Dual-stringing conversion and playing surface separation ring for sports racquet

Abstract

A devise that enables the conversion of any sports racquet, such as a tennis racquet or a squash racquet, from a conventional “single-strung” configuration to a “dual-strung” configuration without altering or making any changes to the racquet frame itself. Whereas all embodiments to date for the dual stringing of a sports racquet utilize a specialized racquet frame specifically designed to accommodate or provide for the two generally parallel planes of crisscross strings that comprise the two playing surfaces, this invention requires no such specialized frame or alteration to the existing frame. The invention consists of an inner conversion ring that is used in conjunction with, or as an accessory to, any conventional racquet frame and permits said conventional frame to be “dual-strung” yielding two playing surfaces of generally parallel planes of crisscross strings. The conversion ring itself can be made of any rigid or semi-rigid material such as wood, plastic, metal, rubber or composite material. It is shaped and sized to fit within the more or less oval frame structure of the racquet head. The thickness of the ring can be varied and determines the separation between the two string playing surfaces. The racquet is then strung twice, using conventional techniques, so that the strings pass over each side of the conversion ring that acts as the separator between the two playing surfaces. Different string tensions and/or different sting types may be used for the playing surface on each side of the separation ring. This permits any ordinary sports racquet to be further tailored to the player's forehand and backhand.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.