Abstract: The present invention comprises a graphite composite racquet frame having a particular structure that provides internal and external shock absorption. The internal shock absorption is provided by a core material having high impact strength such as an aromatic aramid. External shock absorption is provided by a fiber reinforced plastic wrapping. The shock absorption elements allow graphite fibers to be used for construction of racquets which are commonly subject to a great deal of physical abuse such as racquetball racquets.

Abstract: The improved racquet has a strung surface which is larger in area than the strung surface of a conventional racquet, and in which the strung area is both longer in length and width than the strung area of a conventional racquet. However, the overall weight and balance of a conventional racquetball racquet which have proven necessary for good playing characteristics for all such racquets have been maintained. The racquet has synergistically combined the weight of the racquet, the center of mass of the racquet, the stiffness of the frame, and the response characteristics to create a racquet of sufficient durability with a larger "sweet spot" to facilitate the playing of the sport and to increase the level of skill, particularly of the novice and intermediate players.

Abstract: A molded composite racquet is provided, wherein the frame of the entire racquet is prepared using the combination of continuous graphite fibers longitudinal within the shape of the frame, wrapped in a bias arrangement with layers of fiberglass, that combination being covered by a protective resinous outerlayer. The presence of the graphite fiber in a unidirectional orientation around the hoop of the racquet in the plane of the strings increases the resistance against compression with minimal affect on the flexibility, bending or torsion, of the racquet. The concentric and bias orientation of the fiberglass layer supplies sturdiness to increase the resistance to torsion and bending stress. The molded composite racquet achieves a controlled impulse duration during impact with a game ball which provides greater control during impact and less shock to the user of the racquet during the recreation.

Abstract: A steel tubular frame design for racquetball racquets, has a varying cross-sectional structure. This structure gives strength in the lower portion of the racquet so as to reduce the torsional and flexional movements of the frame in that area and has a different cross-sectional area in the upper portion of the racquet where flexibility is needed, providing this flexibility in a continuous one-piece racquet. The invention is characterized by a four-sided peanut-shaped steel tube that has convex corners and two concave sides on the long sides. The convexity and concavity varying at different points throughout the racquet. The racquet frame is of a quadraform/wishbone configuration and is throatless.

Abstract: The improved racquetball racquet has a strung surface which is larger in area than the strung surface of a conventional racquet, and in which the strung area is both longer in length and width than the strung area of a conventional racquet. However, the overall weight and balance of a conventional racquetball racquet which have proven necessary for good playing characteristics for all such racquets have been maintained. The racquet has synergistically combined the weight of the racquet, the center of mass of the racquet, the stiffness of the frame, and the response characteristics to create a racquet of sufficient durability with a larger "sweet spot" to facilitate the playing of the sport and to increase the level of skill, particularly of the novice and intermediate players.

Abstract: The improved racquetball racquet has a strung surface which is larger in area than the strung surface of a conventional racquet, and in which the strung area is both longer in length and width than the strung area of a conventional racquet. However, the overall weight and balance of a conventional racquet which has proven necessary for good playing characteristics for all such racquets have been maintained. The racquet has synergistically combined the weight of the racquet, the center of mass of the racquet, the stiffness of the frame, and the response characteristics to create a racquet of sufficient durability with a larger "sweet spot" to facilitate the playing of the sport and to increase the level of skill, particularly of the novice and intermediate players. The racquet has an overall length of 181/2 inches to 221/2 inches and a .Iadd.frame and strung surface .Iaddend.width of .[.12.]. .Iadd.91/2 .Iaddend.inches to .[.143/4.]. .Iadd.111/2 .Iaddend.

Abstract: The improved racquet has a strung surface which is larger in area than the strung surface of a conventional racquet, and in which the strung area is both longer in length and width than the strung area of a conventional racquet. However, the overall weight and balance of a conventional racquetball racquet which have proven necessary for good playing characteristics for all such racquets have been maintained. The racquet has synergistically combined the weight of the racquet, the center of mass of the racquet, the stiffness of the frame, and the response characteristics to create a racquet of sufficient durability with a larger "sweet spot" to facilitate the playing of the sport and to increase the level of skill, particularly of the novice and intermediate players. The racquet has an overall length of .[.181/2.]. .Iadd.19 .Iaddend.