EP2062621B1 - Racquet with moveable mounted bridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The racquet has a head region for receiving a string defining a string plane, a handle section and a core region, where the handle section is provided for holding the racquet. The core region includes two arms (5, 6) and a V-shaped or U-shaped backbend (7). The backbend is mounted at both the arms in a rotatable and/or pivotable manner with respect to an axis running perpendicular to the string plane. The backbend includes two brackets, which are movably mounted at the arms and are connected with each other in a center by a joint. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a racquet.

Description

The present invention relates to a racket for ball games, in particular a tennis badminton, racquetball or squash racket.

Such ball game rackets typically include a frame forming a club head, and a handle portion. Furthermore, such clubs may have a arranged between the head area and the handle area neck or heart area or a fork. The club head defines a clothing plane in which the clothing of the racket is arranged. To accommodate the strings of the covering lying through holes are provided for the implementation of stringed strings on the frame in the stringing plane.

In addition, it is known that it may be advantageous to form the bridge with a mechanical interruption or a gap and optionally additionally introduce a damping material in the bridge.

For example, the US 5,282,617 a ball game racket with a head portion, a handle portion and two arm portions that are arranged in a V-shape and whose ends merge into the grip portion and unite there. The racket further includes a spring-loaded arm extending from the transitional area of the two arm portions toward the head area. This spring-loaded arm forms at its end a yoke or a bridge, which receives a part of the strings. The suspension allegedly achieves an extended residence time of the ball in the string bed.

Further, for example, describes US 5,779,572 a sports racket with a split bridge having an interruption in which an insert is attached, which is intended to reduce the load on the player's arm during the game.

The US 4,311,308 describes a tennis racket with an insert in the heart area to which at least some strings can be attached. This insert piece can be designed in the form of a joint with a joint axis in the stringing plane and substantially parallel to the racket longitudinal axis. The insert should be able to experience an elastic deformation due to the impulse of an incoming ball, in a direction perpendicular to the clothing plane.

The US 5,133,552 discloses a tennis racket whose frame has curved recesses in the heart area. A yoke piece (or bridge) has curved ends which are substantially matched to the curvature of these recesses. Between the yoke ends and the recesses of the frame, an elastomeric damping disc is provided. This should help to reduce shocks and vibrations in the racket.

The FR 2 845 610 describes a tennis racket whose frame includes a fork with two arms. A bridge completes the frame between the two arms, with the connection between the bridge and the arms having at least one mechanical break. Optionally, an elastic connecting piece is provided between the web and the arms.

From the US 1,937,787 is a tennis or squash racket known in which the two arms are pushed apart in the transition between the club shaft and club head by means of a strain spring. This racket has no bridge in the traditional sense and the expansion spring can not absorb strings of clothing. These are twisted together and passed by the side of the spring.

Usually, the frame of such a racket is formed of a frame profile, which is often made of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic material in a molding press in the blow molding process. Usually, the bridge is pressed together with the rest of the frame and connected with it. An alternative is the subsequent screwing on a bridge section made in another way.

For example, describes the US 4,209,170 a tennis racket with a bridge insert of an elastomer which is attached by means of fasteners on the frame of the racket.

However, with the bats known from the prior art, optimum ball guidance, optimal rigidity or optimum damping behavior of a racket are not met, so that accuracy, impulse absorption and handling of these known rackets are still in need of improvement. In the known from the prior art rackets is still no optimal acceleration capacity, which is transferable from the racket on the ball given. In particular, it is not yet possible with known hammers to specifically control the deformation of the racket frame caused by the impact of the ball on the racket and the pulse absorption associated therewith, or to effectively convert the pulse into punching power.

Furthermore, the known method for producing a racket, in which the entire frame is produced in a single blow in the blow molding process, is disadvantageous because the connection of the bridge section to the rest of the frame is labor-intensive and can often lead to faulty seams or breaks at the transition.

The present invention has for its object to provide a further improved ball game rackets, in particular an improved tennis, badminton, racquetball and squash rackets available. Further or additional objects of the invention are to provide a racket which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, which has improved handleability or optimized playability enabling excellent ball guidance and acceleration. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of making ball racquets which overcomes or at least minimizes the above-mentioned disadvantages of conventional methods and which is simple and inexpensive to perform.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. In the dependent claims preferred embodiments of the invention are described.

The invention relates to a racket for ball games with a head portion for receiving a covering defining a clothing level, a handle portion for holding the racket and a heart area, wherein the heart area comprises two arms and a bridge which receives a portion of the fabric, wherein the arms each have a passage opening, are introduced into the end portions of the bridge, and wherein the bridge is rotatably mounted on the two arms with respect to a substantially perpendicular to the string plane axis and / or ,

In a preferred embodiment, this is realized, for example, in that the bridge comprises two legs, which are: movably mounted on the arms and connected to one another via a joint, preferably in the middle. The bridge can also be mounted in other ways on the arms, which allows a corresponding rotatable or pivotal storage. However, the bridge should be kept by the frame alone. This means that the bridge should not be pressed by the strings to the frame and in the unstressed state of the racket of this dissolve.

Advantageously, in the embodiments described above, the bridge and the two arms are connected to each other via a respective damping part or Einpass-piece. The damping member may be mounted between the bridge and storage or integrated directly into the storage.

In a preferred embodiment, the openings on the head-side and handle-side edges and the end portions of the bridge form a positive connection with the head-side edges. It can remain between the end portions of the bridge and the handle side edges of the openings a space. This can serve to receive a damping part or a fitting piece. This makes it possible to prevent or dampen movement of the bridge in the direction of the handle.

The bridge can z. B. made of carbon fiber reinforced or glass fiber reinforced plastic or other suitable, preferably elastic material. For example, this fiber-reinforced plastics, thermoplastic injection molding materials such as polyamide with up to 50% gain in the form of short carbon fibers, "Shape Memory Alloys" and the like can be found. The damping member is preferably made of an elastomer, for. Example of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM). Also advantageous are thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) such as thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU).

According to a first variant, the bridge may be convex, in particular substantially V- or U-shaped, relative to the grip portion, the opening of the V or U pointing in the direction of the head region. In a second variant, the bridge may be concave relative to the handle portion, in particular substantially V- or U-shaped, wherein the opening of the V or U points in the direction handle portion.

However, the bridge can also take other forms advantageous for the bending behavior, for example a double S-shape or generally a shape in which the bridge has at least two inflection points along its length.

It is desirable that the rotatable and / or pivotable mounting of the bridge on the two arms forms two pivot axes that have a distance of at least 8 cm, preferably at least 10 cm and more preferably more than 12 cm , When dimensioning the bridge, it is also advantageous if it allows them, that the bridge receives at least 10, preferably 12 strings of clothing.

As already mentioned, different mounting or storage possibilities of the bridge are provided on the arms. In this case, however, it is particularly desirable that rotational or pivoting movements or, more generally, deformations in the club or stringing plane be permitted, whereas rotational or pivotal movements should be substantially avoided out of this plane. Thus, for example, the bridge at their ends each have a fork which is adapted to support the bridge at the two arms. Alternatively, the arms may each have a projection or a bulge, which is suitable for supporting the bridge by means of correspondingly shaped end sections on the two arms. For this purpose, the ends of the bridge advantageously on correspondingly shaped indentations or receiving portions, which preferably interact positively with the bulges of the arms.

The option, after which the arms each have an opening, are introduced into the end portions of the bridge, has already been mentioned. In this case, it is also possible for the bridge to be hollow and open at both ends so as to provide complete passage through both arms and the bridge. Depending on the curvature of the bridge, it may then also be possible to look through the bridge from the side of the racket can. Further, due to its shape and / or by means of additional means mounted therein, the cavity of the bridge may be capable of generating a sound as air bypasses the ends of the bridge, such as by exciting a vibration in the cavity.

The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a racket comprising the steps of: manufacturing a racket frame having a head portion, two arms, and a handle portion in the blow-by method; Making a bridge for a racket frame in the blow-by process; and assembling the bridge and the remaining racket frame.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the joining of the bridge and the remaining racket frame takes place without connecting straps.

In this case, the production of the frame in the tube blowing process is done in a conventional manner with the usual parameters. The invention is based on the idea of separately producing the bridge and residual frame in the tubular blowing process and then joining the resulting two sections together. This step can be done in different ways. It is conceivable, for example, a gluing or screwing of the items or pressing the bridge into a corresponding precisely fitting receiving area in the frame. Alternatively, it is provided to introduce the bridge in holes or openings in the arms of the racket. Gaps could then be filled, for example by injection molding with an elastomer.

An advantage of the method according to the invention is that the most error-prone step in the conventional tube blowing method, namely the connection of the bridge to the residual frame during the tube blowing process, is dispensed with. Since this connection often leads to cracks or breaks, it causes a high rejection. This is avoided in the method according to the invention, since the subsequent assembly of the individual parts is simple and error-free feasible. As a result, the method is also cheaper, among other things.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf einen herkömmlichen Ballspielschläger;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf den Herzbereich eines Ballspielschlägers zur Illustration des Erfindungsprinzips;

Fig. 3

eine Prinzipskizze zur Erläuterung der Funktionsweise des Gelenks gemäß Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

eine Prinzipskizze zur Erläuterung der Funktionsweise des Gelenks gemäß einer Variante der Ausführungsform in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt durch und eine Seitenansicht auf den Herzbereich eines Ballspielschlägers gemäß einer bevorzugten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform;

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt durch den Herzbereich eines Ballspielschlägers gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform;

Fig. 7

einen Schnitt durch den Herzbereich eines Ballspielschlägers gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform;

Fig. 8

einen Schnitt durch den Herzbereich eines Ballspielschlägers;

Fig. 9

einen Schnitt durch den Herzbereich eines Ballspielschlägers;

Fig. 10

eine Draufsicht auf und einen Querschnitt durch den Herzbereich eines Ballspielschlägers;

Fig. 11

einen perspektivischen Längsschnitt des Herzbereichs eines Ballspielschlägers gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform;

Fig. 12

einen perspektivische Schnittansicht der Brücke des Schlägers aus Fig. 11;

Fig. 13

eine perspektivische Schnittansicht auf ein Detail der Brücke aus Fig. 12;

Fig. 14

eine perspektivische Schnittansicht eines Details der Brücke aus Fig. 12;

Fig. 15

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Brücke des Schlägers aus Fig. 11; und

Fig. 16

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Details der Brücke des Schlägers aus Fig. 11.

Hereinafter, a racket according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to several preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a plan view of a conventional ball game racket;

Fig. 2

a plan view of the heart area of a ball game racket to illustrate the inventive principle;

Fig. 3

a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the joint according to Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 4

a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the joint according to a variant of the embodiment in Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 5

a section through and a side view of the heart area of a ball game racket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6

a section through the heart region of a ball game racket according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7

a section through the heart region of a ball game racket according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8

a section through the heart area of a ball game racket;

Fig. 9

a section through the heart area of a ball game racket;

Fig. 10

a plan view and a cross section through the heart area of a ball game racket;

Fig. 11

a perspective longitudinal section of the heart region of a ball game racket according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12

a sectional perspective view of the bridge of the racket Fig. 11 ;

Fig. 13

a perspective sectional view of a detail of the bridge Fig. 12 ;

Fig. 14

a perspective sectional view of a detail of the bridge Fig. 12 ;

Fig. 15

a perspective view of the bridge of the racket Fig. 11 ; and

Fig. 16

a perspective view of a detail of the bridge of the racket Fig. 11 ,

Fig. 1 shows a conventional ball game rackets, especially tennis rackets in plan view. The ball game racket has a frame that forms a substantially oval club head or head area 1, a heart area 2 and a grip portion 3. The frame is preferably formed from a frame or hollow profile. The club head defines a clothing plane of the racket. To accommodate the clothing, the frame in the head region 2 has a plurality of through holes (not shown) lying essentially in the clothing plane for carrying stringed strings. The heart area 2 of the racket is arranged substantially between the head area 1 and the handle section 3 and represents the connection area between them. The heart area 2 has, as in FIG Fig. 1 shown, an opening 4. This is generally formed by two side sections or arms 5 and 6 and a connecting section or a bridge 7, which is arranged in the head region 2 of the racket.

Fig. 2 shows the heart area of a ball game racket to illustrate the inventive principle. In this, the bridge comprises two legs 10 and 11 which are movably mounted on the arms 5 and 6 and connected to each other via a hinge 20. This in Fig. 2 shown joint is merely exemplary and technically feasible in other ways. In the illustrated variant of this embodiment, the bridge is convex relative to the handle portion, namely U-shaped, wherein the opening of the U points in the head region.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram for illustrating the operation of the joint according to Fig. 2 , If a ball strikes the clothing (not shown), it is deflected due to the momentum transfer, which results in a force in the direction of the arrow 12 on the bridge 7. A conventional racket in which the bridge is substantially rigid would then react with a relatively small deformation of the bridge. However, since bridge 7 according to the invention has said hinge 20, bridge 7 will yield to force 12 and the hinge axis will move in the direction of arrow 12. That has but due to the convex bridge shape inevitably the result that the two storage points on the arms 5 and 6 move outwards, namely in the direction of the arrows 13 and 14. As a result, the entire head portion 1 of the racket is spread, the frame parts at about three and nine o'clock, according to the arrows 15 and 16 away from each other, ie pushed outwards, whereby the intervening transverse strings are additionally tensioned.

Consequently, a racket according to the in Fig. 2 and 3 illustrated embodiment, a cushioning of the ball impulse on the longitudinal strings with simultaneous pulse amplification on the transverse strings.

According to a second variant of this embodiment, the bridge is as in Fig. 4 to see, relative to the handle portion concave, namely U-shaped, formed, wherein the opening of the U in the direction handle portion has. Analogously to the above explanations, it is understood that the impact of a ball in this variant has a substantially reverse effect. The deformation of the bridge 7 causes a contraction of the head area 1 and thus a relaxation of the transverse strings, as illustrated by the corresponding arrows.

It can be advantageous if the joint 20 has at least one end stop in order to limit and / or slow down the deflection of the joint in order to be able to control the deformation of the bridge in a targeted manner. Accordingly, it is desirable that the joint permit deflections from the equilibrium position in the range of -15 to 15 degrees, preferably -10 to 10 degrees, more preferably -5 to 5 degrees. Furthermore, for this purpose, the joint 20 may alternatively or additionally comprise a spring device which counteracts the deflection of the joint. The spring constant of this spring device is in the range between 5 and 100 N / cm, preferably between 30 and 70 N / cm. In particular, non-linear springs or spring devices could advantageously be used in this context. Furthermore, it is possible that the spring device comprises two different work areas, so that, for example, deflections of the joint 20 inward, ie in the direction of the clothing, are exposed to a greater spring force than deflections to the outside. Just as the stops to limit the deflection can allow different deflection angle to the inside or outside.

Fig. 5 shows a further preferred embodiment of the invention in longitudinal section. Accordingly, the arms 5 and 6 each have openings 5a and 6a or openings in which the ends of the bridge 7 can be inserted. Optionally located between the ends of the bridge 7 and the arms 5 and 6, a damping material 8. This may be, for example, an elastomer that absorbs a portion of the recorded by the strings and then transmitted to the bridge pulse. Advantageously, the maximum diameter of the bridge 7 and / or its shape is designed so that it can be inserted through one of the openings 5a or 6a in the finished frame. Subsequently, the bridge 7 can be fixed by inserting the damping material 8 on the frame.

Obviously, the bridge 7 may also have a different shape, such as with respect to the Figures 2 and 3 described convex or concave shape. Also a concave-concave design, as in Fig. 6 to see is possible. In this variant, for example, it is also possible that the bridge 7 is hollow and open at both ends, so that a complete passage 9 is provided by both arms and the bridge. That may be desirable for aesthetic reasons. In particular, however, this can also be a sound generated when air flows past the ends of the bridge, for example by a vibration in the cavity is excited.

The in the Fig. 5 and 6 embodiments shown also cause a rotatable or pivotal mounting of the bridge, especially when the additional damping material is provided. Since the bridge 7 is not rigidly mounted on the arms 5 and 6, it can, for example, by a deformation of the damping material, move relative to these. By an appropriate design of the area in which the damping material is introduced, it can influence the type of mobility can be taken. For example, the ends of the bridge 7 are not completely covered with damping material 8, but about, as in the in Fig. 5 shown side view, only on the longitudinal edges, so in particular rotational or pivotal movements are allowed with an axis perpendicular to the clothing plane. Other degrees of freedom, however, are largely suppressed. Another way of influencing the deformation degrees of freedom of the bridge is also to make the bridge correspondingly elastic. This can be done by choosing suitable materials, or z. Example, in a manufactured in the tubular blowing bridge by appropriate orientation of the carbon fibers. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that with Damping elements movably mounted bridge with the in the FIGS. 2 to 4 to combine joint shown. In order to provide better bending or vibration properties, however, the bridge may also have a double S-shape, as in Fig. 7 indicated.

In general, it is desirable that the rotatable and / or pivotable mounting of the bridge on the two arms forms two pivot axes, which have a distance of at least 8 cm, preferably at least 10 cm. When dimensioning the bridge, it is also advantageous if it allows them, that the bridge receives at least 10, preferably 12 strings of clothing.

Fig. 8 shows how the bridge 7 can be movably mounted on the two arms 5 and 6 by being fitted in indentations 10 in the arms 5 and 6. Even if no damping material is shown here, such can be provided in order to enable a corresponding rotational or pivoting movement of the bridge 7 about the bearing points or to control it by means of specific material properties of the damping material.

A variant is in Fig. 9 shown. Therein, the arms 5 and 6 bulges 11, which fit into corresponding recesses of the bridge 7.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that in all these embodiments and variants thereof, the problem must be taken into account that the bridge must be fitted into the already completed residual frame. This can be guaranteed by appropriate dimensioning, sufficient free spaces, which are later filled with an elastomer, or in a similar manner. If the residual frame is flexible enough, e.g. in the case of an aluminum frame, this can also be easily spread to fit the bridge.

Another solution to this problem is in Fig. 10 outlined. Here, the bridge 7, inter alia, consists of two sections 12 and 13, which form two forks at the bridge ends, which enclose the arms 5 and 6. These two sections can then be positioned on both sides of the racket on the arms and by means of two (or more) fastening mechanisms, such as gluing, staples, screws, rivets or the like, 14 and 15 are fixed. Again, in addition, a damping material between the sections and the arms can be introduced. Further, the sections 12 and 13, not shown through holes for attachment of the strings.

Fig. 11 FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective longitudinal sectional view of the heart region of a ball game racket according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. The two arms 5 and 6 of the racket according to the invention have openings 5a and 6a. In the two openings 5a and 6a, a bridge 7 can be fitted. As shown in Fig. 11 This is done particularly preferably by means of two fitting pieces 8, which fix the bridge 7 in the recesses 5a and 6a of the arms. The fitting pieces 8 are preferably an elastomer which can be correspondingly fitted or pressed in.

In the perspective sectional view of Fig. 12 is an example to see how this fixation can be realized. The arms 5 and 6 preferably have recesses or notches 5b and 6b at the edges of the openings 5a and 6a directed towards the clothing plane. In this can be the two ends of the bridge 7, which are formed correspondingly reciprocal, fit or insert positively. In order to guarantee a sufficient hold or a stable fixation, the mentioned fitting pieces 8 are inserted into the remaining free spaces or gaps. The racket frame and the bridge 7 are in Fig. 12 each shown only half, whereas the Einpass pieces 8 are completely visible. In other words shows Fig. 12 (as well as Fig. 14 ) a bat, which was halved lengthwise and in one half then the two fitting pieces 8 were used. In Fig. 15 is an analogue view without section to see.

Preferably, the fixation can be improved by e.g. the bridge 7 has a groove 7a engageable with corresponding portions 8a of the fitting pieces 8. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this may be achieved otherwise, such as by having the fitting pieces 8 each having a groove which engages a spring in the bridge.

The Figures 13 . 14 and 16 show detailed views of the exemplary described fixation of the bridge according to the invention.

From the Fig. 11 to 14 It is clear that in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the openings 5a and 6a should be dimensioned so that the bridge 7 can be easily inserted into this. Preference is given in particular in the longitudinal direction of the The racket or the arms suffice for play or clearance. The bridge 7 is then fitted into the openings so that it rests positively on the head-side edges of the openings. That is, when the bridge is positioned in its intended position, a clearance remains between the bridge and the handle-side edges of the openings. This space is then particularly suitable for receiving the aforementioned Einpass pieces.

The present invention has an advantageous effect on the playing behavior of a racket according to the invention, in that the deformation behavior can be adjusted in a targeted and controlled manner. On the one hand, the damping material between the bridge and the arms enables damping of the momentum transmitted by the strings to the bridge, which reduces the load on the player's arm. On the other hand, the elastic deformation of the bridge or the rotational or pivoting movement of the same can be exploited to increase the impact impulse or the impact force. Furthermore, for example, the embodiment of the Fig. 2 a controlled influence on the vibration spectrum. As already related to the Fig. 3 and 4 explained, the reaction of the longitudinal or transverse strings to the impulse of an incoming ball can be adjusted independently of each other in this racket. Thus, for example, a pulse amplification by an additional tension of the transverse strings due to the deformation of the bridge is possible (see. Fig. 3 ).

Claims (13)

1. A racket for ball games with a head region (1) for receiving a stringing defining a stringing plane, a handle portion (3) for holding the racket and a heart region (2), wherein the heart region (2) has two arms (5, 6) and a bridge (7) receiving part of the stringing, wherein the arms (5, 6) have a through opening (5a, 6a), respectively, in which end portions of the bridge (7) are inserted, and wherein the bridge (7) is pivot-mounted regarding an axis that is basically perpendicular to the stringing plane.
2. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the bridge (7) is connected with both arms (5, 6) by means of a dampening portion or fitting piece (8).
3. The racket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bridge (7) is designed convexly relative to the handle portion (3), in particular basically V-shaped or U-shaped, wherein the opening of the V or U points towards the head region (1).
4. The racket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bridge (7) is designed concavely relative to the handle portion (3), in particular basically V-shaped or U-shaped, wherein the opening of the V or U points towards the handle portion (3).
5. The racket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bridge (7) is hollow and open to both sides so that a complete passage (9) through both arms (5, 6) and the bridge (7) is provided.
6. The racket according to claim 5, wherein the hollow space of the bridge (7) is suitable due to its shape and/or by a means additionally arranged therein to produce a sound when air streams past the ends of the bridge (7).
7. The racket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the through openings (5a, 6a) have head-sided and handle-sided edges and the end portions of the bridge (7) form fit the head-sided edges.
8. The racket according to claim 7, wherein a free space for receiving a fitting piece (8) remains between the end portions and the handle-sided edges.
9. The racket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot-mounting of the bridge (7) forms two axes of rotation on both arms (5, 6) which have a distance of at least 8 cm, preferably at least 10 cm and particularly preferably more than 12 cm.
10. The racket according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bridge (7) has at least two turning points along its length.
11. The racket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bridge (7) receives at least 10, preferably 12 strings of the stringing.
12. A method for manufacturing a racket according to any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising the steps of:

    a) manufacturing a racket frame with a head region, two arms and a handle portion in a blow molding process;

    b) manufacturing a bridge for a racket frame in a blow molding process; and

    c) connecting the bridge with the remaining racket frame.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein connecting the bridge with the remaining racket frame is effected without connection straps.

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