US20140243121A1

US20140243121A1 - Tennis racquet grip accessory for enhanced grip ergonomics

Info

Publication number: US20140243121A1
Application number: US13/780,013
Authority: US
Inventors: Edwin Graham Heacox
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-28
Filing date: 2013-02-28
Publication date: 2014-08-28

Abstract

A tennis racquet grip accessory for adjustable, customizable grip ergonomics is disclosed. This grip accessory system enables the user to precisely tune their grip contours via rings (size, shape, quantity, positioning) for preferred finger and hand traction and leverage. The ring contours provide better personalized fitting in the user's hand and against fingers. The overall system improves user confidence, flexibility, and loose grip for racquet head speed for better shot making: it enables high performance ball speed and spins as well as gentle touch-shots.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Problem Solved: Racquet grip shapes have changed little in over 100 years. Modern stroke techniques and improved equipment technology require advancement of grip ergonomics. Existing racquet grips have not advanced with modern stroke techniques and higher performance equipment (racquet materials, string materials, balls, shoes and court surfaces). Existing grips and accessories provide only a uniform wrap or cover without player tune-ability of the grip shape.
This grip accessory system enables the user to precisely tune their grip via rings (size, shape, quantity, positioning) for preferred finger traction and leverage. The added contours provide better personalized fitting in the user's palm and against fingers. The overall system improves user confidence, flexibility, and loose grip for racquet head speed for better shot making: high performance speed and spins as well as gentle touch-shots.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As stated above, Racquet grip shapes have changed little in over 100 years. Modern stroke techniques and improved equipment technology require advancement in grip ergonomics. The invention claimed here solves this problem.
The grip accessory system improves the racquet fit in the users hand and provides customized and adjustable contours for the user's fingers. The combinations of grip rings of varying size, shape, positioning and quantity allow the user to tune the grip contours for their individual preference.
The claimed invention differs from what currently exists. Prior to this invention, racquet grips we not customizable other than by applying uniform grip wraps or over grips. Customizable grip contours and positioning of varying quantities and sizes of finger traction and leverage point accessories is not currently available.
This invention is an improvement on what currently exists. Prior to this invention racquet grips we not customizable other than by applying uniform grip wraps or over grips. Customizable grip contours via rings or bands around the grip with flexible positioning of varying quantities and sizes of finger traction and leverage point accessories is not currently available.
Other accessories do not provide player customization, adjustability and enhanced ergonomics of grip-ring accessory system.
This grip accessory system enables the user to precisely tune their grip via rings (size, shape, quantity, positioning) for preferred finger traction and leverage. This provides better personalized fitting in the user's palm and against hand and fingers. The overall system improves user confidence, flexibility, and loose grip for racquet head speed for better shot making: high performance shot making, ball speed and spins as well as gentle touch-shots.

The Version of the Invention Discussed Here Includes:

1. Grip rings and bands of varying shapes, sizes and contours designed to meet a wide range of user preferences
Relationship between the Components:
The grip rings may be used individually or in multiples installed on the standard racquet grip or racquet shaft. One or more rings of different shapes may be used depending on user preference.

How the Invention Works:

The grip rings provide the user with the ability to tune the racquet grip precisely to their individual preferences and performance objectives. The overall system improve the ergonomics of the racquet fit in the individuals hand as well as enables tuning to players preferred leverage points on the grip. The grip rings or bands may be used individually to enable the user to hold the racquet higher up on the palm, effectively increasing the length of the racquet and racquet head speed. Also, the ring provides improved palm fit and traction for aggressive shots with lower risk of losing control of the racquet. The grip rings may be used individually, and in any combination preferred by the user. The rings (or “bands” if wide shape) can be of varying shape, size (height, width), uniform or not, used in single or multiple ring arrangements.

How To Make The Invention:

The construction of the end-cap is ideally made from silicone or similar flexible rubber-like substance via an injection mold process. The material must be flexible and elastic yet tough enough to endure installation over the end of the racquet handle and months of playing time. The dimensions can vary for targeted shape, contour and texture depending on user preferences and objectives (e.g. comfort confidence, performance, feel etc.). One example shape is approximately 30 mm long with a diameter of 33 mm and tapered thickness from 34mm to 39 mm outer dimension. The inner diameter is 32 mm at the open end and to the base end where and inner radius defines the outer contour and fit. The bottom end is open to accommodate stretching over the racquet end and to ensure visibility of the end of the racquet. The dimensions for each application will vary widely depending on user preferences.
The shape and sizes of the rings or bands are to accommodate industry racquet grip sizes usually from 4 inch to 4⅝ inch diameter. The rings must be small enough to fit snugly and wide enough to ensure it cannot slip off during use. The surfaces of the rings or bands can be uniform, smooth or textured for varied performance and feel objectives.
The grip rings are also ideally made from a flexible, tough rubber such as silicone for soft pliability and toughness for long life and reliability from installation to user lifespan. Injection molding of the rings is a typical production method with tooling designed to accommodate many varieties of sizes, shapes, textures and colors depending on user preference and objectives. The exact dimensions and shapes will vary; a few examples are shown in drawings. For example, the several varieties are shown in the figures. The exact shape of the rings will depend on user preferences with subtle smooth curved surfaces or steep aggressive shape.
For maximum tune-ability rings can be used in combination, however each component can be used independently depending on user preference and objectives.
The overall system and each element can be made in wide ranges of shapes, sizes and materials to provide maximum tune-ability of the grip performance and shape.
The ring and band elements can be used in combination or indendently. The grip rings may be used singularly on the racquet or in multiples depending on the sizes and user preferred placement on the grip shaft.

How to Use the Invention:

The rings and bands are to be mounted on the base of a racquet installed over the racquet shaft or standard grip. Installation is done by stretching the rings over the end of the racquet and pressed for firm fit the elastic material provides a snug fit such that the ring is firmly in place once installed. A typical user may install industry standard grip tape over the entire grip including over the end-cap. The ring may stay on the racquet indefinitely or changed for varying conditions or user preferences day to day.
The additional rings may be installed by slipping one or more units over the end of the racquet and positioned up and down the grip shaft, placed at the user preferred orientation. Positioning of one or more rings depends on use objectives and preferences. For example, a single larger ring might be placed approximately 3 inches up the racquet grip shaft for the user who prefers a solid position to apply his/her index finger. Similarly, such placement enables the user to apply the back of their thumb against the rib for backhand shot making. Alternatively, a use might prefer to apply two or three smaller rings, spaced according to the size of their hand for a tuned preferred feel.
Various rings may be used together, in any combination, or separately. Thus the system provides ultimate flexibility according to user preferences that may change, or be tuned according to play conditions or situations.
Conceived for use in the tennis industry, the invention can also apply to any other racquet sports such as racquet ball, squash.

FIGURES

1. Example implementation of grip accessory system with two grip o-rings
2. Profile view of grip ring implementation example
3. Example grip o-ring shapes for user preferences and purposes

Claims

I claim the following claims as my invention of the tennis racquet grip accessory;

1. The invention is a set of tennis grip accessory components to enable user customization of grip ergonomics consisting of grip rings or bands of varying shapes, sizes, contours, multiples and placements on the racquet grip handle.

2. A single ring implemented on the tennis racquet grip handle that consists of material making a bump for a point of leverage for the user's index finger.

3. A set of multiple rings implemented on the tennis racquet grip handle that consist of materials making a set of bumps for multiple points of leverage for the user's fingers, palm and hand.