US20180207498A1

US20180207498A1 - Lacrosse Head with Improved Features

Info

Publication number: US20180207498A1
Application number: US15/861,506
Authority: US
Inventors: Mitchell Larson
Original assignee: Element Lacrosse
Current assignee: Element Lacrosse
Priority date: 2017-01-06
Filing date: 2018-01-03
Publication date: 2018-07-26

Abstract

A lacrosse head for attachment to a lacrosse stick includes a shaft section with an opening for coaxially accommodating the lacrosse stick therein along a longitudinal centerline, a front surface of the shaft section defining a first plane. The lacrosse head also includes two sidewalls extending divergently from the shaft section and including a throat section, curving rearwardly with respect to the shaft section, and a flare-out section flaring further outward from the throat section, with a scoop connecting the two sidewalls distally from the shaft section. A front surface of the flare-out section lies in a second plane, which is rearwardly offset from and parallel to the first plane. The shaft section includes two attachment holes oriented perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal centerline and configured for accommodating an attachment device for securing the lacrosse head onto the lacrosse stick inserted into the opening in the shaft section.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/443,021 filed on Jan. 6, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sporting equipment and, more particularly, to equipment for use in playing the sport of lacrosse.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of lacrosse heads are used today in the game of lacrosse. Commercial lacrosse heads are generally formed of injection molded plastics and composites, and configured to be secured onto lacrosse sticks, which are ordinarily sold separately from the lacrosse heads. Additionally, lacrosse heads usually include a series of holes for accommodating a combination of a mesh and strings for catching and throwing lacrosse balls within the lacrosse heads.
While different brands of lacrosse heads feature various configurational modifications, there is still room for improvement in achieving a lacrosse head with performance and weight characteristics while staying in compliance with standard rules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided a lacrosse head for attachment to a lacrosse stick, the lacrosse head including a shaft section, which in turn includes an opening for coaxially accommodating the lacrosse stick therein along a longitudinal centerline. A front surface of the shaft section defines a first plane. The lacrosse head further includes two sidewalls extending divergently from the shaft section and defining a throat section and a flare-out section. The two sidewalls curve rearwardly with respect to the shaft section in the throat section, and the two sidewalls flare further outward with respect to the longitudinal centerline in the flare-out section. The lacrosse head also includes a scoop connecting the two sidewalls distally from the shaft section. A front surface of the flare-out section substantially lies in a second plane, where the second plane is rearwardly offset from and parallel to the first plane. Additionally, the shaft section includes first and second attachment holes oriented perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal centerline. Each one of the first and second attachment holes is configured for accommodating an attachment device therein for securing the lacrosse head onto the lacrosse stick inserted into the opening in the shaft section.
In another aspect of the embodiment, the first and second attachment holes of the lacrosse head are angled with respect to each other such that a first attachment device inserted into the first attachment hole becomes oriented at an angle that is not parallel to a second attachment device inserted into the second attachment holes. For example, the first and second attachment devices may be attachment screws.
In another aspect of the embodiment, the opening in the shaft section is octagonal in shape for accommodating therein lacrosse sticks of a variety of cross-sectional shapes.
In accordance with another embodiment, a lacrosse head for attachment to a lacrosse stick includes a shaft section with an opening for coaxially accommodating the lacrosse stick therein along a longitudinal centerline. A front portion of the shaft section defines a first plane. The lacrosse head further includes two sidewalls extending divergently from the shaft section and defining a throat section and a flare-out section. The two sidewalls curve rearwardly with respect to the shaft section in the throat section, and flare further outward with respect to the longitudinal centerline in the flare-out section. The lacrosse head further includes a scoop connecting the two sidewalls distally from the shaft section. A front surface of the flare-out section substantially lies in a second plane, the second plane being rearwardly offset from and parallel to the first plane. The offset distance between the first and second planes may be ¼-inch or more. Further, each one of the two sidewalls includes a forward rail and a rearward rail extending from the shaft section and tapering together to into a single piece at the scoop. Each one of the forward and rearward rails has a pentagonal cross section through the flare-out section.
In another embodiment, the lacrosse head further includes at least two truss sections connecting the forward rail and rearward rail on each one of the two sidewalls. At least two truss sections are located in the throat section, and are connected to each other by a reinforcement section. The reinforcement section runs generally in parallel to the forward and rearward rails in the throat section. The embodiment may further include a third truss section connecting the forward and rearward rails on each one of the sidewalls in the flare-out section.
In still another embodiment, the lacrosse head may also include a plurality of generally semicircular holes located in the scoop for accommodating strings threaded therethrough to secure a part of a mesh onto the lacrosse head. The curved section of each one of the semicircular holes is pointed toward the shaft section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a lacrosse head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, showing the different sections of the lacrosse head.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the lacrosse head in accordance with an embodiment, shown here to illustrate the features of the lacrosse head as visible from the front of the lacrosse head.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the lacrosse head in accordance with an embodiment, shown here to illustrate the features of the lacrosse head as viewed from one side.

FIG. 4 is another view of the lacrosse head in accordance with an embodiment, shown here to better illustrate the characteristics of the rails and trusses in the sidewalls.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the lacrosse head in accordance with an embodiment, as viewed from the rear.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the lacrosse head in accordance with an embodiment, as viewed from the opening configured for accommodating a lacrosse stick therein.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the lacrosse head in accordance with an embodiment, as viewed from the scoop end of the lacrosse head.

FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the lacrosse head in accordance with an embodiment, illustrating the cross-sectional configuration of the rails.

FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view of the lacrosse head in accordance with an embodiment, particularly illustrating the cross section of the scoop and shaft sections as viewed from the side.

FIG. 10 shows examples of other possible cross-sectional profile configurations for the rails as contemplated in related embodiments.

FIG. 11 is an abbreviated view of a scoop configuration with a hard flare near the taper section for defensive pickups.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “under,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms “below” and “under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. In addition, it will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “between” two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may also be present.
As described herein, “front” or “forward” side of the described lacrosse head refers generally to the face of the lacrosse head that faces a lacrosse ball when the lacrosse head is used to catch the lacrosse ball. Similarly, the “rear” or “rearward” side refers generally to the side away from the ball-catching face. In conventional uses, the mesh and string arrangements, which is used to attach the mesh to the lacrosse head, are attached to the rear side of the lacrosse head.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and may be abbreviated as “/”.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “adjacent to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected, coupled, or adjacent to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly coupled to,” or “immediately adjacent to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Likewise, when light is received or provided “from” one element, it can be received or provided directly from that element or from an intervening element. On the other hand, when light is received or provided “directly from” one element, there are no intervening elements present.
Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Accordingly, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Referring now to the figures, an embodiment of a lacrosse head of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The lacrosse head embodiments described herein meets all current rules and standards set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for Men's Lacrosse.
In FIG. 1, a lacrosse head 100 includes a shaft section 102, two sidewalls 104 extending divergently from shaft section 102 and defining a throat section 106 and a flare-out section 108. Shaft section 102 is configured for coaxially accommodating a lacrosse stick (not shown) along a longitudinal centerline 103. Two sidewalls 104 curve rearwardly with respect to shaft section 102 in throat section 106, then flare outwardly with respect to longitudinal centerline 103 in flare-out section 108.
Each of two sidewalls 104 includes a forward rail 120 and a rearward rail 122. Each pair of forward rail 120 and rearward rail 122 taper from shaft section 102 through flare-out section 108 such that sidewalls 104 are connected, at the end away from shaft section 102, by a scoop 110. A portion of shaft section 102 includes a ball stop 112, which is configured for stopping a lacrosse ball (not shown) within throat section 106. As will be described in more detail in reference to subsequent figures, shaft section 102 and flare-out section 108 lie on different planes that are offset from each other.
Referring now to FIG. 2, which shows a front view of lacrosse head 100 of FIG. 1, the outward flaring of flare-out section 108 is more visibly shown. As shown in FIG. 2, flare-out section 108 flares outwardly from longitudinal centerline 103 from throat section 106. The outward flare of flare-out section 108 is configured so as to facilitate the capture of a lacrosse ball (not shown) in the open area of flare-out section 108 and direct the lacrosse ball into throat section 106. Also, shaft section 102 is shown to include an optional, ornamental design, which may be customized by the manufacturer.
Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, scoop 110 further includes a lip 202 at an outer edge of scoop 110 away from shaft section 102, and a plurality of scoop string holes 204. Scoop string holes 204 are generally semicircular in shape, with the curved portion of scoop string holes 204 pointing away from lip 202 and toward shaft section 102. The shape of scoop string holes 204 are configured to help angle any string tied therethrough toward longitudinal centerline 103 and shaft section 102, which consequently aids in keeping the mesh (not shown) centered with respect to lacrosse head 100. While six scoop string holes 204 are shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, it is possible to have fewer or more holes of the same or different dimensions.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view of lacrosse head 100 is shown. As shown in FIG. 3, shaft section 102 and flare-out section 108 lie in different planes separated by an offset, indicated by a double-headed arrow 303, which is defined as the separation between a first plane containing a front surface of shaft section 102 and a second plane containing a front edge of forward rail 120 in flare-out section 108.
Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, it may be seen that shaft section 102 may include an ornamental design on a side surface, shown here immediately below ball stop 112. The configuration of forward rail 120 and rearward rail 122 forming sidewall 104 is also visible. Forward rail 120 and rearward rail 122 curves rearward through throat section 106 such that flare-out section 108 is offset from shaft section 102 by offset 303. Also, as sidewall 104 nears scoop 110, forward rail 120 and rearward rail 122 come together into a single piece in a taper section 306.
Between shaft section 102 and taper section 306, forward rail 120 and rearward rail 122 are connected by a first truss 310 near the transition from shaft section 102 to throat section 106, a second truss 312 near the transition from throat section 106 to flare-out section 108, and a third truss 314 near the transition from flare-out section 108 to taper section 306. A reinforcement 320 connects first truss 310 and second truss 312 to provide additional structural support in throat section 106 while maintaining enough flexibility in lacrosse head 100 to allow a user to manually pinch throat section 106, if so desired. In fact, first truss 310, second truss 312, third truss 314, and reinforcement 320 are configured to provide support and stiffness in specific regions of lacrosse head 100, while maintaining enough flex in lacrosse head 100 in other strategic areas, such as throat section 106. While three trusses are shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, it is noted that fewer or more trusses and/or reinforcements may be used in accordance with the amount of stiffness and flexibility desired for the lacrosse head.
Still referring to FIG. 3, rearward rail 122 includes a plurality of rear string holes 330. Like scoop string holes 204, rear string holes 330 are configured to accommodate strings for securing a mesh (not shown) onto lacrosse head 100. In the present embodiment, rear string holes 330 are placed toward the rear of rearward rail 122 such that the mesh attached thereto may be pulled rearward while protecting the strings from direct contact with a lacrosse ball when the lacrosse ball is caught using lacrosse head 100. Rear string holes 330 also have diamond-shaped openings, which allows the user to achieve unique stringing configurations not readily obtainable with conventional circular or oval string holes. Other shapes of rear string holes 330, as well as more or fewer number of rear string holes 330 are also contemplated and considered within the scope of the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 shows the combination of various features described in conjunctions with FIGS. 1-3, as well as a shaft opening 402 in shaft section 102. Shaft opening 402 is configured to coaxially accommodate a lacrosse stick (not shown) therein along longitudinal centerline 103. Also, as is better visible in FIG. 4, scoop 110 is angled from taper section 306 toward longitudinal centerline 103 such that a user is able to pick up ground balls at a variety of angles by using different parts of scoop 110.
FIG. 5 is a rear view of lacrosse head 100. In addition to features already described above, shaft section 102 further includes first and second attachment holes 502 and 504, respectively, for securing a lacrosse stick inserted into shaft opening 402. First and second attachment holes 502 and 504, respectively, are arranged perpendicularly with respect to longitudinal centerline 103 in order to reduce the possibility of lacrosse head 100 wobbling with respect to the lacrosse stick. Furthermore, first and second attachment holes are angled with respect to each other such that a first attachment device (e.g., a screw, a clilp, or another similar mechanism) inserted into first attachment hole 502 will be inserted into the lacrosse stick at a non-parallel angle with respect to a second attachment device inserted into second attachment hole 504. The non-parallel angle of the attachment devices further helps to reduce wobble by better securing the lacrosse stick within shaft opening 402 of lacrosse head 100.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a view of lacrosse head 100 as seen along longitudinal centerline 103, looking from shaft section 102 toward scoop 110, is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, shaft opening 402 is octagonal in shape, which accommodates lacrosse sticks of a variety of cross-sectional shapes. Also, the size of shaft opening 402 is also configured to tightly fit around any standard-sized lacrosse stick inserted therein thus further reducing any wobble of lacrosse head 100 on the lacrosse stick so inserted. The offset between the front surface of shaft section 102 and front edge of forward rail 120 is also readily visible, as indicated by double-headed arrow 303, in FIG. 6.
FIG. 7 shows lacrosse head 100 again as seen along longitudinal centerline 103, this time looking from scoop 110 toward shaft section 102. The angled curvature configuration of scoop 110, as previously discussed in reference to FIG. 4, is readily visible in this view. Also, the placement of ball stop 112 in shaft section 102 may also be seen in FIG. 7.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of lacrosse head 100, taken along the cross-section line shown in FIG. 3, looking along longitudinal centerline 103 toward scoop 100 from partway through flare-out section 108. Again, the curved configuration of scoop 110 is visible in FIG. 8. Additionally, it may be seen that forward rail 120 has a forward rail cross section 820, and rearward rail 122 has a rearward rail cross section 822, both of which are generally pentagonal for structural stability. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, forward rail cross section 820 and rearward rail cross section 822 are pentagonal throughout the lengths of forward rail 120 and rearward rail 122. Having this consistent cross-sectional shape throughout the forward and rearward rails allows for an even distribution of impact, thus creating less stress on lacrosse head 100 when it is hit by another object. Additionally, the uniform cross-sectional shape may also allow for a consistent feel for the user during different usage situations, such as shooting, passing, checking, and picking up ground balls. Alternatively, it may be desirable to have a different cross-sectional shape between the front and rearward rails, or even between throat section 106 and flare-out section 108 to provide different performance characteristics in those regions.
FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of lacrosse head 100, taken along the cross-section line shown in FIG. 7, looking from longitudinal centerline 103 toward forward and rearward rails 120 and 122, respectively. An inset shows a scoop cross section 902, as well as the angled configuration of scoop 110 from taper section 306 toward longitudinal centerline 103 (i.e., the location of scoop cross section 902 shown in FIG. 9). Scoop cross section 902 is configured to facilitate picking up of ground balls while protecting the strings (not shown), which are tied through scoop string holes 204, from scraping the ground.
FIG. 10 shows examples of possible cross-sectional shapes contemplated for the forward and rearward rails, such as for forward rail cross section 820 and rearward rail cross section 822 shown in FIG. 8. For example, FIG. 10(A) and FIG. 10(B) show variations of I-beam shapes to provide stiffness and strength to at least portions of forward rail 120 and/or rearward rail 122. A triangular shape, such as those shown in FIG. 10(C) and FIG. 10(D) may also provide desired performance characteristics for certain uses of the lacrosse head. Still additional shapes, such as those shown in FIG. 10(E), FIG. 10(F), and FIG. 10(G) may also provide advantages in manufacturability and performance. Again, while using generally the same cross-sectional shapes throughout forward rail 120 and rearward rail 122 may provide consistency in feel of lacrosse head 100 for the user in a variety of use scenarios, the use of different cross-sectional shapes for the forward and rearward rails and/or for different portions of the lacrosse head (e.g., a different cross section in the throat section compared to in the flare-out section) is also contemplated.
The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. For example, a defense-specific lacrosse head may include a modified scoop design, such as that shown in FIG. 11. A scoop portion 1110 in FIG. 11 includes a lip 1112 and a flare section 1114, which is wider than the rest of scoop portion 1110 to facilitate defensive pickups. In another example, additional material may be added to increase the thickness of certain components for reinforcement, such as in shaft section 102 around attachment holes 502 and 504. In similar ways, portions of the lacrosse head embodiments described herein may be specifically adapted for use by offense and defense players, as well as for goalies.
Accordingly, many different embodiments stem from the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. As such, the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.
In the specification, there have been disclosed embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A lacrosse head for attachment to a lacrosse stick, the lacrosse head comprising:

a shaft section including an opening for coaxially accommodating the lacrosse stick therein along a longitudinal centerline, a front surface of the shaft section defining a first plane;

two sidewalls extending divergently from the shaft section and defining a throat section and a flare-out section, the two sidewalls curving rearwardly with respect to the shaft section in the throat section and flaring further outward with respect to the longitudinal centerline in the flare-out section; and

a scoop connecting the two sidewalls distally from the shaft section, wherein a front surface of the flare-out section substantially lies in a second plane, the second plane being rearwardly offset from and parallel to the first plane, and

wherein the shaft section includes first and second attachment holes oriented perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal centerline, each one of the first and second attachment holes being configured for accommodating an attachment device therein for securing the lacrosse head onto the lacrosse stick inserted into the opening in the shaft section.

2. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the first and second attachment holes are angled with respect to each other such that a first attachment device inserted into the first attachment hole becomes oriented at an angle that is not parallel to a second attachment device inserted into the second attachment hole.

3. The lacrosse head of claim 2, wherein the first and second attachment devices are screws.

4. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the opening in the shaft section is octagonal in shape.

5. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein each one of the two sidewalls comprise a forward rail and a rearward rail extending from the shaft section and tapering together into a single piece at the scoop.

6. The lacrosse head of claim 5, further comprising at least two truss sections connecting the forward rail and the rearward rail on each one of the two sidewalls.

7. The lacrosse head of claim 6,

wherein the at least two truss sections are located in the throat section,

wherein the at least two truss sections are further connected to each other by a reinforcement section, the reinforcement section running generally in parallel to the forward and rearward rails in the throat section, and

wherein one of the at least two truss sections is located in the flare-out section.

8. The lacrosse head of claim 5, wherein each one of the forward and rearward rails has a pentagonal cross section through the flare-out section.

9. The lacrosse head of claim 5, wherein the rearward rail of each one of the two sidewalls includes a plurality of holes for accommodating strings threaded therethrough to secure a part of a mesh thereon, the plurality of holes being configured such that the strings are protected from direct contact with a lacrosse ball carried within the lacrosse head and the mesh.

10. The lacrosse head of claim 9, wherein each one of the plurality of holes in the rearward rail is diamond shaped.

11. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the scoop tapers from the two sidewalls into a thin lip toward the longitudinal centerline, and wherein an edge of the thin lip distal from the shaft lies rearward of the second plane.

12. The lacrosse head of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of generally semicircular holes located in the scoop for accommodating strings threaded therethrough to secure a part of a mesh onto the lacrosse head, a curved section of each one of the semicircular holes being pointed toward the shaft section.

13. The lacrosse head of claim 1, wherein the first and second planes are offset by at least ¼-inch.

14. A lacrosse head for attachment to a lacrosse stick, the lacrosse head comprising:

a shaft section including an opening for coaxially accommodating the lacrosse stick therein along a longitudinal centerline, a front portion of the shaft section defining a first plane;

a scoop connecting the two sidewalls distally from the shaft section,

wherein a front surface of the flare-out section substantially lies in a second plane, the second plane being rearwardly offset from and parallel to the first plane, and

wherein each one of the two sidewalls comprise a forward rail and a rearward rail extending from the shaft section and tapering together into a single piece at the scoop, each one of the forward and rearward rails having a pentagonal cross section through the flare-out section.

15. The lacrosse head of claim 14, further comprising at least two truss sections connecting the forward rail and the rearward rail on each one of the two sidewalls, wherein the at least two truss sections are located in the throat section, and wherein the at least two truss sections are further connected to each other by a reinforcement section, the reinforcement section running generally in parallel to the forward and rearward rails in the throat section.

16. The lacrosse head of claim 15, further comprising a third truss section connecting the forward and rearward rails on each one of the two sidewalls, wherein the third truss section is located in the flare-out section.

17. The lacrosse head of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of generally semicircular holes located in the scoop for accommodating strings threaded therethrough to secure a part of a mesh onto the lacrosse head, a curved section of each one of the semicircular holes being pointed toward the shaft section.

18. The lacrosse head of claim 14, wherein the first and second planes are offset by approximately 1-inch.

19. The lacrosse head of claim 14, further comprising first and second attachment holes in the shaft section, the first and second attachment holes being oriented perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal centerline, each one of the first and second attachment holes being configured for accommodating an attachment device therein for securing the lacrosse head onto the lacrosse stick inserted into the opening in the shaft section.

20. The lacrosse head of claim 19, wherein the first and second attachment holes are angled with respect to each other such that a first attachment device inserted into the first attachment hole becomes oriented at an angle that is not parallel to a second attachment device inserted into the second attachment hole.