EP1570883A1 - Racquet for ball games and manufacturing processes - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame (4) has a racket head (6) to which a handle (10) is connected through a heart region (8). Multiple layers are wound to form the hollow profile of the frame. At least one dampening layer (12a,12b) is included in one or both of the racket head and heart region and is wrapped between the multiple layers. An independent claim is also included for a racket producing process.

Description

The present invention relates to a racquet for ball games, in particular a Tennis, squash, badminton, racquetball or paddle tennis rackets, with excellent Handling characteristics, as well as a manufacturing method for such a racket.

Such racquets typically include a frame having a club head and forms a handle portion connected thereto. Typically, in the transition area formed between the club head and the handle portion a so-called heart area. Usually, the frame is formed of a frame profile or hollow profile, which consists of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic material is produced in a molding press. Of the Club head of the racket defines a clothing plane in which the fabric the racket is placed. To record the strings of the stringing are on the frame Through holes lying in the clothing plane for the passage of stringed strings intended.

When a ball is hit with such a bat, both the "shock" generated during the ball impact as well as vibrations from the head area of the racquet transferred over the grip section on the arm of the player. This can be uncomfortable and may cause physical problems (such as tennis elbow).

Many attempts have been made, the transmission of shocks and vibrations to reduce the player's arm. For example, US-A-4 609 198 a racket, wherein a tubular damping element in the handle of the racket is provided. A recent attempt to reduce the transmission of shocks and Vibration on the player's arm is described in US-A-2003/0036448. This Racket has a head portion with a separate handle portion. The connection between the head portion and the handle portion is by a shock or vibration-absorbing Material, such as Urethane or rubber, realized by the Transmission of shocks and vibrations from the head section to the handle section reduced shall be. Accordingly, this racket is based on consideration, no direct connection between the head area and the gripping area of the racket over which Shocks and vibrations can be transmitted. In other words, this is a racket in three parts, namely in a head area, a connection area and a handle section.

EP 0 441 971 B2 discloses a racket with a frame section, a Neck section and a handle section. A vibration reducing material becomes part of it of the material forming the handle portion or the neck portion and the handle portion forms or forms the frame portion, the neck portion and the handle portion. The main body of the racket may be formed by so-called prepregs, for example by winding several prepreg layers around a core, wherein a film the vibration reducing material is wound over it. If necessary, additional Layers of the prepreg are wound over it.

The present invention is based on the object, an improved racket for ball games, the excellent shock absorption properties and having vibrations. This task comes with a racket with the characteristics of independent claim 1 solved. In the dependent claims are preferred embodiments of the racquet of the invention. Independent claim 17 relates to a production process for the racket according to the invention. Preferred embodiments of the manufacturing process are laid down in the dependent claims.

The racquet for ball games according to the invention has a frame, the one Club head and thus connected via a heart region handle portion. Of the Frame is formed by winding a plurality of layers of sheet material as a hollow profile. At the club head of the racquet according to the invention several damping layers are in pairs provided substantially symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the racket, which between the Hollow profile forming layers are wrapped.

The term "damping position" is to be understood as meaning that it is preferably is a shock and / or vibration absorbing material, such as Rubber or synthetic rubbers. Preferred materials are polyisoprenes, styrene-butadiene rubbers, Polychloroprenes or urethane rubbers. The hardness of the damping layers forming damping material is preferably greater than 30 Shore A, especially The hardness is preferably in the range between 65 and 75 Shore A, in particular approximately 70 Shore A.

To determine positions on the club head is usually a dial used a conventional clock, with the twelve o'clock position (XII) at the extreme free End of the racket, i. at the opposite end of the handle portion provided is. The three o'clock position or nine o'clock position is usually in the middle of the longitudinal extent of the club head (see Fig. 1a).

According to the invention, a damping position is in the range between 4 o'clock and 6 o'clock, in particular at about 5 o'clock, and a further damping position substantially symmetrical between 6 o'clock and 8 o'clock, in particular at about 7 o'clock. This results in a pairwise Arrangement of damping positions in the range between 4 o'clock and 6 o'clock, in particular at about 5 o'clock, and opposite between 6 o'clock and 8 o'clock, in particular at about 7 o'clock. Furthermore, it may be advantageous to have another pair of damping pads in the range between 1 o'clock and 3 o'clock, in particular at about 2 o'clock, or between 9 o'clock and 11 o'clock, in particular at about 10 o'clock, to provide at the club head. The damping layers are preferably from a sheet or sheet of suitable dimensions in terms of length, width and thickness, wherein the damping material is preferably a Rectangular piece of sheet material is.

The damping material, especially between 4 o'clock and 6 o'clock or between 6 o'clock and 8 o'clock located damping layers forming damping material, preferably has a thickness in the range between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, more preferably between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm, and most preferably about 0.2 mm.

The width of the damping material, i. the extension in the winding direction is preferred so dimensioned that the damping material in the wound state over at least one, preferably two or more windings in the cross section of the frame profile extends to form the damping layers. For this purpose, the damping material, in particular that between 4 o'clock and 6 o'clock or between 6 o'clock and 8 o'clock located damping positions forming damping material, preferably a width in the range between 30 mm and 150 mm, more preferably between 70 mm and 140 mm, most preferably between 80 mm and 130 mm, on. The width and thickness of the damping material are preferably chosen such that the sum of the thicknesses of the individual layers of the Damping material per wall of the frame profile in the finished frame preferably in Range of about 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

The length of the damping layers, in particular between 4 o'clock and 6 o'clock or 6 o'clock Clock and 8 o'clock provided damping, along the frame profile is preferably in the range between 20 mm and 150 mm, more preferably between 40 mm and 110 mm.

Preferably, the dimensions of the damping material are selected as a function of the size of the striking surface and / or the circumference of the frame profile in the region of the damping layers. For example, in a club having a clubface of about 760 cm ² or an inner circumference of the clubhead of about 992 mm, the cushioning material has a length along the frame of 90 mm to 130 mm, preferably 105 mm to 115 mm, more preferably about 110 mm. The width of the damping material in the winding direction is approximately in the range between 110 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 125 mm and 135 mm, more preferably approximately 130 mm. With a frame height of about 28 mm to 30 mm and a circumference of the frame profile in the region of the damping position (at 4 o'clock) of about 71 mm, at least one, preferably two to three, windings can be realized with the damping material having the above dimensions.

For example, in a club having a clubface of about 660 cm ² or an inner circumference of the clubhead of about 925 mm, the cushioning material has a length along the frame of 60 mm to 100 mm, preferably 75 mm to 85 mm, more preferably about 80 mm. The width of the damping material in the winding direction is approximately in the range between 60 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 75 mm and 85 mm, more preferably at about 80 mm. With a frame height of about 21 mm to 25 mm and a circumference of the frame profile in the region of the damping layer (at 4 o'clock) of about 69 mm, at least one, preferably one to two, windings can be realized with the damping material having the above dimensions.

For example, in a club having a clubface of about 600 cm ² or an inner circumference of the clubhead of about 866 mm, the cushioning material has a length along the frame of 20 mm to 60 mm, preferably 35 mm to 45 mm, more preferably about 40 mm. The width of the damping material in the winding direction is approximately in the range between 60 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 75 mm and 85 mm, more preferably at about 80 mm. With a frame height of about 19 mm and a circumference of the frame profile in the region of the damping position (at 4 o'clock) of about 50 mm, at least one, preferably two, windings can be realized with the damping material having the above dimensions.

Another advantageous possibility of forming the damping layers in providing a plurality of strips of damping material which are advantageously parallel aligned with each other. The strips can be wrapped so as to partially overlap one another overlap at least in the peripheral areas, wherein the material forming the frame (e.g., carbon fiber layers) between them. The width of the stripes is typically in the Range between 3 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm. Through this Strip can also absorb the shock or vibration energy effectively To ensure excellent damping properties, while saving weight can be.

In addition, it may be advantageous to additionally at least in the heart area of the racket to provide a damping layer.

The invention further relates to a method for producing a racket, to which first a windable sheet material, e.g. Carbon or carbon tracks, provided on which a web-shaped damping material is placed. Then be the layer material with the at least partially positioned damping material wrapped into a tube, which then to a frame forming the frame profile is formed. For this purpose, usually a molding press is used, in which the hose inserted is formed and under the action of pressure and temperature. The educated Frame has a club head and a connected via a heart area Handle portion, wherein at the club head and / or in the heart area at least one between the hollow profile forming layers wrapped damping layer is provided.

The racket according to the invention has the particular advantage that it is excellent Has damping properties. At the same time, the production of the racket is relatively simple and therefore cost-effective.

Figur 1a

eine schematische Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Schlägers, in der bevorzugte Positionen für die Dämpfungslagen dargestellt sind;

Figur 1b

eine Ansicht ähnlich Figur 1a, wobei bei dieser Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Schlägers zwei Paar Dämpfungslagen vorgesehen sind;

Figur 2

eine perspektivische Schnittansicht durch das Rahmenprofil eines erfindungsgemäßen Schlägers;

Figur 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines aus mehreren Streifen bestehenden Dämpfungsmaterials; und

Figur 4

eine Darstellung, aus der erkennbar ist, wie die Position und Größe von Dämpfungslagen die Verformung des Schlägers unter Last beeinflussen.

Preferred embodiments of the racket according to the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1a

a schematic front view of a racket according to the invention, are shown in the preferred positions for the damping layers;

FIG. 1b

a view similar to Figure 1a, wherein in this embodiment of the racket according to the invention two pairs of damping layers are provided;

FIG. 2

a perspective sectional view through the frame profile of a racket according to the invention;

FIG. 3

a schematic representation of a multi-strip damping material; and

FIG. 4

a representation from which it can be seen how the position and size of damping layers affect the deformation of the racket under load.

The racket 2 according to the invention is formed from a frame 4 and has a Club head 6 and thus connected via a heart region 8 handle portion 10.

As shown in Figure 2, the frame 4 is formed of a hollow profile, which Winding multiple layers is made. These are usually first flexible web-like Materials such as e.g. Carbon or carbon sheets used, usually at an angle of ± 45 ° to the frame direction. The one above the other lying materials are rolled into a "tube", so that several superimposed lying windings of the web result. This hose will then be in a molding press under the action of pressure and temperature to form the frame Molded hollow profile.

According to the invention, the racket 2 has at least one between the hollow profile forming layers wrapped damping material, as shown in Figure 2 in the finished Racket forms a damping layer 12. The damping layer 12 is between two adjacent Layers 14 and 16 of the frame forming web arranged. Thereby can occur between the individual layers 14 and 16 shear stresses by means the damping material are effectively degraded.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1a, the racket 2 has a pair Damping layers 12a, 12b, which are substantially symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the racket 2 are arranged. As shown in Figure 1a, the damping layer 12a is approximately in the range between 4 o'clock and 6 o'clock. It is particularly preferred, the damping layer 12a at about 5 o'clock train. The symmetrically arranged damping layer 12b is approximately in the range between 6 o'clock and 8 o'clock. It is particularly advantageous, the damping layer 12b at about 7 o'clock at the club head.

In the embodiment of the racket 2 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1b are provided on the club head 6, two pairs of damping layers. The first pair of damping layers 12a, 12b is arranged as in the embodiment according to FIG. 1a. The second Pair of damping layers 12 c, 12 d is provided closer to a free end 18 of the club head 6. Preferably, the damping layer 12c is approximately in the range between 9 o'clock and 11 o'clock Clock, with a position at about 10 o'clock is particularly preferred. The damping layer 12d is preferably between 1 o'clock and 3 o'clock, more preferably at about 2 o'clock.

The damping material preferably has a thickness in the range between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, more preferably between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm, and particularly preferred of about 0.2 mm. The width of the damping material in the winding direction is preferably such that the damping layer 12 at least once around the circumference of the Frame 4 forming hollow profile, i. has at least one winding. It is however, more preferably, the width to be such that the damping material extends over at least two windings. For this purpose, the damping material preferably a width in the range between 30 mm and 150 mm, more preferably between 70 mm and 140 mm, and most preferably between 80 mm and 130 mm. The length L of the Damping layer 12 in the direction of the frame extension is preferably in the range between 20 mm and 150 mm, more preferably between 40 mm and 110 mm. The damping material can according to the embodiment shown schematically in Figure 3 also in Form of several strips 20 may be formed. The strips 20 are preferably parallel to each other arranged and together form a damping layer 12, which in their dimensions preferably in the range of the above-described continuous damping layer. As shown in Figure 3, the strips 20 of the damping layer 12 are preferably thereby formed so that from a roughly rectangular piece of damping material several parallel Recesses 22 are cut out. This results in mutually parallel and along the circumference of the rectangle interconnected strips 20. This Damping material 12 can thus also be handled as an integral element.

The individual strips 20 preferably have a length 1 in the range between 3 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm. The effect of the invention the improved damping is also with this strip-shaped design of the damping layer 12 ensures that the individual strips 20 also between adjacent Remove layers 14, 16 occurring shear stresses. The individual strips 20 can be provided perpendicular to the extension of the frame at the relevant point. It can but also be advantageous to provide the strips 20 at an angle relative to the winding direction, so that in the wound state adjacent strips overlap at least partially can. Suitable angles for winding the damping material are preferably in the range between 0 ° and 45 °, preferably between 5 ° and 15 ° to the frame longitudinal direction. In this arrangement, shear stresses between adjacent layers 14, 16 of the frame 4 forming layer material effectively degraded.

The racket 2 according to the invention has essentially the advantage that it despite his integral or integral construction has excellent damping properties, while being easy to produce at the same time.

Figure 4 is an illustration showing how the position and size of Damping layers on the club head affect the deformation of the club under load. The diagram shows the deformation in millimeters of the racket at a specific measuring point. The measuring point is shown on the x-axis of the diagram, with the respective Measuring point is defined as the distance from the extreme head of the racket. On the y-axis the deformation is shown in millimeters. As the diagram shows, were investigated three different clubs, namely a first one called "175-R0-H0" (dark gray curve), a second one with the designation "175-R55-H0" (light gray curve) and a third one called "175-R110-H0" (white characteristic). The name "175" is a name of the bat. The term "Rx" provides information about the Length L of the damping layer in the direction of the frame extension. That is, "R0" concerns a racket without cushioning, "R55" refers to a racket with a cushioning layer a length of 55 mm, and "R110" refers to a racket with a cushioning layer of a Length of 110 mm. The damping layers are each provided at about 5 o'clock or 7 o'clock, So in the range between 4 o'clock and 6 o'clock or 6 o'clock and 8 o'clock.

From the diagram it can generally be seen that the use of damping layers makes the racket softer in this area of the club head, so a higher deformation under load. This is based on the light gray or white in particular Characteristic in comparison to the dark gray characteristic (no damping position) without further ado recognizable. In addition, the diagram shows that all three tested Racquet variants in the neck area of the racket and one to the head of the racket directed area (i.e., at a head end distance of less than about 150 mm) behave similarly. In the range of the damping position, ie at a distance of 250 to 320 mm From the head end there are considerable differences between the invention Rackets and a bat without cushioning.

The racket according to the invention is thus compared with rackets without damping layer Considerably superior in handling properties. Furthermore, the inventive Bat also against clubs with provided in the grip section damping layers significantly improved in terms of its handling, as in rackets with damping layers in the grip section a relatively soft racket is present in the area of the handle. This may result in an effective way of damping, but at the same time with a loss of clout.

Claims (21)

Racket for ball games with one a club head (6) and one over it Heart region (8) connected to handle portion (10) having frame (4) of a Hollow profile, which is formed by winding a plurality of layers, wherein the frame (4) on Club head (6) a plurality of pairs substantially symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of Racket (2) between the hollow profile forming layers wrapped damping layers (12), wherein a damping layer (12a) in the range between 4 o'clock and 6 Clock and another damping position (12b) between 6 o'clock and 8 o'clock on the club head (6) is provided. A racket according to claim 1, wherein a cushioning layer (12a) is at about 5 o'clock and a further damping layer (12b) is provided at about 7 o'clock on the club head (6). Racket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a further damping layer (12d) in the range between 1 o'clock and 3 o'clock and symmetrically a damping position (12c) between 9 Clock and 11 clock on the club head (6) is provided. Racket according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the further damping layer (12d) at about 2 o'clock and the damping position (12c) symmetrically arranged at about 10 o'clock Clock on the club head (6) is provided. Racket according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the damping layers (12) consists of a shock and / or vibration absorbing material are formed. A racket according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the material for the damping layers (12) synthetic rubber, in particular polyisoprenes, styrene-butadiene rubbers, Polychloroprenes or urethane rubbers, or a mixture of natural rubber and synthetic rubber. A racket according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the material for the cushioning layers (12) a thickness in the range between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, preferably between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm, more preferably about 0.2 mm. A racket according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the material of the damping layers (12) has a width dimensioned such that the damping layers over at least one, preferably two or more, windings in the hollow profile extend. Racket according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the damper layers (12) forming Material has a width in the range between 30 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 70 mm and 140 mm, more preferably between 80 mm and 130 mm. A racket according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cushioning layers (12) have a length (L) in the range between 20 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 110 mm. Racket according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the damping layers (12) in shape a plurality of strips (20) are formed. A racket according to claim 11, wherein the strips (20) are substantially parallel to each other run. A racket according to claim 11 or 12, wherein each strip (20) has a length (1) in the range between 3 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm. A racket according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cushioning material has a Shore A hardness greater than 30, preferably between 65 and 75. Racket according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the damping layers under a Angle in the range between 0 ° and 45 °, preferably between 5 ° and 15 °, to the frame longitudinal direction are provided. Racket according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one damping layer in Heart area of the racket are provided. A method of making a racquet (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising the steps of: a) providing a windable sheet material; b) placing a sheet damping material on the sheet material; c) winding the at least partially superimposed layer and damping material to a hose; and d) forming a frame (4) formed from the tube into a frame profile, comprising a club head (6) and a handle portion (10) connected thereto via a heart area (8). The method of claim 17, wherein a plurality of strips (20) of the damping material together form a damping layer (12). The method of claim 18, wherein the strips (20) are substantially parallel to each other be arranged running. Method according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the damping material under an angle in the range between 0 ° and 45 °, preferably between 5 ° and 15 °, to Frame longitudinal direction is wound. Method according to one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the forming of the frame (4) in a molding press under the action of pressure and temperature.

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