EP1452207A1 - Racket for ball sports - Google Patents

Abstract

Racket (1) comprises a frame having a head region (3) for receiving strings and a grip section for holding the racket. The frame has in at least two segments (17) of the head region several reinforcing elements (15) running perpendicularly to the frame. An independent claim is also included for the production of the above ball game racket. Preferred Features: The reinforcing elements are provided in four segments arranged a distance apart. The racket has 3-5 reinforcing elements per segment. The reinforcing elements and the frame are made of the same or different material.

Description

The present invention relates to a racket for ball games, in particular one Tennis racket, squash racket, badminton racket and racquetball racket, with one Frame which has a head area for receiving a covering and a handle or Has grip section. Such rackets often have a club head adjoining heart region or a fork, which merges into the grip section.

Generally, a struck, i.e. H. one on the covering of the racket impacting ball an elastic deformation of the racket or an elastic Displacement of the head area from its longitudinal axis and leads to deterioration the accuracy. Such a deflection of the club head is for the direction of played ball with responsibility. Even a slight deflection of the club head can be a not inconsiderable deviation for a ball played over the length of the field the actual target point of the ball from the desired one. After the deflection of the racket through the ball, the ball moves away from the bent or deflected one Bat. The bat goes into its free muted after separation from the ball Vibration (natural frequency) over.

Furthermore, a ball hitting the racket or a hit ball causes forces, which are transferred to the player via the racket. Such forces or Vibrations or shocks are responsible, at least in the long-term effect, that the player has health problems such as the so-called tennis elbow occur.

Furthermore, there is an ongoing compensation of the impact shock and that during play forces occurring to a rapid fatigue of the player. Also being in control the racket and thus the game behavior due to excessive forces acting on the player affected.

If the player hits the ball at the so-called "sweet spot" or the "sweet area" he feels Player just a weak impulse. However, even with balls played in this way, through unfavorable deformation of the racket the actual trajectory of the ball from the desired deviations and, at least with repeated or frequent beating, health consequences such as the tennis arm already mentioned occur.

US-A-5,462,274 discloses a tennis racket, the main strings, used in one Longitudinal direction of the racket are tensioned, and cross strings in a transverse direction are stretched perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the ratio of the tensile stress of each main string for tension of each cross string ranges from 2.5 / 1 to 4/1 moves so that a node line for second order vibrations in the so-called "Sweet Area" is where the tennis racket's reaction to an impulse from a Tennis ball should be reduced.

US-A-4,997,186 discloses a racket frame, e.g. for a tennis racket, with a head portion, a handle portion, and an intermediate one Neck portion. The head portion encloses an open area and has a plurality of covering holes for attaching a covering to the head section and over the open area. The heart area is in the shape of a pair of legs and in Essentially V-shaped. In the racket frame are different Cross-sectional dimension ratios provided to the rigidity of the frame predetermine. A first cross-sectional dimension ratio relates to the location of the maximum cross-sectional height of the racket frame in a lower section of the Head area to double reversed along the cross-sectional height of the racket frame to obtain a tapered profile. A second cross-sectional dimension ratio refers to the provision of a sudden transition in an inward direction Area of the head area of the racket frame around a double tapered conical profile along the transverse width of the head area of the racket frame provide. A third cross-sectional dimension ratio relates to the change in Cross-sectional height to cross-sectional width along the heart area of the racket frame a larger heart area height and a larger heart area width near that To provide handle section.

US-A-5,310,179 describes a tennis racket construction with an oval Head area frame, which defines a covering surface, the longitudinal size of the Covering area moved in the range of 320 to 390 mm and the transverse length of the same moves in a range of 200 to 240 mm and the Longitudinal compression stiffness of the head area to a value in the range from 30 to 200 kgf / mm is set. The construction disclosed is intended to provide larger headers and Allow cross-string tensions, creating a higher degree of "spin" when shot Balls to be reached.

DE-A-199 53 626 describes an improved ball game racket in which a Frame-forming profile at various frame positions corresponding to those there occurring main types of stress has different cross-sectional shapes that the respective types of stress have adapted resistance moments, whereby in Area between four and six o'clock and / or at the heart of the racket at least a bump-like stiffening element can be provided.

US-A-6,293,878 describes an apparatus for damping vibrations in one Sports racket with a first and a second elastic damping material that with the racket frame can be connected, and a mass addition that is independent of Racket frame can swing freely and has a bracket arrangement.

With the rackets known from the prior art, the optimal rigidity or does not meet the optimal damping behavior of a racket, so that Accuracy, impulse absorption and manageability or playing behavior of these well-known Racket still to be desired. With those known from the prior art Bats is still the possibility of optimal, simple or fast and inexpensive manufacturing not met.

The present invention is based on the object of further improving Rackets, especially an improved tennis racket and an improved one To provide squash rackets. Other objects of the invention are To provide rackets that overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, which has an improved stiffness behavior or an improved stiffness, the is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and / or the improved playing properties having. This object is achieved with the features of the claims.

The invention is based on the basic idea of a ball game racket with a Frame which has a head area for receiving a covering and a handle section has to hold the ball game racket to provide, the frame on Head area in at least two segments each formed several across the frame has clip or rib-like stiffening elements.

In this context, perpendicular to the frame means approximately perpendicular to one another through the frame or through individual frame areas or infinitesimal Frame elements extending longitudinal axis. Figuratively speaking, one follows Longitudinal axis about the frame contour. Here, the stiffening elements extend in the generally approximately radially to a circle formed by the head region, ie in the Covering plane, and / or perpendicular to the covering plane. The Stiffening elements enclose or clasp the frame at least partially and / or completely.

The stiffening elements allow an optimized change of the cross-sectional profile of the racket frame in the head area a change in the vibration or Damping behavior along the frame, so that an optimized vibration or Damping behavior is achieved. The stiffening elements bring about an optimized Mass distribution of the entire club mass and an increase or change in Stiffness of the racket over the course of the racket. In this way it can be done Affect the playing behavior of the racket. The player also subjectively feels one larger sweet spot.

The stiffening elements are in at least two, preferably in four segments of the Frame arranged in the head area of the racket, with each segment several Stiffening elements, preferably three to five stiffening elements. The Segments are preferably in the range of about 3:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. 30 or between 1 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The stiffening elements preferably have different ones within a segment Rib or bracket widths and / or different distances from each other, whereby the width of the brackets of a segment preferably in the direction of an approximately central transverse axis running through the head area of the racket, i.e. towards 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock, increases. Here, the width of a stiffening element preferably takes against an adjacent stiffening element or the width of a group of Stiffening elements against an adjacent group of stiffening elements to, the width of the individual stiffening elements or the individual Stiffening elements of a group of stiffening elements is constant. A stiffening element preferably has a greater width than a directly adjacent one Stiffening element and / or a smaller width than another directly adjacent Stiffening element. Furthermore, preferably have two neighboring ones Stiffening elements have an approximately the same or the same width, again a larger and / or smaller width than an adjacent group of two Have stiffening elements. Such a change in width preferably takes place along the racket profile evenly or symmetrically with respect to the racket.

The individual segments preferably have a width or length of approximately 60 to 90 mm and particularly preferably a width of about 70 to 80 mm along the frame or the club outline. The width of the individual brackets or ribs moves preferably in the range from about 2.5 to 12 mm and particularly preferably in the range from about 4.5 to 9 mm.

The brackets also have a circumferential distance from the frame profile of approximately 0.25 to 1 mm, preferably about 0.5 mm. The brackets are preferred over the Frame a thickness of about 0.25 to 1 mm, preferably about 0.5 mm, i.e. H. the surface the brackets rise approximately 0.5 mm from the adjacent surface of the frame from. The racket frame is therefore expanded in the area of a clamp from about 0.25 to 1 mm, preferably from at least about 0.5 mm.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the brackets are Stiffening elements formed in one piece with the racket. Here are the parentheses preferably formed by the radius expansion of the racket frame discussed above. The diameter changes are chosen so that they change when the Do not have a negative impact on the frame profile for the respective bracket, as it is too large Changes the risk of breakage due to the deflection of the fibers contained in the frame increases, especially if the brackets or edges and transitions of the brackets are relatively sharp. The edges of the cross-sectional profile of the stiffening elements are therefore preferably rounded.

By providing the stiffening elements described in defined segments Among other things, there is increased strength along the club contour of the head region or an increase and change in the stiffness of the racket along the Frame runs in the head area, which in turn leads to an improved Playing behavior of the racket leads. Furthermore, they allow one-piece with the racket trained stiffening elements in a simple and inexpensive manufacture simultaneous optimization of club properties and mass distribution.

Fig. 1

eine Vorderansicht eines Ballspielschlägers entsprechend dem Stand der Technik;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht des Ballspielschlägers entsprechend Figur 1;

Fig. 3

eine Teilansicht eines Ballspielschlägers gemäß einer bevorzugten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform;

Fig. 4a

eine Detailansicht eines Segments eines erfindungsgemäßen Schlägers in Draufsicht bzw. Vorderansicht; und

Fig. 4b

eine Detailansicht eines Segments eines erfindungsgemäßen Schlägers in Seitenansicht.

A racket according to the invention is described in more detail below on the basis of a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a front view of a ball game racket according to the prior art;

Fig. 2

a side view of the ball game racket corresponding to Figure 1;

Fig. 3

a partial view of a ball game racket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4a

a detailed view of a segment of a racket according to the invention in plan view or front view; and

Fig. 4b

a detailed view of a segment of a racket according to the invention in side view.

Figures 1 and 2 show a conventional ball game racket 2 in front and Side view. The ball game racket 2 has an essentially oval racket head 4, a heart area 6 and a grip section 8. In the head area 4 of the racket 2 is usually a recess 10 for receiving a not shown Wear frame or headband provided. The heart area 6 of the racket 2 is in the Essentially arranged between the head region 4 and the grip section 8 and represents the Connection area between them. The heart area 6 has, for example, as in FIG Figure 1 shown, an opening 12. However, this opening is not mandatory required. However, if the opening 12 is formed, it generally becomes two Side sections 14 and 16 and a connecting section or a bridge 18, the is arranged in the head region 4 of the racket. Furthermore, between the two Side areas 14 and 16 of the heart area 6 a second connecting element 20, for example, for reasons of strength.

The conventional tennis racket 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is made of one Form profile with essentially constant dimensions, apart from the recess 10, trained. The cross-sectional shape or the cross-sectional dimensions of the Profile forming racket frame are from the side area 14 of the heart area 6 around the Head area 4 and to side area 16 are essentially constant and essentially oval or rectangular. Only in the transition area between heart area 6 and The racket 2 has the head area 4 or in the receiving area of the connecting element 18 reinforced cross-sectional dimensions. As discussed at the beginning, there are others Club shapes in which the cross-sectional shapes or the cross-sectional dimensions of the the racket-forming profile experience the cross-sectional changes described above can.

For better orientation and for easier determination of certain areas along of the frame profile in the head area 4 of a racket 2 are in the head area 4 Markings of a conventional dial of a hand watch are drawn. Consequently can below the features of the invention and a racket according to the invention with reference to the respective circumferential position along the head region 4 of the Racket based on the corresponding time. Here corresponds to designating position along the circumference of the head portion 4 of the racket of the position of the "big pointer" at the stated time. Thus, for example, "twelve Clock "an outermost head end 22 of the racket 2 shown in Figure 1.

A preferred embodiment of a ball game racket 1 according to the invention is shown in FIGS Figures 3 and 4 shown. The racket 1 according to the invention corresponds in its Basic structure essentially of a conventional ball game racket, like it For example, has been described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Accordingly, the racket 1 according to the invention has a head region 3, a heart region 5 and a handle portion (not shown). The heart area 5 of the invention As already described at the beginning, racket is essentially the connection area between the head region 3 and the handle section and has, for example, an opening 7 on. The opening 7 is of two side sections 9 and 11 and one Connection section or a bridge 13 formed in the head region 3 of the racket 1. The The heart area 5 of the racket 1 according to the invention can also be in contrast to that in FIG. 3 illustrated embodiment without the opening 7, i.e. the handle section can run closed up to the head area 3. Even the connecting element or the Bridge 13 is optional. As a result, the heart area 5 can only be made from the extensions 9 and 11 of the head portion extending toward the grip portion. Of Furthermore, the heart area 5, as already mentioned at the beginning in relation to the bat 2 of the Description of the prior art, a second connecting element (not shown) exhibit.

As already explained above, the racket 1 according to the invention is based on the idea Basically, at certain points along the frame of the head region 3 of the racket 1, especially in those segments where particularly high loads, e.g. in shape of static or dynamic forces and torsional or bending moments, To provide stiffening elements in the form of ribs or brackets 15, depending on Training and arrangement a targeted influence on the strength or rigidity of the Allow racket 1.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the brackets 15 are in the segments 17 at around 3:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. or in the range from 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. 30 and 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. In a particularly preferred according to the invention Embodiment are the brackets in the segments 17 at about 2 a.m., 4 a.m., 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. The segments 17 each preferably have a width of approximately 60 to 90 mm and particularly preferably a width of about 70 to 80 mm. The width the segments 17 can also be a length along the circumference of the frame in the head region 3 of the racket 1 are described. The width of the individual brackets is also about 2.5 to 11 mm and particularly preferably 4.5 to 9 mm. In the illustrated preferred Embodiment takes the width of the brackets in the individual segments Towards 3 a.m. or 9 a.m.

The distance between the brackets 15 to one another is in a preferred invention Embodiment between 2 and 11 mm, preferably between 4 and 9 mm. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the brackets have different i.e. increasing and / or decreasing distances within a segment, preferably also in the direction of the increasing bracket width. Here are width and / or Distance of the individual stiffening elements or the individual stiffening elements or the groups of stiffening elements within one or more segments preferably designed as in the beginning with respect to the stiffening elements described within a segment.

Preferably the width and / or spacing of the stiffening elements, i.e. the individual stiffening elements or a group of stiffening elements adjacent and / or directly adjacent individuals and / or groups of Stiffening elements, the width of and / or the distance between the individual Stiffening elements or the individual stiffening elements of a group remains the same, to or from.

Two corresponding preferred embodiments according to the invention are shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, wherein FIG. 4a shows a detailed view of a segment in plan view and 4b shows a detailed view of a further segment in FIG Side view shows. The illustrations clearly show that the distance 23 the stiffening elements 15 are increasingly enlarged relative to each other in the direction of arrow C. FIGS. 4a and 4b further broaden the width 21 of the individual Brackets within a segment 17 in the direction of arrow C. In a preferred embodiment of the invention corresponds to the direction of arrow C of Towards 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock.

The brackets are formed by a change in diameter, in particular a Diameter expansion compared to the frame profile of preferably 0.25 to 1.0 mm, in particular about 0.5 mm. In a particularly preferred according to the invention Embodiment corresponds to the circumferential profile of the clips to the racket profile the corresponding positions, the brackets opposite the respective Frame profile have a radius extension of about 0.5 mm all around. In a further embodiment of the invention, the brackets run around it Frame profile at least partially. In a further preferred invention Embodiment in which the racket according to the invention has a recess Has depression 10, as described in Figure 2, the brackets 15 are at the points recess 10 correspondingly recessed, i.e. they only include the racket profile partially. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the Racket profile partially includes brackets 15, these do not have an abrupt or sudden start and no abrupt or sudden end, but go flowing into the respective cross-sectional profile. In another preferred According to the embodiment of the invention, the clips surround the racket profile complete, i.e. extend endlessly around the frame profile.

In this context, Figure 4a and Figure 4b show the circumferential radius extension 19 of the brackets or stiffening elements 15 with respect to the respective frame profile. FIG. 4a also shows a detailed view of a racket which has a depression 10, the stiffening elements 15 corresponding to the locations of the recess 10 are spared. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention decreases the radius extension 19 formed by stiffening elements 15 in the direction of Indentation 10, so that the radius extension 19 at the transition of the stiffening element 15 in the recess 10 is less than that over the remaining circumference of the frame profile trained radius extension and in a particularly preferred invention Embodiment is approximately 0.

The ball game racket according to the invention shown in FIG. 3 has segments 17 at approximately 2 a.m., 4 a.m., 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. five parentheses 15, the Brackets 15 in each of the segments widen in the direction of 3 or 9 o'clock (see Figures 4a and 4b). In a preferred embodiment according to the invention widen the parentheses are each the same value and in another preferred Embodiment according to the invention in each case by a corresponding ratio. Therefore the brackets of an embodiment according to the invention widen for example, half a millimeter each and another one Embodiment according to the invention by 10 to 30% of the width of the previous one Clip. In a further preferred embodiment according to the invention, the Parentheses within a range are only a widening, however not every bracket is widened compared to an adjacent bracket.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, one according to the invention Ball game racket three clips 15 per segment, according to another preferred Embodiment four brackets 15. Preferably have inventive Ball game rackets, which are designed as tennis rackets, five clips 15 per segment 17 on, while ball game rackets according to the invention, which are designed as squash rackets are, preferably have three brackets 15 per segment 17.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the brackets are formed in one piece or in one piece with the frame of the racket. Alternatively, the However, brackets also have different materials, e.g. for additional To achieve stiffening effects. If the racket is made of fiber composite materials, there is a restriction on the size of the change in diameter or radius in the Area of the brackets, because of their general size and dimension ratios can be relatively sharp and thus the risk of breakage due to the fiber deflection increases. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the edges and Transitions of the brackets 15 are preferably rounded, so that dangerous Voltage peaks in the frame can be avoided.

The racket 1 according to the invention and the arrangement and design of the clips is further preferably essentially symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal central axis A. formed so that the brackets or bracket segments described above in Area around 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. between 1 or 2 and 4 or 5 o'clock. In another preferred embodiment of the invention is the racket 1 and the Arrangement and design of the brackets also preferably with respect to The transverse central axis B is essentially symmetrical, so that the above described brackets or bracket segments in the range of about one or two and ten or 11 o'clock also symmetrically at corresponding points between 4 or 5 and 7 or 8 a.m.

As material for the racket 1 according to the invention are all known materials for Tennis, squash, badminton and other rackets suitable for ball sports. In particular, the racket 1 according to the invention is made of wood, metal, metal alloys, Plastic, carbon fiber composite material, fiber materials, composite materials and Combinations can be made from it.

The invention also provides a method for producing a ball game racket a head area along which the brackets are arranged in individual segments, and in particular a ball game racket corresponding to those previously described preferred embodiments.

A preferred method has the following steps: First, this is done Layers of multiple layers of material to form the frame of the racket. Furthermore, the multi-layer structure created in this way is inserted into a mold that adheres to positions corresponding to the positions of the clips or ribs of the racket Has recesses or depressions, and then shaped and solidified. The ball game racket is then removed from the mold. If the brackets should have different material, this can additionally on the corresponding Places are introduced into the mold.

In a further preferred method according to the invention, the layers of the Frame and the brackets forming carbon fiber composite material, the under elevated temperature and / or increased pressure is formed and solidified. In one further processes according to the invention are carried out in a press.

A ball game racket according to the invention guarantees a compared to that in the state of the Technology known rackets improved vibration or damping behavior as well an improved rigidity. A racket according to the invention thus enables Influencing gaming behavior. The player subjectively feels a bigger sweet Spot. By adapting the training and / or the arrangement of the invention Brackets and the described bracket segments can be the specific ones Properties and characteristics of the ball game racket according to the requirements can be set. The optimized mass distribution also enables provision a racket that has excellent rigidity and low overall weight exhibits dynamic behavior.

Claims (19)

Ball game racket with a frame that has a head area (3) for receiving a Covering and a handle portion for holding the ball game racket, the frame at the head area in at least two segments (17) each has a plurality of stiffening elements (15) formed transversely to the frame. Ball game racket according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening elements (15) in four Segments (17) are provided. Ball game racket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the segments (17) from each other are spaced. Ball game racket one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the segments (17) and / or the Stiffening elements (15) are arranged essentially symmetrically to one another. Ball game racket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein Stiffening elements (15) in the areas of the club head (3) from around 3:30 a.m. until 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. or in the range from 1 a.m. to 2.30 a.m. and 9 a.m. 30 to 11 a.m. Ball game racket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the segments (17) each have a width of approximately 60 to 90 mm along the club contour. Ball game racket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Stiffening elements (15) a circumferential projection (19) to the racket contour form about 0.25 to 1 mm. Ball game racket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Stiffening elements have a width (21) in the range of approximately 2.5 to 11 mm. Ball game racket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Stiffening elements a distance (23) of about 2 mm to about 11 mm each exhibit. Ball game racket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the in a segment (17) formed stiffening elements (15) in each direction 3 Widen the o'clock and 9 o'clock. Ball game racket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Distance (23) of the stiffening elements (15) formed in each segment enlarged towards 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. Ball game racket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the racket 3 has up to 5 stiffening elements (15) per segment (17). Ball game racket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each segment (17) 5 stiffening elements (15) if it is a tennis racket and each segment (17) has 3 stiffening elements (15) when it is a squash racket. Ball game racket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Stiffening elements (15) and the frame made of the same material are. Ball game racket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Stiffening elements (15) and the frame made of different materials are trained. Ball game racket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Stiffening elements (15) are rib-shaped and / or clamp-shaped. Method for producing a ball game racket with a frame having a head region (3) and a grip section, in particular a ball game racket according to one of claims 1 to 16, with the steps: a) layers of multiple layers of material to form the frame of the racket; b) inserting the multi-layer structure into a mold and then shaping and solidifying the structure, stiffening elements (15) extending transversely to the frame being formed in the head region (3) of the racket in at least two segments (17); and c) removing the ball game racket from the mold. The method of claim 17, wherein the layers of the material forming the frame Have carbon fiber composite material that is at elevated temperature and / or increased pressure is formed and solidified. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the molding and solidifying in a press.

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