Abstract:
A racquet handle having a contoured topography providing unique configurations that increase the player&#39;s racquet head awareness and which may be manufactured as an assembly adjustable along the length of the handle which will aid in positioning a player&#39;s hand in advantageous positions for stroke improvement.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/160,529 filed Sep. 24, 1998, which is itself a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/963,549 filed Nov. 3, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,749 which is itself a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/812,906 filed Mar. 10, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,283 which is itself a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/459,302 filed Jun. 2, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,926, and which is itself a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/363,606 filed Dec. 23, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,324. This is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/793,351 filed Feb. 24, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,941. 
    
    
     The present invention is directed to further improvements in racquets for use in several sports, but is particularly directed toward an improved gripping area for a tennis racquet handle. 
     Of all the racquet sports, tennis is unique in its ball speed (pace) and the great deal of court coverage required by the players. Players must hit many balls on the run or after traveling great distances. For expert play, it is essential that during these maneuvers the player have a superb sense or awareness of the location and attitude (angular disposition) of the racquet head with respect to the player&#39;s hand. Sometimes the ball must be struck when it has little or no speed. At other times, the racquet will encounter high impact forces because of the pace with which the opponent has struck the ball. Additionally, the player must return tennis balls with various spins. The player is oftentimes required to change grips while on the run. Racquet preparation and proper grip are essential to expert play. Players must change their grips while running and under other difficult circumstances. 
     There have been many improvements in tennis racquets in the past several decades. Prior to 1970, almost all racquets were made of laminated wood. This limited the size of racquet heads and, consequently, almost all racquet heads had the same dimensions. For many years, manufacturers have made handles of different peripheral sizes, almost all of which were octagonal. With the advent of steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and graphite racquets, size limitations have been substantially eliminated and racquet heads have become larger. 
     With larger racquet heads, off-center contact with the ball creates greater torque. When a fast-moving tennis ball is struck any place but in the so-called “sweet spot,” a great deal of torque is imparted to the racquet which must be resisted by the hand of the racquet user. This makes racquet head awareness of even greater importance. Racquet head awareness is that sense of knowing the angular relationship and distance of the stringed head to the hand. Topographical features on the handle which are felt and recognized by the player&#39;s hand enhance awareness. Although conventional octagonal handles impart some awareness, the instant invention described herein increases awareness It dramatically. 
     For almost a century, tennis racquet handles have been octagonal in cross section. After about 1930, it became common to wrap the octagonal handle with a leather strip for comfort and friction. This racquet handle design is almost universally used in tennis racquets at the present time. Before leather wrappings became popular, many handles had grooves and ridges to increase friction. A collar or retention ridge was often secured to the base end of the handle to prevent slippage. 
     In order to appreciate the full measure of this invention, it should be understood that the vast majority of players use two different grips when stroking the ball. One grip is used for the forehand and the other grip is used for the backhand. Players typically use the backhand grip, or a grip between the forehand and backhand grip, for the serve. Grips vary from player-to-player and the teachings herein disclose handles which will accommodate the requirements of many players. 
     The most common forehand grip (known as the Eastern forehand), and that preferred by many tennis instructors, places the first knuckle of the index finger squarely behind one of the planar surfaces of the octagonal handle, the palm is in engagement with that planar surface parallel to the plane of the racquet head, and the butt of the hand against a retention ridge. The fingers are angularly disposed with respect to the handle axis. 
     In the grip known as the Eastern backhand, the hand is rotated until the finger segments between the first and second knuckles of the third, fourth, and fifth fingers are in a plane parallel to the racquet head. The thumb is typically placed diagonally across the opposite planar surface. This specification will use this grip terminology for purposes of explanation. 
     Some players do not like the “feel” of these commonly-used grips and will rotate the hand to one side or the other. This can reduce power and, in many instances, reduce racquet head awareness. In the embodiments described herein, contours are disclosed which will accommodate a variety of grips without the loss of power or racquet head awareness. In some instances, an improper grip is assumed because of a lack of skill or because of the difficult circumstances encountered during a grip change. The configuration and contours of the handle herein described will permit a considerable array of grips and at the same time aid the user in reaching a desired grip. 
     As taught in my co-pending applications, there is a bowl or protrusion to receive the area between the thumb and forefinger and a trigger to receive the index finger. The protrusion and the trigger increase the player&#39;s awareness of his or her hand along the length of the handle and increase racquet control. In one embodiment of the instant invention, a second protrusion is provided adjacent the trigger so that the player will have additional racquet handle awareness and control during certain strokes. In another embodiment of the instant invention, the first protrusion is located on one side of the handle axis and defines a surface extending at a skewed angle to the axis to engage the base of a player&#39;s index finger. If desired, the first protrusion can be extended beyond the side of the handle. In addition, a thumb depression can be provided below the first protrusion and an extended thumb support lip can be provided below the thumb depression. In another embodiment of the instant invention, an angled surface is provided on one side of the handle to support the first knuckle of a user&#39;s forefinger in a Western forehand grip. In yet another embodiment of the instant invention, a concavity is provided in the handle to receive a player&#39;s third, fourth, and fifth fingers, which helps facilitate a backhand grip. In a further embodiment of the instant invention, a thumb groove can be provided approximately transverse of the axis of the racquet so that a Western backhand is facilitated. In still another embodiment of the instant invention, a pair of thumb depressions are provided. In a still further embodiment of the instant invention, a pair of handle contour areas are provided for two-handed backhand play. One contour area is for the right hand and one is for the left hand. In a still further embodiment, an angled surface is provided for a user&#39;s thumb to facilitate top spin backhand strokes. In a still further embodiment, a thumb depression is formed in combination with either a bowl or protrusion to receive the area between the thumb and forefinger, or a trigger to receive the index finger. Alternatively, either a bowl or protrusion, or a trigger, could be provided by itself without a thumb depression. In a still further embodiment for two-handed backhand use, a single contour area is provided that includes a protrusion to receive the area between the thumb and forefinger of the principal playing hand, a trigger to receive the index finger of the principal playing hand, and an angled depression formed in the racket head side of the protrusion to receive the padded area at the base of the thumb of the secondary playing hand. The side of the handle can also be angled to receive the first knuckle of the index finger of the secondary playing hand. In yet another embodiment, a concavity in the upper side of the handle receives the butt of the principal playing hand to bring the grasping fingers closer together and provide a better grip. The trigger can also be positioned toward the base of the handle relative to the protrusion so that the thumb of the principal playing hand can engage the trigger during backhand strokes. In a still further embodiment, one or more indentations are formed in a side portion of the handle to receive the first knuckle of the index finger of the principal playing hand for positioning during service and forehand strokes. 
     In addition to the foregoing embodiments, novel constructions in accordance with the invention allow contoured areas formed in accordance with the invention to be adjustably mounted on a conventional handle as an alternative to molding a contour on a handle during racquet manufacture. Alternatively, permanent contours can be implemented in conjunction with removable handle base members of different size. In addition, molded constructions are disclosed that allow the weight of the racket handle to be reduced. A racquet for a right-handed player is described herein, but it should be understood that left-handed racquets are just the reverse. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With the above in mind, this invention has a principal objective to provide a new handle configuration for a tennis racquet which combines the geometry of the player&#39;s hand with preferred racquet movement so that maximum power and control is obtained by the user. 
     A further objective of this invention is to provide a handle configuration which makes the player fully aware of the location of his hand along the length of the handle. 
     Another objective of the invention is to provide a bowl or protrusion to receive the area of a user&#39;s hand between the thumb and forefinger, and a trigger to receive the index finger. The protrusion and the trigger increase the player&#39;s awareness of his or her hand along the length of the handle and increase racquet control. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to provide a second protrusion adjacent the trigger so that the player will have additional racquet handle awareness and control during certain strokes. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to locate the first protrusion on one side of the handle axis and define a surface extending at a skewed angle to the axis to engage the base of a player&#39;s index finger. If desired, the first protrusion can be extended beyond the side of the handle. In addition, a thumb depression can be provided below the first protrusion and an extended thumb support lip can be provided below the thumb depression. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to provide an angled surface on one side of the handle to support the first knuckle of a user&#39;s forefinger in a Western forehand grip. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to provide a concavity in the handle to receive a player&#39;s third, fourth, and fifth fingers, which helps facilitate a backhand grip. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to provide a thumb groove approximately transverse of the axis of the racquet so that a Western backhand grip is facilitated. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to provide a pair of thumb depressions. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to provide a pair of handle contour areas for two-handed backhand play. One contour area is for the right hand and one is for the left hand. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to provide an angled surface for a user&#39;s thumb to facilitate top spin backhand strokes. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to provide a thumb depression in combination with either a bowl or protrusion to receive the area between the thumb and forefinger, or a trigger to receive the index finger. Alternatively, either a bowl or protrusion, or a trigger, could be provided by itself without a thumb depression. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to provide, for two-handed backhand use, a single contour area that includes a protrusion to receive the area between the thumb and forefinger of the principal playing hand, a trigger to receive the index finger of the principal playing hand, and an angled depression formed in the racket head side of the protrusion to receive the padded area at the base of the thumb of the secondary playing hand. A related objective is to angle the side of the handle to receive the first knuckle of the index finger of the secondary playing hand. 
     Still another objective is to provide a concavity in the upper side of the handle to receive the butt of the principal playing hand to bring the grasping fingers closer together and provide a better grasp. In accordance with this objective, the trigger can also be positioned toward the base of the handle relative to the protrusion so that the thumb of the principal playing hand can engage the trigger during backhand strokes. 
     Still another objective is to form one or more indentations in a side portion of the handle to receive the first knuckle of the index finger of the principal playing hand for positioning during service and forehand strokes. 
     In the handle configurations described herein and those described by my co-pending applications, it may be desirable to be able to cast or otherwise pre-form these configurations and secure them at selective locations along the length of the handle to improve a player&#39;s performance. In one system, the handle is formed with a grooved section along a portion of its length in which rail portions of the grip are received. The grip molds are moved along the length of the racquet handle to a desired location and secured thereto by screws or the like. Then, the racquet handle is wrapped with leather strips as is conventional. 
     In another system, a contour section is added to a handle using multiple pieces secured to the handle by adhesive. In yet another system, a contour area is molded or otherwise attached on a racket using light weight material to reduce handle weight. In still another system, a contour area is formed on a sheet of foldable material that is wrapped around the racquet handle. In still another system, a contour area is formed on a resilient boot that slides over the end of the racquet handle. In a final system, a permanently mounted contour member is provided and removable handle base members are provided for altering the distance between the contour area and the base end of the racquet handle. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS. 1-3 are views of the hand presented for purposes of nomenclature; 
     FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side view showing a player&#39;s hand disposed over a tennis racquet handle constructed according to one embodiment of this invention; 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrammatic side elevational views to illustrate operation; 
     FIG. 7 is a left side elevation showing a backhand grip of another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a right side view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 disclosing contours that form an offset bulge on the top surface of the handle and a trigger on the lower surface; 
     FIG. 8 a  is a right side view similar to FIG. 8 showing a coordinate system for illustrating a feature of the invention for cocking a player&#39;s hand; 
     FIG. 9 is a top plan view of FIG. 8 showing the offset bulge with an angled surface to receive the base of lit the forefinger; 
     FIG. 9 a  is a top plan view similar to FIG. 9 showing a coordinate system for illustrating the hand cocking feature of the invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic end view of a racquet handle according to another embodiment of the invention showing a bulge extending outside the plane of the octagonal portion of the handle, a pronounced lip to receive the player&#39;s thumb, and a planar surface angled outwardly upon which the first knuckle of the index finger may rest; 
     FIG. 10 a  is a left side elevation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 10 b  is an end view similar to FIG. 10 showing a coordinate system for illustrating the hand cocking feature of the invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a right side view showing the outwardly angled planar surface of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a side elevational view disclosing another embodiment of the invention in which there is a transverse thumb groove and also showing a reduced (concaved) periphery of the handle in the area of the grasping fingers; 
     FIG. 12 a  is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing a transverse thumb groove and also showing a reduced (tapered) periphery of the handle in the area of the grasping fingers; 
     FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 12 a  showing how the transverse groove is partially formed in the trigger and disclosing structure for reducing the periphery of the handle base as disclosed in FIG. 12 a;    
     FIG. 14 is a side elevational view disclosing the embodiment of the invention in which there is a thumb groove transverse to the axis handle and also showing a player&#39;s hand and a handle without a lower handle concavity; 
     FIG. 15 is a side elevational view showing a configuration having two thumb depressions and a reduced base periphery according to another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 16 is a side view disclosing two contoured areas on the handle shaft according to another embodiment of the invention for those using a two-handed grip; 
     FIG. 17 is a side view according to another embodiment of the invention showing a contoured surface that eliminates one of the ridges of the handle; 
     FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the racquet handle of FIG. 17 taken along line  18 — 18  therein; 
     FIG. 19 a  is an exploded perspective showing a two-piece contour assembly in accordance with one method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 19 b  is an exploded perspective showing a two-piece contour assembly in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 20 a  is a cross section taken along line  20   a — 20   a  in FIG. 19 a  showing a pair of contour elements about to be assembled; 
     FIG. 20 b  is a partial bottom view of one of the contour elements shown in FIG. 19 b  disclosing inwardly directed rails; 
     FIG. 21 a  is the cross section of FIG. 20 a  showing the contour elements formed as a contour assembly; 
     FIG. 21 b  is a cross section taken along line  21   b — 21   b  in FIG. 19 b  showing the contour elements formed as a contour assembly; 
     FIG. 22 a  is a perspective of a handle in accordance with FIG. 19 a  during the final stages of assembly; 
     FIG. 22 b  is a perspective of a handle in accordance with FIG. 19 b  during the final stages of assembly; 
     FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a two-piece spacer piece; 
     FIG. 24 discloses how the spacer pieces of FIG. 23 engage one another; 
     FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic plan view of a player&#39;s left hand, which for right handed players would be the secondary playing hand used for two-handed backhand strokes; 
     FIG. 26 is an end view of a racket handle showing its orientation relative to a racket head; 
     FIG. 27 is a top plan view showing another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 28 is a side elevation view showing a two-handed backhand grip using the embodiment of FIG. 27; 
     FIG. 29 is a top plan view showing the placement of a secondary playing hand using the embodiment of FIG. 27; 
     FIG. 30 is perspective view showing the placement of a secondary playing hand using the embodiment of FIG. 27; 
     FIG. 31 a side elevation view showing another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 32 is a cross-section of FIG. 31 showing an angled side surface to receive the first knuckle of the index finger of a secondary playing hand; 
     FIG. 33 is a side elevation view showing another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective showing a two-piece contour assembly in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 35 is a cross section of FIG. 34; 
     FIG. 36 is a cross section showing a one piece molded contour assembly in accordance with another method of implementing the invention. 
     FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective showing a two-piece contour assembly in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 38 is a cross section of FIG.  37 . 
     FIG. 39 is a side view of a racquet handle showing a contour assembly being applied to the handle as a wrap in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 40 is side view of a hand gripping the racquet of FIG. 39; 
     FIG. 41 is cross-sectional view taken along line  41 — 41  in FIG. 40; 
     FIG. 42 is a diagrammatic illustration showing the orientation of components of the contour assembly of FIG. 39; 
     FIG. 43 a  is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 41 showing a first alternative configuration for assisting the contour assembly of FIG. 39 to bend around a racquet handle; 
     FIG. 43 b  is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 41 showing a second alternative configuration for assisting the contour assembly of FIG. 39 to bend around a racquet handle; 
     FIG. 43 c  is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 41 showing a third alternative configuration for assisting the contour assembly of FIG. 39 to bend around a racquet handle; 
     FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a racquet handle showing a contour assembly being applied to the handle as a boot in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIGS. 45 a  and  45   b  are cross-sectional views of the contour assembly of FIG. 44 taken substantially along lines  45   a — 45   a  and  45   b — 45   b , respectively; 
     FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a racquet having a racquet handle that includes a permanently mounted contour assembly and a removable base member threadably engaging the end of the contour assembly in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 47 is a detailed perspective view showing the racquet handle of FIG. 46; 
     FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a racquet handle that includes a permanently mounted contour assembly and a removable base member having a shaft received in a corresponding bore in the contour assembly and retained therein using flexible locking tabs in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 49 is a partial side, partial cross-sectional view of a racquet handle that includes a permanently mounted contour assembly, a handle shaft stub extending from the contour assembly, and a removable base member received on the handle shaft stub and retained thereon using button-actuated releasable detents in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 50 is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the racquet handle of FIG. 49; 
     FIG. 51 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the racquet handle of FIG. 49; 
     FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a racquet handle that includes a permanently mounted contour assembly, a handle shaft stub extending from the contour assembly, and a removable base member received on the handle shaft stub and retained thereon using a peg and locking slot arrangement in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a racquet handle that includes a permanently mounted contour assembly, a handle shaft stub extending from the contour assembly, and a removable base member received on the handle shaft stub and retained thereon using another peg and locking slot arrangement in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 54, which includes sub-FIGS. 54 a ,  54   b ,  54   c , and  54   d , is a detailed plan view of the racquet handle of FIG. 53 showing the inter-engagement between the pegs and locking slots thereof during various phases of unlocking; 
     FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative single-piece construction for the base portion of the racquet handle of FIG. 53; 
     FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a racquet handle that includes a contour assembly, a removable base member and a handle shaft stub extending from the base member, the handle shaft stub being received in a cavity formed in the contour assembly and being retained therein using a spring-biased pin and slot arrangement in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 57 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the spring-biased pin of the racquet handle of FIG. 56; 
     FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a racquet handle that includes an adjustably mounted contour assembly, a handle shaft stub extending from the contour assembly, a removable base member received on the handle shaft stub, the contour assembly being removably mounted to a racquet with a pivoting lock arm that engages teeth formed on the racquet in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 59 is a detailed perspective view showing a racquet with teeth formed thereon for mounting the contour assembly of FIG. 58; 
     FIG. 60 is a side view of the racquet handle of FIG. 58; 
     FIG. 61 is a plan view of the racquet handle of FIG. 58; 
     FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a racquet handle that includes a permanently mounted contour assembly, a handle shaft stub extending from the contour assembly, a removable base member received on the handle shaft stub, the base member being removably mounted to the handle shaft stub with a pivoting lock arm that engages teeth formed on the handle shaft stub in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 63 is a side view of the racquet handle of FIG. 62; 
     FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a racquet handle that includes a permanently mounted contour assembly, a threaded handle shaft stub extending from the contour assembly, a removable base member received on the handle shaft stub, and an adjustment bolt having a shank that threadably engages the handle shaft stub and a head that engages the base member, in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 65 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the racquet handle of FIG. 64; 
     FIG. 66 is a perspective view of a racquet handle showing a contour assembly being applied thereto as a helical coil wrap in accordance with another method of implementing the invention; 
     FIG. 67 is a detailed cross-sectional view taken along line  67 — 67  in FIG. 52; 
     FIG. 68 is a side view of a racquet handle formed with reference ridges for guiding the placement of a player&#39;s hand thereon; and 
     FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  69 — 69  in FIG.  68 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For nomenclature purposes, please refer to FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3  showing the hand of a tennis player. Note that the index finger, thumb, and the saddle area have been shaded. 
     These portions of the hand contribute guidance and control to the player. The third, fourth, and fifth fingers provide much of the grasping power. FIG. 3 illustrates this concept. 
     Referring now to the other drawings wherein like numerals indicate like parts, and FIG. 4 in particular, the numeral  20  indicates a tennis racquet handle of the racquet R. The numeral  20   a  indicates a lower portion of the handle  20  adjacent a base  25 . The tennis racquet handle  20 , including the lower portion  20   a , includes side surfaces  16  and  18  as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The top surface of the octagonal portion of the handle is indicated by the numeral  19  and the bottom surface by the numeral  19 ′. In the parent applications a protrusion  22  and a trigger  24  have been disclosed. The protrusion  22  provides a surface against which the saddle formed by the index finger and the thumb can be placed. This engagement locates the hand and/or acts as a pivotal point when changing from forehand to backhand grips and vice versa. The trigger  24  supports the player&#39;s index finger for added control and for increasing the player&#39;s awareness of his or her hand along the length of the handle. 
     As seen in a new embodiment shown in FIG. 4, another bulge  24   a  can be added adjacent the trigger  24 . The rounded surface of bulge  24   a  causes the hand to lengthen or stretch itself along the racquet and locates a portion of the index finger radially outwardly from the axis of the handle for better control and racquet head awareness for some players. The player will engage this surface  24   a , especially in the serve and overhead, to give an extra downward force on the racquet head as the plane of the head is moving forward. This provides an extra snap action to the racquet head, much in the same way a baseball pitcher obtains spin on his curve. FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrammatic representations of this phenomenon. 
     FIGS. 7,  8 , and  9  disclose another embodiment wherein the bulge  22  is conveniently located to one side of the handle axis  29  and an angled planar surface  30 , extending at a skewed angle to the axis  29 , is formed. The surface  30  provides a natural surface for the base of the index finger when a continental grip is assumed and will act as a stop to limit hand rotation and/or correctly position the hand for backhand strokes. As seen in FIG. 7, which shows the side opposite of that shown in FIG. 8, an enlarged area  28  can be formed with a depression  26  in which a player&#39;s thumb is received. 
     FIGS. 10 and 10 a  show an assembly configuration wherein the bulge  22  is angled rearwardly (“rearwardly” in the sense that the net or opposing court is located to the right as viewed in FIG. 10) with thumb depression  26  formed with an exaggerated lip  35 . The multiple dotted lines show how this lip can be varied in size. Note that the depth of the depression  26  can vary widely depending on player preference. It may be very slight or so deep that its base extends below the side surface  18  of the octagonal handle. When such a configuration is used, the width of handle  20  is reduced in the area of the depression  26 . Also, note in FIGS. 10 and 11 that an angled surface  16   a  is provided that angles outwardly. This surface will tilt the first knuckle of the index finger of a player toward a Western forehand position. 
     The orientation angle of surface  30  can be varied from the orientation shown in FIGS. 8,  9 , and  10  to achieve a cocked hand position that some players prefer. FIGS. 8 a ,  9   a , and  10   b  illustrate three orthogonal views of the surface  30  with coordinate systems superimposed thereon to show the geometry. FIG. 8 a  illustrates an X-Y plane view, FIG.  9   a  illustrates an Z-X plane view, and FIG. 10 b  illustrates a Z-Y plane view. There are three vectors of interest in defining the angle of surface  30  and its effect on hand position. A first vector A extends from an origin A o  located at the uppermost end of the handle base portion  20   a  and at the intersection between the handle side surface  16  and a diagonal surface  31  extending between the side surface  16  and the top surface  19 . Vector A extends from its origin along the top of the side surface  16  to define a first side  30   a  of the angled surface  30 . A second vector B extends from an origin B o  located at the uppermost end of the handle base portion  20   a  and at the intersection between the top surface  19  and the diagonal surface  31 . Vector B  14  extends from its origin B o  and intersects the highest point of the protrusion  22  to define a second side  30   b  of the surface  30 . A third vector C extends from an origin CO located at the intersection of vector B and the highest point of the protrusion  22 . Vector C then extends downwardly from its origin C o  to intersect vector A, and defines a third side  30   c  of the surface  30 . 
     The angle formed by the face of surface  30  can be changed by adjusting the direction of the vectors A, B, and C. As shown in FIG. 8 a , vector A can be adjusted in the X-Y plane defined by axes A x  and A y  between a nominal angle of about 0° to an angle of about 25°. Upward adjustment of vector A in the X-Y plane tends to flatten the angled surface  30  so as to raise the player&#39;s forefinger and cock the hand back. This increases the player&#39;s wrist action and is useful for increasing service power. 
     As shown in FIGS. 8 a ,  9   a , and  10   b,  the vector B can be adjusted in all three planes. As shown in FIG. 8 a , vector B can be adjusted in the plane defined by axes B x  and B y  between about 20° and 90°. Upward adjustment of the angle of vector B in the X-Y plane tends to steepen the slope of the protuberance  22 , which helps cock the hand back for power service. As shown in FIG. 9 a , vector B can be adjusted in the plane defined by axes B, and B, between about 90° and 170°. Upward adjustment of the angle of vector B in the Z-X plane moves the protuberance  22  toward the rearward side  18  and the base end  25  of the handle, which again helps cock the player&#39;s hand back. As shown in FIG. 10 b,  vector B can be adjusted in the plane defined by axes B z  and B y  between about 90° and 160°. Upward adjustment of the angle of vector B in the Z-Y plane moves the protuberance  22  toward the rearward side  18  of the handle  20 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 8 a  and  9   a , vector C can be varied in the X-Y plane and the Z-X plane. As shown in FIG. 8 a , vector C can be varied in the plane defines by axes C x  and C y  between about 270° and 330°. Upward adjustment of vector C in the X-Y plane flattens the surface  30  and increases cocking of the player&#39;s hand. As shown in FIG. 9 a , vector C can be varied in the plane defined by axes C z  and C x  between about 20° and 70°. Upward adjustment of vector C in the Z-X plane tends to cock the player&#39;s wrist to the left (for right-handed players) by leftward rotation of the player&#39;s forefinger. 
     It will also be observed, in FIG. 10 b  in particular, that the angled surface  30  need not be planar. It may have a concave curvature with a positive radius of curvature or a convex curvature with a negative radius of curvature. FIG. 10 b  illustrates a radius of curvature Br taken along vector B. As shown in FIG. 8 a , another radius of curvature Cr can be taken along vector C. As shown in FIG. 9 a , different radii of curvature could be measured on angled surface  30  in any direction between vectors B and C, it being understood that surface  30  could have a complex compound curvature. Along any given vector extending from origin C o , the curvature of surface  30  could range anywhere from infinity, for a planar surface, to as little as one inch or less, for a highly curved concave surface, to negative values for a concave surface. 
     Turning now to FIG. 12, the lower handle portion  20   a  of the racquet R next to the base  25  can be formed with a gentle arc  64  on the surface below the trigger  24 . This provides a comfortable position (reduced periphery) for the three fingers which grasp that portion of the racquet, especially when a backhand grip is used. The concave surface formed by arc  64  can be used on all the embodiments described. This reduction in handle diameter can also be formed by shaving or otherwise reducing the ridged portions of the lower handle portion  20   a , as shown by numerals  70  and  72  in FIGS. 12 a  and  13 . As seen in those figures, tapering depressions  70  and  72  will provide a better grasp for some players by reducing the periphery of the handle in the area of the grasping fingers. 
     In the parent applications, the thumb-receiving surfaces or bowls are formed so that the thumb is fully supported while angularly disposed with respect to the axis of the handle. Some players prefer to have the thumb in a plane perpendicular or almost perpendicular to the axis of the handle to effect a Western backhand grip. An embodiment with this improvement is seen in FIGS. 12,  12   a ,  13 , and  14 . A groove  34  is formed transverse to the axis of the handle. Note in FIG. 13, in particular, this groove is partially formed in trigger  24 . The thumb depression groove  34  does not interfere with the main functions of the trigger element. 
     FIG. 14 shows the transverse thumb groove  34  without any concavity in the lower handle position  20   a.    
     FIG. 15 is a side elevational view showing the thumb located in a transverse depression  37  depicted by a circle. The same player can use the oval depression  39  if that is more comfortable and advantageous. In all variations of the invention, a player can dispose his hand in certain but different positions. Also, the designs herein shown will strengthen many shots—for instance, the backhand—without interfering with a player&#39;s forehand and volley shots. 
     FIG. 16 is a side elevational view demonstrating two contoured areas on a handle  20 . The first area  50 , nearest the base  25  of the handle  20 , is for the one hand, and a second area  52 , placed farther up the handle  20  in the reverse direction, is to accommodate the other hand. This enables a two-handed player to take advantage of the contoured area configurations disclosed herein. 
     FIG. 17 is a side elevational view showing the angularly disposed planar surface  67 . FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  18 — 18  in FIG.  17 . The planar surface  67  is oriented at an angle to the plane of the racquet head. When gripped, this angularly disposed surface  67  will have a tendency to cause the user to tilt the racket head, making it easier to execute top spin backhands. 
     Although the foregoing configurations are believed to work best for most players, there may be some players who prefer handles with only some of the disclosed configuration elements. It will be understood, therefore, that each of the disclosed configuration elements could be used either alone or in combination with other configuration elements. For example, some players may prefer to use one or more thumb depressions in combination with one or more triggers, but not a bowl or protrusion for engaging the area between the thumb and forefinger. Still other players may find it  14  beneficial to combine one or more thumb depressions with a bowl or protrusion, but not a trigger. As previously stated, the depth of the one or more thumb depressions can vary depending on player preference. 
     The handle configurations taught herein and in the parent applications can be integrally formed on a racquet by molding or otherwise shaping the racquet material itself. For example, if the racquet has a wood frame, the handle can be formed by shaping the wooden stem portion of the racquet frame into one of the disclosed configurations. Modern day octagonal racquet handles, however, are usually formed as a tubular plastic sleeve mounted over an inner handle shaft of rectangular shape. It is contemplated that the disclosed handle configurations can also be formed as a tubular element slipped over the end of an existing handle structure. 
     The tubular element could replace the conventional octagonal handle or could be mounted over it. Alternatively, the tubular element could be mounted over other handle structures having other shapes. In each case, when a tubular construction is used, the interior configuration of the tube is preferably shaped to closely match the exterior configuration of the handle structure on which it is mounted. If the handle structure on which the tubular element is mounted is octagonal, which it would be if the tubular element is mounted over an existing octagonal handle, the interior surface is formed octagonally. If the handle structure on which the tubular element is mounted is rectangular, which it would be if the tubular element is added during initial racquet manufacture, or if the tubular element is added to an existing racquet after removing the original octagonal handle, the interior surface is formed rectangularly. If the interior of the tubular element does not conform exactly to the shape of the surface on which the element is mounted, it should at least fit snugly enough to prevent relative movement between the two structures. 
     It has been found that there are sometimes factors of economy and performance which can be obtained if the tubular element is molded separately of two different contoured pieces  44  and  46 . The pieces can then be connected into a contoured assembly  45 . This method will preserve the integrity of normal racquet production while permitting a great deal of tailoring for the hand of the particular player involved. 
     In FIG. 19 a  there are a pair of contoured elements  44  and  46  that, when connected together, form an octagonal inner surface  49  to engage the octagonal periphery  54  of a handle structure in the form of the lower handle portion  20   a.    
     If desired, the elements  44  and  46  can be made to snap together around the handle portion  20   a . Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 19 a , the upper and lower surfaces of the handle portion  20   a  can be formed with T-shaped grooves  40  and  42  substantially throughout the length thereof. As shown in FIGS. 20 a  and  21   a , the interior of elements  44  and  46  are formed with one or more T-shaped members or rails  48  and  50 , respectively, for reception by these grooves. Extending downwardly from upper piece  44  is a T-shaped rail  48  adapted to be snugly received in a matching groove  40 . Extending upwardly from lower piece  46  is a T-shaped rail  50  adapted to be snugly but slidably received in a groove  42 . The assembly  45  can have the configurations molded according to any of the embodiments shown in this or in the parent applications. 
     As seen from FIG. 22 a , a tubular element  75  is made either as a unitary sleeve or formed from the two contoured elements  44  and  46  connected together as the contour assembly  45 . The tubular element  75  can be moved axially along the lower handle portion  20   a  to a selected location where the tubular element can be affixed to the handle by way of a screw  55  or the like. The upper side of the tubular element  75  is formed with an aperture  56  to receive the screw  55 . 
     After securement of the tubular element  75 , the remainder of the lower handle portion  20   a  is then wrapped by a conventional strap  58  (usually leather) in known fashion from the base  25  up to the tubular element  75 . The strap is secured and bonded to the handle in the normal fashion. 
     In FIG. 19 b  there are a pair of contoured elements  44  and  46  that, when connected together, form a rectangular inner surface  49  to engage the rectangular periphery  54  of a handle structure in the form of a handle inner shaft  20   b . 
     If desired, the elements  44  and  46  can be made to snap together around the handle inner shaft  20   b . Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 19 b , the upper and lower surfaces of the handle inner shaft  20   b  can be formed with T-shaped grooves  40  and  42  substantially throughout the length of the handle inner shaft. As shown in FIGS. 20 b  and  21   b , the interior of elements  44  and  46  are formed with two T-shaped members or rails  48  and  50 , respectively, for reception by these grooves. Thus, extending downwardly from upper piece  44  are two T-shaped rails  48  adapted to be snugly received in a matching groove  40 . Extending inwardly and upwardly from lower piece  46  are two T-shaped rails  50  adapted to be it snugly but slidably received in a groove  42 . Enlarged openings  60  along the grooves  40  and  42  are sized to receive the flanged portions of the T-shaped rails  48  and  50 , and will facilitate mounting the pieces  44  and  46  to the handle inner shaft  20   b . The assembly  45  can have the configurations molded according to any of the embodiments shown in this or in the parent applications. 
     FIG. 21 b  shows an exterior covering  74  over contoured elements  44  and  46 . The covering  74  is made of a cushioning material which adds to comfort and shock absorption. 
     As seen from FIG. 22 b , a tubular element  75  is made either as a unitary sleeve or formed from the two contoured elements  44  and  46  connected together as the contour assembly  45 . The tubular element  75  which can be moved axially along the handle inner shaft  20   b  to a selected location where the tubular element can be affixed to the handle by way of a screw  55  or the like. The upper side of the tubular element  75  is formed with an aperture  56  to receive the screw  55 . 
     After securement of the tubular element  75 , the lower handle portion  20   a , formed by a conventional octagonal sleeve, is mounted on the handle inner shaft  20   b . The lower handle portion  20   a  is then wrapped by a conventional strap  58  (usually leather) in known fashion from the base  25  up to the tubular element  75 . The strap is secured and bonded to the handle in the normal fashion. If a gap remains between the tubular element  75  and the lower handle portion  20   a , a filler or filler rings  76  can be inserted before wrapping with the strap  58 . As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the fillers or rings  76  are either friction-fitted or snapped or glued to the handle inner shaft  20   b  prior to wrapping with strap  58 . The fillers  76  provide a smooth transition between the tubular element  75  and the lower handle portion  20   a . They can also be used in the two-handed embodiment of FIG. 16 between the contour areas  50  and  52  to adjust the spacing thereof. 
     The grooves  40  and  42  need not run the entire length of the handle inner shaft  20   b  if shorter grooves are desired. If shorter grooves are desired, a modification of the T-shaped grooves is made. In the event the tubular element  75  is molded in one piece, the grooves will be formed so as to extend to the lower end of the handle inner shaft  20   b.    
     It should be understood that certain commercial adhesives can be used to secure pieces together during assembly. For instance, the engaging of contoured elements  44  and  46  can be secured by an adhesive. The same is true for fillers  76  and  77 . 
     Although the means for securing and locating the tubular element  75  along the length of the handle inner shaft  20   b  is described with respect to a particular contoured assembly, it should be understood that such location means can be used for all embodiments as well as the two-handed embodiment. 
     Referring now to FIG. 25 for nomenclature purposes, the left hand of a tennis player is shown, which in the case of right handed players, is a secondary hand used for two handed backhand strokes. The index finger, thumb, and the padded saddle area at the base of the thumb contribute guidance, control and power to the player during back hand strokes. The third, fourth, and fifth fingers provide much of the grasping power. 
     Referring now to FIG. 26, wherein like numerals indicate like parts previously shown and described in prior figures, the numeral  20  indicates an octagonal tennis racquet handle of the racquet R. The tennis racquet handle  20  includes side surfaces  16  and  18 . The top surface of the octagonal portion of the handle is indicated by the numeral  19  and the bottom surface by the numeral  19 ′. 
     In the preceding embodiments, a contour area comprising a protrusion  22  and a trigger  24  have been disclosed. The protrusion  22  provides a surface against which the saddle formed by the index finger and the thumb of the player&#39;s principal playing hand can be placed. This engagement locates the principal playing hand and/or acts as a pivotal point when changing from forehand to backhand grips and vice versa. The trigger  24  supports the index finger of the principal playing hand for added control and for increasing the player&#39;s awareness of his or her principal playing hand along the length of the handle. 
     As shown in FIGS. 27-30, a single contour area can be constructed for two-handed backhand play by modifying the protrusion  22 . In this embodiment the protrusion  22  still receives the area between the thumb and forefinger of the principal playing hand, and the trigger  24  still receives the index finger of the principal playing hand. However, the contour area is adapted to accommodate the secondary playing hand by forming an angled depression  22   a  in the racket head side of the protrusion  22  to receive the padded area at the base of the thumb of the secondary playing hand. The base side  22   b  of the protrusion  22  remains the same as in previous embodiments. The angle of the concavity  22   a  is such that the concavity extends longitudinally from a first end located closest to the base of the handle  20  to a second end located closest to the racket head. Laterally, the concavity  22   a  preferably also extends from the upper edge of the side surface  18  and across the upper surface  19 . If desired, the concavity  22   a  can also be extended laterally to the upper edge of the side surface  16 . As shown in FIG. 29, the concavity  22   a  is preferably aligned along the line generally formed by the thumb of the secondary playing hand as it wraps around the handle  20 . The concavity  22   a  allows the secondary playing hand to be positioned closely adjacent to the principal playing hand for increased power and control during two-handed backhand strokes. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 31 and 32, it will be seen that the side  18  of the handle  20  can be downwardly angled at the racket head end thereof to form a downwardly angled surface  18   a  that receives the first knuckle of the index finger of the secondary playing hand. This provides a slight Western grip for two-handed backhand strokes. As further shown in FIG. 31, a concavity  80  can be provided in the upper side  19  of the handle  20  to receive the butt of the principal playing hand. The concavity  80  brings the grasping fingers closer together and provides for a better grip on the handle  20 . FIG. 31 further shows that the trigger  24  can be positioned toward the base end of the handle  20  relative to the protrusion  22 . This configuration can be used so that the thumb of the principal playing hand can engage the trigger  24  during backhand strokes. 
     Referring now to FIG. 33, another contour configuration is shown in which one or more indentations  90  and  92  are formed on the net side of the handle  20 . The indentations  90  and  92  receive the first knuckle of the index finger of the principal playing hand. The indentation  90  is formed in the side surface  16  of the handle  20  and is useful for forehand strokes. The indentation  92  is formed on or slightly below the surface  22   b  of the protrusion  22  and is useful for serves and volleys. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35, a contour assembly  100  is shown for use in accordance with a useful handle construction method. In FIG. 35 there are a pair of contoured elements  102  and  104  that, when connected together, form an octagonal inner surface  106  to engage the octagonal periphery  108  of a handle shaft S. 
     The contoured element  102  includes a shaped outer portion  110  made from a suitable semi-soft cushioning material, such as neoprene rubber. The exterior surface of the outer portion  110  is contoured to define an upper portion of one of the contour shapes disclosed above. An inner sheet portion  112  of the contoured element  102  is affixed to, or made integral with, the inner side of the outer portion  110 . The inner sheet portion  112  defines a pair of side flaps  114  extending below the outer portion  110 . The inner portion  112  can be made from any suitably strong sheet material. An adhesive layer  116  is applied to the inside of the inner portion  112  and the inner portion  112  is made to wrap around and bond to the sides of the handle shaft S. Alternatively, a removable connection could be provided between the contoured element  102  and the handle S. 
     The contoured element  104  is formed from a shaped outer portion  120  made from a suitable semi-soft cushioning material, such as neoprene rubber. The exterior surface of the outer portion  120  is contoured to define the side and lower portions of one of the contour shapes disclosed above. An adhesive layer  122  is applied to the inner surface of the outer portion  120  and is made to wrap around and bond to the handle shaft S and the side flaps  114  of the inner portion  112  of the contour element  102 . Alternatively, a removable connection could be provided between the contoured element  104  and the handle shaft S. 
     Thus, an integral assembly  100  is formed to define a contour area of a racket. The assembly  100  can have a configuration molded according to any of the embodiments shown in this or in the parent applications. 
     Referring now to FIG. 36, a unitary molded handle sleeve element  130  is shown. The sleeve  130  is formed over a handle shaft S. It includes a stiff inner frame  132  made from a material such as plastic or aluminum. The inner frame  132  is affixed to the handle shaft S using any suitable means, such as adhesive bonding, or perhaps a removable connection. An intermediate layer  134  is formed, preferably by molding, over the inner frame  132  and is made from a light weight material such as polymeric foam, e.g., expandable polystyrene, expandable polypropylene, or the like. The intermediate layer  134  is configured to define one of the handle contour shapes disclosed above. The intermediate layer  134  is covered, preferably by molding, by an exterior layer  136  made from a semi-soft material such as neoprene rubber. Advantageously, the light weight of the intermediate layer  134  reduces handle weight and thereby increases player comfort and racket control. 
     Referring now to FIG. 37, there are a pair of contoured elements  150  and  152  that, when connected together, form a rectangular inner surface  153  to engage the rectangular periphery  154  of a handle shaft structure S. The handle shaft S is conventional in nature and can be made from wood, metal, composite plastic or any other suitable material. 
     As shown in FIG. 38, each of the contoured elements  150  and  152  have hollow interiors so as to reduce handle weight. The contoured element  150  includes a frame  156  that is preferably made from molded plastic or aluminum, or any other suitable lightweight material. The frame  156  is covered by an exterior layer  158  of a semi-soft material such as neoprene rubber. The frame  156  forms an interior air space  160  that reduces the weight of the element  150 . As also shown in FIG. 37, the frame  156  is further formed with upper and lower arrays of snap holes  162  for attaching the element  150  to the element  152 . 
     The contoured element  152  includes a frame  164  that is preferably made from molded plastic or aluminum, or any other suitable lightweight material. The frame  164  is covered by an exterior layer  166  of a semi-soft material such as neoprene rubber. The frame  164  forms an interior air space  168  that reduces the weight of the element  152 . The frame  164  is further formed with upper and lower arrays of snaps  170  for attaching the element  152  to the element  150 . 
     The contour elements  150  and  152  are thus preferably made to snap together around the handle shaft S. To achieve further weight savings, the handle shaft itself can be made from a frame  172  made from any suitably strong lightweight material that defines an interior air space  174 . 
     As further shown in FIG. 37, the assembly formed by the contour elements  150  and  152  can be selectively positioned on the handle shaft S using a set screw  176  that extends through a hole  178  in the contour element  152  and threads into one of a plurality of holes  180  formed in the handle shaft S. Alternatively, the set screw  176  could extend through the holes  180  in the handle shaft and thread into one of a plurality of holes (not shown) in the contour element  150 . The contour elements  150  and  152  can be mounted on the shaft S at selected locations depending on which of the holes  180  is used to receive the set screw  176 . 
     After securement of the contour elements  150  and  152  using the screw  176 , the remainder of the handle can be formed using one or more pairs of gap filler pieces  190  and a pair of handle base elements  192  and  194 . 
     The gap filler pieces  190 , which are made from plastic, metal or any other suitable material, are configured to mount to the handle shaft S immediately adjacent the base end of the contour elements  150  and  152 . Like the contour elements  150  and  152 , the gap filler pieces  190  may have hollow interiors and exteriors coated with a semi-soft material such as neoprene rubber. The gap filler pieces  190  preferably have a conventional octagonal exterior shape. The interiors of the gap filler pieces are U-shaped in order to receive the rectangular shaft S. Each gap filler piece has a pair of snaps  196  formed on an inner side surface thereof. The snaps  196  releasably engage snap holes  198  formed in the sides of the handle shaft S at locations where the gap filler pieces are to be mounted. 
     The handle base elements  192  and  194 , which are made of plastic, metal or any other suitable material, have an octagonal exterior surface and a U-shaped interior surface, much like the gap filler pieces  190 . The exterior surface may be coated with a semi-soft material such as neoprene rubber. The handle base elements  192  and  194  are substantially longer than the gap filler pieces  190  and have flared base portions  200  and  202 , respectively. In addition, an interior surface of each of the handle base elements  192  and  194  has a recess  206  that engages a bar stop member  208  formed on each side of the shaft S. The bar stop members  208  help maintain the handle base elements in position on the shaft S and prevent them from moving toward the base end thereof. The handle base elements  192  and  194  attach to the shaft S in similar fashion to the contour elements  159  and  152 . The handle base element  194  has two rows of snap holes  210  formed on two interior surfaces thereof that mate with corresponding interior surfaces on the handle base element  192 . Corresponding snaps (not shown) are formed on the two opposing interior surfaces of the handle base element  192 . When the handle base elements  192  and  194  are snapped together, they form a single assembly having a conventional octagonal handle shape. To help secure the handle base elements  192  and  194  to the shaft S, a set screw  212  is mounted so as to extend through a hole  214  formed in the handle base element  192 , a hole  216  formed in the shaft S, and into a threaded hole  218  formed in the handle base element  194 . 
     After assembly on the shaft S, the contour elements  150  and  152 , the gap fillers pieces  190 , and the handle base elements  192  and  194 , can be wrapped by a conventional strap (usually leather) in known fashion. The strap is secured and bonded to the handle in the normal fashion. Alternatively, if a neoprene rubber or the like is coated on the outside of the aforementioned elements, it may be desirable to forego the strap. 
     Referring now to FIG. 39, a contour assembly  220  is shown for use in accordance with another useful handle construction method. The contour assembly  220  is adapted for wrapping around and engaging the octagonal periphery  222  of a handle shaft S, one side of which is shown in FIG.  39 . The contour assembly  220  may be formed as a continuous flexible sheet of material having one or more plies. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 39, at least the outer portion thereof may be segmented into a series of parallel adjacent plates  224  that are separated by intermediate gaps  226 . If a segmented construction is used, the plates  224  will preferably be generally rectangular when viewed in plan. Most of the contour assembly  220  is generally flat when viewed from the side. Selected portions thereof have surface relief contours that are shaped to provide a trigger  228  and a protuberance  230 , respectively. 
     The contour assembly  220  is wrapped around the handle S in a clockwise direction starting at a location  232  on the right side  234  of the handle when viewing the handle from its base end. Preferably, the location  232  is at the ridge line representing the intersection between the right side wall and upper right-hand diagonal wall  236  of the handle S. The contour assembly  220  may be located at any desired distance from the base of the handle S. FIG. 40 shows the contour assembly  220  after it has been wrapped around the handle S and secured for use. 
     If a segmented construction is used as in FIG. 39, each of the plates  224  should be sized such that an integer number of plates, e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc., taking into account any intervening gaps  226  in the case of multiple plates, will span the entirety of each octagonal side of the handle S. This ensures that no plate extends over the intersection of any two handle sides. Only the gaps  226 , if present, span such intersections. 
     Turning now to FIG. 41, the contour assembly  220  is shown after it has been wrapped around the octagonal sides  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244 ,  246  and  248  of the handle S. A layer of adhesive  250  that extends over all of the handle sides is used to secure the contour assembly  220  in place. The contour assembly  220  demonstrates the use of a partially segmented construction comprising two gaps  226 . The remainder of the contour assembly  220  is continuous, at least in the area of the trigger  228  and the protuberance  230 . 
     FIG. 42 illustrates the positioning of the trigger  244  at an approximate “7:30” position on the handle S, if the base of the handle is viewed as a clock face. As shown in previous FIG. 41, this positioning facilitates a Western grip. Other trigger positions between the “6:00” and “8:00” could also be used. 
     FIGS. 43 a ,  43   b  and  43   c  illustrate construction details of the contour assembly  220 . The inner side of the contour assembly is formed by a continuous layer of stiff but flexible sheet material  260 , which could be either woven or nonwoven. The adhesive layer  250  is placed on the bottom of the inner sheet layer  260 . Preferably, an integrated material is used that provides both the inner sheet layer  260  and the adhesive layer  250 . A backing sheet would typically be provided to cover the adhesive layer  250  until the contour assembly  220  is ready to be mounted on the handle S. 
     A outer layer  270  is mounted by any suitable means to the inner layer  260 . The outer layer  270  can be made from any suitable semi-soft cushioning material, such as neoprene rubber, polyuerethane, etc., which can be molded to form the shapes required for the trigger  228  and the protuberance  230 . It is the outer layer  270  which can be segmented to form the segmented construction of FIG. 39, or the partially segmented construction of FIG. 41, as desired. 
     FIG. 43 a  illustrates a segmented construction wherein the outer layer  270  is segmented by forming depressions  272  therein, such that the gaps  226  represent areas of reduced thickness of the outer layer  270 . FIG. 43 b  illustrates a segmented construction wherein the outer layer  270  is segmented by forming interruptions  274  therein, such that the gaps  226  represent areas of complete elimination of the outer layer  270 . FIG. 43 c  illustrates a segmented construction wherein the outer layer  270  is segmented by forming dual interruptions  276  therein, such that the gaps it  226  represent two areas of complete elimination of the outer layer  270 , separated by a thin line  278  of the outer layer  270 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 44, a contour assembly in the form of a unitary molded handle boot element  280  is shown. The boot  280  is adapted for mounting on a handle shaft S by pulling the boot over the base end of the handle until it bottoms out on the base end  282  of the boot. The handle shaft S has an octagonal portion S 1 , a rectangular portion S 2 , and a transitional portion S 3 . The boot has an elongated well  284  therein for receiving the handle S. As shown in FIGS. 45 a  and  45   b , the well  284  has a rectangular portion sized to accommodate the handle portion S 2 , and an octagonal portion sized to accommodate the handle portions S 1  and S 3 . A vent hole  286  is formed at the bottom of the well  284  to release trapped air as the boot is placed on the handle S. To assist in mounting the boot  280  over the handle S, a collar  288  is provided at the forward end thereof. This collar can be cut away from the boot  280  after mounting is completed. 
     The boot  280  can be made from any semi-soft cushioning material that is also resilient so that the boot can stretch when it is placed over the handle S. It can be molded using conventional injection molding techniques, with an insert being used to define the well  284 . The well  284  is preferably made smaller than the cross-sectional size of the handle S so that the boot fits snugly thereon. To permanently secure the boot  280  to the handle S, the handle is coated with an adhesive such as contact cement, or a two-sided adhesive tape, prior to mounting. In either case, it may be desirable to apply a suitable softening agent, such as alcohol, immediately prior to mounting the boot  280  to facilitate its placement on the handle S. After mounting, the boot should be left undisturbed for a period of time that allows the adhesive to cure. 
     Referring now to FIG. 46, a racquet  300 , which by way of example could be a tennis racquet, includes a racquet head  302 , a racquet neck N formed by dual neck members  304  mounted to the head  302 , and a contour assembly  306  mounted to the neck N. As used herein, the term “mount” in reference to the connection between the neck N and the contour assembly  306  includes separate components attached together (either fixedly or adjustably), as well as integrally formed components. In the embodiment of FIG. 46, the contour assembly  306  is preferably permanently mounted to the racquet neck N. The contour assembly  306  has a surface configuration in accordance with a designed contour that preferably includes an upper protrusion  308  and a lower trigger  310 . A thumb depression  312  could be further provided. 
     To provide adjustability of the position of the contour assembly  306  relative to the base end of the racquet  300 , a removable handle base member  314  is securable to the contour assembly  306 . The base member  314  has a longitudinally-extending threaded bore  316  therein that receives a threaded stub  318  extending longitudinally from, and which is fixedly mounted to, the base end of the contour assembly  306 . To secure the base member  314  against loosening after it is fully threadably mounted on the stub  318 , a set screw (not shown) is inserted into threaded holes  320  and  322  formed in the base member  314  and the stub  318 , respectively. Together, the contour assembly  306  and the base member  314  provide a handle  324  having a handle base end  326  and a handle head end  328 . The length of the handle  324  can be adjusted by utilizing base members  314  of different length. This effectively changes the longitudinal position of the contour assembly  306  relative to the base end  326  of the handle  324  without having to move the contour assembly  306  on a handle shaft. 
     Referring now to FIG. 48, a racquet handle  330  includes a contour assembly  332  permanently mounted to a racquet neck N. The contour assembly  332  has a surface configuration in accordance with a designed contour that preferably includes an upper protrusion  334  and a lower trigger  336 . A thumb depression  338  could be further provided. 
     A removable handle base member  340  is securable to the contour assembly  332 . The base member  340  has an axially-extending rectangular stub  342  that is received in a corresponding rectangular channel  344  formed in the contour assembly  332 . The stub  342  has a pair of flexible locking tabs  346  extending from opposing sides thereof. The tabs  346  are accommodated in wedge shaped recesses  348 . When the stub  342  is fully received in the channel  344 , the free ends of the tabs  346  engage shoulders  350  formed at the ends of the recesses  348 . This engagement fully secures the base member  340  against the contour assembly  332 . 
     Together, the contour assembly  332  and the base member  340  provide a handle  330  having a base end  352  and a head end  354 . To release the base member  340  from the contour assembly  332 , a pair of holes  356  are formed in the contour assembly  332  for accessing the tabs  346  with an elongated implement, such as a screw driver, that can be used to deflect the tabs  346  out of engagement with the shoulders  350 . The length of the handle  330  can be adjusted by attaching base members  340  of different length. This effectively changes the longitudinal position of the contour assembly  332  relative to the base end  352  of the handle  330  without having to move the contour assembly  332  on a handle shaft. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 49-51, a racquet handle  360  includes a contour assembly  362  permanently mounted to a racquet neck N. The contour assembly  362  has a surface configuration in accordance with a designed contour that preferably includes an upper protrusion  364  and a lower trigger  366 . A thumb depression  368  could be further provided. 
     A handle base member  370  is secured to a handle shaft stub S extending longitudinally from, and which is fixedly mounted to, the contour assembly  362 . The base member  370  has two outer sleeve halves  372  and an inner lock mechanism  373 . The lock mechanism  373  attaches to the outer sleeve halves  372  via interconnecting longitudinal pegs  374  (one is shown in FIG. 50) that are received in corresponding recesses  375  formed in the outer sleeve halves  372  (one is shown in FIG.  50 ). The handle shaft stub S has a hollow interior that receives the lock mechanism  373 . The pegs  373  are accommodated by longitudinal slots  376  formed in the handle shaft stub S. One of the slots  376  is larger than the other to allow the lock mechanism  373  to be inserted into the hollow interior of the handle shaft S. 
     The lock mechanism  373  itself has a hollow interior that receives a detent member  377  having a pair of detent tabs  378 . The detent tabs  378  extend through slots  379  formed in the lock mechanism  373 , and are configured to engage one of several pairs of longitudinally spaced slots  380  formed on opposing inner sides of the handle shaft stub S. FIG. 51 shows two alternative constructions in which the end of each slot  380  that is closest to the contour assembly  362  can either be angled, as shown at  381 , or non-angled. A first end of the detent member  377  is mounted to a plunger  382  that extends longitudinally from the detent member  377  to a button  384 . A second end of the detent member  377  engages a spring  386  that is retained within a spring receptacle  388  portion of the lock mechanism  373 , which extends forwardly from the slots  379  toward the contour assembly  362 . The spring  386  biases the detent member  377  such that the detent tabs  378  are urged into engagement with the slots  380 . This holds the base member  370  securely in position against the contour assembly  362 . 
     The base member  370  is released from the handle shaft stub S by depressing the button  384 , which is accessible through a hole  385  formed in one end of the base member  370 . This pushes the detent member  377  into the spring receptacle  388 . The detent tabs  378  engage rounded shoulders  389  formed on the side of the slots  379  that is closest to the contour assembly  362 , and the detent tabs are deflected out of engagement with the slots  380 . A plunger support portion  390  of the lock mechanism  373  guides the plunger  382  during this longitudinal motion. 
     Together, the contour assembly  362  and the base member  370  provide a handle  360  having a base end  392  and a head end  394 . The length of the handle  330  can be adjusted by attaching base members  370  of different length. This effectively changes the longitudinal position of the contour assembly  362  relative to the base end  392  of the handle  360  without having to move the contour assembly  362  on a handle shaft. 
     Referring now to FIG. 52, a racquet handle  400  includes a contour assembly  402  permanently mounted to a racquet neck N. The contour assembly  402  has a surface configuration in accordance with a designed contour that preferably includes an upper protrusion  404  and a lower trigger  406 . 
     A removable handle base member  408  is securable to a handle shaft stub S extending longitudinally from, and which is fixedly mounted to, the contour assembly  402 . The base member  408  is formed with two sleeve halves  410  that can be mounted together using fasteners, such as screws  412 , or other appropriate mounting methods such as adhesive bonding or sonic welding (if the sleeve halves are plastic). The inner surface of each sleeve half  410  is formed with a peg  414  (only one is shown) that is received in a main slot  416  (only one is shown) formed in the handle shaft stub S. When the pegs  414  are located in the main slot  416 , the base member  408  can be moved axially along the handle shaft stub S to adjust the length of the handle  400 . When the desired length has been achieved, the base member  408  is rotated clockwise to slide the pegs  414  into one of several L-shaped slot extensions  418  oriented transversely to the main slot  416 . 
     One or more gap filler members  420  can be used to fill the gap, if any, between the contour assembly  402  and the base member  408 . For stability, each gap filler member  420  preferably includes a peg  422  that engages a groove  424  (only one is shown) formed in the handle shaft stub S. Snaps  426 , or any other removable connection, can be used to removably mount the gap filler members on the handle shaft stub S. The mating ends of the gap filler members  420  can be tapered at  428  to allow them to be wedged into place, if necessary. As a precaution against inadvertent separation of the base member  408  from the handle shaft stub S during racquet use, a safety collar  430  is formed on the handle shaft stub S to engage a groove  432  formed in the base member  408 . 
     Together, the contour assembly  402  and the base member  408  provide a handle  400  having a base end  434  and a head end  436 . The length of the handle  400  can be adjusted by locking the base member  408  in different ones of the slot extensions  418 . This effectively changes the longitudinal position of the contour assembly  402  relative to the base end  434  of the handle  400  without having to move the contour assembly  402  on a handle shaft. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 53-55, a racquet handle  400 ′ is shown which is identical in most respects to the racquet handle  400  of FIG. 52 except that the pegs  414 ′ are located on the handle shaft stub S′ and the main slots  416 ′ and slot extensions  418 ′ are located on the base member  408 ′. FIGS. 54 a ,  54   b ,  54   c  and  54   d  further illustrate how the pegs  414 ′ lock into the slot extensions  418 ′. FIG. 54 a  shows the base member  408 ′ in its fully locked position. FIG. 54 b  shows the base member  408 ′ after it has been pushed toward the contour assembly  402 ′. One of the pegs  414 ′ is shown as being ready for disengagement from a slot extension  418 ′ in which it was mounted. FIG. 54 c  shows the peg  414 ′ after it has been rotated out of the slot extension  418 ′ and into the main slot  416 ′. FIG. 54 d  shows the peg  414 ′ after is has been moved along the main slot  416 ′ to a new slot extension  418 ′. This is achieved by pulling the base member  408 ′ away from the contour assembly  402 ′. 
     FIG. 55 illustrates an alternative one-piece base member  408 ″ with main slots  416 ″ (the slot extensions are not shown). The base member  408 ″ could be made of molded plastic or any other suitable material. For weight reduction, the base member  408 ″ preferably has a substantially hollow interior. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 56 and 57, a racquet handle  440  includes a contour assembly  442  that is permanently or removably mounted to a racquet neck N. The contour assembly  442  mounts to an elongated portion of the racquet neck N which shall be referred to as stub N′. The contour assembly  442  has a surface configuration in accordance with a designed contour that preferably includes an upper protrusion  444  and a lower trigger  446 . The surface configuration of the contour assembly  442  can be provided by two pieces  442   a  and  442   b  that are mounted on the stub N′ using suitable fasteners, such as one or more screws  443 . 
     A removable handle base member  448  is securable to a handle shaft stub S. The base member  448  is formed with two sleeve halves  450  that can be mounted together using fasteners, such as screws  452 , or other appropriate mounting methods such as adhesive bonding or sonic welding (if the sleeve halves are plastic). The handle shaft stub S is provided with opposing pins  454  (only one is shown) that are biased by springs  456 , as shown in FIG.  57 . 
     The contour assembly  442 , and specifically the stub N′, is formed with an interior, axially-extending channel  458  that receives the handle shaft stub S. Opposing slot arrangements  460  (only one is shown) receive the pins  454  and allow the base member  448  to adjustably mount to the contour assembly  442  using the rotate/lock-rotate/unlock procedure described in connection with the handles  400  and  400 ′ of FIGS. 52-55. One or more gap filler members  462  can be used to fill the gap, if any, between the contour assembly  442  and the base member  448 . 
     Together, the contour assembly  442  and the base member  448  provide a handle  440  having a base end  464  and a head end  466 . The length of the handle  440  can be adjusted by locking the pins  454  of the base member  448  in different ones of the slot extensions within the slot arrangements  460 . This effectively changes the longitudinal position of the contour assembly  442  relative to the base end  464  of the handle  440  without having to move the contour assembly  442  on a handle shaft. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 58-61, a racquet handle  470  includes an adjustably mounted contour assembly  472  having a surface configuration in accordance with a designed contour that preferably includes an upper protrusion  474  and a lower trigger  476 . 
     A removable handle base member  478  is securable to a handle shaft stub S that extends from a racquet neck N. The base member  478  is formed with two sleeve halves  480  that can be mounted together using fasteners, such as screws  482 , or other appropriate mounting methods such as adhesive bonding or sonic welding (if the sleeve halves are plastic). 
     The contour assembly  472  is formed with a pivoting lock arm  484  that is mounted thereto using a pivot pin  486 . The lock arm  484  has a tooth pattern  488  that engages a corresponding tooth pattern  490  formed on the racquet neck N. One or more gap filler members  492  can be used to fill the gap, if any, between the contour assembly  472  and the base member  478 . 
     Together, the contour assembly  472  and the base member  478  provide a handle  470  having a base end  494  and a head end  496 . The length of the handle  470  can be adjusted by disengaging the pivoting lock arm  484  from the neck N and sliding the contour assembly  472  to a desired position. Closing the pivotal lock arm  484  relocks the contour assembly  472  on the neck N. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 62 and 63, a racquet handle  500  includes a permanently mounted contour assembly  502  having a surface configuration in accordance with a designed contour that preferably includes an upper protrusion  504  and a lower trigger  506 . 
     A removable handle base member  508  is securable to a handle shaft stub S that extends from the contour assembly  502 . The base member  508  is formed with two sleeve halves  510  that can be mounted together using fasteners, such as screws (not shown), or other appropriate mounting methods such as adhesive bonding or sonic welding (if the sleeve halves are plastic). 
     The base member  508 , and specifically, one of the sleeve halves  510 , is formed with a pivoting lock arm  512  that is mounted thereto using a pivot pin  514 . The lock arm  512  has a tooth pattern  516  that engages a corresponding tooth pattern  518  formed on the stub S. One or more gap filler members  520  can be used to fill the gap, if any, between the contour assembly  502  and the base member  508 . 
     Together, the contour assembly  502  and the base member  508  provide a handle  500  having a base end  522  and a head end  524 . The length of the handle  500  can be adjusted by disengaging the pivoting lock arm  512  from the stub S and sliding the base member  508  to a desired position. Closing the pivotal lock arm  512  relocks the base member  508  on the stub S. To limit the adjustment of the base member  508 , and to prevent handle disengagement during use, a peg  526  is formed on an area of the stub S that does not carry the teeth  518 . The peg  526  rides in a channel  528  formed in the sleeve half  510  that does not carry the lock arm  512 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 64 and 65, a racquet handle  530  includes a permanently mounted contour assembly  532  having a surface configuration in accordance with a designed contour that preferably includes an upper protrusion  534  and a lower trigger  536 . 
     A removable handle base member  538  is securable to a handle shaft stub S that extends from the contour assembly  532 . The base member  538  is formed with two sleeve halves  540  that can be mounted together using fasteners, such as screws  542 , or other appropriate mounting methods such as adhesive bonding or sonic welding (if the sleeve halves are plastic). Each sleeve half is preferably formed with a peg  544  (only one is shown) that engages a slot  546  (only one is shown) formed in the stub S. 
     The stub S is formed with a threaded bore  548  that receives a base member adjustment bolt  550 . The adjustment bolt  550  has a flange  552  at its head end that engages an annular slot  554  formed at one end of the base member  538 . 
     With this arrangement, the base member  538  can be axially adjusted on the stub S by advancing or retracting the adjustment bolt  550  in the bore  548 . One or more gap filler members  556  can be used to fill the gap, if any, between the contour assembly  532  and the base member  538 . 
     Together, the contour assembly  532  and the base member  538  provide a handle  530  having a base end  558  and a head end  560 . Adjustment of the length of the handle  530  is achieved using the adjustment bolt  550 , as described above. This effectively changes the longitudinal position of the contour assembly  532  relative to the base end  558  of the handle  530  without having to move the contour assembly  532  on a handle shaft. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 66 and 67, a handle contour assembly  570  that could be used with any of the preceding embodiments is adapted as a helical coil for wrapping around and engaging the octagonal periphery  572  of an octagonal handle shaft S extending from a neck N of a racquet. The contour assembly  570  is formed as a continuous flexible strip of material having one or more plies. Most of the contour assembly  570  is generally flat, as shown by reference numeral  574 , when viewed from the side in an unwrapped configuration. Selected portions thereof have surface relief contours that are shaped to provide a protuberance  576  and a trigger  578 , respectively. 
     The contour assembly  570  is wrapped around the handle shaft S in a clockwise direction starting at a location  580  on the handle shaft S. To facilitate wrapping, one side  582  of the contour assembly  570  is formed as a flat extension that provides an overlap area designed to be overlapped by the opposite side  584  of the contour assembly  570  as the contour assembly is wrapped around the handle shaft S. The contour assembly  570  is secured in position by applying an appropriate adhesive or other fastening implement, such as hook and loop material, between an end portion  586  of the contour assembly  500  and an intermediate portion  588  located approximately  360  degrees from the end portion  586 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 68 and 69, a racquet handle  590  includes a contour assembly  592  that could be used in association with any of the previously-described racquet handles. The contour assembly  592  has a surface configuration in accordance with a designed contour that preferably includes an upper protrusion  594  and a lower trigger  596 . The contour assembly  592  is mounted to a racquet neck N. The contour assembly  592  is formed with reference ridges or lines A, B, C and D to guide the rotational and axial placement of a user&#39;s fingers on the racquet handle  590  during game play. More specifically, as the user&#39;s hand and fingers shift or slide around from one position to another across the contour assembly  592 , the reference ridges A and D provide recognizable rotational reference points. The reference ridges B and C provide recognizable references in the axial direction and also help position the user&#39;s forefinger relative to the trigger  596 . Other reference ridges could also be used. If desired, the reference ridges could be color-coded or otherwise highlighted to make them more visually distinct. 
     Thus, various contour assemblies are formed to define a contour area of a racquet. The assemblies can have a surface configuration according to any of the embodiments shown in this or in the parent applications. 
     There have been described several new racquet handle configurations with means for adjustment. The embodiments described herein are illustrative of the invention but should not be construed as limitations upon the rights of the invention, which are defined by the scope of the hereinafter appended claims.