FR2728477A1 - Positioning piece fixed to handle of sports racquet esp. tennis racquet, to show ideal position of hand on handle - Google Patents

Abstract

The hand of the user is positioned on the handle of the racket (1) by two side pieces (2, 3). They are held on the handle by two joining elements (4) which can be elastic or rigid. The side pieces are separated to place them on the handle. The shape of the side pieces is pre-formed to fit the shape of the handle. The side pieces can be pierced so that the joining elements pass through them. An elastic sleeve round the handle can be joined to a ring made of rigid or semi-rigid material.

Description

Description
The present invention relates to a device for having an ideal grip of a racket during play.

The device is mainly intended for beginners who tend to hold the handle of their racket too high (towards the sieve).

To remedy this drawback, the device is positioned at a certain height, depending on the morphology of the player, on the handle of the racket.

The device hangs around the racket handle so as to remain in place throughout the game and thus serve as a tactile marker and / or stop for the player's hand.

The device is designed to: - adapt to all types of racket handle - for right-handed, left-handed players and those who play with both hands - so as not to hinder the player during the different stages of play - not to injure the player directly (protruding form) or indirect (irritation, blistering) - be mountable and dismountable without altering the handle of the racket.

- not be too bulky so as not to disturb the penetration into the air.

According to particular embodiments, the device can be broken down as follows:
Note: in all the attached figures the handle of the racket is schematized by the geometric shape (1).

- Figure 1 shows a front view of the device according to the invention.

The device is put in place on the handle of the racket (1) by the spacing of the parts (2) and (3) connected together by the part (4). The part (4) also called "lobe" can be made of elastic material (nonlimiting examples: spring, elastic ...) or rigid material which can be adjusted (nonlimiting examples: screw, cord, collar .. .).

- Figure 2 shows a front view of a variant of the device according to the invention.

As in Figure 1, the device is set up by the spacing of the parts (2) and (3) also called "lobes" connected together by the parts (5) and (6). Parts (5) and (6) can be made of an extensible material or not.

- Figure 3 shows a front view of a variant of the device according to the invention
The device is put in place on the handle of the racket (1) by the spacing of the parts (7), (8), (9) and (10) also called "lobes" connected together by the part (11) .

- According to a variant not illustrated in Figure 3, the part (11) can be replaced by four connecting elements to connect the parts (7), (8), (9) and (10).

- Figure 4 shows a front view of a variant according to the invention.

The device is placed on the handle of the racket (1) by the spacing of the parts (12) also called "lobes". The number of lobes in this variant being at least two The parts (12) are interconnected by the part (13).

According to a variant not illustrated in Figure 4, the part (13) may be replaced by several connecting elements.

- Figure 3 shows a front view of a variant according to the invention.

In this variant, the mode of use and embodiment of the device is the same as in FIG. 1. The difference lies in the fact that the parts (14) and (15) are preformed to the shapes of the handle of the racket (1). , which can bring more comfort to the player and better support of the device on the handle of the racket.

For Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 the material or materials (we can consider that the lobes are formed by the assembly of several materials) used to make the parts called "lobes" are indifferent.

Non-limiting examples: - it can be flexible or rigid and thus allow the lobes to more or less follow the shape of the handle of the racket.

- it can be chosen to absorb shocks and / or vibrations.

- it can be chosen for its non-slip power.

- it can be chosen for a particular touch (examples: non-irritation, absorption of perspiration ...).

For FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 3, the shape of the parts called "lobes" is not significant, as is their section (non-limiting examples of round, square, rectangular, trapezoidal section, etc.).

In the case of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 3 it can be envisaged that the parts called "lobes" will be: - drilled as in FIG. 6 to let pass the connecting element or elements which fix the lobes between eu, u .

- designed with an external groove as in FIG. 7 in which is housed the connecting element or elements which connect the lobes together
In this case, we can consider tightening, non-limiting examples by: "VELCRO" registered trademark, by clamp, elastic ...

- Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a variant of the device according to the invention.

The device is fitted onto the handle of the racket (1). The device consists of two parts (16) and (17) integral with one another.

The part (16) is made of a material having the main characteristic of being elastic. The part (17) is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material (non-limiting examples: plastic, foam ...). In this case, the part (16) is at the level of the grip of the handle of the racket, which reinforces the maintenance of the device during the game.

- Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a variant of the device according to the invention.

The device is the same as that envisaged in the variant described in FIG. 8. The difference lies in its use. The device is fitted opposite to the direction of FIG. 8. This variant of use is envisaged for greater comfort for the user. On the other hand, in the case of use in the same direction as in FIG. 9, a variant can be envisaged where the part (16) is made of a material whose main characteristic is to be soft (examples not limits: fabric, foam ...). The part (16) is then fixed on the handle of the racket using an intermediate element (non-limiting examples: strip "VELCRO" registered trademark, clamp, "GRIPP" registered trademark ..).

- Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a variant of the device according to the invention.

The pieces (18) independent of each other of rigid or semi-rigid material are integral with the piece (19). The part (19) is a ring made of elastic material that the user spreads and slides over the handle of the racket (1) to the desired position and then releases it to position the device.

A variant of the device according to the invention can be envisaged from FIG. 10 considering that the part (19) can be a continuous or discontinuous flexible strip (20) which is fixed to the handle of the racket by means of a additional system (21) (non-limiting examples: VELCRO registered trademark, collar ...) integral or not with this said band. Non-limiting example see figure 11 ...

- Figure 12 shows a front view of a variant of the device according to the invention.

The device is put in place on the handle of the racket (1) by the spacing of the parts (22) and (23) connected together by a hinge (24). To set up the device according to the embodiment of FIG. 12 on the handle of the racket, it suffices to move aside the parts (22) and (23) connected together by the hinge (24), to position the device at the desired height on the handle of the racket (1) then close and tighten on the handle the parts (22) and (23) via the attachment system (27). The attachment system (27) may or may not be integral with the parts (22) and (23). The parts (25) and (26) formed of a compressible material then match the shape of the handle of the racket and maintain the device. In this embodiment, the parts (25) and (26) are integral with the parts (22) and (23).

According to a variant arising from the embodiment of the device according to the invention, explain figure 12, we can consider as in Figure 13 an embodiment where the parts (25) and (26) of Figure 12 are replaced by a single piece (28) also made of a material whose main characteristic is compressibility. The part (28) is independent of the parts (22) and (23). The mode of use is then broken down as follows: thread and position the part (28) on the handle of the racket then tighten the rest of the device around it.

According to a variant not illustrated, it can be envisaged that the parts (22) and (23) are only one and the same part, the role of the hinge is then achieved by a reduction in thickness of the material making up this said part.

One can also envisage a variant according to the invention where the role of the hinge (24) is provided by specific shapes made on the parts (22) and (23).

In the embodiments of the device according to the invention explained in FIGS. 12 and 13 and all the variants arising from these, the attachment system (27) can also be envisaged as an integral and constitutive part of the parts (22 ) and (23).

According to a non-illustrated variant resulting from the embodiment explained in FIG. 13, it can be envisaged that the device is only composed of the part (28) which is fixed to the handle of the racket by an independent annex system (examples not limits: "VELCRO" registered trademark, hose clamp ...).

- Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the device according to the invention.

A turn (29) made of a semi-rigid material is slipped or wound on the handle of the racket. After positioning at the desired height, we just tighten and block the turn on the handle of the racket via an integrated system or not with the turn (for example we can consider drilling holes (30) in the turn and clip there one or more integrated nipples (31) at the other end of it, see Figure 14, we can also provide two strips "VELCRO" registered trademark, glued on each side of the turn , or provide an additional system which by pressure keeps the coil in a tight position).

Note: it is preferable that the section of the coil is trapezoidal to have better support in position.

- Figures 15 show a perspective view and a front view of a variant of the devices according to the invention. The method of implementation is the same as for the embodiment shown in Figure 14, but the attachment is achieved by fitting one end of the turn (29 ') previously split (32), on one of the notches (33 ) provided on the periphery of the turn.

Note: in the case of embodiments, of the device according to the invention presented in FIGS. 14 and 15 and of their variants, it can be envisaged that the material used for the realization of the turn is not formed from a single constituent (examples not limiting: the material can be reinforced with wire).

FIGS. 16 and 17 represent side views in section of a variant of the device according to the invention.

The device according to the invention is produced by the superimposition of rings of different elasticity. Care will be taken that the diameter (d) of the ring (35) of lower elasticity is of a diameter greater than that of the handle of the racket ( To set up the device, slide it over the handle of the racket (1) with the ring of less elasticity (35) on the internal circumference of the device as in Figure 16.

To block the device on the handle of the racket (1), turn the device over so that the ring (35) of lesser elasticity is found on the outer circumference of the device as in Figure 17.

Note: the device is made up of at least two rings of different elasticity.

-According to a variant not illustrated the device according to the invention is formed by an elastic ring of indifferent section, provided or not with a coating, and of sufficient elasticity to be held in place during the different stages of play. Ring that the '' we slide on the racket handle to the desired position.

- Figure 18 shows a side sectional view of a variant of the device according to the invention.

The device is formed of an elastic and compressible ring piece (37) which is slid over the handle of the racket (1) and which is blocked by means of the rigid ring (36) whose internal circumference is conical. It can be envisaged that the internal part of the ring (36) is striated to ensure better adhesion to the ring (37).

- Figure 19 shows a sectional side view of a variant of the device according to the invention.

Note: the part (45) is not shown in section for a better understanding of the diagram
The device according to the invention is formed by a compressible ring (45) wedged between two rigid rings (38) and (39) which are screwed into one another by means of the threaded parts (40). in place the device slide it along the handle of the racket (1) to the desired position and then screw the rings (38) and (39) into each other until the tightening, obtained by crushing the ring (45) via the conical parts (41) and (42), sufficient to keep the device in position during the different stages of play. Care will be taken that the minimum diameters (43) and (44) are sufficient to let the handle of the racket pass. We will also ensure that the width (e) of the ring (45) is greater than or equal to the minimum spacing that can be obtained between the rings (38) and (39).

FIG. 20 represents a sectional side view of a variant of the device according to the invention.

the device is formed by a compressible ring (45) integral with the rigid ring (39 '). The mode of use is the same as that explained for the device of FIG. 19, by the screwing of the parts (38 ') and (39') one inside the other.

FIG. 21 represents a side view in section of a variant of the device according to the invention.

The device is formed by two rigid rings (47) and (48) connected to each other by one or more or less elastic wires (46). After having slid to the desired position the device on the handle of the racket (1), screw the rings (47) and (48) one into the other, which will have the effect of coming to wind and tighten the or the wires (46) around the handle of the racket (1) .We will take care that the inside diameter of the rings (47) and (48) is sufficient to allow the positioning of the device on the handle of the racket (1 ).

-The device according to the invention is recommended for all racket games but more particularly for tennis and squash.

the device according to the invention, in addition to its primary function which is to provide an ideal grip on the handle of the racket, can be considered as protection in the event of impacts from the handle of the cracker.

Claims (14)

Claims 1- Device for having an ideal grip on a racket during a game characterized by the fact that said device is positioned at a certain height according to the morphology of the player on the handle of the racket and that said device hangs around the racket handle (1) so as to serve as a tactile marker and / or as a stop for the player's hand.  w- Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the parts called lobes are at least two in number, interconnected by one or more connecting elements. Lobes that are moved aside to put the device in place on the handle of the racket (1). 3- Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the shape of the lobes (14) and (1D) is preformed to the shapes of the handle of the racket (1) for better support of the device and greater comfort of the player.  i Device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the parts called "lobes" are drilled to let pass the part or parts which connect them together.  3 - Device according to claims 1, 2, and 3 characterized in that the parts called "lobes" are designed with an outer groove in which is housed the part or parts which connect the lobes together 6- Device according to one any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the part or parts which connect the lobes together are integral or not with said lobes.  - Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lobes are formed from a single or from the assembly of several materials. 8- Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the device is formed of an elastic sleeve (16) integral with the part (17) made of a rigid or semi-rigid material. Sleeve that is moved aside to slide over the handle of the racket (1) to the desired position. The piece (17) serves as a marker in the hand of the player. According to the convenience of each the device can be fitted so as to have or not the sleeve! 16) at the level of the main grip of the handle of the 9- Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the independent parts (18) each other made of rigid or semi-rigid materials are integral with the part (19). The part (19) made of an elastic material which is slid by spacing on the handle of the racket (1) to the position desired to serve as a benchmark in the player's hand. 10- Device according to claim 9 characterized in that the part (20) is formed by a continuous or discontinuous flexible strip which is fixed on the handle of the racket by means of an annex system (21) integral or not with said said bandaged. 11- Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the parts (22) and (23) articulated by a hinge (24) move apart to come into place at the desired position on the handle of the racket (1). To block the device in position, close the parts (22) and (23) and tighten them using a hooking system (27). Attachment system (27) which may or may not be integral with the parts (22) and (23). When tightening the parts (22) and (23) compress the parts (25) and (26) made of a material provided for this purpose and integral with the parts (22) and (23) which in turn will tighten and marry the shapes of the racket handle (1) and thus maintain the device in position. 12- Device according to claim 1 1 characterized in that the parts (25) and (26) are replaced by a single piece (28) made of a material whose main characteristic is compressibility. The part (28) is independent of the parts (22) and (23). The clamping of the part (28) can be carried out either by means of the parts (22) and (23; or by an independent annex system. 13- Device according to claims 1 1 and 12 characterized in that the role of the hinge (24) is ensured either by specific shapes made in the parts (22) and (23) or by an area of reduced thickness if the parts (22) and (23) are one and the same piece. 14- Device according to claims 11, 12 and 13 characterized in that the grip (27) is envisaged as an integral and constitutive part of the parts (22) and (23). 15- Device according to claim I characterized in that the parts (29) and (29 '), made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, form a turn. Spire that is blocked by means of a system integral or independent of said spire. A trapezoidal spiral section ensures better retention of the system according to the invention in position on the racket handle (1). 16- Device according to claim 1 characterized by the superposition of rings (at least two) of different elasticity. After positioning the device on the handle of the racket (1) (ring of lower elasticity (35) on the internal circumference of the device) turn or roll all the rings so that the ring (3D) of lower elasticity found on the outer circumference of the device and compresses the ring or rings (34), of greater elasticity, on the handle of the racket (1). 17- Device according to claim 1 characterized in that an elastic ring of indifferent section, provided with a coating or not, slides or rolls along the handle of the racket to the desired position. The holding in position of this said ring is done by the very characteristics of its constituent element. 18- Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the ring (37) elastic and compressible slides along the handle of the racket (1) and locks in position by fitting the ring (36) rigid and conical internal section . 19- Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the compressible ring (45) is wedged between two rings (38) and (39) or (38 ') and (39') which are screwed into one another by through threaded parts until the tightening obtained by crushing the ring (45) is sufficient to hold the device in place on the racket handle during the different stages of play. 20 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the rigid rings (47) and (48) are interconnected by one or more son (46) elastic or not. The device is locked in position by screwing the rings (47) and (48) into each other, which has the effect of winding and tightening the wire (s) (46) around the handle of the racket (1).