MXPA96001447A - Long racket of ten - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tennis racquet comprising a frame having a head portion forming a strung surface containing strings, a handle, and at least one arrow connecting the head portion and the handle, wherein the head portion defines a strung surface egg configuration having a length of at least 35.56 centimeters and a stringed surface area greater than 612.90 square centimeters, wherein the frame is a wide tubular body profile member formed of a composite material that has a minimum weight per unit length, and where the racket has a total length that is greater than 71.12 centimeters, but less than said length that would result in a string weight exceeding 300 grams or a mass moment of inertia around the handle that exceeds 56 g-

Description

LONG RACK OF TENNIS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Tennis rackets have traditionally had a total length between 66.04 and 71.12 centimeters and, at present, most rackets are approximately 68.58 centimeters in length. It is not entirely clear why 68.58 centimeters has become the norm for the industry, but it seems that 68.58 centimeters is an appropriate length to make the tennis racquet stable, yet stable. British Patent No. 2717 (1909) and United States Patent No. 4,399,993 propose making tennis racquets with lengths longer than 68.58 centimeters. However, the reason for increasing the length is to allow the racket to be held and oscillated with both hands. Said racquet will tend to be uncontrollable and not maneuverable and, a racquet that requires two? We to oscillate would not be well suited to today's ten-nis game, which requires quick reflexes and racquet head movement to hit strong shots and serves. In contrast, U.S. Patent No. 3,515,386 suggests that, if anything, the traditional 68.58-centimeter racquet should be shortened to improve maneuverability, ability to play and accuracy when hitting the ball. Thus, the patent 3,515,386 describes that even a 68.58 centimeter ramp may be too long and, lacking sufficient flexibility, for many players, and suggests reducing the length of the 68.58 centimeter ramp, at least for certain groups of players. of tennis. In the last 30 years, there have been significant advances in the design and materials of tennis racquets. In 1976, racket of excess size, based on the United States Patent No. 3,999,756 was introduced, which made the game much easier to play and popularized the tennis to another level. The ramp marc material in its technology has also evolved, from wood to metal and eventually to composite materials. Since 1980, composite materials, eg, "graphite", have become the dominant material used to make high-performance tenn rackets due to their high weight-to-weight ratio, allowing racquets to be raked. make lighter and more maneuverable. Several racquet companies have tried to introduce racquets that are longer than the conventional 68.58 cm racquet, but all have. failed The main problem was that making the racquet longer, it became heavier and maneuverable. This happened during a time when the tennis companies were doing and, the players demanding, quetas that were lighter and more maneuverable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a tennis racquet which has the weight of oscillation of the lightweight rackets of modern days, but which have a total length substantially greater than the rackets of the present day, that is, older of 71.12 centimeters, and preferably between 73.66 and 81.28 centimeters. More particularly, a tennis racquet in accordance with the present invention has a total length greater than 73.66 centimeters and comprises a wide body frame, a sun arrow or double arrows and a light weight handle portion, preferably molded. The head portion defines an oval-shaped rope surface having a length of at least 35.56 centimeters, and preferably between 35.56 and 39.37 centimeters, and a surface area of ropes greater than 612.90 square centimeters, preferably between 645.16 and 806.45 square centimeters. The frame is formed of a composite material and receives a broad body profile, so as to have a minimum weight po unit length. The lightweight frame, along with the molded racket handle, are used to maintain the weight of the racket's head to 300 grams or less and, in order to maintain a mass moment of injury around the handle that is not May that in a racket it agrees and, in particular no more than 56 gm A racquet having the above structure has a longer length, however, keeping the oscillation weight equal to or less than conventional racquets, the racquet retains good aniobrabiity. The oval-shaped frame in the racquet according to the invention, which the subject of the commonly owned USS No. 07 / 922,930, is ee-tructurally the most efficient head shape for tennis racquets. This shape allows the racket's weight to be reduced while maintaining good power and control. The molded handle and, when using the monoflecha construction, allow for significant additional reductions in weight. By using said structure and, thus, reducing the weight of the racquet along the frame, the length of the racquet can be extended while maintaining the same oscillation weight as in conventional racquets. The longest racket has a number of game advantages, discussed below. A racquet in accordance with the present invention allows a player a greater range. For example, a racket that is 5.08 inches longer than the conventional 68.58 cm racket will provide a player with a 13% better court coverage. This is calculated using the volumetric equation of a sphere, V = 4/3 / 7V. in donder "r" is the distance from the shoulder to the tip of the racket. For a person who is 1.33 in height, 4 1.22 meters, and the cover volume of canchaí standing still) is 7,588.75 liters. A 5.08 cm longer racket provides coverage of 8,579.82 liter, or 13% more. This difference increases as the height of the player decreases. For example, a person who is 1.67 m. high you will get an increase of 14% coverage of ca cha. This extra court coverage offers a tremej player an advantage, particularly when stretching for a wide bole or returning a wide service. It can also mean the difference between hitting the ball at the tip of the racket (which is a traditional low power area) and hitting the ball closer to the center of the face of the racket which is a much more powerful area and, therefore, So, a much more solid shot. The players do not have to bend their knees so much, so for the older players the game will be easier to play. The longer length of the racket will give the player more power given at the same strike speed. The tangential velocity of the racquet in the impact area is directly proportional to the length of the racquet, assuming that the rotational oscillation velocity remains constant. Assuming a ball contact of 15.24 cms. from the tip of the racket a longer 5.08 cm racket will generate 10% more racket speed and, therefore, 10% more ball speed. This means that a player can use more controlled strokes to be effective with similar power or to use the same strokes and still have more power. A longer racquet length provides a greater likelihood that more services will remain in play. One racket 5.08 cms. Longer can open up to 13% more area available in the service box for an average player height that hits a strong serve. This is calculated by determining the angle formed by the initial path angle from the ball contact point for a service that only leaves the net free and the initial path angle from the point of contact of p Iota for a service that lands just inside from the service box. The angle formed between these two lines is the angle of service angle and this increases as the contact point height increases. E. Hitting a ball 5.0 centimeters higher increases the service angle window by 13%. This is a tremendous advantage considering that service is the most important blow in tennis. Preferably, the racket employs stepped stringing, wherein the ends of the strings are deployed so as to diverge alternately in opposite directions away from the central stringing plane. The use of stepped stringing, particularly in conjunction with an oval shaped egg head, further helps to provide good control over the additional length of the racket. Also, staggering the rope holes, the loss of frame strength resulting in holes in the frame is reduced compared to conventional string hole patterns. This allows the frame to be made lighter than a conventional framework that has comparable strength. For a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the drawings accompanying solitude.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1 and 2 are front and side views of a tennis racquet according to the invention. Figure 3 is an enlarged front view of the gargante board of a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a sectional view of the racquet and in chord, taken through lines 4-4 of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a sectional view of the frame, taken through lines 5-5 of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a sectional view of the gargle gasket, taken through lines 6-6 of Figure 3; Figure 7 is a sectional view of the arrow, taken through lines 7-7 of Figure 3; Figure d is a cross-sectional view of the m, taken through lines 8-8 of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a sectional, front view of a region of the throat region, before molding, of the spine of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a view of the portion of the inner surface of the frame head portion, with the strings omitted for clarity, taken in the direction of the lines 10 in Figure 1; Figure 11 is a front view of a modality to the alternative of the invention; and Figures 12-13 are tables comparing various properties of rackets made in accordance with the invention against conventional rackets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED MODE Referring to Figures 1-2, a tennis racquet in accordance with the invention includes a head 10 and an arrow 12 which are connected together to a throat joint 15. Arrow 12 includes a handle section 14. The racquet further includes a plurality of interwoven main and transverse strings 26 that form a strung surface. Likewise, a groove is formed. 18 of stringing on the surface oriented outside in a conventional manner. The head 10 and arrow 12 can be formed either as separate arrangements or as a continuous frame member. Preferably, the head and arrow are in the form of hollow, bony members composed of composite materials. Examples of suitable materials include carbon fiber reinforced thermosetting resin, ie, so-called "graphite", or a fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin as described in commonly owned US Pat. No. 5,176,868 / tennis in accordance with the invention is longer than conventional tennis rackets, preferably having a total length between 73.66 and 31.28 centimetres. Despite its longer length, a racquet in accordance with the present invention retains a moment of comparative competition with conventional racquets, thus avoiding the disadvantages of the earlier longer racquets. By contrast, a racquet conforming to the invention produces a marked improvement in play ability, incorporating certain characteristic structural features, as follows: (a) the egg-shaped head 10 instead of a conventional oval shape and, it has a longer string length than conventional rackets; (b) the frame profile uses a broad body construction for optimum weight resistance ratio; and (c) the handle is of light weight, preferably a "molded" handle, ie, it is molded directly to the configuration of an octagonal handle. In one embodiment of the invention, the head 10 is connected to the handle 14 by a hollow monohull 12, further reducing the weight of the racquet. In an alternative embodiment (Figure 11), the head 10a is connected to the handle 14 using a pair of arrows 12a spaced apart. A racquet according to the present invention can also use stepped ropes. An exemplary embodiment of a racquet having the above structure is described below with reference to Figs. 1-10 Egg Head Shape The head portion 10 defines an egg-shaped stowage area 22 in which the end The "egg" minor is oriented to the tree 12. As used herein, the term "egg shape" refers to a geometry in which the edge of the stringing area is a continuous convex curve, formed of a multitude of radios; wherein the radius of curvature at the six o'clock position (the end of the stringing area closest to the handle) is between 30 and 90 mm; wherein the radius at the 12 o'clock position (tip) is greater than 110 mm, preferably between 110 and 170 mm; wherein the stringing area has a relation between dimensions (length / width ratio) on the scale of 1.3-1.7, and more preferably about 1.4; and where the widest point of the strung surface is c to a point greater than 5% of the distance from the geometric center of the strung surface (the midpoint of the long axis of the strung surface) to the tip and, more Preferentially, approximately 25-30 mm from the geomatric center has the tip. In addition to having an egg-shaped geometry, the ma is sized so that the major axis of the egg (length of the strung surface) is at least 35.56 centimeters, and more preferably between 35.55 centimeters and 39.37 meters. The maximum width of the strung surface is less than 27.31 centimeters, and the area of the rope plane defined by the egg is between 612.90 square centimeters and 806.45 square centimeters.

Monoflecha and Molded Handle In Figure 1, the racquet has a monoflex 12 which is connected to the head 10 by a throat seal 15. An example of a throat and monofill joint 12 is shown in greater detail in Figures 3 and 7. As shown in Figure 3, preferably the two of the arrow are slightly tapered, in the alpha angle, from the throat joint 15 to handle portion 14, in an exemplary embodiment, alpha is 90.1S, and the cross-sectional width of the arrow decreases from 28.4 mm at throat joint 15 (point P2-P2) to 25 mm in the upper part of the handle portion 15, while the cross-sectional height "h" remains constant at 25 mm. The joint 15 of gargant, which joins the single-shaft 12 to the head 12, preferably includes a minimum amount of material and, thus, weight. In the throat region, the inner March surface 52, which forms the bottom of the striated surface area 22, is defined by an arc having a radius Rl about a center Cl remaining on the racquet axis 367. The radius Rl is the minimum radius for the egg-shaped head. The inner frame surface 52 extends between the points Pl - which lie on opposite sides of the axis 36 at an axial distance "dp?" From the center Cl. The outer surface of the joint 15 is formed of an arrow transition region 54, adjacent to the upper end of the arrow 12 and, a head transition region 56, lying at opposite ends of the head 10. The region 54 d Tree transition begins at points P2, as an extension of arrow 12 and, in this way points P2 are spaced in the width of the arrow. The flech transition region 54 is defined by an arc having a radius R, about a center C2, which is approximately the same axial distance as the points P2. The arrow transition region extends to points P3. In the head transition region 56, the outer surface of the joint follows a curve, so that the width of the cross section decreases until, point P4 (at the beginning of the head), the width is the same as the head portion 10. Handle 14 has a conventional octagonal salt cross section configuration. The handle is a handle called "mold do" such as that used in the Prince Lite racquet, in which the composite frame member is molded directly to the handle configuration, instead of attaching a separate handle to the shaft. Because the molded handle is hollow, the weight of the handle is reduced to a minimum. The handle 14 is normally in turn with a fastener (not shown). Examples of procedures that can be used to form a single-leg racket and gargant board 15 are discussed in commonly-owned US Patent Application No. 08 / 968,579, the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference. present by reference. An example of a procedure that can be used to make the racquet is described below. Because the molding skills in general for making a compound tennis racquet are well known in the art, the process will be described only briefly. Referring to Figure 9, a tubular arrangement 24 having a length corresponding to the handle 14 and arrow 12 is formed of sheets of thermosetting resin, reinforced with uncured fiber (prepreg) in the normal manner. A second tubular arrangement 34, which has sufficient length to form the head portion 10, is formed in a similar manner. The tubes are packaged towards a mold in the configuration of a tennis racquet, so that the ends 40 of the head arrangement 34 extend a short distance towards the upper end of the tube 24. In order to form the joint 15 of throat, additional non-cured composite material is packed into gargle area 15 and throat seal 15 is wrapped by additional sheets of composite prepreg. A vial 30 is directed upwards through the arrow arrangement 24, around the head position 34 and then again downwards on the other side of the arrow arrangement, so that the two ends of the vial extend towards outside the bottom of the handle 14.

The mold is then closed and the ampoule 30 is inflated to force the composite material to assume the configuration of the mole. Simultaneously, the mold is heated so that the composite resin cures and hardens. In order to make a molded handle, the mold portion (not shown) forming the handle 14 has an internal surface that matches the octagonal shape of the handle 14 of Figure 8. Figure 9 illustrates a preferred embodiment in which the head 10 and arrow 12 are separate elements. The head 10 and arrow 12 may be of the same material or different materials. Also, instead of providing prepreg arrangements, the head 10 and arrow 12 can provide as previously formed components. When the head and the blade are previously formed components, it is necessary to mold and cure only the throat joint area to complete the frame. As shown in Figure 9, the two opposite ends 40 of the head 10 are bent so as to extend side by side at a predetermined distance along the central axis of the head 10. The ends 40 of the beza 10 are insertable. so to the upper extrusion of the arrow 12 to form, with the material 26 and 28, a secure joint between the head and the arrow. As shown for example in Figure 9, the throat joint 1 includes a relatively sharp bend between the arrow 12 and the head 10. As a result, the initial section 45 of the arrow 10 extends around an angle of approximately 125 mm. s with relation? to the arrow axis 36. By moving the head further up, this angle becomes smaller. However, based on its initial length, the 10-head profile members carry out the plane bending loads for the most part as torsion. As reusable, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, an angle of deflection of the fibers in the prepreg is used to form the frame section 45 and, for a further desired distance along the head 10, is increased with the purpose of improving the torsional stiffness of the initial portion of the frame. Additionally, or alternatively, the reinforcement 28 is turned so that the reinforcing fibers are at a deflection angle to increase the torsional rigidity. In an alternative embodiment, the head 10 and the arrow 12 can be formed from a continuous tubular arrangement. In such a case, the arrow 12 and the handle 14 will be formed by extending the ends of Iso tubes that form the head portion 10. The gargante area 15 will be formed in a manner similar to Fig. 9, with the reinforcement material 26 and 28 used to form a secure joint 15, except that the ends of the tube forming the head extend through the area. of throat and then extends side by side, under the joint 15, to form the arrow and handle instead of being inserted into a separate flech tube as in Figure 9. When molded, a central wall will be formed inside of the arrow and handle, where the bosses meet from side to side. Preferably, to reduce the weight, the central wall is cut after molding.

AmpJio Body Frame The frame has a "broad body" profile, that is, it has a height "h" of cross section (in a direction perpendicular to the stringing plane) greater than 22 mm. In the most preferred embodiments, the height "h" of the cross section of the frame profile is between 25 and 26 mm. Also, while in the flat axis embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the head 10 and the arrow 12 have a height "h" of constant cross section, and the head 10 has a constant "w" width, the height and the width of the head and arrow section 10 can be varied as desired.

Stepped Ropes the head portion 10 includes holes 34 for receiving ropes. As can be seen in Figures 2 and 10, the holes are not collocated in the central string plane 37, but rather are staggered so as to be alternately on opposite sides of the plane 37. Referring to Figures 1 and 4 , the main cords 2 include a pair of cords 30 placed further outward from the geometric GC center of the strung surface at opposite locations; similarly, the cords strung include a pair of cords 32 placed more toward the geometric center. Each of these outermost cords 30, 32 forms the last transverse cord of the respective main or transverse cord before it engages the frame head portion 13. Referring to FIG. 10, it will be seen that the rods 40 for the cross ropes are alternately on the two opposites of the center plane, so as to produce a stepped rope pattern. Preferentially, the stepped string is used for all strings, 28 crossed and 26 main strings. As shown in FIG. 10, preferably the rope needles are at a distance from the centering plane 3, so as to produce constant stepping. Alternatively, other edged string patterns could be employed. Referring to Figure 4, which illustrates the stepped enclosure for two successive crossed cords 28a and 28b, the first 28a of the two bent cords extends through the outermost main cord 30 and then is directed to engage the 14 head portion of March, through the hoop. i terior 40a, which extends through a pair of rope holes 40a formed in the hollow frame, which is positioned below the central stringing plane 37. As re-layered, the rope 28a fitted engages the outermost main rope 30 at a beta angle that is smaller than 1809. The rope 28a passes through the rope hole 40a and enters the stringing slot 18, where the plane crosses 37 central, to hole 40b of rope. From the rope hole 40b, the next crossed rope 28b extends downward from the outermost main rope 30 and then extends upwardly to engage the next main rope (not shown). For purposes of clarity, the angle by which the crossed bodies 28a, 28b diverge towards the center of the contact surface 9is, to the right in Figure 4) has been greatly exaggerated in Figure 4. As alternative modalities to the configuration of rope shown in Figures 2-5, a convetional stringing pattern, in which none of the strings are staggered, can be used, some of the strings may be staggered, while others may not be staggered, while others may not be staggered. are, or the amount of staggering can vary to different locations around the head. The use of stepped stringing improves the performance of the rope bed. Additionally, by staggering the rope holes, the distance between the adjacent holes is increased in comparison with the conventional rope hole patterns (where all the holes are aligned). This means that the loss of resistance caused by forming holes in the frame is less than in conventional rackets. As a result, the frame in accordance with the present invention. it can be made lighter than a conventional frame (that is, using less material) while retaining the same resistance.

Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment in which the head 10a is connected to the handle 14 by a pair of converging arrow portions 12a. A throat bridge 15a extends to the arrow proces 12a so as to complete the stringing area. However, the egg-shaped head, as in the embodiment of Figure 1, has a radius R3 at the 6 o'clock position that is smaller than the radius R4 at the 12 o'clock position. From P3 to P2, the frame member follows a curve having a radius Rt and the area between the shaft 12a due to the throat bridge 15a is open. As shown in Figure 11, preferably a blunt cap 50 covers the lower end of the handle 14, and a handle 52 is wrapped around the outside of the octagonally configured magnum 15 to complete the racquet. In summary, a racquet according to the invention is larger than 71.12 centimeters, preferably between 73.66 and 81. centimeters in total length, uses a frame of egg shape that has a minimum length greater than 35.56 centimeters and a light weight, preferably a molded handle. In conjunction with using a frame that has such a configuration, the frame must be made relatively light weight in a complete manner, using thin sections of wall and broad body construction (height greater than 22 mm, and ratios between approximate dimensions). 2/1 or higher). Using the above configurations, with currently available material it is possible to make a racquet that weighs substantially less than 300 grams and, more preferably around 250 grams, with a longer string bed without a trampoline effect and, retain good power and control. This results in the ability to increase the total length of the racket while retaining the play advantages of a conventional racket raised operation. The length of the rake can increase substantially before the total weight and moment of inertia around the handle reach those of the conventional rackets. The racquet, in this way feels like a conventional racquet, but in fact an added length offers a significant gaming advantage. To further improve the racquet's ability to play, the polar moment of inertia (the mass moment of inertia around the longitudinal axis of the racket) must be less than 2 2 of 1.90 gram-m and preferably between 1.6 - 1.7. gram-m and, the point of balance (center of gravity) must be placed at least 34.04 centimeters from the flat ends. As noted in the foregoing, the. The length of the rope surface must be greater than 35.56 centiles and the frame preferably has a minimum free space frequency of 140 Hz for a cocked racquet. Preferably, the cross section width of the frame is 12.5 mm. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, the head 10, arrow 12 and handle 14 of the frame are formed of hollow perfored members of, eg, molded composite material. Except in the throat joint, the profile members have minimum wall thickness, preferably less than 2 mm, to reduce the weight. Preferably, the wall thickness at any given location in the frame varies depending on the bending effort likely to be encountered. A racket can be made using a thermoplastic material. Instead of forming thermosetting resins, braided reinforcement fiber sleeves and thermoplastic filament strands are used to form the frame, as described in commonly owned US Pat. No. 5,179,868. Additional blended fiber / filament material is used as reinforcement 26, 44 and as a warp 28, 46 for throat joint 15. Rackets made in accordance with the invention and having a total length of 73.66 centimeters were compared against conventional rackets for various properties as shown in Figures 11-12.

Example 1 The racket of example 1, shown in Figures 1-10, had a total length of 73.66 centimeters, a length of rope surface of 35.81 centimeters, a maximum width of 24.89 centimeters, a frame height " h "of 25 mm, a frame width of 12.5 mm and a head portion 10, a cord surface area of 670.97 cm, and the following additional structural features, as shown in Figure 3 (which is plotted at full scale). Rl (6:00 hours) 45 m R2 (12:00 hours) 118 mm radio max. 323 mm at approximately positions of 5 and 7 hours Location Pl (re Cl) 33 mm (ie, dp.) Location P2 101 mm Location P3 52 mm Location P4 43 mm Location C2 (re Cl) 103 mm alpha 90.19 arrow width (in P2): 28.4 mm Arrow width above the handle: 25 mm arrow height: 25 mm widest point distance from the tip: -162.5 mm Example 2 Example 2 was similar to Example 1, having a monoflex construction, except for the strung surface area that was greater. é surface area given 748.39 cms2 total length 73.66 cms. length of surface strung 37.85 cms. maximum width 26.29 cms. frame height "h" 25 mm frame width (head) 12.5 mm R1 (6:00 hours) 45 mm R2 ('2:00 hours) 124 mm max. 350 mm at approximately positions 5 and 7 hours Location P1 (re Cl) 32 mm Location P2 100 mm Location P3 52 mm Location P4 40 mm Location C2 (re Cl) 103 mm Rt 75 mm alpha 90.1 ° arrow width (in P2) 28.4 mm arrow width above handle 25 mm arrow height 25 mm distance from the widest point from the tip 171 mm Example 3 Example 3 was similar to Examples 1 and 2, except that it has a larger stringed surface area, with the following structure: strung surface area 806.45 cms total length 73.66 cms. length of the strung surface 39.12 cms. maximum width 27.31 cms. frame height "h" 26 mm frame width (head) 12.5 mm Rl (6:00 hours) 45 mm R2 (12:00 hours) 133 mm max. 500 mm approximately in positions 5 and 7 location P1 (re Cl) 32 mm location P2 100 mm location P3 52 m location P4 40 mm location C2 (re Cl) 103 mm 75 mm R alpha 90.1 »arrow width (in P2 ) 28.4 mm arrow width above the handle 25 mm arrow height 25 mm distance from the widest tip from the tip 174 mm.

Example 4 Example 4 corresponds to figure 11, which has a double arrow construction, with the following structure: .2 striated surface area 806.45 cms total length 73.66 cms. surface length strung 38.99 cm. maximum width 27.31 cms. frame height "h" 26 mm frame width (head) 12.5 mm R3 (6:00 hours) 55 mm R4 (12:00 hours) 133 mm max. 400 mm in approximately positions 5 and 7 location P1 (re Cl) 38 mm location P2 108i mm location P3 32 mm Rt 380 mm arrow width above the handle 29 mm arrow height 25 mm distance from the widest point to the tip 174 mm As shown in Figure 12, the mass moment of inertia around the plane of rackets made in accordance with the invention is approximately the same as in conventional rackets. In this way, the rackets made in accordance with the invention are longer, however they have oscillation weights comparable with other rackets. Admeas, comparing the - points beyond the plane, the rackets made in accordance with the invention have lower moments of stress due to their lighter weight overall. Therefore, such rackets are generally more maneuverable than conventional rackets. Rackets made in accordance with the invention have generally superior moments around the gravity eye (the exceptions are the Match ate and Ra rackets which are very heavy tennis rackets). In this way, said rackets are more stable for off center hits along the central axis than the lighter weight rackets convince them. In this way, as shown by Figure 11, a racquet according to the invention is light, however a stable racquet and thus combines two of the most desirable characteristics of a tennis racquet, maneuverability and stability. conventional racket designs, there is usually an exchange between these two characteristics. As shown further in Figure 11, the rackets made in accordance with the invention have the highest percussion center of any of the rackets tested. How it is used in the presnete, percussion center means how it is measured around the flat end. In addition, the ratio of the percussion center to the weight of the racquet is significantly greater in the rackets according to the present invention. With the percussion center so far from the hand, the racket has a very play area between the percussion center and the racket throat. In general, when the ball is struck between the center of percussion and the hand, the shot feels very solid. In contrast, when the balls are struck between the center of percussion and the tip of the racket, the player is usually the greater shock and, the ball bounces with lower energy. In rackets according to the invention, the location of the upper vibration node is located at a greater distance from the plane than in conventional rackets, co shown in Figure 12 (except for the Ray, which is long and heavy). The node location in this way is approximately the same distance from the tip as in the conventional rackets. If a conventional frame were simply placed, with the head remaining the same size, the node would move towards the plane of the racket, which places the lower node in the head (reducing the size of the sweet spot). This was confirmed by measurements made in previous long rackets, where the node locations have moved significantly away from the tip of the racket than conventional racks using the same head configuration. In the present invention the placement of the upper vibration node is more than 57% of the length of the string bed away from the handle end.

The foregoing represents preferred embodiments of the invention. Variations and modifications to the experienced people in the field will be evident, without abandoning the inventive concepts described in the presnete. For example, while the head 10 and arrow 12 in the embodiment of Figure 2 are shown with straight profiles, that is, constant "h" height, varied profiles can be employed. For example, the head 20 and / or arrow 12 may receive a constant tapered profile as described in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 5,037,098. In an illustrative embodiment, the frame height would be 24 mm just above the handle at 34 mm at the tip. However, other dimensions, such as 24 mm in the handle and 3 mm in the tip may be employed, depending on the desired frame characteristics. Alternatively, the felcha may have received a non-uniform profile. All these modifications and variations will be within the scope of the branch experience, as defined, in the attached clauses.

Claims (10)

1. - A tennis racket comprising a frame having a head portion forming a strung surface containing ropes, a handle, and at least one arrow that connects the head portion and the handle, wherein the head portion defines a strung surface egg configuration having a length of at least 35.56 centimeters and a stringed surface area greater than 612.90 square centimeters where the frame is a broad body, tubular member formed of a composite material having a minimum weight po unit length; and wherein the racket has a length to such that it is greater than 71.12 centimeters, but less than said length which would result in a string weight exceeding 300 grams or a mass moment of injury around the handle exceeding

2 56 g-m. 2. A tennis racquet in accordance with claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a molded handle.

3. A tennis racquet according to claim 1, wherein the at least one arrow comprises one or the hollow tubular arrow and, further comprising a garget joint joining the head portion and the arrow.

4. A tennis racquet according to claim 3, wherein the handle comprises a molded handle that constitutes an extension of the arrow.

5. - A tennis racket in accordance with claim 4, wherein the head and the felcha are separate elements attached at the throat joint.

6. A racquet of dyeing in accordance with claim 4, wherein the arrow is substantially rectangular in cross section, the handle is substantially octagonal in cross section and the arrow and handle have hollow interiors without internal walls.

7. A tennis racquet in accordance with claim 1, wherein the strings are arranged in a central stringed plane, and comprising elements for securing ends of the strings to the head portion so that at least some of the strings the rope ends are alternately secured on opposite sides of the central string plane.

8. A tennis racket in accordance with claim 1, wherein the racket has a total length in the bays of 73.66 and 81.28 centimeters.

9. A tennis racket in accordance with claim 1, wherein the stringed surface has a radius of curvature between 118 and 133 mm at the tip and between 45 and 55 mm above the throat.

10. A tennis racquet according to claim 1, wherein the stringed surface has a sufficient length so that the upper vitration node is more than 57% of the length of the rope bed away from the handle end. LONG RACK OF TENNIS SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A tennis racquet has a total length of more than 71.12 centimeters, preferably between 73.66 and 81.28 centimeters, an egg-shaped rope surface having a length of at least 35.56 centimeters, and a superfi- cial cord greater than 612.99 square centimeters. The frame is of a broad body construction and formed of a composite material so as to have a minimum weight per unit length While the overall length is increased, the string weight of the racquet does not exceed 300 grams and the mass moment of inertia around the plane does not exceed 56 gm. The previous racquet produces a number of advantages when playing, while maintaining a moment of inertia of conventional mass around the handle and thus retains good maneuverability.