RACKETS WITH UNIQUE STRINGING MECHANISM AND SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF

Abstract

A grommet assembly and a stringing assembly for rackets are disclosed. The stringing assembly includes a plurality of grommets. Each of the plurality of grommets is configured within a corresponding slot from a plurality of slots formed on a peripheral surface of a head of a racket. The plurality of grommets includes a set of grommet pairs. Each of the set of grommet pairs is configured to be oppositely disposed on the peripheral surface horizontally or vertically with reference to the head. The stringing assembly further includes a plurality of strings for stringing the racket. Each of the plurality of strings corresponds to a grommet pair. Each of the plurality of strings includes a body and two ends. The body is configured to pass through the associated grommet pair and be enclosed within the head. The two ends cooperate with the associated grommet pair to create variable tension in body.

Claims

1. A racket comprising: a head comprising a peripheral surface, wherein the peripheral surface is configured with a plurality of slots; a plurality of grommets, wherein each of the plurality of grommets is configured within a corresponding slot from the plurality of slots, and wherein the plurality of grommets comprises: a set of grommet pairs, wherein each grommet pair in the set of grommet pairs comprises oppositely disposed grommets on the peripheral surface horizontally or vertically with reference to the head; and a plurality of strings for stringing the racket, wherein each of the plurality of strings corresponds to a grommet pair from the set of grommet pairs, and wherein a string from the plurality of strings comprises: a body configured to pass through the associated grommet pair and be enclosed within the head; and two ends cooperating with the associated grommet pair, wherein the grommet pair is configured to create variable tension in the body of the string enclosed within the head.

2. The racket of claim 1, wherein the plurality of strings comprises a set of contoured strings that runs across and within the head at least vertically or horizontally.

3. The racket of claim 1, wherein the plurality of strings comprises a set of non-contoured strings that runs across and within the head vertically or horizontally.

4. The racket of claim 1, wherein one of the two ends comprises a head formed therein, wherein the head engages with a grommet from the grommet pair to lock the string in place.

5. The racket of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of grommet strips, wherein each of the plurality of grommet strips comprises a set of grommets from the plurality of grommets, and wherein each of the plurality of grommet strips is coupled to a portion of the peripheral surface of the head.

6. A racket comprising: a head comprising a peripheral surface, wherein the peripheral surface is configured with a plurality of slots; a first grommet configured within a first slot from the plurality of slots; a second grommet configured within a second slot from the plurality of slots; and a string for stringing the racket, wherein the string comprises: a body configured to be enclosed within the head; a first end configured to engage with the second grommet; and a second end configured to engage with the first grommet, wherein the first grommet and the second grommet are configured to create variable tension in the string enclosed within the head.

7. A grommet assembly for rackets comprising: a plurality of grommets, wherein each of the plurality of grommets is configured to cooperate with a slot from a plurality of slots formed on a peripheral surface of a head of a racket, wherein the plurality of grommets comprises: a set of grommet pairs, wherein each grommet pair in the set of grommet pairs is configured to be oppositely disposed on the peripheral surface horizontally or vertically with reference to the head, and wherein each grommet pair from the set of grommet pairs is configured to create variable tension in a body of an associated string from a plurality of strings enclosed within the head.

8. The grommet assembly of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of grommet strips, wherein each of the plurality of grommet strips comprises a set of grommets from the plurality of grommets, and wherein each of the plurality of grommet strips is configured to be coupled to a portion of the peripheral surface of the head.

9. A stringing assembly for rackets comprising: a plurality of grommets, wherein each of the plurality of grommets is configured within a corresponding slot from a plurality of slots formed on a peripheral surface of a head of a racket, and wherein the plurality of grommets comprises: a set of grommet pairs, wherein each grommet pair in the set of grommet pairs is configured to be oppositely disposed on the peripheral surface horizontally or vertically with reference to the head; and a plurality of strings for stringing the racket, wherein each of the plurality of strings corresponds to a grommet pair from the set of grommet pairs, and wherein a string from the plurality of strings comprises: a body configured to pass through the associated grommet pair and be enclosed within the head; and two ends cooperating with the associated grommet pair, wherein the grommet pair is configured to create variable tension in the body of the string enclosed within the head.

10. The stringing assembly of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of grommet strips, wherein each of the plurality of grommet strips comprising a set of grommets from the plurality of grommets, and wherein each of the plurality of grommet strips is configured to be coupled to a portion of the peripheral surface of the head.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present application can be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, in which like parts may be referred to by like numerals.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary racket where various embodiments of the present invention may be employed.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates grommet assembly for a racket to allow individual tensioning of strings, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates grommets for a racket to allow individual tensioning of strings, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary grommet with a first locking system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary grommet with a second locking system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary grommet with a third locking system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a contoured string for a racket, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a tennis ball striking contoured strings of a tennis racket, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of particular applications and their requirements. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, in the following description, numerous details are set forth for the purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention might be practiced without the use of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0022] While the invention is described in terms of particular examples and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the examples or figures described.

[0023] In FIG. 1, an exemplary racket 100 is illustrated where various embodiments of the present invention may be employed. Examples of the racket 100 may include, but are not limited to a tennis racket, a racquetball racket, a squash racket, a badminton racket, a ball badminton racket, a real tennis racket, a touchtennis racket, a crossminton racket, or any other netted racket. The racket 100 may include a head 102, and a shaft 104.

[0024] The head 102 may include stringing area which includes a plurality of strings 106 (for example, horizontal strings and vertical strings). The plurality of strings 106 may be made up of nylon, polyester, Kevlar, vectran, zyex, polyolefin, carbon fiber, aluminum, or the like. The head 102 may further include holes or slots on its parameter through which the plurality of strings 106 may be laced or strung. Alternatively, a plurality of grommets may be inserted into the holes or a grommet strip 108 may be coupled to the head 102 to tension the plurality of strings 106. The grommet strip 108 may include a plurality of grommets or grommet elements which may be detachably fitted in respective holes. The terms grommet and grommet element are used interchangeably in some embodiments of the present invention. The plurality of strings may be secured to a racket frame through the grommets.

[0025] For example, for a string (for example, a string 106a) of the plurality of strings 106, the grommet strip 108 may include a grommet (for example, a grommet 108a). In some embodiments, grommets are directly provided on the head 102 of the racket 100 for string tensioning, further described in conjunction with FIG. 3. In some other embodiments, one or more grommet strips including a plurality of grommets may be attached to the head 102 of the racket 100, as further described in conjunction with FIG. 2. Structure of the head 102 may be, but is not limited to, a ring shape, an oval-shape, a round-shape, square shape, or the like. The head 102 holds the plurality of strings 106 in place. The shaft 104 may include a handle 110 to hold the racket 100.

[0026] Conventionally, rackets are strung using a single long string or two long strings. This means each string is pulled at the same tension or will eventually equalize to the same tension as the racket is used. Moreover, when the racket 100 is strung using a single long string, a first knot is tied at a first end of the long string at a grommet from where the long string enters the racket 100 and a second knot is tied at a second end of the long string at a grommet from where the long string exits upon completion of stringing. The racket stringing process may take about 30 minutes when carried out by professionals. Tying the second knot takes up a majority of the time in stringing. Similarly, four knots are required to be tied when stringing the racket 100 with two strings.

[0027] Improvement provided by the present invention includes locking systems in at least two grommets or grommet elements of the racket 100. A grommet element with the locking system helps in individually tensioning the plurality of strings 106. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of grommets in the racket 100 may be equipped with the locking system. In such an embodiment, the racket 100 may be strung in a manner where each of the plurality of strings 106 is an individual string with two ends locked in a grommet pair of two oppositely disposed grommets. For example, the string 106a may be an individual string with one end locked in the grommet 108a and another end locked in a grommet 108b (where the grommet 108b is disposed opposite to the grommet 108a).

[0028] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the racket 100 is strung conventionally, i.e., using a single long string or two long strings, the grommet with the locking system eliminates the requirement of tying a knot at ends of the long strings. The ends of the long string can be locked in such grommets. This may save the time taken for tying knots and, consequently, reduce the amount of time taken for stringing the racket. The grommet may include a groove, a tiny cone or an angled tooth, a pawl that may be locked with a tooth, a divot, a rung, a cut out, an angled notch, a recessed tooth, a bump, a raised segment, an angled riser, or an angled catch of a corresponding string providing a separate tension from other strings.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, grommet assembly for a racket 200 allowing individual tensioning of strings is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. The racket 200 is illustrated with an oval shaped head. However, rackets with other shapes of head may also be used, in accordance with some embodiments. The racket 200 may include a head 202. The head 202 may include a peripheral surface. The peripheral surface may be configured with a plurality of slots. Further, the racket 200 may include a grommet assembly. The grommet assembly may include a plurality of grommets. Each of the plurality of grommets may be configured within a corresponding slot from the plurality of slots formed on the peripheral surface of the head 202. Further, the grommet assembly may include a grommet strip 204, a grommet strip 206, a grommet strip 208, and a grommet strip 210 (collectively referred as grommet strips from hereon. The grommet strips may be attached to the peripheral surface of the head 202.

[0030] In an embodiment, each of the grommet strips may include a set of grommets from the plurality of grommets. The grommet strips are configured to provide individual tension to the strings through the plurality of grommets. The plurality of grommets may include a locking system. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of grommets includes a locking system. In such an embodiment, the plurality of grommets includes a set of grommet pairs. Each grommet pair in the set of grommet pairs includes oppositely disposed grommets on the peripheral surface horizontally or vertically with reference to the head 202. Further, the racket 200 may include a plurality of strings for stringing the racket 200. Each of the plurality of strings corresponds to a grommet pair from the set of grommet pairs. Each of the plurality of strings includes a body configured to pass through the associated grommet pair and be enclosed within the head 202. Further, each of the plurality of strings includes two ends cooperating with the associated grommet pair. The grommet pair is configured to create variable tension in the body of the corresponding string enclosed within the head 202. Thus, through the set of grommet pairs, a string from the plurality of strings may be secured and tensioned independent of the remaining of the plurality of strings.

[0031] By way of an example, the grommet 204a and the grommet 204n may form a grommet pair of two oppositely disposed grommets. An individual string of the racket 200 may cooperate with the grommet 204a at a first end and may cooperate with the grommet 204n at a second end. Each of the grommet 204a and the grommet 204n may include a locking system to secure the string and provide variable tensioning to the string.

[0032] In another embodiment, two of the plurality of grommets on the peripheral surface of the head 202 include locking systems. The remaining of the plurality of grommets are conventional grommets (i.e., without any locking system). In such an embodiment, the racket 200 can be conventionally strung using a single long string. By way of an example, a first grommet of the two grommets may be configured within a first slot from the plurality of slots. A second grommet of the two grommets may be configured within a second slot from the plurality of slots. The long string for stringing the racket 200 may include a body configured to be enclosed within the head 202. Further, the string may include a first end configured to engage with the second grommet. Further, the string may include a second end configured to engage with the first grommet. The first grommet and the second grommet are configured to create variable tension in the string enclosed within the head 202.

[0033] By way of an example, in the racket 200, each of the grommet 204a and the grommet 204n may include a locking system. Remaining of the plurality of grommets in the racket 200 may be conventional grommets (i.e., grommets without any locking system). A single string may be used to string the racket 200. While stringing, a first end of the string may enter the grommet 204a and may then pass through a next grommet (for example, the grommet 210t). Thus, a part of the body of the string may be enclosed within the head 202 between the grommet 204a and the grommet 210t. After exiting the grommet 210t, the first end of the string may enter a next grommet. This process of stringing may continue till a mesh of desirable configuration is formed within the head 202. When the mesh formation is completed, a second end of the string may cooperate with the grommet 204a. More specifically, the second end of the string may cooperate with the locking system of the grommet 204a (i.e., the first grommet) to secure the string from the second end. Further, the first end of the string may cooperate with the grommet 204n. More specifically, the first end of the string may cooperate with the locking system of the grommet 204n (i.e., the second grommet) to secure the string from the first end. This allows a significantly faster stringing process as tying of knots at the first end and the second end of the string to secure the string is not required.

[0034] In yet another embodiment, four of the plurality of grommets include a locking system and the remaining of the plurality of grommets are conventional grommets. In such an embodiment, the racket 200 can be conventionally strung using two long strings. The stringing mechanism for the racket having four grommets with locking systems is similar to the stringing mechanism described for the racket having two grommets with locking systems. Each end of the two strings may engage with one of the four grommets.

[0035] In some embodiments, a string configured to engage with a grommet that includes a locking system, may include one of the two ends with a head formed therein. The head at the one of the two ends of the string may engage with a grommet from the grommet pair to lock the string in place. In other embodiments, the string configured to engage with a grommet that includes a locking system, may include each of the two ends with a head formed therein. The head at the each of the two ends of the string may engage with a grommet from the grommet pair to lock the string in place. Different locking systems for a grommet are further explained in detail in conjunction with FIGS. 4-6.

[0036] The number of grommets in each grommet strip and/or grommet strips used for a racket may vary based on size of the head portion of a racket and requirement. In the representation there is a total of four grommet strips. Each grommet strip may include a plurality of grommets. For example, the grommet strip 204 includes n number of grommets, i.e., from a first grommet 204a to nth grommet 204n. Further, the grommet strip 206 includes k number of grommets, i.e., from a first grommet 206a to kth grommet 206k. The grommet strip 208 includes m number of grommets, i.e., from a first grommet 208a to m.sup.th grommet 208m. The grommet strip 210 includes t number of grommet, i.e., from a first grommet 210a to t.sup.th grommet 210t. In some embodiments, numbers n, k, m, and t, may be same. In some other embodiments, the numbers n, k, m, and t, may be different.

[0037] The head 202 may include a plurality of slots (not shown in FIG. 2). The total number of slots on the head 202 may be equal to the total number of grommets in the four grommet strips 204, 206, 208, and 210. The grommets (i.e., 204a to 204n, 206a to 206k, 208a to 208m, and 210a to 210t) of the grommet strips 204, 206, 208, and 210 may be detachably attached in the plurality of slots of the head 202.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, grommets (for example, a grommet 302) for a racket 300 allowing individual tensioning of strings are illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2. In some embodiments, the grommets may individually be used instead of a strip of grommets. The grommets may be fixed around a head of the racket 300. Each of the grommets may include a locking system for locking a corresponding horizontal and/or vertical string (for example, a horizontal string 304, and/or a vertical string 306). The grommets provide individual tension to the strings (i.e., to vertical strings and horizontal strings) through their locking systems, and secure individual strings while tensioning them. Different possible locking systems within the grommets are further explained in detail in conjunction with FIGS. 4-6. The number of grommets on the head may vary based on size of the head of the racket 300 and requirement.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary grommet 400 with a first locking system is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3. In some embodiments, the grommet 400 may be a part of a grommet strip. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the grommet 400 may be directly fixed to a head of a racket. A sectional view is represented in FIG. 4. The grommet 400 may include the first locking system. The first locking system may include a head 402, and a tongue 404. The head 402 provides a channel for a string 406 to be pulled through. Shape of the string 406 may be a cylindrical shape. When the string 406 is pulled through the channel, a tooth 408 at a corner on periphery of the string 406 may be locked with a groove 410, or a pawl of the tongue 404. This first locking system may provide motion to the string only in one direction and prevents motion of the string in opposite direction.

[0040] Length of vertical strings may be manufactured or selected based on vertical length of the head of the racket. Length of horizontal strings may be manufactured or selected based on horizontal length of the head of the racket. In some embodiments, the string 406 may have only one angled tooth at one end for one grommet and another angled tooth at other end for another grommet. In some other embodiments, the string 406 may have more than two angled teeth, or more than one angled tooth at each end, providing more than one options for tensioning the string 406 so that strength may be adjusted at a required level. For ease of explanation, the first locking system of only one grommet 400 is illustrated and explained. In some embodiments, a similar locking system may be present in all the grommets responsible for tensioning different strings at different degrees. Alternativity, in some embodiments, different locking systems may be present in other grommets for tensioning different strings at different degrees.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary grommet 500 with a second locking system is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4. In some embodiments, the grommet 500 may be a part of a grommet strip. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the grommet 500 may be directly fixed to a head of the racket (e.g., the head 202). The second locking system helps in holding a string 502 to a racket frame. In the case of the second locking system, the string 502 may include an enlarged section 502a at the ends. Further, the second locking system may include a main body 504 extending from an inner head surface to an outer head surface of the racket to hold the enlarged section 502a of the string 502.

[0042] The main body may also include a cavity 506. The cavity 506 may be shaped in such a way that it blocks the enlarged section 502a from further inward movement into the cavity. In particular, the cavity 506 may include a blocking surface 506a which acts as a barrier and resists further movement of the enlarged section 502a into the cavity 506. In some embodiments, the second locking system may include a flexible spacer 508. The flexible spacer 508 may be positioned between the blocking surface 506a and a surface of the string enlarged section 502a. The flexible spacer 508 may help in absorbing a part of kinetic energy of an arriving ball, and returning this energy to the ball when the ball departs from the racket. The string 502 may pass through the inner diameter of the flexible spacer 508.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary grommet 600 with a third locking system is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-5. In some embodiments, the grommet 600 may be a part of a grommet strip. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the grommet 600 may be directly fixed to a head (e.g., the head 202) of the racket. The third locking system in the grommet 600 helps in holding a string to a racket frame. The third locking system may include a main body 602 which further includes a clamping element 604. Outer surface of the clamping element 604 is wedge shaped. The clamping element 604 includes a passage. A string 606 may be passed through the clamping element 604 in the absence of compressive forces on outer surface of the clamping element 604. The passage or inner surface of the clamping element 604 may further include parallel grooves.

[0044] The main body 602 may further include a pressing body 608 of a cylindrical shape. The pressing body 608 may include a wedge shaped bore. The clamping element 604 may be inserted into the wedge shaped bore of the pressing body 608. Once the clamping element 604 is inserted completely into the wedge shaped bore of the pressing body 608, surface of the wedge shaped bore may push against the outer surface of the clamping element 604. Thus, the compressive force may be provided to the outer surface of the clamping element 604 through the pressing body 608 which may result in radial contraction of the passage of the clamping element 604. The pressing body 608 may also include a lock 608a configured for locking the clamping element 604 inside the wedge shaped bore upon complete insertion of the clamping element 604 into the wedge shaped bore. The string 606 may be threaded through the third locking system to attain desired tension. The surface of the passage in the clamping element contracts and presses against the string 606 to fasten the string 606 to the frame.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 7, a contoured string 702 for a racket is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-6. In some embodiments, in a racket (e.g., the racket 200), the plurality of strings may include a set of contoured strings that runs across and within the head at least vertically or horizontally. Thus, the set of contoured strings may run across and within the head vertically, horizontally, or in both directions, based on requirement. In some embodiments, the plurality of strings may include a set of non-contoured strings that runs across and within the head vertically or horizontally. In such embodiments, when the set of non-contoured strings runs across and within the head vertically, remaining of the plurality of strings are contoured and run across and within the head horizontally. Similarly, when the set of non-contoured strings runs across and within the head horizontally, remaining of the plurality of strings are contoured and run across and within the head vertically.

[0046] In some embodiments, in a racket (e.g., the racket 200), horizontal strings may be contoured strings. Additionally, in some other embodiments, vertical strings may be the contoured strings. In some embodiments, combination of one or more horizontal strings as the contoured strings and one or more vertical strings as the contoured strings, may be used. In FIG. 7, a horizontal contoured string is illustrated. The contoured string 702 may include two ends and may be strung through two grommet elements present opposite sides on a racket frame, or on a same grommet strip or different grommet strips (same as the grommet strips 204, 206, 208, and 210). With reference to FIG. 3, for example, the contoured string 702 may be used between the grommet 302 and a grommet just opposite to the grommet 302 on the racket head. In that case, the contoured string 702 may be replacement of the string 304. By way of an example, with reference to FIG. 2, the contoured string 702 (i.e., the horizontal contoured string) may be used between the grommet 210t of the grommet strip 210 and the grommet 206k of the grommet strip 206. By way of another example, the contoured string 702 may be used between the grommets 208a and 208m of the grommet strip 208. Similarly, for example, a vertical contoured string may be used between the grommet 204a of the grommet strip 208 and the grommet 208a of the grommet strip 208. Also, the vertical contoured string may be used between two elements of the same strip. For example, between the grommets 206a and 206k of the grommet strip 206.

[0047] In some embodiments, material used to manufacture the contoured string 702 may be thermoplastic material. In such embodiments, the thermoplastic material may be injection molded. The contour may be curved contour, or of any other shape with varying depths. In some embodiments, the contoured strings may be used to thread the stringing area of the head of the racket. This threaded area may provide a surface that allows a player to apply greater spin and greater power to the ball by controlling the movement of strings when impacted by the ball. For example, a string (a horizontal string or a vertical string) may be shaped so that its resistance to lateral (in case of horizontal contoured string) movement or vertical movement (in case of vertical contoured string) of cross strings (i.e., vertical strings or horizontal strings) increases or decreases as the string moves on impact. This alters the dwell time of the ball on the strings and the angle at which the ball exits the string after impact. By changing the shape of each individual string, the response may be customized for a much wider variety of playing styles and may improve the ability of players to apply spin and rebound force to the ball.

[0048] Further, in some embodiments, when the first locking system is used for stringing, each end of the contoured string 702 may include an angled tooth (for example, the angled tooth 704a at left end and an angled tooth 704b at right end) which help in engaging the contoured string 702 with the first locking system of the corresponding grommet. Some of the exemplary locking systems are explained in FIGS. 4-6. However, stringing of the contoured string 702 is not limited to the implementations of locking systems explained in the previous embodiments. Other implementations of the locking systems may also be used for stringing the contoured strings. Further, the contoured string 702 may be manufactured in such a way that it includes alternate contoured sections (for example, a contoured section 706a and a contoured section 706b) and straight sections (for example, a straight section 708a and a straight section 708b). Further, a vertical string 710a and a vertical string 710b (in a cylindrical shape and without contoured sections) respectively passing through the contoured section 706a and the contoured section 706b of the contoured string 702 are illustrated. In some embodiments, a vertical contoured string may pass through the horizontal contoured string.

[0049] For example, consider a scenario where one or more contoured string including the contoured string 702 is used to form a mesh (i.e., netted surface) of a tennis racket. Further, the tennis racket may also include the vertical strings 710a and 710b that may have high tension. If a ball hits the netted surface of the tennis racket, the ball may displace the vertical strings 710a and 710b, such that the vertical string 710a slides along a slope of the contoured section 706a, while the vertical string 710b slides along the slope of the contoured section 706b. The vertical strings 710a and 710b may be displaced in the contoured sections 706a and 706b sufficiently as the ball encounters the contoured sections 706a and 706b, even when the strings 710a and 710b have high tension. The contoured sections cause the corresponding cross strings (i.e., the vertical strings) to store additional energy and exert greater snap back force to return to position after impact with a ball, thereby gripping the ball more tightly and allowing the player to apply greater spin to the ball. Likewise, a string contoured in the opposite way reduces the energy stored in the cross string by horizontal displacement and increases the perpendicular energy delivered to the ball, increasing rebound force. Contours in the string may include tiny diamond or diagonal shapes at the midpoints between where strings cross, increasing friction on the ball. Thus, the one or more contoured strings may be strategically netted or strung in the rackets, such that specific areas in the netted racket provide high snap-back force, while other areas provide medium snap-back or low snap-back. The same effect is achieved for varying rebound force.

[0050] When the strings are contoured, they provide many options of creating required pocketing for the object hitting the strings. The shape of contour may be responsible for spreading the vertical strings and returning the vertical strings to the original position. Thus, a change in the contour may change the way of spreading and returning of the strings. Further, the stay of the object on the strings may be controlled based on the contouring of the strings. Thus, the players may have sufficient time to get the desired spin.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, a tennis ball 802 striking contoured strings of a tennis racket is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 8 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-7. The tennis racket may include a netted surface 804 formed using strings (i.e., vertical strings and horizontal strings). Shape of the strings may be cylindrical. Further, the horizontal strings may be the contoured strings (same as the contoured string 702).

[0052] FIG. 8A depicts spinning of the tennis ball 802 towards the netted surface 804 of the racket. At that time, the strings may be at their original positions. With regards to the original position, vertical strings 806a and 806b intersect horizontal contoured strings 808a and 808b, at some points (for example, at points 810a, 810b, and 812a). The horizontal contoured string 808a has contoured sections 814a and 814b, and the horizontal contoured string 808b has contoured sections 814c and 814d. Further, for example, a point of intersection between the vertical string 806a and the contoured section 814a of the horizontal contoured string 808a may be the point 810a, the vertical string 806b and a contoured section 814b of the horizontal contoured string 808a may be the point 810b, the vertical string 806a and a contoured section 814c of the horizontal contoured string 808b may be the point 812a. Similarly, a point of intersection between the vertical string 806b and a contoured section 814d of the horizontal contoured string 808b may also be at an original position (not shown in FIG. 8A). Thus, the vertical strings 806a and 806b with high tension may not be displaced or remain as it is and contact points between the vertical strings 806a and 806b and the horizontal contoured strings 808a and 808b may not be changed.

[0053] Further, on a complete hit of the tennis ball 802 on the netted surface 804, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the vertical strings 806a and 806b may move along the slope of the contoured sections 814a, 814b of the contoured string 808a, and the contoured sections 814c, 814d of the contoured string 808b (i.e., along the contoured sections of the horizontal strings). This movement of the vertical strings 806a, 806b on the contoured sections 814a, 814b, 814c, 814d may provide sufficient rebound to the tennis ball 802 even when the vertical strings 806a and 806b have high tension. Further, the movement may be in such a way that the points 810a, 810b, and 812a of intersection between the vertical strings 806a, 806b and the contoured sections 814a, 814b, 814c of the horizontal contoured strings 808a and 808b may respectively shift to points 810a 810b, and 812a.

[0054] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 80, when the tennis ball 802 goes back after hitting the netted surface 804, the vertical strings 806a and 806b may move on the contoured sections 814a, 814b, 814c, 814d (in an opposite direction of the previous movement). Thus, the points 810a 810b, and 812a as illustrated in FIG. 8B may shift again to new position. For example, the points 810a, and 812a may shift to points 810a and 812a, and subsequently come to their original position (i.e., the points of intersection may then be the points 810a, and 810b).

[0055] In some embodiments, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model may be used to identify optimal tension for strings. In some embodiments, pattern analysis of sound of the strings may be performed. For example, pattern of the sound of the strings may be analyzed when the player strikes to identify the optimal tension. The sound may be captured through microphones. In some embodiments, vibrations when the ball hits the racket may be measured to determine the optimum tension for the strings of a particular racket. In some embodiments, sensors may be employed at the handle of the racket to help capture and store data related to the performance of the racket's stringing system.

[0056] The present disclosure also provides an advantage of allowing strings that are rough in some precise places and smooth in other precise places. Also, varying the density/flexibility of material used for grommets/grommet elements and grooved cones provides additional flexibility in optimizing string system performance. Additionally, different shapes and thickness for the strings can be selected as Individual tensioning for the strings is provided through the locking system inside the grommet elements. For example, one can select flat, and thick strings for main horizontal and vertical strings, and round and thin strings for the cross strings. Thus, the disclosure helps in increasing the number and types of variations of string types within a single racket dramatically.

[0057] Moreover, if one string breaks or loosens then only that one string needs to be replaced and doing so will not affect tension on the other strings. Further the grommet strip is detachably attached to the racket head in case of any fault in the grommet strip or in a grommet element, then that grommet strip can be replaced with a new grommet strip.

[0058] The disclosure further helps in improving performance by allowing use of contoured strings with customized tensions. The disclosed grommets and strings can be used with any racket, thus there is no need to switch to a new model. The grommets/grommet strips and strings can be quickly and easily installed by the users.

[0059] It will be appreciated that, for clarity purposes, the above description has described embodiments of the invention with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processors or domains may be used without detracting from the invention. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate processors or controllers may be performed by the same processor or controller. Hence, references to specific functional units are only to be seen as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention.

[0061] Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or process steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. Also, the inclusion of a feature in one category of claims does not imply a limitation to this category, but rather the feature may be equally applicable to other claim categories, as appropriate.