Truncated Spherical Sports Racket Handle Extension

Abstract

A truncated spherical sports racket handle extension is disclosed for attachment to a butt end of a sports racket handle. The extension permits increased articulation of the racket by a user, providing enhanced leverage, torque, shock absorption, vibration dampening, control, spin, and speed, particularly for serves, volleys, slices, and ground strokes. The extension may be integrated with a conventional buttcap, formed as part of racket pallets or a molded racket handle, or removably attached through a buttcap trap door using an internal anchoring mechanism. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the extension or an associated sleeve is formed from a heat-formable material configured to be heated and conformed to different racket handle geometries and grip sizes. The truncated spherical geometry enables multi-directional wrist rotation during use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/745,647, filed Jan. 15, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sports equipment and, more particularly, to handle-mounted extensions and buttcap-mounted accessories for sports rackets including tennis, pickleball, racquetball, squash, paddle sports, and other striking implements having a handle terminating in a butt end.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional sports rackets typically terminate in a flat or minimally contoured buttcap that serves primarily as a structural end stop for the handle.

Such geometries limit leverage, wrist articulation, and biomechanical efficiency during serves, overhead strokes, groundstrokes, topspin strokes, slice strokes, and other high-torque or high-velocity motions.

Traditional racket handles commonly employ an octagonal or polygonal cross-section that constrains hand rotation and restricts natural wrist articulation relative to the longitudinal axis of the racket.

Existing attempts to improve leverage or grip mechanics often require permanent modification of the racket handle, adhesive bonding, elongated handle geometries, or replacement of the racket frame itself.

These approaches may adversely affect racket balance, violate competition regulations, permanently alter the racket, or reduce interchangeability between rackets.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a compact handle extension that enhances leverage, wrist articulation, comfort, and control while remaining compatible with standard racket handles and buttcap structures, and that may be removably installed or integrally formed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a truncated spherical sports racket handle extension configured to be positioned at a butt end of a racket handle.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a truncated spherical handle extension with an integrated sleeve configured to replace or function as a conventional racket buttcap.

In another embodiment, the extension is provided without an integrated sleeve and is configured to attach to an existing mounted buttcap using a concealed or partially exposed anchor-based fastening system.

In all embodiments, the extension provides a curved terminal gripping surface configured to permit controlled multi-directional wrist articulation relative to the racket handle.

The invention increases leverage, improves torque transfer, enhances ergonomic comfort, and enables a wide variety of grip strategies without requiring permanent modification of the racket.

In further embodiments, the truncated spherical geometry may be integrated into opposing handle pallet halves, molded directly into a racket handle hairpin, or incorporated during original equipment manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an external perspective view of a truncated spherical sports racket handle extension with an integrated sleeve.

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the extension of FIG. 1 showing internal bores configured to receive a racket handle and fastening components.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the truncated spherical handle extension with integrated sleeve mounted at a butt end of a sports racket handle.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the extension mounted to the racket handle.

FIG. 5 illustrates an external view of a truncated spherical handle extension without an integrated sleeve.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the truncated spherical extension of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates a diamond-shaped twist-lock anchor with an attached threaded bolt.

FIG. 8 illustrates a nut having a round portion and a hexagonal portion.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an anchor, bolt, nut, buttcap, and truncated spherical extension.

FIG. 10 illustrates an assembled anchor-based attachment system.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view showing a diamond-shaped anchor locked beneath a buttcap.

FIG. 12 illustrates a fully exploded system including a racket handle and extension.

FIG. 13 illustrates a sectional view of a fully installed system.

FIG. 14 illustrates an external side view of the extension installed.

FIG. 15 illustrates alternative anchor embodiments including cam-expanding, spreading, keyed, wire-garter, snap-on, and spring-loaded anchors.

FIG. 16 illustrates snap-on and spring-loaded anchor embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a racket hairpin with an integrated truncated spherical handle extension.

FIG. 18 illustrates a manufactured racket with an integrated truncated spherical handle extension.

FIG. 19 illustrates split-handle pallet embodiments with an integrated truncated spherical handle extension.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

General Structure

A truncated spherical sports racket handle extension with an integrated sleeve is indicated generally by reference numeral 102.

The truncated spherical gripping portion is indicated by reference numeral 102a and defines a rounded or partially spherical exterior geometry configured to permit controlled multi-directional wrist articulation.

An integrated sleeve portion configured to interface with a racket handle is indicated by reference numeral 102b.

Optional grip blisters, protrusions, or surface features formed on the truncated spherical portion are indicated by reference numeral 102c.

A sports racket handle is indicated by reference numeral 104, and a racket head is indicated by reference numeral 106.

A conventional racket buttcap is indicated by reference numeral 206.

Integrated Sleeve Embodiment

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the extension 102 replaces or functions as a conventional buttcap and is mounted at the butt end of the handle.

The integrated sleeve 102b may be dimensioned to slide over the handle and align with its outer profile.

The sleeve may be secured using friction-fit engagement, mechanical fasteners, staples, pins, adhesives, compression collars, or combinations thereof.

The truncated spherical portion 102a provides a curved terminal gripping surface configured to permit rolling, pivoting, or repositioning of a user's hand relative to the handle.

Optional grip blisters 102c may be positioned to provide tactile indexing, enhanced friction, or ergonomic comfort.

Anchor-Based Embodiment (No Sleeve)

A truncated spherical sports racket handle extension without an integrated sleeve is indicated by reference numeral 208.

The extension body 208 may include one or more internal bores, cavities, or threaded regions configured to receive a fastening system extending through the buttcap.

A diamond-shaped twist-lock anchor with an attached threaded bolt is indicated by reference numeral 202.

A nut configured to engage the anchor bolt is indicated by reference numeral 204.

During installation, the anchor 202 is inserted through the buttcap and rotated to engage beneath an internal rim or shoulder.

Tightening the nut 204 draws the anchor upward against the internal rim of the buttcap, securing the bolt relative to the handle.

The truncated spherical extension body 208 is threaded onto the anchor bolt and tightened to compressively engage the external rim of the buttcap.

Alternative Anchor Embodiments (FIG. 15/FIG. 16)

An octa-cam expander anchor and bolt is indicated by reference numeral 302.

A split-saddle spreader anchor and bolt is indicated by reference numeral 402.

A corner-key expander anchor and bolt is indicated by reference numeral 502.

A wire garter and shoes anchor and bolt is indicated by reference numeral 602.

A snap-on anchor and bolt is indicated by reference numeral 702.

A spring-loaded anchor and bolt is indicated by reference numeral 802.

Each alternative anchor embodiment is configured to convert axial tightening force into lateral engagement beneath an internal buttcap structure, thereby providing secure attachment without requiring modification of the racket handle.

Non-Concealed Fastening Embodiments

In some embodiments, one or more fastening components, including bolts, nuts, collars, or anchor heads, may remain partially or fully exposed while still providing the ergonomic and functional benefits of the truncated spherical handle extension.

Exposed fastening components may be desirable for ease of installation, rapid interchangeability, or aesthetic customization.

Integrated and OEM Embodiments

A racket hairpin with an integrated truncated spherical handle extension is indicated by reference numeral 902.

A manufactured sports racket with an integrated truncated spherical handle extension is indicated by reference numeral 1002.

Split-handle pallet halves with integrated truncated spherical handle extensions are indicated by reference numerals 1102 and 1104.

In the hairpin-integrated embodiment, the truncated spherical handle extension may be molded as a unitary extension of the hairpin structure.

In the OEM-integrated embodiment, the truncated spherical handle extension may be formed as part of the handle pallets, molded directly onto the hairpin, or integrated into a monocoque handle structure.

In the pallet-based embodiments, each pallet half may include a portion of the spherical geometry such that, when assembled around the hairpin, the halves form a complete truncated spherical extension.

Ergonomic Function and Method of Use

The truncated spherical geometry permits a variety of grip strategies depending on stroke type and user preference.

A user may position the extension centrally within the palm during groundstrokes.

A user may allow one or more fingers to partially disengage during serves or overhead strokes to increase racket-head acceleration.

The extension enables enhanced wrist articulation for topspin, slice, service motion, drop shots, and touch shots.

The spherical geometry stabilizes off-center impacts, improves torque transfer, and enhances biomechanical efficiency.

The invention is particularly beneficial for youth and novice players by providing a more comfortable and forgiving terminal gripping surface.

Materials, Manufacturing, and Dimensional Conformance

The extension may be manufactured from polymers, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, foams, fiber-reinforced composites, carbon-filled polymers, or combinations thereof.

Materials may be selected to provide vibration damping, stiffness tuning, or impact resistance.

Additive manufacturing processes may be used to form lattice-reinforced or variable-durometer spherical structures.

The radius, diameter, and height of the spherical or rounded portion may be selected to conform to the outer dimensions of the racket handle or buttcap.

In sleeve-based embodiments, the spherical radius conforms to the handle's polygonal or cylindrical grip profile.

In buttcap-mounted embodiments, the spherical radius conforms to the external dimensions of the buttcap to ensure a smooth ergonomic transition.

The extension may be heat-formable to conform to handle geometry during installation.

The extension may cooperate with grip wraps or overgrips.

Installation does not permanently modify the racket and may be reversed or repeated as desired.

Advantages

The invention increases leverage and control while maintaining compliance with applicable competition regulations. In retrofit embodiments, the extension adds material at the butt end of the handle, thereby increasing the effective handle length within allowable limits. In OEM-integrated embodiments, the truncated spherical geometry may be incorporated without increasing the overall racket length.

The invention improves comfort, control, and biomechanical efficiency across a wide range of stroke types and player skill levels.

The invention may be retrofitted to existing rackets or integrated during original equipment manufacture.

Enablement

The structures and fastening systems described herein may be manufactured and assembled using conventional racket-manufacturing techniques known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

CONCLUSION

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described, modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sports racket handle extension comprising: a body configured to be positioned at a butt end of a sports racket handle, wherein the body includes a rounded exterior geometry forming a curved terminal gripping surface, and wherein the body is configured to be secured to the racket handle using a fastening system.

2. The sports racket handle extension of claim 1, wherein the rounded exterior geometry comprises a truncated spherical portion.

3. The sports racket handle extension of claim 1, wherein the fastening system includes one or more fastening components positioned at least partially within the body.

4. The sports racket handle extension of claim 3, wherein the fastening components are fully concealed within the body when installed.

5. The sports racket handle extension of claim 1, wherein the body defines an axial internal bore having one or more recessed cavities configured to receive the fastening system.

6. The sports racket handle extension of claim 5, further comprising an anchor element configured to engage an internal portion of a racket buttcap.

7. The sports racket handle extension of claim 6, wherein the anchor element includes a non-circular or eccentric geometry configured to resist rotational withdrawal.

8. The sports racket handle extension of claim 6, wherein the anchor element includes an integral threaded bolt extending axially therefrom.

9. The sports racket handle extension of claim 8, further comprising a cooperating fastener threadably engaged with the threaded bolt and seated within a recessed cavity of the body.

10. The sports racket handle extension of claim 9, wherein tightening of the fastener draws the anchor element into clamping engagement with the buttcap.

11. The sports racket handle extension of claim 1, wherein the curved terminal gripping surface is configured to permit multi-directional wrist articulation.

12. The sports racket handle extension of claim 1, wherein the body includes surface features selected from the group consisting of dimples, textures, ridges, elastomeric coatings, and patterned features.

13. The sports racket handle extension of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the body is formed from a heat-formable or thermally conformable material.

14. The sports racket handle extension of claim 13, wherein the heat-formable material is configured to be softened and conformed to a geometry of the racket handle or buttcap.

15. The sports racket handle extension of claim 14, wherein upon cooling the heat-formable material retains a conformed shape to provide a custom-fit interface.

16. The sports racket handle extension of claim 1, wherein resistance to relative rotation between the body and the racket handle is provided by one or more of anchor geometry, clamping force, frictional engagement, or a conformed interface.

17. The sports racket handle extension of claim 1, wherein the extension is removably installable without permanent modification of the racket handle.

18. A sports racket comprising: a handle terminating in a butt end, and a handle extension according to claim 1 secured at the butt end of the handle.

19. A method of installing a sports racket handle extension comprising: inserting an anchor element into a cavity of a racket handle or buttcap, positioning the handle extension over the anchor element, and tightening a fastener to secure the handle extension to the racket handle.

20. A method of using a sports racket handle extension comprising: engaging a curved terminal gripping surface of the handle extension in varying hand positions during different stroke types to permit controlled wrist articulation.