Patent ID: 6800239
Filing Date: 2004-10-05
Classification: A63B,B29C,B29L

Abstract:
A method for making a composite sports racquet frame comprising the steps of:providing a mold having first and second mold plates which, when joined, define a mold cavity in the shape of a sports racquet; placing a first tube of a material suitable for forming a racquet frame in said first mold plate; placing a second tube of a material suitable for forming a racquet in said second mold plate; providing a plurality of pin plates, wherein each pin plate includes a body portion and a plurality of pins which extend from said body portion in a direction parallel to one another, and which include distal ends spaced away from said body portion; securing said plurality of pin plates to said first mold plate so that said pins cross on top of said first tube, such that said pins lie at least substantially in a single plane, such that the pins of each pin plate extend at an angle different from the pins of the adjacent pin plates, and such that each of said distal ends is received in a groove in said first mold plate; coupling an air source to each of the tubes; securing said mold plates to one another so that said first and second tubes contact said pins and such that said tubes contact one another at least in regions to either side of said pins; heating said mold while pressurizing said tubes to form a racquet frame in which said tubes are bonded to one another at least in said regions adjacent said pins; removing said frame from said mold plates; and removing said pins from said frame, whereby said pins form string holes in said frame.