Abstract: A composite sports racquet includes a head portion which is formed by an upper frame half and a lower frame half. Each frame half is a tubular frame section, and includes a generally flat wall. The two walls are bonded to one another to form a unitary head portion, whereby the first and second walls form internal frame ribs oriented generally parallel to the string bed plane and extending continuously around the head portion. The upper and lower frame halves are preferably pre-molded individually and thereafter glued to one another. Alternatively, one of the frame halves can be pre-molded, with the other frame half thereafter molded onto the pre-molded half Preferably, the first and second walls include a plurality of channel portions which, when the racquet halves are joined, define the string holes. Preferably, the channel portions are contoured at the outer frame surface to form curved bearing surfaces for string entry.

Abstract: A sports racquet has a head frame that includes a support member and an inwardly directed alignment member or fin. String segments are strung from a central strung area through respective holes in the fin, around the support member and back through further holes in the fin. The present invention provides a strong anchor for the strings which can withstand the static load thereof as well as dynamic loading placed on it by striking gamepieces as well as striking other objects. In a preferred embodiment, the fin returns the string segments to a strung area that is substantially planar up to the inner periphery of the fin.

Abstract: This invention provides for a racquetball racquet combining enhanced ball acceleration, high precision, and comfort. These optimum characteristics are achieved though a racquetball racquet having, in combination, an overall length of between 500 mm and 580 mm, an unstrung weight of between 140 g and 195 g, a head weight of between 52% and 65% of the overall racquet weight, and a center of gravity located between 25 mm relative to the racquet head handle end and 75 mm relative to the distal head end, measured along the longitudinal axis of the racket. The longitudinal strings of the racquetball racquet extend from the racquet head handle end to the racket head distal end are arranged so as to diverge to form a V-configuration. Two neighboring longitudinal strings are each led to a common location on the racquet head handle end.

Abstract: A sports racket, particularly a tennis racket, comprises a handle and a frame, including a head part, a middle part, a throat element and a shank element, and a string system composed of a lateral string segments and a longitudinal string segments, wherein the majority of the longitudinal string segments pass through the openings in the throat element, enter and anchored at the shank element; and at least for two longitudinal string segments, one on each side of the longitudinal axis, which are anchored at the shank element, there is no structural member of the frame standing between said string segment and the outboard space beyond. The frame, which surrounds the string network, is essentially not continuous.

Abstract: A method of stringing a racquet includes independently tensioning a plurality of strings in the racquet and maintaining the independent tensioning. Individual strings are held and their tensioning maintained using cleats and grommets. In this fashion, the elastic properties of the shorter strings may be matched to that of the longer strings, giving a larger sweet spot. The strings may be manufactured as a pre-woven mesh.

Abstract: A single piece molded sports racket includes a string frame defining an interior opening, a throat portion extending from the string frame and an integral grip/handle extending from the throat portion. The string frame further supports an integrally formed inwardly extending string flange having a plurality of apertures with corner radii extending therethrough. The string frame may be strung from either side facilitating the positioning of the string plane of the racket at alternative offset positions with respect to the center plane of the string frame of the racket. Embodiments are shown which provide for alternative string plane positions either tangential to one edge of the string frame or offset therefrom. In alternate embodiments, the position of the string frame may be selected between alternatives of coplanar alignment with the center plane of the frame or offset or tangential to the frame edge.

Abstract: A racquet with strings and a handle has at least a portion of the strung length of at least some of its strings at least partially within a cavity defined by the racquet's handle, and/or, in the case of a racquet having a shaft, a cavity defined by the racquet's shaft. Typically two, or some multiple of two, strings are extended in strung length by at least a portion of the length of the handle's (shaft's) cavity. The cavity may be but only slightly recessed into the handle (shaft), and may be nearly as long as is the handle (shaft) itself. Particularly in the case those racquetball racquets qualified by the 1996 rules of the American Amateur Racquetball Association to twenty one inches (21") in total length, each of preferably two or more "long" strings commonly extend at least fifteen and one-half inches (.gtoreq.51/2"), and may extend as long as twenty and one-half inches (>201/2"), in strung length by virtue of extending within the cavity of a hollow handle.

Abstract: A racket is provided such as that used in the game of tennis, racquetball, squash, badminton and the like. The racket has a frame head that defines the periphery of a generally oblong shaped area. A plurality of apertures are periodically disposed along the frame head. In one embodiment, a plurality of set screws are disposed in the frame head. Each of the set screws intersects a separate one of the apertures and selectively obstructs that aperture depending upon the tightened condition of the set screws. In an alternate embodiment, a separate structure is provided that surrounds the head frame. The separate structure contains apertures and set screws that intersect the apertures. The opposing ends of individual strings are fed through apertures on opposite sides of the head frame. The string is tensioned to a predetermined value. Once at the desired tension, the set screws are used to engage the string and retain it in place at the set tension.

Abstract: A games racket frame comprising a head portion defining a string bed of main strings and cross strings, a shaft portion and a handle portion wherein at the crown of the head portion a cross-section through the head portion perpendicular to the string bed reduces in width towards the string bed, and the main strings wrap around the head instead of passing through drilled string holes. The invention has the potential advantages of improving breakage resistance properties and allowing a player to play close to the wall shots.

Abstract: A method for making a game racket includes two molds having a mold cavity for receiving an annular rib and a network engaged between the molds and engaged with the annular rib. A material is injected into the mold cavity of the molds for forming the annular frame of the game racket and for forming the annular rib in the annular frame and for allowing the network to be secured to the annular frame without threading operation. The annular rib has one or more holes for engaging with the material and for allowing the annular rib to be solidly secured in the annular frame.

Abstract: A game racket includes an annular frame and a tube secured to the annular frame. An annular rib is engaged in the annular frame, and a network has a peripheral portion engaged with the annular rib and engaged in the annular frame for allowing the network to be secured to the annular frame without threading operation. The game racket may thus be made quickly and the manufacturing cost may thus be greatly decreased. The annular rib has one or more holes for engaging with the plastic material and for allowing the annular rib to be solidly secured in the annular frame.