EP0093210A1 - Raquette à cordage à différentes tensions - Google Patents

Raquette à cordage à différentes tensions Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0093210A1
EP0093210A1 EP82302234A EP82302234A EP0093210A1 EP 0093210 A1 EP0093210 A1 EP 0093210A1 EP 82302234 A EP82302234 A EP 82302234A EP 82302234 A EP82302234 A EP 82302234A EP 0093210 A1 EP0093210 A1 EP 0093210A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
strings
ball
racket
string
network
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP82302234A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0093210B1 (fr
Inventor
Tsai Chen Soong
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to DE8282302234T priority Critical patent/DE3279456D1/de
Priority to EP82302234A priority patent/EP0093210B1/fr
Publication of EP0093210A1 publication Critical patent/EP0093210A1/fr
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Publication of EP0093210B1 publication Critical patent/EP0093210B1/fr
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B51/00Stringing tennis, badminton or like rackets; Strings therefor; Maintenance of racket strings
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B49/00Stringed rackets, e.g. for tennis
    • A63B49/02Frames
    • A63B49/028Means for achieving greater mobility of the string bed
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B49/00Stringed rackets, e.g. for tennis
    • A63B49/02Frames
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B49/00Stringed rackets, e.g. for tennis
    • A63B49/02Frames
    • A63B49/03Frames characterised by throat sections, i.e. sections or elements between the head and the shaft
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B51/00Stringing tennis, badminton or like rackets; Strings therefor; Maintenance of racket strings
    • A63B51/004Stringing tennis, badminton or like rackets; Strings therefor; Maintenance of racket strings using strings with different tension on the same frame
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B51/00Stringing tennis, badminton or like rackets; Strings therefor; Maintenance of racket strings
    • A63B51/02Strings; String substitutes; Products applied on strings, e.g. for protection against humidity or wear
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/54Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with means for damping vibrations

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an improved string network of tennis rackets, racquetball rackets, and other sport rackets that is more effective, efficient, and responsive in applying hitting force to a ball.
  • the invention not only recognizes that longer strings have important advantages, but it recognizes why longer strings work better and how they can be arranged to produce improved results. It includes several suggestions for extending longitudinal strings into the throat or shank region of a racket to have a substantially longer strung length; and it proposes several different arrangements for fanning out, guiding, and anchoring longer longitudinal strings.
  • the invention also recognizes that longer longitudinal strings should be strung with a higher tension than shorter transverse strings, and the invention determing both the reasons for and the extent of the higher tension for the longer strings to achieve a significantly better working relationship within the string network.
  • the invention not only recognizes the advantages of longer longitudinal strings strung at higher tension than the shorter transverse strings, but also quantifies an approximate functioning relationship that balances the greater tension and length of the longitudinal strings with the lesser tension and length of the transverse strings effectively to apportion more of the ball-hitting load to the longitudinal strings.
  • This gives a string network a higher coefficient of restitution imparting a higher velocity to a rebounding ball, spreads the higher coefficient of restitution throughout a wider network area, reduces losses from stretching and rubbing strings and deforming the ball, and lessens torque shock to the arm of the player.
  • Tennis rackets strung according to the invention have been made, tested, and used in play to verify measureable data, confirm analysis, and establish subjectively that the invention produces better control, higher velocity returns, and a lively and shock-free feel in shot making,
  • a racket having a hand grip joined to a frame supporting a string network that extends throughout a ball-hitting region spaced from said grip, said frame having a shank region extending from said grip and flaring outward in a throat region and extending around a generally oval ball-hitting region spanned by transverse and longitudinal strings, said racket comprising: at least a central plurality of said longitudinal strings having a strung length at least 30% longer than all other strings in said network; said central plurality of longer longitudinal strings including at least one-third of all the longitudinal strings in said network; and said longer longitudinal strings being strung with at least 30% more tension than all other strings in said network so that said longer strung length and greater tension causes said longer longitudinal strings to provide a greater share than the transverse strings of the string force that decelerates a ball penetrating said string network in a central region occupied by said longer longitudinal strings.
  • the greater length and tension of the longitudinal strings is selected relative to the lesser length and tension of the transverse strings to place nearly half or considerably more than half of the ball-hitting load on the longitudinal strings in contrast to prior art rackets that place substantially more than half of the ball-hitting load on the transverse strings.
  • longitudinal strings anchored nearer the longitudinal axis of the racket are geometrically more suited to bearing the ball-hitting load than the transverse strings anchored at the sides of the frame and transmitting more twisting shock to the player from off center hits.
  • Advantages related to these include a more responsive sweet spot area, a higher coefficient of restitution of the string network, more control and velocity for shots, and less vibration.
  • the energy spent in deforming the ball due to the final impact force between the network and the ball is at least partially lost, because the ball is still partially deformed when it rebounds from the - string network so that some of the energy spent in deforming the ball is not recovered in rebounding.
  • the tension that develops in a string on impact with the ball consists of two components--an initial strung tension T o and an additional tension AE(x/L 2 ) 2 from stretching or elongating the string, where A is the string's cross sectional area and E is its Young's modulus, x is the ball penetration, and L 1 is the half length of the string.
  • the initial tension T o term is much larger than the stretching term and is linearly proportional to the ball penetration distance x.
  • Initial string tension thus acts much like a linear spring in receiving and storing the kinetic energy of the ball.
  • the stretching term AE is small since it is proportional to the cube of x/L 1 which is very small when ball penetration x is small.
  • the stretching tern AE becomes increasingly significant.
  • My invention recognizes the fact that a longer string with a large L 1 reduces the influence of the stretching tern AE and indirectly increases the contribution of initial tension To, both of which benefit the performance of the network. Repeated stretching and unstretching of a string cause hysteresis loss from molecular friction within the string, and string stretching also causes rubbing, wear, and friction loss as strings move against one another. This suggests that the stretching term AE should be kept as ssmall as possible, and that long strings are the best way to achieve this.
  • transverse or cross strings Since the length of the transverse or cross strings is limited by the width of the racket frame, only the longitudinal strings can be made longer to take advantage of higher tension resistance. Longer longitudinal strings can be extended into the throat, shank, and even into the handle to provide a substantially longer strung length than the transverse strings.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 My previous applications suggest several anchorage and guidance arrangements for extending longitudinal strings into the shank or grip region of a racket, and many other possibilities are probably workable. The two most preferred arrangements are schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • Anchorage 16 can be positioned anywhere from throat 12 to grip 13, depending on the length and tension desired for strings 15.
  • the other preferred racket 20 of FIG. 2 has longitudinal strings 25 that either extend axially parallel or diverge slightly across the ball-hitting region from a throat piece guide 22 having guide elements 24 that angle the strings between their anchorage 26 in shank 21 and their course across the ball-hitting region.
  • anchorage 26 can be positioned along shank 21 or within grip 23.
  • FIG. 2 looks more conventional and night be better received, but its throat guide 22 produces some friction loss.
  • the embodiment of FIG. 1 is preferred not only for reducing friction, but for the additional advantage of reducing twisting torque from off center hits.
  • Throat guide 22 can also provide an anchorage for longitudinal strings extending somewhat deeper into the throat region than is ordinary. The tendency of different string lengths and tensions to produce a desired performance is explained more fully below.
  • Both the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 arrange the longer longitudinal strings 15 or 25 to bear more of the ball-hitting load than the transverse strings 17 or 27, and thus reduce the twisting torque from off center hits.
  • the fan out arrangement of FIG. 1 spaces the longitudinal strings closer together in the central region where most balls are hit and disposes strings 15 within a closer average distance from the racket axis to keep twisting torque to a minimum. This relieves the so-called tennis elbow caused by repeated twisting movement of the player's arm from ball-hitting shock.
  • FIGS. 3-5 show a mathematical model simplifying and approximating the action of a central longitudinal string 30 and a central transverse string 31 perpendicular to each other and elastically supported by other strings in the network to be deformed as shown when hitting a ball.
  • the string width 2b adjacent the ball simulates the string portion that conforms with the flattened surface of the ball when the ball penetrates into the string network.
  • the overall string lengths L o are divided into subscript portions to account for different lengths of string depressed by different amounts.
  • the broken lines 32 and 33 simulate the elastic support from other strings supporting the two string system shown in solid lines, and the penetration d of the ball into the string network in the area of contact also dents the elastic supporting strings 32 and 33 by d/2.
  • Dynamic equations based on the model of FIGS. 3-5 as explained below approximate more closely the complex realities of the interaction between longitudinal and transverse strings. These equations aid in determining appropriate values for string lengths and tensions to achieve optimum string network response.
  • F o which is equal to the mass tines the deceleration, is the combined force on the ball from the two string systen
  • r is the load percentage borne by the long string 30
  • 1-r is the load percentage borne by the crcss string 31
  • d is the maximum penetration by the ball.
  • F o is equal to the mass tines the deceleration
  • the Prince racket with its over sized head . and relatively long 11 inch transverse strings working with 13 inch longitudinal strings apportions 57% of the load to the transverse strings and only 43% to the longitudinal strings when both strings are strung at the recommended tension of 72 pounds.
  • the corresponding load distribution for the Dunlop Volley II is 56% on the transverse strings and 44% on the longitudinal strings.
  • the preponderance of the ball-hitting-load on the transverse strings is substantially more than half for all rackets presently being sold.
  • the graphs of FIGS. 6 and 7 plot the impact force against the penetration of the ball into the string networks and divide the ball-resisting force into the portion attributable to initial string tension T o and the portion attributable to stretching of the string AE as previously explained.
  • the results clearly show that longer strings at higher tensions. allocate a much smaller portion of the ball-stopping force to string stretching.
  • the results also show that the maximum impact force at the end of the ball penetration is higher for the prior art racket than for a racket strung according to the invention. Since the ball penetration is the same for both string networks, shot control is the sane; and the lesser maximum force for the inventive network means a more efficient rebound. Both of these differences represent significant qualitative advantages for the inventive network.
  • Reducing the force involved in stretching strings reduces losses that necessarily occur from internal friction as a string stretches and from interstring ffriction as strings rub together. It also reduces string wear and fatigue so that the network lasts longer. Reducing the maximum force required to stop the ball wastes less energy in ball deformation and means a springier, more responsive string network that is moreeffective in returning energy to the rebounding ball.
  • Test measurements have compared string networks strung according to the invention with conventionally strung sstring networks for two of the best tennis rackets in the current market. Because the invention involves improved performance from an optimally strung network and not an improved shape or configuration of racket or frame, the frames of the two best rackets available were chosen for comparison of stringing efficiency.
  • One is the "Yolley II” made by the Dunlop Company as a medium size head racket.
  • the trade magazine “Tennis World” has a special feature report in the April 1980 issue praising this racket as excellent.
  • the other racket is the famed "Prince Classic", an over size head racket made by Prince Manufacturing Company according to U.S. Patent No. 3,999,765.
  • the tests were made by clamping the periphery of the racket frame in a horizontal position leaving the string network free, dropping a tennis ball down from a fixed height of 49.2 inches, and accurately measuring the height of the rebound of the ball iron the string network.
  • the rebound height was measured by an "Instar" video camera that recorded on magnetic tape and allowed playback on a television to stop the frame showing maximum rebound height.
  • the tests were conducted by Dr. William Parz)'gnat, who has a PhD in Mechanical Engincering from Cornell University and works for the Xerox Corporation. Photographs of the test setup and the four racket frames tested are enclosed with a Preliminary Letter accompanying this application.
  • equations 4a and 4b indicate a hall penetration of 0.69 inches or 1.76 centimeters.
  • equations 4a and 4b indicate a hall penetration of 0.69 inches or 1.76 centimeters.
  • the original factory-strung Volley II racket apportions 56% of the ball-hitting load to the transverse strings and only 44% to the longitudinal strings, while the inventive string network apportions 59% of the load to the longitudinal strings and only 41% to the transverse strings.
  • the inventive string network achieves a 0.76 maximum coefficient of restitution that is higher than any coefficient of restitution attained with conventional stringing for the sane racket.
  • the region of the highest coefficient of restitution from 0.74 to 0.75 for conventional stringing is only 9.0 square inches in the center of the network and is enlarged to 34.4 square inches in the inventive network, al) increase by a factor of 3.82.
  • An outer region having a smaller coefficient of restitution of 0.72 to 0.73 for the conventionally strung racket amounting to 23.4 square inches was enlarged in the inventive network to 51.5 square inches for an increase by a factor of 2.2.
  • Racket performance depends not only on the string network, but also on frame configuration, material, and weight distribution. So the improvement the invention achieves in the string network may not result in a directly proportional improvement in overall racket performance.
  • the inventive improvement in the network stringing can be applied to existing rackets without additional cost, and the drop tests establish that the invention makes a more efficient string network with better ball- rebounding ability that undoubtedly improves a racket's overall perfornance.
  • Rackets strung according to the invention have been used extensively by experienced players who have compared then with conventionally strung rackets and reported a subjective impression confirming the test results. Rackets strung according to the invention are lively and responsive, feel definitely "playable", and make well controlled and powerful shots.
  • Test results have also confirmed the shock reduction capability of rackets strung according to the invention.
  • rackets strung according to the invention using as an example the Dunlop Volley II strung according to the invention as explained above, comparative test play by several professionals and experienced amateurs verifies that this racket is remarkedly shock free and suppresses vibration better than all other known rackets, including oversized rackets and graphite frame rackets. This can particularly benefit players who wish to avoid tennis elbow and want a racket that vibrates the least.
  • a string network can be structured to emphasize either control or power.
  • High string tension and moderate string length emphasize power and male the ball and network contact brief, which reduces control.
  • exceptionally long strings with moderately high tension increase the duration of ball and network contact to improve control and reduce shock at the expense of hitting power.
  • the invention improves the network performance so that control, power, and shock reduction can all be enhanced; and the calculations aid in preselecting ways of emphasizing one of these characteristics.
  • a Priace racket with transverse strings strung at 70 pounds can have longitudinal strings fanning out from a throat piece one inch behind the present throat piece, and the greater length of these strings can be tensioned to the 90 pound limit of nylon to increase the ball-hitting load on the longitudinal strings from 43% to 47%. Field tests have shown that this 30% increase in the tension of the longitudinal strings over the cross strings makes a superior racket that is more playable, more responsive, and smooth; maintains the sane control with added power to the center hits; and vibrates much less from off center hits.

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EP82302234A 1982-04-29 1982-04-29 Raquette à cordage à différentes tensions Expired EP0093210B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE8282302234T DE3279456D1 (en) 1982-04-29 1982-04-29 String load apportioned racket
EP82302234A EP0093210B1 (fr) 1982-04-29 1982-04-29 Raquette à cordage à différentes tensions

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP82302234A EP0093210B1 (fr) 1982-04-29 1982-04-29 Raquette à cordage à différentes tensions

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EP0093210A1 true EP0093210A1 (fr) 1983-11-09
EP0093210B1 EP0093210B1 (fr) 1989-02-22

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DE (1) DE3279456D1 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992006748A1 (fr) * 1990-10-16 1992-04-30 Kuehnel Ulrich Procede de cordage de raquettes
WO1993013832A2 (fr) * 1992-01-17 1993-07-22 Kuehnel Ulrich Procede et dispositif de detection des forces de traction lors du cordage de raquettes
FR2689405A1 (fr) * 1992-03-19 1993-10-08 Lo Kun Nan Procédé pour corder une raquette de tennis.
EP0614685A1 (fr) * 1993-03-09 1994-09-14 Yamaha Corporation Raquette de tennis avec des tensions différentes des codages longitudinaux et transversaux
EP0762914A1 (fr) * 1994-05-25 1997-03-19 Cogito Holdings Limited Ameliorations apportees a des raquettes
EP1108447A1 (fr) 1999-12-15 2001-06-20 Tsai Chen Soong Raquette de sport
CN107349578A (zh) * 2016-05-06 2017-11-17 黑德技术有限公司 用于球拍的横桥

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB291141A (en) * 1927-02-23 1928-05-23 Archibald Milne Hamilton Improvements in racquets used in tennis, badminton and such-like games
DE2752624A1 (de) * 1977-11-25 1979-05-31 Kuebler & Co Tennisschlaeger
FR2464081A1 (fr) * 1977-03-07 1981-03-06 Durbin Enoch Raquette de tennis
GB2056288A (en) * 1979-08-22 1981-03-18 Soong Tsai C Long string racket
DE3015960A1 (de) * 1980-04-25 1981-11-05 Kuebler & Co, 7700 Singen Tennisschlaeger

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB291141A (en) * 1927-02-23 1928-05-23 Archibald Milne Hamilton Improvements in racquets used in tennis, badminton and such-like games
FR2464081A1 (fr) * 1977-03-07 1981-03-06 Durbin Enoch Raquette de tennis
DE2752624A1 (de) * 1977-11-25 1979-05-31 Kuebler & Co Tennisschlaeger
GB2056288A (en) * 1979-08-22 1981-03-18 Soong Tsai C Long string racket
DE3015960A1 (de) * 1980-04-25 1981-11-05 Kuebler & Co, 7700 Singen Tennisschlaeger

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992006748A1 (fr) * 1990-10-16 1992-04-30 Kuehnel Ulrich Procede de cordage de raquettes
WO1993013832A2 (fr) * 1992-01-17 1993-07-22 Kuehnel Ulrich Procede et dispositif de detection des forces de traction lors du cordage de raquettes
WO1993013832A3 (fr) * 1992-01-17 1994-04-14 Ulrich Kuehnel Procede et dispositif de detection des forces de traction lors du cordage de raquettes
FR2689405A1 (fr) * 1992-03-19 1993-10-08 Lo Kun Nan Procédé pour corder une raquette de tennis.
EP0614685A1 (fr) * 1993-03-09 1994-09-14 Yamaha Corporation Raquette de tennis avec des tensions différentes des codages longitudinaux et transversaux
US5462274A (en) * 1993-03-09 1995-10-31 Yamaha Corporation Tennis racket with longitudinal strings different in tensile force from transversal strings
EP0762914A1 (fr) * 1994-05-25 1997-03-19 Cogito Holdings Limited Ameliorations apportees a des raquettes
EP0762914A4 (fr) * 1994-05-25 2000-02-09 Cogito Holdings Ltd Ameliorations apportees a des raquettes
EP1108447A1 (fr) 1999-12-15 2001-06-20 Tsai Chen Soong Raquette de sport
CN107349578A (zh) * 2016-05-06 2017-11-17 黑德技术有限公司 用于球拍的横桥

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Publication number Publication date
EP0093210B1 (fr) 1989-02-22
DE3279456D1 (en) 1989-03-30

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