Patent Grant
9101801
The present invention relates to sporting equipment and games, and more particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a racquet for use in sports, such as tennis.
In tennis, the player uses a tennis racquet to execute a basic stroke. The tennis racquet serves as an extension of the player's arm. When properly executed, the racquet makes contact with the ball, strikes, and follows-through, to send the ball back on its intended direction of travel.
A tennis racquet is generally composed of a handled frame with an open head across which strings are arranged. Modern racquets vary in length, weight, and head size, but are generally about 24-27 inches. The head size and string bed gives power to a tennis stroke. A larger head usually means more power and more area for off-center hits, while a smaller head offers more fixed control. The string-bed pattern is also an important aspect, as a tighter string pattern allows more control and a more open pattern offers increased potential for power and spin. The handle length and grip size are also important aspects since the player must be able to grasp the handle to control the swing.
However, with a conventional racquet, the player's hand is displaced from the head of the racquet. This creates a larger distance between the player's hand and the intended point of contact. For example, a slight turn of the wrist will rotate the string bed into an upward angle. At this angle, after contact the ball will fly upwards and too far over the net. Typically, the player must focus on gripping the handle and following-through on the stroke with a straight wrist and forearm.
Unfortunately, it is difficult for players to learn how to properly use a racquet and gain skill in playing a sport like tennis. Therefore, it would be beneficial to produce a racquet that maximizes the contact between the player's hand and the ball. This permits a more accurate feel for the ball and produces a better stroke. A better feel allows for greater control, speed, and overall enjoyment of the sport.
The embodiments provide a new type of racquet that can be used in sports, such as tennis. For purposes of convenience, the present disclosure may refer to this new type of racquet as a “Direct Contact Racquet,” or “DCR”. As will be further described, the racquet is designed such that a player's hand is positioned generally behind the point of contact of the racquet. It is believed that this form of hand positioning produces a better “feel” for the ball and, for example, enables a more accurate tennis stroke by a player or user.
In some embodiments, the contact surface of the DCR comprises a string-bed that may resemble the “head” portion of a conventional racquet or other type of paddle for striking a ball, such as a tennis ball. In other embodiments, the contact surface of the DCR may comprise other types of surfaces such as a solid surface or a woven surface. Those skilled in the art will understand that any striking surface suitable for hitting a ball, like a tennis ball, a racquetball, and the like, may be used in the embodiments of the present invention.
In one embodiment, the head of the DCR may comprise a gripping member, such as a bar, that spans across the head and provides a gripping surface for the player's hand. In other embodiments, the head of the DCR may comprise various types of attachment mechanisms to couple a players' hand to the DCR. To use the DCR, a player may grip the DCR with their hand or wear a glove, which isolates and protects the hand. The glove may have mounting or attachment points designed to attach to the DCR. Gloves may come in different sizes to fit an individual's hand. The DCR can be one-sided, for forehand only or backhand only play, or dual-sided, for both forehand and backhand play.
In one embodiment, a racquet for use with a ball may comprise a first frame defining a string bed as a striking surface for striking a ball and a second frame, coupled to the first frame, defining a string bed as a striking surface for striking the ball. A cross bar is interposed between the first and second frames and is configured to accommodate fingers of the hand of the user. The cross bar also comprises a set of holes through which the user may insert one or more fingers.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.
The present disclosure describes a new type of sports equipment used to play racket sports with an enhanced level of “feel” for the ball. “Feel” refers to the sensation that the player of the sport experiences when making contact with the ball via the racket. Better feel generally provides the player with greater control of the ball trajectory and speed, and also greater enjoyment of the sport. The purpose of the new racket design is to spawn new variations of racket sports, as well as to provide new training approaches for existing racket sports, such as tennis, racket ball, badminton, paddle tennis, or squash.
In order to enhance the feel experienced by the player, the DCR is designed to maximize the contact between the player's hand and the ball, while still making use of a string-bed or other form of contact to provide a strike surface for the ball. Thus, while the hand does not come into direct contact with the ball (as it does in certain sports or games), the distance between the hand and the ball at the time it is struck is significantly reduced when compared to other racket sport equipment.
Furthermore, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the player's hand is tightly integrated with the strike surface of the DCR in order to approximate the sensation that the player is hitting the ball with his or her own hand, despite using the string-bed portion of the DCR to actually make contact with the ball. To accomplish this, the DCR permits the player's hand to be placed directly behind the string bed surface used to strike the ball. That is to say, the string bed is positioned between the hand and the ball.
The DCR does not make use of a handle, stem, shaft, or “throat” as is commonly found in rackets used for sports. Rather, as described above, the hand is positioned behind the strike surface, i.e., the string bed, relative to a ball being struck. In one embodiment, the string bed is held in place and the strings are kept sufficiently taut by a frame, which may resemble the portion of an ordinary racket known as the “head”. Since the term “head” is applicable for a racket with a handle, in the DCR design, the term “strike surface” is used to refer to this part of the DCR.
In the DCR design, the strike surface is not directly in contact with the bare hand. In one embodiment, such contact is avoided because direct contact with a player's hand may produce discomfort and or harm to the hand when the ball is struck due to pressure and friction. Instead, the player's hand is attached to the DCR substantially behind strike surface of the DCR, with sufficient clearance to allow for deflection of the strike surface during contact with a ball. In one embodiment, the player may grip any part of the DCR with their bare hand, i.e., without the use of a glove. In another embodiment, the player may use a glove to assist in gripping or attaching their hand to the DCR. The glove may also comprise features, such as cushioning, to protect the player's hand from excessive shock or vibration resulting from contact at the strike surface. The glove may be configured to sufficiently isolate and protect the hand so that the player can comfortably strike the ball.
For example, the DCR glove is made of sufficiently thick and cushioned material to provide adequate protection. This material could consist of, for instance, leather, cloth, nylon, or other materials commonly used to manufacture gloves. The glove may make use of multiple layers of material in order to provide additional thickness and therefore insulation of the hand.
The DCR glove may be equipped with or more “mount points” designed to attach to the strike surface. The strike surface has, at least, a partially rigid portion, which we will call the “strike surface frame”, or simply, “frame”. The frame presents one or more mount points of its own, which are designed to be attached with the mount point(s) of the glove. There are several possible methods of attachment between the glove mount point(s) and the strike surface mount point(s). The selected method of attachment places different requirements on the form of the mount points and the materials they consist of.
Some possible methods are: binding by glue or epoxy; interlocking mechanical parts, such as a tongue and groove with locking mechanism, or a rod-and-sleeve assembly with a pin to keep the interlocking parts together, a nut-and-bolt assembly, and the like. The mount points on the strike surface can either be separate parts that are attached to the frame, or integrated directly into the frame itself. For example, these mount points may be protuberances of the frame itself, thus requiring no additional mechanical parts
For the glove mount points, the mount points are more typically a separate physical part that must then be attached to the glove. The embodiments may comprise a number of approaches to attach the mount points to the glove. These include: embedding a part of the mount point within the fabric of the glove; using a glue or other adhesive to bind the mount point to the fabric of the glove; using a sewing technique to weave a thread through one or more layers of the glove as well as through threading holes (similar to a button on a garment) on the mount point.
In addition, the embodiments may provide shock absorption integrated into the mount points (e.g., springs or pads). In another embodiment, the frame may be a flexible and “shapeable” strike surface frame. In yet another embodiment, the strike surface may be a continuous strike surface (e.g., hard paddle instead of strings).
For purposes of illustration, the present disclosure provides various examples of a one-sided DCR. In particular, the present disclosure provides various examples of a one-sided DCR having a forehand configuration, i.e., the strike surface is placed on the palm side of the player's hand. Other embodiments of the DCR may be configured for a backhand type of stroke, i.e., the strike surface is placed on the backside or dorsal aspect of the player's hand. A one-sided DCR may be configured solely for a forehand or backhand stroke, or may be reconfigurable, such as with modular components for either a forehand or backhand stroke.
Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the present disclosure is also applicable to a dual-sided DCR, which can be applied for forehand and backhand play. Bonding or attaching two opposing frames may implement the dual-sided OCR. For example, the opposing frames may be fixated or detachable from each other such that both sides of the player's hand are provided with a striking surface. The opposing frames may be parallel when attached together. Alternatively, the opposing frames, when attached to each other, may be tapered or angled, for example, relative to each other. The angle of the opposing frames may be fixed or adjustable.
In addition, the opposing frames of the dual-sided OCR may be configured differently. For example, the forehand side of a dual-sided OCR may be shaped and sized differently than the backhand side. In some embodiments, the sides of the dual-sided OCR may be provided as a pair or provided separately to allow the player to select and customize each side of the DCR to their desired characteristics of play. Furthermore, the materials and construction of the dual-sided OCR may be modified in order to provide a desired weight, stiffness, and size. Other modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. For example,
The frame 102 provides a structural member for the DCR 100 and to provide a frame for the string-bed 104. The frame 102 may be constructed from various materials, such as graphite, wood, aluminum, steel, etc. The frame 102 may provide a striking surface of a suitable area for hitting a ball, such as a tennis ball, a racquetball, etc. In one embodiment, the frame 102 provides a striking surface of approximately 75 to 110 square inches. In addition, the frame 102 may be configured to have a desired weight, such as 6 to 12 ounces. As shown, the frame 102 may comprise a generally oval shape, e.g., similar to a tennis racquet. Of course, the frame 102 may comprise any shape, such as circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, etc.
The string-bed 104, in the embodiment shown, serves as an elastic striking surface for using the DCR 100 with a ball, such as a tennis ball. For example, the string-bed may be constructed similar to a tennis racquet, and thus, may use similar type of string as a tennis racquet. Such strings are well known to those skilled in the art. In the embodiments, the string-bed may have a range of mains and crosses, for example, 16-18 mains and 16-18 crosses. In addition, the tension of the string-bed 104 may be set in a similar fashion as a tennis racquet, such as approximately 60-70 pounds. Alternatively, the string-bed 104 may be strung with a lower or higher tension depending on the desired characteristics sought for the DCR 100.
The gripping surface 106 provides structural member for a mounting and gripping surface for the players' hand, with or without a glove. As shown, the gripping surface 106 may attach to the frame 102 at one or more points to provide structural integrity and to provide at least one structural component or member having a solid surface for a players' hand. The gripping surface 106 may attach to the frame 102 in various ways, for example, using one or more modular pieces along various slots or receiving holes provided in the frame 102. Of course, in other embodiments, the gripping surface 106 may have various sizes and shapes to accommodate a players' hand. In one embodiment, the gripping surface 106 may comprise attachment mechanisms for a glove, if used. The gripping surface 106 may be integrated with the frame 102 or may be a modular piece that can be detached from the frame 102. A modular configuration allows the DCR 100 to have interchangeable gripping surfaces that can be attached and detached.
The gripping surface 106 may be constructed from various materials, such as graphite or plastic that can provide an appropriately stiff and lightweight structure that is suited for a game such as tennis. In order to comfortably accommodate a players' hand with or without a glove, the gripping surface 106 may be smooth or have various features, such as knobs, indentations, and one or more bumps. As shown in
The strap 108 is a securing mechanism to hold the players' hand with or without a glove to the gripping surface 106. As shown, the strap 108 may generally span across the players' hand at the midpoint of the frame 102 using a buckle 116. The strap 108 may be secured by various mechanisms such as Velcro, clips, buckles, and the like. The strap 108 may be constructed from various materials such as nylon and may be elastic to permit stretching. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the DCR 100 may comprise multiple straps to secure a players' hand.
The wrist strap 110 is designed to secure a players' wrist to the bottom of the DCR 100. As shown, the wrist strap 110 may be a single strap that generally wraps around a players' wrist. Alternatively, in the embodiments, a players' wrist may be secured to the DCR 100 in various ways while allowing a relatively free range of motion for the wrist during play. In addition, the DCR 100 may employ multiple wrist straps to secure the DCR to a player's wrist and/or arm. Of course, in other embodiments, the DCR 100 may be provided without a wrist strap or wrist strap that is removable at the discretion of the player. Various other types of securing mechanisms, such as loops, bracelets, etc. may be used in the embodiments to secure a player's hand or arm to the DCR 100. The wrist strap 110 may be constructed from various materials, such as nylon, rope, rubber, etc. and may be elastic to permit stretching.
The glove attachment 112 may be an optional component for those embodiments in which a player wears a glove to use the DCR 100. The glove attachment 112 secures the player's hand when using a glove. In the embodiment shown, the glove attachment 112 may be implemented using a Velcro-like pad. In other embodiments, the glove attachment 112 may be implemented using mechanisms, such as a clip, a buckle, a locking tab, etc. Alternatively, for those embodiments that do not require a player to wear a glove, the attachment 112 may be a cushioned or tacky surface that assists the player in holding the DCR 100.
As also shown, the DCR 100 may comprise a lanyard or strap 118 as another optional component. The lanyard 118 may be provided in lieu of or as a supplement to the wrist strap 110. The lanyard 118 may be primarily configured to keep the DCR 100 coupled to the player's hand or arm in the event that the player has lost grip of the DCR 100 or to allow the player to let go of the DCR 100 while maintaining it connected to their person. The lanyard 118 may be constructed from well-known materials, such as nylon, Velcro, rubber, etc.
As also shown in
Referring now to
Of note, for purposes of illustration, the DCR 100 shown in
The DCR 200, however, may comprise a different configuration. For example, as shown, a gripping bar or arch 208 may span across the gripping surface 106 and may be attached to the frame 102. The gripping bar 208 may be straight, flat or arched to serve as an efficient gripping or resting surface for a player's hand. For example, as shown, the gripping bar 208 may be a convex arch that extends up from the string bed 104. Alternatively, the gripping bar 208 may have a concave arch that bends toward the string bed 104 (not shown). In yet other embodiments, the gripping bar 208 may be straight or angled with various profile shapes, such as circular, oval, rectangular, etc. The angle and curvature of the gripping bar 208 may be fixed or adjustable. For example, the gripping bar 208 may be a single piece that is integrated or detachable from the frame 102. In other embodiments, the gripping bar 208 may comprise multiple pieces that allow a user to customize the shape and fit of the gripping bar 208 to their hand.
The gripping bar 208 may have a relatively smooth surface or may comprise various surface features. For example, the gripping bar 208 may be contoured to accommodate a player's hand, such as in a groove or slot. In addition, the gripping bar 208 may have one or more areas that are cushioned or roughened to assist in holding the DCR 200. The gripping bar 208 may be constructed from various materials, such as metal, wood, graphite, plastic, etc.
Grooves or slots may be implemented in several ways in the gripping bar 208. In some embodiments, the grooves or slots are intended to hold or place the player's fingers. Accordingly, the player's fingers may rest in a contoured slot; insert into one or more holes optionally having padding; placed on the gripping bar 208 in a slot and held in place with a strap, loop, or other securing mechanism. Furthermore, these features may be fixed or adjustable to accommodate different players.
For example, as shown in
As another example, as shown in
Moreover, the gripping bar 208 may comprise various features that attach to a player's hand with or without a glove. For example, the gripping bar 208 may comprise one or more straps, one or more loops for the fingers, clips, and slots, that allow a player to lock their hand or glove to the gripping bar.
However, in this embodiment, the DCR 300 is configured such that a player's hand is attached via the use of one or more attachment links 302. In particular, a player's glove 114 may comprise various mounting clips 304 that attach to links 302. The links 302 may then span to a respective frame mount 306 on the frame 102. The frame mounts 306 may be fixed or movable on the frame 102. The frame mounts 306 may also comprise various tensioning mechanisms, such as a screw, to allow for adjustment of the tension on link 302.
The links 302 may be constructed from various materials, such as wire, plastic, rubber, nylon, etc. The links 302 may come in various sizes to suit different player's hands and to provide a range of tensions. The links 302 may be configured to have various elasticity characteristics depending on the desired playability and feel of the DCR 300.
In the embodiment shown, each finger of the glove 114 is provided it's own link 302. In other embodiments, the fingers of the glove 114 may share one or more links. In yet other embodiments, only certain fingers of the glove 114, such as the thumb, forefinger, etc., may be provided a link 302. Any combination of these configurations is considered to be within the principles of the present invention.
The DCR 400, however, may comprise a different configuration. For example, as shown, a gripping bar or arch 402 may span across and may be attached to the frame 102. The gripping bar 402 may be flat or arched to serve as an efficient gripping or resting surface for a player's hand. For example, as shown, the gripping bar 402 may be a convex arch that extends up from the string bed 104. Alternatively, the gripping bar 402 may have a concave arch that bends toward the string bed 104 (not shown).
The gripping bar 402 may be sized and shaped to allow a player to wrap their fingers around the bar 402 or to simply grasp the bar 402. In other embodiments, the gripping bar 402 may provide various attachment mechanisms, such as holes, finger loops, clips, and slots that allow a player to securely fix their hand with or without a glove on the gripping bar 402. The gripping bar 402 may be constructed from various materials, such as metal, wood, graphite, plastic, etc.
The angle and curvature of the gripping bar 402 may be fixed or adjustable. The gripping bar 402 may be a single piece that is integrated or detachable from the frame 102. In other embodiments, the gripping bar 402 may comprise multiple pieces that allow a user to customize the shape and fit of the gripping bar 402 to their hand. The gripping bar 402 may also be fixed to single position on the frame 102, or may be provided on a range of positions on the frame 102 to suit a specific player.
The gripping bar 402 may have a relatively smooth surface or may comprise various surface features. For example, the gripping bar 402 may be contoured to accommodate a player's hand, such as in a groove or slot. In addition, the gripping bar 402 may have one or more areas that are cushioned or roughened to assist in holding the DCR 400.
In other embodiments of the DCR, a less expansive plate or form of gripping surface 106 may be employed to allow placement of the player's hand (with or without a glove) above the string bed with a minimal structure. For example, a smaller gripping surface 106 may be provided for the base of the palm and attached at or near the base of the frame 102. In these embodiments, the fingertips or portion of the fingers would reside in holes on the gripping bar or rest in slots or grooves on the gripping bar and the base of the palm may rest on the gripping surface 106 at the base of the frame 102. These pieces, such as the one for the palm, may be contoured and/or cushioned. The pieces may be constructed from a variety of materials, such as plastic, graphite, rubber, etc., and padded, such as with leather. The palm-resting piece on the gripping surface 106 may be sized to avoid overlapping the string bed 104 or overlap the string bed 104 minimally.
For example, as shown in
As shown, the gripping bar 1100 may generally comprise a curved structure to accommodate the shape of a player's hand and have sufficient width to allow a player to rest the majority of their hand. As also shown, the gripping bar 1100 may comprise holes or slots 1102 to accommodate the fingers of a player's hand, with or without a glove.
In addition, in this embodiment, finger caps 1104 are provided on the gripping bar 1100 to accommodate the fingers of the player. Furthermore, a wrist groove 1106 and wrist strap 1108 may be provided to accommodate and secure a player's wrist to the direct contact racquet. Although one strap is shown, any number of straps may be provided.
Furthermore, the gripping surface 106 may comprise a perforated member 1110. The member 1110 may be perforated with holes of various sizes, for example, to accommodate attachments to secure the player's hand, such as laces, loops, pedestals, etc. Such attachment features are also shown with reference to
The perforated member 1110 may be constructed from various materials, such as metal, wood, plastic, etc. In addition, the perforated member 1110 may comprise cushioning, such as a rubber, foam, leather, gel, etc. to provide comfort. The perforated member 1110 may be an integral piece of the gripping surface 106 or may be a detachable component of the gripping surface.
The wrist bar 1202 provides a resting surface for the player's palm and wrist. The wrist bar 1202 may be shaped in various ways to provide for comfort and assist in attaching a player's hand to the DCR 100. For example, the wrist bar 1202 may comprise a groove that fits around the player's wrist. In addition, the wrist bar 1202 may comprise one or more cushions for the player's palm and wrist. Furthermore, the wrist bar 1202 may be provided one or more straps (not shown) that wrap around the player's hand and/or wrist.
The palm surface 1300 provides a resting surface for a player's hand and provides structural support for the finger extensions 1302, 1304, and 1306. The palm surface 130 may comprise various features, such as a cushion, or Velcro, to assist in comfort and attachment of the player's hand, with or without a glove.
Finger extension 1302 provides a resting structure for a player's thumb. Finger extension 1304 may provide a resting structure for a player's index and middle fingers. Finger extension 1306 may provide a resting structure for a player's ring finger and pinky finger. The finger extensions 1302, 1304, and 1306 may comprise various features for attaching a player's finger. For example, finger extensions 1302, 1304, and 1306 may comprise holes or slots (not shown) for holding a player's fingers. Alternatively, the player's hand may be attached to the gripping surface 106 in various ways.
Finger extensions 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608, and 1610 provide a resting structure for individual fingers of the player. As shown, in one embodiment, the finger extensions 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608, and 1610 may extend from the palm surface 1600 and attach at respective locations on frame 102. In one embodiment, the finger extensions 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608, and 1610 may comprise pads or cushions for the player's fingers. In addition, the finger extensions 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608, and 1610 may comprise various features for attaching a player's finger. For example, the finger extensions 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608, and 1610 may comprise holes or slots (not shown) for holding a player's fingers. Alternatively, the player's fingers may be attached to the finger extensions 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608, and 1610 in various ways.
In addition, the frame 104 may comprise a wrist pad 1702 for accommodating the player's wrist. The wrist pad 1702 may extend from the frame 102 and may have variety of lengths to accommodate the player's wrist and/or arm. A strap 1704 may also be provided on the wrist pad 1702. Any number of straps may be provided on the wrist pad 1702 depending on its length.
In addition, the gripping bar 1800 may comprise various features, such as a cushion, slots, and the like, to provide for comfort and attachment of the player's hand, with or without a glove. The player's hand may be attached to gripping bar 1800 in various ways.
The gripping surface 106 may comprise various features for comfort and attachment. For example, the gripping surface 106 may comprise a palm pad or cushion 2000. In addition, the gripping surface 106 may provide a surface for accommodating the player's wrist. The gripping surface 106 may comprise a groove or slot (not shown) for conforming to the player's wrist and/or arm. Furthermore, the gripping surface 106 may comprise one or more straps (not shown) to attach the player's hand to the gripping surface 106.
Finger extensions 2202, 2204, 2206, 2208, and 2210 provide a resting structure for individual fingers of the player. As shown, in one embodiment, the finger extensions 2202, 2204, 2206, 2208, and 2210 may extend from the palm surface 2200 and attach at respective locations on frame 102. In one embodiment, the finger extensions 2202, 2204, 2206, 2208, and 2210 may comprise pads or cushions for the player's fingers. In addition, the finger extensions 2202, 2204, 2206, 2208, and 2210 may comprise various features for attaching a player's finger. For example, the finger extensions 2202, 2204, 2206, 2208, and 2210 may comprise holes or slots (not shown) for holding a player's fingers. Alternatively, the player's fingers may be attached to the finger extensions 2202, 2204, 2206, 2208, and 2210 in various ways.
In addition, the frame 102 may comprise a wrist groove 2212 for accommodating the player's wrist. The wrist groove 2212 may extend from the frame 102 and may have variety of lengths to accommodate the player's wrist and/or arm. As shown, the wrist groove 2212 may comprise a cushion for providing comfort to the player's wrist and/or arm.
A strap 2214 (as shown in
Finger extensions 2302, 2304, 2306, 2308, and 2310 provide a resting structure for individual fingers of the player and attach to the frame 102. Any number of the finger extensions may attach to the frame 102. For example, as shown, in one embodiment, the finger extensions 2302, 2304, 2306, and 2310 may extend from the palm surface 2200 and attach at respective locations on frame 102. In this embodiment, the finger extension 2308, i.e., for a player's ring finger does not attach to the frame 102.
In one embodiment, the finger extensions 2302, 2304, 2306, 2308, and 2310 may comprise pads or cushions for the player's fingers. In addition, the finger extensions 2302, 2304, 2306, 2308, and 2310 may comprise various features for attaching a player's finger. For example, the finger extensions 2302, 2304, 2306, 2308, and 2310 may comprise holes or slots (not shown) for holding a player's fingers. Alternatively, the player's fingers may be attached to the finger extensions 2302, 2304, 2306, 2308, and 2310 in various ways.
As shown, the extension 2402 may extend at an angle from the palm surface 2400 to accommodate a player's thumb and attaches to the frame 102. Likewise, extension 2404 provides a resting structure for one or more of the other fingers of the player and also attaches to the frame 102. In one embodiment, the extensions 2402 and 2404 may comprise pads or cushions for the player's fingers. In addition, the extensions 2402 and 2404 may comprise various features for attaching a player's finger. For example, the extensions 2402 and 2404 may comprise holes or slots (not shown) for holding a player's fingers. Alternatively, the player's fingers may be attached to the extensions 2402 and 2404 in various ways.
In addition, the frame 102 may comprise a wrist groove 2406 for accommodating the player's wrist. The wrist groove 2406 may extend from the frame 102 and may have variety of lengths to accommodate the player's wrist and/or arm. The wrist groove 2212 may comprise a cushion for providing comfort to the player's wrist and/or arm. A strap may also be provided on the wrist groove 2406. Any number of straps may be provided on the wrist groove 2406 depending on its length.
As shown, the extension 2502 may extend at an angle from the palm surface 2500 to accommodate a player's thumb and extends from the frame 102. Likewise, extension 2504 provides a resting structure for one or more of the other fingers of the player and also attaches at two locations to the frame 102. In one embodiment, the extensions 2502 and 2504 may comprise pads or cushions for the player's fingers. In addition, the extensions 2502 and 2502 may comprise various features for attaching a player's finger. For example, the extensions 2502 and 2504 may comprise holes or slots (not shown) for holding a player's fingers. Alternatively, as shown in
As shown, the connecting structures 2602, 2604, 2606, 2608, and 2610 are placed to be substantially inline with a player's thumb and fingers to provide structural support for the gripping structure 106. In one embodiment, as shown, the gripping surface 106 may comprise pads or cushions for the player's fingers. In addition, the gripping surface 106 comprises various features for attaching a player's finger. For example, the gripping surface 106 may comprise holes or slots (not shown) for holding a player's fingers.
In addition, as shown, the frame 102 may comprise finger extensions 2702, 2704, 2706, 2708, and 2710 that provide a resting structure for the fingertips of the player's hand. In this embodiment, a gap is provided between the gripping surface 106 for the player's palm and finger extensions 2702, 2704, 2706, 2708, and 2710. Finger extensions 2702, 2704, 2706, 2708, and 2710 may comprise pads or cushions for the player's fingers. In addition, the finger extensions 2702, 2704, 2706, 2708, and 2710 may comprise various features for attaching a player's finger. For example, the finger extensions 2702, 2704, 2706, 2708, and 2710 may comprise holes or slots (not shown) for holding a player's fingers.
The straps 2806 may be constructed from various materials, such as wire, plastic, rubber, nylon, etc. The straps 2806 may come in various sizes to suit different player's hands and to provide a range of tensions. The straps 2806 may be configured to be rigid or to have various elasticity characteristics depending on the desired playability and feel of the DCR. In one embodiment, the straps 2806 are constructed from a metal or plastic to provide a rigid connection. Alternatively, the straps 2806 may be constructed from an elastic material, such as rubber or nylon.
In another embodiment, the glove 2802 may have a plastic (or other material) clip at its fingertips that would clip into a receptacle on the frame 102, or an extension of the frame, such as mounts 2804. The clips may be attached to the fingertips by various means, such as by an adhesive or stitching. In this embodiment, portions of the frame 102 are extended by mounts 2804 to almost meet the fingers of glove 2802. To provide an attachment mechanism, the mounts 2803 may comprise female receptacle (not shown) that mates to a male clip on the tip of each finger of the glove 2802. Alternatively, the male and female connections may be reversed, i.e., the male clip may be provided on mounts 2803 and the female clip may be provided on the tips of glove 2802. Any form of fastener or attachment may be used in this embodiment
In the embodiment shown, each finger of the glove 2802 is provided it's own link 2806. In other embodiments, the fingers of the glove 2802 may share one or more links. In yet other embodiments, only certain fingers of the glove, such as the thumb, forefinger, etc., may be provided a strap.
In addition, the mounts 2804 extend and connect to a gripping surface 2806. The gripping surface 2806 may also comprise holes or slots 2808 holding the fingers of the player. Furthermore, the gripping surface 2806 may comprise loops, caps, etc., (not shown) in which a player may insert their fingers.
The finger pocket 3400 may provide one or more walls to separate the player's fingers or may provide a common pocket for multiple fingers. The finger pocket 3400 may be attached to the gripping surface 106 (not shown in
In the embodiments, the pedestals 3600 may be provided in various sizes and shapes to suit individual players. In addition, the pedestals 3600 may comprise various features for comfort, such as cushions.
In addition, the loop 3700 may comprise various features for comfort, such as cushioned backing or a cutout. The hand loop 3700 may be constructed from various materials, such as plastic, rubber, etc., alone or in combination.
As shown, the gripping surface 106 may comprise a palm rest 3806 to provide a resting surface for the player's hand. In addition, a cross bar 3808 (or gripping bar) may be provided between the frames 3802 and 3804. In the embodiment shown, the cross bar 3808 may comprise finger holes in which the player may insert one or more of their fingers. The finger holes may comprise various features such as cushioning or pads for the comfort of the player. In addition, the finger holes may be adjustable in size to accommodate different sizes or different numbers of fingers.
The cross bar 3808 may be configured with various widths to enclose different lengths of the player's fingers. For example, as shown in
The cross bar 3808 may be detachable from either of frames 3802 and 3804 for adjustment and/or replacement. In the embodiment shown, the cross bar 3808 is configured as a vertical piece. However, in other embodiments, the cross bar 3808 may be angled depending on the desired positioning of the player's fingers in the cross bar 3808.
As shown, the cross bar 3808 may have various shapes to accommodate the individual fingers of the user or player. For example, the cross bar 3808 may have a shape that thickens depending on the length of the finger or curves to present an ergonomic interface to each finger. In one embodiment, the fingers may protrude through the cross bar 3808 such that the fingertips are exposed. In another embodiment, the cross bar 3808 may be contoured and shaped to enclose the fingers of the user or player.
The features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Although certain embodiments have been disclosed, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments, which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure.
The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/474,363, filed Apr. 12, 2011, entitled “DIRECT CONTACT RACQUET,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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