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 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 racquet frame has one or more string holes formed therein and a string bed plane, along which the string holes extend. The racquet frame is preferably formed by providing a frame bearing structure, which is aimed at providing flexural stiffness to said racquet frame, and structurally integrating the frame bearing structure with a frame binding structure, which is aimed at providing torsional stiffness to the racquet frame. The mutual integration of the frame bearing structure and the frame binding structure forms a composite frame structure, in which one or more of said string holes may be provided.

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 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 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: A tennis racquet has string holes which lie alternately on opposite sides of the center plane completely around the racquet head. Except in the corners, the cross string holes, and the upper main strings holes, are located at a constant offset distance of 4.5 millimeters (mm) away from the center plane of the frame. The corner string holes and remaining lower main string holes, which mainly lie in the throat bridge, all have a constant reduced stagger of 2 mm.