GB2583122A

GB2583122A - Adjustable racquet

Info

Publication number: GB2583122A
Application number: GB1905468.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Whitfield Frederick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-04-17
Filing date: 2019-04-17
Publication date: 2020-10-21
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-17
Also published as: GB201905468D0; GB2583122B

Abstract

A racket 102, such as a tennis racket, having a frame 102 with a set of strings 104, 105, a handle 103 and a string tightening mechanism integrated into the handle that alters the tension of the racquet strings. The handle may have an actuating knob 109 at its far end wherein rotation of the actuator operates the tension mechanism. The mechanism may comprise a threaded rod 106 that passes through a threaded hole in a block 107. The rod 106 may be connected at one end to the actuator 109 and at the other end to a tightening block 108 attached to the strings, whereby rotation of the actuating knob rotates the threaded rod in the threaded hole and moves the tightening block, resulting in a change in string tension. There may be stabilising blocks 110, 111 through which the rod 106 passes. There may be a visual indicator on the handle (124, 125, figure 5) to show the degree of knob rotation, the handle may be protected by grip tape (123, figure 5), and there may be friction reducing elements (113, figure 3) between the frame and the strings.

Description

ADJUSTABLE RACQUET

Technical Field

The present invention relates to strung racquets. More particularly, to racquets used in racquet sports such as tennis, badminton and squash.

Background

Many popular sports such as tennis, badminton and squash involve the use of racquets to rally an object such as a ball or shuttlecock between players.

Racquets used in these sports have strings made of either synthetic or natural fibres. The tension of the racquet strings affects the interaction between the ball or shuttlecock and the racquet, resulting in shots having differing characteristics according to string tension.

Some players, for example professionals and amateurs who play to a high standard, may wish to train and play with racquets that have different string tensions to achieve different characteristics of shots. For example, players may prefer a higher string tension to achieve short shots during volleying, whilst they may opt for a lower string tension to achieve more powerful shots when serving.

The process of adjusting the string tension of a racquet is usually time consuming and complicated. Adjusting the tension of the strings of a racquet normally involves the racquet being taken to a specialist.

Accordingly, players wishing to play using different string tensions must use multiple individual racquets strung at different tensions because frequently changing the tension of a single racquet would be impractical. This is inconvenient as players must carry and travel with multiple racquets. Furthermore, there is added expense as players must purchase and maintain multiple racquets.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the invention to improve the ease and convenience with which the tension of stringed sports equipment, such as racquets, can be adjusted.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a racquet comprising; a frame, a handle and a set of strings disposed within said frame, wherein said racquet further comprises a tightening mechanism integrated within said handle; said tightening mechanism configured such that operation of said tightening mechanism results in alteration of tension in at least a part of said set of strings.

Advantageously, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, a sports racquet is provided in which the string tension can be manually altered, for example tightened or loosened as desired, without additional equipment or specific expertise. Furthermore, the mechanism is integrated into the handle so that the size and shape of the racquet substantially corresponds with a conventional racquet.

Optionally, the racquet further comprises an actuating knob, wherein rotation of the actuating knob operates the tightening mechanism.

Optionally, the actuating knob forms part of the racquet handle.

Advantageously, this provides a convenient configuration by which the shape of the racquet is substantially unaltered from that of a conventional racquet.

Optionally, the tightening mechanism comprises a threaded rod fixed at a first end to the actuating knob, a block, comprising a threaded hole, fixed to an internal wall of the handle, said threaded rod passing through the threaded hole, and a tightening block fixed on a second end of the threaded rod,part of the set of strings threaded through said tightening block, wherein rotation of the actuating knob and resultant rotation of the threaded rod in the threaded hole results in movement of the tightening block thereby altering tension in the set of strings.

Optionally, part of the set of strings are threaded through said tightening block by being passed through one or more holes in said tightening block.

Optionally, one or more portions of the set of strings passing through the one or more holes in said tightening block are protected by a protective sleeve.

Advantageously, the protective sleeve prevents the string from becoming damaged when moving through the tightening block. Furthermore, the protective sleeve provides a guide through which the strings move.

Typically, the handle is formed by two elongate elements extending from the frame, wherein the tightening mechanism is disposed between said two elongate elements.

Optionally, the actuating knob is disposed at a distal end of the handle.

Optionally, the actuating knob corresponds to the base cap of a conventional racquet.

Optionally, the tightening mechanism further comprises a first stabilising block, comprising a hole, said first stabilising block fixed to the internal wall of the handle, wherein the threaded rod passes through said hole in said first stabilising block.

Advantageously, the first stabilising block supports the tightening mechanism within the handle.

Optionally, further comprising a second stabilising block; said first stabilising block disposed between the actuating knob and the block comprising the threaded hole; and said second stabilising block disposed between the tightening block and the block comprising the threaded hole.

Typically, the set of strings is formed by at least two continuous string lengths; a first continuous string length forming a plurality of vertical strings of the racquet, and; a second continuous string length forming a plurality of horizontal strings of the racquet, wherein part of the first continuous string length passes through the tightening block.

Typically, the frame comprises a plurality of holes, each hole extending through said frame, said set of strings being threaded through said holes, string crossing points being formed where string passes over the external surface of said frame, wherein the racquet further comprises a friction reducing surface disposed on a plurality of the string crossing points, said friction reducing surface operable to reduce friction between the frame and string at the string crossing points.

Advantageously, the at least one friction reducing surface assists the movement of the string through the racquet when tension is altered and thereby encouraging an even distribution of tension across the strings.

Optionally, the at least one friction reducing surface comprises one or more friction reducing members; each of said one or more friction reducing members positioned between the external surface of the frame and string at one of the string crossing points.

Optionally, the at least one friction reducing surface comprises a strip of friction reducing material, said strip of friction reducing material being integrated within the external surface of said frame and extending around at least a part of the circumference of said frame; forming the surface of said string crossing points.

Advantageously, the integration of the friction reducing members within the frame of the racquet allows the shape and size of the racquet to remain unaltered.

Optionally, the friction reducing surface comprises at least one of the following materials; nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyimide, polyphthalamide, polybutylene terephthalate, acetal, polycarbonate, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polyphenylen sulfide and polyester.

Optionally, the actuating knob further comprises a visual indicator, said visual indicator configured to allow the user to visualise the degree of rotation applied to said actuating knob.

Advantageously, the visual indicator provides the user with the ability to monitor how much tension has been applied to or released from the strings and means the user can easily adjust the tension to a pre-determined value.

Optionally, the visual indicator comprises a mark on the handle and a corresponding mark on the actuating knob.

Optionally, the two elongate elements and the tightening mechanism disposed therebetween are encased by a protective cover.

Advantageously, the protective cover protects the mechanism from damage.

Optionally, the protective cover comprises at least grip tape.

Optionally, the stabilising block and said block comprising the threaded hole are manufactured as integral components of said frame.

Optionally, the racquet is a tennis racquet.

Various further features and aspects of the invention are defined in the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings where like parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals and in which: Figure 1 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the racquet according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 provides a simplified schematic diagram of an adjustable tennis racquet as depicted in Figure 1 except that the racquet is depicted in a tightened configuration; Figure 3 provides a simplified schematic diagram of a detailed view of the top external surface of the racquet according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 provides a simplified schematic diagram of a detailed view of the top external surface of the racquet according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 provides a simplified schematic diagram of a detailed view of the handle of the racquet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 provides a simplified schematic diagram of an adjustable tennis racquet in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

The racquet 101 comprises a frame 102 and a handle 103. The handle 103 is shown in cutaway view. The handle typically further comprises a protective cover and grip tape.

The handle 103 is formed by two elongate elements extending from the frame 102, with a void therebetween. In a conventional racquet, the void in the racquet handle is filled with a filler substance. However, in accordance with embodiments of the invention the racquet 101 further comprises a tightening mechanism integrated within the handle 103. As will be explained in more detail below, the racquet depicted in Figure 1 substantially corresponds to a conventional tennis racquet except that it includes a tightening mechanism integrated within the handle 103 and friction reducing surfaces provided by friction reducing members 113 on the frame 102.

In keeping with conventional sporting racquets such as tennis racquets, a set of strings formed from a plurality of vertical strings 104 and a plurality of horizontal strings 105 is disposed within the frame 102. A first single continuous string length forms the plurality of vertical strings 104 and a second single continuous string length forms the plurality of horizontal strings 105. Further, as in conventional tennis racquets, a plurality of small regularly spaced holes are situated within a groove extending the circumference of the frame 102.

The first single continuous string length is threaded through the holes at opposite ends of the frame 102 corresponding to the top and the bottom of the frame 102. The first continuous string length therefore forms the vertical strings 104 of the racquet 101.

The second continuous string length is threaded through the holes on opposite sides of the frame 102 corresponding to the left and the right of the frame 102. The second continuous string length therefore forms the horizontal string 105 of the racquet 101.

The tightening mechanism comprises a threaded rod 106, a block 107 comprising a threaded hole 107, a tightening block 108 and an actuating knob 109. The actuating knob 109 comprises a base plate 127 fixedly attached to a first end of the threaded rod 106 which is positioned within a base cap 128 disposed on the distal end of the handle 103. The base cap 128 can be provided by a base cap of the type used in a conventional racquet.

The threaded rod 106 is fixed at a second end to the tightening block 108.

The block comprising the threaded hole 107 is fixed to an internal wall 118 of the handle 103 by suitable means, for example adhesive. Also fixed to an internal wall 118 of the handle 103 is a first stabilising block 110 and a second stabilising block 111. The first and second stabilising blocks 110 and 111 are fixed by appropriate means such as adhesive. The first stabilising block 110 is disposed between the actuating knob 109 and the block comprising the threaded hole 107. The threaded rod 106 passes through a hole in the first stabilising block 110. The second stabilising block 111 is disposed between the tightening block 108 and the block comprising the threaded hole 107. The threaded rod 106 additionally passes through a hole in the second stabilising block 111. The threaded rod 106 also passes through a hole in the centre of the tightening block 108. The threaded rod 106 engages with the tightening block 108 by means of interaction with a rod cap 112. The rod cap 112 has a cap portion having a surface larger than the diameter of the hole in which the threaded rod 106 is positioned. The tightening block 108, first and second stabilising blocks 110 and 111 and the block comprising the threaded hole 107 are made from a suitable material such as aluminium. The threaded rod can be made from any suitable material, for example steel.

As described above, the racquet 101 depicted in Figure 1 comprises two single continuous string lengths woven through holes in the frame 102. The single continuous string length forming the vertical strings 104 is additionally passed through the tightening block 108. A section of the first continuous string length forming a first central vertical string 114 passes down the outer edge of the tightening block 108, along the bottom surface of the tightening block 108 and through a first hole in the tightening block 108. The single continuous string length then passes through a hole on the bottom surface of the frame 102 and through a hole at the opposite end of the frame 102, forming a second central vertical string 115. The single continuous string length then passes over the top outer surface of the frame 102 and through a neighbouring hole in the frame 102. The single continuous string length then passes through a hole on the opposite side at the bottom of the frame 102, forming a third central vertical string 116. The third central vertical string 116 then passes through a second hole in the tightening block 108, along the bottom surface of the tightening block 108 and back up alongside the outer edge of the tightening block 108. The single continuous string length passes through a hole in the bottom of the frame 102 and then passes through another hole on the opposite side at the top of the frame 102 forming a fourth central vertical string 117.

Typically, two protective sleeves 119 may be present on the string at points in which the string contacts the tightening block 108. Each protective sleeve 119 protects the string as it passes the side of the tightening block 108, runs along the bottom surface of the tightening block 108 and passes through the hole in the tightening block 108. The protective sleeve 119 protects the string from damage caused by contact with the corner of the tightening block 108 and can further provide a guide through which the string can move with ease.

Operation of the tightening mechanism results in alteration of tension in the set of strings. Actuation (rotation) of the actuating knob 109 operates the tightening mechanism. Rotation of the actuating knob 109 in a first direction results in the rotation of the threaded rod 106 within the block comprising the threaded hole 107, moving the tightening block 108 vertically in a first direction within the handle 103. Rotation of the actuating knob 109 in a second direction results in the rotation of the threaded rod 106 within the block comprising the threaded hole 107, moving the tightening block 108 vertically in a second direction within the handle 103.

The orientation of the threads on the threaded rod 106 and within the block comprising the threaded hole 107 determine in which direction the actuating knob 109 must be rotated to achieve an increase or decrease in tension of the vertical strings 104.

For example, dependent on orientation of the threads on the threaded rod 106 and block comprising the threaded hole 107, rotation of the actuating knob 109 in a counter-clockwise direction, results in the rotation of the threaded rod 106 within the block comprising the threaded hole 107 resulting in the downward vertical movement of the tightening block 108 by downwards force being applied through the rod cap 112. The downward movement of the tightening block 108 also pulls down the central vertical strings 114-117 and therefore increases the tension of these strings. As the vertical strings are formed from one continuous string length, the increase in tension of the central vertical strings 114-117 also results in an increased tension in neighbouring vertical strings 104 as the downward force applied to the central vertical strings 114-117 is transferred to the other vertical strings 104 formed from the single continuous string length.

Correspondingly, rotation of the actuating knob 109 in a clockwise direction, results in the rotation of the threaded rod 106 within the block comprising the threaded hole 107 resulting in the upwards vertical movement of the tightening block 108. As the threaded rod 106 moves in an upward direction, the rod cap 112 also moves upward. This upward movement of the rod cap 112 reduces the downward force being applied to the tightening block 108. The tension present in the central vertical strings 114-117 pulls the tightening block 108 upwards resulting in a reduction of tension in the central vertical strings 114-117. As all the vertical strings 104 are formed from one continuous string length, the reduction in tension is distributed across the neighbouring vertical strings 104.

The friction at the string crossing point, between the frame 102 and the single continuous string length at the point at which it passes over the external surface of the frame 102, may reduce movement of the strings and reduce the subsequent even distribution of tension across the vertical strings 104.

To reduce the friction between the frame 102 and the single continuous string length at the point at which it passes over the external surface of the frame 102 and thereby aid the even application of tension across the single continuous string length forming the vertical strings 104, friction reducing members 113 are positioned between the single continuous string length and frame 102. The friction reducing members 113 are present at points where the single continuous string length passes over the external surface of the frame 102. The friction reducing members 113 act as pulleys which provide a friction reducing surface between the frame 102 and strings. The friction reducing members 113 typically comprise a low friction plastic of the type described above.

In some embodiments, the friction reducing members are embedded into the frame and sit flush with the surface of the frame.

Figure 2 provides a simplified schematic diagram of an adjustable tennis racquet as depicted in Figure 1 except that the racquet 101 is depicted in a tightened configuration. The actuating knob 109 is shown after rotation has been applied in a direction allowing the tightening of the central vertical strings 114-117. The actuating knob 109, threaded rod 106 and tightening block 108 have moved vertically downwards relative to the racquet handle 103. The downward vertical movement of these components has in turn pulled the central vertical strings 114-117 downward and as a result applied increased tension to these strings.

An overlap between the elongate elements which form the handle 103 and the base cap 128, typically prevents the formation of a gap between the handle 103 and the base cap 128 as a result of the downward vertical movement of the actuating knob 109.

The first stabilising block 110, the second stabilising block 111 and the block comprising the threaded hole 107 are described above as being manufactured separately from and fixed to the handle. In other embodiments of the invention, these components may be manufactured as an integral part of the elongate elements which form the handle 103.

Friction present within the tightening mechanism acts to prevent or reduce spontaneous rotation of the threaded rod 106 within the block comprising the threaded hole 107. The operation of the actuating knob 109 overcomes the friction present within the tightening mechanism to enable the alteration of string tension.

Figure 3 provides a simplified schematic diagram of the external surface of the frame of an adjustable tennis racquet in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. A detailed view of the top external surface 120 of the frame 102 is depicted. Small holes 122 which extend through the frame 102 are visible and spaced regularly along the external surface 120 of the frame 102.

Portions of a single continuous string length forming vertical strings 104 pass over the external surface 120 of the frame 102, forming string crossing points 121. At the five central string crossing points 121, friction reducing members 113, for example pulleys, are positioned between the top external surface 120 of the frame 102 and string.

The friction reducing members 113 are small rods comprising a low friction material, for example nylon but ones skilled in the art would be aware of alternative materials that could be used such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyimide, polyphthalamide, polybutylene terephthalate, acetal, polycarbonate, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polyphenylen sulfide and polyester.

The friction reducing members 113 comprise two cylinders of equal diameter connected via a third cylinder having a smaller diameter. The friction reducing members 113 are fixed to the top external surface 120 of the frame 102 by a suitable method such as adhesive fixing by glue.

The friction reducing members 113 are arranged so that the string at the string crossing point 121 passes over the smaller central cylinder.

When the tightening mechanism is operated and tension of the vertical strings 104 is adjusted, the pulleys reduce the friction at the string crossing points 121, allowing the single continuous string length forming the vertical strings 104 to move more freely and thereby assists in the even spread of tension over the vertical strings 104.

Figure 4 provides a simplified schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a racquet according to certain embodiments of the invention depicting a detailed view of the top external surface 220 of the frame 202.

Small holes 222 are visible on the frame, through which portions of a single continuous string length pass forming vertical strings 204. Points at which the single continuous string length pass over the external surface of the frame 220 form string crossing points 221.

A friction reducing surface 226 is provided by means of a strip of friction reducing material extending partially around the circumference of the external surface 220 of the frame 202.

The friction reducing surface 226 forms the surface of the string crossing points 221 and therefore reduces the friction present at the string crossing points 221 between the single continuous string length and the external surface 220 of the frame 202. The friction reducing surface 226 is integrated within the frame 202 in such a manner that the shape and size of the frame remain unaltered compared to a conventional racquet.

Figure 5 provides a simplified schematic diagram of a detailed view of the handle of a racquet according to certain embodiments of the invention. The handle 103 is encased in a protective cover (not shown) which is covered in grip tape 123. The handle 103 comprises a visual indicator in the form of a mark on the handle 124 and corresponding mark on the actuating knob 125.

When the actuating knob 109 is rotated, the mark on the actuating knob 125 moves relative to the mark on the handle 124 and therefore the degree of rotation, indicating the amount of tension being applied to or relieved from the strings, allows tension to be monitored.

Embodiments of the invention described above are implemented as a tennis racquet. However, in other embodiments, the invention can be implemented as other types of sporting racquets, for example squash racquets and badminton racquets.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or ''an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A racquet comprising; a frame, a handle and a set of strings disposed within said frame, wherein said racquet further comprises a tightening mechanism integrated within said handle; said tightening mechanism configured such that operation of said tightening mechanism results in alteration of tension in at least a part of said set of strings.
2. A racquet according to claim 1, further comprising an actuating knob, wherein rotation of the actuating knob operates the tightening mechanism.
3. A racquet according to claim 2, wherein the actuating knob forms part of the racquet handle.
4. A racquet according to either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the tightening mechanism 15 comprises: a threaded rod fixed at a first end to the actuating knob, a block, comprising a threaded hole, fixed to an internal wall of the handle, said threaded rod passing through the threaded hole, and a tightening block fixed on a second end of the threaded rod, part of the set of strings threaded through said tightening block, wherein rotation of the actuating knob and resultant rotation of the threaded rod in the threaded hole results in movement of the tightening block thereby altering tension in the set of strings.
5. A racquet according to claim 4, wherein the tightening mechanism further comprises a first stabilising block comprising a hole, said first stabilising block fixed to the internal wall of the handle, wherein the threaded rod passes through said hole in said first stabilising block.
6. A racquet according to claim 5, further comprising a second stabilising block; said first stabilising block disposed between the actuating knob and the block comprising the threaded hole; and said second stabilising block disposed between the tightening block and the block comprising the threaded hole.
7. A racquet according to any of claims 4 to 6 wherein the part of the set of strings are threaded through said tightening block by being passed through one or more holes in said tightening block.
8. A racquet according to claim 7 wherein one or more portions of the set of strings passing through the one or more holes in said tightening block are protected by a protective sleeve.
9. A racquet according to any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the handle is formed by two elongate elements extending from the frame, wherein the tightening mechanism is disposed between said two elongate elements.
10. A racquet according to any of claim 2 to 9, wherein the actuating knob is disposed at a distal end of the handle.
11. A racquet according to any of claims 4 to 10 wherein the set of strings is formed by at least two continuous string lengths; a first continuous string length forming a plurality of vertical strings of the racquet, and; a second continuous string length forming a plurality of horizontal strings of the racquet, wherein part of the first continuous string length passes through the tightening block.
12. A racquet according to any previous claim, said frame comprising a plurality of holes, each hole extending through said frame, said set of strings being threaded through said holes, string crossing points being formed where string passes over the external surface of said frame, wherein the racquet further comprises a friction reducing surface disposed on a plurality of the string crossing points, said friction reducing surface operable to reduce friction between the frame and string at the string crossing points.
13. A racquet according to claim 12 wherein the friction reducing surface is provided by a plurality of friction reducing members; each of said friction reducing members positioned between the external surface of the frame and string at one of the string crossing points.
14. A racquet according to claim 12 wherein the at least one friction reducing surface comprises a strip of friction reducing material, said strip of friction reducing material being integrated within the external surface of said frame and extending around at least a part of the circumference of said frame; forming the surface of said string crossing points.
15. A racquet according to any of claims 12 to 14 wherein the friction reducing surface comprises at least one of the following materials; nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyimide, polyphthalamide, polybutylene terephthalate, acetal, polycarbonate, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polyphenylen sulfide and polyester.
16. A racquet according to any of claims 2 to 15 wherein the handle further comprises a visual indicator, said visual indicator configured to allow the user to visualise the degree of rotation applied to said actuating knob.
17. A racquet according to claim 16 wherein the visual indicator comprises a mark on the handle and a corresponding mark on the actuating knob.
18. A racquet according to any of claims9 to 17 wherein the two elongate elements and the tightening mechanism disposed therebetween are encased by a protective cover.
19. A racquet according to claim 18 wherein said protective cover comprises at least a grip tape.
20. A racquet according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein said stabilising block and said block comprising the threaded hole are manufactured as integral components of said frame.
21. A racquet according to an previous claim, wherein the racquet is a tennis racquet.