U.S. patent application number 15/073418 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-22 for sports racquet handle assembly and pallet cap.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wilson Sporting Goods Co.. Invention is credited to Robert T. Kapheim, Ronald R. Rocchi, William D. Severa.
Application Number | 20160271459 15/073418 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56923502 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160271459 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rocchi; Ronald R. ; et
al. |
September 22, 2016 |
SPORTS RACQUET HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND PALLET CAP
Abstract
A sports racquet includes a head portion and a handle assembly.
The handle assembly includes an elongate shaft coupled to and
longitudinally extending from the head portion, a pallet extending
over the elongate shaft with an outer surface defining
longitudinally extending flats, a pallet cap mechanically
interlocked to the pallet and a grip extending over the pallet and
the pallet cap.
Inventors: |
Rocchi; Ronald R.;
(Naperville, IL) ; Severa; William D.; (Daren,
IL) ; Kapheim; Robert T.; (Elmhurst, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wilson Sporting Goods Co. |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56923502 |
Appl. No.: |
15/073418 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62136419 |
Mar 20, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 49/08 20130101;
A63B 60/14 20151001; A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 60/54 20151001;
A63B 60/16 20151001; A63B 60/42 20151001; A63B 2209/10 20130101;
A63B 60/30 20151001; A63B 60/26 20151001; A63B 60/52 20151001; A63B
60/12 20151001; A63B 49/035 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 49/08 20060101
A63B049/08 |
Claims
1. A sports racquet comprising: head portion; a handle assembly
comprising: an elongate shaft coupled to and longitudinally
extending from the head portion; a pallet extending over the
elongate shaft and having an outer surface defining longitudinally
extending flats; a pallet cap mechanically interlocked to the
pallet against longitudinal movement relative to the pallet; and a
grip extending over the pallet and the pallet cap.
2. The sports racquet of claim 1 comprising: a projection extending
from one of the pallet and the pallet cap; and a detent in the
other of the pallet and the pallet cap, the detent receiving the
projection.
3. The sports racquet of claim 2, wherein the detent comprises a
laterally extending groove.
4. The sports racquet of claim 3, wherein the laterally extending
groove extends into the pallet.
5. The sports racquet of claim 2, wherein the projection comprises
a laterally extending tab.
6. The sports racquet of claim 2, wherein the laterally extending
tab comprises tapering sides.
7. The sports racquet of claim 2, wherein the projection comprises
a cylindrical plug and wherein the detent comprises a cylindrical
hole.
8. The sports racquet claim 2, wherein the detent removably
receives the projection.
9. The sports racquet of claim 1, wherein the pallet comprises one
of a projection and a projection receiving detent and wherein the
pallet cap has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal
end and comprises the other of the projection and the projection
receiving detent, wherein the other of the projection and the
projection receiving detent is spaced from the first longitudinal
end by first distance and the second longitudinal and by second
distance different than the first distance.
10. The sports racquet of claim 1, wherein the pallet cap comprises
a first panel abutting a first one of the flats defined by the
pallet, a second panel extending from the first panel and abutting
a second one of the flats defined by the pallet and a third panel
extending from the first panel and abutting a third one of the
flats defined by the pallet.
11. The sports racquet of claim 1, wherein the pallet has a
longitudinal length of at least 200 mm.
12. The sports racquet of claim 1, wherein the pallet cap is
mechanically interlocked to the pallet at one of a plurality of
available longitudinal mechanically interlockable positions along
the shaft.
13. The sports racquet of claim 1 further comprising:
longitudinally spaced projections extending from one of the pallet
and the pallet cap; and longitudinally spaced detents in the other
of the pallet and the pallet cap, the detents receiving the
projections.
14. The sports racquet of claim 8, wherein each of the detents
comprises a laterally extending groove.
15. The sports racquet of claim 9, wherein each of the laterally
extending grooves extends into the pallet.
16. The sports racquet of claim 9, wherein each of the projections
comprises a laterally extending tab.
17. A pallet cap for use with a sports racquet comprising a handle
assembly having one of a projection and a detent, the pallet cap
comprising: a body overlie the handle assembly; and the other of
the projection and the detent, the other of the projection and the
detent to mechanically interlock the body to the handle assembly to
restrict relative longitudinal movement of the pallet cap and the
handle assembly.
18. The pallet cap of claim 17, wherein the handle assembly
comprises longitudinally extending flats and wherein the body
comprises: a first panel to abut a first one of the flats, the
first panel comprising the other of the projection in the detent is
formed on the first panel; a second panel to abut a second one of
the flats, the second panel extending from the first panel; and a
third panel to abut a third one of the flats, the third panel
extending from the first panel.
19. The pallet cap of claim 18, wherein the first panel has a first
longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end and wherein the
other of the projection and the projection receiving detent is
spaced from the first longitudinal end by first distance and the
second longitudinal end by second distance different than the first
distance.
20. A sports racquet comprising: a head portion; a handle assembly
comprising: an elongate shaft coupled to and longitudinally
extending from the head portion; a pallet extending over the
elongate shaft and having an outer surface defining longitudinally
extending flats; and one of a detent and a projection receiving
detent on one of the longitudinally extending flats, said one of
the detent and the projection receiving detent to receive a
corresponding other of the detent and the projection receiving
detent of a pallet cap to facilitate mechanical interlocking of the
pallet and the pallet cap to restrict relative longitudinal
movement.
21. The sports racquet of claim 20 further comprising a second one
of a detent and a projection receiving detent on said one of the
longitudinally extending flats and longitudinally spaced from said
one of the detent and the projection receiving detent, said second
one of the detent and the projection receiving detent to receive
the corresponding other of the detent and the projection receiving
detent of the pallet cap to facilitate mechanical interlocking of
the pallet and the pallet cap at a second longitudinal location
along the pallet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
Section 119 from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/136,419 filed on Mar. 20, 2015 by Rocchi et al. and
entitled ADJUSTABLE RACQUET HANDLE ASSEMBLY, the full disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[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. Many racquets
also include a throat portion positioned between and connecting the
handle portion to the head portion. The handle assembly typically
includes a shaft, a pallet and a grip. The pallet is typically
positioned over the shaft and is commonly formed of a hard
material, such as a structural polyurethane foam. The grip is
typically helically wrapped about, and attached to, the pallet
through the use of an adhesive. The handle assembly typically is
formed with a generally octagonal transverse cross-sectional shape
that produces eight elongate, generally planar regions along the
length of the handle assembly. These generally planar regions are
commonly referred to as flats. The eight flats are positioned
adjacent each other and form eight elongate corners or ridges,
which collectively produce the handle assembly's generally
octagonal shape.
[0003] The use of two-handed racquet grips for making backhand
and/or forehand shots is increasing. Additionally, many players are
using a version of the two-handed grip in which the player's hands
are spaced apart along the racquet. Many players when utilizing
two-handed grips place their top hand above the grip of the
racquet. Some even grasp a part of the throat area of the racquet.
When a player's hand grasps the racquet away from the grip, the
likelihood of the player losing control and/or feel of the racquet
increases. The likelihood of the player's top hand slipping out of
position also increases in such scenarios.
[0004] Accordingly, a need exists for a tennis racquet that readily
accommodates two-handed gripping by players. What is needed is an
improved grip assembly that reduces the likelihood of error, loss
of feel and/or loss of control when using a two-handed racquet
grip. There is a continuing need for a racquet with an improved
handle assembly that can be adjusted to a player's game, hand size,
and/or desired feel. What is needed is an improved handle assembly
that can be used to optimize a player's game. There is also a need
for a racquet having an improved handle assembly that is not a
radical departure in look and design from traditional sport racquet
designs.
[0005] 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
[0006] FIG. 1 is a front view of an example sports racquet.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a front view of the sports racquet of FIG. 1,
omitting a string bed, a butt cap and a grip.
[0008] FIG. 3a is a sectional view through a handle assembly of the
sports racquet of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3b is a sectional view of an alternative handle
assembly of the sports racquet of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3c is a sectional view of an alternative handle
assembly of the sports racquet of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front exploded view of another example sports
racquet, the example sports racquet omitting a string bed, a butt
cap and a grip.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the sports racquet of FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom view of the sports
racquet of FIG. 4.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an example handle assembly of
another example sports racquet.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an example handle assembly of
another example sports racquet.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an example handle assembly of
another example sports racquet.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an example handle assembly of
another example sports racquet.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an example handle assembly of
another example sports racquet.
[0019] FIG. 12 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of
another example sports racquet.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example pallet cap of
the sports racquet of FIG. 12.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the pallet cap of
FIG. 13.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the racquet of FIG. 12 with
the pallet caps positioned against a pallet of the racquet.
[0023] FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the
racquet of FIG. 15.
[0024] FIG. 17 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of
another example sports racquet.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of another example pallet cap.
[0026] FIG. 19 is a fragmentary sectional view of another example
sports racquet including two pallet caps corresponding to the
pallet cap of FIG. 18.
[0027] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of another example sports
racquet including an example cap and a handle portion of a
racquet.
[0028] FIG. 21 is a partially exploded view of another example
sports racquet including example pallet caps and a handle portion
of a racquet
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES
[0029] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example sports racquet 10. As
will be described hereafter, sports racquet 10 provides an
adjustable racquet handle assembly permitting a player to customize
the outer configuration of the handle according to his or her
personal preferences. As will be described hereafter, sports
racquet 10 utilizes pallet caps 16 which are mechanically
interlocked to the handle to facilitate customization of the
handle. Although sports racquet 10 is shown as an example tennis
racquet, in other implementations, sports racquet 10 may have other
configurations for other sports such as a racquetball racquet, a
squash racquet or a badminton racquet. Racquet 10 comprises a frame
12, string bed 14 and pallet caps 16A, 16B (collectively referred
to as pallet caps 16) (shown in FIG. 2).
[0030] The frame 12 is a tubular structure having a longitudinal
axis 17 and comprises a head portion 18, a handle portion 20, and a
throat portion 22 coupling the head and handle portions 18 and 20.
The frame 12 is formed of a lightweight, durable material,
preferably a carbon-fiber composite material. As used herein, the
term "composite material" refers to a plurality of fibers
impregnated (or permeated throughout) with a resin. The fibers can
be co-axially aligned in sheets or layers, braided or weaved in
sheets or layers, and/or chopped and randomly dispersed in one or
more layers. The composite material may be formed of a single layer
or multiple layers comprising a matrix of fibers impregnated with
resin. In some implementations, the number layers can range from 3
to 8. In multiple layer constructions, the fibers can be aligned in
different directions with respect to the longitudinal axis 24,
and/or in braids or weaves from layer to layer. The fibers are
formed of a high tensile strength material such as graphite.
Alternatively, the fibers can be formed of other materials such as,
for example, glass, carbon, boron, basalt, carrot, Kevlar.RTM.,
Spectra.RTM., poly-para-phenylene-2, 6-benzobisoxazole (PBO), hemp
and combinations thereof. In one set of preferred embodiments, the
resin is preferably a thermosetting resin such as epoxy or
polyester resins. In other sets of preferred embodiments, the resin
can be a thermoplastic resin. The composite material is typically
wrapped about a mandrel and/or a comparable structure, and cured
under heat and/or pressure. While curing, the resin is configured
to flow and fully disperse and impregnate the matrix of fibers.
Alternatively, the frame 12 can be formed of other materials
including aluminum, metallic alloys, other composite materials,
wood, or combinations thereof.
[0031] The head portion 18 forms a distal region 24, first and
second side regions 26 and 28, and a proximal region 30, which
collectively define a string bed area 32 for receiving and
supporting the string bed 14. In one implementation, the proximal
region 30 includes a yoke 34.
[0032] The yoke 34 is an elongate tubular structural member which
extends from the first side region 26 to the second side region 28
of the head portion 18. In one implementation, the yoke 34 is
integrally formed with the frame 12 defining the proximal region
30. In alternative implementations, the yoke 34 can be connected
through use of adhesives, fasteners, bonding and combinations
thereof. In another embodiment, the yoke 34 can separated from the
frame 12 by vibration absorbing material, such as, for example, an
elastomer. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the frame 12 of
the racquet 10 can be formed without a yoke.
[0033] In one implementation, the first and second side regions 26
and 28 downwardly extend from the head portion 18 to form first and
second throat tubes 36 and 38 of the throat portion 22. The first
and second throat tubes 36 and 38 converge further downwardly
extend to form the handle portion 20.
[0034] In another implementation, the head portion 18 is directly
connected to one or both of the throat portion 22 and the yoke 34
through the use of conventional fasteners, adhesives, mechanical
bonding, thermal bonding, or other combinations thereof.
Alternatively, the head portion 18 can be separated from one or
both of the throat portion and the yoke by a vibration and shock
absorbing material, such as an elastomer. In yet another
alternative preferred embodiment, the head portion 18 is integrally
formed with one or both of the throat portion 22 and the yoke
16.
[0035] The string bed 14 is formed by a plurality of main string
segments 44 interwoven with a plurality of cross string segments
46. The main and cross string segments 44 and 46 can be formed from
one continuous piece of racquet string, or from two or more pieces
of racquet string. In the example illustrated, the head portion 18
of the racquet 10 is a tubular structure shaped to define a hoop
48. The hoop 48 can be any closed curved shape including, for
example, a generally oval shape, a generally tear-drop shape, a
generally pear shape, a generally circular shape and combinations
thereof.
[0036] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate racquet 10 without string bed 14
and without grip 68. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate handle portion 20 of
frame 12. The handle portion of the frame 12 is also referred to as
the shaft 40 or as the "hairpin", and the shaft 40 forms part of a
handle assembly 50. The shaft 40 is an elongate tubular structure
that is preferably integrally formed to the frame 12 of the racquet
10. The shaft 40 provides structural support to the handle assembly
50. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the shaft 40 as part
of the frame 12 is formed of a composite material that is an
extension of the composite material used to form the hoop portion
18 of the frame 12. The composite material can be wrapped around a
mandrel or a tube and shaped typically in a mold into the hoop
portion 18 with the pair of end sections 52 and 54 of the composite
material being positioned next to each other at the shaft 20. The
pair of end sections 52 and 54 form a pair of generally parallel
tubular cavities 56 and 58. The mold can be configured to shape the
outer surface of the shaft 40 into a desired shape. For purposes of
this disclosure, the phrase "configured to" denotes an actual state
of configuration that fundamentally ties the stated function/use to
the physical characteristics of the feature proceeding the phrase
"configured to".
[0037] In one implementation, the shaft 40 can be configured with
an outer surface that has a generally rectangular transverse
cross-sectional area (FIG. 3a). After molding, the pair of end
sections 52 and 54 form a common inner wall 60 that longitudinally
extends along the shaft 20. The inner wall 60 further strengthens
the structure of the shaft 20. In alternative preferred
embodiments, the outer surface of the shaft can be formed to have
other transverse cross-sectional shapes, such as, for example,
other polygonal shapes, circular, oval, ellipsoid, irregular shapes
and combinations thereof. The tubular cavities 56 and 58 can be
hollow or can be filled or partially filled with a material, such
as a cellular foam to adjust the weight of the racquet and/or to
dampen the sound during use, and/or to dampen vibration of the
racquet during play.
[0038] The shaft 40 is preferably integrally formed as part of the
frame 12 with the hoop portion 18 as a one-piece structure. In
alternative preferred embodiments, the shaft 40 can be formed as a
separate component from the hoop portion, and then coupled
together. The shaft can be coupled to the hoop portion through the
use of intermediate pieces such as a throat portion, conventional
fasteners, molding techniques, bonding techniques, adhesives or
combinations thereof.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the handle assembly 50
further includes a pallet 62, a butt cap 66 and grip 68 (shown in
FIG. 1). The pallet 62 is a tubular structure that surrounds the
shaft 20 and typically defines the general shape of the handle
assembly 50. The pallet 62 can have a length that extends
approximately 20 to 30 percent of the length of an entire racquet.
For example, a racquet having a total length of 27 inches can have
a pallet 62 with a length of approximately 7 inches (or 178 mm). In
one implementation, the pallet 62 can have a length between 150 to
250 mm. In one implementation, pallet 62 is extended or elongated.
In one implementation, pallet 62 has a length of greater than 200
mm. In one implementation, pallet 62 has a length within the range
of 200 to 250 mm. In yet another implementation, pallet 62 has a
length within the range of 200 to 210 mm. The extra length of
pallet 62 provides a greater gripping length for handle assembly
50, facilitating enhance gripping by two hands, such as when the
racquet 10 is being gripped during a two-handed backhand. As will
be described hereafter, pallet caps 16 further assist in locating
one's hands along the extended gripping length for handle assembly
50.
[0040] The pallet 62 is preferably formed of a light weight,
durable, shock absorbing and vibration dampening material, such as
a two-part polyurethane cellular foam material. Alternatively, the
pallet can be formed of other durable, shock-absorbing and
vibration dampening materials such as, for example, other cellular
foam materials, non-cellular foam materials, wood, a thermoplastic
material, a thermoset material, neoprene, rubber, silicon, a
composite material, a metal and combinations thereof. The pallet 62
is preferably fixedly secured to the shaft 40 as a two-part foam
that bonds to the shaft 40. Alternatively, the pallet 62 can be
secured to the shaft 20 through thermal bonding, chemical bonding,
fasteners, interference fits, snap-fit connections, and
combinations thereof. The pallet 62 can be molded and formed over
the shaft 40, or pre-formed and secured to the shaft 40. The pallet
62 can be formed in a variety of single colors or in multiple color
combinations. The pallet 62 also typically maintains a polygonal
shaped transverse, cross-sectional area over most of its length.
Preferably, at least 80 percent of length of the pallet 62 has a
polygonal-shaped transverse cross-sectional area.
[0041] The hardness of the pallet 62 can be varied by selecting
harder or softer pallet material. The hardness of the pallet 62
affects the feel of the racquet by making the grip softer and more
comfortable to the user, enabling a player to more readily feel by
touch one or more flats 70 and corners 72 of the pallet 62, and
facilitating the dampening of vibration and shock upon impact with
a ball. The pallet 62 is preferably formed of a material having a
hardness or a hardness value falling within the range of 20 on a
Shore A hardness scale to 50 on a Shore D hardness scale. In one
particularly preferred embodiment, the pallet 62 is formed of a
material having a hardness falling within the range of 65 to 85 on
a Shore A hardness scale. In another particularly preferred
embodiment, the pallet 62 is formed of a material having a hardness
within the range of 35 to 45 on a Shore A hardness scale. In other
preferred embodiments, the pallet can be formed of a material
falling within other hardness ranges. In addition, the pallet 62
preferably has a weight within the range of 30 to 40 grams, but in
alternative embodiments, other weights can also be used.
[0042] The pallet 62 is formed with an outer surface that defines a
plurality of longitudinally extending "flats 70", or generally
elongate planar surfaces, that are angled with respect to each
other such that the outer surface of the pallet 62 defines a
generally polygonal-shaped transverse cross-sectional area. The
flats 70 have side edges that come together to form elongate
corners 72 longitudinally extending along the pallet 62. In one
preferred embodiment, the pallet 62 defines eight flats 70 and
eight corners 72 and a corresponding generally octagonal transverse
cross-sectional area.
[0043] The butt cap 66 is a cup-shaped body that extends over and
covers a proximal end 82 of the pallet 62. The butt cap 66
preferably includes a sidewall 84 defining a cavity for receiving
the proximal end 82 of the pallet 62. The cavity defined by the
sidewall 84 preferably corresponds to the transverse
cross-sectional shape formed by the outer surface of the pallet 62.
Accordingly, if the pallet 62 forms a generally octagonal
transverse cross-sectional shape, the cavity defined by the
sidewall 84 will have a generally octagonal shape to extend over
and matably receive the proximal end 82 of the pallet 62. The butt
cap 66 further includes a back wall 86 that covers the end of the
pallet 62 and provide a surface for indicia, such as a trademark or
other forms of indicia. When installed onto a racquet 10, the
sidewall 84 of the butt cap 66 overlaps the pallet 62 thereby
making the proximal end of the grip assembly 50 larger than the
remaining portions. The larger proximal end of the grip assembly
due to the butt cap 66 is preferred by most players for
facilitating the grip and play of the racquet. It also helps
prevent the racquet from slipping out of the players hand during
play. The butt cap 66 is preferably formed of a lightweight durable
plastic material. Alternatively, the butt cap can be formed of
other materials, such as nylon, wood, thermoset materials,
thermoplastic materials, and combinations thereof.
[0044] The grip 68 extends over the outer surface of the pallet 62,
over the support members 64, preferably over at least a portion of
the sidewall 84 of the butt cap 66 and over pallet caps 16. The
grip 68 is typically secured to the handle assembly 50 through use
of a suitable adhesive tape. Alternatively, the grip 68 can be
attached to the handle assembly 50 by other means, such as, for
example, a conventional fluid adhesive, thermal bonding or
mechanical bonding. The grip 68 is an elongate strip of soft,
durable material. The grip 68 can be made of a leather, a synthetic
leather, a rubber or other thermoset material. The grip 68 is
typically spirally or helically wrapped about the outer surface of
the pallet 62, the support members 64 and the sidewall 84. In an
alternative preferred embodiment, the grip 68 can be formed of a
semi-transparent, transparent, semi-translucent or translucent
material that enables at least a portion of one or more of the
support members 64 to be visible to the user through the grip 68.
In an alternative preferred embodiment, the grip 68 can be a
tubular member that is slidably connected to the outer surface of
the pallet 62, the support members 64 and the sidewall 84.
[0045] The flats 70 and corners 72 of the pallet 62 are preferably
visible and easily felt by a player while holding the handle
assembly 50 with one or both hands. Players often rely on the feel
of the flats 70 and/or the corners 72 to orient their grip on the
handle assembly 50 during play, and to shift their grip positions
during play, without having to look at the handle assembly 50. As
will be described hereafter, pallet caps can enhance a player's
ability to sense or feel the flats 70 and/or the corners 72 of the
pallet 62 of the handle assembly 50 and thereby make his or her
grip adjustments and re-adjustments more quickly and
confidently.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 3b, in an alternative implementation, the
shaft 120 can be formed of an aluminum or other metallic alloy. The
frame 12 can be formed substantially be a single tubular body that
is shaped to form the head or hoop portion of the racquet with
first and second ends 152 and 154 drawn together to form part of a
throat portion, and then positioned directly adjacent each other to
form the shaft 120. The ends 152 and 154 of the tubular body are
preferably hollow and define the cavities 156 and 158. In other
preferred embodiments, the shaft 120, like the shaft 20, can be
formed of the first and second ends 152 and 154 that are separate
components from the head portion of the racquet, and can be coupled
to the head portion through the use of intermediate pieces such as
a throat portion, conventional fasteners, molding techniques,
bonding techniques, adhesives or combinations thereof.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 3c, in another alternative implementation,
the shaft 220 can be formed of a composite material about a mandrel
or a tube in a shape that approximates the shape of the outer
surface of the pallet 62. In the embodiment, the shaft 220
eliminates the pallet. The outer surface of the shaft 220 can have
a polygonal transverse cross-sectional shape, such as an octagonal
shape, and the recesses 74 can be formed into the outer surface of
the shaft 220. The shaft 220 is preferably formed of a composite
material, and therefore can be lighter and harder than a typical
pallet. Alternatively, the shaft 220 can be formed of other
materials, such as, for example, aluminum, a metal, wood, a
thermoset material, a thermoplastic material and combinations
thereof. The shaft 220 is preferably formed as one integral
structure with the frame of the racquet. In other preferred
embodiments, the shaft 220, like the shaft 20, can be as a
component separate from the head portion of the racquet, and can be
coupled to the head portion through the use of intermediate pieces
such as a throat portion, conventional fasteners, molding
techniques, bonding techniques, adhesives or combinations
thereof.
[0048] Pallet caps 16 comprise panels, covers, overlays, capping
members or other structures that are configured to be positioned
against and over portions of pallet 62, between pallet 62 and grip
68, so as to alter the outer shape or other characteristic of
handle assembly 50. In some implementations, pallet caps 16 are
part of a larger set of pallet caps 16, wherein different pallet
caps 16 have different characteristics, allowing a person to
customize his or her racquet. For example, the outer shape of
handle assembly 50 may be modified so as to provide a player with a
more ergonomic shape and a more ergonomic grip and feel. The outer
shape of handle assembly 50 may be modified so as to provide a
player with a shape that better conforms to the size and shape of
the particular player's hand or hands. In one implementation,
pallet cap 16 can have a maximum thickness within the range of 0.5
to 10.0 mm measured from the outer surface of the pallet, and a
maximum length measured with respect to the longitudinal axis 17
within the range of 0.5 to 3.0 mm. The thickness of the pallet cap
16 can be generally constant along most of the length of the pallet
cap. In another implementation, the thickness of the pallet cap 16
can vary along its length. The outer shape of handle assembly 50
may be modified so as to provide a player with a tactile indication
of those portions of handle assembly 50 that should be gripped
during a particular stroke, such as during a two-handed backhand.
In some implementations, the pallet caps 16 may additionally or
alternatively modify a softness, hardness or resilient nature of
selected portions of handle assembly 50. For example, different
pallet caps 16 may have higher level of compressibility (the amount
of force required to deform or deflect pallet caps 60 inwards a
given extent towards the centerline of handle assembly 50) and/or
different levels of resiliency (the rate and/or extent to which
pallet caps 16 spring back to or towards their initial size and
shape prior to deformation). In some implementations, different
pallet caps 16 may also have different longitudinal lengths, the
extent to which an individual pallet caps 16 extends along handle
assembly 50, parallel to axis 17.
[0049] As shown by FIG. 5, flats 70 of pallet 62 include front/rear
flats 302, 304, top/bottom flats 306, 308 and angled flats 310,
312, 314 and 316. Flats 302, 304 face in the same direction as, and
are generally parallel to, string bed 16. Flats 306, 308 face in
directions perpendicular to flats 302, 304. Flats 310, 312, 314 and
316 obliquely extending between flats 302, 304 and flats 306, 308.
The flats 302 through 316 form an octagonal shape.
[0050] As shown by FIGS. 4 and 5, pallet cap 16A overlaps and
extends along flats 306, 310 and 312 while pallet cap 16B overlaps
and extends along flats 308, 314 and 316. Each of pallet caps 16
has an inner surface 320 and an outer surface 322. As shown by FIG.
6, in the example illustrated, inner surface 320 has a shape or
profile that matches the shape or profile of the top/bottom and
diagonal flats over which the pallet cap 16 extends. In particular,
inner surface 320 has an inner top/bottom flat 326 and two inner
diagonal flats 328, 330 which have shapes corresponding to flats
306, 310 and 312, respectively. As a result, inner surface 320
closely conforms to and abuts such overlaid flats.
[0051] Outer surface 322 has a shape or profile that differs from
the shape or profile of inner surface 320. In one implementation,
outer surface 322 comprises an outer top/bottom flat 336 and two
outer diagonal flats 338, 340. In one implementation, flats 336,
338 and 340 are substantially flat and taper, curve or otherwise
smoothly ramp down to the outer surface of pallet 62 along their
edges. In yet other implementations, as shown by broken lines, each
of pallet cap 16 may have an alternative outer surface 322' which
is thicker and/or has a different outer profile or shape. In the
example illustrated, outer surface 322' is illustrated as having a
different, more bulbous or rounded shape and is also being further
spaced from inner surface 320 such that pallet cap 16 has a greater
thickness, providing handle assembly 50 with a greater size or
thickness along the top and bottom faces of handle assembly 50. In
the example illustrated, pallet caps 16 are identical to one
another. In other implementations, pallet caps 16 may have
different outer surface configurations.
[0052] The hardness of the pallet cap 16 can be varied based upon
the desired feel and application of the handle assembly 50 and the
hardness of the pallet 62 being used with the pallet cap 16. The
pallet cap 16 is preferably formed of a material having a hardness
or a hardness value falling within the range of 20 on a Shore A
hardness scale to 100 on a Shore D hardness scale. In one
implementation, the pallet cap 16 is formed of a material having a
hardness within the range of 70 on a Shore A hardness scale to 90
on a Shore D hardness scale. In other preferred embodiments, the
pallet cap 16 can be formed of a material falling within other
hardness ranges, or combination thereof. Accordingly, a single
racquet handle assembly 50 could have two or more pallet caps 16
with the same hardness, or different hardness values.
[0053] In one implementation, the pallet cap 16 can be formed of a
durable, generally rigid material, such as a composite material. In
another implementation, the pallet cap 16 can be formed of
resilient material. In other implementations, the pallet cap 70 can
be formed of other materials such as, for example, aluminum, other
metals, foam materials, wood, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset
material, neoprene, rubber, silicon and combinations thereof. In
other implementations, the pallet caps 16 can be formed of
different lengths, thickness, textures, hardness, materials, colors
or combinations thereof. The weight of one of the pallet cap 16
preferably is within the range of 0.5 to 5 grams, but in
alternative embodiments, other weights can also be used.
Collectively, the group of pallet cap 16 on the handle assembly can
have a weight within the range of 6 to 16 grams.
[0054] The pallet cap 16 can be formed in a variety of single
colors or in multiple color combinations. Further, the pallet cap
16 can include indicia representative of alphanumeric characters,
graphics, specification information, advertising information,
source data, trademarks, certification marks and combinations
thereof.
[0055] As further shown by FIGS. 4-6, pallet caps 16 are each
mechanically interlocked to pallet 62. For purposes of this
disclosure, two structures are mechanically interlocked to one
another when one of the two structures has a detent 332 that
receives a projection 334 from the other of the two structures such
that movement of the two structures relative to one another is
restricted in at least two opposite directions. In the example
illustrated, pallet caps 16 are each mechanically interlocked to
pallet 62 to restrict relative movement of the pallet caps 16 and
pallet 62 in opposite longitudinal directions, directions parallel
to axis 17, parallel to the length of handle assembly 50. Each of
pallet caps 16 has one of a projection/detent 334 (schematically
illustrated) while pallet 62 has corresponding detents/projections
332 (schematically illustrated). In implementations where
projection/detent 334 comprises a projection, detent/projection 332
comprises a detent and vice versa.
[0056] Although schematically illustrated with a rectangular box,
projection/detent 334 and detent/projection 332 may have a variety
of different sizes, shapes and configurations so long as the detent
receives a projection to restrict relative movement of pallet cap
16A, 16B and pallet 62 in at least two opposite longitudinal
directions. In one implementation, the detent completely surrounds
the projection and contacts or opposes side surfaces of the
projection on all sides restrict relative movement in all
directions parallel to flats 306, 308. In yet another
implementation, the detent opposes two opposite surfaces of the
projection in opposing longitudinal directions to restrict relative
longitudinal movement, but permit transverse relative movement.
[0057] In one implementation, the detents are preformed into pallet
62 and/or cap 16 prior to mounting of cap 16 to pallet 62,
facilitating easier assembly and alignment of pallet 62 and each of
caps 16. In another implementation, the projection may have a
pointed tip or edge, wherein the projection in the opposing surface
have a hardness that allows the pointed tip or edge to cut into the
opposing surface, creating the corresponding detent in the opposing
surface. For example, in one implementation, cap 16 may include a
projection having a pointed edge or tip that when pushed against
pallet 62 cuts into in digs into pallet 62 to create the detent. In
another implementation, pallet 62 may include a projection having a
pointed edge or tip that cuts into or digs into and overlaid cap 16
to create a detent in cap 16.
[0058] In another implementation, pallet 62 and/or cap 16 may
include a plurality of projections having pointed are sharp edges
or points, such as a row or an array of teeth. In one
implementation, the teeth may extend perpendicular to the flats of
pallet 62 when cap 16 is assembled against pallet 62. In yet
another implementation, the teeth may obliquely extend relative to
the flats of pallet 62 when cap 62 is assembled against pallet 62.
In one implementation, cap 62 may include two sets of teeth, a
first set of teeth to be positioned towards or proximate to head 18
and a second set of teeth to be positioned towards or proximate to
butt cap 66. In such an implementation, the first set of teeth is
angled towards head 18 a second set of teeth is angled towards butt
cap 66, providing enhanced gripping and securement of cap 16 to
pallet 62 and enhanced retention of cap 16 against longitudinal
movement of cap 16 relative to pallet 62. In such implementations,
cap 16 may be positioned at a continuum of different positions
along pallet 62 while, at the same time, inhibiting sliding or
relative longitudinal movement of pallet 62 and cap 16.
[0059] In some implementations, at least one of the projection and
the detent may be resiliently compressible during insertion of the
projection into the detent, facilitating a high friction fit
between the projection and the interior surface of the detent. In
one implementation, portions of the projection may be larger than a
mouth of the projection, wherein at least one of the projection and
the detent resiliently compresses during such insertion through the
mouth to snap together. For example, the projection may comprise a
head that is larger than the mouth or throat of a detent that leads
to a cavity larger than the head, wherein one of the projection and
the throat of the detent resiliently stretches or compresses during
insertion of the head through the throat, wherein the neck
resiliently returns to a constricted state and/or wherein the head
resiliently returns to a larger state once the head has been
received within the cavity to additionally assist in retaining cap
16 in a direction perpendicular to faces 306, 308.
[0060] In the example illustrated, projection/detent 334 and
detent/projection 332 are provided adjacent to or in flats 326, 306
or adjacent to or in flats 326, 308 of cap 16A, 16B and pallet 62,
respectively. In other implementations, projection/detent 334 and
detent/projection 332 are provided adjacent to or in opposing
diagonal flats of pallet 62 and cap 16. For example, in some
implementations, projection/detent 334 may alternatively be
provided in flat 328 and/or flat 330 of each of caps 16 while
detent/projection 332 is provided adjacent flat 310 and/or flat 312
of pallet 62, and is provided adjacent flat 314 and/or flat 316 of
pallet 62. In some implementations, each of flats 326, 328 and 330
may be provided with a projection/detent 334 but each of flats 306,
308, 310, 312, 314 and 316 is provided with a detent/projection 332
that corresponds to the opposing projection/detent 334.
[0061] As further schematically shown by FIG. 4, pallet 62 of
handle assembly 50 comprises a plurality or series of individual
detent/projections 332 longitudinally spaced along handle assembly
50, along axis 17. Each of detent/projections 332 may be selected
to receive projection/detent 334 of the overlaid pallet cap 16. As
a result, the longitudinal positioning of each pallet cap 16 may be
varied according to the player's preferences. In one
implementation, both of pallet cap 16 are located at the same
longitudinal distance from the end 344 of pallet 62. In other
implementations, pallet caps 16A and 16B may be differently spaced
along axis 17 from end 344. In some implementations, each of pallet
caps 16 may comprise multiple spaced projection/detents 334 which
have a pitch (spacing from one another) corresponding to the pitch
of detent/projections 332. In such a configuration, the actual
securement of pallet caps 16 may be enhanced. In one
implementation, the number of multiple spaced projection/detents
334 may be less than the number of available detent/projection 332,
permitting a user to selectively position each of pallet caps 16 at
a selected distance from end 344.
[0062] FIGS. 7-11 are cross-sectional views illustrating various
configurations of different pallet caps 16 on pallet 62. In the
examples illustrated, pallet 62 is illustrated as having a
configuration similar to that shown in 3c. It is contemplated that
the pallet caps of FIGS. 7-11 can also be used with the handle
configurations of FIG. 3a or 3b, or other handle configurations.
FIG. 7 illustrates a sports racquet 410 comprising pallet caps
416A, 416B (collectively referred to as pallet caps 416). Pallet
caps 416 are similar to pallet caps 16 described above in that they
are mechanically interlocked to pallet 62 against relative
longitudinal movement by projection/detent 334 and
detent/projection 332 described above. Pallet caps 416 differ from
pallet caps 16 in that pallet caps 416 completely enveloped or
surround a cross-section of pallet 62, having thicker portions of
the flats 306, 308 and thinner portions opposite to flats 302,
304.
[0063] FIG. 8 illustrates a sports racquet 510 comprising pallet
caps 516A, 516B (collectively referred to as pallet caps 516).
Pallet caps 516 are similar to pallet caps 16 described above in
that they are mechanically interlocked to pallet 62 against
relative longitudinal movement by projection/detent 334 and
detent/projection 332 described above. Pallet caps 516 differ from
pallet caps 16 in that pallet caps 516 completely enveloped or
surround a cross-section of pallet 62, having thicker portions
opposite to flats 302, 304 and thinner portions opposite to flats
306, 308. In the example illustrated, flats 302 and 304, rather
than flats 306, 308, support detent/projections 332. In the
illustrated example, flats 326 of pallet caps 516 extend opposite
to and abut flat 302, 304 of pallet 62.
[0064] FIG. 9 illustrates a sports racquet 610 comprising pallet
caps 616A, 616B (collectively referred to as pallet caps 616).
Pallet caps 616 are similar to pallet caps 16 described above in
that they are mechanically interlocked to pallet 62 against
relative longitudinal movement by projection/detent 334 and
detent/projection 332 described above. Pallet caps 516 differ from
pallet caps 616 in that pallet caps 616 completely enveloped or
surround a cross-section of pallet 62, providing uniform thickness
about pallet 62 while still providing eight flats corresponding to
the underlying eight flats of pallet 62.
[0065] FIG. 10 illustrates a sports racquet 710 comprising pallet
caps 716A, 716B (collectively referred to as pallet caps 716).
Pallet caps 716 are similar to pallet caps 16 described above in
that they are mechanically interlocked to pallet 62 against
relative longitudinal movement by projection/detent 334 and
detent/projection 332 described above. Pallet caps 716 differ from
pallet caps 616 in that pallet caps 616 completely enveloped or
surround a cross-section of pallet 62, providing a non-uniform
thickness about pallet 62 and having a rounded or curved outer
surface, rather than outer flats correspond to the flats of pallet
62.
[0066] FIG. 11 illustrates a sports racquet 810 comprising pallet
caps 816, while omitting and opposing or opposite pallet cap.
Pallet cap 816 is similar to one of pallet caps 16 described above
in that pallet cap 816 is mechanically interlocked to pallet 62
against relative longitudinal movement by projection/detent 334 and
detent/projection 332 described above. In the example illustrated,
pallet cap 816 provides a rounded thickness office to flats 308. In
another implementation, pallet cap 816 may provide flats
corresponding to the underlying flats of pallet 62.
[0067] FIG. 12 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of a
portion of an example sports racquet 1010, another example sports
racquet 10. FIG. 13 illustrates sports racquet 1010 without grip
68. Those components of racquet 1010 which correspond to components
of racquet 10 are numbered similarly or are shown in FIG. 1. Sports
racquet 1010 is similar to sports racquet 10 except that sports
racquet 1010 is specifically illustrated as mechanically
interlocking pallet caps 16 to pallet 62 against relative
longitudinal movement with projection, shown as tab 1030 (shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14) and detents, shown as grooves 1032.
[0068] Grooves 1032 extend into each of opposite flats 306, 308 of
pallet 62 and are each sized to receive tab 1030. Each groove has
opposing interior surfaces that face and contact opposite side
surfaces of tab 1030 to inhibit or restrict relative longitudinal
movement between caps 16 and pallet 62 when or while tab 1030 is
received within one of grooves 1032. In one implementation, each
groove 1032 can have a depth within the range of 0.25 to 3.0 mm and
a width within the range of 0.25 to 5 mm. In one implementation,
the groove 1032 can have a depth and a width each within the range
of 1.0 to 2.0 mm. In other implementations, grooves 1032 may have
other depths and widths.
[0069] In one implementation, racquet 1010 comprises at least three
spaced apart grooves 1032. In one implementation, racquet 1010
comprises at least five spaced apart grooves. In yet other
implementations, racquet 1010 may comprise a single groove 1032 or
tens of grooves 1032. As the number of grooves 1032 increases, the
resolution at which caps 16 may be repositioned decreases. In other
words, the larger the number grooves, the smaller or more finite
adjustments to the positioning of caps 16 may be made. In one
implementation, grooves 1032 have a center-to-center pitch in a
range of 2 mm and 30 mm, depending upon the number of groups 1032.
In one implementation, grooves 1032 have a center-to-center pitch
in a range of 5 mm and 20 mm. In yet another implementation,
grooves 1032 have a center-to-center pitch in a range of 10 mm and
15 mm.
[0070] As shown by FIG. 13, each tab 1030 comprises an elongated
rib or panel projecting from interior flat 326. Tab 1030 is
configured to be received within any of grooves 1032 with interior
flat 326 in substantial abutment with the underlying flat of pallet
62, either flat 306 or flat 308. As shown by FIG. 14, tab 1030 can
be asymmetrically located between opposite ends 1037, 1038 of
interior flat 326, being spaced from end 1037 by a first distance
d1 and from end 1038 by a second distance d2 greater than the first
distance d1. As a result, each of caps 16 may be simply flipped, or
rotated 180.degree. about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis 17, so as to extend across different longitudinal extents of
pallet 62 and handle assembly 50. The asymmetric positioning of tab
1030 provides cap 16 and racquet 1010 with greater variability and
versatility.
[0071] For example, the tab 1030 can be positioned away from the
mid-length position of the tab 1030 closer to a first end of the
cap 16 than a second end of cap 16. By positioning the tab 1030
away from the mid-length position of the tab 1030 the number of
positions the tab 1030 can take with respect to the pallet 62
increases. For example, if the user wants to place the cap 16 at a
position that is the furthest from the butt cap 66 end of the
racquet 1010 he or she can position the cap 70 so that the second
end is furthest from the butt cap 66 thereby positioning more of
the body of the cap 16 further away from the butt cap 66.
Alternatively, the opposite is true if someone wants to position
the pallet cap 16 closer to the butt cap 66, he or she can reverse
the pallet cap 16 so that the second end 66 is closer to the butt
cap 66 than the first end. In another implementation, the distances
d1 and d2 can be substantially equal.
[0072] FIGS. 15 and 16 are sectional views illustrating one example
of caps 16 mounted to pallet 62 of racquet 1010. FIG. 15
illustrates tab 1030 of cap 16A and tab 1030 of cap 16B positioned
within a corresponding selected grooves 1032. In other
implementations, either or both of caps 16A, 16B may be selectively
repositioned any of the other grooves 1032. Moreover, as described
above with respect to racquet 10, caps 16A, 16B cannot need to be
positioned directly across and opposite to one another, but may be
largely offset respect to one another.
[0073] FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view of cap 16 mechanically
interlocked to pallet 62 against relative longitudinal movement. In
the example illustrated, tab 1030 comprises tapering sides 1040,
whereas grooves 1032 also include tapering interior sides 1042. The
tapering of tab 1030 and the interior of each of grooves 1032
facilitates insertion of tab 1030 into a selected one of grooves
1032. As shown by FIG. 16, interior sides 1042 face and bare
against at least one of the opposite sides 1040 of tab 1032 to
restrict or inhibit relative longitudinal sliding or movement of
cap 16A relative to pallet 62 in the opposite longitudinal
direction indicated by arrows 1046. As further shown by FIG. 16,
cap 16A extend over and across those unused grooves 1032 to cover
such grooves 1032. In implementations where cap 16A is interlocked
to pallet 62 at a location such that some of grooves 1032 are not
covered by cap 16A (or cap 16B), grip 68 may cover any such
remaining uncovered grooves 1032.
[0074] In one implementation, the pallet caps 16 can be fixedly
secured within a respective groove 1032 of the pallet 62 through
use of an adhesive. Alternatively, the pallet cap 16 can be secured
within a respective groove 1032 of the pallet 62 through use of
thermal bonding, chemical bonding, fasteners, interference fits,
snap-fit connections, and combinations thereof. In another,
alternatively implementation, the pallet caps 16 can be releasably,
removably and/or replaceably secured to the pallet 62 enabling a
user to periodically change, upgrade or otherwise replace the
pallet cap 70 used with a particular pallet. For purposes of this
disclosure, the term "releasably" or "removably" with respect to an
attachment or coupling of two structures means that the two
structures may be repeatedly connected and disconnected to and from
one another without material damage to either of the two structures
or their functioning.
[0075] The pallet caps 16 can be adjustably positioned about the
pallet 62 to enable the user to position the pallet cap 16 in the
location that best suits that's player's grip location. In one
implementation, the pallet caps 16 are positioned below the grip
68. The user can simply remove a portion of the grip 68 remove the
pallet cap(s) 16 from engagement with the pallet 62, replace one or
more of the pallet caps 16 with a replacement pallet cap 16 or no
pallet cap 16 and re-grip the racquet 10. The racquet 10 may come
with one or more replacement pallet caps 16. The replacement pallet
caps 16 can be of a different length, thickness, hardness and/or
texture than the pallet cap previously or originally installed or
positioned on the racquet. Players with larger hands may prefer
longer and/or thicker pallet caps 16 and conversely, players with
smaller hands may prefer shorter and/or thinner pallet caps 16.
[0076] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of sports racquet
1110, another example implementation of sports racquet 10. Sports
racquet 1110 is illustrated without butt cap 66 and without grip 68
(shown in FIG. 1). Those components of racquet 1110 which
correspond to components of racquet 10 are numbered similarly or
are shown in FIG. 1. Sports racquet 1110 is similar to sports
racquet 10 except that sports racquet 1110 is specifically
illustrated as mechanically interlocking pallet caps 16 to pallet
62 against relative longitudinal movement with projection, shown as
plug 1130 and detents, shown as apertures, openings or holes
1132.
[0077] Holes 1132 extend into each of opposite flats 306, 308 of
pallet 62 and are each sized to receive plug 1130. Each group has
opposing interior surfaces that face and contact opposite side
surfaces of plug 1130 to inhibit or restrict relative longitudinal
movement between caps 16 and pallet 62 when or while plug 1130 is
received within one of holes 1132.
[0078] As shown by FIG. 17, each plug 1130 comprises a cylindrical
projection projecting from interior flat 326. In other
implementations, plug 1130 may have other cross-sectional shapes.
In one implementation, plug 1130 may comprise a narrower neck and
an enlarged head, wherein the head resiliently compresses during
insertion into a selected one of holes 1132 and then returns to its
default larger shape to provide resistance against withdrawal of
plug 1130 from the whole 1132. Plug 1130 is configured to be
received within any of holes 1132 with interior flat 326 in
substantial abutment with the underlying flat of pallet 62, either
flat 306 or flat 308. As shown by FIG. 17, plug 1130 is
asymmetrically located between opposite ends 1037, 1038 of interior
flat 326, being spaced from end 1037 by a first distance d1 and
from end 1038 by a second distance d2 greater than the first
distance dl (shown in FIG. 14). As a result, each of caps 16 may be
simply flipped or rotated 180.degree. about an axis perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis 17, so as to extend across different
extend longitudinal extents of pallet 62 and handle assembly 50.
The asymmetric positioning of plug 1130 provides cap 16 and racquet
1110 with greater variability and versatility.
[0079] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate portions of sports racquet 1210,
another example implementation of sports racquet 10. Sports racquet
1210 is similar to sports racquet 10 except that sports racquet
1210 mechanically interlocks caps 16A and 16B to pallet 62 using
projections 1230A, 1230B (collectively referred to as projections
1230) which are received by detents 1232A, 1232B (shown in FIG.
19). Those remaining components or structures of racquet 1210 which
correspond to components or structures of racquet 10 are numbered
similarly and/or are shown in FIGS. 1 through FIG. 6). FIG. 18 is a
bottom view of an example cap 16A, which is identical to cap 16B.
FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view through racquet 1210 along
axis 17, illustrating one example positioning of caps 16.
[0080] As shown by FIGS. 18 and 19, cap 16A comprises projections,
shown as teeth 1230A and teeth 1230B. Teeth 1230A comprise
individual spaced teeth 1230A arranged in a two dimensional array
or grid of teeth 1230A. In the example illustrated, each of such
teeth 1230A comprises a triangular-based pyramid having a
triangular face 1240 extending to a peak 1241 and triangular sides
1242 which taper down to a point 1244 adjacent the underlying inner
flat of the particular cap 16. In the example illustrated, the
triangular faces 1240 of each of teeth 1230A face towards the
closest and 1037, 1038. In the example illustrated, teeth 1230A are
provided on inner flat 326 as well as inner diagonal flats 328,
330. In other implementations, cap 16A may have additional or fewer
of such teeth 1230 or may omit teeth 1230A on either of flat 326,
flat 330 and/or flat 328. In other implementations, teeth 1230 may
have other shapes, wherein teeth 1230 have a pointed tip or
edge.
[0081] Teeth 1230B comprise teeth in the form of elongated right
triangle prisms having a sharp or pointed edge 1250 at the peak of
the face 1252 extending perpendicularly from flat 326 and a rear
face 1254 that tapers downwardly from peak 1250 two the underlying
flat of cap 16 (flat 326 in the example of FIG. 18). Face 12 52
faces in a direction towards the closest and 1037, 1038 of cap 16A.
In the example illustrated, face 1252 of each of teeth 1230A faces
towards end 1038. In the example illustrated, cap 16A is
illustrated as having three such teeth 1230B along inner flat 326.
In other implementations, cap 16A may a greater or fewer number of
such teeth 1230 at the same or different locations. For example,
cap 16A may alternatively comprise such teeth 1230B proximate and
1037 and distal end 1038, wherein such teeth 1230B face towards end
1037 rather than end 1038. In her flats 328 and 330 may include
teeth 1230B. In other implementations, teeth 1230 may have other
shapes, wherein such other shapes have pointed tips or edges.
[0082] Detents 1232A and 1232B (collectively referred to as detents
1232) comprise recesses extending into flats of pallet 62 and in
which teeth 1232 extend. In one implementation, teeth 1232A and
1232B have shapes that correspond to the shapes of the teeth 1230A
and 1230B being received. In one implementation, detents 1230 are
preformed detents 1230 exist prior to assembly of caps 16A and 16B
to pallet 62. In another implementation, pallet 62 is formed
without such detents 1232, but wherein pallet 62 is formed from a
material that is sufficiently soft, to form more compressible such
that when caps 16 may be manually positioned against pallet 62 so
as to cause teeth 1230 to cut into or dig into opposing portions of
pallet 62 to form correspondingly shaped detents 1232. In one
implementation, the compression or deformation of pallet 62 by
teeth 1230 is permanent such that a player may exchange one cap 16
for another cap and made precisely relocape the replacement cap in
the exact same position as the prior cap. In yet another
implementation, the compression or the formation of pallet 62 by
teeth 1230 is only temporary while caps 16 remain held against
pallet 62 by the overlying grip 68 (shown in FIG. 1). In such an
implementation, removal of grip 68 may allow caps 16 to were
withdrawn, wherein those surfaces of pallet 62 previously cut into
our dug into by teeth 1230 result the return towards their initial
default shape (prior to being positioned against caps 16). In such
an implementation, because pallet 62 resiliently return to their
prior under formed state, a first cap 16 may be removed for
replacing with a second cap 16, wherein the second cap 16 may be
positioned at any of a multitude of different positions over pallet
62 without positional limitations that might otherwise occur had
the prior detents from the first cap 16 remained.
[0083] As shown by FIG. 19, cap 16A and 16B may be positioned at
different relative longitudinal locations along pallet 62 of handle
assembly 50. In yet other implementations, cap 16 may be positioned
at the same relative longitudinal locations along pallet 62. In
some implementations, cap 16A and 16B may have different relative
outer surface shapes or profiles, may have different relative
hardnesses and may have different relative thicknesses.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 20, an exploded view of caps 116 and a
racquet 1310 is shown. In the example illustrated, cap 116 is
formed as a single annular body that slidably engages an outer
surface of a pallet 162. The cap 116 can be configured of a
resilient material, such as an elastomer, that bears against the
pallet 162 but can be moved by a player or stringer when the grip
is removed from the pallet 162. As a result the cap 116 can be
repositioned to any position along the length of the pallet 162. In
one implementation, the pallet and the cap are devoid of one or
more detents and/or projections. In another implementation, the cap
116 can include a projection, such as the projection 1030, and the
pallet 162 can include detents, such as the detents 1032 that
resiliently engage and disengage each other as the cap is slid up
and down the length of the pallet 162. In another implementation,
the cap 116 can include a detent and the pallet 162 can include one
or more projections.
[0085] FIG. 21 is a partially exploded view of racquet 1410
utilizing pallet caps 216. FIG. 21 illustrates one pallet cap 216
secured to pallet 162 with another pallet 216 exploded away from
pallet 162. Cap 216 is similar to cap 16 described above except
that caps 216 is configured to be releasably secured to pallet 162
at any of a variety of different longitudinal along the length of
pallet 162 by a hook and loop fastener system or mechanism. In the
example illustrated, cap 216 has an inner surface that carries one
of a hook and loop patch or surface while pallet 162 carries the
other of the hook and loop patch or surface. In the example
illustrated, each of pallet caps 216 comprises a patch 1430 of one
of a hook and loop fastener mechanism on an inner surface of each
of pallet caps 216. Pallet 162 comprises elongate strips 1432 of
the other of a hook and loop fastener mechanism. In the example
illustrated, strips 1432 extend along a majority, if not all of the
length of pallet 162. Due to the length of strip 1432, pallet caps
216 may be releasably secured and any of a variety of locations
along the length of pallet 162. In some implementations, multiple
pallet caps 216 may be secured to a single strip 1332 or multiple
pallet caps 216 may be secured to each of strips 1432 at various
player selected locations.
[0086] In one implementation, each of strips 1432 comprises a panel
of loop material while patch 1430 comprises a panel of hook
material. In another implementation, each of strips 1432 may
comprise a panel of hook material while patch 1430 comprises a
panel of loop material. Because strips 1430 is one of a hook and
loop fastener mechanism, grip 68 may be wrapped about strips 1432
(absent cap 216) without the material of strips 1432 substantially
impacting the outer profile of the handle as the hooks or the loops
are compressed by grip 68, resulting in strips 1432 having a
minimal collective thickness. The hook and loop mechanism
facilitates repeated repositioning of cap 216 prior to wrapping of
grip 68 over caps 216.
[0087] Overall, caps 16, 116, 216, such as cap 16 of racquet 10,
racquets 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 1010, 1110 and 1210, cap 116 of
racquet 1310, or cap 216 of racquet 1410 provide a player with the
ability to customize his or her racquet to best suit his or her
grip preferences. The use of the pallet cap 16 enables the user to
vary the length, thickness, hardness values and/or texture of the
pallet 62, 162 at the location of the cap 16 to provide a variety
of different and unique handle assembly 50 configurations. Each
configuration offering a unique ergonomic feel for the user. Caps
16, 116, 216 can also enable the handle assembly to reduce the
shock and/or vibration felt by the user while enabling the user
retain sufficient feel to properly, confidently and effectively
properly grip the racquet, and reposition his or her grip of the
racquet during play. Because cap 16 are mechanically interlocked to
pallet 62, 162 against relative longitudinal movement, caps 16 are
less likely to inadvertently slide or reposition themselves
underneath grip 68 during play. Moreover, caps 16, 116, 216 may be
more easily replaced and repositioned as needed without the fear
that any adhesive will have lost its tackiness or grip due to age,
moisture, sweat or the like. In some implementations, cap 16 may
omit any and all adhesive, facilitating less complexity and lower
cost.
[0088] Although the present disclosure has been described with
reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art
will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.
For example, although different example implementations may have
been described as including one or more features providing one or
more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may
be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with
one another in the described example implementations or in other
alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present
disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology
are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to
the example implementations and set forth in the following claims
is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example,
unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single
particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular
elements.
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