US4759546A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hand-held rackets for games
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1986-04-03
•
Granted: 1988-07-26
•
Expires: 2006-04-03
Abstract
Abstract An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like wherein the handle assembly associated therewith is sloped or offset in one or more planes relative to the longitudinal equilibrium axis of the implement to facilitate and enhance the gripping and manipulation of the implement during the course of play and enable a user to achieve a more comfortable range or wrist movement without sacrificing implement position and without overloading or overstressing the wrist, forearm and/or elbow of the user. The present handle assembly includes a grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of the implement at an angle of approximately 13.5° (±4°) in the plane of the planar surface of the implement head assembly. The present handle assembly may likewise include an additional angular offset provided in still another plane wherein the longitudinal axis of the grip portion also additionally intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of the implement at an angle of approximately 8° (±4°) in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the planar surface of the implement head assembly. The handle grip portion may also include a plurality of bulbous projections circumferentially spaced about the periphery thereof which enable a user to achieve a more comfortable grasp and more easily make rapid grip adjustments during the course of play to better meet the requirements of the specific type of stroke required.
Inventors
- 👤 John R. Steele, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 15:31
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B49/00; A63B49/02; A63B49/08; A63B60/00; A63B60/06; A63B60/10; A63B60/34; A63B60/08; A63B60/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said implement having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a head assembly having a generally planar surface for striking a ball, a handle assembly operatively connected to said head assembly, said handle assembly including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of the planar surface of said head assembly, said head assembly having a longitudinal axis which coincides with the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said implement having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a head assembly having a generally planar surface for striking a ball, a handle assembly operatively connected to said head assembly, said handle assembly including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of the planar surface of said head assembly, said head assembly having a longitudinal axis which coincides with the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implement defined in claim 1 wherein said grip portion includes a central grip point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implement defined in claim 2 wherein said grip center coincides with the intersection of the equilibrium axis of said implement and the longitudinal axis of said grip portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The implement defined in claim 2 wherein the center of gravity of said head assembly and the grip center lie substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The implement defined in claim 2 wherein the center of gravity of said head assembly, the center of gravity of said implement, and the grip center lie substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The implement defined in claim 1 wherein the grip portion of said handle assembly includes three bulbous projections about the periphery thereof about which a user's hand is adapted to be positioned, said bulbous projections being circumferentially spaced about said periphery at approximately 90 degree intervals.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
The implement defined in claim 6 wherein the grip portion of said handle assembly includes a substantially flat surface on one side thereof, said substantially flat surface being circumferentially located about the periphery of said grip portion substantially opposite one of said bulbous portions, said substantially flat surface being located on the bottom portion of said grip portion when the planar surface of said head assembly is oriented in a generally vertical plane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
The implement defined in claim 1 wherein said handle assembly is operatively connected to said implement head so that the longitudinal axis of said grip portion also intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at an angle of approximately 4 to 12 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the planar surface of said head assembly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
213 words
A hand-held racket for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said racket having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and comprising a racket head and a handle assembly operatively connected thereto, said racket head including a generally planar stringing surface adaptable for striking a ball, said handle assembly including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion including at least three bulbous projections about the periphery thereof about which a user's hand is adapted to be positioned, said bulbous projections being circumferentially spaced about said periphery at approximately 90 degree intervals, said grip portion having opposite ends and including a central point defined as the grip center located intermediate said opposite ends about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of the stringing surface of said racket head, said grip center coinciding with the intersection of the longitudinal axis of said grip portion and the equilibrium axis of said racket, the center of gravity of said racket head lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
213 words
A hand-held racket for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said racket having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and comprising a racket head and a handle assembly operatively connected thereto, said racket head including a generally planar stringing surface adaptable for striking a ball, said handle assembly including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion including at least three bulbous projections about the periphery thereof about which a user's hand is adapted to be positioned, said bulbous projections being circumferentially spaced about said periphery at approximately 90 degree intervals, said grip portion having opposite ends and including a central point defined as the grip center located intermediate said opposite ends about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of the stringing surface of said racket head, said grip center coinciding with the intersection of the longitudinal axis of said grip portion and the equilibrium axis of said racket, the center of gravity of said racket head lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The racket defined in claim 9 wherein the center of gravity of said racket and the center of gravity of said racket head lie substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The racket defined in claim 9 wherein the grip portion of said handle assembly is of a variable cross-sectional shape.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
191 words
In a racket for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said racket having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a racket head, a throat portion located adjacent said racket head at one end portion thereof, a racket handle operatively connected to said throat portion and adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said racket head including a generally planar surface for striking a ball, the improvement comprising said racket handle including three bulbous surface portions protruding outwardly about the periphery thereof, said three bulbous portions being spaced at approximately 90 degree intervals about said periphery, a non-bulbous surface portion connecting two of said bulbous portions and being positioned opposite said third bulbous portion, each of said bulbous portions and said non-bulbous portion being adaptable to be positioned in four different locations in a user's hand to accommodate different racket strokes encountered during the course of play, said racket handle including a grip portion havng a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of said racket head.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
191 words
In a racket for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said racket having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a racket head, a throat portion located adjacent said racket head at one end portion thereof, a racket handle operatively connected to said throat portion and adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said racket head including a generally planar surface for striking a ball, the improvement comprising said racket handle including three bulbous surface portions protruding outwardly about the periphery thereof, said three bulbous portions being spaced at approximately 90 degree intervals about said periphery, a non-bulbous surface portion connecting two of said bulbous portions and being positioned opposite said third bulbous portion, each of said bulbous portions and said non-bulbous portion being adaptable to be positioned in four different locations in a user's hand to accommodate different racket strokes encountered during the course of play, said racket handle including a grip portion havng a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of said racket head.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The improvement defined in claim 12 wherein the center of gravity of said racket and the center of gravity of said racket head lie substantially on the equilibrium axis of said racket.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
184 words
An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said implement having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a head assembly having a generally planar surface for striking a ball, a handle assembly operatively connected to said head assembly and including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at a point spaced from said head assembly at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of said head assembly and which also intersects said equilibrium axis at a point spaced from said head assembly at an angle of approximately 4 to 12 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the plane of said head assembly, said grip portion including a central grip point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, the center of gravity of said head assembly and said grip center lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
184 words
An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said implement having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a head assembly having a generally planar surface for striking a ball, a handle assembly operatively connected to said head assembly and including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at a point spaced from said head assembly at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of said head assembly and which also intersects said equilibrium axis at a point spaced from said head assembly at an angle of approximately 4 to 12 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the plane of said head assembly, said grip portion including a central grip point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, the center of gravity of said head assembly and said grip center lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implement defined in claim 16 wherein said grip center coincides with the intersection of the equilibrium axis of said implement and the longitudinal axis of said grip portion.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
46 words
The implement defined in claim 14 wherein the grip portion of said handle assembly includes three bulbous projections about the periphery thereof about which a user's hand is adapted to be positioned, said bulbous projections being circumferentially spaced about said periphery at approximately 90 degree intervals.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
73 words
The implement defined in claim 16 wherein the grip portion of said handle assembly includes a substantially flat surface on one side thereof, said substantially flat surface being circumferentially located about the periphery of said grip portion substantially opposite one of said bulbous portions, said substantially flat surface being located on the bottom portion of said grip portion when the planar surface of said head assembly is oriented in a generally vertical plane.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
37 words
The implement defined in claim 16 wherein the center of gravity of said head assembly, the center of gravity of said implement, and the grip center lie substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
147 words
An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said implement having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a head assembly having a generally planar surface for striking a ball, a handle assembly operatively connected to said head assembly, said handle assembly including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of the planar surface of said head assembly, said grip portion including a central grip point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, the center of gravity of said head assembly and said grip center lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
147 words
An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said implement having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a head assembly having a generally planar surface for striking a ball, a handle assembly operatively connected to said head assembly, said handle assembly including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of the planar surface of said head assembly, said grip portion including a central grip point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, the center of gravity of said head assembly and said grip center lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
154 words
An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said implement having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a head assembly having a generally planar surface for striking a ball, a handle assembly operatively connected to said head assembly, said handle assembly including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of the planar surface of said head assembly, said grip portion including a central grip point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, the center of gravity of said head assembly, the center of gravity of said implement, and said grip center lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
154 words
An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said implement having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a head assembly having a generally planar surface for striking a ball, a handle assembly operatively connected to said head assembly, said handle assembly including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of the planar surface of said head assembly, said grip portion including a central grip point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, the center of gravity of said head assembly, the center of gravity of said implement, and said grip center lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
204 words
The hand-held racket for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said racket having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and comprising a racket head and a handle assembly operatively connected thereto, said racket head including a generally planar stringing surface adaptable for striking a ball, said handle assembly including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion including at least three bulbous projections about the periphery thereof about which a user's hand is adapted to be positioned, said bulbous projections being circumferentially spaced about said periphery at approximately 90 degree intervals, said grip portion including a central point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of the stringing surface of said racket head, said grip center coinciding with the intersection of the longitudinal axis of said grip portion and the equilibrium axis of said racket, the center of gravity of said racket head lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
204 words
The hand-held racket for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said racket having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and comprising a racket head and a handle assembly operatively connected thereto, said racket head including a generally planar stringing surface adaptable for striking a ball, said handle assembly including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion including at least three bulbous projections about the periphery thereof about which a user's hand is adapted to be positioned, said bulbous projections being circumferentially spaced about said periphery at approximately 90 degree intervals, said grip portion including a central point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of the stringing surface of said racket head, said grip center coinciding with the intersection of the longitudinal axis of said grip portion and the equilibrium axis of said racket, the center of gravity of said racket head lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
212 words
A hand-held racket for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said racket having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and comprising a racket head and a handle assembly operatively connected thereto, said racket head including a generally planar stringing surface adaptable for striking a ball, said handle assembly including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion including at least three bulbous projections about the periphery thereof about which a user's hand is adapted to be positioned, said bulbous projections being circumferentially spaced about said periphery at approximately 90 degree intervals, said grip portion including a central point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of the stringing surface of said racket head, said grap center coinciding with the intersection of the longitudinal axis of said grip portion and the equilibrium axis of said racket, the center of gravity of said racket and the center of gravity of said racket head lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
212 words
A hand-held racket for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said racket having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and comprising a racket head and a handle assembly operatively connected thereto, said racket head including a generally planar stringing surface adaptable for striking a ball, said handle assembly including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion including at least three bulbous projections about the periphery thereof about which a user's hand is adapted to be positioned, said bulbous projections being circumferentially spaced about said periphery at approximately 90 degree intervals, said grip portion including a central point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of the stringing surface of said racket head, said grap center coinciding with the intersection of the longitudinal axis of said grip portion and the equilibrium axis of said racket, the center of gravity of said racket and the center of gravity of said racket head lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
212 words
In a racket for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said racket having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a racket head, a throat portion located adjacent said racket head at one end potion thereof, a racket handle operatively connected to said throat portion and adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said racket head including a generally planar surface for striking a ball, the improvement comprising said racket handle including three bulbous projections about the periphery thereof, said bulbous projections being spaced at approximately 90 degrees intervals about said periphery, a substantially flat surface connecting two of said bulbous projections and being positioned opposite said third bulbous projection, each of said bulbous projections and said flat surface being adaptable to be positioned in four different locations in a user's hand to accommodate different racket strokes encountered during the course of play, said racket handle including a grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of said racket head, the center of gravity of said racket and the center of gravity of said racket head lying substantially on the equilibrium axis of said racket.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
212 words
In a racket for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said racket having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a racket head, a throat portion located adjacent said racket head at one end potion thereof, a racket handle operatively connected to said throat portion and adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said racket head including a generally planar surface for striking a ball, the improvement comprising said racket handle including three bulbous projections about the periphery thereof, said bulbous projections being spaced at approximately 90 degrees intervals about said periphery, a substantially flat surface connecting two of said bulbous projections and being positioned opposite said third bulbous projection, each of said bulbous projections and said flat surface being adaptable to be positioned in four different locations in a user's hand to accommodate different racket strokes encountered during the course of play, said racket handle including a grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said racket at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of said racket head, the center of gravity of said racket and the center of gravity of said racket head lying substantially on the equilibrium axis of said racket.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
167 words
An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said implement having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a head assembly having a generally planar surface for striking a ball, a handle assembly operatively connected to said head assembly and including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of said head assembly and also intersects said equilibrium axis at an angle of approximately 4 to 12 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the plane of said head assembly, said grip portion including a central grip point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, the center of gravity of said head assembly and said grip center lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
167 words
An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said implement having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a head assembly having a generally planar surface for striking a ball, a handle assembly operatively connected to said head assembly and including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of said head assembly and also intersects said equilibrium axis at an angle of approximately 4 to 12 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the plane of said head assembly, said grip portion including a central grip point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, the center of gravity of said head assembly and said grip center lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
174 words
An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said implement having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a head assembly having a generally planar surface for striking a ball, a handle assembly operatively connected to said head assembly and including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of said head assembly and also intersects said equilibrium axis at an angle of approximately 4 to 12 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the plane of said head assembly, said grip portion including a central grip point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, the center of gravity of said head assembly, the center of gravity of said implement, and said grip center lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
174 words
An improved implement for use in playing the game of tennis and the like, said implement having an axis of longitudinal equilibrium and including a head assembly having a generally planar surface for striking a ball, a handle assembly operatively connected to said head assembly and including a grip portion adaptable to be grasped by the hand of a user, said grip portion having a longitudinal axis which intersects the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement at an angle of approximately 9.5 to 17.5 degrees in the plane of said head assembly and also intersects said equilibrium axis at an angle of approximately 4 to 12 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the plane of said head assembly, said grip portion including a central grip point defined as the grip center about which a user's hand is positioned when grasping said grip portion, the center of gravity of said head assembly, the center of gravity of said implement, and said grip center lying substantially on the axis of longitudinal equilibrium of said implement.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-07-26 | 1992-01-25 | 1992-07-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-07-26 | 1996-01-25 | 1996-07-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-07-26 | 2000-01-25 | 2000-07-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |