Games using tangible projectile – Player held and powered – nonmechanical projector – per se,... – Racket or paddle; accessory therefor
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-23
2001-10-09
Layno, Benjamin H. (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Player held and powered, nonmechanical projector, per se,...
Racket or paddle; accessory therefor
C473S518000, C473S549000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299557
ABSTRACT:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device for use in conjunction with a tennis racket or the like. More specifically, this invention relates to a device for firmly gripping a tennis racket for training and strengthening a user's performance. This invention assists a tennis player, pro or novice, to maintain a proper grip on the handle of a tennis racket. More particularly, this device positions the racket handle at an angle of from 90 degrees to 120 degrees relative to the user's wrist. This device may be made of a single unitary structure which comprises a wristband attachable together by fastening means such as “Velcro” (a trademark) or other known hook and loop means, and a handle gripping strap which jutaxposes from the center of the wristband and is slidably attachable to the handle. This device is made of lightweight material which does not add perceptible weight to the racket or to the user's wrist. This allows the user to wear the device to improve his game performance without discomfort or interference with his concentration.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
There are several known prior art devices for gripping rackets. Both novice and advanced tennis players often develop the habit of improperly gripping a tennis racket, which habit is difficult to overcome and which can lead to sprains and Injuries. Various prior art devices have been proposed as useful to increase a player's grip on a tennis racket including those described in the following patents:
Wattenberg U.S. Pat. No. 3,693,973 discloses a cuff member adapted to be strapped tightly about a user's forearm;
Berzatzy U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,618 discloses a rigid wrist/hand brace which is attached to a tennis racket handle;
Hurwitz U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,858,881; Roberts 4,209,169; and Bobby 5,476,257 disclose devices in which a band or strap is placed around the player's forearm which is in turn connected to a cord or strap tied to the racket;
Jones U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,110 discloses a detachable grip for a tennis handle which is molded with finger and hand indentations accommodating positions of the hand for different strokes;
Vitalo U.S. Pat. No. 3,957,267 discloses a wrist loop, at least two elongated loops, and quick release fastener means for a baseball bat;
Balfour U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,418, discloses a hand grip for a racket handle with a textured surface for the thumb and hand and a web with holes for engagement by the fingers of the hand;
Van't Hof U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,073 discloses a wrist band including a flexible strap, a sleeve, a face plate, and 2 beads;
Aaron U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,664,381; Lai 4,830,544; and Carbonetti 4,943,058 disclose anatomical grips for tennis rackets;
Allsop U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,734 discloses a handle grip with a lever to locate the user's hand about the handle;
Schicketanz U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,782 discloses a racket grip having a pair of arms which retain and bear against the rear surfaces of the hand adjacent to the thumb and heel portions of the hand;
Garceau U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,883 discloses a hand cover/grip enhancer including a panel, a restraining loop or band, an anchor strap, a retaining band, and an elastic tensioning band;
Norling U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,190 discloses a “cage” that is secured to the racket handle and into which the player inserts his hand to grip the racket handle.
None of the above cited prior art devices appear to anticipate or makes obvious the present single piece device which grips a tennis racket handle or similar sporting racket handle at an action of from 90 degrees to 120 degrees relative to the user's wrist/forearm. Certain disadvantages experienced with such prior art devices are obviated by the racket gripping device disclosed herein. Although useful for their own purposes, such prior art devices do not appear to disclose the racket gripping device disclosed herein.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Objects of the present invention are therefore to provide:
an improved gripping device for a racket handle which overcomes some of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art devices;
an improved, lightweight, single piece gripping device for sports (tennis, squash, etc.) racket handles;
a racket gripping device which aids in training of tennis players and in strengthening their game;
racket gripping device that will reduce the occurrence of injuries during tennis training.
Other objects, advantages and features of the racket gripping device disclosed herein will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the attached drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 482647 (1892-09-01), Ober
patent: 739450 (1903-09-01), Schnek
patent: 2476489 (1949-07-01), Grandinetti
patent: 3255462 (1966-06-01), Antonious
patent: 3693973 (1972-09-01), Wattenberg
patent: 3712618 (1973-01-01), Berzatu
patent: 3858881 (1975-01-01), Hurwitz
patent: 3868110 (1975-02-01), Jones
patent: 3957267 (1976-05-01), Vitalo
patent: 4057255 (1977-11-01), Bishop
patent: 4209169 (1980-06-01), Roberts
patent: 4226418 (1980-10-01), Balfoar
patent: 4265448 (1981-05-01), Anderson
patent: 4322077 (1982-03-01), Van't Hof
patent: 4664381 (1987-05-01), Aaron
patent: 4684559 (1987-08-01), Wasko
patent: 4836544 (1989-06-01), Lai
patent: 4943058 (1990-07-01), Corbonetti
patent: 4962929 (1990-10-01), Melton
patent: 5018734 (1991-05-01), Allsoy
patent: 5257782 (1993-11-01), Schicketanz
patent: 5459883 (1995-10-01), Garceau
patent: 5472190 (1995-12-01), Norling
patent: 5476257 (1995-12-01), Bobby
patent: 5593353 (1997-01-01), Kramer
patent: 5771500 (1998-06-01), Mayes
patent: 5899872 (1999-05-01), Gilmour
patent: 5901379 (1999-05-01), Hirata
patent: 5913757 (1999-06-01), Winters
patent: 5946737 (1999-09-01), Fleege
patent: 5957141 (1998-09-01), Elkins
Layno Benjamin H.
Mendiratta Vishu
Oliveras Rene Martin
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