Athletic devices and other devices with superelastic components
US6916035B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62K2025/041
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A racket includes a handle section, a head section, and a connecting section positioned between the handle section and the head section. One or more of the handle section, the head section, and the connecting section include a superelastic metal. The racket, other athletic devices and other devices containing superelastic components are capable of producing a spring force in response to a deflection. The superelastic components may improve the performance of rackets, athletic devices and other devices by increasing the contact duration between the active element of the device and objects against which the devices are configured to exert a force. The superelastic components also provide increased resistance to breakage or plastic deformation of the racket, athletic device or other devices, especially when exposed to frequent deflections. Superelastic components are able to decrease the weight of rackets, athletic devices, or other devices without sacrificing strength. The superelastic components also enable applying a specific spring force at a flex point of the racket to enhance the dynamic response resulting from a desired deflection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.