Prefabricated String Assembly, Means To Prevent Relative Movement Or Wear At Crossover Points Of Strings, Or Having One Or More Strings With Specified Characteristic Or Arrangement Patents (Class 473/543)
  • Patent number: 11857855
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for characterizing a racket head of a ball game racket frame as well as to the representation of a racket head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Head Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Rosenkranz, Nathan Elliott, Stefan Mohr, Ralf Schwenger
  • Patent number: 11521367
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for characterizing a string pattern of a ball game racket frame as well as to the representation of a string pattern image of a strung ball game racket frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Head Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Nathan Elliott, Ralf Schwenger
  • Patent number: 11253753
    Abstract: A tennis racket with a more-responsive string configuration is an apparatus that allows a user to hit a tennis ball with spin and power in a controlled manner. The apparatus includes a closed-shape beam, a throat, an elongated handle, and a plurality of lines. The elongated handle allows the user to firmly grasp the apparatus, and the throat connects the elongated handle to the closed-shape beam. The plurality of lines is tensionably mounted within the closed-shape beam in order to provide the present invention with an elastic contact area for the tennis ball. Each of the plurality of lines includes a first string and a second string, which are positioned along each other for each of the plurality of lines. In addition, a lateral surface of the first string is positioned tangent to a lateral surface of the second string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Ronald B Carter
  • Patent number: 10814188
    Abstract: In a tennis racket, longitudinal strings extending in a longitudinal direction and transverse strings extending in a transverse direction intersect each other to form a plurality of meshes. At a center, in the transverse direction, of a head, a ratio of an area St of a tip mesh located closest to a tip in the longitudinal direction relative to an area Sc of a center mesh located at a center in the longitudinal direction is not less than. The center mesh is formed in a rectangular shape having short sides in the longitudinal direction and long sides in the transverse direction. Preferably, from the center mesh to the tip mesh, an area of each mesh is set so as to be not larger than an area of a mesh adjacent thereto at a tip side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Fumiya Suzuki, Yosuke Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9302159
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a racket for ball games comprising a frame forming a head portion and a handle portion, wherein the head portion accommodates a string bed comprising strings and defining a string plane, wherein the strings of the string bed are passed through several holes in the head portion, wherein at least three strings are passed through three of said holes in such a way that the longitudinal axis of each of said three holes extends in a first direction and the string passed through the hole extends within the string bed in a second direction, wherein the first and the second direction include an angle having an absolute value between 0.5° and 15° and wherein the absolute values of the angles of these three strings differ by maximally 3°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Head Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Schwenger, Stefan Mohr
  • Patent number: 9168425
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a mesh racket and its manufacturing method, comprising a handle (1), a frame (2) and a string (3), wherein the handle (1) is fixed to one end of the frame (2) along the horizontal direction of the frame (2), a plurality of holes (4) are arranged on the side wall of the frame (2) for installing the string (3), characterized in that the string (3) includes the first string set (301), the second string set (302) and the third string set (303) composed by a number of parallel strings respectively, wherein the said mesh holes formed by each string set are triangular. Such a mesh racket not only features the better face performance, but also the firmer triangular mesh holes. Therefore, it is not easily deformed, thereby reducing the string changeover frequency and maintenance costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ningbo Huanying Auto Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xuliang Qian
  • Patent number: 9132322
    Abstract: A tennis racket including a shaft that has a handle and a head attached thereto having a diamond-shaped frame. A length dimension of the frame is longer than a width thereof and is parallel to the shaft. A string groove is continuously disposed around the frame. A plurality of string holes is disposed within the string groove. A single length of string is continuously disposed through the string holes to string the tennis racket. A pair of tie off members is centrally disposed within the string groove on one side of the frame proximal a first corner of the frame. A central portion of the string centrally disposed within the frame forms a sweet spot which is larger than the sweet spots of other tennis rackets due to the diamond shape of the frame thereby propelling the tennis ball with more power and a more accurate aim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Coley
  • Publication number: 20140329623
    Abstract: In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, a resilient and elastic single-filament string for a sports racquet, and an accompanying complete sports racquet is provided. The string includes a central body with ridges that extend axially along the length of said central body, where the ridges and central body are initially formed as a single homogeneous structure. The sports racquet incorporates at least one of these single-filament strings, along with a frame formed of a rigid material containing a number of holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Diadem Sports, LLC
    Inventor: Joel Evan Specht
  • Publication number: 20140256480
    Abstract: A racket including: a handle; an annular frame having a plurality of through holes, and a groove section provided on an outer peripheral face of the frame along a circumferential direction of the frame; a shaft connecting the handle and the frame; and a string that passes through the through hole to the outside of the frame, and that is folded back on the groove section, wherein when either one of a longitudinal direction of the racket and a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on a hitting surface of the racket is defined as a first direction, a depth of a position at which the string is folded back at a second position in the first direction is smaller or less than a depth of a position at which the string is folded back at a first position in the first direction, the first position being located on the outer peripheral face of the frame, the second position being located on the outer peripheral face of the frame and outside of the first position in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: YONEX KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoto OGAWA, Shinji SAITO, Tomoya IWASAWA
  • Patent number: 8808121
    Abstract: A racquet includes polyester, monofilament racquet string and a frame extending along a longitudinal axis and including a head portion coupled to a handle portion. The head portion includes a hoop having inner and outer peripheral walls. The hoop defines a head size having maximum longitudinal and transverse dimensions, a, and, b, respectively. The dimension a is at least 1.2 times the dimension b. The inner peripheral wall includes string holes. The string has a diameter within the range of 1.10 to 1.55 millimeters. The string forms a string bed of interlaced main and cross string segments. Each of the cross segments transversely extends from one of the string holes to another, and each of the main segments longitudinally extends from one of the string holes to another. The string bed has at least one more main segment than cross segment. At least one of the main segments contacting the tennis ball exhibits a snap back velocity of at least 1 meter per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: William D. Severa, John B. Lyons, Robert T. Kapheim, Robert T. Thurman
  • Publication number: 20120214625
    Abstract: A tennis racket is provided that has a rectangular ball striking face with rounded corners. The racket is formed of a carbon fiber sandwich with light material mounted therebetween. A strip of carbon fiber is attached to the outer edge spanning the two carbon fiber top and bottom sheets. The rectangular frame is formed with outwardly bowed sides so as to be pulled into a straight sided configuration by the string tension. Locking grommets of various constructions are provided to hold the strings at predetermined tensions. Testing equipment and methods are provided for testing tennis rackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Richard A. Brandt
  • Patent number: 8178200
    Abstract: A sport racket string includes a string which is a solid string and multiple recesses are defined in an outer surface of the string. The recesses include different sizes, depths and shapes, and are located in pre-determined ways such as lines so as to increase the friction between the balls and the string. The strings of the present invention are light in weight and allow the users to control the balls efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Yao I Fabric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsan-Ching Wang
  • Publication number: 20110201462
    Abstract: The invention relates to a string for a racket, particularly for a tennis racket, which includes: a central core (2) and a peripheral protective layer (6). Additionally, the string includes an intermediate reinforcing layer (4) made of a composite material and placed between the central core (2) and the peripheral protective layer (6), the hardness of the reinforcing layer (4; 14; 24; 34) being greater than the hardness of the protective layer (6; 16; 26; 36), the reinforcing layer providing a function of increasing the resistance to wear and tear, while the protective layer provides a function of increasing sliding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: BABOLAT VS
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Onnis, Catherine Mace
  • Patent number: 7806789
    Abstract: A sports racket is provided with a uniform elongated string bed, uniform main strings and cross strings segments, a uniform elongated sweet spot, a uniform head structure, robust yoke design, and handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: John L Sledge
  • Patent number: 7438654
    Abstract: Structure of toy tennis racket, which mainly improves composition of hitting face of toy tennis racket; it stretches string that one side is adhesive across holes around head of tennis racket in horizontal and longitudinal to make network, so that one side of this network is adhesive face and another side is the hitting face; such combination makes hitting face of toy tennis racket that can produce rebound force owing to the flexible network, furthermore, such racket may provide best ventilation effect to reduce wind resistance, you can hit ball easily as if playing with real tennis racket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Liang-Fa Hu
  • Patent number: 7431673
    Abstract: In a racket frame, a yoke part is disposed between left and right portions of a bifurcated throat part continuous with a head part and with a shaft part. A ball-hitting face is formed with the yoke part and the head part. The head part and the yoke part have a plurality of string holes formed in penetration therethrough to insert longitudinal and transverse strings therethrough. Longitudinal string holes formed outside left and right sides of the yoke part connected with the left and right portions of the throat part are extended to the throat part to form extended longitudinal string holes open on an outer surface of the throat part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Kunio Niwa, Takeshi Ashino
  • Publication number: 20080206559
    Abstract: Strings configured for use in sports racquets and musical instruments are fabricated as a plastic core wrapped with one or more filaments of plastic. The strings are coated with a material composite that includes rigid nanoparticles, and lubricated nylon. The rigid nanoparticles may include clay or carbon nanotubes. The strings are coated with the material composite using various processes that result in a coating thickness of between 0.1 and 200 ?m. The material composite may further include impact modifiers. The strings experience extended life due to reduced frictional wear and improved mechanical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: YUNJUN LI, Zvi Yaniv, Dongsheng Mao
  • Patent number: 7371197
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Yuan Min An Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Pin Yu
  • Publication number: 20080102995
    Abstract: A racket includes a handle, a frame connected to the handle and having a longitudinal axis extending from and aligned with the handle, and a stringed web supported on the frame. The frame has two ends that are opposite to each other along the longitudinal axis. The stringed web is formed by a plurality of intersecting longitudinal strings and transversal strings defining a plurality of meshes. The longitudinal strings and the transversal strings together further define a primary ball-striking portion on a substantially central portion of the stringed web, and the meshes located in the primary ball-striking portion gradually increase in size in a direction from one of the two ends to the other one of the two ends of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Chia-Yuan Chang, Feng-Hsiang Chang
  • Patent number: 7309299
    Abstract: A sports racquet has a plurality of opposed string holes for anchoring the ends of the strings, at least one pair of contiguous string holes are replaced with an enlarged string hole having opposed bearing surfaces for securing the ends of a pair of contiguous string segments. Preferably, a plurality of contiguous enlarged string holes are employed along the sides, tip, and heel or throat bridge of the racquet, in order to reduce the weight of the racquet head. Also, preferably, the enlarged string holes are defined by a pair of opposed interior walls of the frame extending between the frame's inner and outer surfaces, thereby forming a truss-like internal structure for stiffening the frame. Moreover, the frame preferably has interior wall portions that extend between the string holes. Such wall portions lie in the string bed plane and underlie the string portions on the exterior of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventors: Mauro Pezzato, Michele Pozzobon
  • Patent number: 7247373
    Abstract: A racquet string includes a core component whose principal component is a synthetic fiber, and a surface resin component, wherein fullerenes or by-product carbon particles derived from manufacture of fullerenes are blended into the surface resin component, and wherein the blended percentage content is in a range of at least 0.01 wt % and at most 5.0 wt % of the entire string. The surface resin component may be formed as a sheath component by coating or by composite spinning. It is preferable that the amount of fullerenes or by-product carbon particles derived from the manufacture of fullerenes that is included in the surface resin component is in a range of at least 0.1 wt % and at most 25 wt %. Thus, the durability of the racquet string is improved without substantially changing its physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Gosen Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Akagi, Kenichi Umano, Yutaka Masuda
  • Patent number: 7144341
    Abstract: A racquet for hitting a projectile has a stem, which is a handle or a shaft with a handle, and a racquet head with a frame extending from the handle and supporting a tensioned string bed defining a sweet spot. The frame has an upper portion on an opposing end of the frame relative to the handle and a longitudinal axis extending from the upper portion to the handle. The string bed includes main strings generally running parallel to the longitudinal axis and cross strings running generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The string bed has an upper end defined at an interior surface of the upper portion and a lower end disposed at an interior surface of a lower end of the frame near the handle. A length is defined from the upper end to the lower end of the string bed. The cross strings are only disposed at most within approximately an upper 70% of the length of the string bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: EF Composite Technologies, L.P.
    Inventor: Rafael G. Filippini
  • Patent number: 7140985
    Abstract: In a sports racquet, anchor points for a string are marked with indicia to assist a stringer in stringing from one anchor point to a next anchor point. In a preferred embodiment, one of the anchor points is a bearing assembly located within a hollow cavity in the racquet stem. Colored tubes are placed in the stem that lead to and from the bearing assembly, and the colors of the tubes match respective colored indicia associated with string holes in the frame head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: EF Composite Technologies, L.P.
    Inventor: Rafael G. Filippini
  • Patent number: 7097576
    Abstract: A bearing assembly is at least partly disposed within the hollow stem or handle of a sports racquet. A plurality of curvilinear channels are disposed at different lateral locations in a direction which is at a substantial angle to the longitudinal axis of the racquet. For each channel there are provided a pair of ferrules through which string segments are strung from, and then back to, the string bed. Preferably the ferrules receive ends of tubes through which the string segments are strung. One embodiment receives most of the main strings of the sports racquet, while another embodiment receives all of them. In one embodiment the bearing assembly also forms the end cap of the racquet handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: EF Composite Technologies, L.P.
    Inventor: Rafael G. Filippini
  • Patent number: 7081056
    Abstract: A sports racket, for tennis and the like sports, has an elongated handle attached to a head having a racket face, which is spanned by a uniform string structure. The head has four sides, forming a non-elliptical shape, in which the opposite sides are substantially parallel. Longitudinal strings, all of which are substantially identical in length and run essentially parallel to each other, and transversal strings, all of which are substantially identical in length and run essentially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, span the racket face. The racket has a larger racket face than conventional rackets, while maintaining the length and weight measurements of conventional rackets, resulting in a very large sweet spot and more good hits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Richard A. Brandt
  • Patent number: 6935975
    Abstract: A sports racquet extending along a longitudinal axis. The racquet includes a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion defines a string bed area. The handle portion has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the handle portion is coupled to the head portion. The handle portion has a length and an outer surface. The handle portion includes at least two spaced apart channels. Each channel inwardly extends into the outer surface and extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis from the distal end of the handle portion and over at least a portion of the length of the handle portion. Each channel is configured for receiving at least one string and for guiding the string along at least a portion of the length of the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignees: Wilson Sporting Goods Co., Li Mao Sports Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Chin-Chi Chang, Po-Jen Cheng
  • Patent number: 6935974
    Abstract: A sports racquet strung with a bypass string pattern has a frame with a first side and an opposed second side. The second side of the frame has a plurality of spaced apart string anchoring points. A string bed including a string having a plurality of string segments each strung between the first side and the second side of the frame using the string anchoring points. The string bed includes first and second string segments that are adjacent each other on the string, substantially parallel to each other in the string bed, but are spaced apart from each other in the string bed by at least two other string segments strung substantially parallel to the first and second string segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: EF Composite Technologies, L.P.
    Inventor: Rafael G. Filippini
  • Patent number: 6852048
    Abstract: A string guide system is disposed within the hollow stem of a sports racquet and guides the continuous string at least through a turn for redirecting the continuous string back out of the cavity and toward the string bed. The redirection defines shared ends of a pair of connected consecutive string segments. The string guide system disposes the string segments at predetermined lateral positions along the width at least at the turn. In a preferred embodiment the string guide system includes flexible tubes which dampen vibration and aid in stringing the racquet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: EF Composite Technologies, L.P.
    Inventor: Rafael G. Filippini
  • Patent number: 6811502
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: Richard Janes, Po-Jen Cheng, William D. Severa, Gerald J. LeVault
  • Patent number: 6796916
    Abstract: A racquet for hitting a projectile has a stem, which is a handle or a shaft with a handle, and a racquet head with a frame extending from the handle and supporting a tensioned string bed defining a sweet spot. The frame has an upper portion on an opposing end of the frame relative to the handle and a longitudinal axis extending from the upper portion to the handle. The string bed includes main strings generally running parallel to the longitudinal axis and cross strings running generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The string bed has an upper end defined at an interior surface of the upper portion and a lower end disposed at an interior surface of a lower end of the frame near the handle. A length is defined from the upper end to the lower end of the string bed. The cross strings are only disposed at most within approximately an upper 70% of the length of the string bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: EF Composite Technologies, L.P.
    Inventor: Rafael G. Filippini
  • Publication number: 20040106480
    Abstract: A racquet strand clip for fastening a strand to a surface and a method for using the same, comprising a generally rectangular block with a narrow slot cut lengthwise through the block. The slot is cut through the block from top to bottom, and from one end of the block to a point approaching the other end of the block, thus creating an open end and a closed end. In operation, a user threads one end of a strand through a hole in a surface, then pulls the strand taut and slides the end of the strand through the slot within the clip. Upon releasing the end of the strand, the natural elasticity of the strand combined with the narrowness of the slot creates the contact pressure needed to keep the strand from slipping out of the slot, and to keep the clip pressed firmly in place against the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Craig C. White
  • Publication number: 20040005944
    Abstract: A package of racquet string includes a continuous piece of string which is divided into first and second portions. The first portion of string has a length which is sufficient to string one-half of the main strings of a game racquet. The second portion of string has a length which is sufficient to string the remainder of the main strings and all of the cross strings of the racquet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Wilson Sporting Goods, Inc.
    Inventors: Po-Jen Cheng, John B. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20030211908
    Abstract: A racket includes a frame portion and a string which is threaded through the frame portion to be interlaced so as to form a first set of parallel string paths, a second set of parallel string paths, and a third set of parallel string paths. The string is threaded through the frame portion via the first, second and third sets of parallel string paths so that the string forms an approximately planar racket face. The first, second and third sets of parallel string paths intersect each other by an angle of approximately 120 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Fujikura Rubber Ltd
    Inventor: Norio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6634968
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Yeh
  • Publication number: 20030190986
    Abstract: An improved ball launching racket has a flexible net disposed within a central opening of a racket by a plurality of removable clip and elastomeric band assemblies. The construction of the clip facilitates expedient mounting and removal of the elastomeric bands, thereby allowing a user to expeditiously change the tension in the net, which in turn, changes the launching characteristics of the ball launching racket. The clip construction promotes usage of elastomeric bands that are free from apertures or slits, so that stress concentration points within the elatomeric bands are eliminated, increasing the useful life of each band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Larry J. Nevers
  • Patent number: 6572498
    Abstract: An improved ball launching racket has a flexible net disposed within a central opening of a racket by a plurality of removable clip and elastomeric band assemblies. The construction of the clip facilitates expedient mounting and removal of the elastomeric bands, thereby allowing a user to expeditiously change the tension in the net, which in turn, changes the launching characteristics of the ball launching racket. The clip construction promotes usage of elastomeric bands that are free from apertures or slits, so that stress concentration points within the elatomeric bands are eliminated, increasing the useful life of each band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Larry J. Nevers
  • Patent number: 6540626
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Tsai
  • Publication number: 20030036449
    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:
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Ferenc Kuncz, Harold Kuncz, Igor O. Kuncz, Piedad M. Kuncz
  • Patent number: 6506134
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Fabio Paolo Bertolotti
  • Publication number: 20020165051
    Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for prewoven strings for sports racquets is described herein. Generally, the inventive apparatus and process allows a sports racquet to be strung or restrung quickly. The racquet comprises a handle and a head extending therefrom. A string for the racquet is prewoven so that it can be quickly attached to the racquet head. The racquet head may have a plurality of grooves defined in its inner perimeter. Alternatively, apertures may be defined within the perimeter of the racquet head. In one embodiment of the invention, prewoven string bed is disposed between a first frame member and a second frame member. In another embodiment, each string end is connected to a spindle, which rests in a groove defined in the racquet head. To replace a string, the spindle can be easily removed, and a new string can be attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: David A. Martin
  • Patent number: 6450904
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Yeh
  • Patent number: 6447410
    Abstract: A head for a lacrosse stick that includes a web for receiving a ball, the web being attached to a frame member of the head, and one or more tube-like woven or non-woven polymer shooting string elements extending transversely between side walls of the frame member and through the frame member, to facilitate pocket adjustment. The head may also include one or more tube-like woven or non-woven polymer thong elements extending longitudinally between the scoop and the stop of the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: STX LLC
    Inventor: William C. Crawford
  • Patent number: 6432005
    Abstract: A racket includes a frame, a Y-shaped throat integrally extending from the frame, a shaft integrally extending from the throat and a handle formed on the free end of the shaft. An end piece is attached to a free end of the handle. The end piece includes a rod integrally formed in the end piece perpendicular to a plane that contains the elements of the racket. The throat includes two hollow arms each having a slot defined to face the frame. The shaft and the handle are hollow. The longitudinal strings near the middle portion of the frame can pass through the slot into the shaft, loop around the rod and pass through the shaft and the slot to lengthen the strings. The lengthened string can absorb the reactive force and prevent the players from sustaining sport injuries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Ryan Lin
  • Publication number: 20020098925
    Abstract: A sports racket, for tennis and the like sports, has an elongated handle attached to a head having a racket face, which is spanned by a uniform string structure. The head has four sides, forming a non-elliptical shape, in which the opposite sides are substantially parallel. Longitudinal strings, all of which are substantially identical in length and run essentially parallel to each other, and transversal strings, all of which are substantially identical in length and run essentially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, span the racket face. The racket has a larger racket face than conventional rackets, while maintaining the length and weight measurements of conventional rackets, resulting in a very large sweet spot and more good hits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Richard A. Brandt
  • Patent number: 6402646
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and manufacture of sport rackets, and in particular to those of tennis rackets. The improvements herein also apply to rackets used as toys and for games. Particular focus is on the design of the string surface of the racket utilizing pre-woven strings, which necessitates a radical redesign of the racket assembly and the manufacturing process. The redesign also implies a change in the marketing of the racket and the strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Peter A. Wolf
  • Patent number: 6386999
    Abstract: A fielding practice bat is disclosed having a frame, preferably U-shaped, integrally connecting a head portion and a handle portion, wherein the fielding practice bat has a length, weight and balance equivalent to a conventional baseball bat. The head portion is generally tear-drop in shape and has a width no greater than 12 inches. In addition, the head portion is interwoven with a plurality of main strands of elastic tubing and a plurality of cross strands of elastic tubing. In the preferred embodiment, a single piece of elastic tubing comprises the main strands and cross stands of elastic tubing wherein the piece of elastic tubing is woven through holes in the frame. A forming grid is also disclosed comprising a matrix of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Craig C. White
  • Patent number: 6358165
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Benetton Sportsystem USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Davis
  • Patent number: 6344006
    Abstract: A sports racket, for tennis and the like sports, has an elongated handle attached to a head having a racket face, which is spanned by a uniform string structure. The head has four sides, forming a non-elliptical shape, in which the opposite sides are substantially parallel. Longitudinal strings, all of which are substantially identical in length and run essentially parallel to each other, and transversal strings, all of which are substantially identical in length and run essentially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, span the racket face. The racket has a larger racket face than conventional rackets, while maintaining the length and weight measurements of conventional rackets, resulting in a very large sweet spot and more good hits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Richard A. Brandt
  • Patent number: 6319158
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventor: Po-Jen Cheng
  • Publication number: 20010041632
    Abstract: 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 resistance 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, said fixing means 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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Fabio Paolo Bertolotti