Abstract: The present invention relates to a grommet and a grommet strip for a ball game racket as well as to a specific ball game racket for receiving the grommet according to the invention or the grommet strip according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a racket for ball games comprising a frame forming a head portion and a handle portion, wherein the head portion accommodates a string bed comprising strings and defining a string plane, wherein the strings of the string bed are passed through several holes in the head portion, wherein at least three strings are passed through three of said holes in such a way that the longitudinal axis of each of said three holes extends in a first direction and the string passed through the hole extends within the string bed in a second direction, wherein the first and the second direction include an angle having an absolute value between 0.5° and 15° and wherein the absolute values of the angles of these three strings differ by maximally 3°.

Abstract: A variably compressible device placed on the peripheral portion of a racquet frame over or through which a loop of racquet string is placed compressing and holding the device against the outside surface of the racquet frame. The device and method provides for a controlled degree of compressibility permitting selected strings to undergo greater deflection through processes of device compression and intrinsic string elongation when striking the ball compared to the behavior of an equivalent string striking the ball without the device.

Abstract: A sports racquet with increased string vibration damping has grommets with elongated barrels. The barrels conform closely to the strings, are capable of absorbing vibration, and may be placed on the main strings, the cross strings, or both.

Abstract: A sports racquet extends along an axis and is configured for use with a quantity of racquet string forming a string bed about a string plane. The racquet includes a frame formed of a thermoplastic material, and including first and second halves including first and second spaced apart hoop regions, and first and second handle regions, respectively. The hoop regions includes projections extending from hoop regions in a direction orthogonal to the string plane. At least one of the hoop regions defines a set of bores. The projections are configured to matably engage the bores. The projections extend through the string plane and define curved bearing surfaces configured for engaging and supporting the racquet string. The projections include first and second projections having first and second radii of curvature, respectively. The first radius of curvature being at least 0.5 mm greater than the second radius of curvature.

Abstract: A racquet includes polyester, monofilament racquet string and a frame extending along a longitudinal axis and including a head portion coupled to a handle portion. The head portion includes a hoop having inner and outer peripheral walls. The hoop defines a head size having maximum longitudinal and transverse dimensions, a, and, b, respectively. The dimension a is at least 1.2 times the dimension b. The inner peripheral wall includes string holes. The string has a diameter within the range of 1.10 to 1.55 millimeters. The string forms a string bed of interlaced main and cross string segments. Each of the cross segments transversely extends from one of the string holes to another, and each of the main segments longitudinally extends from one of the string holes to another. The string bed has at least one more main segment than cross segment. At least one of the main segments contacting the tennis ball exhibits a snap back velocity of at least 1 meter per second.

Abstract: A ball-striking implement, in particular a tennis, squash or badminton racket, is described, the implement having a head frame including an impact surface and a stem, which is formed integrally thereon and has a handle, the impact surface being determined by at least one string which is stretched crosswise and forms string portions fastened to the head frame substantially parallel to one another. The string portions are guided in holding elements on the inside of the head frame such that the string portions are positioned in a single plane forming the impact surface.

Abstract: A variably compressible device placed on the peripheral portion of a racquet frame over or through which a loop of racquet string is placed compressing and holding the device against the outside surface of the racquet frame. The device and method provides for a controlled degree of compressibility permitting selected strings to undergo greater deflection through processes of device compression and intrinsic string elongation when striking the ball compared to the behavior of an equivalent string striking the ball without the device.

Abstract: A novel ball-striking implement, in particular a tennis, squash or badminton racket, is described, with a head frame (1; 13) comprising an impact surface and also a stem which is formed integrally thereon and has a handle, the impact surface being determined by at least one string (3; 19) which is stretched crosswise and forms string portions fastened to the head frame substantially parallel to one another. The string portions in holding elements (2; 15) on the inside of the head frame are guided in such a manner that the string portions are positioned in a single plane forming the impact surface.

Abstract: A sports racquet frame is formed from a plurality of frame sections, some sections formed of a single tubular member and other sections formed of double tubular members. The double tube sections preferably contain string port holes. Also, different frame sections can be made of different materials, e.g., carbon fiber-reinforced composites and aluminum.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a game racket with pre-formed reinforcement members in various openings in the game racket. A composite game racket frame comprising at least one elongated string channel opening in the frame head, bridge or other area, at least one reinforcement member adapted to fit within the elongated opening and configured to allow one or more game racket string to pass through the reinforcement member, and at least one string bearing member adapted to fit on the outside of the game racket frame to support the game racket string.

Abstract: The present invention is intended for use as a game racket including a handle and a head frame with strings held in tension. In particular as a high performance game racket frame including at least one generally tubular, substantially circular pivot element located at least partially within a substantially circular mating recess on at least one portion of an outside-facing peripheral surface of the head frame profile that can rotate to cooperate with at least one string. The pivot element can rest upon at least a portion of the mating recess and therefore can have at least one adjoining surface portion. In order to reduce friction, adjoining surface(s) can be coated with a suitable anti-friction agent such as silicone or it can include a “frictionless” repelling permanent magnet portion capable of sustaining magnetic levitation between the two parts.

Abstract: A game racket frame is provided including at least one substantially fluid tight portion. The racket includes a handle and a head frame with strings laced through and held in tension to form a stringed hitting surface. Alternatively, the game racket of the present invention could be formed of at least one substantially fluid tight part including a handle portion and a head frame portion. The head frame includes at least one substantially fluid tight portion and has at least one unitary multi-component spring suspension module disposed on its periphery to cooperate with at least one string. The profile of the generally tubular, spring suspension module is formed by at least two components, having at least one common wall. The profile includes a first side portion and a second side portion, is closed on at least two ends, and can have at least one communicating means in common with the racket.

Abstract: A sports racquet including a frame, at least one grommet assembly. The frame includes a head portion coupled to a handle portion. The head portion includes a hoop having inner and outer peripheral walls. At least a first set of concave recesses and channels are formed into the outer peripheral wall. The hoop includes first, second and third groups of string openings. The second and third groups of string openings are aligned with the first set of concave recesses. The second group of string openings extends through the outer peripheral wall at the first set of concave recesses. The grommet assembly engages the outer peripheral wall. The grommet assembly includes at least three pivotable elements interconnected by torque transmitting arms, each pivotable element including a string passage. The pivotable elements and the torque transmitting arms are pivotable about an axis parallel to a string bed plane.

Abstract: A novel ball-striking implement, in particular a tennis, squash or badminton racket, is described, with a head frame (1; 13) comprising an impact surface and also a stem which is formed integrally thereon and has a handle, the impact surface being determined by at least one string (3; 19) which is stretched crosswise and forms string portions fastened to the head frame substantially parallel to one another. The string portions in holding elements (2; 15) on the inside of the head frame are guided in such a manner that the string portions are positioned in a single plane forming the impact surface.

Abstract: The netting structure of a fiber-made racket comprises a racket frame and several supporting parts. The racket frame is formed with upper and lower racket frames made of the fibrous material, and internal and external penetration netting areas are formed around between the upper and lower racket frames. Several supporting parts are provided in the netting area, a couple of parts adjacent to each other are lengthways stationary in the netting area of racket, and the threads of the racket pass through the couple of supporting parts and cross vertically and horizontally in the racket frame to form a hit area. Thanks to the interval of distance of thread passing between the netting area and the supporting parts, it is easy and fast to pass the threads, reducing the area of net threads contacting with the racket frames to increase the flexibility of hit area at the time of hitting.

Abstract: The present invention is intended for use as a game racket including a handle and a head frame with strings held in tension. In particular as a high performance game racket frame including at least one generally tubular, substantially circular pivot element located at least partially within a substantially circular mating recess on at least one portion of an outside-facing peripheral surface of the head frame profile that can rotate to cooperate with at least one string. The pivot element can rest upon at least a portion of the mating recess and therefore can have at least one adjoining surface portion. In order to reduce friction, adjoining surface(s) can be coated with a suitable anti-friction agent such as silicone or it can include a “frictionless” repelling permanent magnet portion capable of sustaining magnetic levitation between the two parts.

Abstract: A sports racquet frame is formed from a plurality of frame sections, some sections formed of a single tubular member and other sections formed of double tubular members. The double tube sections preferably contain string port holes. Also, different frame sections can be made of different materials, e.g., carbon fiber-reinforced composites and aluminum.

Abstract: A composite sports racquet frame including a frame made of composite material, the frame including a head portion configured to receive and surround a string bed with a plurality of string segments, and a handle portion. The head portion includes a tip section on an opposite end of the frame from the handle portion, and the tip section includes a solid cross-section substantially throughout and the remainder of the head portion includes a hollow cross-section substantially throughout.

Abstract: In a racket frame, a yoke part is disposed between left and right portions of a bifurcated throat part continuous with a head part and with a shaft part. A ball-hitting face is formed with the yoke part and the head part. The head part and the yoke part have a plurality of string holes formed in penetration therethrough to insert longitudinal and transverse strings therethrough. Longitudinal string holes formed outside left and right sides of the yoke part connected with the left and right portions of the throat part are extended to the throat part to form extended longitudinal string holes open on an outer surface of the throat part.

Abstract: The sides of a sports racquet, and optionally the tip and throat bridge, include axially extending cutout portions. An insert member, having a plurality of string port holes and optionally conventional string holes, is seated in each cutout portion. The frame and insert member are preferably formed of different materials.

Abstract: A safety racket includes a head frame, a handle, a connecting portion, several nail members and a string. The head frame has a plurality of through holes. The connecting portion connects between the head frame and the handle. The nail members each have a head and at least one body extending along an axial direction from the head and inserted into the through hole. The body of the nail member has a distal end protruding from the through hole, and a lateral hole positioned at the distal end and extending along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. The string passes through the lateral hole and interweaved to form a net surface. Since the string is not exposed outside the head frame, the string is well protected to avoid damaging by external objects. The racket also has excellent shock-absorbing effect due to elastic material, such as rubber and plastic, adopted by the nail members.

Abstract: A sports racquet has a plurality of opposed string holes for anchoring the ends of the strings, at least one pair of contiguous string holes are replaced with an enlarged string hole having opposed bearing surfaces for securing the ends of a pair of contiguous string segments. Preferably, a plurality of contiguous enlarged string holes are employed along the sides, tip, and heel or throat bridge of the racquet, in order to reduce the weight of the racquet head. Also, preferably, the enlarged string holes are defined by a pair of opposed interior walls of the frame extending between the frame's inner and outer surfaces, thereby forming a truss-like internal structure for stiffening the frame. Moreover, the frame preferably has interior wall portions that extend between the string holes. Such wall portions lie in the string bed plane and underlie the string portions on the exterior of the frame.

Abstract: A sports racquet including a frame, a string bed, and at least one cantilevered member. The frame includes a head portion coupled to a handle portion. The head portion includes a distal region, first and second side regions, and a proximal region. A string bed is formed of a plurality of cross string segments and a plurality of main string segments. The cantilevered member has a first section coupled to one of the regions, such that at least one point on the first section remains substantially fixed in relation to the region to which the first section is coupled, and a second section that is deflectable relative to the region to which the first section is coupled. At least one of the string segments is operably engaged with the member, such that when a ball impacts the string segment, the second section deflects inward toward the string bed.

Abstract: A racquet for hitting a projectile has a stem, which is a handle or a shaft with a handle, and a racquet head with a frame extending from the handle and supporting a tensioned string bed defining a sweet spot. The frame has an upper portion on an opposing end of the frame relative to the handle and a longitudinal axis extending from the upper portion to the handle. The string bed includes main strings generally running parallel to the longitudinal axis and cross strings running generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The string bed has an upper end defined at an interior surface of the upper portion and a lower end disposed at an interior surface of a lower end of the frame near the handle. A length is defined from the upper end to the lower end of the string bed. The cross strings are only disposed at most within approximately an upper 70% of the length of the string bed.

Abstract: In a sports racquet, anchor points for a string are marked with indicia to assist a stringer in stringing from one anchor point to a next anchor point. In a preferred embodiment, one of the anchor points is a bearing assembly located within a hollow cavity in the racquet stem. Colored tubes are placed in the stem that lead to and from the bearing assembly, and the colors of the tubes match respective colored indicia associated with string holes in the frame head.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is at least partly disposed within the hollow stem or handle of a sports racquet. A plurality of curvilinear channels are disposed at different lateral locations in a direction which is at a substantial angle to the longitudinal axis of the racquet. For each channel there are provided a pair of ferrules through which string segments are strung from, and then back to, the string bed. Preferably the ferrules receive ends of tubes through which the string segments are strung. One embodiment receives most of the main strings of the sports racquet, while another embodiment receives all of them. In one embodiment the bearing assembly also forms the end cap of the racquet handle.

Abstract: A compound spring element for a game racket frame is provided. A resilient casing forms the spring element, with its profile having a first side portion and a second side portion defining at least one space between them. The at least one space contains at least one damping and/or tension element which interacts with the casing to form a semi-rigid, damped, compound structural unit that is flexurally resistant to string tension. It can be disposed in any number of advantageous positions on at least one part of a head frame to cooperate with at least one string.

Abstract: A sports racquet strung with a bypass string pattern has a frame with a first side and an opposed second side. The second side of the frame has a plurality of spaced apart string anchoring points. A string bed including a string having a plurality of string segments each strung between the first side and the second side of the frame using the string anchoring points. The string bed includes first and second string segments that are adjacent each other on the string, substantially parallel to each other in the string bed, but are spaced apart from each other in the string bed by at least two other string segments strung substantially parallel to the first and second string segments.

Abstract: A sports racquet extending along a longitudinal axis. The racquet includes a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion defines a string bed area. The handle portion has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the handle portion is coupled to the head portion. The handle portion has a length and an outer surface. The handle portion includes at least two spaced apart channels. Each channel inwardly extends into the outer surface and extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis from the distal end of the handle portion and over at least a portion of the length of the handle portion. Each channel is configured for receiving at least one string and for guiding the string along at least a portion of the length of the handle portion.

Abstract: A string guide system is disposed within the hollow stem of a sports racquet and guides the continuous string at least through a turn for redirecting the continuous string back out of the cavity and toward the string bed. The redirection defines shared ends of a pair of connected consecutive string segments. The string guide system disposes the string segments at predetermined lateral positions along the width at least at the turn. In a preferred embodiment the string guide system includes flexible tubes which dampen vibration and aid in stringing the racquet.

Abstract: A sports racquet including a frame, a yoke and a string bed. The frame includes a head portion, a handle portion, and a throat portion positioned between the head and handle portions. The head portion includes an upper region, and first and second side regions. The yoke is coupled to the first and second side regions. The head portion and the yoke define a string bed area. The string bed is formed of a number of cross and main string segments. The main string segments include at least one central main string segment and at least two peripheral main string segments. Each central main string segment has first and second ends wherein the first end engages the head portion and the second end engages the yoke. Each peripheral main string segment is coupled at a proximal end to at least one of the throat portion and the handle portion.

Abstract: A racquet for hitting a projectile has a stem, which is a handle or a shaft with a handle, and a racquet head with a frame extending from the handle and supporting a tensioned string bed defining a sweet spot. The frame has an upper portion on an opposing end of the frame relative to the handle and a longitudinal axis extending from the upper portion to the handle. The string bed includes main strings generally running parallel to the longitudinal axis and cross strings running generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The string bed has an upper end defined at an interior surface of the upper portion and a lower end disposed at an interior surface of a lower end of the frame near the handle. A length is defined from the upper end to the lower end of the string bed. The cross strings are only disposed at most within approximately an upper 70% of the length of the string bed.

Abstract: A sports racquet strung with a bypass string pattern. The sports racquet includes a frame having a first side and an opposed second side. The second side of the frame has a plurality of spaced apart string anchoring points. A string bed including a string having a plurality of string segments each strung between the first side and the second side of the frame using the string anchoring points. The string bed includes first and second string segments that are adjacent each other on the string, substantially parallel to each other in the string bed, but are spaced apart from each other in the string bed by at least two other string segments strung substantially parallel to the first and second string segments.

Abstract: An improved racket frame without the need of drilling holes comprises two compound material pipe bodies. A plurality of U-shaped embedded tubes are uniformly clamped between the two pipe bodies with two openings of each of the U-shaped embedded tubes facing the same direction. A compound material layer sheathes the two pipe bodies and the U-shaped embedded tubes with only the two openings of each of the U-shaped embedded tubes being exposed. The compound material layer is then placed into a mold and blown and heated to form an integral racket frame structure having th rough holes. Meshes conventionally exposed out of the racket frame are hidden in the racket frame, hence reducing abrasion of the meshes, lengthening the lifetime of use of the meshes, and enhancing the delicacy. Because there is no need of drilling holes twice, the structure of the racket frame will not be damaged.

Abstract: An improved ball launching racket has a flexible net disposed within a central opening of a racket by a plurality of removable clip and elastomeric band assemblies. The construction of the clip facilitates expedient mounting and removal of the elastomeric bands, thereby allowing a user to expeditiously change the tension in the net, which in turn, changes the launching characteristics of the ball launching racket. The clip construction promotes usage of elastomeric bands that are free from apertures or slits, so that stress concentration points within the elatomeric bands are eliminated, increasing the useful life of each band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound material frame body without the need of drilling holes. A plurality of symmetric embedded tubes are clamped between two compound material pipe bodies. An outmost compound material layer sheathes the compound material pipe bodies and the embedded tubes with two openings of each of the embedded tubes being exposed. An integrally formed compound material frame body having through holes can immediately be obtained by blowing and heating in a mold. Because there is no need of drilling holes, the structure of the frame body will not be damaged. Moreover, the present invention can achieve the effects of simple manufacturing process, short manufacturing time, and reduced cost.

Abstract: An improved ball launching racket has a flexible net disposed within a central opening of a racket by a plurality of removable clip and elastomeric band assemblies. The construction of the clip facilitates expedient mounting and removal of the elastomeric bands, thereby allowing a user to expeditiously change the tension in the net, which in turn, changes the launching characteristics of the ball launching racket. The clip construction promotes usage of elastomeric bands that are free from apertures or slits, so that stress concentration points within the elatomeric bands are eliminated, increasing the useful life of each band.

Abstract: Racket structure with ball-striking racket face, including a racket frame having an inner and an outer frame faces respectively formed on two radially opposite sides of the racket frame. The racket frame is formed with multiple through holes forming openings on the inner and outer frame faces. Multiple hollow stringing pins are respectively coaxially fitted in the corresponding through holes. At least one strip made of resilient material with a predetermined thickness is fixedly attached to the inner frame face. The strip is formed with several perforations having a predetermined diameter and communicating with the holes of the corresponding stringing pins. The diameter of the perforation can be changed within a certain range when suffering an external force. A string having a hardness greater than that of the strip is sequentially conducted through the stringing pins and the perforations of the strip to form a checkered mesh in the racket frame.

Abstract: A two-piece grommet assembly for a sports racquet. The sports racquet includes a frame having a plurality of grommet holes and at least one racquet string. The grommet assembly includes first and second grommet members. The first grommet member includes a first strip and at least two spaced-apart barrels extending generally perpendicular from the first strip. Each barrel includes a first string hole and is configured to extend through a separate grommet hole in the frame. The second grommet member includes a second strip and at least two spaced-apart pegs extending generally perpendicular from the second strip. Each peg has a second string hole. The second strip contacts the first strip, and the pegs extend into the barrels such that the first and second string holes are generally co-axially aligned. The first grommet member is configured to substantially isolate the pegs and the second strip from the frame.

Abstract: A racket includes a frame, at least one string and a particular portion The frame includes a handle portion and a head portion. The string is connected to the frame to provide a string tension. The particular portion is composed of a non-fluid material and disposed on the frame. The particular portion cooperates with the at least one string and is designed to reduce the string tension of the string upon a deflection of the string. The particular portion compresses when the string tension of the at least one string increases.

Abstract: A string fastener for a racket includes an annular U-shaped wall, a plurality of tubes spaced apart equidistantly on inner side of the U-shaped wall, and each tube has a string hole inserted therethrough and in a racket frame. The U-shaped wall is formed integral with the string fastener and the same number of string support members as the tubes are formed integral between the two vertical inner surfaces of the U-shaped wall for the strings to rest thereon after the strings are inserted through the tubes. Thus, the strings on the string support members are protected from cut off and the friction coefficient of the strings is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A racket includes a frame, a Y-shaped throat integrally extending from the frame, a shaft integrally extending from the throat and a handle formed on the free end of the shaft. An end piece is attached to a free end of the handle. The end piece includes a rod integrally formed in the end piece perpendicular to a plane that contains the elements of the racket. The throat includes two hollow arms each having a slot defined to face the frame. The shaft and the handle are hollow. The longitudinal strings near the middle portion of the frame can pass through the slot into the shaft, loop around the rod and pass through the shaft and the slot to lengthen the strings. The lengthened string can absorb the reactive force and prevent the players from sustaining sport injuries.

Abstract: A throatless squash racquet includes a hollow tubular frame, preferably of graphite, bent to form a head in which the outer portion is generally circular. The opposing legs of the tubular frame curve inwardly toward one another and then converge linearly. The converging legs continue to converge, but in an inverse curve, to define a narrow neck region, and merge into an elongated shaft. Because of its geometry, the racquet exhibits improved strength and durability.

Abstract: A racket includes a frame in which through-holes are made, shank carrying cleats including a pair of shanks which are engaged in the holes, and a stringing mounted on the frame by threading through the shank-carrying cleats, so as to produce a string pattern within the frame. The shank carrying cleats contact the frame between the through-holes. Each cleat has at least one bearing surface which is located between each pair of adjacent shanks and on which a stringing loop bears. At least some of the bearing surfaces include gaps located between the bearing surfaces and the frame.

Abstract: An attachment for a tennis racket is provided. The attachment has a curvature capable of engaging with a U-shaped groove of the frame of the racket, a pair of first and second lateral walls connected by two end portions without a bottom, a plurality of shafts disposed spaced apart in the attachment and connected at their two ends to the inner surfaces of the lateral walls, a plurality of rollers of saddle outer periphery rotatably engaged on the shafts on pair by pair basis and a plurality of partition posts projected transversely from the inner surface of the first lateral wall and positioned spaced apart between each pair of the rollers. A string comes in and out of the string holes in the groove and suspends from each pair of the rollers.

Abstract: A game racket includes elongated main strings which extend through a slot in a yoke portion of the head. In one embodiment the lower ends of the main strings pass through string holes in a second throat bridge below the first throat bridge. In another embodiment the lower ends of the main strings pass through string holes in the arms of the throat of the racket.

Abstract: A string network for sports rackets comprises joined rectilinear string segments forming a single monolithic volume with regular openings. String networks with openings of quadrilateral, hexagonal and triangular form are shown. Being bonded and secured to each other, and having a streamlined cross-sectional area, the string segments do not move with respect to each other and stay oriented so as to minimize wind resistance during the swinging motion of the sports racket before and after ball contact. The string network is materially separated from the frame of the racquet, and means for securing the network to the frame using conventional stringing machinery are presented.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved racquet and a method of stringing a racquet wherein the racquet includes grommets that are divided into visually differentiated groups in order to make stringing the racquet quicker and easier. According to one embodiment, the grommets are visually differentiated by color, while in another embodiment, the grommets are visually differentiated by shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an method and apparatus for springing sporting racquets to maintain differential tensions between racquet strings within the racquet, so that it is possible to provide racquets having predetermined properties of elastic quality. To maintain differential tensions between the strings, the strings are tensioned against frictional surface, with may be a high frictional surface such as a grommet strip, corner of a racquet string hole, or a pad of high friction material extending about the outer surface of the racquet.