Claims:We Claim:

1) A removable racket grip (32), comprising:
a plurality of bevels (50) to enable player chose a correct combination of thumb, and index finger on the racket grip (32);
a thumb depression on one of the bevels (50) to rest the thumb thereupon for holding the racket (100) in first grip form;
a dimpled texture for the thumb to enable the player shift the thumb to the dimpled texture for smooth transition from the first grip form to a second grip form;
an index finger depression to rest the index finger thereupon during the first grip form; and
a dimpled texture for the index finger to enable the player shift the index finger to the dimpled texture for smooth transition from the first grip form to the second grip form.

2) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the racket grip (32) size varies between 80mm to 102mm.

3) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first grip form is a basic/neutral grip,, forehand high and low service grip, backhand service grip, frontcourt forehand and backhand lift grip, net shots grip, backhand from baseline grip, slice drop grip, backhand tap grip, drives grip or defence grip.

4) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second grip form is a toss, smash, half-smash flat and reverse drop, blocks or forehand tap.
5) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thumb depression is carved out by approximately 0.5mm to 1mm to ensure sufficient grip for thumb.

6) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein length of the thumb depression varies between 28mm to 30mm.

7) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein width of the thumb depression varies between 8mm to 10mm.

8) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thumb depression is located at a distance varying between 88mm to 98mm from base of the racket (100).

9) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dimpled texture for thumb comprises of plurality of raised domes on one of the bevels (50), further wherein size of the raised domes vary between 1mm to 1.5mm.

10) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the index finger depression is carved out approximately 0.5mm to 1mm to ensure sufficient grip for the index finger.

11) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, length of the index finger depression varies between 30mm to 32mm.

12) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, width of the index finger depression varies between 5mm to 7mm.

13) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, the index finger depression is located at approximately between 110mm to 114mm from base of the racket (100).

14) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dimpled texture for index finger comprises of plurality of raised domes on one of the bevels (50), further wherein size of the raised domes vary between 1mm to 1.5mm.

15) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, further comprising depression for three fingers in the first grip form, wherein the depression continually wraps around two or more adjacent bevels (50) of the racket grip (32).

16) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 15, wherein the length of the depression for three fingers varies between 80mm to 84mm.

17) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 15, wherein the depression for three fingers is located at approximately between 100mm to 102mm from base of the racket.

18) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the racket grip (32) is removably available in form of a pre-rolled mounting plug (60) configured to be rolled upon handle (30) of the racket (100).

19) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable racket grip (32) is defined thereupon by a slit opening (65) for mounting the racket grip upon the racket handle (30).

20) The removable racket grip (32), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable racket grip (32) is provided with a plurality of ratchet locks (80) intermittently separated from each other with a hinge (85) provided towards inner edge of the grip (32).
, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to a grip corrector and trainer for racket sports, more particularly to a grip corrector and trainer tool that can be used across all age groups and all playing levels in a racket sports such as badminton, tennis and squash.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] The way a player grips a racket is the most fundamental part of the game. A wrong grip causes a hindrance to learning and eventually leads to injuries. Getting comfortable with the correct grip takes a long-time, this impedes performance of an individual during game, thereby eventually delaying the entire learning experience. Changing the grip for different strokes is difficult to master. It takes a lot of time and effort with constant monitoring for a coach to train players and learn the correct grip technique. Many players are unaware of the grip changing technique and continue playing with a single grip / incorrect grip with no one to guide them on the same, which also hinders their progression to become better players of the game.
[0003], Presently this learning of the correct skill is manually assisted by coaches or most players by ignorance play with incorrect technique and hence cannot excel at the game., At times, coaches and players use some form of tape and pen markings to indicate the correct grip position. These options are used for only one grip position at a time, and are temporary and inefficient. These options do not provide real time feedback and the coach needs to manually monitor the grip position inspite of this. There are other static, non-playing options that do not provide the experience on an actual racket and cannot be used while in action.
[0004] In the background of foregoing limitations, there exists a need to design a grip correcting means that can enable the players perfectly grip the racket covering all the major strokes in the game.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide a grip correcting means that can be used for people of all age groups and all playing levels.
[0006] In one other objective of the present disclosure, the grip correcting means will enable the player grip the racket perfectly covering all major strokes in the game.
[0007]Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism of providing real time feedback regarding perfecting of grip position to the coach or player.
[0008] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide multiple textures for the grip for neuro feedback to the player while playing.
[0009] Yet another objective of the disclosure is to build muscle memory with grip corrector covering all major strokes.
[0010] Yet other objective of the present disclosure is to provide a grip corrector that will help with both the static grip technique as well as the dynamic technique while transitioning between strokes during play.
[0011] Still other objective of the present disclosure is toguide the players with the correct grip technique and over a period of time, make it a habit that stays with them permanently.
[0012]Still other objective of the present disclosure is to aid the change of grip between different strokes with an automatic, instant, independent feedback.
[0013] One other objective of the present disclosure is to aid the coach to teach the correct grip technique quicker and without constant monitoring.
[0014] One another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a grip corrector that can be used while regular practice or during tournaments.
[0015]These and other objects will become apparent from the ensuing description of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention is directed to a grip corrector and trainer tool that can fit to the racket grip handle that provides two correct basic grips covering all the major stokes in the racket game, such as badminton, tennis or squash. The instant, independent feedback aid in the change of grip between different stokes that helps with both static grip technique as well as dynamic technique while transitioning between stokes during play.

[0017] Broadly, the racket grip comprises of a plurality of bevels to enable player chose a correct combination of thumb, and index finger on the racket grip; a thumb depression on one of the bevels (50) to rest the thumb thereupon for holding the racket (100) in first grip form, a dimpled texture for the thumb to enable the player shift the thumb to the dimpled texture for smooth transition from the first grip form to a second grip form;an index finger depression to rest the index finger thereupon during the first grip form; anda dimpled texture for the index finger to enable the player shift the index finger to the dimpled texture for smooth transition from the first grip form to the second grip form.
[0018] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described or become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a badminton racket, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows configuration of bevels on a racket grip, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.

[0021] Figs. 3(a(i)), 3(a(ii)), 3(a(iii)) and 3(b(i)), 3(b(ii)), 3(b(iii)) illustrate different perspectives of Grip 1 (Lift) and Grip 2 (Toss), in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.

[0022] Figs. 4(a) and 4(b) demonstrate training grip and transition between Grip 1 and Grip 2, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 5(a) shows thumb depression, 3 fingers depression and dimpled texture, and Fig. 5(b) shows dimpled texture patch and index finger depression in one particular configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.

[0024] Figs. 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), 6(d) and 6(e) show mounting of mounting plug on racket handle in various configurations, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.

[0025] Figs. 7(a), 7(b) and 7(c) show a racket grip with a slit for mounting over racket handle, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.

[0026] Figs. 8(a), 8(b), 8(c), 8(d) and 8(e) depict ratchet locks on racket grip in various configurations, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.

[0027] Figs. 9(a) and 9(b) depict wrap around racket grip, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.

[0028] Figs. 10(a) and 10(b) depict grip patches, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Before the present grip correcting means is described in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular tool for achieving so, as described, since it may vary within the specification indicated. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which will be limited only by the appended claims. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary methods of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Terms such as “grip correcting means”, “grip trainer”, “grip corrector” and the like have been interchangeably used in present disclosure, and shall be treated accordingly.
[0030] In one general embodiment of present disclosure, a grip correcting means is provided that enables player to play with the right techniques in racket game,to hold the racket in a correct way to play the game at its best and to excel in the sport, besides preventing any injuries caused by incorrect play. With the present disclosure, the player can independently learn the correct technique of holding the racket with the static grip at the basic level. Further, the grip trainer of present disclosure also provides for the transition of the grips from one stroke to another independently, by virtue of the various textural elements on the tool, which provide a neuro – automatic feedback to the player, as she/he is playing the sport in a dynamic way. Hence, techniques are best learnt with disclosed tool and a person skilled in the art may not necessarily learn these independently. Also, it would take years of effort to master the correct technique which would also need the constant supervision and personal attention from coaches.
[0031] Many skilled players of the sport continue for years with incorrect technique as they do not have an independent means to learn and correct their technique. With the present disclosure, a grip corrector is provided for all players to get better with their grip, so as to learn to play the sport in a more efficient and advanced manner. To achieve the same, extensive ergonomics study has been conducted to understand palm width versus palm length ratio of various user groups. Even appropriate sizing of grip locators has been studied for junior and adult age group. All these have immensely helped in providing indicators for intuitive understanding of grip position during play. Most significantly, the present grip corrector can be easily configured on racket handle without any hurdles.
[0032] As taught above, the way a player holds the racket (grip) is an important parameter that has a profound impact on the way one plays the sport. There is a constant transition of one grip to another depending on the stroke onechooses to play. This transition of the grip is difficult to learn and master, as it has to be done very quickly and correctly.
[0033] In one general embodiment, for illustration purposes, a typical badminton racket is discussed. As shown in Fig. 1, the badminton racket 100 broadly comprises of a shaft 10, a head 20 provided with strings 25 on first end of shaft 10, a handle 30 provided at second end of shaft 10, wherein the handle 30 is further provided with a top cap 35 and a butt 40.
[0034] Next, as shown in Fig. 2, primarily, there are eight bevels (facets or sides) 50 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) (collectively referred to as 50) on a typical racket grip 32, to enable player to grip it and change the grip by re-positioning fingers by variety of shots. Position of player fingers on these bevels 50 is instrumental in deciding performance of player during game. For reference, these finger positions can be divided into three sets:
a) Set 1: For thumb
b) Set 2: For the forefinger
c) Set 3: For other three fingers
[0035] Set 1 and 2 is vital as they play a key role in the grip transition, while Set 3 is majorly for support and stability. Next, the present disclosure is explained from perspective of two main grips:
[0036] Grip 1: Fig. 3(a(i)), 3(a(ii)) and 3(a(iii)) representing top view, front view and back view of Grip 1, and
[0037] Grip 2: Fig. 3(b(i)) and 3(b(ii))representing front view and back view of Grip 2.
[0038] a) Grip 1: Basic/Neutral grip / Forehand High and Low Service / Backhand Service / Frontcourt Forehand and Backhand lift/ Net shots / Backhand from baseline / Slice Drop / Backhand Tap / Drives / Defence.
[0039] b) Grip 2: Toss / Smash / Half Smash / Flat and reverse drop / Blocks / Forehand Tap
[0040] Next, Grip 3 is provided for Backhand tap/drives. Further, in one exemplary embodiment, there are distinct indicators such as grooves, textures, indents to guide the players’ correct positioning of the fingers and to provide neuro-feedback to the player while playing. The player is thus intuitively directed to hold the grip 32 in correct way and undertake quick transitions between strokes during play.
[0041] Generally, a badminton racket grip 32sizes varies between 83mm to 102mm. Ordinarily, original grip is generally a Polyurethane (PU)/leather grip with an adhesive on one side directly applied on a handle 30 (generally wooden). Additionally, a PVC foam layer may be provided on a wooden frame or handle 30 for cushion. Usually, an over gripis added over this for grip. Here, an over grip is a PU grip added over the original grip for extra comfort.
[0042] In accordance with the first embodiment, the grip correcting means 32 is available in two sizes. In one exemplary embodiment, the grip correcting means 32 may be available for small age group i.e. 6-10 years as well as medium age group i.e. 11 years to adult. Further, there are two variations for the given grip correcting means 32, both for left and right handed players.
[0043] Further, in one other embodiment, the estimated size of product is provided for regular standard badminton racket with synthetic grip. In one exemplary embodiment, the size of product is 17cms, breadth in middle being 9cms and breadth at butt 40 being 11.2cms with butt of racket being approx. 1cm.
[0044] In one aspect of disclosure, suggested material used is rubber or polyurethane (PU) or silicone.As discussed above, PU foam grips are provided for extra comfort. However, they have a tacky, anti-slip surface though with good material absorption properties being a porous material. It has two linings, the outer lining making way for inner lining that absorbs sweat and makes grip tremendous and robust. The perforations on grip help to remove moisture effectively, making convenient for players who sweat easily. However, PU tape once stretched does not regain its original shape. Another grip: a Tourna Grip is a DRY feel grip made with proprietary layers of material, and having good sweat absorption capacity. Also, it gets tackier when wet, which makes it ideal for humid conditions.
[0045]Other kinds of grip such as towel grip, heat shrinkable rubber grip, cricket grip, hockey grip, e-grip, TPE grip, 3M anti-slip tape grip can also be used. But, these too have certain disadvantages associated with them. For example, towel grips though offers good comfort and sweat absorption capability, but they wear out very easily and a lot of sweat can degrade it faster and make it slippery. Similarly, heat shrinkable rubber grip can though take underlying bevel shape of handle but makes it difficult to fit the grip accurately and it cannot be removed and reused. Likewise, cricket grip is not suitable for direct contact with hand since it doesn’t absorb sweat. Alternately, other material may be explored for facilitating sweat absorption from grip, and is not necessarily restricted to above examples.
[0046] In other exemplary embodiment, grip texture is discussed. For example, dimple texture helps locate the thumb intuitively on the switch, tessellated geometric texture provides extra grip and looks aesthetically appealing, while a coarse textured surface improves grip by providing an enhanced surface area. These texture patterns act as references to locate the fingers for touch/hold besides providing better grip.
[0047] Next, racket (100) is provided with a plurality of grooves, texture and depression for a better grip. As shown collectively in Fig. 4(a), ‘A’ shows thumb depression on racket handle 30 for allowing the user to rest the thumb firmly for holding the racket in Lift grip position (of Fig. 3(a)). In one example embodiment, the thumb depression is a carved-out portion by 0.5mm and the edge of the depression is raised by roughly 0.5mm to ensure sufficient grip for thumb. The depth of depression reduces towards the Dimpled texture area ‘B’ to facilitate smooth movement of thumb during change of grip to Toss position (of Fig. 3(b)).
[0048] Re-referring to Fig. 4(a), Dimpled texture of ‘B’ allows the user to shift the thumb to dimpled texture patch to twist the grip while changing it over to Toss position from Lift (as discussed above). The texture is made with several raised domes of approximately 1mm diameter (may vary between 1mm to 1.5mm). In one example, circular profile of the domed texture provides soft grip for thumb during Toss position. Size, shape of the patch ensures accommodating varying sizes of the fingertips and length of fingers, wherein length of the patch can vary from 38mm to 40mm.
[0049] Referring now to Fig. 4(b), index finger depression ‘C’ allows a user to rest the index finger firmly for holding the racket in Lift grip position. In one example embodiment, index finger depression is a carved-out portion by 0.5mm and the edge of the depression is raised by 0.5mm to ensure sufficient grip. Variable depth of depression allows for easy entry of index finger in depression. Next, Dimpled texture ‘D’ allows the user to shift the index finger to dimpled texture patch once the racket grip is changed from Lift to Toss position. The texture is made with several raised domes of 1mm diameter,which can vary between 1mm to 1.5mm. Circular profile of the domed texture provides soft grip for thumb during Toss position. Size and shape of the patch ensures varying sizes of the fingertips and length of fingers.
[0050] In the Lift grip position, remaining 3 fingers rest in depression ‘E’ shown in Fig. 4(a). Variable depth of depression allows for easy entry of 3 fingers in depression. Also, the butt shaped end ‘F’ follows the geometry of the racket butt for positive hold on existing handle 30. To understand the process of grip change, at first all set of fingers (Set 1, Set 2, Set 3) are placed in the grooves provided on bevels 50. The fingers continue to be in this position as player is playing the strokes mentioned against GRIP 1.
[0051] Now, in order to transition between GRIP 1 and GRIP 2: using the indent provided on the left side of the thumb, the thumb is pushed to rotate the racket slightly to the left (for right-handed players) and the thumb is shifted (set 1) on to the textured portion provided on bevel 50 on the right. Subsequently, the forefinger is shifted (set 2) to the texture provided too. Set 3 can be adjusted accordingly to hold the racket.The fingers continue to be in this position as player is playing the strokes mentioned against GRIP 2.
[0052] Again, in order to transit between GRIP 2 and GRIP 1: the forefinger is lifted (set 2) and groove guide the player to place it in the groove rotating the racket slightly to the right (for right-handed players). Subsequently, the other 2 sets of fingers are shifted to the grooves provided too. This way, the player has transitioned back to GRIP 1.Using the correct grip regularly creates muscle memory and helps the player play high quality racket game such as badminton.
[0053] In one working embodiment of present disclosure, probable dimensions of a racket handle 30 with a proposed grip 32 are provided. Accordingly, as also shown in Figs. 4(a) and4(b), the length of thumb depression (A) may vary between 28mm to 30mm, preferably 28.9mm, width may vary between 8mm to 10mm. Further, thumb depression (A) may be located between 88mm to 98mm from the base of the grip 32, preferably 98mm. Furthermore, range of depth for thumb depression can vary between 0.5mm to 1.0mm.
[0054] For, index finger depression (C), length may vary between 30mm to 32mm, preferably 30.4, as shown in Fig. 4(b), and width may vary between 5mm to 7mm. Further, it may be located approximately at 114mm from the base of the grip 32, which can also vary from 110mm to 114mm. Depth of (C) can also vary between 0.5mm to 1.0mm. Next, depression for 3 fingers (E) wraps around 2 adjacent faces of a racket grip 32, where length of depression may vary between 80mm to 84mm, preferably 80.1mm. It may be located at around 102mm from the base of the grip 32, which can vary from 100mm to 102mm. Furthermore, depth for (E) can vary between 0.5mm to 1.0mm.
[0055] Next, Fig. 5(a) cleanly shows front view of racket grip 32 with thumb depression (A), 3 fingers depression (E) and dimpled texture (B) along with product specifications in one example embodiment. Similarly, Fig. 5(b) shows back view of racket grip 32 with dimpled texture patch (D) and index finger depression (C) in one particular configuration, in one example embodiment.
[0056] The discussed racket grip 32, in accordance with one embodiment, may fit over existing grip either by rolling over or wrapping around it. Fundamentally, to makes it easy to grasp and have a firm hold over it, the grip 32 should be thin enough such that it doesn’t add significant thickness to existing grip. Referring to Fig. 6 (a), a training grip 32 is provided with a mounting plug 60 to be mounted on racket butt 40. In one suitable example, the mounting plug 60 may be made of plastic molded part. The trainer grip 32 is provided in pre-rolled on butt guide 40 of racket 100, as shown in Fig. 6(b). After removal from pack, the plug with grip is mounted on racket butt, shown in Fig. 6(c). Once the mounting plug 60 is mounted on racket butt, the rubber grip is unrolled over the racket handle 30, as shown in Fig. 6(d). The mounting plug 60 is pulled out after unrolling the grip, as shown in Fig. 6(e).
[0057] In one other working embodiment, a rigid plastic grip molded with a slit 65 is shown in Fig. 7(a) for mounting. As can be clearly seen in Figs. 7(b) and 7(c) the racket shaft 10 may be inserted through the slit 65, pushed down over the handle 30 to provide the trainer grip 32. Exemplarily, foam tape may be provided as grip material, wherein the material may be selected from group comprising, but not restricted to Polyurethane/Polyethylene/PolyVinylChloride/Acrylic Foam. The adhesive for said grip may be acrylic/silicon rubber based, while the thickness may range between 0.3 to 0.8mm.
[0058] Other example working embodiment of present disclosure, ratchet lock grip is shown in Figs. 8(a) and 8(b).Ratchet locks 80(a), 80(b) and 80(c) provided at variable position as shown in Fig. 8(a), help in locking the grip 32 around a racket handle 30. Figs. 8 (b)and 8(c) clearly show the rigid plastic molded halves of the grip32 along with Co-molded TPE hinge (85) provided inside. Figs. 8(d) and 8(e) demonstrate the introduction of racket handle 30 inside the Silicon/TPE co molded grip shell. It cleanly shows the insertion of racket handle 30 within the grip 32 followed by closing of grip shell with assistance of ratchet locks 80(a), 80(b) and 80(c).
[0059] In another example embodiment, other variation of grip such as wrap around grip in rubber material is proposed. In Fig. 9(a) an integrated flat wrap around grip 32 with adhesive backing for sticking onto the racket handle 30 is proposed. As shown in Fig. 9(a), ‘a’ refers to raised texture for tactile feedback from grip 32 during transition between various grip forms, ‘b’ refers to index finger scoop, ‘c’ refers to thumb scoop, ‘d’ shows fine texture gradually increasing or decreasing in height, oriented in a manner to assist the finger grip, ‘e’ depict three finger scoop, ‘f’ is band of texture on face 3 for ease of orientation during gripping the racket for shot, ‘g’ is a chamfered profile for seamless matching with racket grip 32 and ‘h’ denotes faces of octagonal handle of a racket.Fig. 9(b) shows above discussed wrap around grip with its straight edge matched with racket butt 40 in a lift grip (Grip 1) orientation.
[0060] Likewise, in another alternate embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10(a), independent grip patches 32(a), 32(b) with adhesive backing for sticking onto the racket handle 30, where ‘k’ refers to raised texture for tactile feedback during switchover between grips, ‘l’ refers to index finger scoop, ‘m’ refers to thumb scoop, ‘n’ to 3 fingers scoop, ‘o’ depicts chamfered profile for seamless matching with racket grip and ‘p’ denotes faces of octagonal handle of racket. The marker grip as configured over the racket handle is shown in Fig. 10(b) in lift grip orientation.
[0061] In one alternate aspect of disclosure, the essential attributes of racket grip 32 correcting means is provided in Table 1 given below:
ESSENTIAL IDEAL
Flexible / Stretchable Can make 2 variations
v1 – beginner / amateur (slightly thicker)
v2 – intermediate / recreational / regular (thinner)
Non-slip / provides a good grip Sweat-absorbent
Textured Different colours
Easy slip on and off Eco-friendly
Sung fit onto the racket
Durable

TABLE 1

[0062] The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purpose of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.