Abstract: A weighted batting sleeve or apparatus includes an elastic ring manually stretchable to be received about a barrel portion of a bat and to impart an elastic force against the barrel portion. The apparatus further includes a tubular fabric sleeve extending over an outer surface of the elastic ring and a fabric casing coupled to the tubular fabric sleeve and enclosing the elastic ring. The apparatus may be passed over a knob of the bat and slid up the bat to a position with the elastic ring near the end of the bat. The tubular fabric sleeve may extend over a hitting area of the bat but does not obstruct the hitting area. Accordingly, the apparatus is useful for practice swings and for hitting drills, where positioning the elastic ring near the end of the bat puts the weight in position to promote proper hitting mechanics.

Abstract: A baseball or softball bat includes a barrel extending from a handle. A chamber is formed in the bat, such as in the knob attached to the handle, or an end cap attached to the barrel. A liquid or gel at least partially fills the chamber and dissipates vibrations created when the bat strikes an object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are grip sensing method and apparatus. The grip sensing method includes generating a sensing count by differentially amplifying a voltage potential of a grip channel based on a predetermined correction offset and performing digital conversion, comparing the sensing count with a predetermined base value to determine whether a touch condition is satisfied, performing baseline tracking for determining a baseline count based on the sensing count when the sensing count is less than the base value and the touch condition is not satisfied, stopping the baseline tracking and performing temperature compensation with respect to the baseline count using a temperature sensor mounted therein when the sensing count is equal to or greater than the base value and the touch condition is satisfied, and sensing an event based on the sensing count and the temperature-compensated baseline count.

Abstract: An improved golf club grip 10a, 10b, 10c with a well-defined and pronounced reminder rib 20a, 20b, 20c includes in one embodiment of the present disclosure a groove 32 positioned in the exterior surface 34 on each side of or surrounding a ridge 24a that extends lengthwise inside the body 14a of the grip 10a. When the golf grip 10a is installed on a golf club shaft 12, the groove 32 facilitates the flexing of the grip material for forming the reminder rib 20a. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the grip 10b, 10c is provided with a raised portion 36 of a selected material in a select region on the grip 10b, 10c. When the golf grip 10b, 10c is installed on a golf club shaft 12, the raised portion 36 becomes the reminder rib 20b, 20c.

Abstract: A sports product may include a support member and an impact region configured to impact an object. The impact region may be coupled to the support member. The sports product may also include a shear thickening material in at least one of the support member or the impact region. The shear thickening material may be configured to exhibit shear thickening behavior when an impact occurs between the impact region and the object.

Abstract: A sheath for an article of athletic equipment having a shaft, which includes a cap and a rolled sheath. The cap is mounted on the free end of the athletic equipment and the sheath is unrolled onto the shaft to the desired length or the entire length of the shaft. The cap and sheath are preferably made from injection molded rubber, neoprene of other polymers that permit production in various thickness, colors and lengths. The elasticity of the material preferably gives it memory and durability. The diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than the diameter of the shaft of the athletic equipment so that it stretches to a tight fit. After the sheath is unrolled to the desired length, excess material may be cut off, if desired.

Abstract: A sports training aid is configured to help improve a player's skills in the game of lacrosse. The sports training aid can embody a lacrosse stick with a head and shaft. In one implementation, the lacrosse stick includes one or more sensors that change state. A controller couples with the sensors to administer one or more training modes. Each training mode can cause the controller to associate the change in state of the sensors in response to movement of the head.

Abstract: A golf grip pressure training device provides feedback based on grip pressure exerted on a golf club grip. The device includes a grip having a top end, a bottom end, and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending from the top end to the bottom end. The bottom end is open wherein the grip is configured for being coupled to a golf club by inserting the golf club into the bottom end of the grip. A plurality of pressure sensors is positioned in the grip. A plurality of indicators are also coupled to the grip. Each indicator is communicatively coupled to an associated one of the sensors wherein the indicator is actuated upon the associated pressure sensor detecting pressure on the grip. Each pressure sensor detects a unique amount of pressure on the grip wherein the indicators are sequentially actuated as pressure on the grip is increased.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly and easily installing a safety cord in the butt of a racquet, without damaging the safety cord, includes a handle and an elongate structure having a loop for engaging the safety cord.

Abstract: A sports grips system features quick change capabilities for sports stick grips at point of purchase, or during usage, independent of the technique used. A sports stick grip is quickly placed and quickly removed such that a sportsman my try, demonstrate, test and select the best grip for them. The quick change of grips affords the user maximum functional capability in at point of purchase, practice or game play, coupled with the ability to replace or interchange grip systems. The system and apparatus provides numerous embodiments of grips, shafts and inserts, including the ability to tailor the gripping mechanisms to both right-handed and left-handed users. The system also provides golf clubs including interchangeable grips to be tried at time of purchase or to exchange after trying on a golf course.

Abstract: A tennis grip indicator is provided. The tennis grip indicator includes a band having an inner surface and an outer surface. A plurality of written text may be inscribed on the outer surface of the band. Each of the plurality of written text may include a different tennis grip name and at least one name of a tennis shot correlating with the tennis grip. The inner surface of the band is formed to fit around and securely retain to a beveled handle of a tennis racquet so that each of the plurality of written text is disposed over a different bevel of the handle when the band is secured to the handle.

Abstract: Rackets and a process that allows up to the entire length of a racket handle to receive various weight carriers enabling for selective control of overall weight, distribution of weight, balance point, swing weight, racket customization, and equalization between rackets are disclosed.

Abstract: A weighted apparatus, such as a bat, bar, stick, racket, or club, includes added weight in one end of the apparatus to create an obviously heavy end, and thereby an unbalanced apparatus. The unbalanced apparatus gives the user the ability to create a heavy load to build strength by holding the light end of the device and a light load to build speed, endurance, and flexibility by holding the heavy end of the device. When swung holding the heavy end, such an unbalanced apparatus is uniquely effective for various sports practice regimens, certain game play, general exercise, physical rehabilitation, etc., to improve the user's strength and overall conditioning levels, to build hand speed and to promote a proper swing.

Abstract: An improved racquet handle, such as for a tennis or racquetball racquet, comprised of one or more flexible insert devices that add flexibility to said handle and create one or more pivot points along said handle. The increased flexibility of the racquet handle enables a user to impart greater force on a ball, such as a tennis ball, and also dampens or reduces the amount of vibration and/or shock otherwise imparted to the racquet user when the racquet strikes the ball. The structure of the improved racquet handle and the insert device(s) also permit the user to use the improved racquet handle with a plurality of interchangeable racquet heads.

Abstract: A swing weight training device for stringed sports rackets includes two major parts designed to be secured together from opposing sides of the racket strings, to be quickly secured and removed without damage to the strings. An over-molded elastomeric coating encases a mass, providing a soft surface to grab the strings and keep the swing weight from moving or sliding on the strings. The over-mold material may also cover a portion of an attachment mounting stud that protrudes between the strings. An opposing quick attachment knob receives a portion of the stud projecting through strings, securing the mass with a low friction material that slides easily against the racket's strings without damage and providing a quick but secure attachment of the device to the strings of the racket. The knob may have either a threaded attachment or a quick release mechanism incorporated within the stud attachment system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device comprising a grip (1) matched to the user's hand such that the fingers and thumb are held where the fingers and thumb do not quite meet thus allowing high force of grip whilst having a mobile and yet stable wrist.

Abstract: A sports racquet extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured for use with a quantity of racquet string about a string plane. The racquet includes a frame formed of a thermoplastic material. The frame includes a first frame half coupled to a second frame half. The first and second halves include first and second hoop regions, and first and second handle regions, respectively. The first and second handle regions include first and second distal end sections, first and second proximal sections and first and second central sections, respectively. The first and second proximal end sections include transversely extending end wall segments that form a butt end wall. The transverse cross-sectional area of the coupled first and second proximal ends is greater than the transverse cross-sectional area of the coupled first and second distal end sections.

Abstract: A sports racquet extending along a longitudinal axis and configured for supporting a quantity of racquet string generally about a string plane. The racquet includes a frame formed of a thermoplastic material and including a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion is formed of first and second hoop regions. At least one of the first and second hoop regions includes a first set of projections extending from one of the first and second hoop regions across the string plane and engaging the other of the first and second hoop regions. The first set of projections space apart the first and second hoop regions by a first predetermined dimension to define a plurality of through-hoop region openings. The handle portion is formed of first and second handle regions directly coupled together without defining either a plurality of handle openings.

Abstract: A racquet extending along a longitudinal axis includes a frame formed of a thermoplastic material. The frame includes two halves having two spaced apart hoop regions, two handle regions and two mating surfaces. One of the halves includes a set of projections extending from one of the mating surfaces. At least one of the halves defines a set of bores. The projections are configured to engage the bores. At least two of the projections are stepped projections having a proximal section and a distal section. The transverse cross-sectional area of the proximal section is greater than the transverse cross-sectional area of the distal section. Two of the bores are configured to receive the corresponding distal sections, but not the proximal sections, of the two stepped projections, such that the projected height of the proximal section of the two stepped projections substantially defines the spacing between the hoop portions.

Abstract: A flexible implement grip is formed with an underlist of one rubber compound wrapped with a skin of a second rubber compound with multi-colored rubber based paint or ink air dried thereon and the assembled grip vulcanized in a mold. In one version, the skin pattern is cut from a sheet of cured rubber and curable adhesive employed with the wrapping. In another version, the multi-colored ink or paint is air dried on an uncured sheet prior to cutting the skin pattern; and, no adhesive is employed with the wrapping and bonding to the underlist occurs during final vulcanizing.

Abstract: An improved racquet handle, such as for a tennis or racquetball racquet, comprised of one or more flexible insert devices that add flexibility to said handle and create one or more pivot points along said handle. The increased flexibility of the racquet handle enables a user to impart greater force on a ball, such as a tennis ball, and also dampens or reduces the amount of vibration and/or shock otherwise imparted to the racquet user when the racquet strikes the ball. The structure of the improved racquet handle and the insert device(s) also permit the user to use the improved racquet handle with a plurality of interchangeable racquet heads.

Abstract: A racket assembly may include a racket, and at least one sensor operatively coupled to the racket. The at least one sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one parameter related to use of the racket. The racket assembly may also include a processor configured to receive the signal as an input and generate an output based on the signal.

Abstract: A racket includes a main body, a replaceable grip sleeve, a nut and a bolt. The main body has a frame, a handle having at least one hole, and a bridge connected between the frame and the handle. The replaceable grip sleeve is sleeved onto the handle and provided with at least one through hole aimed at the hole of the handle. The bolt is inserted through the through hole of the replaceable grip sleeve and screwingly engaged with the nut disposed in the hole of the handle. The user can replace the replaceable grip sleeve of a predetermined size to meet his/her need.

Abstract: A sports utility handle is provided for use with a sports equipment shaft. The handle has curved upper and lower surfaces and a curved termination end. The Two side surfaces are parallel to each other. The upper surface of the handle slants upwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the equipment shaft. The lower surface spline is configured to provide a relaxed wrist grip such that the shaft centerline is generally aligned with the centerline of the user's forearm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastic grip sleeve for the grip of a ball game racket, the sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is provided at least in parts with an adhesive strip. The present invention moreover relates to a retrofit kit for a ball game racket, comprising a grip sleeve and at least an adhesive strip. Moreover, according to the invention there is provided a method for attaching a grip sleeve to the grip portion of a ball game racket.

Abstract: A sports racquet including a handle assembly coupled to and longitudinally extending from a head portion. The handle assembly includes an elongate tubular shaft, a pallet positioned over the shaft, and a plurality of generally planar support members. The pallet is positioned over the shaft and has an outer surface that defines a plurality of longitudinally extending flats. Each of the flats has a length and a width. At least two of the flats define respective elongate recesses. Each of the recesses having a maximum recess width that is less than the width of the respective flat. The support members are positioned within the respective recesses.

Abstract: A sports training device that includes a pressure sensor mounted on the hand grip of a sports implement such as a tennis racket or a golf club. The device utilizes a piezoelectric force sensor to monitor the grip pressure in a circular sensing area located where the palm meets the index finger. The piezoelectric sensor varies its resistance inversely with the force applied and is connected to an operational amplifier that uses a variable resistor to deliver an output voltage proportional to the force applied. This voltage triggers a vibrating motor that alerts the user that an excessive pressure has been applied to the hand grip. The exact amount of pressure for each player and the sports equipment used will vary but can be adjusted to signal when the pressure is too great for the particular use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct contact racquet or “DCR.” In order to enhance the feel experienced by the player, the DCR is designed to maximize the contact between the player's hand and the ball, while still making use of a string-bed or other form of contact to provide a strike surface for the ball. In particular, a gripping surface for a player's hand is provided behind the string bed. The gripping surface may be shaped in various ways so that a player can comfortably grip it. In addition, the gripping surface may provide a clearance from the string bed when striking a ball. Therefore, the DCR places a user's hand directly behind the string bed surface used to strike the ball.

Abstract: A sports racquet including a handle assembly coupled to and longitudinally extending from a head portion. The handle assembly includes an elongate tubular shaft, a pallet positioned over the shaft, and a plurality of generally planar support members. The pallet is positioned over the shaft and has an outer surface that defines a plurality of longitudinally extending flats. Each of the flats has a length and a width. At least two of the flats define respective elongate recesses. Each of the recesses having a maximum recess width that is less than the width of the respective flat. The support members are positioned within the respective recesses.

Abstract: A textured surface for improving grip on plectra and other hand-held implements. A series of parallel ridges serve to frictionally engage thumb and forefinger surfaces and “lock” the grip in place.

Abstract: A sports racquet including a handle assembly coupled to, and longitudinally extending from, a head portion. The handle assembly includes an elongate tubular shaft, a pallet positioned over the shaft, and a plurality of support members. The pallet defines a plurality of longitudinally extending planar regions and a plurality of longitudinally extending recesses. The recesses are respectively positioned between two of the plurality of planar regions. The support members are positioned within the respective recesses. Each of the support members has an outer surface that forms an elongated corner. The handle assembly has an outer surface that includes a plurality of longitudinally extending flats and a generally polygonal-shaped transverse cross-sectional area. Each of the plurality of planar regions forms at least part of a separate one of the plurality of flats.

Abstract: A grip guide apparatus is disclosed for use as a training aid. The grip guide apparatus includes a substrate and chromic material. The substrate is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of an article of sports equipment such as a handle. The chromic material is capable of changing colors in response to one or more external stimuli. Changes in color of chromic material thereby indicate whether the user has proper or improper hand placement on the article of sports equipment. The chromic material may also indicate whether the user has applied the proper or improper amount of pressure to the article of sports equipment. The substrate may include an adhesive backing to affix the grip guide apparatus to the article of sports equipment. By generating feedback from the chromic material, good habits can be formed with respect to taking a proper grip of the article of sports equipment.

Abstract: A racket includes a main body, a replaceable grip sleeve, a nut and a bolt. The main body has a frame, a handle having at least one hole, and a bridge connected between the frame and the handle. The replaceable grip sleeve is sleeved onto the handle and provided with at least one through hole aimed at the hole of the handle. The bolt is inserted through the through hole of the replaceable grip sleeve and screwingly engaged with the nut disposed in the hole of the handle. The user can replace the replaceable grip sleeve of a predetermined size to meet his/her need.

Abstract: The invention relates to a racket handle insert which is intended to be placed around at least part of the core (2) of the handle and which, once in position, forms a first bulbous configuration (40, 50) having a central bulge (R, R?), the transverse dimensions of each bulbous configuration diminishing continuously from the bulge towards the two axial ends thereof.

Abstract: A sports racquet for impacting a game ball and for facilitating the opening of a cap on a bottle. The sports racquet includes a head portion and a handle portion. The handle portion has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is coupled to the head portion. The proximal end defines a recess, and includes a projection spaced apart from a fulcrum. The recess is sized to removably receive a portion of the cap. The projection is configured to catch a portion of an underside of the cap and the fulcrum is configured to bear against the top of the cap as one or both of the handle portion and the bottle serve as a lever for prying the cap off of the bottle.

Abstract: A color coded racquet grip comprising colored material panels for each bevel on a tennis racquet overgrip. The color coded overgrip of the present invention facilitates the location of the correct bevel for placing the base knuckle of the index finger and the heel of the hand to form a conventional hand grip to execute a stroke in the game of tennis. The color coded overgrip of the invention may be a standard wrap grip, a roll-on-grip, or other types of grips including a color coded base grip. The color coding of the types of grips can be accomplished using various colors, shades of colors, or designs.

Abstract: A lightweight, oversized grip assembly for a golf club or other sporting equipment includes a first grip element defining an open channel for receiving a gripping end of the golf club or other sporting equipment, and a second grip element dimensioned to match a cross-sectional dimension and a longitudinal dimension of the first grip element. The assembled first grip element and second grip element define a grip having a maximum diameter of up to about 500 mm. The first grip element defines an open channel axially along a longitudinal dimension thereof, having a width and a depth dimensioned to receive substantially an entirety of a thickness of the gripping end. The second grip element defines a substantially planar cover for capturing the base element and the gripping end between the first grip element and the second grip element.

Abstract: A sports racquet for impacting a game ball and for facilitating the opening of a cap on a bottle. The sports racquet includes a head portion and a handle portion. The handle portion has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is coupled to the head portion. The proximal end defines a recess, and includes a projection spaced apart from a fulcrum. The recess is sized to removably receive a portion of the cap. The projection is configured to catch a portion of an underside of the cap and the fulcrum is configured to bear against the top of the cap as one or both of the handle portion and the bottle serve as a lever for prying the cap off of the bottle.

Abstract: A handle-expander element (1) for the handle (2) of a sports racket, in particular a tennis racket is made up of an elongate body (10) presenting an “inside” face for applying along the handle of the racket and an “outside” face for holding by the player, each of the inside and outside faces of the elongate body (10) being made up of a plurality of longitudinal facets. The handle-expander element includes at least one tongue (113, 115) extending an end facet (13, 15) that extends transversely to the axis of the end facet. A set of handle-expander elements, a handle-expander, and a method of modifying the diameter size of the corresponding handle are also described.

Abstract: A sports utility handle is provided for use with a sports equipment shaft including an upper shaft surface having an upper shaft plane, a lower shaft surface having a lower shaft plane, two side shaft surfaces having side surface planes and a shaft centerline. The handle includes a shaft engagement end, a handle termination end opposite thereto, an upper handle surface, a lower handle surface comprising a lower surface spline extending inwards from the lower shaft plane towards the upper shaft plane in a first lower handle surface beginning at the shaft engagement end. The lower surface spline extending outwards in the lower shaft plane direction in a second lower handle surface beginning at the first lower handle surface and extending towards the handle termination end. A curved stop element runs between the upper handle surface towards the lower handle surface at the handle termination end and is sized to fit within a human palm.

Abstract: A changeable grip 12 for a shock imparting implement has a gripping sleeve 18 positioned on a handle sleeve 15 attached to a handle 14. A lower end of gripping sleeve 18 abuts a ledge 28 integrally formed in the handle sleeve 15. A threaded cap 20 compresses the gripping sleeve 18 against the ledge 28 to secure the grip 12 to the handle sleeve 15. Optional splines 40 on an outer surface of the handle sleeve 15 meshing with channels 42 in the gripping sleeve 18 function to prevent slippage or rotation during use.

Abstract: A badminton racket handle structure for training purpose. A includes a plurality of groove positions are formed on the surface of the racket handle. A little finger position grip groove at a first groove position is formed near the bottom of the surface of the racket handle. A ring finger position grip groove at a second groove position is formed upward from the bottom surface. A middle finger position grip groove at a third groove position is formed upward from the bottom surface. A thumb position grip groove for forehand stroke at a forth groove position is formed upward from the bottom surface. A forefinger position grip groove at a fifth groove position is formed upward from the bottom surface. A thumb position grip groove for backhand stroke at a sixth groove position is formed upward from the bottom of the surface of the racket handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hollow knob for a sport item, for example, a bat, a golf club, or a racket, which has four flexible fingers. Each finger has an inclined peg formed on an exterior surface of each finger, such that when the knob is slid into an end of a sport item handle, each inclined peg becomes captive of a corresponding hole in the handle. When an insert is slid into a hollow area of the knob, where a ramp is formed near the top end of the interior of each finger, the knob becomes secured to the handle. An adhesive may then be applied to this assembly in order to prevent tampering of the handle by requiring destruction of the assembly.

Abstract: A handle configuration for a stringed racquet includes a handle shaft having a defined exterior shape and plural mounting apertures, with a butt cap being provided at a base end thereof. A contour assembly has an exterior of designed contour, including an upper protrusion and a lower trigger. The contour assembly is mountable on the racquet handle shaft at a plurality of discrete locations defined by the mounting apertures. The contour assembly has an interior shape conforming to the handle shaft shape to allow the contour assembly to be received on the handle shaft for attachment thereto. One or more mounting elements on the contour assembly align with the handle shaft mounting apertures for attachment of the contour assembly thereto.

Abstract: A method of mounting a grip jacket to a handlebar includes the steps of sleeving an elongated detachable bagging onto a handlebar, the detachable bagging having a closed first end and a closed second end for preventing the handlebar from entering an inside of the detachable bagging, by making the first end be stopped against a distal end of the handlebar and then gradually pushing the detachable bagging toward the handlebar until the detachable bagging fully covers the handlebar; mounting a grip jacket onto the detachable bagging in such a way that the detachable bagging is located between the grip jacket and the handlebar and the second end is exposed outside; and finally drawing the detachable bagging to remove it from the handlebar.

Abstract: This invention provides a racket that allows for the adjustability of balance within the structure of the racket. The racket's adjustment mechanism and its function are easy to use and optimize any player's game. The adjustment mechanism resides in the handle in a manner that does not substantially (or in any way) alter the aerodynamic profile of the racket or affect its usability by providing unwanted external structures. Rather a movable mass/weight is contained within a hollow space of the handle and can be moved upwardly and downwardly along the handle using a guide mechanism and fixing or locking structure that can be illustratively activated by rotating a knob at the lower end of the racket handle (or by another low-profile external trigger). This can comprise a shaft with a thread or key that engages a corresponding thread or key slot on the mass/weight. The knob can include an indexing mechanism that facilitates rotatable restraint and/or alignment of the knob when not in use.

Abstract: A racket. In an illustrative embodiment, the racket includes plural handle portions, including a first handle portion and a second handle portion, which are equipped with a first gripping surface and a second gripping surface, respectively. A first mechanism couples the first handle portion and the second handle portion to the racket so that the first gripping surface is angled relative to a first plane coincident with a hitting surface of the racket. In a more specific embodiment, the first handle portion and the second handle portion are integrated with the racket. Alternatively, the first handle portion and the second handle portion are removably attached to the racket. The first and second handle portions form obtuse angles between the hitting surface and the handle portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastic grip sleeve for the grip of a ball game racket, the sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is provided at least in parts with an adhesive strip. The present invention moreover relates to a retrofit kit for a ball game racket, comprising a grip sleeve and at least an adhesive strip. Moreover, according to the invention there is provided a method for attaching a grip sleeve to the grip portion of a ball game racket.

Abstract: Assisting a player of a racket sport, such as tennis, in positional awareness of the racket head, both visually and physically, is disclosed by adding an axial extension to the racket handle, the axial extension of similar or greater length than that of the racket. Regardless of racket position, whether or not within the direct sight of the player, a visually obvious indicator located at the end of the extension permits positional awareness of the racket before, during, and after each swing. Such positional awareness can also be obtained when both the racket and visually obvious indicator at the end of the handle extension are not visible by physical contact, when any part of the handle extension touches the body indicating poor racket initial position, swing motion, or follow-through after each swing.

Abstract: An implement grip assembly with an open ended tubular flexible grip assembled over a tubular implement handle. An end cap with deflectable portions is inserted in the open end of the handle and the deflectable portions frictionally engage the tubular handle for retention. The cap may also have surfaces detentably engaging corresponding surfaces on the flexible grip. A decorative medallion may be received on the cap and frictionally or magnetically retained thereon.