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 metal wood golf clubhead has a length "L" representing the distance, measured perpendicular to the centerline, between the heel and toe; a rearmost point that lies at a distance "A", measured perpendicular to said centerline, from the heel; and a rear edge having a radius of curvature R2, in the region of the rearmost point. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the distance "A" from the heel to the rearmost point on the clubhead rear edge is at least 60 mm and/or at least 56% of the overall clubhead length "L". In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the clubhead has a volume of at least 180 cm.sup.3, the center of curvature of the rear edge, in the region of the rearmost point, is offset from the club's centerline CL toward the toe, and the radius of curvature R2 in the region of the rearmost point is less than 41 mm. The club has a geometry where the body curves relatively sharply beyond the toe end of the face to extend rearwardly.

Abstract: A grommet member for use with a sports racquet comprises a grommet strip from which a plurality of hollow grommet pegs project for receiving racquet strings. The strip additionally includes at least grommet having at least two holes for receiving a pair of strings. Preferably, such grommet is either a multi-hole grommet or a triple hole grommet. The holes of the multi-hole grommet may be disposed on opposite sides of the grommet strip axis or alternately along the axis. In one embodiment, the multi-hole grommet includes a notch extending from its distal end partially towards said grommet strip to divide the end of the grommet into a pair of separate barrels, each barrel containing one of the two string holes Multi-hole grommets can be used to replace the shared grommet hole presently used on some sports racquets, in which the hole receives two racquet strings, i.e., either a cross-string and main string, or a main or cross-string and a tie-off string end.

Abstract: A bumper strip assembly for sports racquets comprises a bumper strip portion, which may be a conventional bumper strip, and preferably a pair of polymeric felt or urethane foam strips. The cushion strips preferably have a density in the range of 0.35-0.60 g/cc and a hardness in the range of 50-60 Shore A durometer, and are disposed between the bumper strip flanges and the outer surface of the racquet frame. The cushioning strips are very lightweight, having a combined weight on the order of 3 grams, yet are extremely effective in protecting the frame from damage due to impact with a hard court surface.

Abstract: A sports racquet includes grommet members anchoring the strings in at least the central regions of the string bed which include grommet pegs which have grommet holes that, in cross-section, are elongated in a direction perpendicular to the string bed, and preferably include notches at their distal end. The slotted grommets and notches allow the strings to deflect, in a direction perpendicular to the string bed, upon ball impact. The strings are anchored only outside of the frame proper, and their effective string length is thus substantially increased. Preferably, the grommet members include a concave lip to act as a string guide, adjacent the grommet hole entrance to prevent string movement as it enters the slot. Preferably, the sidewalls of the grommet holes are spaced slightly farther apart than the width of the string so that the string can deflect freely upon ball impact with the string bed. The string hugs one of sidewalls, however, so that vibrations are damped after the ball has left the string bed.

Abstract: The present invention is a racquetball racquet that is substantially longer than a conventional 21 inch racquet, but which has a maneuverability comparable to existing racquets, and on overall playability exceeding conventional 21 inch racquetball racquets. More particularly, a racquetball racquet comprises a frame having a head portion, a handle connected to the head portion, and stringing. The head portion is a thin-wall, hollow composite tubular member having a minimum weight per unit length, and has a cross-sectional height between 15 and 28 mm, a cross-sectional width between 9 and 13 mm, and defines an egg shape strung surface having a length of at least 14 inches, and preferably between 14 and 15.5 inches, and a strung surface area greater than 95 square inches, and preferably between 100 and 125 square inches. The racquet has an overall length that is substantially greater than 21.

Abstract: A sports racquet, preferably a tennis racquet, includes an open throat frame in which at least most of the head portion has an aerodynamic cross-section, and at least most of the shaft portions have a box-like cross-section, the two regions being connected by a morph region for smoothly blending the cross-section of one region into the cross-section of the other region. Preferably, the morph region extends from the throat bridge toward the racquet tip, and the transition from the box-like cross-section to the aerodynamic cross-section occurs over a distance of less than 15% of the overall racquet length and substantially simultaneously with the merging of the ends of the throat bridge into the head portion of the racquet.

Abstract: A retention device for use with an object having a handle, such as a racquetball racquet, comprises a wrist ring for securing the device about a wrist of a person gripping the handle, an elastomeric connecting member, and a securing means remote from said ring for securing said device to a handle. In one preferred embodiment, the ring and connecting member are elastomeric loops linked together. Alternatively, the ring and connecting member may be a unitary piece formed of elastomeric material, and the securing means is in the form of a loop portion or other securing means at the remote end of the connecting member. The connecting loop or loop portion are preferably secured by a pin inside the butt of the racquet handle.

Abstract: An iron-type golf clubhead includes a blade, a hosel, and a junction. The blade includes a rearwardly facing blade cavity, and the junction includes a rearwardly facing junction cavity that is coextensive with the blade cavity. A graduated weight pad is located within the blade cavity and preferably has a height, in a direction perpendicular to the blade face, that varies in a toe-to-heel direction, and which may also vary from the top to the bottom of the club. The junction cavity may also include a negative weight cutout that extends below the junction cavity floor and that represents a continuation of the profile of the weight pad, in effect forming a negative weight pad. The junction cavity and weight pad act to move the center of gravity outwardly toward the toe, and also to increase the sweet spot on the outer, toe portion of the clubhead.

Abstract: A ferrule for a golf club comprises a first member having at least one raised element with a top surface, and a second member molded about the first member so as to surround the raised element. The second member has a generally annular, outwardly facing surface that is at least generally flush with the top surface of the raised element, and at least one of the first and second members defines a longitudinal hole therethrough for receiving a golf club shaft. The raised element is made of a different color material than the second member, and can provide a number of functions, such as contain a logo or design, indicate the number of the club, or provide an alignment indicia for the club at the address position.

Abstract: A handle for a sports implement comprises a handle portion having an outer surface containing a decorative design. A grip sleeve made of a relatively thin, translucent, and preferably transparent, elastomeric material, is sized to cover the handle portion and be in frictional contact therewith, such that said decorative design shows clearly through. In the case of sports racquets, the handle portion may be formed either by a pallet on the racquet shaft, or by a molded-in handle.

Abstract: A sports racquet has a head portion with an elliptical cross-section in which the major axis is oriented parallel to the string plane. Preferably, the racquet includes a pair of converging throat frame members, and a throat bridge, which also have elliptical cross-sections oriented parallel to the string plane. As an alternative to a conventional throat bridge, in which some of the main strings are secured to the sides of the frame, a power ring, which bows inwardly toward the strung surface, spans the throat area, and supports the all the main strings, which are wrapped therearound. The racquet provides improved playability for hitting spin shots, by reducing wind resistance and reducing the minimum required angle of incidence (making it easier to hit the ball). Also, the hoop strength of the racquet is increased, which is particularly advantageous when using a power ring, which needs to provide tension to all the main strings.

Abstract: A sliding trap door butt cap for use on a sports racquet such as a tennis racquet includes a cap base and a removable cap plate. The bottom of the cap base has a rectangular guide opening including a pair of opposed keyways, and a ramp portion extending from the keyway on the inwardly facing surface of the cap base. A cap plate has a pair of L-shaped legs extending from the upper surface. The legs are inserted into the respective keyways, and then slid along the ramp portions to draw the cap plate against the cap base. Preferably, the base has an outer border that defines a socket for receiving the cap plate, and the cap plate further includes a tab that engages the guide opening when the cap plate is in position over the socket, so as to lock the cap plate.

Abstract: A grip for a sports racquet, such as a tennis racquet, a squash racquet, a badminton racquet, or a racquetball racquet, comprises a thin layer of synthetic material and a porous backing material, e.g., felt. One or more longitudinal channels are formed in the thin synthetic layer to expose the backing material, thereby allowing moisture to pass directly to the backing material. The channel or series of channels run substantially coextensive with the grip, so that when the grip is wound onto a sports racquet handle, the channel or channels will be provided about the handle along its length. The exposed surface of the backing material may have a different color than the outer strip, to produce a pleasing decorative appearance. Also, in a preferred embodiment, a pair of parallel channels extend substantially the length of the strip, and a pair of parallel stitch lines, located between the channels, compress the outer surface of the strip to create a raised section.

Abstract: A sports racquet, e.g., a tennis racquet, has an elastomeric pallet that slides onto the racquet shaft. The pallet is formed preferably with a pair of opposed axially extending guides formed on opposed interior surfaces of the pallet. Each guide defines a pawl member. The racquet shaft includes a pair of guide grooves, to receive a respective guide and pawl member, and each groove contains a mating ratchet member. When the pallet slides on the shaft, the guides slide along the guide grooves, until the pawl members and ratchet members engage, which locks the pallet at a predetermined position on the shaft against reverse movement. Due to the fact that the pallet can be easily mounted on the shaft, without the need for adhesive or mechanical fasteners, retailers can carry separate inventories of pallets and racquets, and the customer can select the desired pallet model and handle size at the time of purchase.

Abstract: A sports racquet includes a power ring, spanning the throat region of the head, which has an arcuate bearing surface facing away from the outer head portion of the racquet. The bearing surface bows in the direction of the stringing area. The lower ends of the main strings wrap about the bearing surface of the power ring, and the strings extend outwardly in a fan shape configuration to frame. The power ring has the effect of shortening the center strings, and lengthening the outlying main strings, so that the power provided by the strings is more uniform over the string bed.