Abstract: A tennis racket frame is composed of a laminate of prepregs each containing carbon fibers serving as a reinforcing fiber thereof. At least one part of layers of the laminate is formed as a hard layer consisting of a prepreg composed of the reinforcing carbon fibers and a hard carbon film (DLC film) formed on the surface of the carbon fibers.

Abstract: Apparatus for playing a game includes a racquet having a handle and an elongated foam member defining a hoop shape and having two ends, each end of the hoop shape terminating in the handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved racket for ball games, in particular a tennis racket, squash racket, badminton racket, racquet ball racket or paddle tennis racket comprising a frame consisting of a racket head and a handle portion connected thereto and being formed of a frame profile, wherein the racket head defines a stringing plane. The frame profile comprises four trough-shaped depressions which are arranged opposite to one another in pairs and essentially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the racket. The depressions are preferably formed in the area between two o'clock and four o'clock and/or eight o'clock and ten o'clock on the racket head. Particularly preferably, the positions are at about three o'clock and/or nine o'clock. The racket of the present invention thus exhibits particularly advantageous ball control characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a racket, in particular a tennis racket or squash racket exhibiting a particularly suitable stiffness and/or strength behavior. For this purpose, the ball game racket of the present invention comprises a racket head, a heart region and a handle portion which together form the frame, wherein in the area of the racket head individual regions are formed which comprise brackets being arranged along the frame in the head region of the racket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved racket for ball games, in particular a tennis racket, squash racket, badminton racket, racquet ball racket or paddle tennis racket, comprising a frame consisting of a racket head and a handle portion connected thereto and being formed of a frame profile, wherein the racket head defines a stringing plane. The frame profile comprises at least one opening extending through the frame profile essentially perpendicular with respect to the stringing plane of the racket. Preferably, at least two openings of this kind are provided essentially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the racket at about two o'clock to four o'clock and/or eight o'clock to ten o'clock on the racket head. Particularly preferably, the openings are at about three o'clock and/or nine o'clock. The racket of the present invention thus exhibits particularly advantageous ball control characteristics.

Abstract: A high specific-gravity EPDM composition consisting of a mixture of EPDM containing diene at less than 4.5 wt % and ethylene at not less than 58 wt % nor more than 80 wt % and having a Mooney viscosity ML1+4 not less than 50 nor more than 170 at 125° C. and a powdery material, containing powder whose specific gravity is not less than 12 as a main component thereof, added to the EPDM at not less than 80 wt % nor more than 97.5 wt % of a whole amount of the high specific-gravity EPDM composition.

Abstract: A sports racquet comprises a handle and a frame coupled to the handle. The frame includes an inner portion and an outer portion located substantially opposite the inner portion. The inner portion of the frame include a plurality of undulations that extend towards and away from a ball-hitting surface, the undulations reducing the unintended bunching and wrinkling of material that intermittently forms in the frame during the manufacturing process. The undulations can be varied by location, undulation length, undulation height, and frequency and can be used in racquets made from a variety of materials and methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides sporting equipment having lights.

Abstract: A sports racquet including a frame, a yoke and a string bed. The frame includes a head portion, a handle portion, and a throat portion positioned between the head and handle portions. The head portion includes an upper region, and first and second side regions. The yoke is coupled to the first and second side regions. The head portion and the yoke define a string bed area. The string bed is formed of a number of cross and main string segments. The main string segments include at least one central main string segment and at least two peripheral main string segments. Each central main string segment has first and second ends wherein the first end engages the head portion and the second end engages the yoke. Each peripheral main string segment is coupled at a proximal end to at least one of the throat portion and the handle portion.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device that attaches to sporting equipment for the purpose of generating an audible sound under predetermined conditions. The device 10 is selectively attached to hand held sporting equipment, such as a golf club 18 and tennis racquet 38, that travels through a sweeping motion. By attachment of the sound generating device to the aforementioned equipment it will be possible to cause audible sounds under abrupt increases in velocity. The device of the preferred embodiment is comprised of a sound generation element 12 such as pliable material, and may include a means of attachment element 14. The sound generation element 12 can be permanently or semi-permanently fixed to the sporting equipment. In the permanent/semi-permanent state the sound generation element is fixedly positioned by means of adhesive 40, or any other bonding means known within the art, to the sporting equipment thereby having no need for a means of an attachment element 14.

Abstract: A method for improving balance and coordination associated with the performance of a sport motion. The method comprises the initial step of providing a training apparatus, the latter comprising a stationary base member having first and second platforms rotationally mounted. The first and second are adapted to receive, respectively, a foot of an individual to enable the individual to stand thereon such that each foot can rotate independently about a separate axis. While standing upon the device, an individual may perform a variety of movements, such as a tennis stroke, golf swing, and the like, and, by virtue of imparting rotational movement to the feet, enable an individual to optimally perform proper rotational movements. The training method maybe incorporated into a sports instruction regimen applicable to a wide-variety of sports, including skiing, surfing, and martial arts, as well as many activities, in addition to tennis, golf and baseball.

Abstract: An aluminum tennis racket includes a head, a shaft and a handle. The head and the shaft are made of hollow aluminum tubing with a series of ripples. The ripples are defined on a sidewall of the hollow aluminum tubing, and the ripples increase the strength of the head and the shaft so the sidewall is lighter and thinner. The lighter tennis racket helps a player to quick react, and the increased strength allows the player to strike a ball powerfully.

Abstract: A piece of sports equipment for striking a ball or other sports object is covered along an exposed edge with one side of an adhesive mating hook and loop fastener. A smaller mating strip of adhesive mating hook and loop fastener is interconnected with the mating portion on the equipment leaving the adhesive side exposed for picking up the ball or other sports object with the piece of sports equipment. Alternately one or two strips of double adhesive material, such as tape may be used.

Abstract: A string for a sports racket includes a base core formed from at least a first filament, an intermediate layer formed from a plurality of second filaments and enclosing the base core, and a first sheath layer enclosing the intermediate layer. At least one of the first filament and the second filaments has a molded structure which includes a toothed core that is made of a first plastic material and that has a toothed outer surface, and a second sheath layer that is made of a second plastic material and that is molded over the toothed core. The first plastic material has a hardness and a wear-resistance less than those of the second plastic material.

Abstract: A stringless sports racquet made from a used stringed racquet comprises a handle, a head frame, a flexible scoop provided on a back side of the head frame for catching, tossing, and scooping up a ball, and a flexible crosspiece provided across a back side of the flexible scoop. The flexible sheet defines at least a ramp portion along which a ball can be rolled.

Abstract: A shaft adapted to move through a fluid, wherein the shaft has a surface, diameter, and length, and wherein the shaft comprises at least two ridges extending along at least a portion of the length, such that fluid resistance encountered by the shaft as it is moved through the fluid is reduced.

Abstract: A tubular structural member that provides directional resistance. The tubular structural member has a flexural resistance that is greater in one direction than in another. The tubular structural member can be employed in variety of devices or structures so as to effect the overall stiffness of the device.

Abstract: A sports racket frame including a main body which has an intermediate portion in the vicinity of which is provided at least one reinforcing member which defines, with the intermediate portion, an inner volume therebetween which extends about an outer periphery of the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A multi-purpose racket. The multi-purpose racket includes a striking blade and a shaft. The striking blade includes a hollow substrate consisting of first and second flat sheets and partition walls successively arranged between the two flat sheets to form cells in the substrate. In this striking blade, a hard layer is attached to the outer surface of the first sheet of the substrate for allowing a user to strike a ball strongly. A sub-layer is attached to the outer surface of the second sheet of the substrate and acts as a cushion. In addition, a soft layer is attached to the outer surface of the sub-layer and has densely packed hook members over its whole external surface. The racket of this invention allows a user to strike various kinds of balls.

Abstract: A stringless sports racquet made from a used stringed racquet comprises a handle, a head frame, a flexible scoop provided on a back side of the head frame for catching, tossing, and scooping up a ball, and a flexible crosspiece provided across a back side of the flexible scoop. The flexible sheet defines at least a ramp portion along which a ball can be rolled.

Abstract: A counting racket comprises a racket assembly defined by a handle, a throat and a racket face. The throat extending from the handle to the racket face. The racket assembly housing a electronic components which comprise: a controller, a memory, a power source, an acoustic sensor, a speaker, and at least one switch. The electronic components constructed and arranged to count a number of hits made when an object strikes the racket face. The electronic components further constructed and arranged to audibly recite the number of hits made by the object against the racket face.

Abstract: Tennis Racket comprises an elliptical head frame and framing system design angularly mounted, triple independent strings and strings channels, variable center of gravity, main frame handle body-frame damper systems:

Abstract: A velocity indication system is comprised of a force measurement sensor shielded by a protective covering that measures the level of force at the point of impact of the sensor with an object, and transmits the measurement, via a transmission carrier, to a computing unit that calculates the force measurement into a velocity measurement and projects that information on a display. A system carrier has an impact and a holding area. The invention is designed for use in sports such as hockey, tennis, baseball, cricket, golf, and the like; generally a sport with a racquet or stick.

Abstract: A tool for realigning or straightening the strings of a racquet. The tool has a generally rectangular tip which is precisely dimensioned to fit within the normal space between the strings of a racquet. To realign the racquet strings, the tip is placed into the space defined by the strings and the strings are automatically adjusted to their preferred alignment. The string straightening tool is portable and compact, allowing the user to carry the device on his/her person and to use the device during lulls in play during the game.

Abstract: A game racquet includes separate head and handle portions which are separated by shock and/or vibration absorbing material. Both the head portion and the handle portion are bonded to the absorbing material and are thereby connected to each other.

Abstract: A racket comprising a frame body having a face portion, a shaft portion, and a grip portion, and a groove in the length of 10% to 20% against the entire circumference of the frame comprising the face portion provided at two portions covering maximum width points of the frame comprising the face portion and a closed tube enclosing a slidable weight weighing 2 g to 10 g is embedded in the groove.

Abstract: A string for a sports racket includes a toothed core made of a first plastic material and having a toothed outer surface, and a sheath layer made of a second plastic material and molded over the core so as to be bonded to the toothed outer surface. The first plastic material has a hardness and a wear-resistance less than those of the second plastic material.

Abstract: A sports racquet comprises a handle and a frame coupled to the handle. The frame includes an inner portion and an outer portion located substantially opposite the inner portion. The inner portion of the frame include a plurality of undulations that extend towards and away from a ball-hitting surface, the undulations reducing the unintended bunching and wrinkling of material that intermittently forms in the frame during the manufacturing process. The undulations can be varied by location, undulation length, undulation height, and frequency and can be used in racquets made from a variety of materials and methods.

Abstract: A racket includes a handle section, a head section, and a connecting section positioned between the handle section and the head section. One or more of the handle section, the head section, and the connecting section include a superelastic metal. The racket, other athletic devices and other devices containing superelastic components are capable of producing a spring force in response to a deflection. The superelastic components may improve the performance of rackets, athletic devices and other devices by increasing the contact duration between the active element of the device and objects against which the devices are configured to exert a force. The superelastic components also provide increased resistance to breakage or plastic deformation of the racket, athletic device or other devices, especially when exposed to frequent deflections. Superelastic components are able to decrease the weight of rackets, athletic devices, or other devices without sacrificing strength.

Abstract: A sports racket comprising a frame made of an energy absorbing structural laminate. The structural laminate comprises: (a) a first layer of composite material comprising x1 plies; wherein at least 0.5x1 plies contain fibers arranged in a shape of a continuous curve; wherein said continuous curve is the same or different in different plies; (b) a second layer of composite material comprising x2 plies; wherein at least 0.5x2 plies contain fibers arranged in a shape of a continuous curve; wherein said continuous curve is the same or different in different plies; and (c) a viscoelastic layer disposed between the first and second layers such that shear strains are substantially distributed throughout the viscoelastic layer when a load is applied to the structural laminate.

Abstract: A counting racket comprises a racket assembly defined by a handle, a throat and a racket face. The throat extending from the handle to the racket face. The racket assembly housing a electronic components which comprise: a controller, a memory, a power source, an acoustic sensor, a speaker, and at least one switch. The electronic components constructed and arranged to count a number of hits made when an object strikes the racket face. The electronic components further constructed and arranged to audibly recite the number of hits made by the object against the racket face.

Abstract: A tennis racquet having a bipolar weighting system, comprising a headweight and a tailweight, is shown to outperform all racquets known to prior art. The racquet is very head-light (15 points) and has a high swingweight (350), while it weighs under 400 grams. A series of high-bounce plastic string pads serves to improve stringbed life and bounce.

Abstract: A string for a sports racket includes a base core formed from at least a first filament, an intermediate layer formed from a plurality of second filaments and enclosing the base core, and a first sheath layer enclosing the intermediate layer. At least one of the first filament and the second filaments has a molded structure which includes a toothed core that is made of a first plastic material and that has a toothed outer surface, and a second sheath layer that is made of a second plastic material and that is molded over the toothed core. The first plastic material has a hardness and a wear-resistance less than those of the second plastic material.

Abstract: An variable shaft, for example for a golf club. A hollow shaft has a cable or wire in the center, and means for varying the tension of the cable or wire. Increasing tension on the cable or wire places the shaft in compression and thereby reduces its bending stiffness. Preferably, the variation means are designed so that the wire tension may be quickly and easily varied by the user.

Abstract: A throatless squash racquet includes a hollow tubular frame, preferably of graphite, bent to form a head in which the outer portion is generally circular. The opposing legs of the tubular frame curve inwardly toward one another and then converge linearly. The converging legs continue to converge, but in an inverse curve, to define a narrow neck region, and merge into an elongated shaft. Because of its geometry, the racquet exhibits improved strength and durability.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device is designed for use in a game apparatus having a tubular rod body. The game apparatus comprises a ball-hitting portion, and a grip portion. The ball-hitting portion is formed of a frame, a ball-hitting face defined by the frame, and a neck extending from the frame. The grip portion is formed of a hollow rod and is fastened with the neck. The neck is provided with at least one groove and one shock-absorbing device which is disposed in the groove. The groove is extended along the longitudinal direction of the neck and toward the grip portion. The shock-absorbing device is formed of an absorbing member and a weight body which is put through the absorbing member and is capable of swiveling upon being exerted on by an external force.

Abstract: A sports racket and method for making same, in particular tennis rackets, with a double diagonal stringing pattern such that the original shape of the racket frame is not distorted. Stringing pattern provides for spin on the ball, added power, and minimizes the vibration on a player's elbow.

Abstract: A tennis racket including a vibration damping member located in the vicinity of a position of a racket frame at which a large amplitude is generated when the tennis racket hits a tennis ball. The vibration damping member includes a mass adding part, such as a bracket assembly, having a portion extending in a widthwise direction of the tennis racket and a portion extending in a thickness direction thereof such that both portions are either integral or unintegral with each other; a viscoelastic material; a spring; or/and a damper each for connecting the mass adding part to the racket frame. The vibration damping member absorbs a vibration in an in-plane and an out-of-plane direction of the racket frame, and longitudinal and rotational impacts to be applied to a handle portion of the tennis racket.

Abstract: This invention refers to a novel ballgame racket, especially a tennis racket, including a racket head formed by a tension frame with stringing, and also having a grip portion joining the tension frame, for example by means of a crossing and formed by a gripping shaft or a racket neck and a handle.

Abstract: A sports apparatus with variable directions of stiffness and flexibility, including sports equipment having a body; and a flexure resistance spine that is elongated and is stiffer and less flexible in one direction than in a different direction. The spine is fixed against rotation at two spaced apart locations along the body.

Abstract: A game of two players using paddles to hit a ball against a roof. The roof has a pitch of approximately 6/12 with a front edge approximately eight feet above ground level. The roof having a length of approximately 50 feet and a height of approximately 25 feet. The roof must have either no gutters or have covers on the gutters. The serving player must stand approximately 12 feet from the front edge of the roof, and must hit the ball on one bounce while the returning player has up to three bounces to return the ball from any location. The game has foul out of bound shots if the ball bounces over the left roof edge, over the upper rear edge, and over the right edge of the roof. Additional foul shots are if the ball first lands on an edge or covered gutter of the roof on first bounce. Another foul is if either player extends their paddle over an edge of the roof at any time. A still another foul is if a player interferes with the other player by standing in front of the player whose turn is to hit the ball.

Abstract: A tennis racquet frame including a handle having a free end, a racquet head defined by a closed loop frame, a bridge that defines a portion of the closed loop frame of the racquet head and a throat connecting the racquet head to the handle, with the closed loop frame having a first half remote from the handle and a second half being closer to the handle. The mid-section of the racquet extends from and includes the second half of the closed loop frame and the throat, to a point approximately 20 centimeters to approximately 36 centimeters from the free end of the handle, in which the thickness of at least 25%, more at least preferably 50%, and most at least 75% of the mid-section is less than approximately 60% of the maximum thickness of the racquet in the first half of the closed loop frame. A tennis racquet having similar features for an open loop frame, but not having a bridge, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A striking device handle for use in a variety of applications including ball game sports, or as a construction or demolition device handle used in construction, said device is intended to cool the user's hand and reduce the shock that occurs when a striking device impacts an object, the handle having a handgrip comprised of a central body having concavely curved front and rear surfaces which extend a substantial distance along the handgrip, and an exterior shell dispersed on opposite sides of the central body, covering the front and rear surfaces. The shell has a plurality of ventilation openings formed therein that communicate with two separate ventilation chambers that are formed between each of the front and rear surfaces and the shell. Two air inlets are formed on opposite sides of the handgrip at a head end, each air inlet opening into a respective one of the ventilation chambers at the head end.

Abstract: A sports apparatus with variable directions of stiffness and flexibility, including sports equipment having a body with an elongated cavity; and a stiffening rod that is elongated and has a longitudinal axis in a direction of elongation of the stiffening rod, the stiffening rod being inserted within the cavity and stiffer in one direction than in a different direction and being more flexible in the different direction than in the one direction, both the one direction and the different direction being directed transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A lightweight, high stiffness tennis racket includes a frame having a handle portion with butt end, head portion, and strings supported by the head portion. The racket is formed from a composite material including carbon fibers, titanium fibers, and epoxy resin and includes a length of at least about 27 inches, weight of less than about 9.2 ounces when strung, and a frequency of vibration of the first mode of bending under free-free constraint of at least about 175 Hz. The racket includes a vibration damping unit located about at the racket handle.

Abstract: A racket and its method of manufacture which racket has three sets of string segments having particular angles among string sets and having certain stringing sequences. Strings and racket frames may be color coded and the frame may carry stringing instructions. Stringing is aided by use of a stringing clamp.

Abstract: A game racquet includes a frame having an elongated shaft which provides a handle and a hoop-shaped head which supports a generally planar string bed. The head includes a lower portion attached to the shaft, a pair of opposed side portions, and an upper portion. Each of the side portions and the upper portion has a hollow tubular cross section having an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall of each of the side and upper portions is provided with a plurality of elongated slots which extend perpendicularly to the plane of the strings, and each of the outer walls is provided with a plurality of circular openings which are aligned with the slots and which lie in the plane of the strings. A grommet strip extends along each of the side portions of the head, and a bumper strip extends along the upper portion of the head.

Abstract: A tennis racquet frame including a handle having a free end, a racquet head defined by a closed loop frame, a bridge that defines a portion of the closed loop frame of the racquet head and a throat connecting the racquet head to the handle, with the closed loop frame having a first half remote from the handle and a second half being closer to the handle. The mid-section of the racquet extends from and includes the second half of the closed loop frame and the throat, to a point approximately 20 centimeters from the free end of the handle, in which the thickness of at least 25% of the mid-section, more preferably, at least 50% of the mid-section, and most preferably, at least 75% of the mid-section, is less than approximately 60% of the maximum thickness of the racquet in the first half of the closed loop frame. A tennis racquet having similar features for an open loop frame, but not having a bridge, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A perforated bat for playing games such as paddle tennis, tether ball and others, has a monolithic unstressed striking head which comprises a pair of outer lattices which form the striking surfaces; and these lattices are joined by a third internal core lattice which has at least one longitudinal and one lateral web spanning the two outer lattices.

Abstract: A bat in the form of a sleeve can be slid over the hand of a player so that the latter can play as in tennis, on any type of ground, with or without a bounce on the ground. The bat (1) comprises an upper sleeve element (5) and a lower sleeve element (6) joined along an edge (7) wherein an opening (10) is provided for inserting the hand. Each sleeve element is more rigid in a flat central portion (11, 12) forming a striking surface than close to its periphery. The bat envelops and holds the hand due to its inherent elasticity. It may also comprise retaining means (13) on the surface and closure devices to each side of the wrist.