EP2383023B1 - Artificial feather for shuttlecock and badminton shuttlecock - Google Patents
Artificial feather for shuttlecock and badminton shuttlecock Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2383023B1 EP2383023B1 EP09835030.9A EP09835030A EP2383023B1 EP 2383023 B1 EP2383023 B1 EP 2383023B1 EP 09835030 A EP09835030 A EP 09835030A EP 2383023 B1 EP2383023 B1 EP 2383023B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- feather
- shaft
- shuttlecock
- artificial
- layer
- Prior art date
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B67/00—Sporting games or accessories therefor, not provided for in groups A63B1/00 - A63B65/00
- A63B67/18—Badminton or similar games with feathered missiles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B67/00—Sporting games or accessories therefor, not provided for in groups A63B1/00 - A63B65/00
- A63B67/18—Badminton or similar games with feathered missiles
- A63B67/183—Feathered missiles
- A63B67/187—Shuttlecocks
- A63B67/19—Shuttlecocks with several feathers connected to each other
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an artificial feather for a shuttlecock, and a badminton shuttlecock, and more particularly to an artificial feather for a shuttlecock, and a badminton shuttlecock having excellent durability.
- a shuttlecock employing waterfowl feathers as the feathers thereof (natural shuttlecock) and a shuttlecock employing feathers artificially manufactured using nylon resin and the like (artificial shuttlecock) are conventionally known as badminton shuttlecocks.
- a natural shuttlecock is more expensive than a shuttlecock employing artificial feathers since it requires time and effort to obtain natural feathers of a certain level of quality. Therefore, shuttlecocks employing artificial feathers which are inexpensive and of stable quality have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 59-69086 ), Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 53-40335 ), Patent Document 3 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 38-1627 )), and Patent Document 4 ( WO 96/31260 A2 ).
- Patent Document 1 discloses an artificial feather for a shuttlecock manufactured by overlapping thin rods made of a fiber-reinforced resin to form a feather shaft, and sandwiching and fixing a feather portion made of a thin sheet of a fiber-dispersed resin between the thin rods.
- Patent Document 2 discloses an artificial feather for a shuttlecock manufactured by sandwiching a feather portion at a bifurcated end portion of a shaft and bonding and fixing it.
- Patent Document 3 discloses a shuttlecock manufactured by sandwiching a plurality of annularly arranged feather shafts between two sheets of tubular chemical fiber fabric, from an outer peripheral side and from an inner peripheral side.
- Patent document 4 discloses an artificial feather (3) for a shuttlecock, comprising a feather portion (5, 6); and a shaft (11) connected to said feather portion (5, 6), wherein said feather portion (5, 6) includes a layer (6) and a shaft fixing layer (5) bonded to said layer (6) with said shaft (11) sandwiched therebetween (see, e.g. fig. 2 ), and said layer (6) and said shaft fixing layer (5) have an identical planar shape (see, e.g. "The skirt is formed of an inner layer 5 and an outer layer 6 of plastics sheet material which are formed in matching part cone shapes", in lines 6-8 of page 6).
- the present invention was made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an artificial feather for a shuttlecock, and a badminton shuttlecock having flight performance and durability equal to those of a shuttlecock employing waterfowl feathers.
- An artificial feather for a shuttlecock according to the present invention includes an artificial shuttlecock according to appended claim 1.
- a badminton shuttlecock according to the present invention includes a hemispherical base body, and a plurality of the aforementioned artificial feathers for a shuttlecock connected to the base body. With this configuration, an inexpensive shuttlecock can be achieved using the artificial feathers. Further, the shuttlecock can have flight performance equal to that of a conventional shuttlecock employing natural feathers.
- the feather portion is configured by bonding the shaft fixing layer to the foam layer with the shaft sandwiched therebetween, a badminton shuttlecock and an artificial feather constituting the shuttlecock which suppress an increase in the mass of the feather portion and improve rigidity, and consequently have excellent durability and good flight performance can be achieved.
- Embodiment 1 of a shuttlecock according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 .
- Intermediate thread 15 serves as a fixing member for maintaining the stacked state of the plurality of artificial feathers 3. That is, intermediate thread 15 is arranged to define the positional relation of the plurality of artificial feathers 3 as described later.
- artificial feather 3 constituting shuttlecock 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 includes a feather portion 5, and a shaft 7 connected to feather portion 5.
- Shaft 7 includes a feather shaft portion 8 arranged to protrude from feather portion 5, and a fixed shaft portion 10 connected to feather portion 5 at a substantially central portion of feather portion 5.
- Feather shaft portion 8 and fixed shaft portion 10 are arranged to extend like an identical line, and constitute one continuous shaft 7.
- feather portion 5 includes a foam layer 92 and a shaft fixing layer 91 arranged to sandwich fixed shaft portion 10, and adhesion layers 93, 94 for fixing these foam layer 92 and shaft fixing layer 91 to each other.
- foam layer 92 and shaft fixing layer 91 are stacked to sandwich fixed shaft portion 10. Further, in feather portion 5, adhesion layers 93, 94 are arranged to connect foam layer 92 and shaft fixing layer 91 with each other, and to connect and fix these foam layer 92 and shaft fixing layer 91 to fixed shaft portion 10. From a different viewpoint, in feather portion 5, adhesion layer 93 is stacked on foam layer 92 located on an outer peripheral side when shuttlecock 1 is configured. On adhesion layer 93, fixed shaft portion 10 is arranged to be located at a substantially central portion of adhesion layer 93 and foam layer 92. The other adhesion layer 94 is arranged to extend from above fixed shaft portion 10 to above adhesion layer 93. Shaft fixing layer 91 is arranged on adhesion layer 94.
- shaft 7 is warped toward foam layer 92 (i.e., the outer peripheral side of shuttlecock 1). From a different viewpoint, shaft 7 is warped to be convex toward shaft fixing layer 91. Further, although Fig. 5 shows a state where artificial feather 3 is warped toward foam layer 92 in a direction in which shaft 7 extends, feather portion 5 may be warped toward foam layer 92 (i.e., feather portion 5 may be warped to be convex toward shaft fixing layer 91) in a direction intersecting the direction in which shaft 7 extends (e.g., a width direction perpendicular to the direction in which shaft 7 extends and along the surface of feather portion 5).
- warping of artificial feather 3 in the direction in which shaft 7 extends and warping of feather portion 5 in the direction intersecting the direction in which shaft 7 extends as described above may occur simultaneously, or only one of the warpings may occur.
- Such warping can be implemented by a conventionally well-known method, such as subjecting constituent materials for shaft 7 and feather portion 5 to heat treatment, or originally forming constituent materials for shaft 7 and feather portion 5 in a warped state.
- a material constituting foam layer 92 for example, a resin foam, and more specifically, for example, a polyethylene foam (a foam of polyethylene) can be used.
- a resin foam can be used as well.
- any material such as a film made of a resin or the like, or nonwoven fabric can be used, other than a polyethylene foam.
- a double-faced tape can be used.
- a polyethylene foam is used as foam layer 92 and shaft fixing layer 91.
- a direction in which this polyethylene foam is extruded is a direction indicated by an arrow 95 in Figs. 3 and 4 .
- shaft 7 is connected and fixed to feather portion 5 so as to intersect the direction in which the polyethylene foam is extruded as indicated by arrow 95, thus reducing the probability of occurrence of faults such as splitting of feather portion 5 in a direction along the direction in which shaft 7 extends.
- intermediate thread 15 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 6 .
- intermediate thread 1 is arranged to encircle shafts 7 of artificial feathers 3, and to pass through regions where feather portions 5 of adjacent artificial feathers 3 are opposed to each other (i.e., to pass through the spaces between stacked feather portions 5) in parts of feather portions 5 in a stacked state in adjacent artificial feathers 3.
- Intermediate thread 15 passes through the spaces between stacked feather portions 5 in the parts where feather portions 5 are thus stacked, whereby occurrence of such a problem that the order of stacking of feather portions 5 is changed during use of shuttlecock 1 (e.g., the order of stacking of feather portions 5 is changed by an impact of hitting with a racket) can be suppressed.
- Intermediate thread 15 described above is circumferentially arranged to fix all of the plurality of annularly arranged artificial feathers 3 to one another, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 .
- Intermediate thread 15 can be arranged as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 , for example, by being sewn by an operator using a needle or the like. With this arrangement, shuttlecock 1 exhibiting excellent durability can be achieved by suppressing occurrence of the problem that the order of stacking of feather portions 5 is changed during use of shuttlecock 1.
- a sewing start end portion and a sewing finish end portion of circumferentially arranged intermediate thread 15 are connected with each other, and the remaining portions of the thread are cut in the vicinity of a knot and removed.
- a protective layer is preferably formed on the surface of the knot by applying an adhesive or the like. Such a protective layer is so formed that the knot can be prevented from coming loose when shuttlecock 1 is hit with a racket.
- intermediate thread 15 While any material such as cotton or resin can be employed for intermediate thread 15, a polyester thread is preferably employed. Further, a thread as lightweight as possible is preferably employed as intermediate thread 15 in order to minimize the influence on the center of gravity and the like of shuttlecock 1. For example, a polyester thread No. 50 may be employed as the thread. In this case, the mass of the thread used as intermediate thread 15 is about 0.02 g. If the mass is at about this level, it is conceivable that flight performance is hardly influenced, although the position of the center of gravity of shuttlecock 1 is slightly influenced. Further, to arrange intermediate thread 15, the distance from base body 2 can be arbitrarily set.
- a convex portion 61 is formed on the fixing surface portion of base body 2.
- Convex portion 61 has a substantially circular surface shape (i.e., a circular shape corresponding to the arrangement of insertion holes 63 into which the shafts of artificial feathers 3 are inserted).
- a side wall 62 of convex portion 61 is inclined with respect to a surface of the outer periphery of the fixing surface portion (that is, side wall 62 is in a reverse bank state such that the width of convex portion 61 is increased as the distance from the surface of the outer periphery of the fixing surface portion increases).
- Insertion hole 63 is formed to extend in a direction along a direction in which side wall 62 of convex portion 61 extends.
- an adhesive 64 is applied with end portions of shafts 7 being inserted in insertion holes 63.
- adhesive 64 is arranged to extend from an end portion of an upper surface of convex portion 61, via side wall 62, to the surface of the outer periphery of the fixing surface portion, and to also come into contact with shafts 7.
- the adhesive when adhesive 64 is arranged with shafts 7 being inserted in insertion holes 63, the adhesive can extend from the inside of insertion holes 63 to above convex portion 61 adjacent to insertion holes 63 (i.e., adjacent to shafts 7).
- a bonded surface between adhesive 64 and base body 2 can have an increased area when compared with the case where no convex portion 61 is provided, and the bonded surface has a three-dimensional shape. Therefore, bonding strength between adhesive 64 and each of base body 2 and shafts 7 of artificial feathers 3 can be improved.
- a post-treatment step (S30) is performed. Specifically, an unnecessary portion of the stacked sheet-like members which will be feather portion 5 (i.e., a region other than a portion which will be feather portion 5) is cut and removed. As a result, artificial feather 3 as shown in Figs. 3 to 5 can be obtained. Then, heat treatment such as application of heat from the foam layer 92 side is performed on artificial feather 3 to constrict foam layer 92 and the like. As a result, shaft 7 and feather portion 5 can be warped as shown in Fig. 5 . It is to be noted that other methods can be used to warp shaft 7 and feather portion 5 as shown in Fig. 5 . For example, a method such as using shaft 7 originally having a warped shape may be employed.
- Base body 2 can be manufactured with any conventionally known method. For example, when an artificial resin is used as a material for base body 2, a block of the material for base body 2 is firstly prepared and cut to have a rough shape. On this occasion, cutting is performed in consideration of heights of the hemispherical portion at the tip portion and of the convex portion. Then, cutting may be further performed to form an outline of convex portion 61 and insertion holes 63. Alternatively, as a material for base body 2, a natural material such as cork may be used.
- an ionomer resin foam EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), polyurethane, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like
- EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- polyethylene polypropylene
- artificial feather 3 can be manufactured with the manufacturing method shown in Fig. 8 described above.
- the extending portion extends to between the side end portion of fixed shaft portion 10 and the side end portion of foam layer 92, it does not reach the side end portion of foam layer 92.
- adhesion layer 94 is brought into direct contact with foam layer 92 and fixed thereto.
- an effect similar to that of artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 3 to 5 can be achieved as long as foam layer 92, shaft fixing layer 91, and fixed shaft portion 10 can be firmly connected to one another.
- a shuttlecock including artificial feathers 3 shown in Fig. 13 has a structure which is basically similar to that of shuttlecock 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2
- artificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that of artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 3 to 5 .
- artificial feather 3 shown in Fig. 13 is different from artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock in Embodiment 1 described above in that a resin film 81 is used as the shaft fixing layer constituting feather portion 5.
- film 81 1 relatively thinner than the resin foam used for shaft fixing layer 91 shown in Figs. 3 to 5 is used as the shaft fixing layer, it is preferable to increase the thickness of foam layer 92 to be thicker than foam layer 92 of artificial feather 3 in Embodiment 1 described above.
- FIG. 14 corresponds to Fig. 4 .
- a shuttlecock including artificial feathers 3 shown in Fig. 14 has a structure which is basically similar to that of shuttlecock 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2
- artificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that of artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 3 to 5 .
- artificial feather 3 shown in Fig. 14 is different from artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 3 to 5 in that nonwoven fabric 71 is used as the shaft fixing layer.
- nonwoven fabric 71 is thus used as the shaft fixing layer, the thickness of foam layer 92 is fully increased to ensure strength of feather portion 5. This can suppress occurrence of such a problem that feather portion 5 is deformed due to hitting with a racket.
- Reinforcing member 21 may be connected to foam layer 92 for example by thermal fusion welding, or another adhesion layer (e.g., a double-faced tape or a layer of an adhesive) may be arranged between reinforcing member 21 and foam layer 92 to connect and fix reinforcing member 21 to foam layer 92.
- a material for reinforcing member 21 any resin film can be used.
- a polyethylene film having a thickness of 10 ⁇ m may be used as reinforcing member 21.
- Reinforcing member 21 can have a thickness of, for example, not less than 1 ⁇ m and not more than 20 ⁇ m, more preferably not less than 5 ⁇ m and not more than 15 ⁇ m.
- any material other than the polyethylene film described above may be used.
- FIG. 17 corresponds to Fig. 16 .
- reinforcing member 31 has a planar shape smaller than that of reinforcing member 21, or a planar shape larger than that of reinforcing member 21 may be employed. In this case, the tip portion of artificial feather 3 can be protected more reliably.
- a shuttlecock including artificial feathers 3 shown in Figs. 18 and 19 has a configuration which is basically similar to that of shuttlecock 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2
- artificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that of artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 15 and 16 .
- artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 18 and 19 is different from artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 15 and 16 in the manner of the reinforcing member arranged on the tip portion side of artificial feather 3.
- artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 18 and 19 is different from artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 15 and 16 in the manner of the reinforcing member arranged on the tip portion side of artificial feather 3.
- Reinforcing member 41 can be arranged at any position other than between adhesion layer 93 and foam layer 92 described above in the thickness direction of feather portion 5.
- reinforcing member 41 may be bonded to the surface of foam layer 92 on the outer peripheral side (i.e., the surface of foam layer 92 opposite to the surface thereof bonded to adhesion layer 93) using an adhesive or the like.
- reinforcing member 41 may be arranged between adhesion layer 93 and adhesion layer 94.
- reinforcing member 41 may be arranged between adhesion layer 94 and shaft fixing layer 91.
- a shuttlecock including artificial feathers 3 shown in Fig. 20 has a configuration which is basically similar to that of shuttlecock 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2
- artificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that of artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 18 and 19 .
- artificial feather 3 shown in Fig. 20 is different from artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 18 and 19 in that a plurality of reinforcing members made of cord bodies are arranged on the tip side of feather portion 5.
- a plurality of reinforcing members made of cord bodies are arranged on the tip side of feather portion 5.
- cord bodies are arranged as a plurality of reinforcing members 41 to 43 on the tip side of feather portion 5 to extend in the direction intersecting the direction in which shaft 7 extends (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the direction in which shaft 7 extends and along the surface of feather portion 5).
- the plurality of reinforcing members 41 to 43 are arranged to extend parallel to one another, at least a portion of the plurality of reinforcing members 41 to 43 may be arranged in a direction intersecting one another.
- Embodiment 5 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 21 .
- a shuttlecock including artificial feathers 3 shown in Fig. 22 has a configuration which is basically similar to that of shuttlecock 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2
- artificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that of artificial feather 3 shown in Fig. 21
- artificial feather 3 shown in Fig. 22 further includes reinforcing member 41 on the tip portion side thereof as with artificial feather 3 shown in Fig. 18 , in addition to shaft direction reinforcing member 44.
- Reinforcing member 41 is a cord body, and arranged to extend in the direction intersecting shaft 7 (specifically, the direction perpendicular to shaft 7). With this arrangement, an effect obtained by artificial feather 3 shown in Fig. 18 can also be achieved in addition to an effect obtained by artificial feather 3 shown in Fig. 21 .
- a reinforcing member in another form indicated in Embodiment 4 of the present invention may be used instead of reinforcing member 41.
- a shuttlecock including artificial feathers 3 shown in Fig. 23 has a structure which is basically similar to that of shuttlecock 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2
- artificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that of artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 3 to 5 .
- artificial feather 3 shown in Fig. 23 is different from artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 3 to 5 in that shaft fixing layer 91 is directly connected to shaft 7. With such a configuration, an effect similar to that of artificial feather 3 shown in Figs. 3 to 5 can also be achieved.
- Artificial feather 3 of the invention further include adhesion layers 93, 94 located between foam layer 92 and the shaft fixing layer.
- adhesion layers 93, 94 can strengthen connection between foam layer 92 and the shaft fixing layer, and connection between foam layer 92 and each of the shaft fixing layer and shaft 7. As a result, durability of artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock can be improved.
- shaft 7 and feather portion 5 are made of materials that cannot be directly connected (e.g., by thermal fusion bonding), adhesion layers 93, 94 can bond feather portion 5 to shaft 7. Therefore, the degree of freedom in selecting materials for shaft 7 and feather portion 5 can be increased.
- foam layer 92 may be thicker than the shaft fixing layer (shaft fixing layer 91, film 81, nonwoven fabric 71). In this case, by increasing the thickness of feather portion 5 on the foam layer 92 side having a relatively small apparent density, the thickness of feather portion 5 required as a total can be ensured, and an increase in the weight of feather portion 5 can be avoided.
- shaft 7 may include a bottom portion to be connected to base body 2 of shuttlecock 1, and a tip portion located opposite to the bottom portion and sandwiched between foam layer 92 and the shaft fixing layer.
- Artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock described above may further include reinforcing members 21, 31 arranged to overlap the tip portion of shaft 7, as shown in Figs. 15 to 17 . In this case, by arranging reinforcing members 21, 31 at the tip portion of shaft 7 which is most likely to be broken when shuttlecock 1 is hit, the possibility that the tip portion is broken due to the hitting can be reduced.
- reinforcing members 21, 31 are arranged on a side of shaft 7 close to foam layer 92 in the thickness direction of feather portion 5.
- reinforcing members 21, 31 can effectively protect the tip portion of shaft 7 from external impact by employing a configuration as described above.
- At least one of foam layer 92 and the shaft fixing layer may be formed using an extrusion method, and the direction in which shaft 7 extends may intersect a direction in which foam layer 92 or the shaft fixing layer is extruded by the extrusion method.
- foam layer 92 or the shaft fixing layer formed by the extrusion method is likely to split in the extrusion direction described above. Therefore, if shaft 7 is fixed as described above, shaft 7 serves as a reinforcing member for foam layer 92 or the shaft fixing layer. As a result, durability of feather portion 5 can be improved.
- foam layer 92 is made of foamed polyethylene, and has a basis weight amount of not less than 10 g/m 2 and not more than 30 g/m 2 and a thickness of not less than 0.5 mm and not more than 2 mm.
- shaft fixing layer 91 is made of foamed polyethylene, and has a basis weight amount of not less than 10 g/m 2 and not more than 30 glm 2 and a thickness of not less than 0.3 mm and not more than 1 mm.
- the position of the center of gravity and the total mass close to those of a natural feather can be achieved in artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock.
- badminton shuttlecock 1 manufactured using artificial feathers 3 for the shuttlecock can have a good flight performance equal to that of a natural shuttlecock.
- artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock described above includes shaft direction reinforcing member 44 arranged in feather portion 5 to extend along the direction in which shaft 7 extends. In this case, splitting of feather portion 5 in the direction intersecting the direction in which shaft 7 extends can be suppressed.
- Badminton shuttlecock 1 includes hemispherical base body 2, and a plurality of artificial feathers 3 for the shuttlecock described above connected to base body 2. With this configuration, an inexpensive shuttlecock 1 can be achieved using artificial feathers 3. Further, shuttlecock 1 can have flight performance equal to that of a conventional shuttlecock employing natural feathers.
- artificial feathers 3 for the shuttlecock may be fixed to base body 2 such that they are annularly arranged in base body 2 and adjacent feather portions 5 partially overlap.
- Badminton shuttlecock 1 described above may further include intermediate thread 15 as a cord body limiting relative movement or deformation of feather portions 5 in the plurality of artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock. In this case, a change in the order of stacking of feather portions 5 can be reliably prevented.
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Description
- The present invention relates to an artificial feather for a shuttlecock, and a badminton shuttlecock, and more particularly to an artificial feather for a shuttlecock, and a badminton shuttlecock having excellent durability.
- A shuttlecock employing waterfowl feathers as the feathers thereof (natural shuttlecock) and a shuttlecock employing feathers artificially manufactured using nylon resin and the like (artificial shuttlecock) are conventionally known as badminton shuttlecocks. A natural shuttlecock is more expensive than a shuttlecock employing artificial feathers since it requires time and effort to obtain natural feathers of a certain level of quality. Therefore, shuttlecocks employing artificial feathers which are inexpensive and of stable quality have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laying-Open No.
59-69086 53-40335 38-1627 WO 96/31260 A2 -
Patent Document 1 discloses an artificial feather for a shuttlecock manufactured by overlapping thin rods made of a fiber-reinforced resin to form a feather shaft, and sandwiching and fixing a feather portion made of a thin sheet of a fiber-dispersed resin between the thin rods.Patent Document 2 discloses an artificial feather for a shuttlecock manufactured by sandwiching a feather portion at a bifurcated end portion of a shaft and bonding and fixing it.Patent Document 3 discloses a shuttlecock manufactured by sandwiching a plurality of annularly arranged feather shafts between two sheets of tubular chemical fiber fabric, from an outer peripheral side and from an inner peripheral side. - Patent document 4 discloses an artificial feather (3) for a shuttlecock, comprising a feather portion (5, 6); and a shaft (11) connected to said feather portion (5, 6), wherein said feather portion (5, 6) includes a layer (6) and a shaft fixing layer (5) bonded to said layer (6) with said shaft (11) sandwiched therebetween (see, e.g.
fig. 2 ), and said layer (6) and said shaft fixing layer (5) have an identical planar shape (see, e.g. "The skirt is formed of aninner layer 5 and an outer layer 6 of plastics sheet material which are formed in matching part cone shapes", in lines 6-8 of page 6). -
- Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No.
59-69086 - Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No.
53-40335 - Patent Document 3: Japanese Utility Model Publication No.
38-1627 - Patent Document 4:
WO 96/31260 A2 - According to experiments conducted by the inventors, however, artificial shuttlecocks employing the artificial feathers for a shuttlecock disclosed in
Patent Document 1 andPatent document 2 described above were inferior in durability to a natural shuttlecock employing waterfowl feathers, since a connection portion between the feather portion and the feather shaft became separated or broke due to stress concentration on the connection portion after actual use. Further, since feather portions corresponding to the plurality of feather shafts were formed as an all-connected, integrated member (chemical fiber fabric) in the shuttlecock disclosed inPatent Document 3, its shape and flight performance were significantly different from those of a natural shuttlecock. - In contrast, a natural shuttlecock employing waterfowl feathers is becoming increasingly expensive due to increased difficulty in obtaining the waterfowl feathers. Thus, there is a strong need for an artificial shuttlecock employing artificial feathers that has flight performance and durability equal to those of a natural shuttlecock employing waterfowl feathers.
- The present invention was made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an artificial feather for a shuttlecock, and a badminton shuttlecock having flight performance and durability equal to those of a shuttlecock employing waterfowl feathers.
- An artificial feather for a shuttlecock according to the present invention includes an artificial shuttlecock according to appended
claim 1. - With this configuration, by using the foam layer as the feather portion, an increase in the mass of the feather portion is suppressed and rigidity is improved (i.e., deformation due to hitting is suppressed), and thereby a change in the shape of the artificial feather for a shuttlecock can be suppressed. As a result, flight performance of a badminton shuttlecock employing the artificial feathers for a shuttlecock can be stably maintained, and thus an artificial feather for a shuttlecock and a shuttlecock excellent in durability can be achieved.
- Further, by stacking the shaft fixing layer on the foam layer, rigidity of the feather portion can be further improved. As a result, breaking (tearing, scattering) of the foam layer can be prevented. Furthermore, a reliable connection between the shaft and the feather portion can be established by sandwiching and fixing the shaft between the shaft fixing layer and the foam layer.
- A badminton shuttlecock according to the present invention includes a hemispherical base body, and a plurality of the aforementioned artificial feathers for a shuttlecock connected to the base body. With this configuration, an inexpensive shuttlecock can be achieved using the artificial feathers. Further, the shuttlecock can have flight performance equal to that of a conventional shuttlecock employing natural feathers.
- According to the present invention, since the feather portion is configured by bonding the shaft fixing layer to the foam layer with the shaft sandwiched therebetween, a badminton shuttlecock and an artificial feather constituting the shuttlecock which suppress an increase in the mass of the feather portion and improve rigidity, and consequently have excellent durability and good flight performance can be achieved.
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Fig. 1 is a schematic sideview showing Embodiment 1 of a shuttlecock according to the present invention. -
Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the shuttlecock shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 3 is a schematic planview showing Embodiment 1 of an artificial feather for a shuttlecock according to the present invention, which constitutes ashuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 . -
Fig. 4 is a schematic cross sectional view taken along the line IV-IV inFig. 3 . -
Fig. 5 is a schematic cross sectional view taken along the line V-V inFig. 3 . -
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary schematic cross sectional view showing a configuration of a portion of the shuttlecock shown inFigs. 1 and 2 where an intermediate thread is arranged. -
Fig. 7 is a fragmentary schematic view for illustrating a connection portion between a base body and the artificial feather in the shuttlecock shown inFigs. 1 and 2 . -
Fig. 8 is a flowchart for illustrating a method of manufacturing the artificial feather shown inFigs. 3 to 5 . -
Fig. 9 is a flowchart for illustrating a method of manufacturing the shuttlecock shown inFigs. 1 and 2 . -
Fig. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a first modification of the artificialfeather constituting Embodiment 1 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention. -
Fig. 11 is a schematic cross sectional view taken along the line XI-XI inFig. 10 . -
Fig. 12 is a schematic cross sectional view showing a second modification of the artificialfeather constituting Embodiment 1 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention shown inFigs. 1 and 2 . -
Fig. 13 is a schematic cross sectional view showing an artificialfeather constituting Embodiment 2 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention. -
Fig. 14 is a schematic cross sectional view showing an artificialfeather constituting Embodiment 3 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention. -
Fig. 15 is a schematic plan view showing an artificial feather constituting Embodiment 4 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention. -
Fig. 16 is a schematic cross sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI inFig. 15 . -
Fig. 17 is a schematic cross sectional view showing a modification of the artificial feather constituting Embodiment 4 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention shown inFigs. 15 and 16 . -
Fig. 18 is a schematic plan view showing another modification of the artificial feather constituting Embodiment 4 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention shown inFigs. 15 and 16 . -
Fig. 19 is a schematic cross sectional view taken along the line XIX-XIX inFig. 18 . -
Fig. 20 is a schematic plan view showing another modification of the artificial feather constituting Embodiment 4 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention shown inFigs. 15 and 16 . -
Fig. 21 is a schematic plan view showing an artificialfeather constituting Embodiment 5 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention. -
Fig. 22 is a schematic plan view showing a modification of the artificialfeather constituting Embodiment 5 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention shown inFig. 21 . -
Fig. 23 is a schematic view for illustrating a configuration of an artificial feather constituting Embodiment 6 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention, and a manufacturing method thereof. - Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It is to be noted that, in the drawings below, identical or corresponding parts will be designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.
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Embodiment 1 of a shuttlecock according to the present invention will be described with reference toFigs. 1 and 2 . - Referring to
Figs. 1 and 2 , ashuttlecock 1 according to the present invention includes ahemispherical base body 2, a plurality ofartificial feathers 3 for the shuttlecock connected to a fixing surface portion ofbase body 2 having a convex portion described later formed thereon, a fixing cord member for fixing the plurality ofartificial feathers 3 to one another, and anintermediate thread 15 for maintaining a stacked state of the plurality ofartificial feathers 3. The plurality of (e.g. sixteen)artificial feathers 3 are annularly arranged at the outer periphery of the convex portion on the fixing surface portion ofbase body 2. Further, the plurality ofartificial feathers 3 are fixed to one another by the cord member. The plurality ofartificial feathers 3 are arranged such that the distance among them is increased as the distance frombase body 2 increases (i.e., an inner diameter of a cylindrical body formed by the plurality ofartificial feathers 3 is increased as the distance frombase body 2 increases). -
Intermediate thread 15 serves as a fixing member for maintaining the stacked state of the plurality ofartificial feathers 3. That is,intermediate thread 15 is arranged to define the positional relation of the plurality ofartificial feathers 3 as described later. -
Embodiment 1 of an artificial feather for a shuttlecock according to the present invention will be described with reference toFigs. 3 to 5 . - Referring to
Figs. 3 to 5 ,artificial feather 3constituting shuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 includes afeather portion 5, and ashaft 7 connected tofeather portion 5.Shaft 7 includes afeather shaft portion 8 arranged to protrude fromfeather portion 5, and a fixedshaft portion 10 connected tofeather portion 5 at a substantially central portion offeather portion 5.Feather shaft portion 8 and fixedshaft portion 10 are arranged to extend like an identical line, and constitute onecontinuous shaft 7. As shown inFigs. 4 and5 ,feather portion 5 includes afoam layer 92 and ashaft fixing layer 91 arranged to sandwich fixedshaft portion 10, andadhesion layers foam layer 92 andshaft fixing layer 91 to each other. That is, infeather portion 5,foam layer 92 andshaft fixing layer 91 are stacked to sandwich fixedshaft portion 10. Further, infeather portion 5, adhesion layers 93, 94 are arranged to connectfoam layer 92 andshaft fixing layer 91 with each other, and to connect and fix thesefoam layer 92 andshaft fixing layer 91 to fixedshaft portion 10. From a different viewpoint, infeather portion 5,adhesion layer 93 is stacked onfoam layer 92 located on an outer peripheral side whenshuttlecock 1 is configured. Onadhesion layer 93, fixedshaft portion 10 is arranged to be located at a substantially central portion ofadhesion layer 93 andfoam layer 92. Theother adhesion layer 94 is arranged to extend from above fixedshaft portion 10 to aboveadhesion layer 93.Shaft fixing layer 91 is arranged onadhesion layer 94. - As can be seen from
Fig. 5 , inartificial feather 3,shaft 7 is warped toward foam layer 92 (i.e., the outer peripheral side of shuttlecock 1). From a different viewpoint,shaft 7 is warped to be convex towardshaft fixing layer 91. Further, althoughFig. 5 shows a state whereartificial feather 3 is warped towardfoam layer 92 in a direction in whichshaft 7 extends,feather portion 5 may be warped toward foam layer 92 (i.e.,feather portion 5 may be warped to be convex toward shaft fixing layer 91) in a direction intersecting the direction in whichshaft 7 extends (e.g., a width direction perpendicular to the direction in whichshaft 7 extends and along the surface of feather portion 5). In this case, warping ofartificial feather 3 in the direction in whichshaft 7 extends and warping offeather portion 5 in the direction intersecting the direction in whichshaft 7 extends as described above may occur simultaneously, or only one of the warpings may occur. Such warping can be implemented by a conventionally well-known method, such as subjecting constituent materials forshaft 7 andfeather portion 5 to heat treatment, or originally forming constituent materials forshaft 7 andfeather portion 5 in a warped state. - Here, as a material constituting
foam layer 92, for example, a resin foam, and more specifically, for example, a polyethylene foam (a foam of polyethylene) can be used. Forshaft fixing layer 91, a resin foam can be used as well. Further, forshaft fixing layer 91, for example, any material such as a film made of a resin or the like, or nonwoven fabric can be used, other than a polyethylene foam. - Further, for adhesion layers 93, 94, for example, a double-faced tape can be used. In
artificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 , a polyethylene foam is used asfoam layer 92 andshaft fixing layer 91. Preferably, a direction in which this polyethylene foam is extruded is a direction indicated by anarrow 95 inFigs. 3 and 4 . In this case,shaft 7 is connected and fixed tofeather portion 5 so as to intersect the direction in which the polyethylene foam is extruded as indicated byarrow 95, thus reducing the probability of occurrence of faults such as splitting offeather portion 5 in a direction along the direction in whichshaft 7 extends. - The arrangement of
intermediate thread 15 will be specifically described with reference toFig. 6 . - As shown in
Fig. 6 ,intermediate thread 1 is arranged to encircleshafts 7 ofartificial feathers 3, and to pass through regions wherefeather portions 5 of adjacentartificial feathers 3 are opposed to each other (i.e., to pass through the spaces between stacked feather portions 5) in parts offeather portions 5 in a stacked state in adjacentartificial feathers 3.Intermediate thread 15 passes through the spaces betweenstacked feather portions 5 in the parts wherefeather portions 5 are thus stacked, whereby occurrence of such a problem that the order of stacking offeather portions 5 is changed during use of shuttlecock 1 (e.g., the order of stacking offeather portions 5 is changed by an impact of hitting with a racket) can be suppressed. -
Intermediate thread 15 described above is circumferentially arranged to fix all of the plurality of annularly arrangedartificial feathers 3 to one another, as shown inFigs. 1 and 2 .Intermediate thread 15 can be arranged as shown inFigs. 1 and 2 , for example, by being sewn by an operator using a needle or the like. With this arrangement,shuttlecock 1 exhibiting excellent durability can be achieved by suppressing occurrence of the problem that the order of stacking offeather portions 5 is changed during use ofshuttlecock 1. - It is to be noted that a sewing start end portion and a sewing finish end portion of circumferentially arranged
intermediate thread 15 are connected with each other, and the remaining portions of the thread are cut in the vicinity of a knot and removed. A protective layer is preferably formed on the surface of the knot by applying an adhesive or the like. Such a protective layer is so formed that the knot can be prevented from coming loose whenshuttlecock 1 is hit with a racket. - While any material such as cotton or resin can be employed for
intermediate thread 15, a polyester thread is preferably employed. Further, a thread as lightweight as possible is preferably employed asintermediate thread 15 in order to minimize the influence on the center of gravity and the like ofshuttlecock 1. For example, a polyester thread No. 50 may be employed as the thread. In this case, the mass of the thread used asintermediate thread 15 is about 0.02 g. If the mass is at about this level, it is conceivable that flight performance is hardly influenced, although the position of the center of gravity ofshuttlecock 1 is slightly influenced. Further, to arrangeintermediate thread 15, the distance frombase body 2 can be arbitrarily set. - As shown in
Fig. 7 , aconvex portion 61 is formed on the fixing surface portion ofbase body 2.Convex portion 61 has a substantially circular surface shape (i.e., a circular shape corresponding to the arrangement of insertion holes 63 into which the shafts ofartificial feathers 3 are inserted). Further, aside wall 62 ofconvex portion 61 is inclined with respect to a surface of the outer periphery of the fixing surface portion (that is,side wall 62 is in a reverse bank state such that the width ofconvex portion 61 is increased as the distance from the surface of the outer periphery of the fixing surface portion increases). - As shown in
Fig. 2 , at the outer periphery ofconvex portion 61 ofbase body 2, insertion holes 63 for insertingshafts 7 ofartificial feathers 3 are formed.Insertion hole 63 is formed to extend in a direction along a direction in whichside wall 62 ofconvex portion 61 extends. As shown inFig. 7 , an adhesive 64 is applied with end portions ofshafts 7 being inserted in insertion holes 63. As shown inFig. 7 , adhesive 64 is arranged to extend from an end portion of an upper surface ofconvex portion 61, viaside wall 62, to the surface of the outer periphery of the fixing surface portion, and to also come into contact withshafts 7. With adhesive 64,shafts 7 ofartificial feathers 3 are firmly fixed tobase body 2. That is,base body 2 according to the present invention is a base body for a shuttlecock including the fixing surface portion for fixingshafts 7 ofartificial feathers 3, and a plurality of insertion holes 63 for inserting and fixingshafts 7 ofartificial feathers 3 as feathers for a shuttlecock, andconvex portion 61 adjacent toinsertion holes 63 and protruding from the surface of the fixing surface portion are formed at the fixing surface portion (an upper surface ofbase body 2 inFig. 2 ). With this configuration, when adhesive 64 is arranged withshafts 7 being inserted in insertion holes 63, the adhesive can extend from the inside of insertion holes 63 to aboveconvex portion 61 adjacent to insertion holes 63 (i.e., adjacent to shafts 7). Thus, a bonded surface between adhesive 64 andbase body 2 can have an increased area when compared with the case where noconvex portion 61 is provided, and the bonded surface has a three-dimensional shape. Therefore, bonding strength betweenadhesive 64 and each ofbase body 2 andshafts 7 ofartificial feathers 3 can be improved. - Next, a method of
manufacturing shuttlecock 1 andartificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock shown inFigs. 1 and 2 will be described with reference toFigs. 8 and 9 . - Firstly, referring to
Fig. 8 , a method of manufacturingartificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock according to the present invention will be described. As shown inFig. 8 , in the method of manufacturingartificial feather 3, a constituent member preparation step (S10) is firstly performed. In this step (S 10),shaft 7, sheet-like materials constitutingfoam layer 92 andshaft fixing layer 91, and the double-faced tape which will be adhesion layers 93, 94 shown inFigs. 4 and5 , which constituteartificial feather 3, are prepared. The sheet-like members and the double-faced tape may have any planar shapes as long as they are larger than the size offeather portion 5 shown inFig. 3 . As the sheet-like member which will befoam layer 92, for example, a material such as a polyethylene foam (a foam of polyethylene formed in the shape of a sheet) having a thickness of 1.0 mm and a basis weight of 24 g/m2 can be used. As the sheet-like member which will beshaft fixing layer 91, a material such as a polyethylene foam having a thickness of 0.5 mm and a basis weight of 20 g/m2 can be used. The double-faced tape which will be adhesion layers 93, 94 can have a basis weight of 10 g/m2. - Next, an affixation step (S20) is performed as shown in
Fig. 8 . In this step (S20), the double-faced tape which will be adhesionlayer 93 is affixed to a main surface of the sheet-like member which will befoam layer 92. Then, fixedshaft portion 10 ofshaft 7 is arranged on the double-faced tape. Further, on fixedshaft portion 10, the sheet-like member which will beshaft fixing layer 91, which has the double-faced tape which will be adhesionlayer 94 affixed on a surface facing fixedshaft portion 10, is stacked and affixed. Consequently, a structure can be obtained in which fixedshaft portion 10 ofshaft 7 is sandwiched and fixed between the sheet-like member which will befoam layer 92 and the sheet-like member which will beshaft fixing layer 91. - Next, a post-treatment step (S30) is performed. Specifically, an unnecessary portion of the stacked sheet-like members which will be feather portion 5 (i.e., a region other than a portion which will be feather portion 5) is cut and removed. As a result,
artificial feather 3 as shown inFigs. 3 to 5 can be obtained. Then, heat treatment such as application of heat from thefoam layer 92 side is performed onartificial feather 3 to constrictfoam layer 92 and the like. As a result,shaft 7 andfeather portion 5 can be warped as shown inFig. 5 . It is to be noted that other methods can be used to warpshaft 7 andfeather portion 5 as shown inFig. 5 . For example, a method such as usingshaft 7 originally having a warped shape may be employed. - Next, a method of
manufacturing shuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 will be described with reference toFig. 9 . As shown inFig. 9 , a preparation step (S100) is firstly performed. In this preparation step (S100), constituent members ofshuttlecock 1 such as base body 2 (tip member) andartificial feather 3 described above ofshuttlecock 1 are prepared. -
Base body 2 can be manufactured with any conventionally known method. For example, when an artificial resin is used as a material forbase body 2, a block of the material forbase body 2 is firstly prepared and cut to have a rough shape. On this occasion, cutting is performed in consideration of heights of the hemispherical portion at the tip portion and of the convex portion. Then, cutting may be further performed to form an outline ofconvex portion 61 and insertion holes 63. Alternatively, as a material forbase body 2, a natural material such as cork may be used. Further, when the artificial resin described above is used, for example, an ionomer resin foam, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), polyurethane, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like can be used. In addition,artificial feather 3 can be manufactured with the manufacturing method shown inFig. 8 described above. - Next, an assembly step (S200) is performed. During the assembly step (S200), the bottoms of
shafts 7 of the plurality ofartificial feathers 3 described above are inserted and fixed in insertion holes 63 in the fixing surface portion of the base body. Further, the plurality ofartificial feathers 3 are fixed to one another by the cord member. In addition, sewing is performed such thatintermediate thread 15 for maintaining the stacked state of the feather portions is arranged as shown inFig. 6 . Thus,shuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 can be manufactured. It is to be noted that the fixing member for fixing the plurality ofartificial feathers 3 to one another is not limited to the cord member as described above, and any member such as a ring-shaped member may be used. - Further, as a material for the fixing member described above, for example, any material such as resin and fiber can be used. For example, a fixing member made of FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic) prepared by impregnating aramid fiber or glass fiber with a resin (e.g., a thermosetting resin) and curing the resin may be used as the cord member. Such a fixing member made of FRP can have improved strength and rigidity. As the thermosetting resin, for example, epoxy resin or phenolic resin can be used. By using the thermosetting resin for FRP in this manner, the fixing member can be readily made of FRP using the thermosetting resin simultaneously during a heating step and the like in a process for fixing the fixing member to
shaft 7. - An artificial feather constituting a first modification of
Embodiment 1 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention will be described with reference toFigs. 10 and 11 . -
Artificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 10 and 11 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 , but is different in the shape ofadhesion layer 93. Specifically, inartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 10 and 11 ,adhesion layer 93 arranged betweenfoam layer 92 and fixedshaft portion 10 includes a central portion covering a surface of fixedshaft portion 10 located on thefoam layer 92 side, and an extending portion continuing to the central portion and extending from a side end portion of fixedshaft portion 10 to side end portions offoam layer 92 andshaft fixing layer 91. Although the extending portion extends to between the side end portion of fixedshaft portion 10 and the side end portion offoam layer 92, it does not reach the side end portion offoam layer 92. In this case, in the vicinity of the side end portions offoam layer 92 andshaft fixing layer 91,adhesion layer 94 is brought into direct contact withfoam layer 92 and fixed thereto. Thus, even in the case where a configuration in whichadhesion layer 93 is partially arranged is employed, an effect similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 can be achieved as long asfoam layer 92,shaft fixing layer 91, and fixedshaft portion 10 can be firmly connected to one another. - An artificial feather constituting a second modification of
Embodiment 1 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention will be described with reference toFig.12 . It is to be noted thatFig. 12 corresponds toFig. 11 . -
Artificial feather 3 shown inFig. 12 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 10 and 11 , but is configured such that not onlyadhesion layer 93 but alsoadhesion layer 94 are arranged only in the vicinity of fixedshaft portion 10. In this case, in the vicinity of outer peripheral end portions offoam layer 92 and shaft fixing layer 91 (i.e., portions where adhesion layers 93, 94 are not arranged),foam layer 92 andshaft fixing layer 91 are brought into direct contact with each other, and the contact portion is fusion-welded to connect and fixfoam layer 92 andshaft fixing layer 91. By employing such a configuration,foam layer 92,shaft fixing layer 91, and fixedshaft portion 10 can also be firmly connected and fixed to one another usingadhesion layers artificial feather 3. - An artificial
feather constituting Embodiment 2 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention will be described with reference toFig. 13 . It is to be noted thatFig. 13 corresponds toFig. 4 . - A shuttlecock including
artificial feathers 3 shown inFig. 13 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofshuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 , andartificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 . However,artificial feather 3 shown inFig. 13 is different fromartificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock inEmbodiment 1 described above in that aresin film 81 is used as the shaft fixing layer constitutingfeather portion 5. Further, sincefilm 81 1 relatively thinner than the resin foam used forshaft fixing layer 91 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 is used as the shaft fixing layer, it is preferable to increase the thickness offoam layer 92 to be thicker thanfoam layer 92 ofartificial feather 3 inEmbodiment 1 described above. - By configuring
shuttlecock 1 as shown inFigs. 1 and 2 usingartificial feathers 3 with such a configuration, an effect similar to that byshuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 can also be achieved. Further, since the thickness offoam layer 92 ofartificial feather 3 shown inFig. 13 is increased to be relatively thicker thanfoam layer 92 ofartificial feather 3 inEmbodiment 1 described above, strength offeather portion 5 is fully ensured byfoam layer 92. This can prevent occurrence of such a problem thatfilm 81 is broken and pieces offilm 81 are scattered due to hitting with a racket, as withartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 . - For
film 81, any material can be used. For example, a material such as a polyethylene (PE) film having a thickness of 10 µm and a basis weight of 10 g/m2, a material such as a polypropylene (PP) film having a thickness of 20 µm and a basis weight of 18 g/m2, a material such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film having a thickness of 12 µm and a basis weight of 17 g/m2, or a material such as a polyamide (PA) film having a thickness of 15 µm and a basis weight of 18 g/m2 can be used. -
Embodiment 3 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention will be described with reference toFig. 14 . It is to be noted thatFig. 14 corresponds toFig. 4 . - A shuttlecock including
artificial feathers 3 shown inFig. 14 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofshuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 , andartificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 . However,artificial feather 3 shown inFig. 14 is different fromartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 in thatnonwoven fabric 71 is used as the shaft fixing layer. When nonwovenfabric 71 is thus used as the shaft fixing layer, the thickness offoam layer 92 is fully increased to ensure strength offeather portion 5. This can suppress occurrence of such a problem thatfeather portion 5 is deformed due to hitting with a racket. For example, fornonwoven fabric 71, a material such as polyester nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of 15 g/m2 can be used. Further, in this case, forfoam layer 92, a material such as a polyethylene foam having a thickness of 1.5 mm and a basis weight of 30 g/m2 can be used. - An artificial feather constituting Embodiment 4 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention will be described with reference to
Figs. 15 and 16 . - A shuttlecock including
artificial feathers 3 shown inFigs. 15 and 16 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofshuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 , andartificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 . However,artificial feather 3 shown in 15 and 16 is different in that a reinforcingmember 21 is arranged on a tip side of feather portion 5 (i.e., on an end portion side of fixedshaft portion 10 located opposite to an end portion thereof which continues to feather shaft portion 8). As shown inFig. 16 , reinforcingmember 21 is sandwiched and fixed betweenadhesion layer 93 andfoam layer 92. - Reinforcing
member 21 may be connected tofoam layer 92 for example by thermal fusion welding, or another adhesion layer (e.g., a double-faced tape or a layer of an adhesive) may be arranged between reinforcingmember 21 andfoam layer 92 to connect and fix reinforcingmember 21 tofoam layer 92. As a material for reinforcingmember 21, any resin film can be used. For example, a polyethylene film having a thickness of 10 µm may be used as reinforcingmember 21. Reinforcingmember 21 can have a thickness of, for example, not less than 1 µm and not more than 20 µm, more preferably not less than 5 µm and not more than 15 µm. For reinforcingmember 21, any material other than the polyethylene film described above may be used. - Arranging such reinforcing
member 21 at a tip portion ofartificial feather 3 can suppress occurrence of such a problem that, whenshuttlecock 1 is hit with a racket,foam layer 92 on the tip portion side of artificial feather 3 (i.e., the side on which reinforcingmember 21 is arranged) is broken due to the impact of the hitting, causing exposure of fixedshaft portion 10 or separation of fixedshaft portion 10 fromfoam layer 92. - A modification of the artificial feather shown in
Figs. 15 and 16 will be described with reference toFig. 17 . It is to be noted thatFig. 17 corresponds toFig. 16 . - A shuttlecock including
artificial feathers 3 shown inFig. 17 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofshuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 , andartificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 15 and 16 . However,artificial feather 3 shown inFig. 17 is different fromartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 15 and 16 in that another reinforcingmember 31 is arranged on the tip portion side ofartificial feather 3, on the outer peripheral side offoam layer 92. Preferably, reinforcingmember 31 has a planar shape basically identical to that of reinforcingmember 21. It is to be noted that a configuration in which reinforcingmember 31 has a planar shape smaller than that of reinforcingmember 21, or a planar shape larger than that of reinforcingmember 21 may be employed. In this case, the tip portion ofartificial feather 3 can be protected more reliably. - Reinforcing
member 31 may be bonded to an outer peripheral surface offoam layer 92 with an adhesion layer such as a double-faced tape or an adhesive interposed therebetween, or reinforcingmember 31 may be fusion-welded tofoam layer 92. Further, a material for reinforcingmember 31 and a thickness thereof may be identical to the material for reinforcingmember 21 and the thickness thereof, or may be different from the material for reinforcingmember 21 or the thickness thereof. - Another modification of the artificial feather shown in
Figs. 15 and 16 will be described with reference toFigs. 18 and 19 . - A shuttlecock including
artificial feathers 3 shown inFigs. 18 and 19 has a configuration which is basically similar to that ofshuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 , andartificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 15 and 16 . However,artificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 18 and 19 is different fromartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 15 and 16 in the manner of the reinforcing member arranged on the tip portion side ofartificial feather 3. Specifically, inartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 18 and 19 , a cord body like a thread is arranged as a reinforcingmember 41 on the tip side offeather portion 5 to extend in the direction intersecting the direction in whichshaft 7 extends (e.g., the direction perpendicular to the direction in whichshaft 7 extends and along the surface of feather portion 5). As reinforcingmember 41, for example, a thread made of a resin such as a polyester thread, or a thread made of another material such as natural fiber can be used. The size (thickness) and the like of the cord body can be arbitrarily selected, and for example a polyester thread No. 60 can be used as the polyester thread described above. As shown inFig. 19 , reinforcingmember 41 made of such a cord body is sandwiched and fixed betweenadhesion layer 93 andfoam layer 92. - Reinforcing
member 41 can be arranged at any position other than betweenadhesion layer 93 andfoam layer 92 described above in the thickness direction offeather portion 5. For example, reinforcingmember 41 may be bonded to the surface offoam layer 92 on the outer peripheral side (i.e., the surface offoam layer 92 opposite to the surface thereof bonded to adhesion layer 93) using an adhesive or the like. Alternatively, reinforcingmember 41 may be arranged betweenadhesion layer 93 andadhesion layer 94. Alternatively, reinforcingmember 41 may be arranged betweenadhesion layer 94 andshaft fixing layer 91. Further, reinforcingmember 41 may be bonded to the surface ofshaft fixing layer 91 on the outer peripheral side (i.e., the surface ofshaft fixing layer 91 opposite to the surface thereof bonded to adhesion layer 94) using an adhesive or the like. By using reinforcingmember 41 made of such a cord body, an effect similar to that in the case of usingartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 15 and 16 can also be achieved. In addition, since reinforcingmember 41 inartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 18 and 19 is a cord body, reinforcingmember 41 is lighter than sheet-like reinforcingmember 31 inartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 15 and 16 , and deforms flexibly. Therefore, a shuttlecock manufactured usingartificial feathers 3 shown inFigs. 18 and 19 has an improved hit feeling. - Another modification of the artificial feather shown in
Figs. 15 and 16 will be described with reference toFig. 20 . - A shuttlecock including
artificial feathers 3 shown inFig. 20 has a configuration which is basically similar to that ofshuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 , andartificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 18 and 19 . However,artificial feather 3 shown inFig. 20 is different fromartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 18 and 19 in that a plurality of reinforcing members made of cord bodies are arranged on the tip side offeather portion 5. Specifically, inartificial feather 3 shown inFig. 20 , cord bodies are arranged as a plurality of reinforcingmembers 41 to 43 on the tip side offeather portion 5 to extend in the direction intersecting the direction in whichshaft 7 extends (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the direction in whichshaft 7 extends and along the surface of feather portion 5). Although the plurality of reinforcingmembers 41 to 43 are arranged to extend parallel to one another, at least a portion of the plurality of reinforcingmembers 41 to 43 may be arranged in a direction intersecting one another. With this arrangement, an effect similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 18 and 19 can also be achieved, and the tip portion offeather portion 5 can be reinforced more reliably. - It is to be noted that sheet-like reinforcing
member 31 shown inFigs. 15 and 16 and at least any of reinforcingmembers 41 to 43 made of cord bodies described above may be combined and arranged. Further, a member shaped like an elongated sheet cut in the form of a strip may be used as reinforcingmembers 41 to 43. In addition, for example, one or more openings may be formed in reinforcingmember 31 to reduce the mass of reinforcingmember 31. - An artificial
feather constituting Embodiment 5 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention will be described with reference toFig. 21 . - A shuttlecock including
artificial feathers 3 shown inFig. 21 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofshuttlecock 1 shown inFigs, 1 and 2 , andartificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 . However,artificial feather 3 shown inFig. 21 is different in thatfeather portion 5 is provided with a shaftdirection reinforcing member 44 arranged to extend along the direction in whichshaft 7 extends (specifically, to extend parallel toshaft 7 inFig. 21 ). As shaftdirection reinforcing member 44, for example, a thread as a cord body can be used. As the thread, a thread made of any material can be used, and for example a resin thread may be used. As a resin constituting the thread, for example, polyester may be used. More specifically, for example, a polyester thread No. 60 may be used as shaftdirection reinforcing member 44. Reinforcingmember 44 is sandwiched and fixed betweenadhesion layer 93 andfoam layer 92, for example as with reinforcingmember 21 shown inFig. 16 . - Shaft
direction reinforcing member 44 may be connected tofoam layer 92 for example by thermal fusion welding, or another adhesion layer (e.g., a double-faced tape or a layer of an adhesive) may be arranged between shaftdirection reinforcing member 44 andfoam layer 92 to connect and fix shaftdirection reinforcing member 44 tofoam layer 92. As a material for shaftdirection reinforcing member 44, any resin film may be used instead of a thread as described above. For example, a polyethylene film in the form of a strip (or in the form of a line) may be used as shaftdirection reinforcing member 44. As a material for shaftdirection reinforcing member 44, any material other than the polyethylene film described above may be used. - Arranging such shaft
direction reinforcing member 44 atfeather portion 5 ofartificial feather 3 can suppress occurrence of such a problem that, whenshuttlecock 1 is hit with a racket,feather portion 5 ofartificial feather 3 is split in the direction intersecting the direction in whichshaft 7 extends, due to the impact of the hitting. - Shaft
direction reinforcing member 44 can be arranged at any position other than betweenadhesion layer 93 andfoam layer 92 described above in the thickness direction offeather portion 5. For example, shaftdirection reinforcing member 44 may be bonded to the surface offoam layer 92 on the outer peripheral side (i.e., the surface offoam layer 92 opposite to the surface thereof bonded to adhesion layer 93) using an adhesive or the like. Alternatively, shaftdirection reinforcing member 44 may be arranged betweenadhesion layer 93 andadhesion layer 94. Alternatively, shaftdirection reinforcing member 44 may be arranged betweenadhesion layer 94 andshaft fixing layer 91. Further, shaftdirection reinforcing member 44 may be bonded to the surface ofshaft fixing layer 91 on the outer peripheral side (i.e., the surface ofshaft fixing layer 91 opposite to the surface thereof bonded to adhesion layer 94) using an adhesive or the like. - A modification of the artificial feather shown in
Fig. 21 will be described with reference toFig. 22 . - A shuttlecock including
artificial feathers 3 shown inFig. 22 has a configuration which is basically similar to that ofshuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 , andartificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFig. 21 . However,artificial feather 3 shown inFig. 22 further includes reinforcingmember 41 on the tip portion side thereof as withartificial feather 3 shown inFig. 18 , in addition to shaftdirection reinforcing member 44. Reinforcingmember 41 is a cord body, and arranged to extend in the direction intersecting shaft 7 (specifically, the direction perpendicular to shaft 7). With this arrangement, an effect obtained byartificial feather 3 shown inFig. 18 can also be achieved in addition to an effect obtained byartificial feather 3 shown inFig. 21 . It is to be noted that a reinforcing member in another form indicated in Embodiment 4 of the present invention may be used instead of reinforcingmember 41. - Reinforcing
member 41 and shaftdirection reinforcing member 44 shown inFig. 22 may be arranged in an identical layer or in different layers in the thickness direction offeather portion 5. Further, reinforcingmember 41 and shaftdirection reinforcing member 44 may be formed of a single member or separate members. - An artificial feather constituting Embodiment 6 of the shuttlecock according to the present invention, and a manufacturing method thereof will be described with reference to
Fig. 23 . It is to be noted thatFig. 23 shows a cross section in a direction along the shaft ofartificial feather 3, and corresponds toFig. 5 . - A shuttlecock including
artificial feathers 3 shown inFig. 23 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofshuttlecock 1 shown inFigs. 1 and 2 , andartificial feather 3 has a structure which is basically similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 . However,artificial feather 3 shown inFig. 23 is different fromartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 in thatshaft fixing layer 91 is directly connected toshaft 7. With such a configuration, an effect similar to that ofartificial feather 3 shown inFigs. 3 to 5 can also be achieved. - Next, a method of manufacturing
artificial feather 3 shown inFig. 23 will be described. Although the method of manufacturingartificial feather 3 shown inFig. 23 is basically similar to the method of manufacturing an artificial feather shown inFig. 8 , it is different in the content of the affixation step (S20). Specifically, in the method of manufacturingartificial feather 3 shown inFig. 23 , asupport 51 and apressing plate 52 as manufacturing jigs as shown inFig. 23 are used. An upper surface ofsupport 51 and a lower surface of pressingplate 52 face each other. The upper surface and the lower surface described above are provided with concave portions such that, when pressingplate 52 overliessupport 51, a gap in the shape offeather portion 5 andshaft 7 ofartificial feather 3 is formed at a contact portion betweensupport 51 and pressingplate 52. As can been seen fromFig. 23 , the upper surface and the lower surface are curved to correspond to the shape ofartificial feather 3 to be formed. - In the method of manufacturing
artificial feather 3 shown inFig. 23 , after the constituent member preparation step (S10) shown inFig. 8 is performed, the step described below is performed as the affixation step (S20). Specifically, firstly, a sheet-like member which will beshaft fixing layer 91 is placed on the upper surface ofsupport 51. Then,shaft 7 is arranged on the sheet-like member. Further, a double-faced tape which will be adhesionlayer 93 is affixed to one surface of another sheet-like member which will befoam layer 92, and then the other sheet-like member is placed onshaft 7. On this occasion, the other sheet-like member is arranged such that the surface of the other sheet-like member to which the double-faced tape is affixed facesshaft 7. Subsequently, pressingplate 52 is pressed from above the other sheet-like member towardsupport 51. Thus, the sheet-like member which will beshaft fixing layer 91,shaft 7, and the other sheet-like member which will befoam layer 92 are bonded. Thereafter, the post-treatment step (S30) is performed as inEmbodiment 1. - Specifically, an unnecessary portion of the sheet-like member and the other sheet-like member is removed, and the shape is trimmed, and thus
artificial feather 3 as shown inFig. 23 can be obtained. - Characteristic features of the invention of the present application will be listed below, although the description thereof partially overlaps the description of the embodiments described above.
-
Artificial feather 3 for a shuttlecock according to the present invention includesfeather portion 5 andshaft 7 connected tofeather portion 5.Feather portion 5 includesfoam layer 92, and a shaft fixing layer (shaft fixing layer 91,film 81, nonwoven fabric 71) bonded tofoam layer 92 withshaft 7 sandwiched therebetween.Foam layer 92 and the shaft fixing layer have an identical planar shape. - With this configuration, by using
foam layer 92 asfeather portion 5, an increase in the mass offeather portion 5 is suppressed and rigidity is improved (i.e., deformation due to hitting is suppressed), and thereby a change in the shape ofartificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock can be suppressed. As a result, flight performance ofbadminton shuttlecock 1 employingartificial feathers 3 for the shuttlecock can be stably maintained, and thusartificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock andshuttlecock 1 excellent in durability can be achieved. - Further, by stacking the shaft fixing layer (
shaft fixing layer 91,film 81, nonwoven fabric 71) onfoam layer 92, rigidity offeather portion 5 can be further improved. As a result, breaking (tearing, scattering) offoam layer 92 can be prevented. Furthermore, a reliable connection betweenshaft 7 andfeather portion 5 can be established by sandwiching and fixingshaft 7 between the shaft fixing layer andfoam layer 92. -
Artificial feather 3 of the invention further include adhesion layers 93, 94 located betweenfoam layer 92 and the shaft fixing layer. In this case, adhesion layers 93, 94 can strengthen connection betweenfoam layer 92 and the shaft fixing layer, and connection betweenfoam layer 92 and each of the shaft fixing layer andshaft 7. As a result, durability ofartificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock can be improved. - Further, even if
shaft 7 andfeather portion 5 are made of materials that cannot be directly connected (e.g., by thermal fusion bonding), adhesion layers 93, 94 can bondfeather portion 5 toshaft 7. Therefore, the degree of freedom in selecting materials forshaft 7 andfeather portion 5 can be increased. - In
artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock described above, adhesion layers 93, 94 are arranged at a position overlapping at least shaft 7 (specifically, fixed shaft portion 10). That is, adhesion layers 93, 94fix foam layer 92 and the shaft fixing layer toshaft 7. In this case, adhesion layers 93, 94 can establish a reliable connection betweenshaft 7 andfeather portion 5. As a result, durability ofartificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock can be reliably improved. - In
artificial feather 3 of the invention, adhesion layers 93, 94 are arranged in an entire region betweenfoam layer 92 and the shaft fixing layer, as shown inFigs. 4 ,13 ,14 ,16 ,17 , and the like. In this case, adhesion layers 93, 94 can improve durability ofentire feather portion 5. - In
artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock described above,feather portion 5 may be warped towardfoam layer 92 in at least one of the direction in whichshaft 7 extends and the direction intersecting the direction in whichshaft 7 extends, as shown inFig. 5 . In this case,artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock can have a shape close to that of a waterfowl feather (natural feather). Thus, whenshuttlecock 1 is manufactured usingartificial feathers 3 for the shuttlecock,shuttlecock 1 can have a shape close to that of a shuttlecock employing natural feathers. Further, it is also possible to adjust flight performance ofshuttlecock 1 manufactured usingartificial feathers 3 for the shuttlecock by changing the degree of the warping. As a result,artificial shuttlecock 1 manufactured usingartificial feathers 3 for the shuttlecock can have flight performance close to that of a conventional shuttlecock employing natural feathers. - In
artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock described above,foam layer 92 may be thicker than the shaft fixing layer (shaft fixing layer 91,film 81, nonwoven fabric 71). In this case, by increasing the thickness offeather portion 5 on thefoam layer 92 side having a relatively small apparent density, the thickness offeather portion 5 required as a total can be ensured, and an increase in the weight offeather portion 5 can be avoided. - In
artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock described above,shaft 7 may include a bottom portion to be connected tobase body 2 ofshuttlecock 1, and a tip portion located opposite to the bottom portion and sandwiched betweenfoam layer 92 and the shaft fixing layer.Artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock described above may further include reinforcingmembers shaft 7, as shown inFigs. 15 to 17 . In this case, by arranging reinforcingmembers shaft 7 which is most likely to be broken whenshuttlecock 1 is hit, the possibility that the tip portion is broken due to the hitting can be reduced. - In
artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock described above, reinforcingmembers shaft 7 close tofoam layer 92 in the thickness direction offeather portion 5. In this case, whenartificial feathers 3 are provided tobase body 2 such that thefoam layer 92 side faces outward inshuttlecock 1, reinforcingmembers shaft 7 from external impact by employing a configuration as described above. - In
artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock described above, at least one offoam layer 92 and the shaft fixing layer may be formed using an extrusion method, and the direction in whichshaft 7 extends may intersect a direction in whichfoam layer 92 or the shaft fixing layer is extruded by the extrusion method. Here,foam layer 92 or the shaft fixing layer formed by the extrusion method is likely to split in the extrusion direction described above. Therefore, ifshaft 7 is fixed as described above,shaft 7 serves as a reinforcing member forfoam layer 92 or the shaft fixing layer. As a result, durability offeather portion 5 can be improved. - Preferably, in
artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock described above,foam layer 92 is made of foamed polyethylene, and has a basis weight amount of not less than 10 g/m2 and not more than 30 g/m2 and a thickness of not less than 0.5 mm and not more than 2 mm. Further, preferably,shaft fixing layer 91 is made of foamed polyethylene, and has a basis weight amount of not less than 10 g/m2 and not more than 30 glm2 and a thickness of not less than 0.3 mm and not more than 1 mm. In this case, the position of the center of gravity and the total mass close to those of a natural feather can be achieved inartificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock. Further,badminton shuttlecock 1 manufactured usingartificial feathers 3 for the shuttlecock can have a good flight performance equal to that of a natural shuttlecock. - Preferably,
artificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock described above includes shaftdirection reinforcing member 44 arranged infeather portion 5 to extend along the direction in whichshaft 7 extends. In this case, splitting offeather portion 5 in the direction intersecting the direction in whichshaft 7 extends can be suppressed. -
Badminton shuttlecock 1 according to the present invention includeshemispherical base body 2, and a plurality ofartificial feathers 3 for the shuttlecock described above connected tobase body 2. With this configuration, aninexpensive shuttlecock 1 can be achieved usingartificial feathers 3. Further,shuttlecock 1 can have flight performance equal to that of a conventional shuttlecock employing natural feathers. - In
badminton shuttlecock 1 described above,artificial feathers 3 for the shuttlecock may be fixed tobase body 2 such that they are annularly arranged inbase body 2 andadjacent feather portions 5 partially overlap.Badminton shuttlecock 1 described above may further includeintermediate thread 15 as a cord body limiting relative movement or deformation offeather portions 5 in the plurality ofartificial feather 3 for the shuttlecock. In this case, a change in the order of stacking offeather portions 5 can be reliably prevented. - It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope of the claims.
-
- 1: shuttlecock, 2: base body, 3: artificial feather, 5: feather portion, 7: shaft, 8: feather shaft portion, 10: fixed shaft portion, 15: intermediate thread, 21, 31, 41 to 43: reinforcing member, 44: shaft direction reinforcing member, 51: support, 52: pressing plate, 61: convex portion, 62: side wall, 63: insertion hole, 64; adhesive, 71: nonwoven fabric, 81: film, 91: shaft fixing layer, 92: foam layer, 93, 94: adhesion layer, 95: arrow.
Claims (8)
- An artificial feather (3) for a shuttlecock, comprising:a feather portion (5); anda shaft (7) connected to said feather portion (5),wherein said feather portion (5) includes a foam layer (92), and a shaft fixing layer (71, 81, 91) bonded to said foam layer (92) with said shaft (7) sandwiched therebetween, andsaid foam layer (92) and said shaft fixing layer (71, 81, 91) have an identical planar shape,further comprising an adhesion layer (93, 94) located between said foam layer (92) and said shaft fixing layer (71, 81, 91),
wherein said adhesion layer (93, 94) is arranged in an entire region between said foam layer (92) and said shaft fixing layer (71, 81, 91),
the shaft (7) being fixable to a base body of the shuttlecock (1). - The artificial feather (3) for a shuttlecock according to claim 1, wherein
said adhesion layer (93, 94) is arranged at a position overlapping said shaft (7), and
said adhesion layer (93, 94) fixes said foam layer (92) and said shaft fixing layer (71, 81, 91) to said shaft (7). - The artificial feather (3) for a shuttlecock according to claim 1, wherein said feather portion (5) is warped toward said foam layer in at least one of a direction in which said shaft (7) extends and a direction intersecting the direction in which said shaft (7) extends.
- The artificial feather (3) for a shuttlecock according to claim 3, wherein said foam layer (92) is thicker than said shaft fixing layer (71, 81, 91).
- The artificial feather (3) for a shuttlecock according to claim 1, wherein
said shaft (7) includes a bottom portion to be connected to a base body (2) of a shuttlecock (1), and a tip portion located opposite to said bottom portion and sandwiched between said foam layer (92) and said shaft fixing layer (71, 81, 91), and
the artificial feather further comprises a reinforcing member (21, 31, 41 to 43) arranged to overlap said tip portion of said shaft (7). - The artificial feather (3) for a shuttlecock according to claim 1, wherein
at least one of said foam layer (92) and said shaft fixing layer (71, 81, 91) is formed using an extrusion method, and
a direction in which said shaft (7) extends intersects a direction in which said foam layer (92) or said shaft fixing layer (71, 81, 91) is extruded by said extrusion method. - The artificial feather (3) for a shuttlecock according to claim 1, comprising a shaft direction reinforcing member (44) arranged in said feather portion (5) to extend along a direction in which said shaft (7) extends.
- A badminton shuttlecock (1), comprising:a hemispherical base body (2); anda plurality of the artificial feathers (3) for a shuttlecock according to claim 1 connected to said base body (2).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2008334096 | 2008-12-26 | ||
PCT/JP2009/071601 WO2010074234A1 (en) | 2008-12-26 | 2009-12-25 | Artificial feather for shuttlecock and badminton shuttlecock |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2383023A1 EP2383023A1 (en) | 2011-11-02 |
EP2383023A4 EP2383023A4 (en) | 2012-06-27 |
EP2383023B1 true EP2383023B1 (en) | 2014-06-11 |
Family
ID=42287837
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP09835030.9A Active EP2383023B1 (en) | 2008-12-26 | 2009-12-25 | Artificial feather for shuttlecock and badminton shuttlecock |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2383023B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5198582B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101357416B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102264441A (en) |
DK (1) | DK2383023T3 (en) |
MY (1) | MY151994A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010074234A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP5624821B2 (en) * | 2010-07-20 | 2014-11-12 | ヨネックス株式会社 | Artificial feather for shuttlecock, shuttlecock, and method of manufacturing artificial feather for shuttlecock |
CN202315193U (en) * | 2011-05-13 | 2012-07-11 | 刘雪燕 | Simulation feather for badminton and badminton |
JPWO2013077183A1 (en) * | 2011-11-22 | 2015-04-27 | 株式会社ゴーセン | Badminton shuttlecock and method of manufacturing the same |
JP2015029845A (en) * | 2013-08-06 | 2015-02-16 | ヨネックス株式会社 | Shuttlecock and artificial feather for the same |
JP6918792B2 (en) * | 2016-06-10 | 2021-08-11 | 美津濃株式会社 | Shuttlecock |
JP6738654B2 (en) * | 2016-06-10 | 2020-08-12 | 美津濃株式会社 | Artificial feather and shuttlecock |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB949110A (en) * | 1962-12-11 | 1964-02-12 | Peter Gordon Sidney | Shuttlecock |
JPS5340335A (en) | 1976-09-21 | 1978-04-12 | Nippon Carbon Co Ltd | Shuttle cock for badmington |
EP0045825A1 (en) * | 1980-08-08 | 1982-02-17 | Juan Shin Ent. Co. Ltd. | Artificial feather shuttlecock and method of manufacturing same |
DK173581A (en) * | 1981-04-15 | 1982-10-16 | J E Rasmussen | ARTIFICIAL FOR BADMINTON BALLS |
JPS5969086A (en) * | 1982-10-14 | 1984-04-19 | ヤマハ株式会社 | Blade for shuttle cock |
GB9506833D0 (en) * | 1995-04-03 | 1995-05-24 | Willis Gordon | Improvements in shuttlecocks |
JPH1157096A (en) * | 1997-08-19 | 1999-03-02 | Goosen:Kk | Shuttlecock |
GB2333970A (en) * | 1998-02-10 | 1999-08-11 | Dunlop Slazenger Group Ltd | Shuttlecock |
JP3081627U (en) | 2001-05-09 | 2001-11-16 | 大塚包装工業株式会社 | Packaging box |
JP2005278784A (en) * | 2004-03-29 | 2005-10-13 | Mizuno Technics Kk | Shuttlecock |
JP4917316B2 (en) | 2006-01-30 | 2012-04-18 | ミズノ テクニクス株式会社 | Shuttlecock |
-
2009
- 2009-12-25 MY MYPI20112979 patent/MY151994A/en unknown
- 2009-12-25 DK DK09835030.9T patent/DK2383023T3/en active
- 2009-12-25 JP JP2010544158A patent/JP5198582B2/en active Active
- 2009-12-25 CN CN2009801531378A patent/CN102264441A/en active Pending
- 2009-12-25 WO PCT/JP2009/071601 patent/WO2010074234A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-12-25 EP EP09835030.9A patent/EP2383023B1/en active Active
- 2009-12-25 KR KR1020117016983A patent/KR101357416B1/en active IP Right Grant
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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KR101357416B1 (en) | 2014-02-03 |
MY151994A (en) | 2014-07-31 |
JP5198582B2 (en) | 2013-05-15 |
EP2383023A1 (en) | 2011-11-02 |
CN102264441A (en) | 2011-11-30 |
JPWO2010074234A1 (en) | 2012-06-21 |
KR20110099136A (en) | 2011-09-06 |
WO2010074234A1 (en) | 2010-07-01 |
DK2383023T3 (en) | 2014-06-30 |
EP2383023A4 (en) | 2012-06-27 |
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