US20200030667A1 - Tunable tennis racket apparatus - Google Patents
Tunable tennis racket apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20200030667A1 US20200030667A1 US16/458,060 US201916458060A US2020030667A1 US 20200030667 A1 US20200030667 A1 US 20200030667A1 US 201916458060 A US201916458060 A US 201916458060A US 2020030667 A1 US2020030667 A1 US 2020030667A1
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- string
- tuning
- racket
- outer frame
- string tension
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B1/00—Horizontal bars
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B51/00—Stringing tennis, badminton or like rackets; Strings therefor; Maintenance of racket strings
- A63B51/12—Devices arranged in or on the racket for adjusting the tension of the strings
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B51/00—Stringing tennis, badminton or like rackets; Strings therefor; Maintenance of racket strings
- A63B51/005—Devices for measuring the tension of strings
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B2071/0658—Position or arrangement of display
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/50—Force related parameters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/50—Force related parameters
- A63B2220/51—Force
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/50—Force related parameters
- A63B2220/56—Pressure
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
- A63B2220/803—Motion sensors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
- A63B2220/83—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor characterised by the position of the sensor
- A63B2220/833—Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/06—Handles
- A63B60/16—Caps; Ferrules
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/06—Handles
- A63B60/22—Adjustable handles
- A63B60/24—Weighted handles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/06—Handles
- A63B60/22—Adjustable handles
- A63B60/28—Adjustable handles with adjustable length
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
Definitions
- Racket sports such as tennis, badminton and racquetball have existed for decades if not centuries, however, the state of equipment technology has stayed relatively the same as when each sport originated.
- many problems traditionally associated with racket performance inhibitors persist today with current rackets.
- tennis racket strings can vary in durability and string tension, which is a measure of the amount of pressure applied to a string when pulled by a stringing machine.
- string tensions can affect a racket sport players ability to effectively control the racket, generate spin on a shot, and/or generate power on a shot.
- racket tension cannot be changed without restringing the racket (often with new strings) which takes significant time, effort, and cost.
- racket tension should be adjusted frequently, which is impractical in many cases due to the time, effort, and cost factors involved.
- a racket apparatus comprising an outer frame element connected to a handle element and a tuning throat element, wherein the tuning throat element connects to a string adjustment element based on a connector element, and wherein the string adjustment element is capable of adjusting a string tension of one or more string connected to an inner portion of the outer frame element.
- a method of adjusting one or more string tension level of an apparatus comprising activating a tuning mechanism, and that moving a tuning throat element toward a handle element or away from the handle element resulting in an increase or decrease in string tension respectively based on an activation of the tuning mechanism.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a front view of body of an example non-limiting racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a front view of body of an example non-limiting racket apparatus as well as illustrations of various effects on the racket based on tuning adjustments in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of a side view of an example non-limiting racket apparatus and components that facilitate string tuning in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of a front view of an example non-limiting racket apparatus and components that facilitate string tuning in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of an example non-limiting racket apparatus throat element that facilitates string tuning in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example non-limiting method of performing a string adjustment of tuning racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example non-limiting method of performing a string adjustment of tuning racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example non-limiting method of performing a string adjustment of tuning racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- the subject disclosure relates to a racket apparatus and method for tuning string tension of the string elements of a racket apparatus.
- the racket apparatus can be a tunable sport racket in which players can monitor, adjust, and lock a desired string tension without replacing racket strings.
- the surface area of the racket frame can be customized such that a throat element can be manipulated to move upward or downward and adjust the tension of one or more string of a racket.
- This capability of precisely tuning a racket can benefit a user personal playing style or type of stroke/swing, allow for a user to simply attain a desired length of life for racket strings, facilitate racket adjustments depending on weather conditions on a particular day, allow for a user to play on various surfaces such as hard court, clay, grass, carpet and other such surfaces.
- racket apparatus 100 can comprise an outer frame element 102 , connector element ( 104 ), string adjustment element 108 , tuning throat element 106 , and handle element 110 .
- outer frame element 102 can connect to handle element 110 and a tuning throat element 106 , wherein the tuning throat element 106 connects to a string adjustment element 108 based on a connector element 104 , and wherein the string adjustment element 108 is capable of adjusting a string tension of one or more string connected to an inner portion of the outer frame element 102 .
- outer frame element 102 designates the general frame of racket apparatus 100 that can comprise two portions, an outer portion that does not make contact with other elements of the racket and an inner portion or inner rim which contacts the strings along a portion and the connector element 104 along another portion.
- outer frame element 102 can be segmented into a portion that connects to string adjustment element 108 and a portion that does not connect to string adjustment element 108 .
- connector element 104 can refer to a connection means between the outer frame 102 and tuning throat element 106 .
- connector element 104 can be an interlocking mechanism, snapping mechanism, clipping mechanism, slide tracking mechanism and other such connection type.
- connector element 104 can be designated as an area within an inner portion of outer frame element 102 that comprises an internal groove that creates a track on which tuning throat element 106 (also referred to as an idler) can connect a move upward and downward via mechanical activation.
- connector element 104 can serve as an integration point between tuning throat element 106 and outer frame element 102 .
- the facilitation of an upward and downward movement of tuning throat element 106 allows for a control of tension applied to the one or more strings of racket apparatus 100 (and other embodiments disclosed herein).
- connector element 104 can taper off at a point along the outer frame element 102 to inhibit an imposition of stress along weaker portions of outer frame element 102 .
- string adjustment element 108 can represent a mechanism to alter string tension of the racket.
- string adjustment element 108 can be a dial mechanism that turns a threaded base portion of tuning throat element 106 based on a turning of the dial.
- the string adjustment element 108 can utilize other mechanisms that result in movement of tuning throat element 106 such as a threaded bolt, a rack and pinion mechanism, ratcheting mechanism and other such movement inducing mechanisms.
- the turning of the threaded base portion of tuning throat element 106 can cause the tuning throat element 106 to increase or decrease pressure exerted on outer frame element 102 to cause string tightening or loosening respectively.
- the string adjustment element 108 can be manipulated to cause the tuning throat element 106 to slide north and south along connector element 104 (e.g., track lining) to widen or narrow the outer frame element 102 which is connected to one or more string.
- An inward contraction of the outer frame element 102 resulting from a northward movement of tuning throat element 106 caused by a manipulation of string adjustment element 108 can loosen one or more string of the racket.
- an outward expansion of the outer frame element 102 resulting from a southward movement of the tuning throat element 106 caused by a manipulation of string adjustment element 108 can tighten one or more string of the racket.
- tuning throat element 106 can be an independent component (e.g., removable or detachable) capable of moving up and down parallel to handle element 110 .
- tuning throat element 106 can be an independent piece capable of separating from its connectivity with outer frame element 102 .
- tuning throat element 106 can be a range of shapes such as a letter T-like shape or other such shapes.
- a tuning throat element 106 that is a T-like shape provides strength and stability sufficient to allow for an exertion of outward pressure on various points of outer frame element 102 based on a downward movement of tuning throat element 106 towards handle element 110 .
- handle element 110 can be utilized to hold racket apparatus 100 .
- handle element can comprise one or more sensor component capable of generating data based on a set of input received by the sensor component.
- sensor component can be any of a range of sensors, including but not limited to, accelerometer, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, gyroscope sensors, and other such sensors.
- sensor component can generate data such as pulse data, length of hitting sessions (e.g., rally's), image or video data (e.g., of hitting a shot), statistics (e.g., hit rate, miss rate, location on racket of ball impact, grip tightness, form and hitting technique, etc.), track improvements in game play, measure swing types (e.g., spin and/or speed of serve, backswing, forehand swing, etc.) and other such data.
- handle element 110 can include a butt cap that is fully accessible for customization and feature integration based on user preference or technological advancements.
- the string adjustment element 108 is a mechanism that only runs through a top portion of handle element 110 thus not burdening handle element 110 with unnecessary weight that might otherwise burden a player during gameplay.
- more customization options can be included in handle element 110 such as incorporation of sensors, weight manipulating features (to help a player achieve a target weight for the racket or handle element 110 , or a change in length of a grip portion of handle element 110 ).
- FIG. 2 illustrated is a diagram of a front view of body of an example non-limiting racket apparatus 200 as well as illustrations of various effects on the racket based on tuning adjustments in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed mechanism of tightening strings of racket apparatus 200 .
- a rotational force can be applied to string adjustment element 108 as illustrated at reference numeral 210 , which in turn shifts tuning throat element 106 towards handle element 110 thus exerting force on the strings of racket apparatus 200 to tighten the strings.
- the mechanism allows for a fixed width of the top of the T portion of tuning throat element 106 to displace portions of outer frame element 102 by applying outward forces on the connector element 104 and outer frame element 102 . Furthermore, as, tuning throat element 106 exerts outward forces, the distance between each side of a lower portion of outer frame element 102 increases as illustrated at reference numeral 204 . In yet another aspect, as tuning throat element 106 moves further away from the top of outer frame element 102 , the vertical strings of racket apparatus 200 lengthen as indicated by reference numeral 206 thus increasing tension of the strings (e.g., tightening). Furthermore, the same downward movement of tuning throat element 106 can increase length and tension of cross strings of racket apparatus 200 as indicated in reference numeral 208 .
- reference numeral 202 and individual arrows illustrate tuning throat element 106 movement northward or southward causing a contraction or expansion of the outer fame element 102 to loosen or tighten one or more string of racket apparatus 200 respectively.
- the illustration demonstrates an exertion of pressure imposed on outer frame element 102 indicated by a southward movement of the point of intersection between tuning throat element 106 and outer frame element 102 .
- the illustration demonstrates a tightening reaction of vertical strings of racket apparatus 200 resulting from an (vertical) elongation of outer frame 102 based on the southward movement of tuning throat element 106 .
- the illustration demonstrates a tightening of cross strings (horizontal strings) of racket apparatus 200 based on an (horizontal) outward expansion of outer frame 102 based on the southward movement of tuning throat element 106 .
- string adjustment element 108 is a rotating mechanism that triggers a shift in position of tuning throat element 106 (e.g. upward or downward).
- an arrangement of strings on racket apparatus 200 can include a 16 ⁇ 19 string pattern to allow for an increased count of vertical strings threaded through the tuning throat element 106 , which can allow for a greater consistency in tension changes throughout the strings.
- such an arrangement allows for an excessive amount of stress to be focused on one area of tuning throat element 106 distributing pressure across a sufficiently wide surface.
- the use of a 16 ⁇ 19 string pattern allows for each string to have greater receptivity to changes in tension as compared to traditional closed string patterns such as 18 ⁇ 20 patterns.
- the use of open patterns comprising fewer strings such as a 16 ⁇ 19 string patterns can create greater opportunities to extend string life by tightening the string bed on fewer strings which can overcome traditional issues associated with such patterns such as its proclivity to lose tension quicker than patterns with greater numbers of strings.
- FIG. 3 illustrated is a diagram of a side view of an example non-limiting racket apparatus 300 and components that facilitate string tuning in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a side plan view of racket apparatus 300 with handle element 110 located at the base of the racket (bottom portion) and the outer frame element 102 located at the upper peak of the racket (top portion).
- tuning throat element 106 contacts the connector element 104 of outer frame element 102 , such that the face of tuning throat element 106 or inside of connector element 104 (referred to as “width”) exceeds no greater than a threshold strength capacity of the frame of racket apparatus 300 .
- the width is configured such that a degree of stress that can cause breaking or fracturing of outer frame element 102 is mitigated and not imposed on the outer frame element 102 .
- the disclosed configuration of a low width inhibits an occurrence of a high degree of friction (between tuning throat element 106 and connector element 104 ) during an upward and downward movement of tuning throat element 106 during the tuning process indicated by reference numeral 202 and 204 in FIG. 2 .
- a tuning throat element 106 comprising a thin connection width capable of fitting (e.g., interlocking) with the outer frame element 102 .
- the thin connection point of tuning throat element 106 can fit within notched grooves or openings within the inner portion of the outer frame element 102 such that the tuning throat element 106 can interlock with outer frame element 102 .
- reference numeral 304 illustrated is a non-limiting embodiment of a base of tuning throat element 106 which can be a threaded rod that connects with string adjustment element 108 and can integrate with a complimentary threaded groove within an internal cavity of handle element 110 .
- reference numeral 304 illustrates the manner in which an internal segment of tuning throat element 106 tapers away from a larger girth area thus creating a strong and stable cylindrical shaped fit to facilitate a threading through a hole inside of an outer frame neck portion of racket apparatus 300 .
- the thread piece can feed through the string adjustment element 108 mechanism no further than the top of handle element 110 which can allow for a space accommodation of a tuning mechanism, sensor, and/or locking mechanism.
- string adjustment element 108 does not extend beyond the face of outer frame element 102 in a non-limiting embodiment in order to not inhibit a player gameplay.
- an area of activation is indicated at reference numeral 306 and such area of activation can be recessed inward as to not interfere with general ergonomics of play or accidental activation during game play.
- the threaded rod can be an independent component that affixes to the tuning throat element 106 but can spin freely independent of the remaining portion of tuning throat element 106 .
- the threaded rod can be an independent component that doesn't affix but interfaces (e.g., via magnetic interactions or other attraction-based technologies) with tuning throat element 106 to push or pull tuning throat element upward or downward.
- string adjustment element 108 can be a rotating knob that interfaces with the threaded base of tuning throat element 106 such that a turning of the rotating knob can cause a rotating motion of the threaded base thereby moving the threaded base either deeper into the cavity or outward from the cavity of handle element 110 .
- the entire mechanism results in a user friendly enabled capability to adjust string tension of racket apparatus 300 .
- at reference numeral 306 illustrated is the exposed portion of string adjustment element 108 that a user can engage as an interface to adjust (e.g., loosen or tighten) one or more string tension setting.
- an external portion of string adjustment element 108 can act as a user interface and an internal portion can act as a mechanism to engage with a base (e.g., threading) portion of tuning throat element 106 .
- FIG. 4 illustrated is a diagram of a front view of an example non-limiting racket apparatus 400 and components that facilitate string tuning in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a depiction of a tension mechanism along with its interaction with racket strings of racket apparatus 400 .
- these central main strings which represent the most inward vertical main strings (concentrated in the center of the racket) can feed through a gap within tuning throat element 106 .
- an embedded tension sensor component can also be integrated into tuning throat element 106 .
- a load-bearing sensor can be located within the gap in order to determine a pressure applied to racket apparatus 400 .
- the load-bearing sensor can utilize any of several mechanisms to detect pressure such as employing a diaphragm, piston, spring, bourdon tube, and/or bellows which can interact with strings within tuning throat element 106 .
- any pressure exerted in the cavity can be captured and converted to normal measurements for rackets.
- illustrated is an interaction zone between a tension sensor component and default readout position.
- the default readout position can represent a starting position of tuning throat element 106 and any deviation from such starting position as a result of applied forces (e.g., from a ball) against the racket strings or adjustments based on a movement of tuning throat element 106 can be measured against the default reading position (represented by a data value).
- reference numeral 404 can identify additional space allotted for interaction between a tension sensor and a potential readout position where a tuning mechanism is located.
- a tension sensor can interact physically or wirelessly with other smart sensor inserts within racket apparatus 400 .
- such interactions can result in a capability of racket apparatus 400 to generate several sets of data capable of transmission (e.g., via a network environment or via electronic coupling of the racket apparatus 400 to other smart devices) to applications and or systems employed on other devices (e.g., smart phone, tablet, desktop device, personal digital assistant, etc.).
- seamless integration and interconnectedness capabilities of racket device 400 can facilitate efficacious and impactful user interactions.
- FIG. 5 illustrated is a diagram of an example non-limiting racket apparatus throat element that facilitates string tuning in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- illustrated are mechanisms of cavity and string interactions of racket apparatus 500 .
- illustrated are a set of angled holes, tubes or grooves within tuning throat element 106 that can create a calibration tool that creates a vertical axis between the outer frame element 102 and one or more vertical strings intersecting with curved portions of outer frame element 102 .
- reference numeral 502 indicates angular string holes designed to include one or more strings capable of being adjusted based on a tension changing mechanism described herein.
- string holes can be angled outward from the middle of tuning throat element 106 such that more space can exist within tuning throat element 106 (also referred to as an idler).
- a cavity capable of containing a sensor component such as a string tension sensor.
- the string tension sensor can be located proximally to the main strings of racket apparatus 500 .
- the main strings can wrap around one or more portion of the string tension sensor contained within cavity 504 , such that the string tension sensor can receive data (e.g., from pressure adjustments, vibrations, string tautness, string loosening, etc.) from adjustments in the main strings.
- the T-shaped nature of tuning throat element 106 can result a creation or more space for a sizeable tension sensor with robust sensing capabilities.
- cavity 504 can be located within the middle of tuning throat element 106 thus being capable of reading measurements based on the main strings that coincide with an important portion of racket string beds.
- cavity 504 can provide a hardwire (in a non-limiting embodiment) or wireless (in a non-limiting embodiment) connection between a sensor mechanism and an output unit or interface unit located within and proximal to a base portion of handle element 110 .
- a hardwire line through which data such as tension data can be transmitted to an output or display interface (e.g., touch screen).
- the display interface can display data such as pounds of force applied to one or more racket strings or other such statistics described herein.
- tuning throat element 106 can include a cavernous hole capable of improving access to a sensor mechanism within cavity 504 and does not inhibit a capacity for a base of tuning throat element 106 to include threading.
- racket apparatus 100 - 500 disclosed herein can quantify an amount change in tension applied within a given moment of force applied to such racket apparatus 100 - 500 .
- all such embodiments allow for a capability to adjust a tension of vertical and/or horizontal strings of a racket apparatus efficiently, precisely, and with ease. Accordingly, all such racket apparatus's 100 - 500 can allow for an adjustment of tension of racket strings to setting levels such as “adjust to desired tension level 20 ”. Accordingly, tension adjustment strings in disclosed embodiments allow for a determination of the accuracy and effectiveness of the string tension tuning. As such, each tension level can correspond to a pound range of pull tension applied to a set of vertical and/or horizontal strings.
- an adjustment of racket tensions can correspond to various preset tensions to allow for optimal play in various conditions, on various court types, using various playstyles, and taking into account other variables (e.g., grass court, hot or humid temperature, or tension variances).
- other variables e.g., grass court, hot or humid temperature, or tension variances.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 600 of performing a string adjustment of tuning racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- a tuning mechanism of a racket apparatus is activated.
- a tuning throat element of the racket apparatus is moved toward or away from a handle element of the racket apparatus resulting in an increase or decrease in string tension respectively based on an activation of the tuning mechanism.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example non-limiting method 700 of performing a string adjustment of tuning racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- a first set of strings of a racket apparatus is loosened based on breaking of at least a subset of strings of the first set of strings by adjusting a tuning throat element of the racket apparatus away from a handle element of the racket apparatus.
- the first set of strings are removed from the racket apparatus.
- a second set of strings are inserted into the racket apparatus.
- a tension of the new set of strings is adjusted based on an adjustment of the tuning throat element of the racket apparatus.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example non-limiting method 800 of performing a string adjustment of tuning racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
- a racket apparatus is caused to have a loosened or damaged set of strings.
- a tension of the loosened or damaged set of strings of the racket apparatus are adjusted based on an adjustment of the tuning throat element of the racket apparatus.
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Abstract
The subject disclosure relates to a racket apparatus and method for tuning string tension of the string elements of a racket apparatus. Furthermore, the racket apparatus can be a tunable sport racket in which players can monitor, adjust, and lock a desired string tension without replacing racket strings. In an aspect, the racket apparatus can comprise a throat element through which strings are threaded. Furthermore, the throat element can comprise contact points along an indented track of an outer frame element of the racket apparatus by which a tuning mechanism can be initiated to shift the throat element and adjust a string tension of the racket apparatus.
Description
- This application claims priority to and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/711,525, filed on Jul. 28, 2018 and entitled “Tunable Tennis Racket Apparatus”. The entirety of the aforementioned application is considered part of and is incorporated by reference herein.
- Racket sports such as tennis, badminton and racquetball have existed for decades if not centuries, however, the state of equipment technology has stayed relatively the same as when each sport originated. As such, many problems traditionally associated with racket performance inhibitors persist today with current rackets. For instance, tennis racket strings can vary in durability and string tension, which is a measure of the amount of pressure applied to a string when pulled by a stringing machine. Variance in string tensions can affect a racket sport players ability to effectively control the racket, generate spin on a shot, and/or generate power on a shot. However, racket tension cannot be changed without restringing the racket (often with new strings) which takes significant time, effort, and cost. Furthermore, for more frequent players, racket tension should be adjusted frequently, which is impractical in many cases due to the time, effort, and cost factors involved.
- As a result, many players use rackets with constant degrading string tension and/or performance. For instance, players with less economic resources are cost prohibited from playing professional racket sports due to the frequent restringing costs or costs associated with purchasing backup rackets to combat tension issues. Also, the process of adjusting or restringing racket strings is often known by a handful of trained professionals such that the common player isn't adept to perform such activity. Furthermore, string tension requirements often cause performance hindrances to seasoned racket athletes and act as a limitation on obtaining other preferred attributes and customizations of rackets. For instance, a well strung racket may not necessarily have attractive grip properties. Accordingly, given all the issues associated with current racket technologies, there is a need for new devices and/or improvements to racket equipment.
- The following presents a summary to provide a basic understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements or delineate any scope of the particular embodiments or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose is to present concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. In one or more embodiments described herein relate to a racket apparatus and method for tuning string tension of the string elements of a racket apparatus.
- In an aspect, disclosed is a racket apparatus comprising an outer frame element connected to a handle element and a tuning throat element, wherein the tuning throat element connects to a string adjustment element based on a connector element, and wherein the string adjustment element is capable of adjusting a string tension of one or more string connected to an inner portion of the outer frame element. In another aspect, disclosed is a method of adjusting one or more string tension level of an apparatus comprising activating a tuning mechanism, and that moving a tuning throat element toward a handle element or away from the handle element resulting in an increase or decrease in string tension respectively based on an activation of the tuning mechanism.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a front view of body of an example non-limiting racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a front view of body of an example non-limiting racket apparatus as well as illustrations of various effects on the racket based on tuning adjustments in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of a side view of an example non-limiting racket apparatus and components that facilitate string tuning in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of a front view of an example non-limiting racket apparatus and components that facilitate string tuning in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of an example non-limiting racket apparatus throat element that facilitates string tuning in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example non-limiting method of performing a string adjustment of tuning racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example non-limiting method of performing a string adjustment of tuning racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example non-limiting method of performing a string adjustment of tuning racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. - The following detailed description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit embodiments and/or application or uses of embodiments. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied information presented in the preceding Background or Summary sections, or in the Detailed Description section. One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like referenced numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the one or more embodiments. It is evident, however, in various cases, that the one or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
- The subject disclosure relates to a racket apparatus and method for tuning string tension of the string elements of a racket apparatus. Furthermore, the racket apparatus can be a tunable sport racket in which players can monitor, adjust, and lock a desired string tension without replacing racket strings. The surface area of the racket frame can be customized such that a throat element can be manipulated to move upward or downward and adjust the tension of one or more string of a racket. This capability of precisely tuning a racket can benefit a user personal playing style or type of stroke/swing, allow for a user to simply attain a desired length of life for racket strings, facilitate racket adjustments depending on weather conditions on a particular day, allow for a user to play on various surfaces such as hard court, clay, grass, carpet and other such surfaces.
- Turning now to
FIG. 1 , illustrated is a diagram of a front view of body of an examplenon-limiting racket apparatus 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. In an aspect,racket apparatus 100 can comprise anouter frame element 102, connector element (104),string adjustment element 108,tuning throat element 106, andhandle element 110. In another aspect,outer frame element 102 can connect to handleelement 110 and atuning throat element 106, wherein thetuning throat element 106 connects to astring adjustment element 108 based on aconnector element 104, and wherein thestring adjustment element 108 is capable of adjusting a string tension of one or more string connected to an inner portion of theouter frame element 102. - In an instance,
outer frame element 102 designates the general frame ofracket apparatus 100 that can comprise two portions, an outer portion that does not make contact with other elements of the racket and an inner portion or inner rim which contacts the strings along a portion and theconnector element 104 along another portion. Also,outer frame element 102 can be segmented into a portion that connects tostring adjustment element 108 and a portion that does not connect tostring adjustment element 108. In another instance,connector element 104 can refer to a connection means between theouter frame 102 and tuningthroat element 106. As such,connector element 104 can be an interlocking mechanism, snapping mechanism, clipping mechanism, slide tracking mechanism and other such connection type. - In another aspect,
connector element 104 can be designated as an area within an inner portion ofouter frame element 102 that comprises an internal groove that creates a track on which tuning throat element 106 (also referred to as an idler) can connect a move upward and downward via mechanical activation. As such,connector element 104 can serve as an integration point betweentuning throat element 106 andouter frame element 102. Furthermore, the facilitation of an upward and downward movement of tuningthroat element 106 allows for a control of tension applied to the one or more strings of racket apparatus 100 (and other embodiments disclosed herein). In a non-limiting embodiment,connector element 104 can taper off at a point along theouter frame element 102 to inhibit an imposition of stress along weaker portions ofouter frame element 102. - In another aspect,
string adjustment element 108 can represent a mechanism to alter string tension of the racket. In a non-limiting embodiment,string adjustment element 108 can be a dial mechanism that turns a threaded base portion oftuning throat element 106 based on a turning of the dial. In other non-limiting embodiments, thestring adjustment element 108 can utilize other mechanisms that result in movement of tuningthroat element 106 such as a threaded bolt, a rack and pinion mechanism, ratcheting mechanism and other such movement inducing mechanisms. In an aspect, the turning of the threaded base portion oftuning throat element 106 can cause thetuning throat element 106 to increase or decrease pressure exerted onouter frame element 102 to cause string tightening or loosening respectively. - For instance, the
string adjustment element 108 can be manipulated to cause thetuning throat element 106 to slide north and south along connector element 104 (e.g., track lining) to widen or narrow theouter frame element 102 which is connected to one or more string. An inward contraction of theouter frame element 102 resulting from a northward movement of tuningthroat element 106 caused by a manipulation ofstring adjustment element 108 can loosen one or more string of the racket. In another aspect, an outward expansion of theouter frame element 102 resulting from a southward movement of thetuning throat element 106 caused by a manipulation ofstring adjustment element 108 can tighten one or more string of the racket. - As such,
tuning throat element 106 can be an independent component (e.g., removable or detachable) capable of moving up and down parallel to handleelement 110. In other embodiments,tuning throat element 106 can be an independent piece capable of separating from its connectivity withouter frame element 102. In several other embodiments,tuning throat element 106 can be a range of shapes such as a letter T-like shape or other such shapes. In a non-limiting embodiment, atuning throat element 106 that is a T-like shape provides strength and stability sufficient to allow for an exertion of outward pressure on various points ofouter frame element 102 based on a downward movement of tuningthroat element 106 towardshandle element 110. - In yet another aspect, handle
element 110 can be utilized to holdracket apparatus 100. Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, handle element can comprise one or more sensor component capable of generating data based on a set of input received by the sensor component. In an instance, sensor component can be any of a range of sensors, including but not limited to, accelerometer, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, gyroscope sensors, and other such sensors. Furthermore, in an aspect, sensor component can generate data such as pulse data, length of hitting sessions (e.g., rally's), image or video data (e.g., of hitting a shot), statistics (e.g., hit rate, miss rate, location on racket of ball impact, grip tightness, form and hitting technique, etc.), track improvements in game play, measure swing types (e.g., spin and/or speed of serve, backswing, forehand swing, etc.) and other such data. In a non-limiting embodiment, handleelement 110 can include a butt cap that is fully accessible for customization and feature integration based on user preference or technological advancements. Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, thestring adjustment element 108 is a mechanism that only runs through a top portion ofhandle element 110 thus not burdeninghandle element 110 with unnecessary weight that might otherwise burden a player during gameplay. In yet another aspect, becausestring adjustment element 108 can only extend to the top ofhandle element 110 in an embodiment, more customization options can be included inhandle element 110 such as incorporation of sensors, weight manipulating features (to help a player achieve a target weight for the racket or handleelement 110, or a change in length of a grip portion of handle element 110). - Turning now to
FIG. 2 , illustrated is a diagram of a front view of body of an examplenon-limiting racket apparatus 200 as well as illustrations of various effects on the racket based on tuning adjustments in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. In an embodiment,FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed mechanism of tightening strings ofracket apparatus 200. As an overview, a rotational force can be applied tostring adjustment element 108 as illustrated atreference numeral 210, which in turn shifts tuningthroat element 106 towardshandle element 110 thus exerting force on the strings ofracket apparatus 200 to tighten the strings. The mechanism allows for a fixed width of the top of the T portion of tuningthroat element 106 to displace portions ofouter frame element 102 by applying outward forces on theconnector element 104 andouter frame element 102. Furthermore, as, tuningthroat element 106 exerts outward forces, the distance between each side of a lower portion ofouter frame element 102 increases as illustrated atreference numeral 204. In yet another aspect, as tuningthroat element 106 moves further away from the top ofouter frame element 102, the vertical strings ofracket apparatus 200 lengthen as indicated byreference numeral 206 thus increasing tension of the strings (e.g., tightening). Furthermore, the same downward movement of tuningthroat element 106 can increase length and tension of cross strings ofracket apparatus 200 as indicated inreference numeral 208. - In an instance,
reference numeral 202 and individual arrows illustrate tuningthroat element 106 movement northward or southward causing a contraction or expansion of theouter fame element 102 to loosen or tighten one or more string ofracket apparatus 200 respectively. For instance, atreference numeral 204, the illustration demonstrates an exertion of pressure imposed onouter frame element 102 indicated by a southward movement of the point of intersection between tuningthroat element 106 andouter frame element 102. Atreference numeral 206, the illustration demonstrates a tightening reaction of vertical strings ofracket apparatus 200 resulting from an (vertical) elongation ofouter frame 102 based on the southward movement of tuningthroat element 106. - In another aspect, at
reference numeral 208, the illustration demonstrates a tightening of cross strings (horizontal strings) ofracket apparatus 200 based on an (horizontal) outward expansion ofouter frame 102 based on the southward movement of tuningthroat element 106. Atreference numeral 210, illustrated is a non-limiting embodiment ofstring adjustment element 108 that is a rotating mechanism that triggers a shift in position of tuning throat element 106 (e.g. upward or downward). In a non-limiting embodiment, an arrangement of strings onracket apparatus 200 can include a 16×19 string pattern to allow for an increased count of vertical strings threaded through thetuning throat element 106, which can allow for a greater consistency in tension changes throughout the strings. - Furthermore, in an aspect, such an arrangement allows for an excessive amount of stress to be focused on one area of tuning
throat element 106 distributing pressure across a sufficiently wide surface. In another aspect, the use of a 16×19 string pattern allows for each string to have greater receptivity to changes in tension as compared to traditional closed string patterns such as 18×20 patterns. In yet another aspect, the use of open patterns comprising fewer strings such as a 16×19 string patterns can create greater opportunities to extend string life by tightening the string bed on fewer strings which can overcome traditional issues associated with such patterns such as its proclivity to lose tension quicker than patterns with greater numbers of strings. - Turning now to
FIG. 3 , illustrated is a diagram of a side view of an examplenon-limiting racket apparatus 300 and components that facilitate string tuning in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.FIG. 3 illustrates a side plan view ofracket apparatus 300 withhandle element 110 located at the base of the racket (bottom portion) and theouter frame element 102 located at the upper peak of the racket (top portion). In a non-limiting embodiment, tuningthroat element 106 contacts theconnector element 104 ofouter frame element 102, such that the face of tuningthroat element 106 or inside of connector element 104 (referred to as “width”) exceeds no greater than a threshold strength capacity of the frame ofracket apparatus 300. In an aspect, the width is configured such that a degree of stress that can cause breaking or fracturing ofouter frame element 102 is mitigated and not imposed on theouter frame element 102. Furthermore, in an aspect, the disclosed configuration of a low width inhibits an occurrence of a high degree of friction (between tuningthroat element 106 and connector element 104) during an upward and downward movement of tuningthroat element 106 during the tuning process indicated byreference numeral FIG. 2 . - At
reference numeral 302, illustrated is atuning throat element 106 comprising a thin connection width capable of fitting (e.g., interlocking) with theouter frame element 102. For instance, in a non-limiting embodiment, the thin connection point of tuningthroat element 106 can fit within notched grooves or openings within the inner portion of theouter frame element 102 such that thetuning throat element 106 can interlock withouter frame element 102. - At
reference numeral 304, illustrated is a non-limiting embodiment of a base of tuningthroat element 106 which can be a threaded rod that connects withstring adjustment element 108 and can integrate with a complimentary threaded groove within an internal cavity ofhandle element 110. In an aspect,reference numeral 304, illustrates the manner in which an internal segment of tuningthroat element 106 tapers away from a larger girth area thus creating a strong and stable cylindrical shaped fit to facilitate a threading through a hole inside of an outer frame neck portion ofracket apparatus 300. In another aspect, the thread piece can feed through thestring adjustment element 108 mechanism no further than the top ofhandle element 110 which can allow for a space accommodation of a tuning mechanism, sensor, and/or locking mechanism. Thus,string adjustment element 108 does not extend beyond the face ofouter frame element 102 in a non-limiting embodiment in order to not inhibit a player gameplay. In yet another aspect, an area of activation is indicated atreference numeral 306 and such area of activation can be recessed inward as to not interfere with general ergonomics of play or accidental activation during game play. - In a non-limiting embodiment, the threaded rod can be an independent component that affixes to the
tuning throat element 106 but can spin freely independent of the remaining portion of tuningthroat element 106. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the threaded rod can be an independent component that doesn't affix but interfaces (e.g., via magnetic interactions or other attraction-based technologies) with tuningthroat element 106 to push or pull tuning throat element upward or downward. - For instance, in a non-limiting embodiment,
string adjustment element 108 can be a rotating knob that interfaces with the threaded base of tuningthroat element 106 such that a turning of the rotating knob can cause a rotating motion of the threaded base thereby moving the threaded base either deeper into the cavity or outward from the cavity ofhandle element 110. The entire mechanism results in a user friendly enabled capability to adjust string tension ofracket apparatus 300. In another aspect, atreference numeral 306, illustrated is the exposed portion ofstring adjustment element 108 that a user can engage as an interface to adjust (e.g., loosen or tighten) one or more string tension setting. As such, an external portion ofstring adjustment element 108 can act as a user interface and an internal portion can act as a mechanism to engage with a base (e.g., threading) portion of tuningthroat element 106. - Turning now to
FIG. 4 , illustrated is a diagram of a front view of an examplenon-limiting racket apparatus 400 and components that facilitate string tuning in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. In an aspect,FIG. 4 illustrates a depiction of a tension mechanism along with its interaction with racket strings ofracket apparatus 400. Atreference numeral 402, illustrated are central main strings ofracket apparatus 400 weaving through an embedded tension sensor component. In an aspect, these central main strings which represent the most inward vertical main strings (concentrated in the center of the racket) can feed through a gap within tuningthroat element 106. As such, in an aspect, an embedded tension sensor component can also be integrated intotuning throat element 106. In another aspect, a load-bearing sensor can be located within the gap in order to determine a pressure applied toracket apparatus 400. - For instance, the load-bearing sensor can utilize any of several mechanisms to detect pressure such as employing a diaphragm, piston, spring, bourdon tube, and/or bellows which can interact with strings within tuning
throat element 106. In yet another aspect, any pressure exerted in the cavity can be captured and converted to normal measurements for rackets. Atreference numeral 404, illustrated is an interaction zone between a tension sensor component and default readout position. In an aspect, the default readout position can represent a starting position of tuningthroat element 106 and any deviation from such starting position as a result of applied forces (e.g., from a ball) against the racket strings or adjustments based on a movement of tuningthroat element 106 can be measured against the default reading position (represented by a data value). In another aspect,reference numeral 404 can identify additional space allotted for interaction between a tension sensor and a potential readout position where a tuning mechanism is located. - At
reference numeral 406, illustrated in a non-limiting embodiment, is a connection point between sensor component and other racket sensors. For instance, atreference numeral 406, a tension sensor can interact physically or wirelessly with other smart sensor inserts withinracket apparatus 400. Furthermore, such interactions can result in a capability ofracket apparatus 400 to generate several sets of data capable of transmission (e.g., via a network environment or via electronic coupling of theracket apparatus 400 to other smart devices) to applications and or systems employed on other devices (e.g., smart phone, tablet, desktop device, personal digital assistant, etc.). Accordingly, such seamless integration and interconnectedness capabilities of racket device 400 (and other embodiments disclosed herein) can facilitate efficacious and impactful user interactions. - Turning now to
FIG. 5 , illustrated is a diagram of an example non-limiting racket apparatus throat element that facilitates string tuning in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Atreference numeral 502, illustrated are mechanisms of cavity and string interactions ofracket apparatus 500. As such, illustrated are a set of angled holes, tubes or grooves within tuningthroat element 106 that can create a calibration tool that creates a vertical axis between theouter frame element 102 and one or more vertical strings intersecting with curved portions ofouter frame element 102. Accordingly,reference numeral 502 indicates angular string holes designed to include one or more strings capable of being adjusted based on a tension changing mechanism described herein. In another aspect, string holes can be angled outward from the middle of tuningthroat element 106 such that more space can exist within tuning throat element 106 (also referred to as an idler). Atreference numeral 504, illustrated is a cavity capable of containing a sensor component such as a string tension sensor. In an aspect, the string tension sensor can be located proximally to the main strings ofracket apparatus 500. - Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, the main strings can wrap around one or more portion of the string tension sensor contained within
cavity 504, such that the string tension sensor can receive data (e.g., from pressure adjustments, vibrations, string tautness, string loosening, etc.) from adjustments in the main strings. In another non-limiting embodiment, the T-shaped nature of tuningthroat element 106 can result a creation or more space for a sizeable tension sensor with robust sensing capabilities. Furthermore, in an aspect,cavity 504 can be located within the middle of tuningthroat element 106 thus being capable of reading measurements based on the main strings that coincide with an important portion of racket string beds. In yet another aspect,cavity 504 can provide a hardwire (in a non-limiting embodiment) or wireless (in a non-limiting embodiment) connection between a sensor mechanism and an output unit or interface unit located within and proximal to a base portion ofhandle element 110. - At
reference numeral 506, illustrated is a hardwire line through which data such as tension data can be transmitted to an output or display interface (e.g., touch screen). In an aspect, the display interface can display data such as pounds of force applied to one or more racket strings or other such statistics described herein. In another non-limiting embodiment, tuningthroat element 106 can include a cavernous hole capable of improving access to a sensor mechanism withincavity 504 and does not inhibit a capacity for a base of tuningthroat element 106 to include threading. In an aspect, several embodiments of racket apparatus 100-500 disclosed herein can quantify an amount change in tension applied within a given moment of force applied to such racket apparatus 100-500. Furthermore, all such embodiments allow for a capability to adjust a tension of vertical and/or horizontal strings of a racket apparatus efficiently, precisely, and with ease. Accordingly, all such racket apparatus's 100-500 can allow for an adjustment of tension of racket strings to setting levels such as “adjust to desired tension level 20”. Accordingly, tension adjustment strings in disclosed embodiments allow for a determination of the accuracy and effectiveness of the string tension tuning. As such, each tension level can correspond to a pound range of pull tension applied to a set of vertical and/or horizontal strings. Furthermore, in an aspect, an adjustment of racket tensions can correspond to various preset tensions to allow for optimal play in various conditions, on various court types, using various playstyles, and taking into account other variables (e.g., grass court, hot or humid temperature, or tension variances). -
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,non-limiting method 600 of performing a string adjustment of tuning racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Atreference numeral 602, a tuning mechanism of a racket apparatus is activated. Atreference numeral 604, a tuning throat element of the racket apparatus is moved toward or away from a handle element of the racket apparatus resulting in an increase or decrease in string tension respectively based on an activation of the tuning mechanism. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of anexample non-limiting method 700 of performing a string adjustment of tuning racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Atreference numeral 702, a first set of strings of a racket apparatus is loosened based on breaking of at least a subset of strings of the first set of strings by adjusting a tuning throat element of the racket apparatus away from a handle element of the racket apparatus. Atreference numeral 704, the first set of strings are removed from the racket apparatus. Atreference numeral 706, a second set of strings are inserted into the racket apparatus. Atreference numeral 708, a tension of the new set of strings is adjusted based on an adjustment of the tuning throat element of the racket apparatus. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of anexample non-limiting method 800 of performing a string adjustment of tuning racket apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Atreference numeral 802, a racket apparatus is caused to have a loosened or damaged set of strings. Atreference numeral 804, a tension of the loosened or damaged set of strings of the racket apparatus are adjusted based on an adjustment of the tuning throat element of the racket apparatus. - It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
- Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.
Claims (21)
1. An apparatus comprising:
an outer frame element connected to a handle element and a tuning throat element, wherein the tuning throat element connects to a string adjustment element based on a connector element, and wherein the string adjustment element is capable of adjusting a string tension of one or more string connected to an inner portion of the outer frame element.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tuning throat element further comprises a reader element that reads the string tension.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the tuning throat element further comprises a first display element that presents an output value based on the string tension reading.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the outer frame portion is connected to the tuning throat element based on one or more connection mechanism, wherein the one or more connection mechanism is at least one of a notch, a groove, or a track.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the tuning throat element is detachable from the outer frame based on the one or more connection mechanism.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the track comprises a track unit that lies flush with the inner portion of the outer frame element, wherein the flush track unit facilitates a first alteration of string tension of the one or more string of the apparatus as compared to a racket absent the flush track unit.
7. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the one or more connection element comprises at least two connection points with the outer frame element, wherein the at least two connection points facilitates a mitigation of stress or friction between the connector element and the tuning throat element.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tuning throat element further comprises one or more handle connection element that connect the tuning throat element to the outer frame and the handle element, and wherein the one or more handle connection element facilitates a second alteration of the string tension.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tuning throat element comprises a set of holes having a range of sizes capable of accommodating one or more string pattern or one or more string size.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising one or more sensor element located within one or more hole of the set of holes of the tuning throat element, wherein the one or more sensor element is capable of sensing a string tension level, reading a string tension metric, or transmitting string tension data.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the one or more sensor element is located at different locations within the one or more hole of the set of holes resulting in a retrieval of varying string tension data.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the one or more string wrap around the one or more sensor element within the tuning throat element, wherein the one or more sensor element is a pressure sensor capable of generating the string tension data based on pressure applied to the pressor sensor from the one or more string.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the pressure sensor generates the string tension data based on a force differential measurement, wherein the force differential measurement is capable of representing a force differential between at least two of the outer frame element, the tuning throat element, or the one or more string.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a transmission element that transmits data to any of a second display element affixed to one or more element of the apparatus, a smart device, an application executing on the smart device, or a smart butt cap sensor.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an adjustment component that performs a manual or automated reposition operation representing a movement of the tuning throat element closer to the handle element or farther from the handle element based on a target string tension level.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the string tension of the one or more string are adjusted based on a modification of a surface area of the outer frame element resulting in an adjustment of the tuning throat element, and wherein the modification of the surface area results in a tuning of one or more main string or one or more cross string.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the string tension is adjusted based on a movement of the outer frame element.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a locking element that locks the tuning throat element to inhibit movement based on achieving a target string tension level.
19. A method of adjusting one or more string tension level of an apparatus comprising:
activating a tuning mechanism; and
that moving a tuning throat element toward a handle element or away from the handle element resulting in an increase or decrease in string tension respectively based on an activation of the tuning mechanism.
20. A method of adjusting one or more string tension level of an apparatus comprising:
engaging a racket tuning mechanism; and
loosening one or more racket string based on the engagement of the racket tuning mechanism.
21. (canceled)
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US16/458,060 US20200030667A1 (en) | 2018-07-28 | 2019-06-30 | Tunable tennis racket apparatus |
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US201862711525P | 2018-07-28 | 2018-07-28 | |
US16/458,060 US20200030667A1 (en) | 2018-07-28 | 2019-06-30 | Tunable tennis racket apparatus |
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US20200030667A1 true US20200030667A1 (en) | 2020-01-30 |
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US16/458,060 Abandoned US20200030667A1 (en) | 2018-07-28 | 2019-06-30 | Tunable tennis racket apparatus |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220019831A1 (en) * | 2020-07-17 | 2022-01-20 | Head Technology Gmbh | Characterization of a ball game racket string pattern |
TWI781041B (en) * | 2022-01-12 | 2022-10-11 | 愛町實業有限公司 | Racket customization method and device |
-
2019
- 2019-06-30 US US16/458,060 patent/US20200030667A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220019831A1 (en) * | 2020-07-17 | 2022-01-20 | Head Technology Gmbh | Characterization of a ball game racket string pattern |
US11521367B2 (en) * | 2020-07-17 | 2022-12-06 | Head Technology Gmbh | Characterization of a ball game racket string pattern |
TWI781041B (en) * | 2022-01-12 | 2022-10-11 | 愛町實業有限公司 | Racket customization method and device |
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