String package for a game racquet and method of stringing a racquet

Abstract

A package of racquet string includes a continuous piece of string which is divided into first and second portions. The first portion of string has a length which is sufficient to string one-half of the main strings of a game racquet. The second portion of string has a length which is sufficient to string the remainder of the main strings and all of the cross strings of the racquet.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to game racquets, and, more particularly, to an improved string package for a game racquet and a method of stringing a game racquet.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A game racquet such as a tennis racquet, racquetball racquet, or squash racquet includes a racquet frame and a string bed, which provides a hitting face. The string bed includes main strings, which typically extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the racquet, and cross strings, which extend substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. In other racquets, the main strings are flared outward to form a fan-type pattern. Most tennis racquets typically include 16 or 18 main strings and 18 to 20 cross strings. Other racquets can include a different number of main strings and/or cross strings.

[0003] Many racquets, particularly high end racquets, are not strung until the racquet is purchased. When the racquet is sold, the seller generally strings the racquet for the buyer at the point of purchase. Many racquets require restringing after the racquet is used. For example, racquet strings can break during play, particularly when the initial string tension is high. In other examples, the racquet strings simply loosen, or lose tension, or wear during play and require replacement over time.

[0004] Racquet string is typically sold in a package that contains enough racquet string to string one racquet. Some packages contain one continuous piece of string which is sufficient to string both the main strings and the cross strings. A typical length for a single piece of racquet string is 38 feet. Other string lengths can also be used. Other packages contain two separate pieces of string. The packages containing two separate pieces of string typically include two strings of different materials and/or colors. One piece, typically of a first color or a first material, is used for stringing the main strings, and the other piece, typically of a second color or a second material, is used for the cross strings.

[0005] The conventional procedure for stringing a racquet with a single piece of string requires measuring a first portion of the string that is long enough to string one-half of the main strings. For example, if a racquet is configured for 18 main strings, the person stringing the racquet would estimate or measure the length of string required to string 9 main strings. The stringer then withdraws the estimated length of string to string one-half of the total number of main strings. This portion of the string is referred to as a first string portion of the string. The remainder of the string, referred to as a second string portion of the string, is generally allowed to fall to the floor and is typically not maintained in a neat coil. The stringer then uses the measured first string portion to being stringing one-half of the main strings. The stringer will typically firsts string the centermost main string using the first portion of the string and then string another centermost string using the second string portion. The stringer will continue to string the remaining main strings in an alternating fashion one string at a time or in alternating groups of 2, 3 or 4 strings. When the stringer has strung one half of the mains using the first string portion, the stringer then ties off the free end of the measured first portion. In this example, the second string portion is used to string the remaining 9 main strings, and 20 cross strings. The other or opposite end of the string is then tied off and cut after the last cross string is strung.

[0006] A package which contains two separate pieces of strings also typically requires the stringer to estimate the amount of string required to string either half of the main strings for one of the strings, and half of the cross strings for the other string. Use of two separate strings requires the stringer to tie off the string at four ends versus two ends. Many stringers and players prefer the one-piece stringing method, which requires only two string tie-offs.

[0007] Existing one or two piece racquet string packages and the methods of using such string packages have a number of drawbacks. Since most racquets, particularly high end racquets, are strung at the point of purchase, minimizing the time required to properly string a racquet is essential for satisfying the consumer and for maximizing the efficiency of the stringer. When stringing with existing racquet string packages, the stringer is required to take additional time to properly and accurately estimate the string needed to string one half of the main strings, or in the case of a two string package, one half of both the main and side packages. This step lengthens the time and effort required to string a racquet thereby potentially inconveniencing the consumer and reducing the efficiency of the stringer. If the stringer inaccurately measures, or simply fails to measure, the string before stringing, the stringer may determine during stringing that she has an insufficient amount of string to complete the stringing of racquet. If the stringer selects a first portion string length that is too short, the stringer will be unable to complete the stringing of one half of the main strings. Alternatively, if the stringer selects a first portion string length that is too long, the stringer will have a sufficient length to string the first one-half of the main strings, but will have an insufficient length of string to complete the remaining main strings and the cross strings. Further, if the stringer selects an excessively long first portion string portion, the stringer will not become aware of this error until the racquet stringing is almost complete. Such errors require the stringer to completely remove the string from the racquet and to restart the entire stringing process.

[0008] Also, while measuring the amount of string necessary to string one-half of the main strings and then stringing this first portion of the string into the racquet, the stringer will typically allow the remaining length of string, or the second portion of the string, to unravel and fall free onto the floor enabling the second portion of the string to become entangled with itself, the stringer, or with objects adjacent to the string.

[0009] Stringing a racquet with two separate string pieces requires the stringer to measure or estimate the an amount of string, required to string one-half of the main or cross strings, twice rather than once, and to tie off four ends of the string rather than two ends. This additional measuring can add to the cost of stringing a racquet.

[0010] Thus, there is a continuing need for a racquet string package and method of stringing a racquet that eliminates the need for the stringer to estimate the length of string required to string one-half of the main strings, or in the case of two separate string packages one half of the main and cross strings, before stringing a racquet. There is also a need for a racquet string package method of stringing a racquet that increases the efficiency of the stringer and reduces the time required to properly string a racquet. What is also needed is a racquet string package and method of stringing a racquet that reduces the amount of time that the racquet string is unbound and free to unravel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention provides a package of racquet string that includes one continuous piece of string that is divided into first and second portions. The first portion of string has a length sufficient to string one-half of the main strings. The second portion of string has a length sufficient to string the remainder of the main strings and all of the cross strings.

[0012] The continuous piece of string is advantageously divided into two coils. One of the coils contains the first portion, and the other coil contains the second portion. When the package is opened, the first portion of string can be used to start stringing a racquet without measuring the first portion.

[0013] According to a principal aspect of the invention, a racquet string package for stringing a game racquet has a string bed formed by several main and cross string segments. The racquet string package includes at least one racquet string and at least one marker. The single racquet string has first and second opposing ends and a first predetermined length that is sufficient to string the entire string bed. The marker is coupled to the string at a second predetermined distance from the first end of the string for separating the string into first and second racquet string portions.

[0014] According to another preferred aspect of the invention a racquet string package for stringing a game racquet has a string bed formed by a plurality of main and cross string segments. The racquet string package includes a single racquet string and first and second tabs. The racquet string has first and second opposing ends and a first predetermined length that is sufficient to string the entire string bed. The string includes first and second string portions of first and second predetermined lengths, respectively. The first and second tabs substantially releasably retain the first and second string portions, respectively.

[0015] According to another preferred aspect of the invention a package of racquet string for stringing a game racquet with main strings and cross strings includes a container, a continuous piece of string in the container, and means for providing a visual indicator of first and second portions of the piece of string. The first portion of the string has a length sufficient to string some of the main strings. The second portion has a length sufficient to string the remainder of the main strings and all of the cross strings.

[0016] According to another preferred aspect of the invention a method of stringing a game racquet having a racquet bed formed of a plurality of main strings and a plurality of cross strings includes the following steps. A single racquet string including first and second string portions is obtained. The string is provided with a visual indicator of the first and second string portions. The first string portion has a length sufficient to string some of the main strings and the second portion has a length sufficient to string the remainder of the main strings and all of the cross strings. Some of the main strings are strung with the first string portion and the remainder of the main strings are strung with the second string portion. The cross strings are then strung using the second string portion.

[0017] 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.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0018] The invention will be explained in conjunction with illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing, in which--

[0019] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a tennis racquet.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of the racquet of FIG. 1 without the strings.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a package of racquet string according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates the string of FIG. 3 removed from the package.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a racquet string according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a racquet string in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a racquet string in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIGS. 8 through 10 illustrate the stringing of a racquet in accordance with a preferred method of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates a pair of racquet strings in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The invention will be explained with reference to a tennis racquet 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. It will be understood, however, that the invention can be used with other game racquets such as racquetball racquets, squash racquets, badminton racquets, and the like.

[0029] The racquet 10 includes a racquet frame 11 that includes a hoop-shaped head portion 12 and an elongated handle 13. The handle 13 extends along the longitudinal axis or centerline CL of the racquet 10.

[0030] The head portion 12 supports a string bed 15 that provides a hitting surface. The string bed 15 includes a plurality of generally parallel main strings 16, which extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis CL of the racquet, and a plurality of generally parallel cross strings 17, which extend generally perpendicularly to the axis CL. The present invention is applicable to other racquets having other orientations of the main and cross strings in relation to the longitudinal axis of the racquet. In one preferred embodiment, for example, the main strings are somewhat inclined or flared with respect to the axis CL. The racquet of FIG. 1 includes sixteen main strings 16 and nineteen cross strings 17. However, the present invention is also applicable to racquets having any number of main or cross strings.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, the racquet frame 11 is provided with conventional string holes 19 through which racquet string is threaded when the racquet is strung. Some of the string holes 19 are configured for receiving the main strings 16, and some of the holes 19 are configured for receiving the cross strings 17.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a package 21 of racquet string for stringing a single racquet. The package 21 includes a container 22 and a single piece of string 24. The container 22 can be conventional and functions to enclose the string 24 so that the string 24 can be conveniently transported to sales outlets and stored until needed.

[0033] The particular container illustrated in FIG. 3 is formed from plastic film, which is sealed to provide an airtight or substantially airtight enclosure for the string 24. The film can be provided with a tear-off tab 25 or the like for facilitating opening. Many other types of containers and many other materials for forming the containers can also be used.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, the single piece of string 24 is divided into first and second string portions 26 and 27 (also commonly referred to as the short and long string portions, respectively), which are wound into first and second coils 28 and 29. An intermediate portion 30 of string joins the two coils 28 and 29. The first string portion 26 includes a first string end 31 and is secured by a removable tie or clamp 32 that prevents the coil 28 from unwinding or otherwise unraveling. The second string portion 27 includes a second string end 33, which is secured by a removable tie or clamp 34 that prevents the second coil 29 from unraveling.

[0035] The length of the first string portion 26 of the string 24 is preferably pre-measured for stringing one-half of the main strings 16. For example, the length of the first string portion 26, or the position of the mid-point of the intermediate portion 30, can be 10 feet, 11 feet, 12 feet, or any other length that is suitable for stringing one-half of the main strings of various sized tennis racquets. The second portion 27 is longer than the first portion 26 and has a length sufficient to string the remainder of the main strings 16 and all of the cross strings 17.

[0036] The length of the entire string 24, including the first, second and intermediate string portions 26, 27 and 30, required for stringing a racquet under the one-piece stringing method depends upon the size of the racquet and the number of main and cross strings 16 and 17. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the total length of the string 24 can be 40 feet. Other total string lengths can also be used, such as, for example, total string lengths of 32, 34, 36, 38 feet, or any other suitable length depending upon the size of the tennis racquet and the number of main strings and cross strings.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 5, in an alternative preferred embodiment, the string 24 can include a third tab 132 for indicating the approximate mid-point of the intermediate portion 30 of the string 24. Other types of indicating devices can be used in place of the third tab 132 for indicating the mid-point of the intermediate portion 30, such as, for example, a color indicator, a tie, a clamp, a tag, a notch, an indentation, a sticker or other marking or removable device.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in alternative preferred embodiments, the one piece of string 24, which is contained in the package 21, need not be arranged in two coils as illustrated in FIG. 4. Instead, the string can be provided with permanent or removable indicia for indicating the pre-measured first string portion 26 or mid-point of the intermediate string portion 30. The string 24 can be coiled or wrapped for insertion into a container such as the plastic bag 22 of FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 6, the string bears a marker 46, which provides a visible indication of the end of the first string portion 26 or the mid-point of the intermediate string portion 30. The marker 46 can be permanently affixed to the string, for example, by ink, paint, or the like. Referring to FIG. 7, the windings of the string 24 can be secured by a removable tie 48, or clamp.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, a preferred method of stringing a racquet is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 8, when a racquet is to be strung under a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tie 34 is removed from the first coil 28 and the first string end 32 is threaded through the string holes 19. Preferably, the first string end 32 is threaded through one of the pairs of string holes 19 nearest to the longitudinal axis CL of the racquet 10, thereby forming one of the centermost main strings 16. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first string end 32 and the first string portion 26 are threaded in the direction of arrow a from the lower end of the racquet 10 to the upper end of the racquet 10. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the first string end 32 and the first string portion 26 can be threaded from the upper end of the racquet to the lower end of the racquet.

[0040] The first portion 26 is preferably threaded substantially through at least one or both of the pair of main string holes 19 until the intermediate string portion 30 is adjacent the first main string hole 19 threaded by the first end 32. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stringer threads the first string portion 26 through the first pair of main string holes 19 such that either: the mid-point of the intermediate string portion 30 is positioned just outside of the first string hole 30 threaded by the first string end 32; or until the second coil 29 prevents further passage of the string 24 through the string holes 19.

[0041] At this point, the stringer has threaded the first string portion 26 through the racquet 10 to form the first main string 16. Preferably, this first racquet main string 16, and each subsequently threaded main or cross string 16 and 17, would then be tensioned to the desired tension. In alternative preferred embodiment, the racquet strings can be tensioned after every pair of strings is threaded through the racquet.

[0042] Because in the present invention the first string portion 26 is advantageously pre-measured, the need to first measure, estimate or determine the required length of the first string portion 26 (the length of string necessary to string one-half of the main strings of the racquet) is eliminated. Additionally, the risk associated with incorrectly measuring, estimating or determining the required length of the first string portion 26 is also eliminated. The present invention enables the stringer to immediately begin stringing the racquet 10 without having to take the time and effort necessary to properly measure or estimate the length of the first string portion 26. The present invention also eliminates the risk associated with incorrectly performing such a measurement or estimation. The stringer can proceed with stringing the racquet without fear or concern of not having a sufficient length of string to complete either the one half of the main strings 16 or the remaining one half of the main strings 16 and the cross strings 17.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 9, the stringer then removes the tie 34 from the second string portion 27 and threads the second string portion 27, preferably in the direction of arrow b, through the other centermost pair of main string holes 19 to form a second centermost main string 16. The stringer then preferably forms the remaining main strings 16 by threading the first and second string portions 26 and 27 through the remaining main string holes 19 in a generally alternating fashion one string at a time, or in alternating groups of 2, 3, or 4 strings. Arrows c through f indicate the continued progression or direction of the first string portion 26 forming one-half of the main strings 16. After threading the first half of the main strings with the first string portion 26, the first end 32 is then tied off into a first knot 36, and any remaining section of the first string portion 26 is cut off. Arrows g and h indicate the continued progression or direction of the second string portion 27 forming the remaining half of the main strings 16 as well as the remaining section of the second string portion 27 for stringing the cross strings 17. FIG. 9 illustrates the string 24 in an un-tensioned condition such that the full path of the string can be ascertained. As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the string 24 is preferably tensioned after threading each one or two string segments (or main strings). Thus, in a tensioned condition the string loops existing outside of the racquet would not be readily visible from a front view.

[0044] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the second tie 34 is not removed so that the second string portion 27 of string is retained in a neatly wound coil as the stringer strings one half of the main strings using the first string portion 26. This alternative preferred method of stringing eliminates any loose or unraveled string and therefore, reduces or eliminates the risk of the loose string becoming damaged or of someone becoming entangled by the loose string when stringing the first string portion 26. After stringing the first one half of the main strings using the first string portion 26, the second tie 34 is removed to release the second coil 29.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 10, the continued progression of the second string portion 27 in forming the cross strings 17 of the racquet bed 15 is illustrated. Arrows h through m illustrate the continued path of the second string portion 27 to form the cross strings 17. Once all the cross strings are threaded, the second end 33 is tied off into a second knot 38, and any remaining section of the second string portion 27 is cut off. In a manner similar to FIG. 9, FIG. 10 illustrates the second string portion 27 forming the cross strings 17 in an un-tensioned condition only for the purpose of indicating the full path of travel of the second string portion 27.

[0046] FIG. 10 illustrates the cross strings 17 being threaded from the bottom of the racquet 10 to the top of the racquet 10. In an alternative preferred embodiment, depending upon the racquet configuration and the stringing approach employed by the stringer, the cross strings can also be strung from the top of the racquet to the bottom of the racquet. Other approaches can also be employed by the stringer in stringing the first and second string portions, such as, for example, stringing one or more cross strings before completing the main strings with the first or second string portions.

[0047] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of the first string portion 26 is sufficient to string one-half of the main strings 16. However, in some stringing methods it is possible that the first string portion can be used to string less than, or more than, one-half of the main strings. The length of the second portion must then be sufficient to string the remainder of the main strings and all of the cross strings.

[0048] Some racquets are strung using two separate strings, wherein each string is made of the same material or of a separate material, and wherein each string can be formed in the same or in different colors. The first string forms the main strings and the second string forms the cross strings. In some two separate string racquet packages or configurations, each separate string is a sufficient length to string either the main or cross strings. These configurations, however, typically result in a large amount of unused or wasted string, which can unnecessarily add to the cost of the string.

[0049] Also, typically, even if the stringer has two strings of sufficient length, the stringer will still measure, estimate or determine each of the first and second strings in order to identify the appropriate length for stringing one-half of the main or cross strings, respectively. As a result, the stringer uses his or her time and effort to twice perform the measuring or estimating of the appropriate string lengths. These actions increase the time required to string the racquet and reduce the stringer's efficiency.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment of the present invention eliminates the need to measure, estimate or determine the required string lengths for stringing one-half of the main and cross strings by including first and second strings 50 and 52 having first and second markers 54 and 56, respectively. The first and second markers 54 and 56 mark or indicate either the mid-point of each string, or the length required to string one-half of the main or cross strings, respectively. The markers 54 and 56 can be permanent marks or indicia or they can be removable tabs or clamps. The first and second strings 50 and 52 can be packaged in a single package or in separate packages. The present invention also eliminates the risk of having an insufficient string length to complete stringing any portion of the racquet, and the associated time, resulting from an insufficient string length, to remove the installed string, and re-string the entire racquet.

[0051] While in the foregoing specification a detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention has been set forth for the purpose of illustration, it will be understood that many of the details hereingiven can be varied considerably by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A racquet string package for stringing a game racquet having a string bed formed by a plurality of main and cross string segments, the racquet string package comprising: at least one racquet string having first and second opposing ends and a first predetermined length that is sufficient to string the entire string bed; and at least one marker coupled to the string at a second predetermined distance from the first end of the string for separating the string into first and second racquet string portions.

2. The racquet string package of claim 1, further comprising a container for retaining the racquet string prior to use.

3. The racquet string package of claim 1, further comprising first and second tabs retaining the first and second racquet string portions, respectively.

4. The racquet string package of claim 1, wherein the marker is one of a permanent and removable marker.

5. The racquet string package of claim 4, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of a notch, a tab, a clamp and indicia.

6. The racquet string package of claim 1, wherein the length of the first racquet string portion is sufficient to string at least one half of the main string segments of the string bed.

7. The racquet string package of claim 1, wherein the length of the second racquet string portion is sufficient to string at least one half of the main string segments and all of the cross string segments of the string bed.

8. The racquet string package of claim 1, wherein the at least one racquet string comprises first and second racquet strings, and wherein the first and second racquet strings are configured for stringing the main and cross string segments of the string bed, respectively.

9. A racquet string package for stringing a game racquet having a string bed formed by a plurality of main and cross string segments, the racquet string package comprising: a single racquet string having first and second opposing ends and a first predetermined length that is sufficient to string the entire string bed, the string comprising at least first and second string portions of first and second predetermined lengths, respectively; and first and second tabs substantially releasably retaining the first and second string portions, respectively.

10. The racquet string package of claim 9, further comprising a package for retaining the racquet string prior to use.

11. The racquet string package of claim 9, further comprising a marker positioned between the first and second racquet string portions, respectively.

12. The racquet string package of claim 9, wherein the marker is one of a permanent and removable marker.

13. The racquet string package of claim 9, wherein the length of the first racquet string portion is sufficient to string at least one half of the main string segments of the string bed.

14. The racquet string package of claim 9, wherein the length of the second racquet string portion is sufficient to string at least one half of the main string segments and all of the cross string segments of the string bed.

15. A package of racquet string for stringing a game racquet with main strings and cross strings comprising a container, a continuous piece of string in the container, and means for providing at least one visual indicator of first and second portions of said piece of string, the first portion having a length sufficient to string some of the main strings, the second portion having a length sufficient to string the remainder of the main strings and all of the cross strings.

16. The package of claim 15 in which said first portion has a length sufficient to string one-half of the main strings.

17. The package of claim 15 in which said means for providing a visual indicator comprises at least one mark on said piece of string.

18. The package of claim 15 in which said means for providing a visual indicator comprises at least one tag mounted on said piece of string.

19. The package of claim 15 in which said means for providing a visual indicator comprises a first wound coil of string which contains said first portion and means for preventing said first coil from unwinding and a second wound coil of string which contains said second portion and means for preventing said second coil from unwinding.

20. The package of claim 19 in which said means for preventing said first coil from unwinding comprises a tie secured to the first coil and said means for preventing the second coil from unwinding comprises a tie secured to the second coil.

21. A method of stringing a game racquet having a racquet bed formed of a plurality of main strings and a plurality of cross strings, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a single racquet string including first and second string portions; providing a visual indicator on the string of the first and second string portions, the first string portion having a length sufficient to string some of the main strings and the second portion having a length sufficient to string the remainder of the main strings and all of the cross strings; stringing some of the main strings with the first string portion and the remainder of the main strings with the second string portion; and stringing the cross strings with the second string portion.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the racquet bed includes first and second central most main string segments, and the first and second central most main string segments are the first main string segments strung by the first and second string portions, respectively.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein the main string segments are strung with the first and second string portions in a generally alternating fashion.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein the some of the main string segments are first strung by the first string portion and then the remaining main string segments are strung with the second string portion.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein the string is enclosed in a container, and the method further comprises opening the container and removing the piece of string.

26. The method of claim 21 in which said piece of string has a first end which is in the first portion and a second end which is in the second portion, said step of stringing some of the main strings including the step of tying off said first end after said some mains strings are strung, said step of stringing the remainder of the mains strings and all of the cross strings including the step of tying off said second end after the cross strings are strung.

27. The method of claim 21 in which said step of providing a visual indicator comprises applying a mark to said piece of string.

28. The method of claim 21 in which said step of providing a visual indicator comprises mounting a tag on said piece of string.

29. The method of claim 21 in which said step of providing a visual indicator comprises winding said first portion into a first coil, applying means to the first coil to prevent the first coil from unwinding, winding said second portion into a second coil, and applying means to the second coil to prevent the second coil from unwinding.