Lacrosse stick

Abstract

Lacrosse sticks have a head frame and a stem that share at least a common continuous exterior material so as to define a unitary structure. At least a distal end of the head frame is more flexible than the stem portion of the lacrosse stick.

1 . A lacrosse stick comprising: 
 a. a head portion comprising a head frame for receiving a mesh thereon, at least a distal end of the head frame being flexible; and    b. a rigid, elongated stem portion extending from a proximal end of the head frame, the stem and head frame sharing at least a common continuous exterior material so as to define a unitary structure.    
   
   
       2 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 1 , wherein the head frame and stem are mechanically joined, the stick comprising a continuous sheath covering the head frame and stem so as to define a unitary external structure.  
   
   
       3 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 2 , wherein the sheath comprises a polymer.  
   
   
       4 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 2 , wherein the sheath comprises a composite material.  
   
   
       5 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 1 , wherein the head frame and stem are integrally continuous portions of a single mechanical structure.  
   
   
       6 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 5 , wherein the head frame and stem are integrally fabricated by injection molding.  
   
   
       7 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 1 , wherein the head frame contains a progressively reduced amount of reinforcing material.  
   
   
       8 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 6 , wherein a combination of materials injected to form the stem provide greater rigidity than materials injected to form the head frame.  
   
   
       9 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 1 , wherein the stem is formed around a tubular metal mandrel.  
   
   
       10 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 2 , wherein the stem is fabricated from aluminum, a light weight metal, wood, or a composite material.  
   
   
       11 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the head frame is fabricated from a flexible plastic.  
   
   
       12 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 1 , wherein the entire head frame has greater flexibility than at least a portion of the stem.  
   
   
       13 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the head frame is angled such that an upper rim of the head frame protrudes distally of a lower rim of the head frame.  
   
   
       14 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 1 , wherein the stem and head frame comprise composite materials.  
   
   
       15 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 14 , wherein the composite materials comprise glass, polymer, arimides, carbon, boron, or ceramics.