Abstract: A frame structure adapted for use as a tennis racket. The frame structure includes a frame body made from either wood, metal or plastic having a tubular structure with inside and outside surfaces. A composite material jacket having an outer layer adjacent and bonded to the frame outside surface and an inner layer adjacent and bonded to the frame body inside surface is provided. The composite material jacket is made from composite materials such as resin impregnated boron, graphite, polyamide aromatic and glass fibers. In addition, plastic throat pieces commonly used to connect and support racket necks and handles are replaced by composite material cross-member supports which are integrally molded to the composite material jacket. The composite material jacket provides structural reinforcement as well as desirable shock and vibration dampening characteristics. In addition, the tubular frame is provided with elongated slots through which racket strings are attached for mounting.

Abstract: A tubular frame structure adapted for use as a tennis racket which includes an elastic polymer core which is bonded to and surrounded by a rigid shell of graphite composite. The elastic polymer core is a flexible vinyl foam prepared from plasticized polyvinyl chloride in which a suitable blowing agent is dispersed. A method for preparing the racket structure is disclosed.The elastic polymer core provides a particularly desirable core material which does not degrade or breakdown during prolonged use and provides enhanced racket shock and vibration absorption, and, most importantly, the means to obtain the desirable variable density characteristics at the desired locations within the structure of racquet without a corresponding reduction in structural capability.