Abstract Method and apparatus for conditioning the surface of the strings of a racquet such as used in tennis and other racquet sports. The method comprises a first step of applying a first primer coat of adhesive to the strings in the central portion of the racquet by spraying it through a template. The first coat of adhesive is applied to both sides of the strings and after drying a second coat is applied thereto. A granular substance, such as white quartz fractured to the size of 1/50th of an inch having a general cubical-shape, is sprinkled over the second coat of adhesive while damp. After the abrasive settles in and dries, a final sealing layer of adhesive is sprayed over the quartz crystals and second coat. This process both coats and locks the strings together at the intersections to lengthen strike-life and also forms a rough frictional surface on the strings to provide better ball control and create a better spin on the ball when hit.
Inventors
👤 Clark W. Fishel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-10-29 10:14
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B51/00; A63B51/10; A63B51/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of forming an abrasive surface on the central portion of a racquet, comprising the steps of: masking the head of the racquet with only the central portion of the strings being exposed; applying a primer coat of adhesive material onto the exposed portion of the strings; partially curing the primer layer to bond the strings together at the intersections; applying a second layer of adhesive material over the partially cured primer layer to form a bonding layer; depositing a granular substance over the bonding layer of adhesive material; curing the bonding layer to bond the granular substance to the strings; applying a sealing layer of adhesive over the bonding layer and granular material; and curing the sealing layer to encapsulate the granular material between the primer and sealing layers.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of forming an abrasive surface on the central portion of a racquet, comprising the steps of: masking the head of the racquet with only the central portion of the strings being exposed; applying a primer coat of adhesive material onto the exposed portion of the strings; partially curing the primer layer to bond the strings together at the intersections; applying a second layer of adhesive material over the partially cured primer layer to form a bonding layer; depositing a granular substance over the bonding layer of adhesive material; curing the bonding layer to bond the granular substance to the strings; applying a sealing layer of adhesive over the bonding layer and granular material; and curing the sealing layer to encapsulate the granular material between the primer and sealing layers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
A method of forming an abrasive surface on the central portion of a racquet according to claim 1, including the step of choosing the granular substance to be white quartz crystals having a maximum dimension of less than 1/50th of an inch and having a generally cubicle shape with flat sides and sharp corners.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method of forming an abrasive surface on the central portion of a racquet according to claim 2, the step of applying a bonding layer of adhesive onto each side of the exposed portion of the strings includes spraying the adhesive over the bonding layer and granular material.