Three-Dimensional Molded Runner For Lacrosse Stick

Abstract

A runner for a lacrosse head made of a molded material includes a first longitudinal rail, a second longitudinal rail, and a plurality of cross pieces coupled to the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail. A first cross piece is disposed in a first direction and a second cross piece is disposed in a second direction.

1 . A runner for a lacrosse head, comprising:
 a first longitudinal rail;   a second longitudinal rail; and   a plurality of cross pieces coupled to the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail, wherein a first cross piece is angled in a first direction and a second cross piece is angled in a second direction that differs from the first direction,   wherein the runner comprises a molded material.   
     
     
         2 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein the runner is a unitary molded structure. 
     
     
         3 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein the molded material comprises at least one of: thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, and thermoplastic polyurethane. 
     
     
         4 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein the runner is formed by injection molding. 
     
     
         5 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein the first cross piece is adjacent to the second cross piece. 
     
     
         6 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein the first cross piece and the second cross piece extend rearward from a rear surface of the longitudinal rails. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein an amplitude of the first cross piece is smaller than an amplitude of the second cross piece. 
     
     
         9 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein a first portion of the runner extends in a first direction and a second portion of the runner extends in a second direction, wherein the first portion and the second portion form an obtuse angle. 
     
     
         10 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein the runner comprises a curved shape along its length. 
     
     
         11 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second longitudinal rails each comprise a top end having a through-hole configured to receive a lace to couple the top ends to the lacrosse head. 
     
     
         12 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second longitudinal rails each comprise a bottom end having a through-hole configured to receive a lace to couple the bottom ends to the lacrosse head. 
     
     
         13 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein a distance between the first and second longitudinal rails is wider at a top portion of the runner than at a bottom portion. 
     
     
         14 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein a distance between the first and second longitudinal rails is wider at a middle portion of the runner than at a top portion of the runner. 
     
     
         15 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second longitudinal rails comprise notches in a front surface of the rail configured to receive laces to couple the rails to the lacrosse head. 
     
     
         16 . A lacrosse stick, comprising:
 a head, comprising:
 a first sidewall; 
 a second sidewall disposed opposite the first sidewall; 
 a scoop connecting the first and second sidewalls; and 
 a throat; and 
   a pocket coupled to the head, the pocket comprising:
 a runner, comprising:
 a first longitudinal rail; 
 a second longitudinal rail; and 
 a plurality of cross pieces coupled to the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail, wherein a first cross piece is angled toward the scoop and a second cross piece is angled toward the throat, 
 wherein the runner comprises a molded material. 
 
   
     
     
         17 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 16 , wherein the cross pieces form arches extending rearward from the first and second longitudinal rails, where a first arch is angled in a first direction and a second arch is angled in a second direction. 
     
     
         18 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 16 , wherein the pocket further comprises a first longitudinal thong disposed between the first longitudinal rail of the runner and the first sidewall and a second longitudinal thong disposed between the second longitudinal rail of the runner and the second sidewall. 
     
     
         19 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 16 , wherein the pocket further comprises a plurality of laces coupling the runner to the head. 
     
     
         20 . The lacrosse stick of  claim 19 , wherein the first and second longitudinal rails of the runner comprise notches in a front surface of the rail configured to receive the laces. 
     
     
         21 . A runner for a lacrosse head, comprising:
 a unitary molded member comprising:
 a first longitudinal rail; 
 a second longitudinal rail; and 
 a plurality of cross pieces coupling the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail, 
 wherein the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail are configured to be displaced apart by a force applied on a front surface of the runner. 
   
     
     
         22 . The runner of  claim 21 , wherein a first cross piece comprises an arch extending rearward from a rear surface of the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail, wherein an amplitude of the arch decreases when the force is applied on the runner. 
     
     
         23 . The runner of  claim 21 , wherein a distance between the first and second longitudinal rails is wider at a top portion of the runner than at a bottom portion. 
     
     
         24 . The runner of  claim 21 , wherein the molded member comprises an elastomeric material.