CA1109091A - Integrally molded plastic lacrosse stick head - Google Patents
Integrally molded plastic lacrosse stick headInfo
- Publication number
- CA1109091A CA1109091A CA283,730A CA283730A CA1109091A CA 1109091 A CA1109091 A CA 1109091A CA 283730 A CA283730 A CA 283730A CA 1109091 A CA1109091 A CA 1109091A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- side walls
- juncture
- head
- stick
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
- A63B59/20—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00 having means, e.g. pockets, netting or adhesive type surfaces, for catching or holding a ball, e.g. for lacrosse or pelota
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/14—Lacrosse
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/12—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player specially adapted for children
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An all plastic lacrosse stick head is provided herein. It includes a generally V-shaped frame defined by two side walls joined at a juncture and diverging therefrom. A transverse wall joins the ends of the side walls opposite of the juncture and a pocket is integrally molded with the frame. In one optional embodiment, a keeper strap to facilitate control of the ball is positioned across the face of the head in the vicinity of the pocket. The stick of unitary design is resistant to breakage, is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and permits a high degree of flexibility of play.
An all plastic lacrosse stick head is provided herein. It includes a generally V-shaped frame defined by two side walls joined at a juncture and diverging therefrom. A transverse wall joins the ends of the side walls opposite of the juncture and a pocket is integrally molded with the frame. In one optional embodiment, a keeper strap to facilitate control of the ball is positioned across the face of the head in the vicinity of the pocket. The stick of unitary design is resistant to breakage, is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and permits a high degree of flexibility of play.
Description
~l~9~
i This invention relates in general to new and useful improve-ments in lacrosse sticks. More particularly, it rela.tes to the construction of an all plastic double-wall synthetic lacrosse stick head including a poc-ket integrally molded with the walls of the head. A keeper~ strap to facili--tate ball control can be positioned across the face of the head.
r Double-wall synthetic lacrosse sticks are described.in Tucker et al, U.S. Patent No. 3,507,495. The in.troduction of double-wall synthe-tic lacrosse sticks as defined by the Tucker et al patent has greatiy en- r hanced the popularity of the game of lacrosse with the game becoming more common in intramural and varsity sport programs of secondary schools ~~ i . and colleges. This increased popularity is due primarily to the improved feel, balance, and durability as well as uniformity and economy of manu-facture of the double-wall synthetic sticks in comparison to the single-wall, wooden and handmade lacrosse sticks used slnce ancient times. The intro-duction of the meshed webbing construction for the pocket of the lacrosse .
stick described in Tucker et al, U.S.. Patent No. 3, 822, 062 has further simplified the fabrication of lacrosse sticks and permits greater latitude in modifications to individual play.
Although the above-noted construction of lacrosse sticks is ~,;
highly satisfactory as determined by the substantlally universal acceptance of these sticks, it was recognized that the weakest area of the head of the J ~ ' ' lacrosse stick is th.lt area surroundin~ or adjacent to holes in the walls of the hea(l Eor attachmellt or formation oL the web to or on the head. Al-though breakage of the head as a result of tlle weakness in the arm of hole formation is not substantiaL, in an effort to perfect or improve the stick design the double-wall lacrosse sticks were constructed or molded with tab means to wholly or in part eliminate the holes in the walls of the stick used to attach or form the web or pocket of the stick. The provision of the tab means eliminating the holes provided a stick having more uniform - strength throughout the walls thereof; permitted more rapid attachment or formation of the web to or on the stick head; and, surprisingly, depend-ing on the tab formation and location, imparted improved play characteristics.
The present invention is directed to still further improve-ments in the fabrication of lacrosse sticks and to improvements which are intended still further to increase the popularity of the game, thus permitting lacrosse programs in not only secondary school and college intramural and varsity sport programs, but in elementary school sport and gym or physical education programs.
By one aspect of this invention, a unitary head is provided for a lacrosse stick comprising a generally V-shaped plastic molded from frame comprising two side walls joined at a juncture and diverging therefrom and a transverse wall joining the ends of said side walls opposite of said juncture, and a plastic webbing integrally molded with said side walls and transverse wall of said frame to form a pocket between and within said side walls and transverse wall.
By another aspect of this invention, a unitary head is provided for a lacrosse stick comprising a generally V-shaped plastic molded frame comprising two side walls joined at a juncture and diverging thereform;
a transverse wall joining the ends of said side walls opposite of said juncture and stop means spaced from said juncture, and a plastic webbing integrally molded with said side walls, transverse wall, and stop means of said frame to form a pocket between and within sald si(le walls, transverse wall, and stop means.
By yet another aspect of this invention, a unitary head is provided for a lacrosse stick comprising a generally V-shaped plastic molded frame comprising two side walls joined at a juncture and diverging therefrom; a transverse wal] joining the ends oE said side walls opposite of said juncture, and pocket means between and within said side walls and transverse wall; and a keeper strap positioned across the face of the lacrosse stick constructed and arranged partially to enclose the pocket formed by the juncture, side walls, and pocket means.
By a variant, the juncture is constructed and arranged to removably receive a handle.
By another variant, the plastic is a polyurethane, especially where the head is made by injection molding.
By other variants, the head includes a keeper strap positioned across the face of the lacrosse stick constructed and arranged to partially enclose the pocket formed by the juncture, side walls, and ; webbing which is either attached by snaps, or is integrally molded with the unitary head.
According to one aspect of the present invention, an all plastic head for a lacrosse stick is formed by integrally molding the frame and pocket. The head comprises a generally V-shaped frame defined by two side walls joined at a juncture and diverging therefrom, a transverse wall joining the ends of the side walls opposite of the juncture, and a pocket integrally molded with the frame. A handle is secured to the head at the juncture of the side walls. The integrally molded head is advantageous in that -~0 - 2a -(a) it substanLiaLLy completely eliminates holes in the walls for attachment o~ webbing or the like to form the pocket, thereby substantially eliminating possible wealc areas;
(b) the pocket being integrally formed, substantially eliminates the need, and thus the time required, to fabricate a pocket by attaching string or mesh; and (c) cost of manufacture is reduced in that the entire head is molded in one continuous operation.
Surprisingly, play characteristics are not detrimentally affected and, in fact, the unitary stick permits a high degree of flexibility of play.
More specifically, modification to play characteristics is - obtained not only by the size or depth of the pocket, also capable of accom-plishment with string and mesh, but by modification of the synthetic plastic used in fabricating the head. By changing the polymeric material, the prop-erties of the head can be adjusted in weight and from varying degrees of rigidity to varying degrees of flexibility which, in turn, affects the play characteristics and, more importantly, permits a wider latitude of play conditions and surface areas. ~sually the more rigid heads are best chosen ; for play under normal field lacrosse conditions. Flexible heads, on the other hand, are more suitable for indoor areas, i.e., in gymnasiums, and are preferred for play with younger players where injury by being struck with a stick is more of a danger. The integral molding permits fabrication of sticks which are very light in weight, but still possess a high degree of, and the necessary, strength. Flexibility of play, permitting play by inexperienced players including the young player, is further en-hanced by the inclusion of a keeper strap across the open face of the plastic ~, . _ 9~
head in Lhe vicinity of the jullcture. Tile keeper strap helps in the control of the ball building confidence in the player.
~ ecause of the varying physical properties, including light-ness, and also the reLative inexpensiveness of manufacture of the all plastic lacrosse stick head, the game of lacrosse and variations therof can be greatly expanded. As noted hereinbefore, prior to the introduction of double-wall lacrosse sticks as disclosed in Tucker et al, U.S. Patent No. 3,507,495, the game of lacrosse was largely limited to varsity sport programs of select colleges. With the advent of the double-wall stick, the popularity of lacrosse increased tremendously and expanded into varsity and intramural sport programs of most colleges and a number of secondary schools. However, the game has still not gained acceptance in many secondary schools or in most elementary schools. It is believed this lack of acceptance has been largely due to the initial cost of the stick and replacement cost of broken sticks, as well as fear of injury to players as a result of being struck with a stick. As a result of aspects of the present invention, however, the cost of the stick is substantially reduced through integral molding of the head and safety of play on varying surfaces is assured due to the varying physical characteristics possible with the stick head. The unitary stick of aspects of the present invention permits the game of lacrosse, or a modification thereof, to be played in gym classes made up of even young children under indoor or outdoor conditions. The use of light, shatterproof, plastic heads not only substantially precludes possible injury, but substantially eliminates physical damage to indoor, hardwood, or the like playing areas. Accordingly, through broad aspects of this invention lacrosse is now available as a valuable tool to gym instructors in teaching coordination, dexterity, and motor skills in general.
, _ . _ . . . .
9~
The plastic or polymeric material which is to be used in ac-cordance with the present invention is critical to the extent that it must have as physical properties strength, tolJghness, abrasion resistance, as well as the desired flexibility in the finished lacrosse stick. The materials highly preferred are urethane elastomers made from reactants which arè
normally blended in the liquid state and cast or injected into suitable molds j -where they are heated to produce the desired unitary lacrosse stick. These urethane elastomers are preferably derived from polyester and/or polyether glycols reac.ted with organic polyisocyanates and cured with low molecular 10 weight polyols or polyamines. For example, cast elastomèrs ba.sed on poly(l, 4-oxybutylene)~lycol and toluene diisocyana.te react to form pre-polymers containing isocyanate groups. The prepolymer is further cured wlth an organic diamine, e.g., 4,4'methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline) to provide the final article. Preferred urethane elastomers are those mar-keted under the ];i'.. I. duPont deNemours & Co. trademark SU:RLYN which are ionomer res;ns and particularly those suitable for injection molding e.g., SURLYN 1555 and 15~0. Others are manufactured by duPont under the H~TREL trademark. ~dditionally, the polyu~ethane resins marketed by duPont under the tracle:mark ADIPIIENE are particularly suitable for cast molding in contra(3istinction to injection molding. These urethane elastomers produce molded stick heads having the essential strength, tough-ness, abrasion resistance, and flexibility essential for the sticks. More specifically, stick heads are obtained with the polymeric material having k a hardness on the Shore Durometer ranging from 20D to lOOD, i~.
and preferably from 50D to 77D; abrasion resistance based on the National Bureau of Standards Index of from 250 to 550, and ~9~
preferably fron~ ~00 to 50U; irnpact resistance basecl on the American Society of Testin~ Materials (A';TM) D256-56, method A;
notched Izod of from 7 to ~2, and preferably from 10 to 20; and a resiliency (rebo~md Bashore) percentage of from ''0 to 55, and preferably from ~L0 to 50 percent, In addition to the e~cellent physical properties imparted to the integral sticl; heads by the urethatle elastomer, the ability to utilize liquid casting techniqlles c-nd/or injection molding depending upon the resin selected makes the urFthanes particularly advantageous. In one pref0rred process a two-piece mo]d mac3e fro~l a solid itnperviou.s material, e.g., a solid urethane elastomer is Eilled thrnugh a fill hole in the mold with a liquid urethane elastomer, e.g., ADIPE~ENE L-315J a urethane elastomer marketed by duPont as a prepolymer based on poly(1, 4-oxybutylene)glycol and toluene diisocyanate (100 parts) and 4,4'methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline) ~,, (26 parts) after a thorough mi}~ing and addition of pigment~ if desired. The filling preferably is accomplished within a short period, for e~ample 15 to 20 seconds, to avoid undue viscosity build-up. The mold is then moved into a heating chamber and held at 100 C. for 15 to 2Q minutes. During this period the liquid urethane components gel into a rubbery- solid having sufEi-''0 cient tenacity and fle~ibility that the stick being molded can be demolded easily beEore the polymer has attained its maximum hardness. In this man- ~9 ner not only is the demolding facilitated, but the molding cycle is shortened which enables greater and more efficient use of the molds. Thereafter the article is further cured at 100 C. for hvo to three hours to ensure complete cure and optimurn properties. As will be apparent to one skilled in the r molding art, the temperatures are not criticaland depend to a large e~ctent 9~
UpOIl the particular polymers used.
In an alternative preferred process, the integrally formed lacrosse stick head is formed by injection molding a suitable resin into a mold using conventional injection molding techniques.
Although the urethane polymers are preferred, it is possible to use other polymers including polyethylene and polypropylene resins, or a combination of resins, The essential feature is to obtain the necessary strength, abrasion resistance, hardness, and flexibility as noted hereinbefore.
In the drawing, where like parts of the various embodiments are designated by like numerals, FIGURE 1 is a view from the open face of a lacrosse stick according to one aspect of this invention showing the handle partly broken away;
FIGURE 2 is a side view of the integrally molded head only;
FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 4 is a top, rear view of a second embodiment of the lacrosse stick according to another aspect of this invention;
FIGURE 5 is a top view of the stick of FIGURE 1, including a keeper strap used in another aspect of this invention;
FIGURE 6 is a fragmented view of the stick of FIGURE 1 showing a second embodiment of the keeper strap used in another aspect of this invention;
FIGURE 7 is a fragmented view of the stick of FIGURE 4 showing still another embodiment of the keeper strap used in another aspect of this invention; and FIGURE 8 is a view from the open face of a lacrosse stick of the design shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,822,062 illustrating the use of a keeper strap.
~'A~
Referring to the various views, head 10 comprises side walls 12 and 14 joined at juncture 16 ancl a transverse wall 18 connecting the side walls at the end opposite of the juncture. In the design shown, stop means - 7a -20 is spaced from juncture 16 toward transverse wall 1~3. A plastic web-bing or mesh 22 is inlegrally molded with and corlnected to the side and transverse walls and to stop means 20 to form a pocket to, in cooperation with the side walls, transverse wall, and stop means, receive and hold a ball and to control the throwing oL the ball. The drawing which is on sub-stantially a 0~ 5 to 1 scale establishes a preferred ratio and depth of pocket.
However, modification can be made and good play characteristics still obtainable. For exarnple, for indoor play it may be desirable to use a ball larger than the normal lacrosse ball~ Such balls may be of a flexible polyurethane or like material, or hollow plastic. In such expediency it r--may be desired to vary the depth of the pocket, or the like.
It is believed the ability to integrally mold the entire stick head to provide the requisite properties, while obtaining good play charac-teristics, is due to having stop means 20 forward of juncture 16. and inte-grally and fixedly molding the stop means with the webbing or mesh in the ,.
formation of the pocket. This feature provides the essential properties and permits the adequate control of the pocket means to permit accurate and uninhibited play.
. FIGURES 5 - 7 illustrates the lacrosse stick head of one aspect of the pre-20 sent invention showing keeper strap 30 positioned across the face of the lacrosse stick. As shown in FIGURE 5, the keeper strap contains snap buttons 32 on each extreme end of the strap. One end of the strap is passed through webbing 22 around one of the first side walls, across the face of the stick head, around the second of the side walls, and attached at the second end to webbing 22. The keeper strap is so positioned as to protect and partially cover the pocket of the sticls head forrrled by the juncture, stop, ,' ¦
- ~3 r~
side walls, and webbing. Some latitude can be e~iercised in positioning the keep~r strap depending upon the preEerence of the inc3ividual player.
Preferably, however, the keeper strap wil] be positioned substantially as shown in E;IGUXE 5. FIGURE 6 illustrates a second embodiment as to the manner o attaching the keeper strap. FIGURE 7 illustrates still a further embodiment of the keeper strap. According to the embodiment of FIGURE 7, a tab 36 is integrally molded on each side wall of the integrally molded plas-tic head. Tab 36 has a lip 36a. A plastic strap 30 having an opening is snapped onto tab 36, engaging lip 36a, and stretched across the face of the ~;
stick head and snapped in place on the opposite side wall. It is possible ac- r cording to this embodiment to injection mold the keeper strap 30 along with the entire head of the lacrosse stick using a weakened break-away design. ~-It is also possible to integrally mold the keeper strap in place as part of the stick head during the injection molding. If such expediency is followed, the Iceeper strap will not be replaceable, but can be permanently removed if desired after the player using the st;ck acquires the essential skill and feels he no longer needs the keeper strap.
The preferred rnaterial of the strap if detachable is flexible vinyl. It can be desirable to have the strap adjustable to conform to halls of different size. ~, FIGU~E 8 illustrates keeper strap 30 afflxed to the head of a ~r lacrosse stick of the double wall design shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,507,495 and 3, 822, 062. According to FIGURE 7, the pocket is not integrally molded with the double wall lacrosse stick, but is formed of mesh 38 attached after formation of the head portion. The keeper strap in this embodiment is use- r ful to facilitate an ine~perienced player accomplishing lacrosse skills.
Tht keeper strap has been found to contribute substantially ~;
to the control of the bal] used in the lacrosc,e game, thereby building the confidence ol the inexperienced or young player. As is apparent, however, in the event the player should decide that the 1seeper strap is not desirable it can be readily removed. In the case of its being integrally molded, it can be cut from the stick head using a knife or other suitable tool.
It will be apparent that various modifications can be made in the inventive concept expressed herein. A particularly advantageous fea-ture is having the juncture and stop means cooperate to receive and hold in 10 place a removable handle which rmay be of wood, plastic, or a light metal e.g., a.luminum. However, it is possible to integrally mold the handle and head in one operation. Moreover, as will be apparentJ the dimensions of the side and transverse walls as well as the stop means can be varied to meet r~articular applications.
., '' ~ .
1 ()
i This invention relates in general to new and useful improve-ments in lacrosse sticks. More particularly, it rela.tes to the construction of an all plastic double-wall synthetic lacrosse stick head including a poc-ket integrally molded with the walls of the head. A keeper~ strap to facili--tate ball control can be positioned across the face of the head.
r Double-wall synthetic lacrosse sticks are described.in Tucker et al, U.S. Patent No. 3,507,495. The in.troduction of double-wall synthe-tic lacrosse sticks as defined by the Tucker et al patent has greatiy en- r hanced the popularity of the game of lacrosse with the game becoming more common in intramural and varsity sport programs of secondary schools ~~ i . and colleges. This increased popularity is due primarily to the improved feel, balance, and durability as well as uniformity and economy of manu-facture of the double-wall synthetic sticks in comparison to the single-wall, wooden and handmade lacrosse sticks used slnce ancient times. The intro-duction of the meshed webbing construction for the pocket of the lacrosse .
stick described in Tucker et al, U.S.. Patent No. 3, 822, 062 has further simplified the fabrication of lacrosse sticks and permits greater latitude in modifications to individual play.
Although the above-noted construction of lacrosse sticks is ~,;
highly satisfactory as determined by the substantlally universal acceptance of these sticks, it was recognized that the weakest area of the head of the J ~ ' ' lacrosse stick is th.lt area surroundin~ or adjacent to holes in the walls of the hea(l Eor attachmellt or formation oL the web to or on the head. Al-though breakage of the head as a result of tlle weakness in the arm of hole formation is not substantiaL, in an effort to perfect or improve the stick design the double-wall lacrosse sticks were constructed or molded with tab means to wholly or in part eliminate the holes in the walls of the stick used to attach or form the web or pocket of the stick. The provision of the tab means eliminating the holes provided a stick having more uniform - strength throughout the walls thereof; permitted more rapid attachment or formation of the web to or on the stick head; and, surprisingly, depend-ing on the tab formation and location, imparted improved play characteristics.
The present invention is directed to still further improve-ments in the fabrication of lacrosse sticks and to improvements which are intended still further to increase the popularity of the game, thus permitting lacrosse programs in not only secondary school and college intramural and varsity sport programs, but in elementary school sport and gym or physical education programs.
By one aspect of this invention, a unitary head is provided for a lacrosse stick comprising a generally V-shaped plastic molded from frame comprising two side walls joined at a juncture and diverging therefrom and a transverse wall joining the ends of said side walls opposite of said juncture, and a plastic webbing integrally molded with said side walls and transverse wall of said frame to form a pocket between and within said side walls and transverse wall.
By another aspect of this invention, a unitary head is provided for a lacrosse stick comprising a generally V-shaped plastic molded frame comprising two side walls joined at a juncture and diverging thereform;
a transverse wall joining the ends of said side walls opposite of said juncture and stop means spaced from said juncture, and a plastic webbing integrally molded with said side walls, transverse wall, and stop means of said frame to form a pocket between and within sald si(le walls, transverse wall, and stop means.
By yet another aspect of this invention, a unitary head is provided for a lacrosse stick comprising a generally V-shaped plastic molded frame comprising two side walls joined at a juncture and diverging therefrom; a transverse wal] joining the ends oE said side walls opposite of said juncture, and pocket means between and within said side walls and transverse wall; and a keeper strap positioned across the face of the lacrosse stick constructed and arranged partially to enclose the pocket formed by the juncture, side walls, and pocket means.
By a variant, the juncture is constructed and arranged to removably receive a handle.
By another variant, the plastic is a polyurethane, especially where the head is made by injection molding.
By other variants, the head includes a keeper strap positioned across the face of the lacrosse stick constructed and arranged to partially enclose the pocket formed by the juncture, side walls, and ; webbing which is either attached by snaps, or is integrally molded with the unitary head.
According to one aspect of the present invention, an all plastic head for a lacrosse stick is formed by integrally molding the frame and pocket. The head comprises a generally V-shaped frame defined by two side walls joined at a juncture and diverging therefrom, a transverse wall joining the ends of the side walls opposite of the juncture, and a pocket integrally molded with the frame. A handle is secured to the head at the juncture of the side walls. The integrally molded head is advantageous in that -~0 - 2a -(a) it substanLiaLLy completely eliminates holes in the walls for attachment o~ webbing or the like to form the pocket, thereby substantially eliminating possible wealc areas;
(b) the pocket being integrally formed, substantially eliminates the need, and thus the time required, to fabricate a pocket by attaching string or mesh; and (c) cost of manufacture is reduced in that the entire head is molded in one continuous operation.
Surprisingly, play characteristics are not detrimentally affected and, in fact, the unitary stick permits a high degree of flexibility of play.
More specifically, modification to play characteristics is - obtained not only by the size or depth of the pocket, also capable of accom-plishment with string and mesh, but by modification of the synthetic plastic used in fabricating the head. By changing the polymeric material, the prop-erties of the head can be adjusted in weight and from varying degrees of rigidity to varying degrees of flexibility which, in turn, affects the play characteristics and, more importantly, permits a wider latitude of play conditions and surface areas. ~sually the more rigid heads are best chosen ; for play under normal field lacrosse conditions. Flexible heads, on the other hand, are more suitable for indoor areas, i.e., in gymnasiums, and are preferred for play with younger players where injury by being struck with a stick is more of a danger. The integral molding permits fabrication of sticks which are very light in weight, but still possess a high degree of, and the necessary, strength. Flexibility of play, permitting play by inexperienced players including the young player, is further en-hanced by the inclusion of a keeper strap across the open face of the plastic ~, . _ 9~
head in Lhe vicinity of the jullcture. Tile keeper strap helps in the control of the ball building confidence in the player.
~ ecause of the varying physical properties, including light-ness, and also the reLative inexpensiveness of manufacture of the all plastic lacrosse stick head, the game of lacrosse and variations therof can be greatly expanded. As noted hereinbefore, prior to the introduction of double-wall lacrosse sticks as disclosed in Tucker et al, U.S. Patent No. 3,507,495, the game of lacrosse was largely limited to varsity sport programs of select colleges. With the advent of the double-wall stick, the popularity of lacrosse increased tremendously and expanded into varsity and intramural sport programs of most colleges and a number of secondary schools. However, the game has still not gained acceptance in many secondary schools or in most elementary schools. It is believed this lack of acceptance has been largely due to the initial cost of the stick and replacement cost of broken sticks, as well as fear of injury to players as a result of being struck with a stick. As a result of aspects of the present invention, however, the cost of the stick is substantially reduced through integral molding of the head and safety of play on varying surfaces is assured due to the varying physical characteristics possible with the stick head. The unitary stick of aspects of the present invention permits the game of lacrosse, or a modification thereof, to be played in gym classes made up of even young children under indoor or outdoor conditions. The use of light, shatterproof, plastic heads not only substantially precludes possible injury, but substantially eliminates physical damage to indoor, hardwood, or the like playing areas. Accordingly, through broad aspects of this invention lacrosse is now available as a valuable tool to gym instructors in teaching coordination, dexterity, and motor skills in general.
, _ . _ . . . .
9~
The plastic or polymeric material which is to be used in ac-cordance with the present invention is critical to the extent that it must have as physical properties strength, tolJghness, abrasion resistance, as well as the desired flexibility in the finished lacrosse stick. The materials highly preferred are urethane elastomers made from reactants which arè
normally blended in the liquid state and cast or injected into suitable molds j -where they are heated to produce the desired unitary lacrosse stick. These urethane elastomers are preferably derived from polyester and/or polyether glycols reac.ted with organic polyisocyanates and cured with low molecular 10 weight polyols or polyamines. For example, cast elastomèrs ba.sed on poly(l, 4-oxybutylene)~lycol and toluene diisocyana.te react to form pre-polymers containing isocyanate groups. The prepolymer is further cured wlth an organic diamine, e.g., 4,4'methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline) to provide the final article. Preferred urethane elastomers are those mar-keted under the ];i'.. I. duPont deNemours & Co. trademark SU:RLYN which are ionomer res;ns and particularly those suitable for injection molding e.g., SURLYN 1555 and 15~0. Others are manufactured by duPont under the H~TREL trademark. ~dditionally, the polyu~ethane resins marketed by duPont under the tracle:mark ADIPIIENE are particularly suitable for cast molding in contra(3istinction to injection molding. These urethane elastomers produce molded stick heads having the essential strength, tough-ness, abrasion resistance, and flexibility essential for the sticks. More specifically, stick heads are obtained with the polymeric material having k a hardness on the Shore Durometer ranging from 20D to lOOD, i~.
and preferably from 50D to 77D; abrasion resistance based on the National Bureau of Standards Index of from 250 to 550, and ~9~
preferably fron~ ~00 to 50U; irnpact resistance basecl on the American Society of Testin~ Materials (A';TM) D256-56, method A;
notched Izod of from 7 to ~2, and preferably from 10 to 20; and a resiliency (rebo~md Bashore) percentage of from ''0 to 55, and preferably from ~L0 to 50 percent, In addition to the e~cellent physical properties imparted to the integral sticl; heads by the urethatle elastomer, the ability to utilize liquid casting techniqlles c-nd/or injection molding depending upon the resin selected makes the urFthanes particularly advantageous. In one pref0rred process a two-piece mo]d mac3e fro~l a solid itnperviou.s material, e.g., a solid urethane elastomer is Eilled thrnugh a fill hole in the mold with a liquid urethane elastomer, e.g., ADIPE~ENE L-315J a urethane elastomer marketed by duPont as a prepolymer based on poly(1, 4-oxybutylene)glycol and toluene diisocyanate (100 parts) and 4,4'methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline) ~,, (26 parts) after a thorough mi}~ing and addition of pigment~ if desired. The filling preferably is accomplished within a short period, for e~ample 15 to 20 seconds, to avoid undue viscosity build-up. The mold is then moved into a heating chamber and held at 100 C. for 15 to 2Q minutes. During this period the liquid urethane components gel into a rubbery- solid having sufEi-''0 cient tenacity and fle~ibility that the stick being molded can be demolded easily beEore the polymer has attained its maximum hardness. In this man- ~9 ner not only is the demolding facilitated, but the molding cycle is shortened which enables greater and more efficient use of the molds. Thereafter the article is further cured at 100 C. for hvo to three hours to ensure complete cure and optimurn properties. As will be apparent to one skilled in the r molding art, the temperatures are not criticaland depend to a large e~ctent 9~
UpOIl the particular polymers used.
In an alternative preferred process, the integrally formed lacrosse stick head is formed by injection molding a suitable resin into a mold using conventional injection molding techniques.
Although the urethane polymers are preferred, it is possible to use other polymers including polyethylene and polypropylene resins, or a combination of resins, The essential feature is to obtain the necessary strength, abrasion resistance, hardness, and flexibility as noted hereinbefore.
In the drawing, where like parts of the various embodiments are designated by like numerals, FIGURE 1 is a view from the open face of a lacrosse stick according to one aspect of this invention showing the handle partly broken away;
FIGURE 2 is a side view of the integrally molded head only;
FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 4 is a top, rear view of a second embodiment of the lacrosse stick according to another aspect of this invention;
FIGURE 5 is a top view of the stick of FIGURE 1, including a keeper strap used in another aspect of this invention;
FIGURE 6 is a fragmented view of the stick of FIGURE 1 showing a second embodiment of the keeper strap used in another aspect of this invention;
FIGURE 7 is a fragmented view of the stick of FIGURE 4 showing still another embodiment of the keeper strap used in another aspect of this invention; and FIGURE 8 is a view from the open face of a lacrosse stick of the design shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,822,062 illustrating the use of a keeper strap.
~'A~
Referring to the various views, head 10 comprises side walls 12 and 14 joined at juncture 16 ancl a transverse wall 18 connecting the side walls at the end opposite of the juncture. In the design shown, stop means - 7a -20 is spaced from juncture 16 toward transverse wall 1~3. A plastic web-bing or mesh 22 is inlegrally molded with and corlnected to the side and transverse walls and to stop means 20 to form a pocket to, in cooperation with the side walls, transverse wall, and stop means, receive and hold a ball and to control the throwing oL the ball. The drawing which is on sub-stantially a 0~ 5 to 1 scale establishes a preferred ratio and depth of pocket.
However, modification can be made and good play characteristics still obtainable. For exarnple, for indoor play it may be desirable to use a ball larger than the normal lacrosse ball~ Such balls may be of a flexible polyurethane or like material, or hollow plastic. In such expediency it r--may be desired to vary the depth of the pocket, or the like.
It is believed the ability to integrally mold the entire stick head to provide the requisite properties, while obtaining good play charac-teristics, is due to having stop means 20 forward of juncture 16. and inte-grally and fixedly molding the stop means with the webbing or mesh in the ,.
formation of the pocket. This feature provides the essential properties and permits the adequate control of the pocket means to permit accurate and uninhibited play.
. FIGURES 5 - 7 illustrates the lacrosse stick head of one aspect of the pre-20 sent invention showing keeper strap 30 positioned across the face of the lacrosse stick. As shown in FIGURE 5, the keeper strap contains snap buttons 32 on each extreme end of the strap. One end of the strap is passed through webbing 22 around one of the first side walls, across the face of the stick head, around the second of the side walls, and attached at the second end to webbing 22. The keeper strap is so positioned as to protect and partially cover the pocket of the sticls head forrrled by the juncture, stop, ,' ¦
- ~3 r~
side walls, and webbing. Some latitude can be e~iercised in positioning the keep~r strap depending upon the preEerence of the inc3ividual player.
Preferably, however, the keeper strap wil] be positioned substantially as shown in E;IGUXE 5. FIGURE 6 illustrates a second embodiment as to the manner o attaching the keeper strap. FIGURE 7 illustrates still a further embodiment of the keeper strap. According to the embodiment of FIGURE 7, a tab 36 is integrally molded on each side wall of the integrally molded plas-tic head. Tab 36 has a lip 36a. A plastic strap 30 having an opening is snapped onto tab 36, engaging lip 36a, and stretched across the face of the ~;
stick head and snapped in place on the opposite side wall. It is possible ac- r cording to this embodiment to injection mold the keeper strap 30 along with the entire head of the lacrosse stick using a weakened break-away design. ~-It is also possible to integrally mold the keeper strap in place as part of the stick head during the injection molding. If such expediency is followed, the Iceeper strap will not be replaceable, but can be permanently removed if desired after the player using the st;ck acquires the essential skill and feels he no longer needs the keeper strap.
The preferred rnaterial of the strap if detachable is flexible vinyl. It can be desirable to have the strap adjustable to conform to halls of different size. ~, FIGU~E 8 illustrates keeper strap 30 afflxed to the head of a ~r lacrosse stick of the double wall design shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,507,495 and 3, 822, 062. According to FIGURE 7, the pocket is not integrally molded with the double wall lacrosse stick, but is formed of mesh 38 attached after formation of the head portion. The keeper strap in this embodiment is use- r ful to facilitate an ine~perienced player accomplishing lacrosse skills.
Tht keeper strap has been found to contribute substantially ~;
to the control of the bal] used in the lacrosc,e game, thereby building the confidence ol the inexperienced or young player. As is apparent, however, in the event the player should decide that the 1seeper strap is not desirable it can be readily removed. In the case of its being integrally molded, it can be cut from the stick head using a knife or other suitable tool.
It will be apparent that various modifications can be made in the inventive concept expressed herein. A particularly advantageous fea-ture is having the juncture and stop means cooperate to receive and hold in 10 place a removable handle which rmay be of wood, plastic, or a light metal e.g., a.luminum. However, it is possible to integrally mold the handle and head in one operation. Moreover, as will be apparentJ the dimensions of the side and transverse walls as well as the stop means can be varied to meet r~articular applications.
., '' ~ .
1 ()
Claims (9)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A unitary head for a lacrosse stick comprising a gen-erally V-shaped plastic molded frame comprising two side walls joined at a juncture and diverging therefrom and a transverse wall joining the ends of said side walls opposite of said juncture, and a plastic webbing integrally molded with said side walls and transverse wall of said frame to form a pocket between and within said side walls and transverse wall.
2. A unitary head for a lacrosse stick comprising a generally V-shaped plastic molded frame comprising two side walls joined at a juncture and diverging therefrom; a trans-verse wall joining the ends of said side walls opposite of said juncture and stop means spaced from said juncture, and a plastic webbing integrally molded with said side walls, transverse wall, and stop means of said frame to form a pocket between and within said side walls, transverse wall, and stop means.
3. The unitary head of claims 1 or 2 wherein the juncture is constructed and arranged to removably receive a handle.
4. The unitary head of claims 1 or 2 wherein the plastic is a polyurethane.
5. The unitary head of claims 1 or 2 wherein the plastic is a polyurethane and wherein the head is made by injection molding.
6. The unitary head of claims 1 or 2 including a keeper strap positioned across the face of the lacrosse stick con-structed and arranged to partially enclose the pocket formed by the juncture, side walls, and webbing.
7. The unitary head of claims 1 or 2 including a keeper strap positioned across the face of the lacrosse stick con-structed and arranged to partially enclose the pocket formed by the juncture, side walls, and webbing, and wherein the keeper strap is attached by snaps.
8. The unitary head of claims 1 or 2 including a keeper strap positioned across the face of the lacrosse stick con-structed and arranged to partially enclose the pocket formed by the juncture, side walls, and webbing, and wherein the keeper strap is integrally molded with the unitary head.
9. The unitary head of claims 1 or 2 including a keeper strap positioned across the face of the lacross stick con-structed and arranged to partially enclose the pocket formed by the juncture, side walls, stop means, and webbing.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US71126076A | 1976-08-03 | 1976-08-03 | |
| US711,260 | 1976-08-03 | ||
| US79893377A | 1977-05-20 | 1977-05-20 | |
| US798,933 | 1977-05-20 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1109091A true CA1109091A (en) | 1981-09-15 |
Family
ID=27108608
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA283,730A Expired CA1109091A (en) | 1976-08-03 | 1977-07-29 | Integrally molded plastic lacrosse stick head |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU517918B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1109091A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1589596A (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6966854B1 (en) | 2002-01-08 | 2005-11-22 | J. Debeer & Son, Inc. | Pre-manufactured traditional-style lacrosse pocket |
| WO2006022909A2 (en) * | 2004-07-29 | 2006-03-02 | Harrow Sports, Inc. | One piece lacrosse stick |
| US7736251B2 (en) * | 2004-07-26 | 2010-06-15 | Quikstick Lacrosse, Llc | Lacrosse stick |
| US7749112B2 (en) | 2004-07-29 | 2010-07-06 | Harrow Sports, Inc. | One piece lacrosse stick |
| US20140235376A1 (en) * | 2009-11-23 | 2014-08-21 | Entrotech Composites, Llc | Reinforced Objects |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU655082B2 (en) * | 1991-11-22 | 1994-12-01 | Graham Thomas Bennett | Polocrosse racket and polocrosse racket head |
| US5174580A (en) * | 1992-04-17 | 1992-12-29 | Seneca Sports, Inc. | Ball toss and catch toy |
| US5269532A (en) * | 1993-01-07 | 1993-12-14 | Stx, Inc. | Lacrosse stick head |
| US7192369B2 (en) * | 2001-03-23 | 2007-03-20 | Warrior Lacrosse, Inc. | Mesh pocket for lacrosse stick |
| US7022035B2 (en) * | 2001-03-23 | 2006-04-04 | Warrior Lacrosse, Inc. | Lacrosse head pocket |
| US6910976B2 (en) | 2001-06-26 | 2005-06-28 | Stx, Llc | Multi-component lacrosse stick head |
| US6916259B2 (en) | 2002-08-01 | 2005-07-12 | Stx, Llc | Lacrosse head having an articulated member |
| US7282000B2 (en) * | 2003-03-14 | 2007-10-16 | Sport Helmets, Inc. | Articulated lacrosse stick |
| US7618335B2 (en) | 2006-04-19 | 2009-11-17 | Warrior Sports, Inc. | Lacrosse heads |
-
1977
- 1977-07-28 AU AU27421/77A patent/AU517918B2/en not_active Expired
- 1977-07-28 GB GB31688/77A patent/GB1589596A/en not_active Expired
- 1977-07-29 CA CA283,730A patent/CA1109091A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6966854B1 (en) | 2002-01-08 | 2005-11-22 | J. Debeer & Son, Inc. | Pre-manufactured traditional-style lacrosse pocket |
| US7070523B1 (en) | 2002-01-08 | 2006-07-04 | J. Debeer & Son, Inc. | Pre-manufactured traditional-style lacrosse pocket |
| US7736251B2 (en) * | 2004-07-26 | 2010-06-15 | Quikstick Lacrosse, Llc | Lacrosse stick |
| WO2006022909A2 (en) * | 2004-07-29 | 2006-03-02 | Harrow Sports, Inc. | One piece lacrosse stick |
| WO2006022909A3 (en) * | 2004-07-29 | 2006-06-08 | Harrow Sports Inc | One piece lacrosse stick |
| US7749112B2 (en) | 2004-07-29 | 2010-07-06 | Harrow Sports, Inc. | One piece lacrosse stick |
| US20140235376A1 (en) * | 2009-11-23 | 2014-08-21 | Entrotech Composites, Llc | Reinforced Objects |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB1589596A (en) | 1981-05-13 |
| AU517918B2 (en) | 1981-09-03 |
| AU2742177A (en) | 1979-02-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |