Racquet Weight Kit

Abstract

A racquet weight kit comprised of a plurality of weighted clips and counterweights for removable attachment to a racquet frame and handle, respectively, to enable a user to experiment with different weights and/or different weight distributions on an existing racquet. Once the weight and weight distribution has been optimized to suit the user, the weighted clips and counterweight clips can be replaced with weighted tape to more permanently customize the racquet to the user's physical characteristics, mechanics and swing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/484,912 filed on May 11, 2011 and Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/513,914 filed on Aug. 1, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device for adding removable weight to a racquet, such as a tennis or racquetball racquet, for increasing a player's power and control of the racquet.

BACKGROUND

In most games involving a ball being struck by a racquet, such as tennis, racquetball and the like, the player attempts to strike the ball with the center of the racquet head as squarely as possible. Many players spend countless hours, if not years, attempting to perfect this technique and their swing. The problem is further complicated by the fact that most racquets are mass produced with a fixed weight and balance point that does not match the player's swing speed or physical strength to optimally control the racquet, and most players cannot afford a customized racquet to complement their existing swing. In addition, many racquets currently being produced are too lightweight for optimal play, and are believed to be the cause of many tennis related injuries, such as tennis elbow.

One known way in the art for a player to improve his or her swing is to add various weights to the racquet at different locations, thereby changing the weight and the weight distribution or balance of the racket head. For example, by adding weights to certain areas of the racket head, a player can increase the force at which he or she hits the ball. By modifying the weight distribution of the racquet, the player may also improve the mechanics of his or her swing.

One known way for adding weight and/or modifying the weight distribution on an existing racquet is to apply weighted tape, such as lead tape, to the racquet. However, lead tape is not effective as a temporary weight device because it can be difficult to remove or re-position on the racquet after it has been applied, and oftentimes does not properly adhere to the racquet on subsequent applications. Inasmuch as adding weight or modifying the weight distribution of a racquet to enhance a player's ability in the sport is oftentimes a trial and error process, and most players must experiment with different weights/weight distributions, the inability to quickly and securely remove the weighted tape and re-apply the same elsewhere along the racquet is a significant limitation.

Another known way to add weight or modify the weight distribution of an existing racquet it to apply removable clip-on weights to the strings of the racquet. While these types of weights are capable of being removed and repositioned along the racquet strings, their location on the strings of the racquet head can interfere with the racquet's interaction with the ball. More specifically, a player may inadvertently strike the ball with the weighted clip instead of the racquet strings, which could result in a bad shot and the loss of a point, a game, a set or even a match. Furthermore, the addition of clip on weight to the racquet strings can also interfere with the harmonics of the racquet strings and alter the “sweet spot” of the racquet head, which may also be undesirable.

Consequently, there exists in the art a long-felt need for a weight and/or counterweight device that can easily be removably applied to an existing racquet for modifying the weight and/or weight distribution of the racquet. Additionally, there is a long-felt need for an improved weight device that can be quickly and securely repositioned at different locations along an existing racquet so that a player can experiment with different racquet weights and/or weight distributions in an effort to improve his or her game. There is also a long felt need for a weight device that will not unduly interfere with the interaction between the racquet and the ball, or the harmonics of the racquet strings.

Further, there is a long felt need to a kit that can be made available to consumers that contain all of the accoutrements necessary for a player to both temporarily and permanently alter the weight and/or weight distribution of an existing racquet. Finally, there is a long-felt need for a device that accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to use.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, is a kit comprised of a plurality of weighted clips for removable attachment to a racquet frame, and a plurality of counterweights/counterweight clips for removable attachment to a racquet handle. The kit may further comprise weighted tape and/or a racquet. A kit user may utilize the weighted clips and counterweights to experiment with different weights and/or different weight distributions on his or her existing racquet to optimize his or her swing. Once optimized, the user can continue to use the racquet with the weighted clips and counterweights in place. Alternatively, the user may replace the weighted clips and/or counterweight clips with the weighted tape to permanently customize the racquet to his/her physical characteristics, mechanics and swing.

The racquet weight kit of the present invention provides a user with a solution to temporarily or permanently weighting a racquet and/or modifying its weight distribution without unduly interfering with the interaction between the ball and the racquet. It is believed that adding mass to the racquet by adding weight also promotes a deeper ball in the court with more pace or spin. Play is significantly and immediately improved through the use of the present invention. Moreover, once the user optimizes the racquet weight and its distribution, the user can continue to utilize the clips or the user can replace one or more of the clips with the weighted tape within the kit to more permanently customize his or her racquet. Finally, the racquet weight kit and its individual components are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to use.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art racquet of the type that can be used with the racquet weight kit of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the various components of a preferred embodiment of the racquet weight kit of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the weight clips of the present invention applied to a prior art racquet.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the counterweight clip of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the counterweight of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the weight clips depicted in FIG. 2 and the counterweight clip depicted in FIG. 3A installed on a prior art racquet as a temporary or permanent weighting solution.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the weighted tape web replacing the weight clips and counterweight clip depicted in FIG. 4 as a more permanent weighting solution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.

The racquet weight kit of the present invention provides a user with a solution to temporarily weighting a racquet and/or modifying its weight distribution without unduly interfering with the interaction between the ball and the racquet. Moreover, once the user optimizes the racquet weight and its distribution, the user can utilize the weighted tape web to more permanently customize his or her racquet. The kit is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and its components are easy to use.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art racquet 10 of the type that can be used with the racquet weight kit 100 of the present invention. Racquet 10 can be any racquet that is known in the art, such as a tennis racquet, racquetball racquet, etc. Racquet 10 typically comprises a handle 20 and a racquet head 30 that is either integrally formed at one end of said handle 20, or securely attached thereto. Racquet 10 can be comprised of graphite, wood, plastic, metal or other durable material that is well known in the art for manufacturing racquets, and is readily available in most sporting good and department stores.

Racquet handle 20 typically further comprises a grip portion 22, which could be comprised of rubber, tape, or other well known material for improving a user's (not shown) grip on the racquet 10. Racquet head 30 typically comprises a head frame 32 and a plurality of lateral and longitudinal strings 36 strung to span head frame 32 and create interstices or openings 38 framed by said strings 36, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, strings 36 are typically under tension to improve the performance of racquet 10, as is well known in the art.

Having now described the general structure of prior art racquet 10, the racquet weight kit 100 of the present invention will now be described. Referring again to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the various components of a preferred embodiment of the racquet weight kit 100 of the present invention, which comprises at least one weighted clip 110, at least one counterweight or counterweight clip 130, and at least one web of weighted tape 150. Hereinafter, the term counterweight and counterweight clip are used somewhat interchangeably inasmuch as, regardless of their particular embodiment, they serve the same function, that is, to removably attach weight to the handle 20 of a racquet 10.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3, each of weighted clips 110 is preferably generally C-shaped and comprised of plastic, though it is contemplated that other shapes and durable materials can be used without affecting the overall scope of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, clip 110 is comprised of a first end 112, a body portion 114, a second end 116 and an opening 118 created between said first end 112 and said second end 116, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Opening 118 is preferably slightly smaller than the size of head frame 32, so that weight clip 110 will snap onto head frame 32 and be held in place via tension. More specifically, clip 110 should be comprised of a material flexible enough to permit the slightly larger head frame 32 to pass through opening 118, but rigid enough to remain removably attached to head frame 32 while racquet 10 is in use. Consequently, to accommodate the size of most head frames 32, weighted clips 110 are typically between one and two inches in length, with an opening 118 of between ¼ and ½ of an inch, and a width of between 5/16 and ½ of an inch. Nonetheless, it is contemplated that other sized clips 110 could also be employed, and the forgoing dimensions should not be construed as a limitation.

Weighted clips 110 are meant to be temporarily and removably attached along racquet frame 32, as discussed more fully below and without the need for separate tools, to enable a user (not shown) to experiment with different weights and/or different weight distributions on his or her existing racquet 10 to optimize his or her swing or the mechanics thereof. For example, a user may initially removably attach one or more of weighted clips 110 along a first position of head frame 32 and then hit a number of tennis balls (not shown) or take a number of practice swings to evaluate his or her performance with that particular amount of weight in that particular location. The user may then modify the weight of racquet 10 by adding or removing one or more weighted clips 110, and/or repositioning the weighted clips 110 along the head frame 32 to adjust the weight distribution of racquet 10. Through trial and error and incremental weight increases/decreases, a user will be able to optimize the weight and weight distribution of racquet 10 to compliment his or her physical characteristics and/or swing.

In an effort to assist the user to evaluate the effectiveness of different weights and weight distributions, weighted clips 110 may be color coded by weight. For example, a weight clip 110 weighing 2 grams may be colored green, whereas a weight clip 110 weighing 5 grams may be colored blue and a weight clip 110 weighing 10 grams may be colored red. Alternatively, the particular weight of a particular weighted clip 110 may be conveyed to user by some other marking or coding means without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. Weight clips 110 can be available in a variety of different weights ranging from one to twelve grams, though other weights are also contemplated to suit user preference and the forgoing weight range is offered for example purposes only. By making weight clips 110 available in a variety of different weights, a user can experiment with incremental weight increases/decreases in an effort to optimize his or her game.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3A, each of counterweight clips 130 is also preferably generally C-shaped and comprised of plastic, though it is contemplated that other shapes and durable materials can be used without affective the overall scope of the present invention (see e.g., FIG. 3B for an alternative embodiment of counterweight 130 in the form of a band). In the preferred embodiment, counterweight clip 130 is comprised of a first end 132, a body portion 134, a second end 136 and an opening 138 created between said first end 132 and said second end 136, as illustrated in FIG. 3A. Because opening 138 is preferably slightly smaller than the size of handle 20, counterweight clip 130 will snap onto handle 20 and be held in place via tension. Therefore, to accommodate the size of most handles 20, counterweight clips 130 are typically between two and a half and four inches in length, with an opening 138 of between ⅛ and ¾ of an inch, and a width of between ⅛ and ½ inch. Nonetheless, it is contemplated that other sized counterweight clips 130 could also be employed, and the forgoing dimensions should not be construed as a limitation.

As mentioned supra, it is also contemplated that counterweights 130 can be in the general shape of a weighted band (similar to a rubber band), as opposed to the shape of a clip, as shown in FIG. 3B. In this embodiment, counterweights 130 may be manufactured from an elastic material such as rubber or the like, and are typically applied to the handle 20 of racquet 10. For example, a counterweight 130 in the form of a band may be slid over the end of handle 20 and positioned above, below or along grip portion 22 to suit user preference. In a preferred embodiment, the interior diameter of counterweight 130 should be slightly smaller than the thickness of handle 20 so that the counterweight 130 stays in place on handle 20 when racquet 10 is in use.

Counterweights and counterweight clips 130 are meant to be temporarily and removably attached to handle 20 without the need for separate tools, preferably adjacent to grip portion 22 between handle 20 and racquet head 30 as discussed more fully below, to enable a user (not shown) to experiment with different counterweights and/or different counterweight distributions on his or her existing racquet 10 to optimize his or her swing or the mechanics thereof. For example, a user may initially removably attach one or more of counterweights or counterweight clips 130 along handle 20, possibly in conjunction with a particular arrangement of weighted clips 110 along head frame 32, and then hit a number of tennis balls (not shown) or take a number of practice swings to evaluate his or her performance with that particular amount of weight and counterweight in that particular configuration. The user may then modify the counterweight of racquet 10 by adding or removing one or more counterweights or counterweight clips 130 and/or weighted clips 110. Through trial and error, a user will be able to optimize the weight and weight distribution of racquet 10 to compliment his or her physical characteristics and/or swing.

In an effort to assist the user to evaluate the effectiveness of different weights, counterweights, and weight distributions, counterweights and counterweight clips 130 may be color coded by weight in a manner similar to that discussed above for weighted clips 110. For example, similar to the weighted clips 110, a counterweight clip 130 weighing 2 grams may be colored green, whereas a counterweight weighing 5 grams may be colored blue and a counterweight clip weighing 10 grams may be colored red. Alternatively, the particular weight of a counterweight clip 130 may be conveyed to a user by some other marking or coding means without affecting the overall concept of the present invention.

Counterweights/clips 130 can be available in a variety of different weights ranging from one to twelve grams, though other weight amounts are also contemplated to suit user preference and the forgoing weight range is offered for example purposes only. By making counterweights/clips 130 available in a variety of different weights, a user can experiment with incremental counterweight increases/decreases in an effort to optimize his or her game.

Weighted tape web 150 can be any weighted tape web currently known in the art for applying to a racquet 10, such as a tennis racquet. For example, weighted tape web 150 could be comprised of lead tape, which is known in the art for adding weight to tennis racquets and the like. Weighted tape web 150 may also have markings thereon for advising a user (not shown) approximately how much length of the tape corresponds to a particular weight. For example, each strip of lead tape that is ¼ of an inch wide and four inches in length corresponds to approximately one gram of weight. As will be described more fully below, weighted tape web 150 is useful for more permanently modifying the weight and/or weight distribution of a racquet 10 once a user (not shown) has optimized the weight and weight distribution of his or her particular racquet through the use of weighted clips 110 and counterweights 130, as described above.

Having now described the preferred embodiment of device 100, its use and usefulness will now be described. A user (not shown) desiring to use the weight kit 100 of the present invention to customize his or her racquet may experiment with various weights and weight distributions during the course of his or her practice with racquet 10. More specifically, a user may removably secure different weight clips 110 along differing portions of head frame 32, while also placing different counterweights clips 130 along differing portions of handle 20. To attach a weight clip 110 to head frame 32, the user simply inserts the head frame 32 in opening 118. Because opening 118 is preferably slightly smaller than the size of head frame 32, weight clip 110 will snap onto head frame 32 and be held in place via tension. To remove weight clip 110 from head frame 32, a user (not shown) simply slightly spreads apart first end 112 and second end 116 with his or her fingers, and removes weighted clip 110 from head frame 32. Counterweight clips 130 are removably attached to and detached from handle 20 in a similar fashion, whereas a counterweight 130 that is in the form of a band, as depicted in FIG. 3B, may simply be slipped onto handle 20.

Once a user has optimized the weight and weight distribution of his or her racquet 10 with weighted clips 110 and counterweights/counterweight clips 130, the clips 110 and counterweight 130 can be either left in place as a permanent solution, or one or more of clips 110 and counterweight 130 may be replaced with weighted tape 150. As previously mentioned, weighted tape 150 may also have markings thereon for advising a user (not shown) approximately how much length of tape corresponds to a particular weight. For example, a user desiring to replace a weighted clip 110 weighing 2 grams at a particular location along head frame 32, may use eight inches of weighted tape 150 (assuming four inches of weighted tape equals 1 gram) and apply the same to the head frame 32 in the same location of the previously installed weighted clip 110. The user may replace any temporarily installed counterweight clips 130 along handle 20 in a similar fashion.

One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate the added benefits presented by the racquet weight kit of the present invention. For example, a player may also utilize the kit 100 to add/remove weight/counterweights from his or her racquet in an effort to combat an opponent's particular style of play. Additionally, a player that is feeling fatigued or that is not in exemplary physical form may elect to remove weight clips 110 and/or counterweights 130 to lessen the weight of his or her racquet 10.

Additionally, other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A racquet weight kit for use with a racquet comprising a plurality of weighted clips for removable attachment to a frame of said racquet.

2. The racquet weight kit of claim 1 further comprising a web of weighted tape.

3. The racquet weight kit of claim 1 further comprising a racquet and at least one counterweight for removable attachment to a handle of said racquet.

4. The racquet weight kit of claim 3 wherein said racquet is a tennis racquet.

5. The racquet weight kit of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of weighted clips is color coded to indicate its weight.

6. The racquet weight kit of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of weighted clips is generally C-shaped.

7. The racquet weight kit of claim 3 wherein the at least one counterweight is color coded to indicate its weight, and in the general form of either a clip or a band.

8. A racquet weight kit for use with a racquet comprising:

a plurality of weighted clips for removable attachment to a frame of said racquet;

a plurality of counterweights for removable attachment to a handle of said racquet; and

a web of lead tape.

9. The racquet weight kit of claim 8 further comprising a racquet.

10. The racquet weight kit of claim 9 wherein said racquet is a tennis racquet.

11. The racquet weight kit of claim 8 wherein at least one of said plurality of weighted clips and at least one of said plurality of counterweights are color coded to indicate their respective weight.

12. The racquet weight kit of claim 8 wherein at least one of said plurality of weighted clips is generally C-shaped.

13. The racquet weight kit of claim 8 wherein at least one of said plurality of weighted clips is comprised of plastic.

14. The racquet weight kit of claim 8 wherein at least one of said plurality of counterweights is comprised of plastic.

15. A racquet weight system for use with a racquet comprising:

at least one weighted clip for removable attachment to a frame of said racquet; and

at least one counterweight for removable attachment to a handle of said racquet.

16. The racquet weight of claim 15 wherein each of said at least one weighted clip and said at least one counterweight is coded to indicate its weight.

17. The racquet weight of claim 15 wherein said at least one weighted clip is generally C-shaped.

18. The racquet weight of claim 15 wherein said at least one weighted clip weighs between one and twelve grams.

19. The racquet weight of claim 15 wherein said weighted clip is comprised of plastic.

20. The racquet weight of claim 15 wherein said at least one counterweight is coded to indicate its weight, and is in the general form of either a clip or a band.