U.S. patent application number 13/794924 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for racquet display system.
This patent application is currently assigned to WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO.. The applicant listed for this patent is WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO.. Invention is credited to Thomas Gruger, Jake R. Vail, Molly M. Wallace.
Application Number | 20140263119 13/794924 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51522816 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140263119 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gruger; Thomas ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
RACQUET DISPLAY SYSTEM
Abstract
A racquet display system wherein of the racquets includes a head
portion and a handle portion and optionally a throat portion. The
head portion of each of the racquets defines a string bed plane.
The system includes a first horizontally extending support
configured to engage the racquets at first contact points, a second
horizontally extending support configured to engage the racquets at
second contact points, and a first spacing assembly. The first and
second contact points define first and second average heights. The
first height is greater than the second height. The system supports
the racquets such that the string bed planes are vertical, and
parallel with respect to each other. The handle portions of the
racquets extend in a direction perpendicular to the first and
second supports. Each of the handle portions extends at an angle
within the range of 0 to 80 degrees with respect to horizontal.
Inventors: |
Gruger; Thomas; (Evanston,
IL) ; Wallace; Molly M.; (Wheaton, IL) ; Vail;
Jake R.; (Streamwood, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO. |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO.
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
51522816 |
Appl. No.: |
13/794924 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/85.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/0028
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/85.7 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00 |
Claims
1. A racquet display system for displaying a first plurality of
sports racquets in an area having a floor, each of the sports
racquets including a head portion and at least one of a handle
portion and a throat portion, the head portion of each of the
sports racquets defining a string bed plane, the system comprising:
a first generally horizontally extending support assembly
configured to engage one of the handle portion and the throat
portion of the first plurality of racquets at a first plurality of
contact points, the first plurality of contact points defining a
first average height with respect to the floor; a second generally
horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage the
head portion of the first plurality of racquets at a second
plurality of contact points, the second support assembly spaced
apart from and positioned parallel to the first support assembly,
the second plurality of contact points defining a second average
height with respect to the floor, the first average height being
greater than the second average height; and a first spacing
assembly coupled to at least one of the first and second support
assemblies, the first spacing assembly configured to facilitate the
spacing apart of the first plurality of racquets, the first and
second support assemblies and the first spacing assembly configured
to support the first plurality of racquets such that the string bed
planes are vertically orientated and generally parallel with
respect to each other, the handle portions of the first plurality
of racquets extending in a direction perpendicular to the first and
second horizontal support assemblies, and each of the handle
portions of the first plurality of racquets extend at a projecting
angle, the projecting angle being within the range of 0 to 80
degrees with respect to horizontal.
2. The racquet display system of claim 1, wherein the spacing
assembly includes a plurality of projections outwardly extending
from at least one of the first and second horizontal support
assemblies, and wherein at least a portion of the projections are
configured to extend between two adjacent racquets of the first
plurality of racquets.
3. The racquet display system of claim 1, wherein the spacing
assembly includes a plurality of members, wherein each of the
members extends between a portion of at least one of the head
portion and the throat portion of two adjacent racquets of the
first plurality of racquets, and wherein each of the members
extends about a plane that is generally parallel to the string bed
plane.
4. The racquet display system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of
members are a plurality of curved spacing strips.
5. The racquet display system of claim 1, wherein the first and
second support assemblies and the spacing assembly are configured
to support the first plurality of racquets such that the projecting
angle of each of the handle portions of the first plurality of
racquets is within the range of 5 to 60 degrees from
horizontal.
6. The racquet display system of claim 1, wherein the first and
second support assemblies and the spacing assembly are configured
to support the first plurality of racquets such that the projecting
angle of any one of the handle portions of the first plurality of
racquets is within plus or minus 15 degrees of the projecting angle
of the remaining handle portions of the first plurality of
racquets.
7. The racquet display system of claim 1, further comprising a
third generally horizontally extending support assembly configured
to engage the head portion of the first plurality of racquets at a
third plurality of contact points, the third support assembly
spaced apart from and positioned parallel to the first and second
support assemblies, the third plurality of contact points defining
a third average height with respect to the floor, the third average
height being less than the first average height and less than the
second average height.
8. The racquet display system of claim 1, further comprising at
least one divider, wherein the at least one divider is configured
to separate the first plurality of racquets into at least first and
second categories.
9. The racquet display system of claim 8, wherein the at least one
divider is at least two dividers configured to separate the first
plurality of racquets into at least three categories.
10. The racquet display system of claim 8, further comprising at
least first and second category description panels coupled to and
configured to be positioned in close relation to the at least first
and second categories of the first plurality of racquets,
respectively.
11. The racquet display system of claim 10, wherein the at least
first and second category description panels are positioned above
the at least first and second categories of the first plurality of
racquets, respectively.
12. The racquet display system of claim 1, further comprising first
and second end panels coupled to first and second ends of the first
support, respectively, and wherein the first and second end panels
include graphical and/or alphanumeric indicia.
13. The racquet display system of claim 1, wherein the first and
second support assemblies are coupled to one of a wall and a
frame.
14. The racquet display system of claim 1, further comprising: a
fourth generally horizontally extending support assembly configured
to engage one of the handle portion and the throat portion of the
second plurality of racquets at a fourth plurality of contact
points, the fourth plurality of contact points defining a fourth
average height with respect to the floor; a fifth generally
horizontally extending support assembly configured to engage the
head portion of the second plurality of racquets at a fifth
plurality of contact points, the fifth support assembly spaced
apart from and positioned parallel to the fourth support assembly,
the fifth plurality of contact points defining a fifth average
height with respect to the floor, the fourth average height being
greater than the fifth average height; and a second spacing
assembly coupled to at least one of the fourth and fifth support
assemblies, the second spacing assembly configured to facilitate
the spacing apart of the second plurality of racquets, the fourth
and fifth support assemblies and the second spacing assembly
configured to support the second plurality of racquets such that
the string bed planes are vertically orientated and parallel with
respect to each other, the handle portions of the second plurality
of racquets extend in a direction perpendicular to the fourth and
fifth horizontal supports, and each of the handle portions of the
second plurality of racquets extend at a projecting angle with
respect to horizontal within the range of 0 to 80 degrees.
15. The racquet display system of claim 14, wherein the first and
second support assemblies are positioned above the fourth and fifth
support assemblies.
16. The racquet display system of claim 1, wherein the system is
configured to enable one of the racquets of the first plurality of
racquets to be removed from the display system without disturbing
the remaining of the first plurality of racquets.
17. A sports racquet display system configured for displaying at
least two different categories of sports racquets, each of the
sports racquets including a head portion and at least one of a
handle portion and a throat portion, the head portion of each of
the sports racquets defining a string bed plane, the display system
having a front configured to be accessible to a user facing the
display system, the system comprising: at least first and second
category description regions, each of the at least first and second
category description regions directed to at least first and second
racquet categories, each racquet category being defined by at least
one characteristic, each of the at least first and second category
description regions configured for supporting at least one racquet
from the at least first and second racquet categories,
respectively, in a first position in which the head portion of the
racquet is positioned above the handle portion of the racquet, the
first and second category description regions including graphical
and/or alphanumeric indicia; at least first and second racquet
retrieval regions positioned in close relation to the at least
first and second racquet retrieval regions, respectively, each of
the at least first and second racquet retrieval regions configured
for supporting a plurality of racquets from the at least first and
second racquet categories, respectively, in a second position in
which the string bed plane is substantially vertical and the handle
portion extends from the head portion toward the user facing the
display system at a projecting angle, the projecting angle being
within the range of 0 to 85 degrees from horizontal.
18. The racquet display system of claim 17, wherein the at least
one characteristic is selected from the group consisting of the
following racquet characteristics: length, weight, swing weight,
head size, string pattern, moment of inertia about a longitudinal
axis, vibrational frequency, coefficient of restitution, brand
name, model name, color, graphical design, and combinations
thereof.
19. The racquet display system of claim 17, wherein the at least
one characteristic is selected from the group consisting of the
following player characteristics: age, height, gender, skill level,
swing speed, desired feedback level, desired power level, desired
control level, desired level of spin imparted to a ball, and
combinations thereof.
20. The racquet display system of claim 17, wherein the projecting
angle is within the range of 5 to 60 degrees from horizontal.
21. The racquet display system of claim 17, wherein the projecting
angle of any one of the handle portions of the plurality of
racquets is within plus or minus 10 degrees of the projecting angle
of the remaining handle portions of the plurality of racquets.
22. The racquet display system of claim 17, wherein the at least
first and second racquet retrieval regions include: a first
generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to
engage one of the handle portion and the throat portion of the at
least two different categories of sports racquets; a second
generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to
engage the head portion of the at least two different categories of
sports racquets, the second support assembly spaced apart from and
positioned parallel to the first support assembly; and a first
spacing assembly coupled to at least one of the first and second
support assemblies, the first spacing assembly configured to
facilitate the spacing apart of the at least two different
categories of sports racquets.
23. The racquet display system of claim 22, wherein the first
spacing assembly includes a plurality of members, wherein each of
the members extends between a portion of at least one of the head
portion and the throat portion of two adjacent racquets of the at
least two different categories of sports racquets, and wherein each
of the members extends about a plane that is generally parallel to
the string bed plane.
24. The racquet display system of claim 22, further comprising a
third generally horizontally extending support assembly configured
to engage the head portion of the at least two different categories
of sports racquets at a third plurality of contact points.
25. The racquet display system of claim 17, further comprising at
least one divider, wherein the at least one divider is configured
to separate the at least two different categories of sports
racquets.
26. The racquet display system of claim 17, wherein the system is
configured to enable one of the racquets of the at least two
different categories of sports racquets to be removed from the
display system without disturbing the remaining racquets.
27. A racquet display system for displaying a first plurality of
sports racquets in an area having a floor, each of the sports
racquets including a head portion and a handle portion, the head
portion of each of the sports racquets defining a string bed plane,
the display system having a front configured to be accessible to a
user facing the display system, the system comprising: a first
generally horizontally extending support assembly configured to
engage the handle portion of the first plurality of racquets at a
first plurality of contact points, the first plurality of contact
points defining a first average height with respect to the floor; a
second generally horizontally extending support assembly configured
to engage the head portion of the first plurality of racquets at a
second plurality of contact points, the second support assembly
spaced apart from and positioned parallel to the first support
assembly, the second plurality of contact points defining a second
average height with respect to the floor, the first average height
being less than the second average height; and a first spacing
assembly coupled to at least one of the first and second support
assemblies, the first spacing assembly configured to facilitate the
spacing apart of the first plurality of racquets, the first and
second support assemblies and the first spacing assembly configured
to support the first plurality of racquets such that the string bed
planes are vertically orientated and generally parallel with
respect to each other, the display system configured to support the
first plurality of racquets such that the head portions are above
the handle portions, string bed planes of the first plurality of
racquets are perpendicular to the first and second support
assemblies, and each of the handle portions of the first plurality
of racquets extend at a projecting angle, the projecting angle
being within the range of 5 to 45 degrees with respect to vertical,
the display system configured to enable one of the racquets of the
first plurality of racquets to be removed from the display system
without disturbing the remaining of the first plurality of
racquets.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a multi-racquet
support structure and a system for displaying a plurality of sports
racquets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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. Racquets are
made in many different sizes, lengths, weights, shapes, colors and
other characteristics. Racquets are also frequently made to meet
the needs of certain types of users based upon an age range, a
height range, a user skill level or other user characteristics.
[0003] Sports racquets are often sold at retail stores where dozens
of racquets are displayed on a wall or in an aisle. The walls or
aisles typically include outwardly projecting multi-racquet
supports structures, often referred to as pegs. Racquets can be
relatively large items which, when displayed, can take up a fair
amount of available wall or aisle space of a retail store.
Therefore, in order to conserve valuable display space, it is
common for a retailer to position a plurality of racquets including
2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more racquets onto a single peg. The racquets are
typically hung or suspended by the top of the head portion with the
handle portion positioned beneath the head portion and the head
card facing outward. The racquets are typically positioned in
groups such that the head portion and head card of the second
outermost racquet is directly behind the outermost racquet, third
outermost racquet is directly behind the second outermost racquet,
and so on.
[0004] In many larger sporting goods stores, department stores or
"big-box" stores, sports racquets can be displayed by sport (e.g.
tennis, racquetball, etc.), brand, price point or price range,
racquet characteristics, or user characteristics. In racquet
specialty stores, racquets may be arranged by other
characteristics, such as model, brand, swing weight, head size,
weight, length, string pattern, other playing characteristics such
swing weight, feel, control and spin. In larger sporting goods
stores and racquet specialty stores, different or multiple racquet
models may be displayed on the same peg. When this occurs, the
consumer typically only notices the forward-most or outermost
racquet on the peg. In other words, the racquet that is uncovered
by the other racquets on the same peg. It is common for consumers
to assume that all the racquets on the same peg are the same. As a
result, many consumers will not remove the outermost racquet, or
otherwise move aside a portion of the outermost racquet, to get a
better view of the racquets behind the outermost racquet. Thus,
racquets that are not positioned as the outermost racquet on a peg
are less likely to be noticed, examined and/or purchased by the
consumer than the outermost racquet on a peg. In racquet specialty
stores, multiple racquets positioned on a single peg make the
racquets difficult to access for the racquet professional
attempting to quickly display different racquet models or other
characteristics to potential customers.
[0005] In other racquet display peg configurations, the peg can be
angled downward from the wall such that the two or more racquets
hung from the peg are positioned one in front of the other, but at
slightly different heights from each other. This configuration can
be referred to as a waterfall peg configuration. In such peg
configurations, the racquets are typically positioned with the
outermost racquet covering all or a portion of the adjacent racquet
and so on. Many consumers simply do not want to remove racquet
after racquet from a single peg in the hopes of finding a racquet
that meets their particular needs. Retrieving a racquet from a peg
carrying multiple racquets can be difficult for the consumer to
accomplish and can lead to the consumer becoming frustrated.
Further, even when the consumer goes through the trouble of
removing a racquet from a multi-racquet peg, if the consumer
chooses not to purchase the racquet, he or she may not return the
racquets to its original position but rather place on any available
peg. Thus, arrangement of racquets on display at the retail store
can become more disorganized overtime.
[0006] Accordingly, a need exists for a way to overcome or reduce
the likelihood of a consumer viewing an outermost racquet and
failing to realize or recognize that a racquet having a different
characteristic than the outermost racquet is positioned behind the
outermost racquet or outermost racquets. What is needed is a system
that a consumer or a racquet sales professional with the ability to
readily access a single racquet from a display of numerous racquets
of different characteristics without having to disturb or otherwise
reposition the other racquets on display. What is needed is a
system that allows a user to quickly identify the racquets that
meet the characteristic or characteristics he or she is seeking.
There is a need for a system that will increase the likelihood that
racquets in a retail space will be noticed, examined and purchased
by a consumer. It would be advantageous to provide a system for
displaying sports racquets in an efficient manner that minimizes
the display space, provides useful information to the consumer, and
enables consumers to select a racquet from the collection of
racquets quickly and easily. It would also be advantageous to
provide a racquet display system that can accommodate different
sized retail spaces and retail centers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a racquet display system for
displaying a first plurality of sports racquets in an area having a
floor. Each of the sports racquets includes a head portion and at
least one of a handle portion and a throat portion. The head
portion of each of the sports racquets defines a string bed plane.
The system includes a first generally horizontally extending
support assembly configured to engage one of the handle portion and
the throat portion of the first plurality of racquets at a first
plurality of contact points, a second generally horizontally
extending support assembly configured to engage the head portion of
the first plurality of racquets at a second plurality of contact
points, and a first spacing assembly coupled to at least one of the
first and second support assemblies. The first plurality of contact
points defines a first average height with respect to the floor.
The second support assembly is spaced apart from and is positioned
parallel to the first support assembly. The second plurality of
contact points defines a second average height with respect to the
floor. The first average height is greater than the second average
height. The first spacing assembly is configured to facilitate the
spacing apart of the first plurality of racquets. The first and
second support assemblies and the first spacing assembly are
configured to support the first plurality of racquets such that the
string bed planes are vertically orientated and generally parallel
with respect to each other. The handle portions of the first
plurality of racquets extend in a direction perpendicular to the
first and second horizontal support assemblies. Each of the handle
portions of the first plurality of racquets extends at a projecting
angle. The projecting angle is within the range of 0 to 80 degrees
with respect to horizontal.
[0008] According to a principal aspect of a preferred form of the
invention, a sports racquet display system is configured for
displaying at least two different categories of sports racquets.
Each of the sports racquets includes a head portion and at least
one of a handle portion and a throat portion. The head portion of
each of the sports racquets defines a string bed plane. The display
system having a front that is configured to be accessible to a user
facing the display system. The system includes at least first and
second category description regions, and at least first and second
racquet retrieval regions positioned in close relation to the at
least first and second racquet retrieval regions, respectively. The
at least first and second category description regions are directed
to at least first and second racquet categories, respectively. Each
racquet category is defined by at least one characteristic. Each of
the at least first and second category description regions is
configured for supporting at least one racquet from the at least
first and second racquet categories, respectively, in a first
position in which the head portion of the racquet is positioned
above the handle portion of the racquet. The first and second
category description regions include graphical and/or alphanumeric
indicia. Each of the at least first and second racquet retrieval
regions is configured for supporting a plurality of racquets from
the at least first and second racquet categories, respectively, in
a second position in which the string bed plane is positioned
substantially vertical, and the handle portion extends from the
head portion toward the user facing the display system at a
projecting angle. The projecting angle is within the range of 0 to
85 degrees from horizontal.
[0009] According to another principal aspect of a preferred form of
the invention, a sports racquet display system for displaying a
first plurality of sports racquets in an area having a floor
includes first and second generally horizontally extending support
assemblies and a first spacing assembly. Each of the sports
racquets includes a head portion and a handle portion. The head
portion of each of the sports racquets defines a string bed plane.
The display system has a front configured to be accessible to a
user facing the display system. The first generally horizontally
extending support assembly is configured to engage the handle
portion of the first plurality of racquets at a first plurality of
contact points. The first plurality of contact points defines a
first average height with respect to the floor. A second generally
horizontally extending support assembly is configured to engage the
head portion of the first plurality of racquets at a second
plurality of contact points. The second support assembly is spaced
apart from and is positioned parallel to the first support
assembly. The second plurality of contact points defines a second
average height with respect to the floor. The first average height
is less than the second average height. The first spacing assembly
is coupled to at least one of the first and second support
assemblies. The first spacing assembly is configured to facilitate
the spacing apart of the first plurality of racquets. The first and
second support assemblies and the first spacing assembly is
configured to support the first plurality of racquets such that the
string bed planes are vertically orientated and generally parallel
with respect to each other. The display system configured to
support the first plurality of racquets such that the head portions
are above the handle portions, the string bed planes of the first
plurality of racquets are perpendicular to the first and second
support assemblies, and each of the handle portions of the first
plurality of racquets extend at a projecting angle. The projecting
angle being within the range of 5 to 45 degrees with respect to
vertical. The display system is configured to enable one of the
racquets of the first plurality of racquets to be removed from the
display system without disturbing the remaining of the first
plurality of racquets.
[0010] 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
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of a racquet display system in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front, side perspective view of modules of the
racquet display system of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is front view of category description modules of the
racquet display system of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front view of a plurality of a first embodiment
of racquet retrieval modules of the racquet display system of FIG.
1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front, side perspective view of the first
racquet retrieval modules of the display system of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front view of a racquet retrieval module of the
racquet display system of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side view of the racquet display system of FIG.
1.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a front, side perspective view of a second
embodiment of racquet retrieval modules of the racquet display
system of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a front, side perspective view of one of the
racquet retrieval modules of the racquet display system of FIG.
8.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a side view of a racquet retrieval module of the
racquet display system of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a front view of a racquet retrieval module of the
racquet display system of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 12a is a front view of a first support assembly of the
racquet retrieval module of FIG. 6 shown with the cross-sectional
representations of the portion of the racquet contacting the first
support assembly.
[0023] FIGS. 12a through 12g illustrate the first support assembly
of a racquet retrieval module of the racquet display system in
accordance with alternative preferred embodiments of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a side view of a racquet retrieval module of the
racquet display system in accordance with alternative preferred
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a sports racquet display system 10 is
shown. The sports racquet display system 10 comprises various
display modules that can be numbered and arranged to meet the needs
of a particular retail space or other display application. The
display system 10 is shown with a plurality of tennis racquets 20.
However, the display system 10 can also be used to facilitate the
display, organization, identification and retrieval of other types
of sports racquets, such as, for example, racquetball racquets,
squash racquets, or a badminton racquets, paddle ball racquets, and
combinations thereof.
[0026] The display system 10 can include one or more modules or
regions. Preferably, the display system 10 can include one or more
category description modules 22, one or more projecting handle
racquet retrieval modules 24, one or more inclined racquet
retrieval module 26, or any combination of two or more of the
modules 22, 24 and 26. Each of the modules 22, 24 and 26 are
preferably configured to support a particular category of racquets,
or a set of racquets sharing one or more particular
characteristics. The characteristics can include one or more
racquet characteristics and/or one or more player related
characteristics. Examples of racquet characteristics can include
length, weight, swing weight, head size, string pattern, moment of
inertia (MOI) about a longitudinal axis, MOI about other axes,
vibrational frequency, coefficient of restitution, brand name,
model name, color, graphical design, and combinations thereof.
Examples of player related characteristics can include age, height,
gender, skill level, swing speed, desired feedback level (amount of
feel), desired power level, desired control level, desired level of
spin imparted to a ball, and combinations thereof.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the category description modules
or regions 22 are shown in greater detail. Each category
description module 22 displays or highlights one or more
characteristic of a particular category of the racquets 20. The
category description module 22 preferably can include at least one
racquet 20 and/or graphical and/or alphanumeric indicia 28 relating
to the particular category of racquets. The indicia 28 can include
one or more trademarks (such as "WILSON"), service marks, designs,
images, logos, certification marks, marketing information,
descriptions of features and benefits of the particular category of
racquets, instructions, racquet specifications, price,
instructional information, material information, regulatory and/or
legal information, other markings or combinations thereof.
[0028] The racquet 20 includes a frame 32 and a string bed 34. The
frame 32 is a tubular structure having a longitudinal axis 36 and
including a head portion 38, a handle portion 40, and a throat
portion 42 coupling the head and handle portions 38 and 40. The
frame 32 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. Alternatively, the frame 32
can be formed of other materials including aluminum, metallic
alloys, other composite materials, wood, or combinations
thereof.
[0029] The head portion 38 of the racquet 20 is preferably a
tubular structure that includes a distal region 44, first and
second side regions 46 and 48, and a proximal region 50, which
collectively define a hoop 52, or string bed area. The hoop 52 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. The hoop 52 or
string bed area is configured for receiving and supporting the
string bed 34. The hoop 52 of the head portion 38 defines a string
bed plane 60. The string bed 34 is formed by a plurality of main
string segments 54 interwoven with a plurality of cross string
segments 56 generally extending across the string bed plane 60. The
main and cross string segments 54 and 56 can be formed from one
continuous piece of racquet string, or from two or more pieces of
racquet string. The string bed plane 60 of an unstrung racquet 20
generally extends across the hoop 52 and through the center of the
head portion 38 of the racquet 38.
[0030] A head card 62 can be coupled to the string bed 24, or in an
unstrung racquet 20, to the head portion 38 by one or more
fasteners. The head card 62 generally extends along the string bed
plane 60. The head card 62 is a flexible sheet of a lightweight
material, such as cardboard. Alternatively, the head card 62 can be
formed of a plastic, paper, a woven or unwoven textile, or
combinations thereof. The head card 50 is configured to display
graphical and/or alpha-numeric indicia 64, similar to the indicia
28.
[0031] The handle portion 40 of the frame 32 is an elongate tubular
structure that is preferably integrally formed to the frame 32 of
the racquet 20. In alternative preferred embodiments, the handle
portion 40 is formed separately from the head portion 38 and is
coupled together by a vibration and/or shock absorbing material.
The handle portion 40 includes a rigid tubular shaft, a pallet, a
butt cap 66 and a grip 68. The pallet is a tubular structure that
surrounds the shaft and typically defines the general shape of the
handle portion 40. The butt cap 66 is a cup-shaped body that
extends over and covers a proximal end of the pallet of the handle
portion 40. The grip 68 extends over the outer surface of the
pallet and preferably at least a portion of the butt cap 66. 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.
[0032] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate one particularly preferred
embodiment of the display system 10 including three separate
category description modules or regions 22a, 22b and 22c. The first
category description module 22a is directed toward the
characteristics of "spin+control", which refers to racquets 20
designed and configured to promote a high level of control and to
provide a player with the ability to impart a high level of spin
onto a ball. The indicia 28 of module 22a is directed toward the
spin and control category, and two racquets 20 with characteristics
placing them within the category are displayed in a generally
upright vertical position. The second and third category
description modules 22b and 22c are directed toward the
characteristics of "Power+Spin" and "Power+Comfort", respectively.
"Power" relates to the racquets designed and configured to provide
the player with the ability to transfer more energy from his or her
swing to the ball upon impact, or to provide the player with the
ability to hit the ball harder with a higher speed off the racquet.
"Comfort" relates to racquets designed and configured with a more
dampened feel. Comfort racquets can include more vibration
dampening features such that vibrational and shock energy occurring
during impact with a ball is mitigated or reduced as it extends to
the grip and to the player's hand. In other alternative preferred
embodiments, other combinations of characteristics can be used.
[0033] Each of the racquet category description modules 22a, 22b
and 22c further includes at least one bracket 70 for supporting the
two racquets 20. The brackets 70 are connected to a back panel 72.
The back panel 72 can be connected to a frame 74 and/or to a wall
76. The back panel 72 and the frame 74 can be a stand-alone support
structures for supporting one or more of the modules 22, 24 and 26,
or the back panel 72 and/or the frame 74 can be mounted to the wall
76. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the module can be
formed without a back panel and directly connected to a frame or to
a wall. Each of the modules 22a, 22b and 22c include two racquets
30 positioned in a generally upright vertical position. The term
upright vertical position refers to the racquet being positioned
with its longitudinal axis 36 within plus or minus 10 degrees of
vertical and the head portion 38 positioned over the handle portion
40. The racquets 20 are also positioned such that the string bed
plane 60 is within 30 degrees of the back panel 72 or of the wall
76. Accordingly, the front side of the racquet 20 and the head card
62 is viewable to a user facing the front surface of the display
system 10. The upright vertical position of the racquet 20 allows
the entire racquet to be readily viewed and inspected by a consumer
or other user. The bracket 70 can be configured to allow the
racquet 20 to be readily removed from and reinstalled on to the
bracket 70. In alternative preferred embodiments, the racquet
display system can include two, four, five or more category
description modules. The two or more modules can be positioned side
by side, one over the other, spaced apart, or any other
arrangement. Each of the category description modules can include
one racquet, three or more racquets, or no racquet at all.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the projecting handle racquet
retrieval modules 24 are shown in greater detail. Each of the
racquet retrieval modules 24 are preferably aligned, arranged or
otherwise linked to one of the category description modules 22. For
example, referring to FIG. 4, six racquet retrieval modules 24 are
illustrated 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e and 24f along with the modules
22a, 22b and 22c. The modules 24a and d correspond to category
description module 22a. The two racquets of module 22a and the
group of racquets 20 included in modules 24a and 24d preferably
fall within the same category of racquets. In particular, the
racquets 20 positioned within modules 22a, 24a and 24d are designed
and configured to enable the player to obtain more control and
provide the player with an increased ability to impart spin onto a
ball. Similarly, modules 24 b and e correspond to module 22b, and
modules 24c and f correspond to module 22c. The racquets 20 placed
into each of the corresponding modules preferably share the one or
more characteristics highlighted by the corresponding modules.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the projecting handle retrieval
modules 24 are advantageously designed to support a large number of
racquets 20 within a small space, while enabling a user positioned
facing the front of the retrieval modules 24 to quickly and easily
select and retrieve one of the racquets of the module 24 without
disturbing or having to move or reposition the other racquets also
supported by the module 24. Accordingly, the projecting handle
retrieval modules 24 provide an efficient, ergonomically friendly
manner of selecting, retrieving, examining and returning a group of
racquets in a retail setting or other display application.
[0036] Each of the projecting handle racquet retrieval modules or
regions 24 include a first, second and third generally horizontally
extending support assemblies 80, 82 and 84, and a spacing assembly
86. In one preferred embodiment, the first, second and third
generally horizontally extending support assemblies 80, 82 and 84
are single tubular members that directly engage the racquets 20. In
alternative preferred embodiments, the first, second and/or third
support assemblies can be formed of multiple members, and can be
formed in other shapes. FIGS. 12a through 12g, discussed below,
illustrate other preferred embodiments of the first support
assembly 80. In other preferred embodiments, the modules 24 can be
formed with only the first and second support assemblies 80 and
82.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 7, in a preferred embodiment, the first
support assembly 80 is configured to engage either the handle
portion 40 or the throat portion 42 of a plurality of racquets 20
at a first plurality of contact points 88. The first plurality of
contact points 88 define a first average height, h.sub.1, with
respect to the floor 90. The second generally horizontally
extending support assembly 82 is configured to engage the head
portion 38 of the plurality of racquets at a second plurality of
contact points 92. The second plurality of contact points 92 define
a second average height, h.sub.2, with respect to the floor 90. The
third generally horizontally extending support assembly 84 is
configured to engage the head portion 38 of the plurality of
racquets at a third plurality of contact points 94. The third
plurality of contact points 94 define a third average height,
h.sub.3, with respect to the floor 90. The first, second and third
support assemblies 80, 82 and 84 are spaced apart from, and are
positioned parallel to, each other. The spacing of the first and
second support assemblies 80 and 82 can vary depending upon the
size or sizes of the racquets to be supported by the module 24. For
example, youth racquets have smaller head portions and therefore
the spacing between the first and second support assemblies 80 and
82 can be smaller than when the module is used to support adult
sized racquets. Likewise, the spacing of the third support assembly
84 from the first and/or the second support assemblies 80 and 82
can also be varied as necessary depending the racquets being
supported by the module 24.
[0038] In one preferred embodiment, the first average height
h.sub.1 is greater than the second average height h.sub.2, and the
first and second average heights h.sub.1 and h.sub.2 are both
greater than the third average height h.sub.3. The first and second
support assemblies 80 and 82 and the first spacing assembly 86 are
configured to support the plurality of racquets 20 such that the
string bed planes 60 of the racquets 20 are vertically orientated
and generally parallel with respect to each other. The handle
portions 40 of the plurality of racquets 20 extend in a direction
perpendicular to the first and second horizontal support assemblies
80 and 82 so as to extend toward a user facing the display 10. Each
of the handle portions 40 of the plurality of racquets 20 extends
at a projecting angle, .alpha.. The projecting angle .alpha. is
within the range of 0 to 80 degrees with respect to horizontal. In
a particularly preferred embodiment, the projecting angle .alpha.
is within the range of 5 to 60 degrees. The projecting angle
.alpha. in combination with the side by side positioning of the
racquets 20 with the handle portions 40 projecting toward a user
facing the display 10, provides an efficient, easy and
ergonomically friendly manner for a user to retrieve, inspect and
replace a racquet from the display 10. This embodiment is
especially preferred when the height h.sub.1 is 4 feet or less.
When the height h.sub.1 is at the user's torso or below (4 feet or
less), the positioning of the module 24 provides an ideal position
for retrieval and inspection of the racquets. Referring to FIG. 13,
in another alternative preferred embodiment, the first height
h.sub.1 can be lower than the second height h.sub.2. In this
embodiment, the handle portion 40 of the racquet 20 projects
outward and downward at a projecting angle .alpha. that is within
the range of -1 to -60 degrees from horizontal. This alternative
preferred embodiment can be employed when the first height h.sub.1
is four feet or higher.
[0039] In other preferred embodiments, the third support assembly
84 is also used to support the racquets at the desired projecting
angle .alpha. or range of projecting angles .alpha.. The first,
second and/or third support assemblies 80, 82 and 84 of the module
24 can arranged such that the projecting angle of any two racquets
within the module is within plus or minus 15 degrees of each
other.
[0040] The spacing assembly 86 is coupled to at least one of the
first and second support assemblies 80 and 82. The spacing assembly
86 is configured to facilitate the spacing apart of the plurality
of racquets 20. The spacing assembly 86 preferably includes a
plurality of projections that outwardly extend faun one or more of
the first, second and third support assemblies 80, 82 and 84 by a
sufficient amount to facilitate the positioning and alignment of
the racquets 20 within the racquet retrieval module 24. At least a
portion of the projections are configured to extend between two
adjacent racquets of the plurality of racquets 20 within the
racquet retrieval module 24. The projections can be elongate
members. Each member preferably extends along a spacing plane 94
that is substantially parallel to the string bed plane 60. The
projections or members of the spacing assembly 86 are configured to
space apart the grips 40 of handle portions 38 of the plurality of
racquets within a module 24 by at least 0.5 inch.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, the members of the spacing assembly 86
can be a plurality of thin curved tubular strips of rigid material
extending from the first and third support assemblies 80 and 84,
and then from the third and second supports 84 and 82. In
alternative embodiments, the spacing assembly 86 can include
members or projections that are sheet like, and/or have other
curved, polygonal or irregular shapes provided that they extend
between adjacent racquets and each extend along one of the spacing
planes 94. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the spacing
assembly 86 can include projections that are small spaced apart
ribs, knobs or tabs that outwardly extend from one of the first,
second and third support assemblies 80, 82 and 84. The projections
or members of the spacing assembly can be fowled of a rigid
material such as aluminum. In alternative embodiments, the
projections or members can be formed of other materials such as,
plastic, steel, other alloys, wood, composite materials, other
polymeric materials and combinations thereof. In other preferred
embodiments, the members can be formed of a flexible material, such
as an elastomer.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the racquet display system 10
preferably includes two or more racquet retrieval modules 24 that
can be separated by one or more dividers 98 and can include one or
more end panels 100. The dividers 98 provide a boundary or denote a
transition between adjacent racquet retrieval modules 24. The end
panels 100 define a side surface of the module 24 when it is spaced
apart from other modules or other articles. The end panels 100
and/or the dividers 98 can include indicia 102 that is similar to
the indicia 28. In one preferred embodiment, the dividers 98 and
the end panels 100 can be a sheet like structures that extends in a
direction parallel to the spacing plane 94. In alternative
embodiments, the dividers and/or the end panels can have other
three dimensional shapes that provide a more textured or depth to
the dividers and/or the end panels.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, two or more racquet retrieval
modules 24 can be arranged side by side, such as modules 24a, 24b
and 24c. The number of modules 24 positioned side by side is
dependent upon factors such as the number of racquet categories or
characteristics to be highlighted, the number of racquets in the
retail space and the size of the retail space dedicated to the
display of sports racquets. Additional retrieval modules 24 can be
positioned above, below, adjacent to, or in other spaced apart
arrangements to other existing retrieval modules. For example, the
modules 24d, 24e and 24f can be advantageously positioned directly
beneath the modules 24a, 24b and 24c. As indicated above, two or
more of the spaced apart modules, such as 24a and 24d, can be
filled with racquets of the same category or characteristics to
optimize the effectiveness of the display system.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 8-11, the inclined racquet retrieval
module 26 is shown in greater detail. The module 26 includes first
and second generally horizontally extending support assemblies 180
and 182, and a spacing assembly 186. The first support assembly 180
is configured to engage the handle portion 40 of the plurality of
racquets 20 supported by the module 26 at a first plurality of
contact points 188. The first plurality of contact points define a
first average height, h.sub.4, with respect to the floor 90. The
second support assembly 182 is configured to engage the head
portion 38 of the plurality of racquets 20 at a second plurality of
contact points 192. The second plurality of contact points 192
defines a second average height, h.sub.5, with respect to the floor
90. The first average height h.sub.4 is less than the second
average height h.sub.5. The second support assembly 182 is spaced
apart from and us positioned parallel to the first support assembly
180. The second support assembly 182 is preferably coupled to the
wall 76 through a support bracket 110. The support bracket 110 can
include a pair of arms 112 coupling the first support assembly 180
to the second support assembly 182.
[0045] The first spacing assembly 186 is coupled to at least one of
the first and second support assemblies 180 and 182. The first
spacing assembly 186, is substantially similar to the spacing
assembly 86, and is configured to facilitate the spacing apart of
the first plurality of racquets 20. The spacing assembly 186 can
include a plurality of members 114 that extend along respective
spacing planes 94 between two of the racquets 20 in the module 26.
The first and second support assemblies 180 and 182 and the first
spacing assembly 186 are configured to support the racquets 20
within the module 26, such that the string bed planes 60 are
vertically orientated and generally parallel with respect to each
other, and the stringing plane 60 extends in a direction
perpendicular to the first and second support assemblies 180 and
182 (and with respect to the wall 76). The module 26 is configured
to support the racquets 20 such that the head portions 38 are above
the handle portions 40, string bed planes 60 of the racquets are
perpendicular to the first and second support assemblies 180 and
182, and each of the handle portions 40 of the racquets extends at
a projecting angle .beta.. The projecting angle .beta. is within
the range of 5 to 45 degrees with respect to vertical. The
positioning of the racquets 20 side by side with the string bed
plane 60 perpendicular to the support wall 76 (and to a user facing
the system 10 or module 26) and at the projecting angle .beta.
provides an ergonomically friendly position for retrieval and
inspection by a user of the system 10. The module 26 is configured
to enable one of the racquets 20 supported by the module 26 to be
removed from the module 26, without disturbing the remaining
racquets 20 within the supported by the module 26.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 12a through 12g, alternative preferred
embodiments of the first support assembly 80 are illustrated. FIG.
12a illustrates the first support assembly 80 as shown in FIG. 6
with a cross-sectional representation of eight racquets 20 engaging
the first support assembly 80. The first, second and/or third
support assemblies 80, 82 and 84 can each be a single tubular
member or can each be formed of two or more spaced apart elongate
members. The first, second and third support assemblies 80, 82 and
84 of the racquet retrieval module 24 can have a generally circular
transverse cross-sectional area or be formed with cross-sectional
areas of other shapes, such as, for example, ovular, polygonal,
other closed curved shapes, irregular shapes, and combinations
thereof.
[0047] In FIG. 12b, the first support assembly 80b can includes a
layer 120 (such as a padding layer) applied to the tubular support.
The layer 120 can be formed of a flexible resilient material, such
as a polyurethane foam. Alternatively, other materials can be used,
such as, for example, other elastomers, other foams, and
combinations thereof. In other alternative embodiments, the layer
120 can be formed of a rigid material and the layer can be used to
space the racquets 20 from the underlying tubular support of the
first support assembly 80b. In FIG. 12c, the first support assembly
80c is shown having a curvature along its length. The padding layer
120 can be used to help support the racquets in the position they
engage the first support assembly 80c without sliding laterally to
the center of the first support assembly 80c. Alternatively, the
spacing assembly can be used to retain the racquets 20 in their
respective engagement positions. Similarly, in FIG. 12d, the first
support assembly 80d can extend at an angle with respect to
horizontal such that the racquets engage the first support assembly
80d at different heights. Like the first support assembly 80c, the
padding layer 120 and/or the spacing assembly can be used to retain
the racquets 20 in their respective engagement positions with the
first support assembly 80d. Referring to FIGS. 12e and 12f, the
first support assembly 80e or 80f can have multiple platforms 122
or surfaces for engaging one or more of the racquets 20. The
platforms 122 can vary in height from one to the next along the
first support assembly. Referring to FIG. 12g, the first support
assembly 80g can include a plurality of support extensions 124
configured to support on or more of the racquets 20 at a position
that is spaced apart other portions of the first support assembly
such as an underlying horizontal tubular support 126. Accordingly,
it is contemplated that the first support assembly 80 and the other
support assemblies can take many different forms and can include
one or more subcomponents. The support assembly incorporate
features that facilitate the spacing of the racquets thereby
enabling the module to be formed with or without the spacing
assembly.
[0048] The modular configuration of the racquet display system 10
and the combination of available modules 22, 24 and 26 enables the
racquet system to be configured and customized to meet a large
variety of retail applications. A racquet display system configured
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention reduces
the likelihood of a consumer viewing a large quantity of racquets
will confuse one category of racquets from another category of
racquets. A racquet display system configured in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention enables a consumer or a racquet
sales professional to readily access a single racquet from a
display of numerous racquets of different characteristics without
having to disturb or otherwise reposition the other racquets on
display. The present racquet display system also enables a user to
quickly identify the racquets that meet the characteristic or
characteristics he or she is seeking. The racquet display system of
the present invention allows for the optimization of the retail
space allocated to sports racquets. The present invention increase
the likelihood that racquets in a retail space will be noticed,
examined and purchased by a consumer. A racquet display system
configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention minimizes the display space, provides useful information
to the consumer, and enables consumers to select a racquet from the
collection of racquets quickly and easily. The modular aspect of
the present racquet display system enables the system to be
tailored and customized to accommodate different sized retail
spaces and retail centers.
[0049] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various
changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. One of skill in the art will understand
that the invention may also be practiced without many of the
details described above. Accordingly, it will be intended to
include all such alternatives, modifications and variations set
forth within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Further,
some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or
described in detail because such structures or functions would be
known to one skilled in the art. Unless a telin is specifically and
overtly defined in this specification, the terminology used in the
present specification is intended to be interpreted in its broadest
reasonable manner, even though may be used conjunction with the
description of certain specific embodiments of the present
invention.
* * * * *