EP1815892B1 - Ergonomic racket handle, corresponding racket, range of handles and range of rackets - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a racket handle, a racket comprising such a handle, and a range of handles comprising the aforementioned handle, and a range of rackets comprising the aforementioned racket.

The handle of the invention is likely to be used in any type of racket sport, including tennis, badminton or squash. Conventionally, such a racket comprises, in addition to the aforementioned handle, a frame that defines either a sieve in the case of badminton, tennis or squash, or a solid striking surface.

Typically, a racket handle comprises a polygonal section, most often octagonal, whose transverse dimensions are constant along this handle. This therefore implies a disadvantage, since the shape of this handle is not ergonomic, since it does not correspond to the curvature of the palm of the hand.

Various solutions have therefore been proposed, designed to impart an improved ergonomic character to this handle.

So, DE 3,628,618 describes a handle for snowshoeing as described in the preamble of claim 1. Moreover, EP-B-0 291 576 describes a handle for racket which has, in the region of the hand, a rounded and without edge, which presents a bulge of larger transverse dimension. At both ends, this edgeless area is transformed into polygonal section touch zones.

Such a handle however involves a disadvantage, related in particular to the fact that it does not allow very high accuracy of play. Indeed, because of the presence of the rounded section, the player can not adapt the position of his hand with great precision, to play different types of shots, such as the forehand or the backhand.

Moreover, WO-2004/112915 offers a racquet handle with an S shape, which is adapted to the characteristics of a human hand. According to the teaching of this document, the different values of the cross section of the handle are directly derived from the dimensions of the player's hand. However, since, by definition, such dimensions vary from one player to another, this document does not provide any precise teaching as to the form that should actually be given to that round.

This being said, the invention aims to provide a racket handle that overcomes the various disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above. It aims in particular to provide such a handle which, while having a satisfactory ergonomics, ensures great precision to the player, especially during these changes of snowshoeing.

For this purpose, it relates to a tennis racket handle according to claim 1 attached. This handle may have advantageous characteristics, according to one of claims 2 to 7 appended.

The invention also relates to a racket, including tennis, badminton, squash, according to claim 8 attached.

The invention also relates to a range of racket handles according to claim 9 attached. This range may have certain advantageous characteristics, according to the appended claim 10.

The invention finally relates to a range of rackets, each of which comprises a corresponding handle, belonging to the sleeve range as defined above.

• la figure 1 est une vue de face, illustrant une raquette de tennis conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de face, illustrant à plus grande échelle le manche équipant la raquette de la figure 1 ; et
• les figures 3, 4 et 5 sont des vues en coupe transversale selon les lignes III-III, IV-IV et V-V à la figure 2.

The invention will be described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given solely by way of non-limiting example, in which:

• the figure 1 is a front view, illustrating a tennis racket according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is a front view, illustrating on a larger scale the handle equipping the racket of the figure 1 ; and
• the Figures 3, 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views along the lines III-III, IV-IV and VV at the figure 2 .

The racket illustrated on the figure 1 , which is in this case a tennis racket, comprises first a handle 2, capable of being surrounded by a not shown coating strip, also called "grip". This sleeve 2 is extended by a sieve 4, inside which is stretched a rope 6. However, the invention also finds application to other rackets, for which the rope 6 is replaced by a solid striking surface and rigid.

The figures 2 and following illustrate, more precisely, the shape and dimensions of the handle 2. In what follows, these dimensions are relative to the bare handle, namely without including the aforementioned coating strip.

This handle 2 firstly comprises an end cap 8, of a type known per se, which is extended by a first bulb, designated as a whole by the reference 10. The latter is defined by two constrictions, namely zones of smaller transverse dimension, as well as by an intermediate bulge, namely an area of larger transverse dimension. We thus note E ₁ the end of the throat, adjacent to the plug 8, E ₂ the median throat, opposite the plug 8, and R _{1 said} bulge.

At any point of this first bulb 10, the cross section of the handle 2 is of octagonal shape, as shown in FIG. figure 3 , which is a sectional view at the level of the constriction E ₁ . More precisely, this octagon is defined by a rectangle 12 of length A _E1 and width B _E1 , which is truncated by four chamfers 14, whose length C _E1 is noted.

In the example shown, these chamfers 14 are oriented at 45 ° with respect to the sides of the rectangle 1. In addition, the four chamfers 14 have identical lengths, it being understood that they may vary on the order of a few percent of one chamfer to another. Similarly, with reference to Figures 4 and 5 , A _R1 , B _R1 and C _R1 the characteristic dimensions of the handle at the bulge R ₁ , and A _E2 , B _E2 and C _E2 , the characteristic dimensions of the handle at the other throttle E ₂ .

The transverse dimension of this sleeve 2 increases substantially continuously, since the constriction E ₁ to the bulge R ₁ . This means that there may possibly be a region of the handle for which this transverse dimension is substantially constant. In a way Likewise, the transverse dimension of the shaft decreases substantially continuously from the bulge R ₁ to the throttle E ₂ . Finally, note that the profile of this sleeve defines, seen from the front, three tangents noted T1, T2 and T3, at each throttle and the bulge.

• A_E1 est compris entre 31.25 et 33.25 mm, de façon préférée entre 31.75 et 32.75 mm, de façon plus préférée entre 32.15 et 32.35 mm, notamment égal à 32.25 mm ;
• B_E1 est compris entre 27 et 29 mm, de façon préférée entre 27.5 et 28.5 mm, de façon plus préférée entre 27.9 et 28.1 mm, notamment égal à 28 mm ;
• C_E1 est compris entre 8 et 14 mm, de façon préférée entre 9 et 13 mm, de façon plus préférée entre 9.75 et 12.3 mm, notamment égal à 11 mm.

The dimensional values of the handle, at the level of the constriction E ₁ ( figure 3 ), are the following :

• A _E1 is between 31.25 and 33.25 mm, preferably between 31.75 and 32.75 mm, more preferably between 32.15 and 32.35 mm, especially equal to 32.25 mm;
• B _E1 is between 27 and 29 mm, preferably between 27.5 and 28.5 mm, more preferably between 27.9 and 28.1 mm, in particular equal to 28 mm;
• C _E1 is between 8 and 14 mm, preferably between 9 and 13 mm, more preferably between 9.75 and 12.3 mm, in particular equal to 11 mm.

• A_R1 est compris entre 34.5 et 36.5 mm, de façon préférée entre 35 et 36 mm, de façon plus préférée entre 35.4 et 35.6 mm, notamment égal à 35.5 mm ;
• B_R1 est compris entre 30 et 32 mm, de façon préférée entre 30.5 et 31.5 mm, de façon plus préférée entre 30.9 et 31.1 mm, notamment égal à 31 mm ;
• C_R1 est compris entre 10 et 16 mm, de façon préférée entre 11 et 14.75 mm, de façon plus préférée entre 11.5 et 14.25 mm, notamment égal à 13 mm.

The dimensional values of the handle, at the level of the bulge R ₁ ( figure 4 ), are the following :

• A _R1 is between 34.5 and 36.5 mm, preferably between 35 and 36 mm, more preferably between 35.4 and 35.6 mm, especially equal to 35.5 mm;
• B _R1 is between 30 and 32 mm, preferably between 30.5 and 31.5 mm, more preferably between 30.9 and 31.1 mm, in particular equal to 31 mm;
• C _R1 is between 10 and 16 mm, preferably between 11 and 14.75 mm, more preferably between 11.5 and 14.25 mm, in particular equal to 13 mm.

• A_E2 est compris entre 30.5 et 32.5 mm, de façon préférée entre 31 et 32 mm, de façon plus préférée entre 31.4 et 31.6 mm, notamment égal à 31.5 mm ;
• B_E2 est compris entre 26.5 et 28.5 mm, de façon préférée entre 27 et 28 mm, de façon plus préférée entre 27.4 et 27.6 mm, notamment égal à 27.5 mm ;
• C_E2 est compris entre 8 et 14 mm, de façon préférée entre 9 et 13 mm, de façon plus préférée entre 9.4 et 12 mm, notamment égal à 10.7 mm.

The dimensional values of the handle, at the level of the constriction E ₂ ( figure 5 ), are the following :

• A _E2 is between 30.5 and 32.5 mm, preferably between 31 and 32 mm, more preferably between 31.4 and 31.6 mm, especially equal to 31.5 mm;
• B _E2 is between 26.5 and 28.5 mm, preferably between 27 and 28 mm, more preferably between 27.4 and 27.6 mm, especially equal to 27.5 mm;
• C _E2 is between 8 and 14 mm, preferably between 9 and 13 mm, more preferably between 9.4 and 12 mm, in particular equal to 10.7 mm.

Furthermore, the distances taken along the main axis XX of the sleeve 2, on the one hand, between the constriction E ₁ and the bulge R _1, and on the other hand, between the bulge, are noted l ₁ and l _2. R ₁ and the other throttling E ₂ .

Under these conditions, l ₁ is between 25 and 50 mm, preferably between 30 and 40 mm, more preferably between 34 and 36 mm, in particular equal to 35 mm. Furthermore, l ₂ is between 35 and 60 mm, preferably between 45 and 55 mm, more preferably between 49 and 51 mm, in particular equal to 50 mm.

Advantageously, the first bulb 10 is extended by a second bulb 20, which is defined by the aforementioned median throat E ₂ , a second bulge R ₂ , and a third throat E ₃ , which connects the handle 2 with the sieve 4. In a similar manner to that explained for the bulb 10, this second bulb 20 has an octagonal cross section, whose dimensions vary substantially continuously from the throat E ₂ to the bulge R ₂ , then decrease substantially continuously this second bulge R ₂ to the connection throat E ₃ .

The dimensional values of the handle, at the level of the second bulge R ₂ , are substantially identical to those of the first bulge R ₁ , defined above. Moreover, the dimensional values of the connection throat E ₃ are approximately equal to those of the end throat E ₁ , also presented above.

Finally, the length l ₃ , corresponding to the distance taken along the axis XX between the throat E ₂ and the bulge R ₂ , is between 20 and 70 mm, preferably between 40 and 50 mm, more preferably between 44 and 46 mm, in particular equal to 45 mm. Furthermore, the distance separating the bulge R ₂ and the connection throat E ₃ is advantageously between 20 and 70 mm.

The invention also relates to a range of handles, whose dimensions are determined from those of the handle 2 described above. This sleeve 2, the dimensional characteristics of which have been presented in the foregoing, is referred to as the "standard" or "0" handle for the sake of clarity of the present description. However, it should be noted that this "standard" handle corresponds to a handle usually called 3 in the racket sports industry, namely that adapted to the largest number of users.

1. A_E1(-1) = A_E1-A';
2. B_E1(-1) = B_E1-B';
3. C_E1(-1) = C_E1-C', où

A' est compris entre 0,5 et 1.5 mm, de préférence entre 1 et 1.3 mm, notamment égal à 1.15 mm ;
B' est compris entre 0.5 et 1.5 mm, de préférence entre 0.9 et 1.1 mm, notamment égal à 1.0 mm ; et
C' est compris entre 0.25 et 1 mm, de préférence entre 0.55 et 0.75 mm, notamment égal à 0.65 mm.By first looking at a handle size "-1", ie immediately smaller than the "standard" mentioned above, this handle size "-1" has the same general shape as the 2 of Figures 1 to 5 that it has two successive bulbs. We denote A _E1 (-1), B _E1 (-1) and C _E1 (-1) the dimensional values of this handle of size "-1" at the level of the end throttle E ₁ , A _R1 (- 1), B _R1 (-1) and C _R1 (-1) the dimensional values of this handle "-1" at the bulge R ₁ , as well as A _E2 (-1) B _E2 (-1) and C _E2 (-1) its dimensional values of this handle "-1" at the level of the constriction E ₂ . In these conditions :

1. A _E1 (-1) = A _E1- A ';
2. B _E1 (-1) = B _E1- B ';
3. C _E1 (-1) = C _E1 -C ', where

A 'is between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, preferably between 1 and 1.3 mm, especially equal to 1.15 mm;
B 'is between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.9 and 1.1 mm, in particular equal to 1.0 mm; and
It is between 0.25 and 1 mm, preferably between 0.55 and 0.75 mm, in particular equal to 0.65 mm.

• A_R1(-1) = A_R1-A' ;
• B_R1(-1) = B_R1-B' ; et
• C_R1(-1) = C_R1-C' .

Otherwise :

• A _R1 (-1) = A _R1- A ';
• B _R1 (-1) = B _R1- B '; and
• C _R1 (-1) = C _R1 -C '.

• A_E2(-1) = A_E2-A' ;
• B_E2(-1) = B_E2-B' ;
• C_E2(-1) = C_E2-C'.

Finally :

• A _E2 (-1) = A _E2- A ';
• B _E2 (-1) = B _E2 -B ';
• C _E2 (-1) = C _E2 -C '.

In other words, the dimensional values of the size "-1" are linked to those of the standard size "0", in the three characteristic zones of the first bulb.

• A_E1(-i) = A_E1-iA' ;
• B_E1(-i) = B_E1-iB' ;
• C_E1(-i) = C_E1-iC'.

In general, if we consider a handle of size "-i", where i is greater than or equal to 1:

• A _E1 (-i) = A _E1- iA ';
• B _E1 (-i) = B _E1- iB ';
• C _E1 (-i) = C _E1 -iC '.

• A_R1(-i) = A_R1-iA' ;
• B_R1(-i) = B_R1-iB' ;
• C_R1(-i) = C_R1-iC'

Otherwise :

• A _R1 (-i) = A _R1 -iA ';
• B _R1 (-i) = B _R1- iB ';
• C _R1 (-i) = C _R1 -iC '

• A_E2(-i) = A_E2-iA' ;
• B_E2(-i) = B_E2-iB';
• C_E2(-i) = C_E2-iC'.

Finally :

• A _E2 (-i) = A _E2 -iA ';
• B _E2 (-i) = B _E2- IB ';
• C _E2 (-i) = C _E2 -iC '.

• A_E1(+j) = A_E1+jA' ;
• B_E1(+j) = B_E1+jB' ;
• C_E1(+j) = C_E1+jC' .

Similarly, the sleeves of positive size, ie larger transverse dimensions than the standard mentioned above, also have a general shape involving two successive bulbs. For j greater than or equal to 1, we denote A _E1 (+ j), B _E1 (+ j) and C _E1 (+ j) dimensional values of a handle of size "+ j" at the end throttle E ₁ , A _R1 (+ j), B _R1 (+ j) and C _R1 (+ j) the dimensional values of this handle "+ J" at the bulge R ₁ , and A _E2 (+ j), B _E2 (+ j) and C _E2 (+ j) its dimensional values at the throttling E ₂ . In these conditions:

• A _E1 (+ j) = A _E1 + jA ';
• B _E1 (+ j) = B _E1 + jB ';
• C _E1 (+ j) = C _E1 + jC '.

• A_R1(+j) = A_R1+jA' ;
• B_R1(+j) = B_R1+jB' ;
• C_R1(+j) = C_R1+jC'.

Otherwise :

• _R1 (+ j) = A _R1 + jA ';
• B _R1 (+ j) = B _R1 + jB ';
• C _R1 (+ j) = C _R1 + jC '.

• A_E2(+j) = A_E2+jA' ;
• B_E2(+j) = B_E2+jB' ;
• C_E2(+j) = C_E2+jC'.

Finally :

• _E2 (+ j) = A _E2 + jA ';
• B _E2 (+ j) = B _E2 + jB ';
• C _E2 (+ j) = C _E2 + jC '.

Note also that, for any value of i and j greater than or equal to 1, the characteristic dimensions of a handle of size "-i" or "+ j", at the level of the second bulge R ₂ , are substantially identical to dimensional values of the first bulge R ₁ . Moreover, the different dimensional values of these sleeves, at the E ₃ connection throat, are approximately equal to those present at these sleeves, at the end of the throat E ₁ .

Finally, it should be emphasized that, for any value of i and j, the axial dimensions l ₁ to l ₃ of a handle of size "-i" or "+ j" are identical to those mentioned previously, for the standard handle mentioned above. -above.

The invention achieves the previously mentioned objectives.

Thus, the player is able to use the first bulb 10, for optimal grip of a racket according to the invention, for the execution of a forehand. The second bulb, the optional character of which will be recalled, may be used by the player for the execution of the backhand, which in this case is performed with both hands.

In addition, the fact that the handle according to the invention has at all points an octagonal section is advantageous. This allows the player to place his hands accurately, for the execution of different shots.

Finally, the characteristic transverse dimensions of the handle according to the invention have proved advantageous, in order to provide comfort and firm grip in the player. The handle of the invention can significantly increase the quality of contact between the hand and the handle.

Indeed, it provides a higher power, identical effort, while it requires less effort to grip for equivalent power. The sliding of the hand is decreased by using the handle according to the invention. Finally, the comfort and accuracy are improved through the use of the handle of the invention.

Claims (11)

1. A shaft (2) of a tennis racket, comprising at least one first bulbous region (10) defined by a first necked region, or end necked region (E₁), facing towards the free end of the shaft, a first bulge (R₁) and another necked region, referred to as median necked region (E₂), this first bulbous region having at every point an octagonal section, defined by a rectangle (12) truncated by four chamfers (14), which are oriented notably at 45° relative to the sides of said rectangle, the transverse dimensions of this first bulbous region increasing substantially continuously from each necked region (E₁, E₂) in the direction of the bulge (R₁), characterised in that the transverse dimensions of this first bulbous region (10) being [sic] as follows, where A and B are the length and the width respectively of said rectangle (12) and C is the length of each chamfer (14), A, B and C being taken at the level of the first necked region (E₁), the first bulge (R₁) and the second necked region (E₂) respectively:

   - A_E1 is between 31.25 and 33.25 mm,

   - B_E1 is between 27 and 29 mm,

   - C_E1 is between 8 and 14 mm,

   - A_R1 is between 34.5 and 36.5 mm,

   - B_R1 is between 30 and 32 mm,

   - C_R1 is between 10 and 16 mm,

   - A_E2 is between 30.5 and 32.5 mm,

   - B_E2 is between 26.5 and 28.5 mm, and

   - C_E2 is between 8 and 14 mm,

   - the distance (l₁), taken along the main axis (X-X) of the shaft between the end necked region (E₁) and the first bulge (R₁), being between 25 and 50 mm, preferably between 30 and 40 mm, more preferably between 34 and 36 mm, notably equal to 35 mm, and

   - the distance (l₂), taken along the main axis (X-X) of the shaft between the first bulge (R₁) and the median necked region (E₂), being between 35 and 60 mm, preferably between 45 and 55 mm, more preferably between 49 and 51 mm, notably equal to 50 mm.
2. A shaft of a tennis racket according to Claim 1, characterised in that:

   - A_E1 is between 31.75 and 32.75 mm, advantageously between 32.15 and 32.35 mm, notably equal to 32.25 mm,

   - B_E1 is between 27.5 and 28.5 mm, advantageously between 27.9 and 28.1 mm, notably equal to 28 mm, and

   - C_E1 is between 9 and 13 mm, advantageously between 9.75 and 12.3 mm, notably equal to 11 mm.
3. A shaft of a tennis racket according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that:

   - A_R1 is between 35 and 36 mm, advantageously between 35.4 and 35.6 mm, notably equal to 35.5 mm,

   - B_R1 is between 30.5 and 31.5 mm, advantageously between 30.9 and 31.1 mm, notably equal to 31 mm, and

   - C_R1 is between 11 and 14.75 mm, advantageously between 11.5 and 14.25 mm, notably equal to 13 mm.
4. A shaft of a tennis racket according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that:

   - A_E2 is between 31 and 32 mm, advantageously between 31.4 and 31.6 mm, notably equal to 31.5 mm,

   - B_E2 is between 27 and 28 mm, advantageously between 27.4 and 27.6 mm, notably equal to 27.5 mm, and

   - C_E2 is between 9 and 13 mm, advantageously between 9.4 and 12 mm, notably equal to 10.7 mm.
5. A shaft of a tennis racket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer surface of said shaft (2) defines, at the level of each necked region (E₁, E₂) and the bulge (R₁), three tangents (T1-T3) parallel to a main axis (X-X) of this shaft.
6. A shaft of a tennis racket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that this shaft comprises a second bulbous region (20), which is defined by said median necked region (E₂), a second bulge (R₂) and also a connecting necked region (E₃), at the end opposite the end necked region (E₁), this second bulbous region (20) having at every point an octagonal cross-section, the dimensions of which vary substantially continuously from the median necked region (E₂) towards the second bulge (R₂), the transverse dimensions of this shaft, at the level of the other bulge (R₂), being identical to those of this shaft at the level of the first bulge (R₁).
7. A shaft of a tennis racket according to Claim 6, characterised in that the distance (l₃), taken along the main axis (X-X) of the shaft between the median necked region (E₂) and the second bulge (R₂), is between 20 and 70 mm, preferably between 40 and 50 mm, more preferably between 44 and 46 mm, notably equal to 45 mm.
8. A racket, notably a tennis, badminton or squash racket, comprising a shaft in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
9. A range of racket shafts, comprising a shaft according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, referred to as standard shaft, and also n shaft(s), where n is greater than or equal to 1, each of which has transverse dimensions less than those of said standard shaft, and also at least m shaft(s), where m is greater than or equal to 1, each of which has transverse dimensions greater than those of said standard shaft, the transverse dimensions of each shaft of lesser size being defined, for any integer -i of between 1 and n, by:

   A_E1(-i) = A_E1-iA';

   B_E1(-i) = B_E1-iB';

   C_E1(-i) = C_E1-iC';

   A_R1-(-i) = A_R1-iA';

   B_R1(-i) = B_R1-iB';

   C_R1(-i) = C_R1-iC';

   A_E2(-i) = A_E2-iA';

   B_E2(-i) = B_E2-iB' and

   C_E2(-i) = C_E2-iC',

   and where the transverse dimensions of each shaft of greater size are defined, for any integer i of between 1 and m, by:

   A_E1(+j) = A_E1+jA';

   B_E1(+j) = B_E1+jB';

   C_E1(+j) = C_E1+jC';

   A_R1(+j) = A_R1+jA';

   B_R1(+j) = B_R1+jB';

   C_R1(+j) = C_R1+jC';

   A_E2(+j) = A_E2+jA';

   B_E2(+j) = B_E2+jB'; and

   C_E2(+j) = C_E2+jC',

   where A' and B' are between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, and where C' is between 0.25 and 1 mm.
10. A range of shafts according to the preceding claim, characterised in that:

    A' is between 1 and 1.3 mm, notably equal to 1.15 mm;

    B' is between 0.9 and 1.1 mm, notably equal to 1.0 mm; and

    C' is between 0.55 and 0.75 mm, notably equal to 0.65 mm.
11. A range of rackets, each of which comprises a corresponding shaft, belonging to the range of shafts in accordance with one of Claims 9 or 10.

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