EP2658619A1

EP2658619A1 - Ball game device

Info

Publication number: EP2658619A1
Application number: EP10809320.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yvan Le Bozec; Joël Manuel Henri TRIBOULT
Original assignee: Decathlon SE
Current assignee: Decathlon SE
Priority date: 2010-12-28
Filing date: 2010-12-28
Publication date: 2013-11-06
Also published as: ES2400286A2; ES2400286R1; ES2400286B1; WO2012089931A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a ball game device, having a striking element (1) intended to allow the user to strike a ball, such as a racket, and is used in particular in the field of padel tennis. The striking element comprises a central element (2) surrounded by a frame (3) comprising a lower portion (4) and an upper portion (5), said portions being at least partly spaced apart from one another and being able to move with respect to one another, in particular when the ball is struck with the striking element. Spacing means (6) are disposed between the lower and upper portions and are able to control the relative movement of the two lower and upper parts, without preventing this relative movement. Thus, the frame does not have excessive rigidity, on account in particular of its structure in two separate portions which are spaced apart from another and are free to move with respect to one another. This freedom of movement is controlled by the spacing means. The device is thus more controllable by the user and generates less vibration, in particular when the ball is struck off-centre, at or close to the frame.

Description

BALL GAME DEVICE

The present invention relates to a ball game device, of the type comprising a striking element intended to allow the user to hit a ball, such as a racket. The invention finds particular application in the field of rackets for playing padel.

Snowshoes are already known, in particular for playing padel, such as those described in documents 2 255 419, ES 1 055 113, FR 2 908 051, US 2003/0069096.

The snowshoes described in these documents generally comprise an impactor comprising a central element, at which the striking of the bullet is supposed to occur, surrounded by a frame.

The structure of these rackets, at the level of the central element, is such that, when the strike of ball is correctly centered at the level of the central element, the vibrations are attenuated, with a certain cushioning during the impact of the ball on the central element, which provides better comfort for the user and better control of typing so better accuracy.

However, the closer the place with which the ball is hit is closer to the frame, the more these rackets lose their ability to limit vibration and cushion the shock, especially because of the rigidity of the frame.

Also known from WO 2009/125329, rackets adapted to the practice of padel, for which the structure of the frame aims to improve aerodynamics and reduce the weight of the racket.

To do this, the frame of this racket has an upper portion and a lower portion rigidly assembled, and the impactor is provided with through cavities perpendicular to the plane of the striking element and through cavities parallel to the plane of the impactor that opens at the frame.

This structure gives the racket a certain lightness.

However, such a racket remains subject to vibration at the frame, particularly because of the rigidity thereof. It also follows that the precision of use of such a racket is insufficient when the striking is performed at or near the frame.

The invention therefore aims to solve the aforementioned problems among other problems.

The object of the present invention is thus to provide a ball game device, such as a paddle racket, which is more tolerant with the user in case of striking the ball off-center.

The invention thus relates to a ball game device comprising a striking element intended to allow a user to hit a ball.

This impactor comprises a central element surrounded by a frame including itself a lower portion and an upper portion.

These lower and upper portions are at least partly spaced from one another by a space and able to move relative to each other, in particular during a ball striking with the element of hit.

In addition, spacing means are arranged between the lower and upper portions. These spacing means are able to control, without preventing it, the relative movement of the two lower and upper portions.

Thus, the frame of the impactor of the device according to the invention does not have too much rigidity, because of its structure in two distinct portions, spaced apart from each other and free to move one by report to the other. This freedom of movement is controlled by the spacing means.

The device of the invention is thus more tolerant for the user, especially in the sense that it is more controllable by the user, and in the sense that it generates less vibrations, in particular in the case of a typing. off-center ball at or near the frame.

It is specified here that by frame means the periphery of the impactor which surrounds the central element of the impactor.

Depending on the type of racket, this frame can be a structurally distinct element of the central element, as for example in a classic tennis racket in which the rope constitutes the central element stretched inside the frame, or in some rackets padel. In this case, the distinction between the central element and the framework is of both functional and structural order.

This frame can also form a one-piece assembly with the central element, non-structurally distinct from it, as is the case for example of some other paddle rackets.

In this second case, the distinction between the central element and the framework is simply functional.

In a first variant embodiment, the spacing means comprise at least one stud-type spacing element which does not fill the entire space between the lower and upper portions.

Optionally, at least one protective element is arranged at least in the space between the lower and upper portions not filled by the spacing element or elements, so as to protect the central element.

The protection element may extend between the lower and upper portions, all along them.

The spacer element is then inserted into the space between the lower and upper portions, after the protection element.

Alternatively, the device may comprise an alternation of a plurality of spacer elements and a plurality of protective elements forming a continuous element disposed between the lower and upper portions.

This or these protective elements may be of textile type material coated for example with polyurethane.

In a second alternative embodiment, alternatively to the first, the spacing means comprise a spacer element which extends continuously so as to fill the entire space between the lower and upper portions.

Whether in the first or the second embodiment, the spacing element or elements may be of foam-type material, or gel, or silicone, or elastomer.

In a third variant embodiment, possibly in combination with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the space between the lower and upper portions is not of constant size. In a fourth variant embodiment, possibly in combination with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the lower and upper portions each comprise a tubular element.

Preferably, each tubular element is made of composite material.

The device may include a handle connected to the impactor. In this case, the two tubular elements each have two opposite ends that can meet to form, for example by gluing, at least partly the handle.

The two tubular elements can also meet in a first zone and in a second zone symmetrical with the first zone with respect to the axis passing through the shaft.

Furthermore, the central element may comprise at least one or more layers of composite material at the surface.

The central element may also comprise a core of thermoplastic foam material, such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, coated on the surface of the layer or layers of composite material.

This core and the or at least one of the layers of composite material can be glued together.

One or more of these layers of composite material may also cover the surface at least partially the lower and upper portions.

This or these layers of composite material can then also cover laterally at least partially the lower and upper portions.

This or these layers of composite material may further cover at least partially the lower and upper portions within the space between these lower and upper portions.

In a fifth variant, alternative to the fourth, and possibly in combination with one or more of the first three, the central element having an upper surface and a lower surface, this upper surface of the central element and the upper portion of the frame form a monoblock top assembly made of plastic preferably obtained by injection, and this lower surface of the central element and the lower portion of the frame form a monobloc lower assembly of plastic material preferably obtained by injection.

In this case, the upper assembly and the lower assembly can be assembled by clipping, gluing or thermo-welding.

Alternatively to the fifth variant, the central element having a lower surface and an upper surface, this upper surface of the central element and the upper portion of the frame form an upper assembly, and this lower surface of the central element and the portion bottom of the frame form a lower assembly, these upper and lower assemblies forming a monobloc element of plastic material preferably obtained by injection.

In all cases, the upper assembly and the lower assembly may be connected internally by one or more connecting elements, for example of the type of ribs or bonding pads.

In this case, the spacing means can be positioned between the connecting elements.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and completely on reading the following description of the preferred embodiments, which are given by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the following appended drawings:

FIG. 1 schematically represents an example of a device according to the invention,

FIGS. 2a, 2b show schematically a detail of the device of FIG. 1, respectively in two embodiments,

FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c show schematically three variants of the frame structure of the device of FIG. 1.

The example device according to the invention shown schematically in Figure 1 is a paddle racket.

This racket has a striking element 1 and a handle 7 in the extension of this central element 1. The impactor 1 is intended for the striking of a ball by a user. This impactor 1 conventionally comprises a central element 2 surrounded by a frame 3.

Again it is recalled that by frame 3 is meant the periphery of the impactor 1 which surrounds the central element 2 of this impactor 1.

Thus, the frame 3 may equally well be a structurally distinct element of the central element 2, as for example in a conventional tennis racket in which the rope constitutes the central element stretched inside the frame, or in certain Padel rackets as will be described later with respect to the example presented in this description.

In this case, the distinction between the central element and the framework is therefore of both functional and structural order.

The frame 3 may also form a unitary assembly with the central element which is not structurally distinct from this central element, as is the case for example of certain other paddle rackets.

In this other case, the distinction between the central element and the framework is simply functional.

In a general manner, the frame 3 comprises a lower portion 4 and an upper portion 5, and the central member 2 has a lower surface 2a and an upper surface 2b.

The lower surface 2a of the central element 2 forms with the lower part 4 of the frame 3 a lower assembly 2a, 4. Similarly, the upper surface 2b of the central element 2 forms with the upper part 5 of the frame 3 a set higher 2b, 5.

The lower portions 4 and 5 of the upper frame 3 are spaced from each other by a space 12, at least in part, that is to say at least on a portion of the frame 3.

This space 12 between the lower portions 4 and upper 5 of the frame 3 allows them to move relative to each other, in particular during a strike of the ball by the user with the impactor 1. This space 12 is not necessarily of constant dimensions over the entire portion of the frame 3 where it is present. Thus, and in particular, its depth as well as its height may vary.

In an alternative embodiment which will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c, the lower 4 and upper 5 portions of the frame 3 may each be formed of, or comprise, a tubular element 4, 5, of preferably of composite material and itself possibly at least partially covered with one or more layers of composite material.

In such a case, the two tubular elements 4, 5 can meet at their respective opposite ends, to form, for example by gluing, in whole or in part, the handle 7.

The handle 7 may also be formed, in whole or in part, by molding the two tubular elements 4 and 5 which will then, at the junction of their respective opposite ends, covered with a common envelope for their joining, for example made of composite material.

The two tubular elements can also meet in a first zone 8 and in a second zone symmetrical to the first with respect to the axis passing through the handle 7, this second zone being not visible in Figure 1 and therefore not referenced.

In fact, in this example, the tubular elements 4, 5 are spaced from each other only in the portion of the frame 3 located between the first zone 8 and the second zone. They may possibly again be spaced from each other in the two portions of the frame 3 symmetrical with respect to the axis passing through the handle 7, that is to say the two portions of the frame 3 respectively connecting the first zone 8 and the second zone 7.

As is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the racket is provided with spacing means 6 arranged between the lower and upper portions 5 of the frame 3, in the space 12.

Such spacing means are provided for limiting and controlling the relative movement of the lower 4 and upper 5 portions of the frame 3 without preventing such movement. By way of example, as represented in FIGS. 2a, 2b, these spacing means 6 may comprise one or more spacing elements 6, for example of the studs 6.

These pads 6 do not fill the entire space 12 between the lower portion 4 and upper 5 so that we can see, in the space 12, behind the studs or 6, the core 9 of the central element 2.

As will be seen in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, this core 9 may be covered with one or more layers of composite material forming the lower 2a and upper 2b surfaces of the central element 2.

This core 9 may be for example of thermoplastic foam material. It may be in particular an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.

The pads 6 may be formed in a foam-like material, gel, silicone or elastomer. They can therefore undergo, to a certain extent, a crash when the user strikes a ball with the impactor 1, thus allowing the lower 4 and upper 5 portions to approach each other in said boundary.

Vibration at frame 3 is reduced, and vibration absorption is limited and controlled, providing the user with better control over the shot.

A certain number of parameters condition the control of the relative movement of the lower 4 and upper 5 portions of the frame 3.

Among these parameters, one finds in particular the choice of the material, and its damping properties, the number of spacers 6, as well as their distribution along the frame 3.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2b, a plurality of spacer elements 6 are inserted into the space 12 between the lower 4 and upper 5 portions of the frame 3, and a protection element 11 is inserted into this space 12, between some of the spacers 6 or even between each of these spacers 6.

In another embodiment not shown, the protective element 11 could be inserted into the bottom of the space 12 between the lower portions 54. and upper 5 of the frame 3, continuously along the bottom of this space 12. In this case, the spacing element or elements 6 are inserted after the protection element 11 which is found behind these spacing elements. 6 and visible only between these spacers 6.

Such a protection element 11, whatever the embodiment, makes it possible to protect the central element 2, in particular in the case where this central element 2 comprises a core 9 as represented in FIG. 2a and masked in FIG. 2b . For this or these protective elements 11, it is possible in particular to use a textile-type material coated for example with polyurethane.

When a protective element 11 is inserted between each spacing element 11, an alternation of several spacing elements 6 and several protection elements 11, which then form a continuous element arranged in the space 12, is obtained.

In another example not shown, a single spacer element 6, extending continuously in the space 12, can thus completely fill this space 12 between the lower portions 4 and upper 5 of the frame 3.

In this way, it is understood that it is not necessary to use a protection element 11 intended to protect the core 9 of the central element 2, since it is already protected by the spacer element 6 However, it is also understood that the presence of this continuous spacing element in the entire space 12 modifies the vibration absorption properties of the frame 3.

FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c schematically represent three variants of the frame structure of the device of FIG. 1, in the case where the lower 4 and upper 5 portions respectively comprise a lower tubular element 4 and an upper tubular element 5, in a partial sectional view along the axis AA shown in Figure 1.

We thus find the central element 2 with a core 9, covered with one or more layers of composite material 10, these layers 10 constituting the lower surface 2a and the upper surface 2b of the central element 2.

Optionally, the core 9 and the or at least one of the layers 10 may be glued together. This reinforces the construction of the racket, in avoiding or limiting the risk of spacing or tearing of the racket for example by spacing the two lower portions 4 and 5 at the places where these two portions are spaced apart from each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 3a, the layer or layers of composite material 10 extend beyond the central element 10 so as to cover the tubular elements 4 and 5, at the surface of the frame 3 of the element of keys 1 as shown in FIG.

This surface coverage may be partial, so only on a part of the surface of the frame 3, or total as actually shown in Figure 3a.

In the example shown in FIG. 3b, the layer or layers of composite material 10 extend substantially perpendicularly to the lower surface 2a and to the upper surface 2b of the central element, until laterally covering the tubular elements 4 and 5.

Here again, this lateral overlap may be partial, therefore only part of the side walls of the lower 4 and upper 5 portions of the frame 3, or total as actually shown in Figure 3b.

In the example shown in Figure 3c, the covering of the tubular elements 4 and 5 by the layer or layers of composite material 10 extends within the space 12 to cover these tubular elements from the inside.

Again, this overlap from the inside may be partial, so only part of the inner walls of the lower portions 4 and 5 of the upper frame 3, as shown in Figure 3c, or total.

Whatever the embodiments, it is important that the two tubular elements 4 and 5 are not covered by a common envelope which would stiffen the frame and prevent relative movements between these two tubular elements 4, 5.

In another exemplary embodiment, not shown in the figures, the racket may be such that the lower surface 2a of the central element 2 and the lower portion 4 of the frame 3 form a lower assembly 2a, 4 in one piece, for example plastic , which can be obtained by injection. Similarly, in this case, the upper surface 2b of the central element 2 and the upper portion 5 of the frame 3 form an upper assembly 2b, 5 integral, for example plastic, which can also be obtained by injection.

As already explained above, in this case, the distinction between the frame 3 and the central element 2 is purely functional.

These lower sets 2a, 4 and upper 2b, 5 can for example be assembled by clipping, gluing or heat-welding.

It is also possible to obtain both the lower assembly 2a, 4 and the upper assembly 2b, 5, and possibly the handle, in a single injection operation of a plastic material, the whole forming a monobloc element. .

In these two cases, that is to say when the lower sets 2a, 4 and upper 2b, form separately two single-piece assemblies or when they form a single one-piece element, it is possible to provide, in addition to spacing means 6 described above, connecting elements which connect from the inside the lower sets 2a, 4 and upper 2b, 5.

Thus, the spacing means are positioned between these connecting elements.

These connecting elements may for example be of the rib type or bonding pads. They are for example in the same plastic material as the lower sets 2a, 4 and 2b, 5, and preferably made by integrally molding with the lower surface of one and / or the other of the lower sets 2a, 4 and higher 2b, 5

The present description is given by way of illustration, the examples presented above not being limiting of the invention.

In particular, the precise shape of the spacing means 6, and the precise number of spacing elements 6, are not limiting of the invention.

Claims

Ball game device comprising a striking element (1) for allowing a user to strike a ball, said impactor (1) comprising a central element (2) surrounded by a frame (3) comprising a lower portion (4) and an upper portion (5) at least partially spaced from one another by a space 12 and able to move relative to each other in particular during a ball striking with the impactor (1), characterized in that spacing means (6) are arranged between said lower and upper portions (4, 5), said spacing means (6) being able to control, without prevent it, the relative movement of the two lower (4) and upper (5).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacing means (6) comprise at least one spacer-type pad (6) which does not fill the entire space (12) between the portions lower and upper (4, 5).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one protective element (11) is arranged at least in the space (12) between the lower and upper portions (4, 5) not filled by the or spacers (6), so as to protect the central element (2).

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the protective element (11) extends between and all along the lower and upper portions (4, 5).

5. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises an alternation of a plurality of spacing elements (6) and of several protection elements (11) forming a continuous element arranged between the lower and upper portions (4, 5). ).

6. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the or the protective elements (11) are made of textile material coated for example with polyurethane.

7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacing means (6) comprise a spacer element (6) which extends from continuously so as to fill the entire space (12) between the lower and upper portions (4, 5).

8. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the spacing element (s) (6) are of foam-type material, or gel, or silicone, or elastomer.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the space (12) between the lower and upper portions (4, 5) is not of constant size.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the lower portions (4) and upper (5) each comprise a tubular element (4, 5), preferably of composite material.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a handle (7) connected to the impactor (1), and in that the two tubular elements (4, 5) each have two opposite ends which join together to form, for example by gluing, at least partly the handle (7).

12. Device according to any one of claims 10 and 11, said device comprising a handle (7) connected to the impactor (1), characterized in that the two tubular elements (4, 5) are joined in one first zone (8) and in a second zone symmetrical with the first zone (8) with respect to the axis passing through the shaft (7).

13. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the central element (2) comprises at least one surface or more layers (10) of composite material.

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the central element (2) comprises a core (9) of thermoplastic foam type material, such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, covered at the surface of the layer or layers (10) of composite material.

15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the core (9) and the or at least one of the layers (10) of composite material are bonded together.

16. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that one or more of the layers (10) of composite material overlap at least partially at the surface of the lower and upper portions (4, 5).

17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the layer or layers (10) of composite material laterally cover at least partially the lower and upper portions (4, 5).

18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the layer or layers (10) of composite material at least partially cover the lower and upper portions (4, 5) within the space (12) between these portions. lower and upper (4, 5).

19. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, the central element (2) having a lower surface (2a) and an upper surface (2b), said upper surface (2b) of the central element (2) and the upper portion (5) of the frame (3) form an upper assembly (2b, 5) monobloc plastic preferably obtained by injection, and said lower surface (2a) of the central element (2) and the lower portion (4) of the frame (3) form a lower unit (2a, 4) of plastic material preferably obtained by injection.

20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the lower assembly (2a, 4) and the upper assembly (2b, 5) are assembled by clipping, gluing or thermo-welding.

21. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, the central element (2) having a lower surface (2a) and an upper surface (2b), said upper surface (2b) of the central element (2) and the upper portion (5) of the frame (3) form an upper assembly (2b, 5), and said lower surface (2a) of the central element (2) and the lower portion (4) of the frame (3) form a lower assembly (2a, 4), said upper (2b, 5) and lower (2a, 4) assemblies forming a monoblock element made of plastic material preferably obtained by injection.

22. Device according to any one of claims 19 and 21 characterized in that the lower assembly (2a, 4) and the upper assembly (2b, 5) are connected internally by one or more connecting elements, for example of the type ribs or bonding pads.

23. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the spacing means (6) are positioned between the connecting elements.