Methods and apparatuses for enhancing performance in racket sports

• US 8,602,922 B2
• Filed: 09/27/2010
• Issued: 12/10/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Head Technology GmbH
• Original Assignee: Head Technology GmbH
• Inventors: Schwenger, Ralf, Kotze, Johan, Lammer, Herfried
• Primary Examiner(s): Chiu, Raleigh W
• Application Number:
  US12/923,537
• Publication Number:
  US 20110183787A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,170 Days
• Field of Search: 473/459, 473/461, 473/524, 473/549, 473/553, 473/221, 473/222
• US Class Current: 473/549
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0009 Computerised real time comparison with previous movements or motion sequences of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0012 Comparing movements or motion sequences with a registered reference
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/00 Characteristics of used materials
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/08 magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/53 Force of an impact, e.g. blow or punch
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/56 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/803 Motion sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/836 Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 49/00 Stringed rackets, e.g. for tennis strings therefor A63B51/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 49/02 Frames
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 49/08 with special construction of the handle
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 51/005 Devices for measuring the tension of strings for controlling the tension during stringing A63B51/14
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 51/12 Devices arranged in or on the racket for adjusting the tension of the strings
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/02 Ballast means for adjusting the centre of mass A63B60/24, A63B60/54 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/04 Movable ballast means A63B15/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/28 : with adjustable length
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/42 : Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/48 : with corrugated cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/38 : for tennis A63B61/006, A63B69/0073 and A63B69/0097 take precedence

Abstract

A racket assembly may include a racket, and at least one sensor operatively coupled to the racket. The at least one sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one parameter related to use of the racket. The racket assembly may also include a processor configured to receive the signal as an input and generate an output based on the signal.

Claims

1. A racket assembly, comprising:

a racket including a frame with a handle;

at least one sensor operatively coupled to the handle and configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one parameter related to use of the racket;

a processor mounted on or within the frame, the processor configured to receive the signal as an input, analyze the signal, and determine an output based on the signal; and

a communication assembly operatively coupled to the racket and configured to transmit the signal from the at least one sensor to the processor and transmit the output based on the signal to an external electronic device;

wherein the processor includes an electronic analyzer, the electronic analyzer configured to analyze the signal and determine the output based on the signal by applying at least one algorithm.

2. The racket assembly of claim 1, further comprising a memory storage unit configured to store at least one of the signal and the output based on the signal.

3. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the communication assembly transmits at least one of the signal and the output based on the signal via a wireless transmission.

4. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the communication assembly transmits at least one of the signal and the output based on the signal to the external electronic device via a Universal Serial Bus and plug.

5. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes an accelerometer configured to generate a signal indicative of racket acceleration.

6. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes an anemometer configured to generate a signal indicative of a speed of air relative to the racket.

7. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes a pressure sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of pressure on at least a portion of the racket.

8. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes a strain sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of strain in at least a portion of the racket.

9. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes a piezoelectric sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one of vibration levels in the racket.

10. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the processor is mounted on the frame.

11. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the processor is mounted within the frame.

12. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the processor is mounted within the handle.

13. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the communication assembly is incorporated into a material used to form the frame.

14. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the communication assembly is integrated into the at least one sensor.

15. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the communication assembly is integrated into the processor.

16. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the processor includes a microcontroller operatively coupled the electronic analyzer, the microcontroller configured to automatically correct and calibrate the signal and the output based on the signal.

17. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to compare the output with other data.

18. The racket assembly of claim 1, wherein the processor is operatively coupled to an adjustment assembly configured to change one or more physical properties of the racket based on the signal or the output based on the signal.

19. The racket assembly of claim 18, wherein the adjustment assembly is configured to change a tension in strings of the racket.

20. The racket assembly of claim 18, wherein the adjustment assembly is configured to make the racket stiffer.

21. The racket assembly of claim 18, wherein the adjustment assembly is configured to change a balance point of the racket.

22. A system, comprising:

a racket, the racket including;

a frame with a handle;

at least one sensor operatively coupled to the frame and configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one parameter related to use of the racket;

a first communication device operatively coupled to the racket and configured to transmit the signal; and

an electronic device separate from the racket, the electronic device including;

a second communication device for receiving the signal transmitted by the first communication assembly collected during use of a racket;

a processor for analyzing the signal and determining one or more values based on the signal collected during use of the racket; and

a memory storage unit configured to store at least one of the signal and the one or more values based on the signal;

wherein the electronic device is configured to display a performance comparison with another player or a predetermined ideal based on at least one of the signal and the one or more values based on the signal.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the first communication device transmits the signal to the second communication device wirelessly.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the first communication device transmits the signal to the second communication device via a Universal Serial Bus and plug.

25. The system of claim 22, wherein the racket further comprises a memory storage unit configured to store the signal.

26. The system of claim 22, wherein the at least one sensor includes an accelerometer configured to generate a signal indicative of racket acceleration.

27. The system of claim 22, wherein the at least one sensor includes an anemometer configured to generate a signal indicative of a speed of air relative to the racket.

28. The system of claim 22, further comprising at least one grommet;

and wherein the at least one sensor includes a pressure sensor positioned in contact with the at least one grommet, the pressure sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of pressure on at least a portion of the racket.

29. The system of claim 22, wherein the at least one sensor includes a strain sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of strain in at least a portion of the racket.

30. The system of claim 22, wherein the at least one sensor includes a piezoelectric sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one of vibration levels in the racket.