufacturing a lacrosse mesh for stringing a lacrosse stick is provided including one or more of the steps of: providing a plurality of strands along a longitudinal direction; joining adjacent strands of the plurality of strands in an alternating fashion along the longitudinal direction such that a three strand grouping of the plurality of strands comprises a middle strand joined along a portion thereof in alternating fashion to first side and second side strands to create a mesh diamond for a first portion of the lacrosse mesh; providing a plurality of single strands extending longitudinally from a connection between a joint of two of the strands in the first portion to create a second portion comprising the plurality of single strands.

In certain aspects the method includes joining adjacent strands of the plurality of strands to an end of the second portion to create another first portion of the lacrosse mesh and repeating construction of alternating first and second portions of the lacrosse mesh, joined to each other at their respective ends along the longitudinal direction to create a continuous web of alternating first and second portions of lacrosse mesh. In yet other aspects the method includes cutting the continuous web within the first and second portions to create separate individual pieces of lacrosse mesh. In still other aspects, the method includes packaging at least one separate individual piece with a length of cross lacing.

Other objects of the invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from consideration of the following drawings and accompanying detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a prior art mesh product.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a lacrosse mesh product according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of an alternate configuration of the product of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the product of FIG. 3 during manufacture.

FIG. 5 shows a example of the lacrosse mesh of FIG. 2 during manufacture.

FIG. 6 shows the mesh of FIG. 2 installed on a lacrosse head.

FIG. 7 is a side view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a further detailed view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 shows components of the string kit according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows an example stringing kit according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known methods, procedures and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

Typically, lacrosse mesh is an open net structure that is often an open wrap knitting, weft knitting, weaving, braiding, threading, notting, etc. Regardless of how the open net structure (mesh) is created, the key difference will be the transition point that will change from the open net structure, to individual synthetic leathers/strands.

The mesh product described is the combination of any open net structured mesh that transitions into synthetic leathers/strands.

Traditional leather are individual pieces of strands that are typically created using real leather. The leathers can be strung onto a lacrosse head using threaded material, creating a pocket that represents the original lacrosse stringing. However, use of leather may be undesirable, especially in wet conditions as the natural material can wear out, warp or otherwise create unpredictable variations. The present disclosure seeks to use some of the benefits of the pocket shaping using traditional methods but instead provide a synthetic leather/strand which replaces the real leather material. Thus, in reference to a traditional leather, the disclosed synthetic leather/strand is made out of anything other than real leather. In a preferred embodiment This version of synthetic leathers/strands are being made out of the same material(s) as the mesh produced. This most commonly will be bound mesh pillars or other variations.

Mesh is a product that is usually built by wrap knitting, weft knitting, weaving, braiding, threading, etc., with single or multiple materials that are used together to create an open net structure, called mesh. The mesh edge is the knitting, weaving, braiding or threading etc., of the left and right sides of mesh that are typically reinforced by thicker or multiple mesh pillars. Mesh pillars are generally elongated structures that extend lengthwise (or widthwise) along the lacrosse mesh. Typically, the lacrosse mesh consists of multiple mesh pillars arranged in columns (or rows). The individual mesh pillars (sometimes referred to as lengthwise strands) may follow a non-linear path, such as a wave-like or oscillating path, causing adjacent pillars to move towards and away from each other along their length. The non-linear orientation of mesh pillars creates an open mesh construction, with the mesh forming a variety of open spaces between adjacent pillars. The mesh pillars are primarily composed of warp yarns, which form a series of knitted loops, establishing the foundation of the mesh pillars. In the depicted arrangement, the mesh pillars extend vertically between the first and second ends of the lacrosse mesh along the lengthwise (longer) direction of the lacrosse head from the top towards the throat of the head near where it attaches to the shaft of the stick. However, in other arrangements, the mesh pillars may travel horizontally along the lacrosse mesh. The mesh pillars can also incorporate weft yarns, connecting multiple mesh pillars and extending lengthwise (or widthwise) along one or more pillars. A single weft yarn may contribute to one or more mesh pillars, as further described hereinafter.

A pillar connection or connected portion of a pillar represents any location or segment where two or more mesh pillars are interconnected. In certain configurations, these pillar connections are established or defined by one or more weft yarns, which join portions of two (or more) mesh pillars. A pillar unconnected portion refers to a segment or section of a mesh pillar that lies between pillar connections or lacks connectivity with another mesh pillar. The mesh diamond length corresponds to the distance of a complete cycle of a mesh pillar in the lengthwise direction of the lacrosse mesh. As previously mentioned, the mesh pillars are often arranged in a wave-like or oscillating shape. In some configurations, the open spaces created between adjacent mesh pillars have a diamond-like shape and are commonly referred to as diamonds. The mesh diamond length can be measured between any two points that define a full cycle of the mesh pillar shape, such as the centers of connected portions of adjacent mesh pillars. Similar to the loop length, the mesh diamond length can be measured longitudinally along the lacrosse mesh or represent the actual length of the mesh pillar between the two points, accounting for the curvature of the mesh pillar. Therefore, the term “mesh diamond length” can refer to either measurement, unless explicitly specified otherwise, either explicitly or by context.

The sidewall/cross lace is the material that is used to attach the mesh to the lacrosse head by weaving any type of lace from the diamond of the mesh to the holes or connection points of the lacrosse head. In addition, the same or similar materials are used to complete the woven portion of the product, connecting the synthetic leathers to complete the pocket.

FIG. 1 illustrates a common lacrosse mesh that consists of diamonds, holes or other open net structures. A typical lacrosse mesh piece will have a row of 10 diamonds across and directly below would be a 9 diamond pattern across, interchanging throughout each row. Although this is not the only variation, this gives reference, as this can also consist of diamonds with interchanging rows of 10/9, 9/8, 8/7, 7/6, 6/5 or 5/4, interchanged throughout.

One example of a common lacrosse mesh is FIG. 1, that is defined by having two (but not limited to) different numbered diamond rows interchanging (ex: 10/9, 9/8, 8/7, 7/6, 6/5, etc . . . ). 1 refers to the 10 diamond row, while 2 refers to the 9 diamond row. Edges 3 can be found on both the right and left sides of the lacrosse mesh of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates a version of the improved mesh product. This is defined by the open net structure that transitions into synthetic leathers/strands, comprising the same material(s) that the regular portion of lacrosse mesh is made of. In this figure, the synthetic leathers/strands have diamonds consisting throughout, giving this portion the ability to stretch a slight amount more when in use.

In FIG. 2, the lower portion 12 shows where the synthetic leathers/strands (open diamond) 4 can be found, knit, woven, or thread to the upper portion 10. As can be seen, a column of two strands forming interconnection of diamonds has been removed such that in the adjacent column of two strands a diamond is created in the strand, but the widest area of the adjacent diamonds 8/9 are not connected. Thus, the two strands 15/16 are joined vertically only at the upper 11 and lower 13 ends of the diamonds in the lower portion 12 are connected, but the lateral portions 8/9 are not connected. Particularly, lengthwise strands 19/21 terminate on either side of the continuing strands 15/16 which form the synthetic leathers/strands 4. This creates a strand of the mesh material in the lower portion 12 that is fully integrated into the upper portion 10. As shown in later figures, these strands 4 are woven into a pocket using crossing threads 7.

Another example of the synthetic leathers/strands can be found in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, that are knit, woven, braided or thread together from the mesh with mesh pillars bound throughout (no diamonds or openings). The strand variation 5 shown here is combination of two strands 15/16 which are woven 17 together to make a double width strand 005. In the production phase of mesh, the weaving machine can be programmed at a defined length after the upper portion 10 to weave the strands together along their entire length in the lower portion 12. Therefore, instead of weaving together adjacent strands in e.g. ¼ inch offset increments of alternating nature to create ½ inch diamonds which expand when the sides are pulled, the weaving is continuous in the lower portion 12 between strands 15/16 and does not alternate between adjacent strand pairs in that stands 19/21 do not continue to the lower portion 12. In this manner, the synthetic leathers/strands can be mass produced via a variation of textile manufacturing machines that generate multiple mesh products in one continuous spool, that can be cut into separate pieces separately.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the product. This is defined by the open net structure that transitions into synthetic leathers/strands, typically utilizing of the same material(s) that the regular portion of lacrosse mesh is made of. In this figure, the synthetic leathers/strands do not have diamonds consisting throughout, rather this is mesh pillars, edges or other variations, that are wrap knitting, weft knitting, weaving, braiding, threading, etc . . . together in order to create a synthetic leather/strands. Particularly, lengthwise strands 15/16 extend into the lower portion whereas adjacent ones do not, but in this example the strands 15/16 are continuously woven together to create one larger strand.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the product in the manufacturing phase. Here, a double length upper section is made, but as a mirror image of itself and the transition of the lower section 12 is doubled in length in that the mid point 16 can be cut after weaving to create an individual mesh piece for stringing a stick. Another upper portion 10′ is shown and is otherwise identical to portion 10 but that it is mirrored about the horizontal axis so that when transitioning back to the normal upper portion 10 that is not inverted, the interface between the two can be cut much like the mid point 16 between the strand or lower portions. However, as shown the portions 10/10′ are identical in that they are 10 diamonds wide in the corresponding upper portion.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of the product it in the production phase, before being cut into individual pieces of the product for stringing individual lacrosse heads. Here, the open net structure transitions into synthetic leathers/strands, typically consisting of the same material(s) that the regular portion of lacrosse mesh is made of. In this figure, the product would be produced in one continuous piece or spool, that would be cut into individual products to be applied or strung to a lacrosse head similar to as shown in FIG. 4, but with a different weaving pattern between the strand components that weaves together the adjacent portions of the strands but in an alternating manner to create the diamonds. However, similar to FIG. 2, the adjacent portions 8/9 are not interconnected such that the synthetic leathers/strands are created. Referring to FIG. 5 it can be seen that all the lengthwise strands continuously extend through the mesh piece, but are only joined vertically among strand pairs and not joined laterally to adjacent strands. Although FIG. 5 shows 10 stranded/separated portions, it is contemplated that variations in the weaving pattern could be used such that several of the strands in the middle could conitoulsy extend using the alternating vertical and lateral joining to create a two or three diamond wide (or more) structure in the middle of the pocket structure with the sides including the strands or that the sides can include the two (or more) mesh diamond width structure and the middle can employ the strands. A number of other variations can be envisioned enabling more customization of the pocket.

FIG. 6 illustrates one of many examples of the product being strung onto a lacrosse head. There are many variations that the product can be woven, laced, knit or threaded onto a head and this would be one, but not limited to others. Here, the lower portion 12 and its strands are woven with the string 7 in any number of manners.

FIG. 7 Illustrates the same example of the product being strung onto a lacrosse head from FIG. 6, but from a side view.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example for the bottom half of the product being strung onto a lacrosse head.

FIG. 9 illustrates a zoomed in example of the product (FIG. 8) being strung onto a lacrosse head, showing the interweaving of a cross/sidewall lace into the product.

FIG. 10 illustrates the cross/sidewall lace that is used to attach the product to the lacrosse head, as well as completing the interweaving of the traditional portion of the product.

In the production phase of the product, the mass production assembly can be completed with the same machinery as typical mesh manufacturing, the difference would be the free flowing connected diamond pattern seen in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5. In FIG. 4, this would be an example of a mesh pillar (no diamond) synthetic leather/strands, that is produced in one continuous spool with the interchanging patterns that are mirrored vertically, then to be cut into pieces at a later time.

In FIG. 5, this would be an example of an open diamond synthetic leather/strands, that is produced in one continuous spool with the interchanging and mirrored patterns, then to be cut into pieces at a later time.

The example of the mesh product on a lacrosse head can be seen from different angles in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. FIG. 9 illustrates a zoomed in photo that shows the detail of the bottom half of the product, where plural sidewall/cross laces 7 are woven into the product to complete the pocket of the stick and can be used to attach regular mesh to the lacrosse head. In FIG. 10, you can see an example of a sidewall/cross lace 007 that is also used to attach mesh to a lacrosse head.

The mesh portion allows for consistent throwing, catching and shooting that majority of players in the sport prefer, without giving them the issues that typically come along with mesh sticks. The modified traditional strung lower portion 12 allows for a better feel for the ball, reduction in air drag, reduction on pocket friction and allowing the ball to easily transition to the “sweet spot” of the lacrosse stick that is instrumental in throwing and shooting.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the stringing kit in a bag. Namely, the bag may have a tear to open or zip closure top or may be a sealed bag as is known in the art and may contain the mesh piece, the laces 7 and a shooting string 23. Although a kit for stringing a single stick is shown, it is contemplated that kits for stringing multiple sticks with duplicate parts of those shown in FIG. 11 may be provided. Furthermore, there may be multiple shooting strings 23, for example usually 2-5 or more preferably 2-3 shooting strings. The laces 7 may be a single piece that can be cut or multiple pre cut pieces and may also come with different thicknesses or types of laces 7.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.