Apparatus and method for stringing a lacrosse head

Abstract

A robotic manipulator is used to control the forces and angles applied on the strings during stringing of a lacrosse head. Precise string lengths may be implemented for certain features of the pocket. In some embodiments, the manipulator attaches the pocket to a lacrosse head and produces a strung head which has precise ratios of tension when comparing various strings within the pocket. One or more robot arms with end effectors such as grippers may be used. The forces used when tying each knot can be consistent throughout the pocket, or vary according to which particular knot is being tied. The tension of shooting strings and/or runners may be finely tuned in some embodiments.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus comprising:
 a lacrosse head having a first sidewall and an opposite second sidewall;   a pocket attached to the lacrosse head with a plurality of strings which pass through sidewall openings;   a first string of the plurality of strings, the first string extending inwardly from a first sidewall opening on the first sidewall; and   a second string extending inwardly from a second sidewall opening on the second, opposite sidewall, the second sidewall opening being directly opposite the first sidewall opening; wherein   the first and second string have the same applied tension when the pocket is in a resting state.   
     
     
         18 . An apparatus as in  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a third string of the plurality of strings, the third string extending inwardly from a third sidewall opening on the first sidewall; and   a fourth string extending inwardly from a fourth sidewall opening on the second, opposite sidewall, the fourth sidewall opening being directly opposite the third sidewall opening; wherein   the third and fourth string have the same applied tension when the pocket is in a resting state.   
     
     
         19 . An apparatus as in  claim 18 , wherein the first and second strings are extensions of strings of the pocket. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus as in  claim 18 , wherein the first and second strings are strings which are separate strings from strings of the pocket.