Lacrosse stick handle with a reinforcing insert

Abstract

A lacrosse handle ( 12 ) having one or more reinforcing inserts ( 14 ) is provided. The lacrosse handle ( 12 ) is defined by a hollow tube having an outer surface ( 22 ) and an inner surface ( 24 ). The inner surface ( 24 ) has the reinforcing insert ( 14 ) coupled thereto. In one embodiment, this reinforcing insert ( 14 ) is comprised of an injection-molded fiberglass composite that contacts substantially the entire inner surface ( 24 ) of the handle ( 12 ). Alternatively, in another embodiment, the reinforcing insert ( 14 ) is comprised of a foam material. Furthermore, the reinforcing insert ( 24 ) may instead be constructed of a variety of other suitable materials for reinforcing the hollow tube and supporting the existing structure of the hollow tube. In addition, the reinforcing insert ( 14 ) may be adapted for absorbing vibrations emanating through the handle ( 12 ).

1 . A handle for a lacrosse stick and mounting a lacrosse head thereon, comprising: 
 a hollow tube for attachment to the lacrosse head, said hollow tube having an outer surface and an inner surface; and;    a reinforcing insert coupled to said inner surface for strengthening said hollow tube.    
     
     
         2 . The handle of  claim 1  wherein said reinforcing insert is coupled to said inner surface and extends substantially across a length of said hollow tube.  
     
     
         3 . The handle of  claim 1  wherein said reinforcing insert is coupled to said insert and extends substantially around a lateral periphery of said hollow tube.  
     
     
         4 . The handle of  claim 1  wherein said reinforcing insert is coupled to a top end portion of said hollow tube.  
     
     
         5 . The handle of  claim 1  wherein said reinforcing insert is coupled to an intermediate portion of said hollow tube.  
     
     
         6 . The handle of  claim 1  wherein said reinforcing insert is coupled to a bottom end portion of said hollow tube.  
     
     
         7 . The handle of  claim 1  wherein said reinforcing insert is comprised of a substantially rigid non-deformable material.  
     
     
         8 . The handle of  claim 7  wherein said substantially rigid non-deformable material is a composite material.  
     
     
         9 . The handle of  claim 1  wherein said inner surface defines a cavity substantially filled by said reinforcing insert.  
     
     
         10 . The handle of  claim 1  wherein said reinforcing insert defines a cavity.  
     
     
         11 . A handle for a lacrosse stick and mounting a lacrosse head thereon, comprising: 
 a hollow tube for attachment to the lacrosse head, said hollow tube having an outer surface and an inner surface; and;    a reinforcing insert coupled to said inner surface for strengthening said hollow tube, said reinforcing insert being comprised of a deformable material for absorbing vibrations in said hollow tube.    
     
     
         12 . The handle of  claim 11  wherein said deformable material is at least one of a foam material and a semi-fluid filled membrane.  
     
     
         13 . The handle of  claim 11  wherein said reinforcing insert is coupled to said inner surface and extends substantially across a length of said hollow tube.  
     
     
         14 . The handle of  claim 11  wherein said reinforcing insert is coupled to said insert and extends substantially around a lateral periphery of said hollow tube.  
     
     
         15 . The handle of  claim 11  wherein said reinforcing insert is coupled to a top end portion of said hollow tube.  
     
     
         16 . The handle of  claim 11  wherein said reinforcing insert is coupled to an intermediate portion of said hollow tube.  
     
     
         17 . The handle of  claim 11  wherein said reinforcing insert is coupled to a bottom end portion of said hollow tube.  
     
     
         18 . A method for manufacturing the lacrosse handle recited in  claim 1 , comprising: 
 coupling a reinforcing insert to an inner surface of the lacrosse handle.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising: 
 curing a composite material formed for coupling to said inner surface.  
 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising: 
 injecting a foam material into a cavity defined by said inner surface.