SPORTS RACQUET HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND PALLET CAP

BACKGROUND

Sport racquets, such as tennis, racquetball, squash and badminton racquets, are well known and typically include a frame having a head portion coupled to a handle portion. The head portion supports a string bed having a plurality of main string segments interwoven with a plurality of cross string segments. Many racquets also include a throat portion positioned between and connecting the handle portion to the head portion. The handle assembly typically includes a shaft, a pallet and a grip. The pallet is typically positioned over the shaft and is commonly formed of a hard material, such as a structural polyurethane foam. The grip is typically helically wrapped about, and attached to, the pallet through the use of an adhesive. The handle assembly typically is formed with a generally octagonal transverse cross-sectional shape that produces eight elongate, generally planar regions along the length of the handle assembly. These generally planar regions are commonly referred to as flats. The eight flats are positioned adjacent each other and form eight elongate corners or ridges, which collectively produce the handle assembly's generally octagonal shape.

The use of two-handed racquet grips for making backhand and/or forehand shots is increasing. Additionally, many players are using a version of the two-handed grip in which the player's hands are spaced apart along the racquet. Many players when utilizing two-handed grips place their top hand above the grip of the racquet. Some even grasp a part of the throat area of the racquet. When a player's hand grasps the racquet away from the grip, the likelihood of the player losing control and/or feel of the racquet increases. The likelihood of the player's top hand slipping out of position also increases in such scenarios.

Accordingly, a need exists for a tennis racquet that readily accommodates two-handed gripping by players. What is needed is an improved grip assembly that reduces the likelihood of error, loss of feel and/or loss of control when using a two-handed racquet grip. There is a continuing need for a racquet with an improved handle assembly that can be adjusted to a player's game, hand size, and/or desired feel. What is needed is an improved handle assembly that can be used to optimize a player's game. There is also a need for a racquet having an improved handle assembly that is not a radical departure in look and design from traditional sport racquet designs.

This invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings described herein below, and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example sports racquet.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the sports racquet of FIG. 1, omitting a string bed, a butt cap and a grip.

FIG. 3a is a sectional view through a handle assembly of the sports racquet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3b is a sectional view of an alternative handle assembly of the sports racquet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3c is a sectional view of an alternative handle assembly of the sports racquet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front exploded view of another example sports racquet, the example sports racquet omitting a string bed, a butt cap and a grip.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the sports racquet of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom view of the sports racquet of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an example handle assembly of another example sports racquet.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an example handle assembly of another example sports racquet.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an example handle assembly of another example sports racquet.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an example handle assembly of another example sports racquet.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an example handle assembly of another example sports racquet.

FIG. 12 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of another example sports racquet.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example pallet cap of the sports racquet of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the pallet cap of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the racquet of FIG. 12 with the pallet caps positioned against a pallet of the racquet.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the racquet of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of another example sports racquet.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of another example pallet cap.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary sectional view of another example sports racquet including two pallet caps corresponding to the pallet cap of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of another example sports racquet including an example cap and a handle portion of a racquet.

FIG. 21 is a partially exploded view of another example sports racquet including example pallet caps and a handle portion of a racquet

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example sports racquet 10. As will be described hereafter, sports racquet 10 provides an adjustable racquet handle assembly permitting a player to customize the outer configuration of the handle according to his or her personal preferences. As will be described hereafter, sports racquet 10 utilizes pallet caps 16 which are mechanically interlocked to the handle to facilitate customization of the handle. Although sports racquet 10 is shown as an example tennis racquet, in other implementations, sports racquet 10 may have other configurations for other sports such as a racquetball racquet, a squash racquet or a badminton racquet. Racquet 10 comprises a frame 12, string bed 14 and pallet caps 16A, 16B (collectively referred to as pallet caps 16) (shown in FIG. 2).

The frame 12 is a tubular structure having a longitudinal axis 17 and comprises a head portion 18, a handle portion 20, and a throat portion 22 coupling the head and handle portions 18 and 20. The frame 12 is formed of a lightweight, durable material, preferably a carbon-fiber composite material. As used herein, the term “composite material” refers to a plurality of fibers impregnated (or permeated throughout) with a resin. The fibers can be co-axially aligned in sheets or layers, braided or weaved in sheets or layers, and/or chopped and randomly dispersed in one or more layers. The composite material may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers comprising a matrix of fibers impregnated with resin. In some implementations, the number layers can range from 3 to 8. In multiple layer constructions, the fibers can be aligned in different directions with respect to the longitudinal axis 24, and/or in braids or weaves from layer to layer. The fibers are formed of a high tensile strength material such as graphite. Alternatively, the fibers can be formed of other materials such as, for example, glass, carbon, boron, basalt, carrot, Kevlar®, Spectra®, poly-para-phenylene-2, 6-benzobisoxazole (PBO), hemp and combinations thereof. In one set of preferred embodiments, the resin is preferably a thermosetting resin such as epoxy or polyester resins. In other sets of preferred embodiments, the resin can be a thermoplastic resin. The composite material is typically wrapped about a mandrel and/or a comparable structure, and cured under heat and/or pressure. While curing, the resin is configured to flow and fully disperse and impregnate the matrix of fibers. Alternatively, the frame 12 can be formed of other materials including aluminum, metallic alloys, other composite materials, wood, or combinations thereof.

The head portion 18 forms a distal region 24, first and second side regions 26 and 28, and a proximal region 30, which collectively define a string bed area 32 for receiving and supporting the string bed 14. In one implementation, the proximal region 30 includes a yoke 34.

The yoke 34 is an elongate tubular structural member which extends from the first side region 26 to the second side region 28 of the head portion 18. In one implementation, the yoke 34 is integrally formed with the frame 12 defining the proximal region 30. In alternative implementations, the yoke 34 can be connected through use of adhesives, fasteners, bonding and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the yoke 34 can separated from the frame 12 by vibration absorbing material, such as, for example, an elastomer. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the frame 12 of the racquet 10 can be formed without a yoke.

In one implementation, the first and second side regions 26 and 28 downwardly extend from the head portion 18 to form first and second throat tubes 36 and 38 of the throat portion 22. The first and second throat tubes 36 and 38 converge further downwardly extend to form the handle portion 20.

In another implementation, the head portion 18 is directly connected to one or both of the throat portion 22 and the yoke 34 through the use of conventional fasteners, adhesives, mechanical bonding, thermal bonding, or other combinations thereof. Alternatively, the head portion 18 can be separated from one or both of the throat portion and the yoke by a vibration and shock absorbing material, such as an elastomer. In yet another alternative preferred embodiment, the head portion 18 is integrally formed with one or both of the throat portion 22 and the yoke 16.

The string bed 14 is formed by a plurality of main string segments 44 interwoven with a plurality of cross string segments 46. The main and cross string segments 44 and 46 can be formed from one continuous piece of racquet string, or from two or more pieces of racquet string. In the example illustrated, the head portion 18 of the racquet 10 is a tubular structure shaped to define a hoop 48. The hoop 48 can be any closed curved shape including, for example, a generally oval shape, a generally tear-drop shape, a generally pear shape, a generally circular shape and combinations thereof.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate racquet 10 without string bed 14 and without grip 68. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate handle portion 20 of frame 12. The handle portion of the frame 12 is also referred to as the shaft 40 or as the “hairpin”, and the shaft 40 forms part of a handle assembly 50. The shaft 40 is an elongate tubular structure that is preferably integrally formed to the frame 12 of the racquet 10. The shaft 40 provides structural support to the handle assembly 50. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the shaft 40 as part of the frame 12 is formed of a composite material that is an extension of the composite material used to form the hoop portion 18 of the frame 12. The composite material can be wrapped around a mandrel or a tube and shaped typically in a mold into the hoop portion 18 with the pair of end sections 52 and 54 of the composite material being positioned next to each other at the shaft 20. The pair of end sections 52 and 54 form a pair of generally parallel tubular cavities 56 and 58. The mold can be configured to shape the outer surface of the shaft 40 into a desired shape. For purposes of this disclosure, the phrase “configured to” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties the stated function/use to the physical characteristics of the feature proceeding the phrase “configured to”.

In one implementation, the shaft 40 can be configured with an outer surface that has a generally rectangular transverse cross-sectional area (FIG. 3a). After molding, the pair of end sections 52 and 54 form a common inner wall 60 that longitudinally extends along the shaft 20. The inner wall 60 further strengthens the structure of the shaft 20. In alternative preferred embodiments, the outer surface of the shaft can be formed to have other transverse cross-sectional shapes, such as, for example, other polygonal shapes, circular, oval, ellipsoid, irregular shapes and combinations thereof. The tubular cavities 56 and 58 can be hollow or can be filled or partially filled with a material, such as a cellular foam to adjust the weight of the racquet and/or to dampen the sound during use, and/or to dampen vibration of the racquet during play.

The shaft 40 is preferably integrally formed as part of the frame 12 with the hoop portion 18 as a one-piece structure. In alternative preferred embodiments, the shaft 40 can be formed as a separate component from the hoop portion, and then coupled together. The shaft can be coupled to the hoop portion through the use of intermediate pieces such as a throat portion, conventional fasteners, molding techniques, bonding techniques, adhesives or combinations thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the handle assembly 50 further includes a pallet 62, a butt cap 66 and grip 68 (shown in FIG. 1). The pallet 62 is a tubular structure that surrounds the shaft 20 and typically defines the general shape of the handle assembly 50. The pallet 62 can have a length that extends approximately 20 to 30 percent of the length of an entire racquet. For example, a racquet having a total length of 27 inches can have a pallet 62 with a length of approximately 7 inches (or 178 mm). In one implementation, the pallet 62 can have a length between 150 to 250 mm. In one implementation, pallet 62 is extended or elongated. In one implementation, pallet 62 has a length of greater than 200 mm. In one implementation, pallet 62 has a length within the range of 200 to 250 mm. In yet another implementation, pallet 62 has a length within the range of 200 to 210 mm. The extra length of pallet 62 provides a greater gripping length for handle assembly 50, facilitating enhance gripping by two hands, such as when the racquet 10 is being gripped during a two-handed backhand. As will be described hereafter, pallet caps 16 further assist in locating one's hands along the extended gripping length for handle assembly 50.

The pallet 62 is preferably formed of a light weight, durable, shock absorbing and vibration dampening material, such as a two-part polyurethane cellular foam material. Alternatively, the pallet can be formed of other durable, shock-absorbing and vibration dampening materials such as, for example, other cellular foam materials, non-cellular foam materials, wood, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, neoprene, rubber, silicon, a composite material, a metal and combinations thereof. The pallet 62 is preferably fixedly secured to the shaft 40 as a two-part foam that bonds to the shaft 40. Alternatively, the pallet 62 can be secured to the shaft 20 through thermal bonding, chemical bonding, fasteners, interference fits, snap-fit connections, and combinations thereof. The pallet 62 can be molded and formed over the shaft 40, or pre-formed and secured to the shaft 40. The pallet 62 can be formed in a variety of single colors or in multiple color combinations. The pallet 62 also typically maintains a polygonal shaped transverse, cross-sectional area over most of its length. Preferably, at least 80 percent of length of the pallet 62 has a polygonal-shaped transverse cross-sectional area.

The hardness of the pallet 62 can be varied by selecting harder or softer pallet material. The hardness of the pallet 62 affects the feel of the racquet by making the grip softer and more comfortable to the user, enabling a player to more readily feel by touch one or more flats 70 and corners 72 of the pallet 62, and facilitating the dampening of vibration and shock upon impact with a ball. The pallet 62 is preferably formed of a material having a hardness or a hardness value falling within the range of 20 on a Shore A hardness scale to 50 on a Shore D hardness scale. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the pallet 62 is formed of a material having a hardness falling within the range of 65 to 85 on a Shore A hardness scale. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the pallet 62 is formed of a material having a hardness within the range of 35 to 45 on a Shore A hardness scale. In other preferred embodiments, the pallet can be formed of a material falling within other hardness ranges. In addition, the pallet 62 preferably has a weight within the range of 30 to 40 grams, but in alternative embodiments, other weights can also be used.

The pallet 62 is formed with an outer surface that defines a plurality of longitudinally extending “flats 70”, or generally elongate planar surfaces, that are angled with respect to each other such that the outer surface of the pallet 62 defines a generally polygonal-shaped transverse cross-sectional area. The flats 70 have side edges that come together to form elongate corners 72 longitudinally extending along the pallet 62. In one preferred embodiment, the pallet 62 defines eight flats 70 and eight corners 72 and a corresponding generally octagonal transverse cross-sectional area.

The butt cap 66 is a cup-shaped body that extends over and covers a proximal end 82 of the pallet 62. The butt cap 66 preferably includes a sidewall 84 defining a cavity for receiving the proximal end 82 of the pallet 62. The cavity defined by the sidewall 84 preferably corresponds to the transverse cross-sectional shape formed by the outer surface of the pallet 62. Accordingly, if the pallet 62 forms a generally octagonal transverse cross-sectional shape, the cavity defined by the sidewall 84 will have a generally octagonal shape to extend over and matably receive the proximal end 82 of the pallet 62. The butt cap 66 further includes a back wall 86 that covers the end of the pallet 62 and provide a surface for indicia, such as a trademark or other forms of indicia. When installed onto a racquet 10, the sidewall 84 of the butt cap 66 overlaps the pallet 62 thereby making the proximal end of the grip assembly 50 larger than the remaining portions. The larger proximal end of the grip assembly due to the butt cap 66 is preferred by most players for facilitating the grip and play of the racquet. It also helps prevent the racquet from slipping out of the players hand during play. The butt cap 66 is preferably formed of a lightweight durable plastic material. Alternatively, the butt cap can be formed of other materials, such as nylon, wood, thermoset materials, thermoplastic materials, and combinations thereof.

The grip 68 extends over the outer surface of the pallet 62, over the support members 64, preferably over at least a portion of the sidewall 84 of the butt cap 66 and over pallet caps 16. The grip 68 is typically secured to the handle assembly 50 through use of a suitable adhesive tape. Alternatively, the grip 68 can be attached to the handle assembly 50 by other means, such as, for example, a conventional fluid adhesive, thermal bonding or mechanical bonding. The grip 68 is an elongate strip of soft, durable material. The grip 68 can be made of a leather, a synthetic leather, a rubber or other thermoset material. The grip 68 is typically spirally or helically wrapped about the outer surface of the pallet 62, the support members 64 and the sidewall 84. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the grip 68 can be formed of a semi-transparent, transparent, semi-translucent or translucent material that enables at least a portion of one or more of the support members 64 to be visible to the user through the grip 68. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the grip 68 can be a tubular member that is slidably connected to the outer surface of the pallet 62, the support members 64 and the sidewall 84.

The flats 70 and corners 72 of the pallet 62 are preferably visible and easily felt by a player while holding the handle assembly 50 with one or both hands. Players often rely on the feel of the flats 70 and/or the corners 72 to orient their grip on the handle assembly 50 during play, and to shift their grip positions during play, without having to look at the handle assembly 50. As will be described hereafter, pallet caps can enhance a player's ability to sense or feel the flats 70 and/or the corners 72 of the pallet 62 of the handle assembly 50 and thereby make his or her grip adjustments and re-adjustments more quickly and confidently.

Referring to FIG. 3b, in an alternative implementation, the shaft 120 can be formed of an aluminum or other metallic alloy. The frame 12 can be formed substantially be a single tubular body that is shaped to form the head or hoop portion of the racquet with first and second ends 152 and 154 drawn together to form part of a throat portion, and then positioned directly adjacent each other to form the shaft 120. The ends 152 and 154 of the tubular body are preferably hollow and define the cavities 156 and 158. In other preferred embodiments, the shaft 120, like the shaft 20, can be formed of the first and second ends 152 and 154 that are separate components from the head portion of the racquet, and can be coupled to the head portion through the use of intermediate pieces such as a throat portion, conventional fasteners, molding techniques, bonding techniques, adhesives or combinations thereof.

Referring to FIG. 3c, in another alternative implementation, the shaft 220 can be formed of a composite material about a mandrel or a tube in a shape that approximates the shape of the outer surface of the pallet 62. In the embodiment, the shaft 220 eliminates the pallet. The outer surface of the shaft 220 can have a polygonal transverse cross-sectional shape, such as an octagonal shape, and the recesses 74 can be formed into the outer surface of the shaft 220. The shaft 220 is preferably formed of a composite material, and therefore can be lighter and harder than a typical pallet. Alternatively, the shaft 220 can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, aluminum, a metal, wood, a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material and combinations thereof. The shaft 220 is preferably formed as one integral structure with the frame of the racquet. In other preferred embodiments, the shaft 220, like the shaft 20, can be as a component separate from the head portion of the racquet, and can be coupled to the head portion through the use of intermediate pieces such as a throat portion, conventional fasteners, molding techniques, bonding techniques, adhesives or combinations thereof.

Pallet caps 16 comprise panels, covers, overlays, capping members or other structures that are configured to be positioned against and over portions of pallet 62, between pallet 62 and grip 68, so as to alter the outer shape or other characteristic of handle assembly 50. In some implementations, pallet caps 16 are part of a larger set of pallet caps 16, wherein different pallet caps 16 have different characteristics, allowing a person to customize his or her racquet. For example, the outer shape of handle assembly 50 may be modified so as to provide a player with a more ergonomic shape and a more ergonomic grip and feel. The outer shape of handle assembly 50 may be modified so as to provide a player with a shape that better conforms to the size and shape of the particular player's hand or hands. In one implementation, pallet cap 16 can have a maximum thickness within the range of 0.5 to 10.0 mm measured from the outer surface of the pallet, and a maximum length measured with respect to the longitudinal axis 17 within the range of 0.5 to 3.0 mm. The thickness of the pallet cap 16 can be generally constant along most of the length of the pallet cap. In another implementation, the thickness of the pallet cap 16 can vary along its length. The outer shape of handle assembly 50 may be modified so as to provide a player with a tactile indication of those portions of handle assembly 50 that should be gripped during a particular stroke, such as during a two-handed backhand. In some implementations, the pallet caps 16 may additionally or alternatively modify a softness, hardness or resilient nature of selected portions of handle assembly 50. For example, different pallet caps 16 may have higher level of compressibility (the amount of force required to deform or deflect pallet caps 60 inwards a given extent towards the centerline of handle assembly 50) and/or different levels of resiliency (the rate and/or extent to which pallet caps 16 spring back to or towards their initial size and shape prior to deformation). In some implementations, different pallet caps 16 may also have different longitudinal lengths, the extent to which an individual pallet caps 16 extends along handle assembly 50, parallel to axis 17.

As shown by FIG. 5, flats 70 of pallet 62 include front/rear flats 302, 304, top/bottom flats 306, 308 and angled flats 310, 312, 314 and 316. Flats 302, 304 face in the same direction as, and are generally parallel to, string bed 16. Flats 306, 308 face in directions perpendicular to flats 302, 304. Flats 310, 312, 314 and 316 obliquely extending between flats 302, 304 and flats 306, 308. The flats 302 through 316 form an octagonal shape.

As shown by FIGS. 4 and 5, pallet cap 16A overlaps and extends along flats 306, 310 and 312 while pallet cap 16B overlaps and extends along flats 308, 314 and 316. Each of pallet caps 16 has an inner surface 320 and an outer surface 322. As shown by FIG. 6, in the example illustrated, inner surface 320 has a shape or profile that matches the shape or profile of the top/bottom and diagonal flats over which the pallet cap 16 extends. In particular, inner surface 320 has an inner top/bottom flat 326 and two inner diagonal flats 328, 330 which have shapes corresponding to flats 306, 310 and 312, respectively. As a result, inner surface 320 closely conforms to and abuts such overlaid flats.

Outer surface 322 has a shape or profile that differs from the shape or profile of inner surface 320. In one implementation, outer surface 322 comprises an outer top/bottom flat 336 and two outer diagonal flats 338, 340. In one implementation, flats 336, 338 and 340 are substantially flat and taper, curve or otherwise smoothly ramp down to the outer surface of pallet 62 along their edges. In yet other implementations, as shown by broken lines, each of pallet cap 16 may have an alternative outer surface 322′ which is thicker and/or has a different outer profile or shape. In the example illustrated, outer surface 322′ is illustrated as having a different, more bulbous or rounded shape and is also being further spaced from inner surface 320 such that pallet cap 16 has a greater thickness, providing handle assembly 50 with a greater size or thickness along the top and bottom faces of handle assembly 50. In the example illustrated, pallet caps 16 are identical to one another. In other implementations, pallet caps 16 may have different outer surface configurations.

The hardness of the pallet cap 16 can be varied based upon the desired feel and application of the handle assembly 50 and the hardness of the pallet 62 being used with the pallet cap 16. The pallet cap 16 is preferably formed of a material having a hardness or a hardness value falling within the range of 20 on a Shore A hardness scale to 100 on a Shore D hardness scale. In one implementation, the pallet cap 16 is formed of a material having a hardness within the range of 70 on a Shore A hardness scale to 90 on a Shore D hardness scale. In other preferred embodiments, the pallet cap 16 can be formed of a material falling within other hardness ranges, or combination thereof. Accordingly, a single racquet handle assembly 50 could have two or more pallet caps 16 with the same hardness, or different hardness values.

In one implementation, the pallet cap 16 can be formed of a durable, generally rigid material, such as a composite material. In another implementation, the pallet cap 16 can be formed of resilient material. In other implementations, the pallet cap 70 can be formed of other materials such as, for example, aluminum, other metals, foam materials, wood, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, neoprene, rubber, silicon and combinations thereof. In other implementations, the pallet caps 16 can be formed of different lengths, thickness, textures, hardness, materials, colors or combinations thereof. The weight of one of the pallet cap 16 preferably is within the range of 0.5 to 5 grams, but in alternative embodiments, other weights can also be used. Collectively, the group of pallet cap 16 on the handle assembly can have a weight within the range of 6 to 16 grams.

The pallet cap 16 can be formed in a variety of single colors or in multiple color combinations. Further, the pallet cap 16 can include indicia representative of alphanumeric characters, graphics, specification information, advertising information, source data, trademarks, certification marks and combinations thereof.

As further shown by FIGS. 4-6, pallet caps 16 are each mechanically interlocked to pallet 62. For purposes of this disclosure, two structures are mechanically interlocked to one another when one of the two structures has a detent 332 that receives a projection 334 from the other of the two structures such that movement of the two structures relative to one another is restricted in at least two opposite directions. In the example illustrated, pallet caps 16 are each mechanically interlocked to pallet 62 to restrict relative movement of the pallet caps 16 and pallet 62 in opposite longitudinal directions, directions parallel to axis 17, parallel to the length of handle assembly 50. Each of pallet caps 16 has one of a projection/detent 334 (schematically illustrated) while pallet 62 has corresponding detents/projections 332 (schematically illustrated). In implementations where projection/detent 334 comprises a projection, detent/projection 332 comprises a detent and vice versa.

Although schematically illustrated with a rectangular box, projection/detent 334 and detent/projection 332 may have a variety of different sizes, shapes and configurations so long as the detent receives a projection to restrict relative movement of pallet cap 16A, 16B and pallet 62 in at least two opposite longitudinal directions. In one implementation, the detent completely surrounds the projection and contacts or opposes side surfaces of the projection on all sides restrict relative movement in all directions parallel to flats 306, 308. In yet another implementation, the detent opposes two opposite surfaces of the projection in opposing longitudinal directions to restrict relative longitudinal movement, but permit transverse relative movement.

In one implementation, the detents are preformed into pallet 62 and/or cap 16 prior to mounting of cap 16 to pallet 62, facilitating easier assembly and alignment of pallet 62 and each of caps 16. In another implementation, the projection may have a pointed tip or edge, wherein the projection in the opposing surface have a hardness that allows the pointed tip or edge to cut into the opposing surface, creating the corresponding detent in the opposing surface. For example, in one implementation, cap 16 may include a projection having a pointed edge or tip that when pushed against pallet 62 cuts into in digs into pallet 62 to create the detent. In another implementation, pallet 62 may include a projection having a pointed edge or tip that cuts into or digs into and overlaid cap 16 to create a detent in cap 16.

In another implementation, pallet 62 and/or cap 16 may include a plurality of projections having pointed are sharp edges or points, such as a row or an array of teeth. In one implementation, the teeth may extend perpendicular to the flats of pallet 62 when cap 16 is assembled against pallet 62. In yet another implementation, the teeth may obliquely extend relative to the flats of pallet 62 when cap 62 is assembled against pallet 62. In one implementation, cap 62 may include two sets of teeth, a first set of teeth to be positioned towards or proximate to head 18 and a second set of teeth to be positioned towards or proximate to butt cap 66. In such an implementation, the first set of teeth is angled towards head 18 a second set of teeth is angled towards butt cap 66, providing enhanced gripping and securement of cap 16 to pallet 62 and enhanced retention of cap 16 against longitudinal movement of cap 16 relative to pallet 62. In such implementations, cap 16 may be positioned at a continuum of different positions along pallet 62 while, at the same time, inhibiting sliding or relative longitudinal movement of pallet 62 and cap 16.

In some implementations, at least one of the projection and the detent may be resiliently compressible during insertion of the projection into the detent, facilitating a high friction fit between the projection and the interior surface of the detent. In one implementation, portions of the projection may be larger than a mouth of the projection, wherein at least one of the projection and the detent resiliently compresses during such insertion through the mouth to snap together. For example, the projection may comprise a head that is larger than the mouth or throat of a detent that leads to a cavity larger than the head, wherein one of the projection and the throat of the detent resiliently stretches or compresses during insertion of the head through the throat, wherein the neck resiliently returns to a constricted state and/or wherein the head resiliently returns to a larger state once the head has been received within the cavity to additionally assist in retaining cap 16 in a direction perpendicular to faces 306, 308.

In the example illustrated, projection/detent 334 and detent/projection 332 are provided adjacent to or in flats 326, 306 or adjacent to or in flats 326, 308 of cap 16A, 16B and pallet 62, respectively. In other implementations, projection/detent 334 and detent/projection 332 are provided adjacent to or in opposing diagonal flats of pallet 62 and cap 16. For example, in some implementations, projection/detent 334 may alternatively be provided in flat 328 and/or flat 330 of each of caps 16 while detent/projection 332 is provided adjacent flat 310 and/or flat 312 of pallet 62, and is provided adjacent flat 314 and/or flat 316 of pallet 62. In some implementations, each of flats 326, 328 and 330 may be provided with a projection/detent 334 but each of flats 306, 308, 310, 312, 314 and 316 is provided with a detent/projection 332 that corresponds to the opposing projection/detent 334.

As further schematically shown by FIG. 4, pallet 62 of handle assembly 50 comprises a plurality or series of individual detent/projections 332 longitudinally spaced along handle assembly 50, along axis 17. Each of detent/projections 332 may be selected to receive projection/detent 334 of the overlaid pallet cap 16. As a result, the longitudinal positioning of each pallet cap 16 may be varied according to the player's preferences. In one implementation, both of pallet cap 16 are located at the same longitudinal distance from the end 344 of pallet 62. In other implementations, pallet caps 16A and 16B may be differently spaced along axis 17 from end 344. In some implementations, each of pallet caps 16 may comprise multiple spaced projection/detents 334 which have a pitch (spacing from one another) corresponding to the pitch of detent/projections 332. In such a configuration, the actual securement of pallet caps 16 may be enhanced. In one implementation, the number of multiple spaced projection/detents 334 may be less than the number of available detent/projection 332, permitting a user to selectively position each of pallet caps 16 at a selected distance from end 344.

FIGS. 7-11 are cross-sectional views illustrating various configurations of different pallet caps 16 on pallet 62. In the examples illustrated, pallet 62 is illustrated as having a configuration similar to that shown in 3c. It is contemplated that the pallet caps of FIGS. 7-11 can also be used with the handle configurations of FIG. 3a or 3b, or other handle configurations. FIG. 7 illustrates a sports racquet 410 comprising pallet caps 416A, 416B (collectively referred to as pallet caps 416). Pallet caps 416 are similar to pallet caps 16 described above in that they are mechanically interlocked to pallet 62 against relative longitudinal movement by projection/detent 334 and detent/projection 332 described above. Pallet caps 416 differ from pallet caps 16 in that pallet caps 416 completely enveloped or surround a cross-section of pallet 62, having thicker portions of the flats 306, 308 and thinner portions opposite to flats 302, 304.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sports racquet 510 comprising pallet caps 516A, 516B (collectively referred to as pallet caps 516). Pallet caps 516 are similar to pallet caps 16 described above in that they are mechanically interlocked to pallet 62 against relative longitudinal movement by projection/detent 334 and detent/projection 332 described above. Pallet caps 516 differ from pallet caps 16 in that pallet caps 516 completely enveloped or surround a cross-section of pallet 62, having thicker portions opposite to flats 302, 304 and thinner portions opposite to flats 306, 308. In the example illustrated, flats 302 and 304, rather than flats 306, 308, support detent/projections 332. In the illustrated example, flats 326 of pallet caps 516 extend opposite to and abut flat 302, 304 of pallet 62.

FIG. 9 illustrates a sports racquet 610 comprising pallet caps 616A, 616B (collectively referred to as pallet caps 616). Pallet caps 616 are similar to pallet caps 16 described above in that they are mechanically interlocked to pallet 62 against relative longitudinal movement by projection/detent 334 and detent/projection 332 described above. Pallet caps 516 differ from pallet caps 616 in that pallet caps 616 completely enveloped or surround a cross-section of pallet 62, providing uniform thickness about pallet 62 while still providing eight flats corresponding to the underlying eight flats of pallet 62.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sports racquet 710 comprising pallet caps 716A, 716B (collectively referred to as pallet caps 716). Pallet caps 716 are similar to pallet caps 16 described above in that they are mechanically interlocked to pallet 62 against relative longitudinal movement by projection/detent 334 and detent/projection 332 described above. Pallet caps 716 differ from pallet caps 616 in that pallet caps 616 completely enveloped or surround a cross-section of pallet 62, providing a non-uniform thickness about pallet 62 and having a rounded or curved outer surface, rather than outer flats correspond to the flats of pallet 62.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sports racquet 810 comprising pallet caps 816, while omitting and opposing or opposite pallet cap. Pallet cap 816 is similar to one of pallet caps 16 described above in that pallet cap 816 is mechanically interlocked to pallet 62 against relative longitudinal movement by projection/detent 334 and detent/projection 332 described above. In the example illustrated, pallet cap 816 provides a rounded thickness office to flats 308. In another implementation, pallet cap 816 may provide flats corresponding to the underlying flats of pallet 62.

FIG. 12 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of a portion of an example sports racquet 1010, another example sports racquet 10. FIG. 13 illustrates sports racquet 1010 without grip 68. Those components of racquet 1010 which correspond to components of racquet 10 are numbered similarly or are shown in FIG. 1. Sports racquet 1010 is similar to sports racquet 10 except that sports racquet 1010 is specifically illustrated as mechanically interlocking pallet caps 16 to pallet 62 against relative longitudinal movement with projection, shown as tab 1030 (shown in FIGS. 13 and 14) and detents, shown as grooves 1032.

Grooves 1032 extend into each of opposite flats 306, 308 of pallet 62 and are each sized to receive tab 1030. Each groove has opposing interior surfaces that face and contact opposite side surfaces of tab 1030 to inhibit or restrict relative longitudinal movement between caps 16 and pallet 62 when or while tab 1030 is received within one of grooves 1032. In one implementation, each groove 1032 can have a depth within the range of 0.25 to 3.0 mm and a width within the range of 0.25 to 5 mm. In one implementation, the groove 1032 can have a depth and a width each within the range of 1.0 to 2.0 mm. In other implementations, grooves 1032 may have other depths and widths.

In one implementation, racquet 1010 comprises at least three spaced apart grooves 1032. In one implementation, racquet 1010 comprises at least five spaced apart grooves. In yet other implementations, racquet 1010 may comprise a single groove 1032 or tens of grooves 1032. As the number of grooves 1032 increases, the resolution at which caps 16 may be repositioned decreases. In other words, the larger the number grooves, the smaller or more finite adjustments to the positioning of caps 16 may be made. In one implementation, grooves 1032 have a center-to-center pitch in a range of 2 mm and 30 mm, depending upon the number of groups 1032. In one implementation, grooves 1032 have a center-to-center pitch in a range of 5 mm and 20 mm. In yet another implementation, grooves 1032 have a center-to-center pitch in a range of 10 mm and 15 mm.

As shown by FIG. 13, each tab 1030 comprises an elongated rib or panel projecting from interior flat 326. Tab 1030 is configured to be received within any of grooves 1032 with interior flat 326 in substantial abutment with the underlying flat of pallet 62, either flat 306 or flat 308. As shown by FIG. 14, tab 1030 can be asymmetrically located between opposite ends 1037, 1038 of interior flat 326, being spaced from end 1037 by a first distance d1 and from end 1038 by a second distance d2 greater than the first distance d1. As a result, each of caps 16 may be simply flipped, or rotated 180° about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 17, so as to extend across different longitudinal extents of pallet 62 and handle assembly 50. The asymmetric positioning of tab 1030 provides cap 16 and racquet 1010 with greater variability and versatility.

For example, the tab 1030 can be positioned away from the mid-length position of the tab 1030 closer to a first end of the cap 16 than a second end of cap 16. By positioning the tab 1030 away from the mid-length position of the tab 1030 the number of positions the tab 1030 can take with respect to the pallet 62 increases. For example, if the user wants to place the cap 16 at a position that is the furthest from the butt cap 66 end of the racquet 1010 he or she can position the cap 70 so that the second end is furthest from the butt cap 66 thereby positioning more of the body of the cap 16 further away from the butt cap 66. Alternatively, the opposite is true if someone wants to position the pallet cap 16 closer to the butt cap 66, he or she can reverse the pallet cap 16 so that the second end 66 is closer to the butt cap 66 than the first end. In another implementation, the distances d1 and d2 can be substantially equal.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are sectional views illustrating one example of caps 16 mounted to pallet 62 of racquet 1010. FIG. 15 illustrates tab 1030 of cap 16A and tab 1030 of cap 16B positioned within a corresponding selected grooves 1032. In other implementations, either or both of caps 16A, 16B may be selectively repositioned any of the other grooves 1032. Moreover, as described above with respect to racquet 10, caps 16A, 16B cannot need to be positioned directly across and opposite to one another, but may be largely offset respect to one another.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view of cap 16 mechanically interlocked to pallet 62 against relative longitudinal movement. In the example illustrated, tab 1030 comprises tapering sides 1040, whereas grooves 1032 also include tapering interior sides 1042. The tapering of tab 1030 and the interior of each of grooves 1032 facilitates insertion of tab 1030 into a selected one of grooves 1032. As shown by FIG. 16, interior sides 1042 face and bare against at least one of the opposite sides 1040 of tab 1032 to restrict or inhibit relative longitudinal sliding or movement of cap 16A relative to pallet 62 in the opposite longitudinal direction indicated by arrows 1046. As further shown by FIG. 16, cap 16A extend over and across those unused grooves 1032 to cover such grooves 1032. In implementations where cap 16A is interlocked to pallet 62 at a location such that some of grooves 1032 are not covered by cap 16A (or cap 16B), grip 68 may cover any such remaining uncovered grooves 1032.

In one implementation, the pallet caps 16 can be fixedly secured within a respective groove 1032 of the pallet 62 through use of an adhesive. Alternatively, the pallet cap 16 can be secured within a respective groove 1032 of the pallet 62 through use of thermal bonding, chemical bonding, fasteners, interference fits, snap-fit connections, and combinations thereof. In another, alternatively implementation, the pallet caps 16 can be releasably, removably and/or replaceably secured to the pallet 62 enabling a user to periodically change, upgrade or otherwise replace the pallet cap 70 used with a particular pallet. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “releasably” or “removably” with respect to an attachment or coupling of two structures means that the two structures may be repeatedly connected and disconnected to and from one another without material damage to either of the two structures or their functioning.

The pallet caps 16 can be adjustably positioned about the pallet 62 to enable the user to position the pallet cap 16 in the location that best suits that's player's grip location. In one implementation, the pallet caps 16 are positioned below the grip 68. The user can simply remove a portion of the grip 68 remove the pallet cap(s) 16 from engagement with the pallet 62, replace one or more of the pallet caps 16 with a replacement pallet cap 16 or no pallet cap 16 and re-grip the racquet 10. The racquet 10 may come with one or more replacement pallet caps 16. The replacement pallet caps 16 can be of a different length, thickness, hardness and/or texture than the pallet cap previously or originally installed or positioned on the racquet. Players with larger hands may prefer longer and/or thicker pallet caps 16 and conversely, players with smaller hands may prefer shorter and/or thinner pallet caps 16.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of sports racquet 1110, another example implementation of sports racquet 10. Sports racquet 1110 is illustrated without butt cap 66 and without grip 68 (shown in FIG. 1). Those components of racquet 1110 which correspond to components of racquet 10 are numbered similarly or are shown in FIG. 1. Sports racquet 1110 is similar to sports racquet 10 except that sports racquet 1110 is specifically illustrated as mechanically interlocking pallet caps 16 to pallet 62 against relative longitudinal movement with projection, shown as plug 1130 and detents, shown as apertures, openings or holes 1132.

Holes 1132 extend into each of opposite flats 306, 308 of pallet 62 and are each sized to receive plug 1130. Each group has opposing interior surfaces that face and contact opposite side surfaces of plug 1130 to inhibit or restrict relative longitudinal movement between caps 16 and pallet 62 when or while plug 1130 is received within one of holes 1132.

As shown by FIG. 17, each plug 1130 comprises a cylindrical projection projecting from interior flat 326. In other implementations, plug 1130 may have other cross-sectional shapes. In one implementation, plug 1130 may comprise a narrower neck and an enlarged head, wherein the head resiliently compresses during insertion into a selected one of holes 1132 and then returns to its default larger shape to provide resistance against withdrawal of plug 1130 from the whole 1132. Plug 1130 is configured to be received within any of holes 1132 with interior flat 326 in substantial abutment with the underlying flat of pallet 62, either flat 306 or flat 308. As shown by FIG. 17, plug 1130 is asymmetrically located between opposite ends 1037, 1038 of interior flat 326, being spaced from end 1037 by a first distance d1 and from end 1038 by a second distance d2 greater than the first distance dl (shown in FIG. 14). As a result, each of caps 16 may be simply flipped or rotated 180° about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 17, so as to extend across different extend longitudinal extents of pallet 62 and handle assembly 50. The asymmetric positioning of plug 1130 provides cap 16 and racquet 1110 with greater variability and versatility.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate portions of sports racquet 1210, another example implementation of sports racquet 10. Sports racquet 1210 is similar to sports racquet 10 except that sports racquet 1210 mechanically interlocks caps 16A and 16B to pallet 62 using projections 1230A, 1230B (collectively referred to as projections 1230) which are received by detents 1232A, 1232B (shown in FIG. 19). Those remaining components or structures of racquet 1210 which correspond to components or structures of racquet 10 are numbered similarly and/or are shown in FIGS. 1 through FIG. 6). FIG. 18 is a bottom view of an example cap 16A, which is identical to cap 16B. FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view through racquet 1210 along axis 17, illustrating one example positioning of caps 16.

As shown by FIGS. 18 and 19, cap 16A comprises projections, shown as teeth 1230A and teeth 1230B. Teeth 1230A comprise individual spaced teeth 1230A arranged in a two dimensional array or grid of teeth 1230A. In the example illustrated, each of such teeth 1230A comprises a triangular-based pyramid having a triangular face 1240 extending to a peak 1241 and triangular sides 1242 which taper down to a point 1244 adjacent the underlying inner flat of the particular cap 16. In the example illustrated, the triangular faces 1240 of each of teeth 1230A face towards the closest and 1037, 1038. In the example illustrated, teeth 1230A are provided on inner flat 326 as well as inner diagonal flats 328, 330. In other implementations, cap 16A may have additional or fewer of such teeth 1230 or may omit teeth 1230A on either of flat 326, flat 330 and/or flat 328. In other implementations, teeth 1230 may have other shapes, wherein teeth 1230 have a pointed tip or edge.

Teeth 1230B comprise teeth in the form of elongated right triangle prisms having a sharp or pointed edge 1250 at the peak of the face 1252 extending perpendicularly from flat 326 and a rear face 1254 that tapers downwardly from peak 1250 two the underlying flat of cap 16 (flat 326 in the example of FIG. 18). Face 1252 faces in a direction towards the closest and 1037, 1038 of cap 16A. In the example illustrated, face 1252 of each of teeth 1230A faces towards end 1038. In the example illustrated, cap 16A is illustrated as having three such teeth 1230B along inner flat 326. In other implementations, cap 16A may a greater or fewer number of such teeth 1230 at the same or different locations. For example, cap 16A may alternatively comprise such teeth 1230B proximate and 1037 and distal end 1038, wherein such teeth 1230B face towards end 1037 rather than end 1038. In her flats 328 and 330 may include teeth 1230B. In other implementations, teeth 1230 may have other shapes, wherein such other shapes have pointed tips or edges.

Detents 1232A and 1232B (collectively referred to as detents 1232) comprise recesses extending into flats of pallet 62 and in which teeth 1232 extend. In one implementation, teeth 1232A and 1232B have shapes that correspond to the shapes of the teeth 1230A and 1230B being received. In one implementation, detents 1230 are preformed detents 1230 exist prior to assembly of caps 16A and 16B to pallet 62. In another implementation, pallet 62 is formed without such detents 1232, but wherein pallet 62 is formed from a material that is sufficiently soft, to form more compressible such that when caps 16 may be manually positioned against pallet 62 so as to cause teeth 1230 to cut into or dig into opposing portions of pallet 62 to form correspondingly shaped detents 1232. In one implementation, the compression or deformation of pallet 62 by teeth 1230 is permanent such that a player may exchange one cap 16 for another cap and made precisely relocape the replacement cap in the exact same position as the prior cap. In yet another implementation, the compression or the formation of pallet 62 by teeth 1230 is only temporary while caps 16 remain held against pallet 62 by the overlying grip 68 (shown in FIG. 1). In such an implementation, removal of grip 68 may allow caps 16 to were withdrawn, wherein those surfaces of pallet 62 previously cut into our dug into by teeth 1230 result the return towards their initial default shape (prior to being positioned against caps 16). In such an implementation, because pallet 62 resiliently return to their prior under formed state, a first cap 16 may be removed for replacing with a second cap 16, wherein the second cap 16 may be positioned at any of a multitude of different positions over pallet 62 without positional limitations that might otherwise occur had the prior detents from the first cap 16 remained.

As shown by FIG. 19, cap 16A and 16B may be positioned at different relative longitudinal locations along pallet 62 of handle assembly 50. In yet other implementations, cap 16 may be positioned at the same relative longitudinal locations along pallet 62. In some implementations, cap 16A and 16B may have different relative outer surface shapes or profiles, may have different relative hardnesses and may have different relative thicknesses.

Referring to FIG. 20, an exploded view of caps 116 and a racquet 1310 is shown. In the example illustrated, cap 116 is formed as a single annular body that slidably engages an outer surface of a pallet 162. The cap 116 can be configured of a resilient material, such as an elastomer, that bears against the pallet 162 but can be moved by a player or stringer when the grip is removed from the pallet 162. As a result the cap 116 can be repositioned to any position along the length of the pallet 162. In one implementation, the pallet and the cap are devoid of one or more detents and/or projections. In another implementation, the cap 116 can include a projection, such as the projection 1030, and the pallet 162 can include detents, such as the detents 1032 that resiliently engage and disengage each other as the cap is slid up and down the length of the pallet 162. In another implementation, the cap 116 can include a detent and the pallet 162 can include one or more projections.

FIG. 21 is a partially exploded view of racquet 1410 utilizing pallet caps 216. FIG. 21 illustrates one pallet cap 216 secured to pallet 162 with another pallet 216 exploded away from pallet 162. Cap 216 is similar to cap 16 described above except that caps 216 is configured to be releasably secured to pallet 162 at any of a variety of different longitudinal along the length of pallet 162 by a hook and loop fastener system or mechanism. In the example illustrated, cap 216 has an inner surface that carries one of a hook and loop patch or surface while pallet 162 carries the other of the hook and loop patch or surface. In the example illustrated, each of pallet caps 216 comprises a patch 1430 of one of a hook and loop fastener mechanism on an inner surface of each of pallet caps 216. Pallet 162 comprises elongate strips 1432 of the other of a hook and loop fastener mechanism. In the example illustrated, strips 1432 extend along a majority, if not all of the length of pallet 162. Due to the length of strip 1432, pallet caps 216 may be releasably secured and any of a variety of locations along the length of pallet 162. In some implementations, multiple pallet caps 216 may be secured to a single strip 1332 or multiple pallet caps 216 may be secured to each of strips 1432 at various player selected locations.

In one implementation, each of strips 1432 comprises a panel of loop material while patch 1430 comprises a panel of hook material. In another implementation, each of strips 1432 may comprise a panel of hook material while patch 1430 comprises a panel of loop material. Because strips 1430 is one of a hook and loop fastener mechanism, grip 68 may be wrapped about strips 1432 (absent cap 216) without the material of strips 1432 substantially impacting the outer profile of the handle as the hooks or the loops are compressed by grip 68, resulting in strips 1432 having a minimal collective thickness. The hook and loop mechanism facilitates repeated repositioning of cap 216 prior to wrapping of grip 68 over caps 216.

Overall, caps 16, 116, 216, such as cap 16 of racquet 10, racquets 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 1010, 1110 and 1210, cap 116 of racquet 1310, or cap 216 of racquet 1410 provide a player with the ability to customize his or her racquet to best suit his or her grip preferences. The use of the pallet cap 16 enables the user to vary the length, thickness, hardness values and/or texture of the pallet 62, 162 at the location of the cap 16 to provide a variety of different and unique handle assembly 50 configurations. Each configuration offering a unique ergonomic feel for the user. Caps 16, 116, 216 can also enable the handle assembly to reduce the shock and/or vibration felt by the user while enabling the user retain sufficient feel to properly, confidently and effectively properly grip the racquet, and reposition his or her grip of the racquet during play. Because cap 16 are mechanically interlocked to pallet 62, 162 against relative longitudinal movement, caps 16 are less likely to inadvertently slide or reposition themselves underneath grip 68 during play. Moreover, caps 16, 116, 216 may be more easily replaced and repositioned as needed without the fear that any adhesive will have lost its tackiness or grip due to age, moisture, sweat or the like. In some implementations, cap 16 may omit any and all adhesive, facilitating less complexity and lower cost.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.

SPORTS RACQUET HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND PALLET CAP

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CPC

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)