Scooped lacrosse head

Abstract

A lacrosse head having an open frame with sidewalk that curve continuously from the base to the lip of the frame so as to define a curved scoop-like frame geometry when viewed in side elevation. The frame base has an angulated ball rest surface and a shoulder recessed therefrom at which a net is attached to the base. The lip that interconnects the frame sidewalls remote from the base has an outside surface angle that cooperates with the scoop-like geometry of the sidewalls to enhance control of ground balls. The overall scoop-like construction of the head frame provides improved feel during play, and enhanced ball control and pass/shot velocity. The recessed base shoulder, particularly when combined with the angulated ball-rest surface, protects the net attachment knots from abrasion, and also improves ball control during one-handed vertical cradling.

We claim:  
     
       1. A lacrosse head that comprises: 
       an open Frame having a base with a concave interior surface defining a ball rest, a pair of sidewalk diverging from said base and a lip interconnecting said sidewalk remotely of said base,  
       means carried by said frame for securing a lacrosse net along a back side of said frame, leaving an opposing front side of said frame open for receiving lacrosse balls, and  
       means exteriorly projecting from said base for attachment of a handle so as to define a handle/head axis, said front side of said frame at said base adjacent to said attachment means defining a plane parallel to said axis,  
       both said front side and said back side of said sidewalks curving away from said plane and then back toward said plane from said base toward said lip so as to impart a curved scoop-like geometry to said head when viewed in side elevation.  
     
     
       2. The head set forth in  claim 1  wherein both said front side and said back aide of said sidewalk have a maximum spacing from said plane at about the midpoint of said sidewalk between said base and said lip. 
     
     
       3. The head set forth in  claim 2  wherein said front side and said beck side of said sidewalk each curve at substantially constant radius throughout at least one-half of their lengths between said base and said lip. 
     
     
       4. The head set forth in  claim 3  wherein curvature of said sidewalk and length of said sidewalk are such that said back sides of said sidewalk return at said lip to a spacing from said plane equal to or less than spacing of said back sides from said plane adjacent to said base. 
     
     
       5. The head set forth in  claim 4  wherein thickness of said sidewalls between said front and back sides thereof does not exceed two inches. 
     
     
       6. The head set forth in  claim 3  wherein said substantially constant radius is about 9.86 inches. 
     
     
       7. The head set forth in  claim 3  wherein said sidewalk arc of uniform thickness between said front and back sides thereof for at least about one-half of the overall length of said sidewalk. 
     
     
       8. The head as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said sidewalks are of uniform thickness between said front and back sides for about three-quarters of the overall length of said sidewalls. 
     
     
       9. The head set forth in  claim 1  wherein said lip has an exterior surface remote from said base that defines a ground contact plane at an angle of at least 40° to said axis. 
     
     
       10. The head set forth in  claim 9  wherein said ground contact plane is at an angle of not greater than 65° to said axis. 
     
     
       11. The head set forth in  claim 10  wherein said ground contact plane is at an angle of 45° to said axis. 
     
     
       12. The head set forth in  claim 11  wherein said lip has an interior surface that slopes from said back side to said front side at an angle of 47° to said axis. 
     
     
       13. The head set forth in  claim 9  wherein said lip is of curved construction outwardly of said handle between said sidewalk. 
     
     
       14. The head set forth in  claim 13  wherein said lip has a substantially uniform radius of curvature between said sidewalls. 
     
     
       15. The head set forth in  claim 14  wherein radius of curvature of said lip at said back side of said lip is greater than radius of curvature of said lip at said front side of said lip. 
     
     
       16. The head set forth in  claim 15  wherein said radius of curvature of said lip at said front side of said lip is at least four inches. 
     
     
       17. The head set forth in  claim 1  wherein said concave interior surface of said base is at an obtuse angle to said axis. 
     
     
       18. The head set forth in  claim 1  wherein said base has a concave shoulder at said back side that is recessed with respect to said concave interior surface of said base. 
     
     
       19. The head set forth in  claim 18  wherein said net-securing means at said base are disposed in said shoulder. 
     
     
       20. The head set forth in  claim 19  wherein said concave interior surface of said base is at an obtuse angle to said axis. 
     
     
       21. The head set forth in  claim 20  wherein said obtuse angle is about 91°. 
     
     
       22. The head set forth in  claim 21  wherein said shoulder is recessed more than one-quarter of an inch with respect to said curved interior surface of said base. 
     
     
       23. The head set forth in  claim 1  wherein said handle-attachment means comprises a hollow socket projecting from said base for receiving the handle and strengthening ribs integral with said frame extending from said sidewalks to an end of said socket remote from said base. 
     
     
       24. The head set forth in  claim 1  wherein said sidewalks are interiorly convex for about one-half of their lengths adjacent to said base and interiorly concave for about one-half of their lengths adjacent to said lip. 
     
     
       25. A lacrosse head that comprises: 
       an open frame having a base with a concave interior surface defusing a ball rest, a pair of sidewalk diverging from said base and a lip interconnecting said sidewalk remotely of said base,  
       means carried by said frame for securing a lacrosse net along a back side of said frame, leaving the front side of said frame open for receiving a lacrosse ball, and  
       means exteriorly projecting from said base for attachment of a handle so as to define a handle/head axis,  
       said lip having an exterior surface remote from said base that defines a ground contact plant at an angle of at least 40° to said axis, said front side of said frame at said base adjacent to said attachment means defining a plane parallel to said axis, both said front side and said back side of said sidewalk curving away from said plane and then back toward said plane from said base toward said lip so as to impart a curved scoop-like geometry to said head when viewed in side elevation.  
     
     
       26. The head set forth in  claim 25  wherein said ground contact plane is at an angle of not greater than 65° to said axis. 
     
     
       27. The head sat forth in  claim 26  wherein said ground contact plane is at an angle of 45° to said axis. 
     
     
       28. The head set forth in claims  25  wherein said lip has an interior surface that slopes from said back side to said front side at an angle of 47° to said axis. 
     
     
       29. The head set forth in  claim 25  wherein said lip is of curved construction outwardly of said handle between said sidewalls. 
     
     
       30. The head set forth in  claim 29  wherein said lip has a substantially uniform radius of curvature between said sidewalls. 
     
     
       31. The head set forth in  claim 30  wherein radius of curvature of said lip at said back side is greater than radius of curvature of said lip at said front side. 
     
     
       32. The head set forth in  claim 31  wherein said radius of curvature of said lip at said front side is at least four inches. 
     
     
       33. The head set forth in  claim 25  wherein both said front side and said back side of said sidewalls have a maximum spacing from said plane at about the midpoint of said sidewalls between said base and said lip. 
     
     
       34. The head set forth in  claim 33  wherein said front side and said back side of said sidewalls each curve at substantially constant radius throughout at least one-half of their lengths between said base and said lip. 
     
     
       35. The head set forth in  claim 34  wherein curvature of said sidewalls and lengths of said sidewalls are such that said back sides of said sidewalls return at said lip to a spacing from said plane equal to or less than spacing of said back sides from said plane adjacent to said base. 
     
     
       36. The head set forth in  claim 35  wherein said sidewalls are of uniform thickness between said front and back sides thereof for at least about one-half of the overall length of said sidewalls. 
     
     
       37. The head set forth in  claim 36  wherein said sidewalls are of uniform thickness between said front and back sides for about three-quarters of the overall length of said sidewalls. 
     
     
       38. The head set forth in  claim 25  wherein said base has a concave shoulder at said back side that is recessed with respect to said concave interior surface of said base. 
     
     
       39. The head set forth in  claim 38  wherein said net-securing means at said base are disposed in said shoulder. 
     
     
       40. The head set forth in  claim 39  wherein said concave interior surface of said base is at an obtuse angle to said axis. 
     
     
       41. The head set forth in  claim 40  wherein said obtuse angle is about 91°. 
     
     
       42. A lacrosse head that comprises: 
       an open frame having a base with a concave interior surface defining a ball rest, a pair of sidewalls diverging from said base and a lip interconnecting said sidewalls remotely of said base,  
       means carried by said frame for securing a lacrosse net along a back side of said frame, leaving the front side of said frame open for receiving lacrosse balls, and  
       means exteriorly projecting from said base for attachment of a handle so as to define a handle/head axis,  
       said base having a concave shoulder at said back side that is recessed with respect to said concave interior surface of said base, said net-securing means at said base being disposed in said shoulder.  
     
     
       43. The head set forth in  claim 42  wherein said concave interior surface of said base is at an obtuse angle to said axis. 
     
     
       44. The head set forth in  claim 43  wherein said obtuse angle is about 91°. 
     
     
       45. The head set forth in  claim 44  wherein said shoulder is recessed more than one-quarter of an inch with respect to said curved interior surface of said base. 
     
     
       46. The head set forth in  claim 42  wherein said front side of said frame at said base adjacent to said attachment means defines a plane parallel to said axis, and wherein both said front side and said back side of said sidewalls curve away from said plane and then back toward said plane from said base toward said lip so as to impart a curved scoop-like geometry to said head when viewed in side elevation. 
     
     
       47. The head set forth in  claim 46  wherein both said front side and said back side of said sidewalls have a maximum-spacing from said plane at about the midpoint of said sidewalls between said base and said lip. 
     
     
       48. The head set forth in  claim 47  wherein said front side and said back side of said sidewalls each curve at substantially constant radius throughout at least one-half of their lengths between said base and said lip. 
     
     
       49. The head set forth in  claim 48  wherein curvature of said sidewalls and length of said sidewalls are such that said back side of said sidewalls returns at said lip to a spacing from said plane equal to or less than spacing of said back side from said plane adjacent to said base. 
     
     
       50. The head set forth in  claim 42  wherein said lip has an exterior surface remote from said base that defines a ground contact plane at an angle of at least 40° to said axis. 
     
     
       51. The head set forth in  claim 50  wherein said ground contact plane is at an angle of not greater than 65° to said axis. 
     
     
       52. The head set forth in  claim 51  wherein said ground contact plane is at an angle of 45° to said axis. 
     
     
       53. The head set forth in  claim 52  wherein said lip has an interior surface that slopes from said back side to said front side at an angle of 47° to said axis. 
     
     
       54. The head set forth in  claim 50  wherein said lip is of curved construction outwardly of said length between said sidewalls. 
     
     
       55. The head set forth in  claim 54  wherein said lip has a substantially uniform radius of curvature between said sidewalls. 
     
     
       56. The head set forth in  claim 55  wherein said radius of curvature of said lip at said back side is greater than radius of curvature of said lip at said front side. 
     
     
       57. The head set forth in  claim 56  wherein said radius of curvature of said lip at said front side is at least four inches. 
     
     
       58. A lacrosse head, comprising: 
       
         an open frame having a base with a concave interior surface defining a ball rest, a pair of sidewalls diverging from said base and a lip interconnecting said sidewalls remotely of said base;  
       
       
         a means carried by said frame for securing a lacrosse net along a back side of said frame leaving an opposing front side of said frame open for receiving lacrosse balls; and  
       
       
         a projection extending exteriorly from said base for attachment of a handle so as to define a handle/head axis, said front side of said frame at said base adjacent to said attachment means defining a plane parallel to said axis;  
       
       
         said front side of said sidewalls curving generally downwardly to a point below said plane beginning adjacent said base so as to impart a curved geometry when viewed in side elevation. 
       
     
     
       59. The head set forth in  claim 58  wherein said back side of said sidewalls curves away from said plane from said base toward said lip so as to impart a curved geometry when viewed in side elevation. 
     
     
       60. The head set forth in  claim 59  wherein said front side and said back side of said sidewalls curve back toward said plane toward said lip when viewed in side elevation. 
     
     
       61. The head set forth in  claim 59 , wherein said front and said back side of said sidewalls each curve at substantially constant radius away from said base toward said lip. 
     
     
       62. The head set forth in  claim 61 , wherein said sidewalls are of uniform thickness between said front and back sides thereof for about one- half of the overall length of said sidewalls.   
     
     
       63. The head set forth in  claim 58  wherein said lip has an exterior surface remote from said base that defines a ground contact plane at an angle of at least  40 ° to said axis. 
     
     
       64. The head set forth in  claim 58 , wherein said base has a concave shoulder at said back side that is recessed with respect to said concave interior surface of said base. 
     
     
       65. The head set forth in  claim 64 , wherein said net- securing means at said base are disposed in said shoulder.   
     
     
       66. The head set forth in  claim 65 , wherein said concave interior surface of said base is at an obtuse angle to said axis. 
     
     
       67. The head set forth in  claim 66 , wherein said shoulder is recessed at least one- quarter of an inch with respect to said curved interior surface of said base.   
     
     
       68. The head set forth in  claim 58 , wherein said front side of said sidewalls curve generally upward remote from said base. 
     
     
       69. The head set forth in  claim 58 , wherein each of said sidewalls includes at least one opening formed therein that is not intended for use as said net securing means. 
     
     
       70. A head for a lacrosse stick comprising: 
       
         an open frame having a base with a concave interior surface defining a ball rest, a pair of sidewalls diverging from said base and a lip interconnecting said sidewalls remotely of said base;  
       
       
         means carried by said frame for securing a lacrosse net along a back side of said frame, leaving the front side of said frame open for receiving a lacrosse ball; and  
       
       
         a projection extending from said base for attachment of a handle so as to define a handle/head axis;  
       
       
         said base having a front side edge adjacent said projection for defining a plane that is offset from and parallel to said handle/head axis;  
       
       
         at least a portion of said front side of said sidewalls, located within a half of the lengths adjacent said base, being offset from said plane and at least a portion of said back side of said sidewalls located within the other half of their lengths remote from said base curving upward toward said front side of said sidewalls. 
       
     
     
       71. The head set forth in  claim 70  wherein said sidewalls are of uniform thickness between said front and back sides thereof for about one- half of the overall length.   
     
     
       72. The head set forth in  claim 70  wherein said lip has an exterior surface remote from said base that defines a ground contact plane at an angle of at least 40° to said axis. 
     
     
       73. The head set forth in  claim 70  wherein said base has a concave shoulder at said back side that is recessed with respect to said concave interior surface of said base. 
     
     
       74. The head set forth in  claim 70  wherein said net- securing means at said base are disposed in said shoulder.   
     
     
       75. The head set forth in  claim 74  wherein said concave interior surface of said base is at an obtuse angle to said axis. 
     
     
       76. The head set forth in  claim 75  wherein said shoulder is recessed at least one- quarter of an inch with respect to said curved interior surface of said base.   
     
     
       77. The head set forth in  claim 70 , wherein said front side of said sidewalls extend generally downward within said half of the lengths adjacent said base. 
     
     
       78. The head set forth in  claim 70 , wherein said front side of said sidewalls extend generally upward within said half of their lengths remote from said base. 
     
     
       79. The head set forth in  claim 78 , wherein said front side of said sidewalls curve generally downward within said half of the lengths adjacent said base. 
     
     
       80. The head set forth is  claim 79 , wherein said front side of said sidewalls curve generally upward within said half of their lengths remote from said base. 
     
     
       81. A head for a lacrosse stick, comprising: 
       
         an open frame having a base with a concave interior surface defining a ball rest, a pair of sidewalls extending from said base, and a lip interconnecting said sidewalls remotely of said base;  
       
       
         a plurality of apertures carried by said frame for securing a lacrosse net along a back side of said frame, leaving the front side of said frame open for receiving a lacrosse ball; and  
       
       
         a projection extending from said base for attachment of a handle so as to define a handle/head axis, said projection having an upper surface which defines a plane parallel to said handle/head axis;  
       
       
         at least a portion of said front side of said sidewalls, located adjacent said base, being offset below said plane. 
       
     
     
       82. The head set forth in  claim 75 , wherein each of said sidewalls further includes at least one opening formed therein that is not intended for attachment of said lacrosse net. 
     
     
       83. The head set forth in  claim 82 , wherein said front side of said sidewalls extend generally downwardly beginning adjacent said base. 
     
     
       84. The head set forth in  claim 82 , wherein said front side of said sidewalls curve generally downwardly beginning adjacent said base. 
     
     
       85. A head for a lacrosse stick comprising: 
       
         an open frame having a base with a concave interior surface defining a ball rest, a pair of sidewalls extending from said base, and a lip interconnecting said sidewalls remotely of said base;  
       
       
         a plurality of apertures carried by said frame for securing a lacrosse net along a back side of said frame, leaving the front side of said frame open for receiving a lacrosse ball;  
       
       
         a socket extending from said base for attachment of a handle so as to define a handle/head axis, said socket having an upper surface defining a plane parallel to said handle/head axis;  
       
       
         said front side of said sidewalls, beginning adjacent said base, curving downwardly to a point below said plane so as to impart a curved geometry when viewed in side elevation. 
       
     
     
       86. The head set forth in  claim 85 , wherein each of said sidewalls includes at least one opening formed therein that is not intended for attachment of said lacrosse net. 
     
     
       87. The head set forth in  claim 86 , wherein said front side of said sidewalls curve generally upwardly toward said plane remote from said base. 
     
     
       88. A head for lacrosse stick comprising: 
       
         an open frame having a base with a concave interior surface defining a ball rest, a pair of sidewalls diverging from said base and a lip interconnecting said sidewalls remotely of said base;  
       
       
         a plurality of apertures carried by said frame for securing a lacrosse net along a back side of said frame, leaving the front side of said frame open for receiving a lacrosse ball;  
       
       
         a socket extending from said base for attachment of a handle so as to define a handle/head axis;  
       
       
         said base having a front side edge adjacent said socket for defining a plane that is offset from and parallel to said handle/head axis;  
       
       
         said front side of said sidewalls curving downwardly beginning adjacent said base to a point below said plane and above said handle/head axis. 
       
     
     
       89. The head set forth in  claim 88 , wherein each of said sidewalls includes at least one opening formed therein that is not intended for attachment of said lacrosse net. 
     
     
       90. The head set forth in  claim 89 , wherein said front side of said sidewalls curve generally upwardly toward said plane remote from said base. 
     
     
       91. A head for a lacrosse stick, comprising: 
       
         an open frame having a base with a concave interior surface defining a ball rest, a pair of sidewalls diverging from said base and a lip interconnecting said sidewalls remotely of said base;  
       
       
         a plurality of apertures carried by said frame for securing a lacrosse net along a back side of said frame, leaving the front side of said frame open for receiving a lacrosse ball;  
       
       
         a socket extending from said base for attachment of a handle so as to define a handle/head axis, said socket having an upper surface defining a plane parallel to said handle/head axis;  
       
       
         at least a portion of said front side of said sidewalls, located within a half of the lengths adjacent said base, being offset below said plane and at least a portion of said back side of said sidewalls located within the other half of their lengths remote from said base extending upwardly toward said front side of said sidewalls. 
       
     
     
       92. The head of  claim 78 , wherein said portion of said back side of said sidewall curves generally upwardly toward said front side of said sidewalls. 
     
     
       93. The head of  claim 78 , wherein said portion of said front side of said sidewall curves generally downwardly. 
     
     
       94. The head of  claim 78 , wherein said offset portion of said front side of said sidewall is located adjacent said base. 
     
     
       95. The head set forth in  claim 91 , wherein each of said sidewalls includes at least one opening formed therein that is not intended for attachment of said lacrosse net. 
     
     
       96. A lacrosse head comprising: 
       
         an open frame having a base with a concave interior surface defining a ball rest;  
       
       
         a pair of sidewalls diverging from said base and a lip interconnecting said sidewalls remotely of said base;  
       
       
         means carried by said frame for securing a lacrosse net along a back side of said frame, leaving an opposing front side of said frame open for receiving lacrosse balls;  
       
       
         a socket exteriorly projecting from said base for attachment of a handle so as to define a handle/head axis, said front side of said frame at said base adjacent to said socket defining a plane parallel to said axis; and  
       
       
         said front side of each of said sidewalls extending downward away from said plane and then back toward said plane from said base toward said lip. 
       
     
     
       97. The head set forth in  claim 96 , wherein each of said sidewalls includes at least one opening formed therein that is not intended for attachment of said lacrosse net. 
     
     
       98. A lacrosse head comprising: 
       
         an open frame having a base with a concave interior surface defining a ball rest;  
       
       
         a pair of sidewalls diverging from said base and a lip interconnecting said sidewalk remotely of said base;  
       
       
         a plurality of apertures carried by said frame for securing a lacrosse net along a bottom side of said frame, leaving a top side of said frame open for receiving a lacrosse ball;  
       
       
         a socket exteriorly projecting from said base for attachment of a handle so as to define a handle/head axis, said base having a top edge adjacent said socket for defining a plane parallel to said handle/head axis; and  
       
       
         said front side of said sidewalls curving generally downwardly to a point below said plane, said curving beginning adjacent said base. 
       
     
     
       99. The head set forth in  claim 98 , wherein each of said sidewalls includes at least one opening formed therein that is not intended for attachment of said lacrosse net. 
     
     
       100. A head for a lacrosse stick, comprising: 
       
         an open frame having a base with a concave interior surface defining a ball rest;  
       
       
         a pair of sidewalls extending from said base, and a lip interconnecting said sidewalls remotely of said base;  
       
       
         a plurality of apertures carried by said frame for securing a lacrosse net along a back side of said frame, leaving the front side of said frame open for receiving a lacrosse ball; and  
       
       
         a projection extending from said base for attachment of a handle so as to define a handle/head axis, said projection having an upper surface which defines a plane parallel to said handle/head axis;  
       
       
         said front side of each of said sidewalls extending downward beginning adjacent said base to point below said plane. 
       
     
     
       101. The head set forth in  claim 100 , wherein each of said sidewalls includes at least one opening formed therein that is not intended for attachment of said lacrosse net.