System and method for a game racquet including an actuator

• US 9,320,946 B2
• Filed: 06/15/2014
• Issued: 04/26/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Brett Bothwell
• Original Assignee: Brett Bothwell
• Inventors: Bothwell, Brett
• Primary Examiner(s): Chiu, Raleigh W
• Application Number:
  US14/304,981
• Publication Number:
  US 20140296006A1
• Time in Patent Office: 681 Days
• Field of Search: 473/524, 473/534, 473/539, 473/540, 473/546, 473/548
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0655 Tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/00 Characteristics of used materials
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/02 with reinforcing fibres, e.g. carbon, polyamide fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/023 Long, oriented fibres, e.g. wound filaments, woven fabrics, mats
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/08 magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/56 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/74 with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 49/02 Frames
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 49/022 String guides on frames, e.g. grommets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 49/028 Means for achieving greater mobility of the string bed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 49/03 characterised by throat sections, i.e. sections or elements between the head and the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 49/11 with inflatable tubes, e.g. inflatable during fabrication
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 49/14 Protection devices on the frame
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 51/00 Stringing tennis, badminton or like rackets; Strings therefor; Maintenance of racket strings
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 51/12 Devices arranged in or on the racket for adjusting the tension of the strings
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/42 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 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user

Abstract

The present invention provides a game racquet including an integrated circuit capable of supporting a low-voltage energy current. An embodiment of the invention provides a game racquet including one or more enhancements attached or integrated on the racquet frame. These enhancements may include but are not limited to: one or more LEDs, a sound amplification device, an electromagnetic vibration emitter, and other such enhancements as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. In a further embodiment, the game racquet responds electronically to ball impact on at least one of the strings, and subsequently performs and action or actions including but not limited to making a sound or sounds, triggering lights, triggering LEDs, triggering another type of automation on the racquet such as a vibration emitter within the handle.

Claims

1. A game racket, comprising:

a circuit comprising an actuator that is configured to open or close the circuit in response to a change in string tension,

the actuator further comprising an outside facing conducting surface and an inside facing conducting surface configured to form an electrical connection when the actuator is compressed,

a power source coupled to the circuit; and

a game racquet frame coupled to the circuit and the power source,

the game racquet frame comprising a handle, a throat, a bridge member, and

a head frame;

the head frame comprising a plurality of openings configured to pass a string there through;

wherein at least an opening among the plurality of openings is further configured to house the actuator therein.

2. The game racquet of claim 1 wherein the actuator is tubular.

3. The game racquet of claim 1 wherein the actuator is comprised of a metal alloy.

4. The game racquet of claim 1 wherein the actuator is comprised of a resilient material.

5. The game racquet of claim 1 wherein the actuator is comprised of injection molded plastic.

6. The game racquet of claim 1 wherein the actuator is comprised of reinforced composite plastic.

7. The game racquet of claim 1 wherein the circuit extends through the bridge member.

8. The game racquet of claim 1 wherein the power source comprises at least one of a battery and a solar cell.

9. The game racquet of claim 1 wherein the frame further comprises a recessed channel on an outside facing surface housing at least one of the circuits and the plurality of actuators.

10. The game racquet of claim 1 wherein the circuit further comprises a plurality of lights configured to illuminate when the circuit is closed.

11. The game racquet of claim 1 wherein the circuit further comprises a vibration emitting device configured to vibrate when the circuit is closed.

12. The game racquet of claim 1 wherein the circuit further comprises a data collection device.

13. The game racquet of claim 1 wherein the circuit further comprises a sound amplification device.

14. A game racquet, comprising:

a circuit comprising an actuator that is configured to open or close the circuit in response to a change in string tension,

the actuator further comprising an outside facing conducting surface and an inside facing conducting surface configured to form an electrical connection when the actuator is compressed; and

a game racquet frame coupled to the circuit,

the game racquet frame comprising a handle, a throat, a bridge member, and a head frame;

the head frame comprising a plurality of openings configured to pass a string there through;

wherein at least an opening among the plurality of openings is further configured to house the actuator therein.

15. The game racquet of claim 14 wherein the circuit further comprises a power source;

and the power source comprises at least one of a battery and a solar cell.

16. The game racquet of claim 14 wherein the circuit further comprises a plurality of lights configured to illuminate when the circuit is closed.

17. The game racquet of claim 14 wherein the circuit further comprises a data collection device.

18. The game racquet of claim 14 wherein the circuit further comprises a sound amplification device.