String for sports racquet and sports racquet with improved string

Abstract

In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, a resilient and elastic single-filament string for a sports racquet, and an accompanying complete sports racquet is provided. The string includes a central body with ridges that extend axially along the length of said central body, where the ridges and central body are initially formed as a single homogeneous structure. The sports racquet incorporates at least one of these single-filament strings, along with a frame formed of a rigid material containing a number of holes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A resilient, elastic, single-filament string for a sports racquet, comprising:
 a central body; and   a plurality of ridges that extend axially along the length of said central body,   wherein said ridges and said central body are created as a single homogeneous structure.   
     
     
         2 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein the cross-section of said central body is substantially circular. 
     
     
         3 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of ridges are spaced from one another evenly about the outer circumference of said central body. 
     
     
         4 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of ridges are spaced from one another unevenly about the outer circumference of said central body. 
     
     
         5 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein the cross-section of said central body is substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         6 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of ridges are substantially triangular. 
     
     
         7 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of ridges are substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         8 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of ridges are substantially pentagonal. 
     
     
         9 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of ridges are substantially hexagonal. 
     
     
         10 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of ridges are substantially octagonal. 
     
     
         11 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of ridges are substantially semicircular. 
     
     
         12 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein said string is formed of a synthetic material selected from the group consisting of nylon, polyester, Kevlar, Zyex, boron, graphite, Vectran, Polyolefin, and polyurethane. 
     
     
         13 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein said string is formed of a natural gut fiber. 
     
     
         14 . The string according to  claim 1 , wherein said string is coated by a wear-resistant material. 
     
     
         15 . A sports racquet comprising a frame, and at least one resilient, elastic, single-filament string, the string comprising:
 a central body; and   a plurality of ridges that extend axially along the length of said central body, wherein said ridges and said central body are created as a single homogeneous structure.   
     
     
         16 . The sports racquet according to  claim 15 , wherein the frame is comprised of a lightweight and rigid material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, titanium, magnesium, wood, ceramic, polymer, graphite, carbon composite, and fiberglass composite.