Contacts String Patents (Class 473/522)
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Patent number: 12076627Abstract: A racket dampener swing sensor apparatus to obtain measurements of parameters relative to the player's performance while reducing vibration includes a dampener body having a body front side, a body back side, and a body perimeter. The body perimeter has a string channel to selectively engage a plurality of strings of a tennis racket. The dampener body absorbs vibration from the plurality of strings. An accelerometer and a microcontroller with memory are coupled within the dampener body to measure hit velocity for each shot type (forehand, backhand, serve, topspin, slice, or flat). A vibration sensor is provided to detect when a ball is struck. A transceiver is coupled within the dampener body to wirelessly communicate with an app on a smartphone or computer. A battery is coupled within the dampener body and a charge port is in operational communication with the battery.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2021Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Inventor: Rudolf Harrer
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Patent number: 11925844Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-material wood-type golf club head comprising a tuning element to damp dominant vibrations are described herein. The multi-material wood-type club head comprises a first, metallic component forming the striking face, and portions of the crown, the heel, the toe, and sole, and a second, non-metallic component forming a majority of the crown and portions of the heel, toe, and sole. The club head further comprises a tuning element secured to the interior surface of the crown, wherein the tuning element damps the amplitude vibration at a vibration hotspot in the club head by between 1-7 decibels.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Travis D. Milleman
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Patent number: 11617932Abstract: A racket shock-absorbing device comprises: a lower hard seat member, disposed at a periphery of a racket frame of a racket and arranged between two single grommets respectively formed with a string hole allowing a string to be disposed, and a top end thereof is disposed with one or more than two protrusions, and the lower hard seat member is formed with a recess; at least one upper soft pad member, disposed on a top end of the lower hard seat member, wherein one or more than two buckle slots is disposed inside the upper soft pad member and arranged correspondingly to the one or more than two protrusions of the lower hard seat member, the string is crossly disposed and downwardly pressed at a top end defined at a center of the upper soft pad member and arranged correspondingly to the recess of the lower hard seat member.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Inventor: Wei-Jung Chen
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Patent number: 9750989Abstract: A racket including: a grip; an annular frame provided with a plurality of through holes extending through from an inner peripheral face to an outer peripheral face; a shaft connecting the grip and the frame; and a grommet to be attached to the outer peripheral face of the frame, the grommet including: a plurality of tube sections to be inserted into each of the plurality of through holes provided to the frame; and a base section that connects the plurality of tube sections to one another, the tube sections each including a communicating hole that communicates a base section side opening on the base section side with a tip end side opening on the side to be inserted through the through hole, the tip end side openings of at least some number of the tube sections, of the plurality of tube sections through which a string to be strung in a direction along a longitudinal direction of the racket is inserted, being wider than the base section side openings in a direction in which the plurality of tube sections is arrType: GrantFiled: June 18, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Yonex Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoto Ogawa, Junya Suetake
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Patent number: 8951150Abstract: The racket includes a handle (2) and a frame (4) defined by an inner frame (40) and an outer frame (42), said frame further including shock-absorbing means (50) positioned between the peripheral outer surface of the inner frame and the peripheral inner surface of the outer frame. The frame further includes at least one fitting member (60) having an elongate body (62) and extending against the outer surface of the outer frame (42), and at least one tube (66) for passing a string yarn (10, 12), extending both in first openings (40?) formed in the inner frame and in second openings (42?) formed in the outer frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Babolat VSInventors: Pierre Mace, Richard Janes
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Publication number: 20140335979Abstract: A sports racquet with enhanced string vibration damping has grommets with elongated barrels on many of the cross strings. The internal diameter of the barrels is selected so as to preserve a minimum clearance between the cross string and its enclosing barrel, thereby mitigating vibration. The barrel lengths vary as a function of their distance from the top of the frame, so that their free ends are positioned near the nearest main string.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: EF Composite Technologies, L.P.Inventor: Ronald A. GRIMES
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Patent number: 8834306Abstract: A sports racquet with increased string vibration damping has grommets with elongated barrels. The barrels conform closely to the strings, are capable of absorbing vibration, and may be placed on the main strings, the cross strings, or both.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: EF Composite Technologies, L.P.Inventors: Tim Doyle, Thomas W. Travers, Christopher Crowther
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Patent number: 8753232Abstract: A swing weight training device for stringed sports rackets includes two major parts designed to be secured together from opposing sides of the racket strings, to be quickly secured and removed without damage to the strings. An over-molded elastomeric coating encases a mass, providing a soft surface to grab the strings and keep the swing weight from moving or sliding on the strings. The over-mold material may also cover a portion of an attachment mounting stud that protrudes between the strings. An opposing quick attachment knob receives a portion of the stud projecting through strings, securing the mass with a low friction material that slides easily against the racket's strings without damage and providing a quick but secure attachment of the device to the strings of the racket. The knob may have either a threaded attachment or a quick release mechanism incorporated within the stud attachment system.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Inventor: Steven A. Edwards
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Publication number: 20140080640Abstract: A sports product may include a support member and an impact region configured to impact an object. The impact region may be coupled to the support member. The sports product may also include a shear thickening material in at least one of the support member or the impact region. The shear thickening material may be configured to exhibit shear thickening behavior when an impact occurs between the impact region and the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventors: Herfried Lammer, Harald Rosenkranz, Johan Kotze, Ralf Schwenger
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Publication number: 20130310203Abstract: The present application relates to devices and methods for adjusting the weight of a racket using variably weighted racket damping devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: HK Innovations, LLCInventor: Daniel Hwang
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Publication number: 20130023363Abstract: A sports racquet with increased string vibration damping has grommets with elongated barrels. The barrels conform closely to the strings, are capable of absorbing vibration, and may be placed on the main strings, the cross strings, or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: EF COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGIES, L.P.Inventors: Tim DOYLE, Thomas W. TRAVERS, Christopher CROWTHER
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Patent number: 8257206Abstract: A ball game racket according to the present invention comprises a racket head and a racket shaft, wherein the racket head comprises a stringing having transverse strings and longitudinal strings each having a vibration length. The racket head comprises a means which reduces the vibration length of a plurality of strings on both sides of the stringing depending on the deflection of the strings. The means is attached as a separate part to the racket head.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Head Technology GmbHInventors: Stefan Mohr, Ralf Schwenger, Johan Kotze, Harald Rosenkranz
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Patent number: 8231485Abstract: A method of changing vibration characteristics of a stringed racquet having strings includes providing an article of apparel with a mount thereon. The method also includes providing a slotted vibration dampener. Moreover, the method includes increasing dampening of the stringed raquet by moving the slotted vibration dampener from a first position to a second position. The slotted vibration dampener is removably attached to the mount in the first position. The slotted vibration dampener is removably attached to the strings of the stringed racquet in the second position. The method further includes decreasing dampening of the stringed raquet by moving the slotted vibration dampener from the second position to the first position.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventor: Wayne Forester
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Patent number: 8206248Abstract: A tennis racket includes a frame that includes a shaft and a looped frame portion, the shaft having a grip formed on one end side thereof, the frame portion being joined to the other end side of the shaft and forming a hitting face with a string being strung across and a plurality of insertion holes that provide communication between an inner peripheral side surface and an outer peripheral side surface of the frame portion and through which the string is inserted. Shock absorbing portions and hard portions are provided in an alternating fashion on at least a part of the outer peripheral side surface of the frame portion. Each shock absorbing portion is formed between insertion holes that are adjacent to each other. Each hard portion is formed between insertion holes that are adjacent to each other and is less elastically deformable than the shock absorbing portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Yonex Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masatoshi Iizawa, Tadashi Saito, Naoto Ogawa
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Publication number: 20120040784Abstract: A method of changing vibration characteristics of a stringed racquet having strings includes providing an article of apparel with a mount thereon. The method also includes providing a slotted vibration dampener. Moreover, the method includes increasing dampening of the stringed raquet by moving the slotted vibration dampener from a first position to a second position. The slotted vibration dampener is removably attached to the mount in the first position. The slotted vibration dampener is removably attached to the strings of the stringed racquet in the second position. The method further includes decreasing dampening of the stringed raquet by moving the slotted vibration dampener from the second position to the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Wayne Forester
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Patent number: 8092882Abstract: Provided is a shaped body for production of sports equipment such as tennis, squash, and badminton rackets, golf clubs, hockey and ice hockey sticks and baseball bats. The shaped body includes a core of two tubular resonant bodies, running parallel to and spaced at a distance from each other and surrounded by a common covering. A spacer body with convexly curved opposed ends is arranged between the resonant bodies, whereby the mass of the resonant bodies is greater than that of the spacer body. The vibrations of the two vibrating systems, in the form of the resonance bodies, are overlaid in an advantageous manner, by means of the coupling of the resonance bodies. The invention further relates to a method for the production of the shaped body and the use of the shaped body in sports equipment.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Inventor: Roland Sommer
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Publication number: 20110319206Abstract: The racket includes a handle (2) and a frame (4) defined by an inner frame (40) and an outer frame (42), said frame further including shock-absorbing means (50) positioned between the peripheral outer surface of the inner frame and the peripheral inner surface of the outer frame. The frame further includes at least one fitting member (60) having an elongate body (62) and extending against the outer surface of the outer frame (42), and at least one tube (66) for passing a string yarn (10, 12), extending both in first openings (40?) formed in the inner frame and in second openings (42?) formed in the outer frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: BABOLAT VSInventors: Pierre Mace, Richard Janes
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Patent number: 8066592Abstract: A system for storing one or more stringed-racquet vibration dampeners on an article of apparel so that they are easily accessible during game play is disclosed. In disclosed embodiments, the vibration dampener is detachably secured to an article of footwear by way of an opening in the upper of the shoe, such as at the tongue or the like. The dampening device may provide surface ornamentation thereon, such as a logo, other indicia, or a color scheme selectable by the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventor: Wayne Forester
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Publication number: 20110098142Abstract: A ball game racket according to the present invention comprises a racket head and a racket shaft, wherein the racket head comprises a stringing having transverse strings and longitudinal strings each having a vibration length. The racket head comprises a means which reduces the vibration length of a plurality of strings on both sides of the stringing depending on the deflection of the strings. The means is attached as a separate part to the racket head.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: HEAD TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventors: Stefan Mohr, Ralf Schwenger, Johan Kotze, Harald Rosenkranz
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Publication number: 20100285908Abstract: An oscillating racket frame includes a main frame formed as a closed annular ring with an inner circumference and an outer circumference, and a net weaved inside the inner circumference with strings. A hole is bored in the frame from the outer circumference through the inner circumference, used to accommodate an oscillating device provided with a main body having two ends pivotally combined with an inner wall of the hole, so that the body can swing in the hole against the axial line. Moreover, bored through the body are plural net holes for the strings to pass through.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventor: Chen-Chung Chang
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Patent number: 7691016Abstract: A racket including a string-stretching part for forming a ball-hitting face by tensionally mounting strings in string holes, formed through the string-stretching part, in which grommets are mounted respectively. As the grommets, a double-tubular grommet is mounted in at least one of the string holes. The double-tubular grommet is formed as an integrally molded article, including an inner tubular portion having a string insertion hole through which the string is inserted with the string in contact with the string insertion hole and pulled from an inward-end open portion thereof or an outward-end open portion thereof; an outer tubular portion fitted in the string hole formed through the string-stretching part with the outer tubular portion spaced at a certain interval from the inner tubular portion; and a base portion integrally connected with an outward-side end of the inner tubular portion and that of the outer tubular portion and disposed on a peripheral surface of the string-stretching part.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventor: Takeshi Ashino
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Publication number: 20100075787Abstract: A system for storing one or more stringed-racquet vibration dampeners on an article of apparel so that they are easily accessible during game play is disclosed. In disclosed embodiments, the vibration dampener is detachably secured to an article of footwear by way of an opening in the upper of the shoe, such as at the tongue or the like. The dampening device may provide surface ornamentation thereon, such as a logo, other indicia, or a color scheme selectable by the wearer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventor: Wayne Forester
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Patent number: 7572196Abstract: The present invention relates to a dampening device for ball game rackets. The dampening device of the present invention includes at least one dampening element having a foot or base region, a head region and a neck or connection region arranged between the foot region and the head region. The provision of a neck or connection region leads to an optimum distance between foot or base region and head region and/or an optimum and safe positioning of the head region in the stringing plane at a preferred distance from the heart region of the racket. Preferably, the neck region is tapered or necked relative to the foot or base region and/or the head region at least in the width or thickness direction of the dampening device of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Head Technology GmbHInventors: Johan Kotze, Stefan Mohr, Jürgen Wilke
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Patent number: 7556575Abstract: The present invention relates to a dampening device for a ball game racket, in particular a tennis, squash, racket ball or badminton racket, as well as to a ball game racket comprising a dampening device of this kind. The dampening device according to the invention comprises a base body made of foam material and a connecting means which is configured such that the dampening device can be fixed to at least one longitudinal string, preferably at least two longitudinal strings of a ball game racket without substantially coupling the embraced strings with each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Head Technology GmbHInventors: Herfried Lammer, Jürgen Wilke
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Patent number: 7530910Abstract: A device adapted to be emplaced in a self-securing manner between adjacent strings of a tennis racquet for dampening vibrations caused by impact with a tennis ball produces beneficial sensory effects such as a whistling sound and flashing light.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventors: Gene Niksich, Jim Harp
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Patent number: 7517293Abstract: A multiple component tennis scoring and vibration dampening device including a pair of housing sections that are matable in communication with and attachable to the strings of a tennis racket. Each preferred housing section further includes a rubberized material which functions as a vibration dampening member, and a rotary dial on each of the housing section to designate the score of each player or team.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventor: Timothy V. Smith
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Publication number: 20090082142Abstract: A multifunction racket in which the head frame has multiple elongated slots and ribs positioned in each elongated slot such that the user can selectively insert shock absorbing members of different weights and shock absorbing characteristics into the elongated slots of the head frame to adjust the location of the gravity center and shock absorbing characteristic of the racket.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Yuan Min Enterprise Co., LTD.Inventor: Kuo-Pin YU
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Publication number: 20090017948Abstract: A racket including a string-stretching part for forming a ball-hitting face by tensionally mounting strings in string holes, formed through the string-stretching part, in which grommets are mounted respectively. As the grommets, a double-tubular grommet is mounted in at least one of the string holes. The double-tubular grommet is formed as an integrally molded article, including an inner tubular portion having a string insertion hole through which the string is inserted with the string in contact with the string insertion hole and pulled from an inward-end open portion thereof or an outward-end open portion thereof; an outer tubular portion fitted in the string hole formed through the string-stretching part with the outer tubular portion spaced at a certain interval from the inner tubular portion; and a base portion integrally connected with an outward-side end of the inner tubular portion and that of the outer tubular portion and disposed on a peripheral surface of the string-stretching part.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventor: Takeshi Ashino
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Patent number: 7427245Abstract: A vibration damper for a racquet sport includes a score tallying device for keeping the score of t racquet sport such as tennis. The current score is maintained by an electronic circuit and displayed on an electronic display within the vibration damper. The vibration damper is configured to be attached to the racquet strings. The vibration damper and score keeper is preferably configured so that it displays only legitimate scores of the type of racquet sport for which it is intended.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Inventor: Darren Bawden Hickey
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Patent number: 7371197Abstract: A safety racket includes a head frame, a handle, a connecting portion, several nail members and a string. The head frame has a plurality of through holes. The connecting portion connects between the head frame and the handle. The nail members each have a head and at least one body extending along an axial direction from the head and inserted into the through hole. The body of the nail member has a distal end protruding from the through hole, and a lateral hole positioned at the distal end and extending along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. The string passes through the lateral hole and interweaved to form a net surface. Since the string is not exposed outside the head frame, the string is well protected to avoid damaging by external objects. The racket also has excellent shock-absorbing effect due to elastic material, such as rubber and plastic, adopted by the nail members.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Yuan Min An Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kuo-Pin Yu
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Patent number: 7335118Abstract: A device mounted in a tennis racket includes a cylindrical cushioning member including an annular groove, a central chamber, an axial channel crossed the chamber, and two recesses at its both ends; and a rigid, doughnut-shaped, hollow sound producing member mounted in the chamber and including a space and an axial tunnel therethrough. Three straight wires of a network of the racket pass three sides of the groove for fastening the device such that the device can absorb reaction when a ball is hit by the racket. The strength of sound produced by the device is determined by whether air flowing through one recess, one end of the channel, and the tunnel co-acts with air in the space to produce resonance or not by whether a handle held by the hand correctly hits the ball or not. The recess has a concave, convex, or inclined section around its central portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Inventor: Hung-Fu Sung
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Patent number: 7335120Abstract: A racquet string tension identification device and method for mounting on a stringed racquet utilizing a color coding system to denote the original string tension range in tens of pounds and having nine indicia areas with the number of additional pounds of tension to be added to the tension range depending upon how many of such indicia areas are marked.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Inventor: Dusan Pittner
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Patent number: 7300366Abstract: A vibration damper for a racquet sport includes a score tallying device for keeping the score of t racquet sport such as tennis. A rotating score indicator is provided with allowed score values for indicating the current score by rotation of the indicator by a user. Alternatively, the current score is maintained by an electronic circuit and displayed on an electronic display within the vibration damper. The vibration damper is configured to be attached to the racquet strings. The vibration damper and score keeper is preferably marked so that it displays only legitimate scores of the type of racquet sport for which it is intended.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventor: Darren Bawden Hickey
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Patent number: 7014579Abstract: Provided is an elastomeric shock absorbing device mountable in a racket such as tennis racket. The device comprises a cylindrical first cushioning member including two annular flanges in its top and bottom respectively, an intermediate annular recess, a spherical chamber provided in its center, and a channel in communication between the top flange and the chamber; a plurality of elastomeric balls received in the chamber by putting into the channel; and a ring-shaped second cushioning member including an annular groove, the second cushioning member being adapted to mount around the recess, wherein three straight wires of a network of the racket pass three sides of the groove for fastening the shock absorbing device in an open space of the network. A number of embodiments are possible for the purposes of balance, decreasing reaction, and increasing strength in hitting a ball.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Inventor: Hung-Fu Sung
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Patent number: 6767298Abstract: A buffering and shock-absorbing structure for racket string including: a frame section having an inner frame face on inner circumference and an outer frame face on outer circumference, a receiving channel with a predetermined depth being formed on the inner frame face, at least one string hole outward extending through the frame section from the bottom of the receiving channel to the outer frame face of the frame section; at least one tubular grommet coaxially fitted in the string hole; a racket string inserted through the grommet, one end of the racket string extending out of the grommet through the receiving channel and extending out of the open end of the receiving channel from the frame section; and at least one buffering and shock-absorbing section located in the receiving channel. Each of the at least one buffering and shock-absorbing section is located between one of two side walls of the receiving channel and one side of the racket string.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Inventor: Steven Tsai
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Patent number: 6755756Abstract: A device comprises an elastomer, and a metal ball which is contained in a cell of the interior of the elastomer. The elastomer is provided in the periphery with one or more slits by which the elastomer is fastened to the strings of a tennis racket. The elastomer in itself is capable of absorbing shock and deadening noise. As the strings of the tennis racket are impacted by a ball, the metal ball is activated by the impact force to vibrate at a high frequency in the cell of the elastomer. The high-frequency vibration of the metal ball serves to absorb shock and deaden noise.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Inventor: Hung-Fu Sung
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Publication number: 20040023738Abstract: A device comprises an elastomer, and a metal ball which is contained in a cell of the interior of the elastomer. The elastomer is provided in the periphery with one or more slits by which the elastomer is fastened to the strings of a tennis racket. The elastomer in itself is capable of absorbing shock and deadening noise. As the strings of the tennis racket are impacted by a ball, the metal ball is activated by the impact force to vibrate at a high frequency in the cell of the elastomer. The high-frequency vibration of the metal ball serves to absorb shock and deaden noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2002Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventor: Hung-Fu Sung
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Patent number: 6561933Abstract: A shockproof device in the throat of a tennis racket includes a racket having a frame, a stringing surface in the frame, a throat of truncated triangular configuration under the frame and including a pair of tubular branches spacedly extending downward from the lower peripheries of the frame and a Y-shaped handle including a pair of solid branches spacedly extending upward and each having an elastic sleeve wrapped on inserted into the tubular branches in a predetermined depth and secured by adhesives, and a conical gap centrally formed in the bottom of the frame and filled up by an conical elastic projection of a sheath which wraps the frame. Thereby, the shock waves from the frame are partially hindered and absorbed by the conical elastic projection and partially absorbed by the elastic sleeves in the throat without transmitting to the handle.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Inventor: Henry Hsu
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Patent number: 6540626Abstract: Racket structure with ball-striking racket face, including a racket frame having an inner and an outer frame faces respectively formed on two radially opposite sides of the racket frame. The racket frame is formed with multiple through holes forming openings on the inner and outer frame faces. Multiple hollow stringing pins are respectively coaxially fitted in the corresponding through holes. At least one strip made of resilient material with a predetermined thickness is fixedly attached to the inner frame face. The strip is formed with several perforations having a predetermined diameter and communicating with the holes of the corresponding stringing pins. The diameter of the perforation can be changed within a certain range when suffering an external force. A string having a hardness greater than that of the strip is sequentially conducted through the stringing pins and the perforations of the strip to form a checkered mesh in the racket frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: Steven Tsai
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Patent number: 6506134Abstract: The invention is an improved sports racket comprising streamlined transversal strings and streamlined longitudinal strings with surface indentations that permit the strings to lock into other at the string crossings so the strings do not move with respect to each other and also stay oriented so as to minimize wind resistance during the swinging motion of the sports racket before and after ball contact. The invention includes a spacer for assembly of the strings in the sports racket incorporating a flexible body between the string and the racket frame for the absorption and restitution of part of the ball's kinetic energy during impact with the string to beneficially alter the feel of the strings.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Inventor: Fabio Paolo Bertolotti
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Patent number: 6506133Abstract: A racket has a main body, which has a head frame, an Y-shaped shaft, a handle, and a network, which string the head frame. Two elastic supporting devices dispose on the head frame. Each of the elastic supporting devices has an inner member, an outer member and at least one elastic member. The inner member has a base piece, which has two stick tubes and two inner engage tubes thereon. The outer member has a base piece, which has two through holes and two outer engage tubes thereon. The outer member slidably engages to the inner member by means of the outer engage tubes engaging to the outer engage tubes. The elastic members respectively dispose on the inner and the outer engage tubes for push the outer member away from the inner member. A string of the network insert into the stick tubes, the inner and the outer engage tubes and the through holes of the outer member for providing the network an extra elasticity.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Inventor: Arthur Hong
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Patent number: 6503161Abstract: A racket includes a frame, at least one string and a particular portion The frame includes a handle portion and a head portion. The string is connected to the frame to provide a string tension. The particular portion is composed of a non-fluid material and disposed on the frame. The particular portion cooperates with the at least one string and is designed to reduce the string tension of the string upon a deflection of the string. The particular portion compresses when the string tension of the at least one string increases.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Inventor: Brett Peter Bothwell
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Publication number: 20020128093Abstract: Described are athletic devices containing superelastic components capable of producing a spring force in response to a deflection. The superelastic components improve the performance of athletic devices by increasing the contact duration between the active element of the device and objects the devices are configured to exert force. The superelastic components of also provide increased resistance to breakage or plastic deformation of the athletic device, especially when exposed to frequent deflections. Superelastic components are able to decrease the weight of the athletic device without sacrificing strength. The superelastic components also enable applying a specific spring force at a flex point of the device to enhance the dynamic response resulting from a desired deflection.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2002Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventor: James G. Whayne
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Patent number: 6447411Abstract: This invention is for an effective anti-vibration system that adapts to any tennis racket, comprising of a compact flexible element (1), that fixes onto the strings, here (3) and (4), or onto the frame of a tennis racket, using another rigid element (5) comprising of a protruding part (6). When hit by a ball, the protruding part (6) rotates and makes the interdependent part (5) pivot, which is restrained by the distortion of the elastomer element (1). The restrained rotation of the rigid unit (5) and (6) dissipates the vibratory energy of the racket.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventor: Jean-Claude Bianchi
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Patent number: 6364791Abstract: A string vibration damper, for use on a sports racquet having an interwoven string bed, is made of a soft, elastomeric material and comprises a pair of end members connected by a connecting portion. Each end member has a hole therethrough with a hole diameter preferably in the range of 4 mm and 6 mm, and a maximal cross-sectional height “h” preferably in the range of 2 mm and 4 mm. The connecting portion preferably has a length of at least 50 mm, and most preferably at least 100 mm, so as to contact numerous strings. End member is secured to the string bed by being inserted between a pair of crossing strings. The end member is positioned so that the point of intersection of the crossing strings lies within the hole such that the crossing strings to remain touching. Because the strings are under tension, the string portions on either side of the hole contort the end member so that the end member are firmly secured in place on the stringbed.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Benetton Sportsystem USA, Inc.Inventor: Richard Janes
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Patent number: 6341399Abstract: A multi-function pool cue tool is shown. The tool has a three sided open channel design. One side of the tool has an abrasive material attached for flattening tips. The center piece has two different sized indentations for contouring different sized tips on cues. The center piece also has a contour gauge associated with each of the indentations for checking the roundness of the tips after dressing of the tip in the indentations. The second side of the tool has a knurled surface for knurling the surface of the flat tip. A pair of wheels interconnect the first and second sides of the tool and have a diameter that varies to a minimum midway between the sides, the wheels for knurling the rounded tips on cues.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Inventor: Thomas John Method
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Patent number: 6336877Abstract: A racket includes a frame in which through-holes are made, shank carrying cleats including a pair of shanks which are engaged in the holes, and a stringing mounted on the frame by threading through the shank-carrying cleats, so as to produce a string pattern within the frame. The shank carrying cleats contact the frame between the through-holes. Each cleat has at least one bearing surface which is located between each pair of adjacent shanks and on which a stringing loop bears. At least some of the bearing surfaces include gaps located between the bearing surfaces and the frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Babolat VSInventors: Pierre-Yves Arroyo, Stéphane Mithieux, Marc Poggi
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Patent number: 6319158Abstract: A game racket includes elongated main strings which extend through a slot in a yoke portion of the head. In one embodiment the lower ends of the main strings pass through string holes in a second throat bridge below the first throat bridge. In another embodiment the lower ends of the main strings pass through string holes in the arms of the throat of the racket.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Inventor: Po-Jen Cheng
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Patent number: 6132325Abstract: The invention is an improved sports racket comprising streamlined transversal strings and streamlined longitudinal strings with surface indentations that permit the strings to lock into each other at the string crossings so the strings do not move with respect to each other and also stay oriented so as to minimize wind resitance during the swinging motion of the sports racket before and after ball contact. The invention includes fixing means for assembly of the strings in the sports racket.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Inventor: Fabio P Bertolotti
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Patent number: 5944624Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Prince Sports Group, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Davis, Joseph J. Wolverton, William Harvie, III, Brian J. Blonski