EP2099536A1

EP2099536A1 - Racket handle insert and corresponding handle and racket

Info

Publication number: EP2099536A1
Application number: EP07870331A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eric Babolat
Original assignee: Babolat VS SA
Current assignee: Babolat VS SA
Priority date: 2006-11-23
Filing date: 2007-11-23
Publication date: 2009-09-16
Also published as: FR2909005B1; WO2008078014A1; US8298101B2; CN101568364A; US20100056308A1; FR2909005A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a racket handle insert which is intended to be placed around at least part of the core (2) of the handle and which, once in position, forms a first bulbous configuration (40, 50) having a central bulge (R, R'), the transverse dimensions of each bulbous configuration diminishing continuously from the bulge towards the two axial ends thereof.

Description

INSERT FOR RATCHET HANDLE, HAND AND RAQUETTE CORRESPONDING

The present invention relates to an insert for racquet handle, a racket handle equipped with such an insert, and a racket equipped with such a handle.

The handle of the invention is likely to be used in any type of racket sport, including tennis, badminton or squash.

In a conventional manner, a racket handle comprises a core, formed in particular of a composite material optionally covered for example with foam, or of wood, at the outer periphery of which is wound a coating strip, also called grip. The racket includes, 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. Usually, a racquet handle has a section, for example polygonal, and in particular octagonal, whose transverse dimensions are constant along the 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.

Thus, EP-B-0 291 576 discloses a handle for racket which has, in the region of the hand, a rounded and without edges, which has a bulge of larger transverse dimension. At both ends, this edgeless area is transformed into polygonal section touch zones.

The solution described in this European patent however has certain disadvantages. Indeed, the handle described there is of a relatively complex manufacture. Moreover, this solution is not modular, since it is necessary for the user to buy a specific racket.

This being said, the invention aims to provide, in a fast and convenient way, an ergonomic character to all types of rackets. It aims in particular to offer this ergonomic nature to commercial rackets, already in the possession of users.

For this purpose, it relates to an insert according to claim 1 below.

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

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the heart of a racket handle, capable of receiving an insert according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, illustrating an insert according to the invention; - Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the handle of FIG. 1 around which the insert of FIG. 2 is attached;

- Figures 5, 6 and 7 are views in cross section along the lines VV ₁ VI-Vl and VII-VII in Figure 4;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating an alternative embodiment of an insert according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a strip in which an insert according to another variant of the invention is capable of being cut;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the insert cut in the strip of FIG. 9;

- Figure 11 is a perspective view, illustrating the introduction of the insert of Figure 10 around a racket handle; FIG. 12 is a side view, illustrating a package intended to receive the band of FIG. 9;

- Figure 13 is a perspective view, illustrating a sleeve for producing an insert according to a further embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 14 is a perspective view, illustrating the insert made from the sleeve of FIG. 13, once reported around a racket handle. Figure 1 illustrates a heart 2 belonging to a racket handle that proposes to treat the invention. In known manner, this core 2 is made in particular of a composite material optionally covered for example with foam, or in wood. It has an octagonal section, corresponding to a rectangle 4 represented in dashed lines, which is truncated by four chamfers 6, in particular oriented at 45 °.

This core 2 is also provided, in the usual way, with different non-represented mechanical members, such as a plug provided at its free end 2 ', while its opposite end is connected for example to a sieve, in the case of a tennis racket. Finally, the periphery of this core is intended to be covered with a coating strip or "grip" which is not shown in this Figure 1.

Figure 2 illustrates an insert according to the invention, designated as a whole by the reference 10, which is likely to be reported around the core 2 described above.

This insert 10 comprises four separate shells 20, 22, 30, 32, which are adapted to cooperate in pairs. Firstly, the first pair of shells 20 and 22 will be described more particularly.

These first two shells 20 and 22, which are identical, are made of a relatively rigid material, such as for example a carbon-based composite material, or a moldable thermoplastic material, in particular polyamide. Each shell 20, 22 comprises a median main web 20i, 22 ^ from which two intermediate flaps 2O ₂ , 22 ₂ extend at an angle substantially equal to 45 °. Finally, each shell is terminated by two end flaps 2O ₃ , 22 ₃ , extending substantially at 45 ° relative to a corresponding flap.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of one of the shells 20 or 22, which also corresponds to the profile of one of the free edges of the flaps, for example that referenced 20 ' ₃ in Figure 2. In this regard, it should be emphasized that this longitudinal profile is globally identical at all points of the hulls, whether at the level of the sail, flaps or flaps.

In this FIG. 3, E ₁ and E ₂ denote the axial ends of the shell considered, which is in this case that referenced 20. It is also intended to a median bulge R, the profile of this shell being for example symmetrical with respect to a median vertical axis.

The length L of the shell is for example between 50 and 130 mm, preferably between 60 and 120 mm, while its maximum thickness e, which corresponds to that of the bulge R, is for example between 1 and 7 mm, preferably between 1, 5 and 6 mm. In this respect, it will be noted that, in the vicinity of the two ends E ₁ and E ₂ , the shell has a thickness which is very small, in any case much smaller than that of the bulge R.

This thickness of the shell decreases continuously, from the median bulge R to the two axial ends Ei and E ₂ . This means that there may possibly be a region of the shell for which this thickness is substantially constant.

The shells 20 and 22 described above are intended to form a bulb for the main grip of the player, namely the forehand or the backhand with one hand, as will be seen more specifically in what follows. The other two hulls

30 and 32 are intended to form a second bulb for the positioning of the second hand, for example for the two-handed backhand.

Under these conditions, these shells 30 and 32 have a structure similar to that of the shells 20 and 22. There is thus a web 30-ι, 32i, flaps 30 ₂ , 32 ₂ , and flaps 30 ₃ , 32 ₃ . These shells 30 and 32 may be made of the same material, or of a material equivalent to that constituting the first shells 20 and 22. Alternatively, they may be formed of a material having properties different from those of the shells 20 and 22, especially in terms of hardness. Finally, the longitudinal section of these shells 30 and 32 is similar to those of shells 20 and 22, with the presence of a median bulge R ', visible in FIG.

However, since these shells 30 and 32 are intended to form a bulb on the reverse side, they may have smaller dimensions than the shells 20 and 22. Thus, their length L 'is for example between 50 and 120 mm, preferably between 60 and 100 mm, while their maximum thickness e 'is for example between 1 and 7 mm, preferably between 1, 5 and 6 mm. Figure 4 illustrates the establishment of different shells 20, 22, 30 and 32 around the heart 2 of the racket handle.

The first two shells 20 and 22, for the main catch, are related to the periphery of the core 2, in the vicinity of the free end 2 'while being distant from it. In order to ensure better fastening of the shells, it is possible to use an adhesive of any suitable type. For this purpose, the shell may be provided with an adhesive side, protected by a film that has to be removed before the laying operation. It is also possible to report a layer of adhesive, such as glue, before the establishment of each shell. Once reported around the heart, these two shells 20 and 22 form a first bulb 40 of octagonal section. Thus, the two sails 20i and 22i form two opposite sides of this octagon, while the flaps 2O ₂ and 22 ₂ form four additional sides. Finally, the flaps 2O ₃ and 22 ₃ , belonging to these two adjacent shells, come into mutual contact so as to form two other sides, provided on both sides of the core 2.

In addition, the other two shells 30 and 32 form a second bulb 50, for the second hand. Once these two bulbs 40 and 50 are in place, it is then a matter of classically report a coating strip 60, partially illustrated in this figure 4. Figures 5 to 7 illustrate the cross section of three different areas of the handle racket thus obtained.

In FIG. 5, the cross section of this handle is maximum, since it corresponds to the median bulge of one of the bulbs, in this case that R of the bulb 40. FIG. 6 represents a minimum cross-sectional area of the racket , corresponding to the absence of bulb. In other words, this zone comprises only the core 2, to which the coating strip 60 is attached. Finally, FIG. 7 corresponds to a zone of the bulb for which the thickness thereof and, consequently, the cross section of the handle, have an intermediate value. As seen above, the thickness of each shell decreases continuously, since its median bulge to its two axial ends. As a result, the cross section of the racquet handle decreases also, continuously, from each bulge to each end.

The invention achieves the previously mentioned objectives. Indeed, the invention allows for a racket having an ergonomic handle, provided with at least one gripping bulb. In this respect, it should be noted that the bulb 50, for the second hand, is optional.

In addition, this ergonomic character can be obtained in a simple manner from a standard racket, whose handle has a continuous section, which can be for example polygonal, oval or round. For this purpose, it suffices to remove the original coating strip, to place the insert 10, then to replace the coating strip, or to replace it with another one. Note that, in the example described and shown, the insert 10 is formed by the two shells 40 and 50. However, it can be expected that this insert is formed by a single of these shells, whether in the case of a tennis racket or a racket from another sport, such as badminton or squash.

In addition, it can be noted that the shells, intended to form the insert, can be placed axially, at the desired location, on the heart of the handle. These shells can also be removed, and eventually moved, to ensure better feelings for the player. FIG. 8 illustrates a first variant embodiment of the invention. In this figure, the mechanical elements similar to those of the preceding figures are assigned the same afferent numbers, increased by 100.

The difference existing between the insert 110 of this FIG. 8 and that of the preceding figures lies in the fact that each pair of shells, respectively 120, 122 and 130, 132 is connected by a corresponding hinge 124, 134. Each hinge, which is for example molded, extends on either side of a corresponding median bulge. It makes it possible to connect the facing shutters 12O ₃ , 122 ₃ , respectively 13O ₃ , 132 ₃ belonging to two adjacent shells, which ensures their joining. It is possible to connect two adjacent shells, intended to form the same bulb, by means of different connection means of a hinge. Thus, it can be provided to connect these two adjacent shells by means of lateral tabs, which can be compressed. This also allows to adapt the hulls to different types of sleeves, since the presence of these squeezable tabs makes it possible to make up for the differences in section.

As a further variant, not shown, shells for forming different bulbs are capable of being mutually connected. In this context, it is possible to provide breakable axial bridges, represented by mixed lines in FIG. 8. This makes it possible to make the various shells captive before they are put in place and, after sectioning the bridges, to place these shells independently on the heart of the handle, at appropriate places.

Figures 9 to 11 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the invention. In these figures, the mechanical elements similar to those of FIGS. 1 to 7 are assigned the same reference numbers, increased by 200. The insert 210 of this embodiment can be cut from a strip 212 large size, which is made of a flexible material, for example an elastomer such as polyurethane. This band 212 can also be formed from several materials. In this case, this band has a heart, as well as a periphery, whose respective materials can be chosen according to a suitable purpose, especially in order to confer an anti-vibration effect.

Seen from the side, the profile of this band is identical to the longitudinal profile of the shell 20, as shown in Figure 3. This band 212 thus defines a bulb comprising a bulge R ", and two ends E" i and E " ₂ of smaller thickness.

Depending on the value of the perimeter affected by a given handle core, it is necessary to cut the band 212 to the appropriate dimensions, so as to form the insert 210, illustrated in FIG. to wind this insert around the heart 2, according to the arrow f in Figure 11, so that its two edges Bi and B ₂ are joined. A first bulb 240 is then formed, it being understood that it is sufficient to cut another portion of the strip 210 in order to make another bulb. Under these conditions, the racket is provided with two inserts, each of which defines a corresponding bulb. Advantageously, each insert can be replaced removably around the core 2. In particular, the inner face of the insert, namely that intended to be in contact with the heart, can be coated with an adhesive-type "Repositionable".

This last measure is advantageous. Indeed, a user is able to place each insert in a given location, and then move possibly, according to his own feelings. Note that the attachment of the insert on the heart, which is first provided by the adhesive means, is completed by the presence of the coating strip 60.

According to another advantageous embodiment, one can replace the insert initially set up by another insert, whose profile is different, namely for example that its bulb is more or less pronounced. This new insert can be arranged either at the same location as the initial insert, or in a different location. This variant allows the racket to adapt to the sensations of the player, since the latter has the ability to vary, simply and quickly, the profile of the handle.

Figure 12 illustrates a package 260 adapted to receive one or more strips, such as that 212 described above. This package 260 is provided with a side end strip 262, tearable to access the interior volume of the package. Furthermore, this tongue 262 is provided with graduations 264, for cutting the band 212 to the appropriate length.

More precisely, the strip 262 is torn and then wound around the handle which is to be equipped by means of an insert according to the invention. Reading the corresponding graduation of the strip 262 allows to deduce the perimeter of the handle and, therefore, to cut the band 212 to the right length to isolate an insert 210 of suitable size.

Advantageously, the package 260 may contain several bands, whose profiles are different. In other words, these bands define bulbs whose dimensions and / or the profile of the bulbs are different. This allows the player to place inserts of varying profiles, depending on his playing sensations. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a further variant embodiment of the invention. In these figures, the mechanical elements similar to those of the preceding figures are assigned the same reference numbers, increased by 300. The insert 310 according to this embodiment is formed from a sleeve 312, visible in FIG. 13, which is made of a heat-shrinkable material such as for example polyethylene. This sleeve 312 has dimensions greater than those of the bulbs of the definitive insert 310. In addition, this sleeve 312 has a generally cylindrical external shape, namely that its external dimensions are substantially constant, but it has on the other hand internal zones of larger thickness, not shown in Figure 13, which are intended to form the final bulbs.

It is then necessary to thread this sleeve 312 around the core 2, then to submit it to a heating operation, for example at a temperature of 80 to 150 ^° C. Given the nature of its constituent material, the initial zones greater thickness of the sleeve to form permanent bulbs 340 and 350, which is provided with the insert 310 shown in Figure 14.

Claims

1. insert (10; 1 10; 210; 310) for racquet handle, intended to be attached around at least a portion of the heart (2) of the handle, this insert forming, once reported around this heart, at least a first bulb (40, 50, 240, 340, 350) which has a median bulge (R, R '; R "), with reference to a longitudinal axis of the handle, the transverse dimensions of the or each bulb decreasing continuously from this bulge towards the two axial ends (E ₁ , E ₂ , E 'L E'₂; E ¹ ^ ₁ E " ₂ ) of the or each bulb.

2. Insert according to claim 1, characterized in that, at least at its outer periphery, the or each bulb has at all points an octagonal cross section.

3. Insert according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insert (10; 110) comprises a first pair of complementary shells (20, 22, 30, 32;

120, 122, 130, 132), each of which is adapted to form a corresponding bulb (40, 50), these shells being made of a rigid material, in particular polyamide.

4. Insert according to claim 3, characterized in that each shell comprises a median web (20i, 22-ι), two intermediate flaps (2O ₂ , 22 ₂ ), and two end flaps (2O ₃ , 22 _{3 ;} 12O _3, 122 _3).

5. Insert according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that there are provided means (124; 134) connecting between two complementary shells (120, 122; 130, 132), intended to form the same bulb.

6. Insert according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting means comprise a hinge (124, 134) connecting these two shells (120, 122; 130, 132).

7. Insert according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting means comprise at least one compression tab, allowing to adapt these two shells to different sections of the sleeve core.

8. Insert according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that there is provided breakable connecting means between successive shells for forming different bulbs.

9. Insert according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insert (210) is made of a flexible material, in particular an elastomer.

10. Insert according to claim 9, characterized in that this insert (210) is adapted to be cut in a strip (212) of larger size.

11. Insert according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the insert

(210) is provided with removable fastening means on the core of the handle.

12. Insert according to claim 11, characterized in that the inner face of the insert is coated with a repositionable type adhesive means.

13. Insert according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insert (310) is made of a heat-shrinkable material, especially polyethylene.

14. Insert according to claim 13, characterized in that the insert (310) is made from a sleeve (312) of larger size, made of a heat-shrinkable material.

15. Insert according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first bulb (40; 240), intended to be placed on the side of the main outlet, has a length (L) of between 50 and 130 mm, preferably between 60 and 120 mm, and a thickness e of between 1 and 7 mm, preferably between 1, 5 and 6 mm.

16. Insert according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that another bulb (50), intended to be placed on the side of the second hand of the player, has a length (L ') of between 50 and 120 mm, preferably between 60 and 100 mm, and a thickness e 'between 1 and 7 mm, preferably between 1, 5 and 6 mm.

17. Band (212) made of a flexible material, capable of being cut in order to produce an insert (210) according to one of claims 9 to 12, this band comprising at least a first bulb having a median bulge (R " ), the transverse dimensions of the or each bulb decreasing continuously from this bulge towards the two ends (E "i, E" ₂ ) of the or each bulb.

18. A method of placing at least one insert according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein is cut at least one strip (212) according to claim 17, so as to isolate at least one insert (210). length appropriate, and we put the or each insert around the handle of the racket.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, after inserting the insert around the handle of the racket, it removes this insert and put it back in place at a different location of the handle.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein, after setting up this insert, it removes this insert and put in place another insert around the handle of the racket, at the same location or at a different location of the handle of the racket.

21. Packaging (260) adapted to receive at least one strip (212) according to claim 17, this package comprising a tearable strip (262) provided with graduations (264), for measuring the perimeter of the handle to accommodate a portion of this band.

22. Sleeve (312) made of a heat-shrinkable material, adapted to form an insert (312) according to claim 13 or 14, after being subjected to a heating operation.

23. Racket handle comprising a core (2), at least one insert (10; 110; 210; 310) attached around said core (2), said insert being in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 16, and a coating strip (60) attached around the core (2) and this insert.

24. Handle according to claim 23, wherein each insert is according to claim 11 or 12, each insert being removably attached around the core (2).

25. A racket comprising a handle according to claim 23 or 24.

26. A set of belts according to claim 17, comprising a plurality of strips which have different profiles from each other.