EP3981478A1 - Squash racquet frame provided with an overmoulded reinforcing insert at the distal part of the frame head - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame (10) for a sports racket includes a handle (12) and a head (14), the head being tubular and having an outer peripheral edge (16) and an inner peripheral edge (18 ) delimiting a sieve zone, the outer (16) and inner (18) peripheral edges being connected to one another by a first flank (24) and a second flank (26) opposite the first flank, the head having a distal part (14a) in the shape of an arcuate tubular portion. (14a) of the head (14) so as to cover at least a first portion (24a) of the first flank (24) of at least the distal part (14a) of the head (14).

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of racket sports, in particular - but not exclusively - squash.

The invention relates more specifically to a racket frame, a racket comprising such a frame, and a method of manufacturing such a frame.

Prior technique

Traditionally, a sports racket frame comprises a handle, and a head which is connected to the handle, the head being tubular and having an outer peripheral edge, as well as an inner peripheral edge delimiting a sieve zone intended to receive a sieve, the outer and inner peripheral edges being connected to each other by a first flank and a second flank opposite the first flank, the head having a distal part in the form of a tubular portion of an arcuate ring and a proximal part which is opposed at the distal part while being connected to the handle.

By distal part, we mean the part of the head which is furthest from the player (from the handle), while the proximal part is that which is closest to the player (from the handle).

Generally, the head and the handle form a single piece. In known manner, the sieve consists of a rope. The screen can be made of a perforated material, for example a foam material.

It is known that racquets are liable to be damaged during a game during which the frame may hit the floor of a playground, or even the floor or one of the walls of a squash court by example.

We know the document US5312115 which describes a racket whose frame head is surrounded by a reinforcement device provided with fixing holes for the string. However, this racket is particularly heavy and its unique structure complicates the change of strings.

To protect the frame of the racket against shocks, it is also known to add reinforcing elements, called "bumpers" on the distal part of the frame head. Most often, the reinforcing element is a plastic part which is fitted to the outer peripheral edge of the racquet. This part is generally provided with holes through which the string of the racket passes, which ensures its maintenance to the frame.

This plastic reinforcing element does not sufficiently protect the frame of the racket, in particular in the event of repeated shocks against a wall of a squash court.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the invention is to provide a frame for a sports racket which overcomes in particular the aforementioned drawback. The invention will find its application notably, but not exclusively, in the game of squash.

To do this, the invention relates to a frame according to claim 1 which further comprises at least one first added reinforcing element which is overmolded with the distal part of the head so as to cover at least a first portion of the first side of the head. at least the distal part of the head.

It is understood that the first reinforcing element has the effect of protecting the first flank of the frame head which is located in the distal part of the head, this zone being the most exposed to shocks against a wall.

It is understood that the first reinforcing element forms one and the same piece with the frame.

The first reinforcing element is preferably a first reinforcing insert.

The first reinforcing insert is preferably integrated into the frame head.

Preferably, the first reinforcing element is a first reinforcing insert fixed by overmolding to the first flank of the distal part of the head.

Thanks to this configuration, the frame is more resistant to shocks than rackets equipped with plastic protection elements. Since the reinforcement element is overmoulded, it also resists shocks better than front protection elements which are fixed by gluing or crimped to the frame.

According to a preferred embodiment, the head has first and second lateral parts located on either side of the sieve zone between the distal part and the proximal part, and the first reinforcing element extends continuously along the first flank between the first and second side portions.

An interest and to be able to protect a large surface of the first flank of the head.

Preferably, the first reinforcing element covers at least 20% of the perimeter of the first sidewall, preferably at least 30% of the perimeter of the first sidewall. According to a variant, the first reinforcing element has substantially the shape of a half-oval.

Advantageously, the first reinforcing element is metallic, preferably aluminum. Also, thanks to the invention, the frame equipped with the first reinforcing element is capable of withstanding repeated shocks, which improves the protection of the frame of the racket without weighing it down thanks to the low density and the high resistance of the 'aluminum.

Preferably, the head is made from carbon fibers.

To more effectively protect the flank of the head, the first reinforcing element has an arcuate cross-section, making it possible to match the shape of the first flank.

According to the invention, the first reinforcing element is flush with the distal part of the head. Again preferably, the first reinforcing element is flush with the first sidewall.

Also, the first reinforcing insert, preferably metallic, is embedded in the first portion of the first flank, so as to be flush with the distal part of the head.

To the touch, the user does not feel the presence of the first reinforcing element. This integration of the first reinforcing element in the frame of the racket has the advantageous effects of not making the racket too heavy, of being able to bring the racket as close as possible to the wall during a low-level strike, while protecting the racket in the event of bump against the wall.

Also, unlike the previous frame provided with the plastic bumper, the frame according to the invention is smooth and does not have any extra thickness which would be due to the first reinforcement element. This lack of protrusion has the advantage of allowing the player to be able to more easily catch the balls which graze the wall, the frame of the racket - devoid of extra thickness, unlike the prior art, being able to slide against the wall. The plastic bumper of previous racquets has a tendency to rub against the wall and slow down the racquet, and therefore suddenly stop the player's movement. When the first reinforcement element is metallic, the frame head according to the invention slides with even less friction against the wall, which allows the player to hit the balls that graze the wall of the playing field with more force.

Another advantage is that this configuration also improves the aesthetic rendering of the racket frame.

Advantageously, the distal part of the head has holes to receive strings from the sieve.

Advantageously, the racket frame further comprises a second added reinforcing element, which is fixed to the distal part so as to cover the second flank of at least the distal part of the head.

It is understood that the first and second reinforcing elements are arranged on either side of the distal part of the head.

Preferably, the second reinforcing element is fixed to the second flank of the distal part of the head. The second reinforcing element is preferably overmoulded with the second flank of the distal part of the head. The second reinforcing element is preferably a second reinforcing insert, preferably metallic.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the first and second reinforcing elements form a single reinforcing piece which covers the first flank, the second flank and the outer peripheral edge of at least the distal part. This single reinforcement piece therefore protects both the first and second flanks of the distal part of the head, but also the peripheral edge. This reinforcing piece significantly improves the protection of the distal part of the head of the frame.

Preferably, the reinforcement piece is attached to the outer peripheral edge of the head. Again preferably, the reinforcing piece is overmolded with the head.

The invention also relates to a racket comprising a racket frame according to the invention, as well as a screen fixed to the head and located in the sieve area. In a manner known per se, the sieve is a rope fixed to the inner peripheral edge of the head. Alternatively, the sieve can be made of a perforated material, for example an EVA foam flanked by fiberglass or carbon, which is traditionally found on paddle rackets.

Preferably, but not exclusively, the racket is a squash racket.

• on fournit au moins un premier élément de renfort, de préférence métallique ;
• on fournit un élément de cadre tubulaire pré-imprégné en fibres de carbone ;
• on place le premier élément de renfort sur un premier flanc de la partie distale du cadre ;
• on place une couche de pré-imprégné de verre sur le premier élément de renfort de façon à couvrir le premier élément de renfort ;
• on place l'élément de cadre tubulaire avec le premier élément de renfort dans un moule chauffant ;
• on réalise la cuisson de l'ensemble constitué par le cadre tubulaire et le premier élément de renfort.

The invention finally relates to a method of manufacturing a racket frame according to the invention, in which:

• at least one first reinforcing element, preferably metallic, is provided;
• a pre-preg carbon fiber tubular frame member is provided;
• the first reinforcing element is placed on a first side of the distal part of the frame;
• placing a layer of glass prepreg on the first reinforcing element so as to cover the first reinforcing element;
• placing the tubular frame element with the first reinforcing element in a heating mold;
• the assembly consisting of the tubular frame and the first reinforcing element is baked.

The first reinforcing element is therefore overmoulded with the head of the racket frame, preferably so as to be flush with the tubular frame element.

Advantageously, the layer of prepreg is removed after curing in order to uncover the first reinforcing element. This allows the player to note the presence of the first reinforcement element. This also contributes to the aesthetics of the racquet frame.

The same process can be implemented when the frame comprises two reinforcing elements or else the aforementioned single reinforcing piece.

Advantageously, the first reinforcing element is a first insert overmoulded with the head of the racket frame so as to be flush with the tubular frame element.

Description of the drawings

• [Fig. 1 ] La figure 1 illustre en perspective, un premier mode de réalisation du cadre de raquette selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 2 ] La figure 2 est une vue de face d'une raquette selon l'invention comprenant le cadre de raquette de la figure 1 ;
• [Fig. 3 ] La figure 3 est une vue de côté du cadre de raquette de la figure 1 ;
• [Fig. 4 ] La figure 4 est une vue en perspective éclatée du cadre de raquette de la figure 1 ;
• [Fig. 5 ] La figure 5 illustre en vue éclatée le cadre de raquette de la figure 3 ;
• [Fig. 6 ] La figure 6 illustre en perspective, un deuxième mode de réalisation du cadre de raquette selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 7 ] La figure 7 est une vue de face du cadre de raquette de la figure 6 ;
• [Fig. 8 ] La figure 8 est une vue de côté du cadre de raquette de la figure 1 ;
• [Fig. 9 ] La figure 9 est une vue éclatée du cadre de la figure 6 , illustrant la pièce de renfort unique ; et
• [Fig. 10 ] La figure 10 est une vue de face du cadre de raquette de la figure 9 , en vue éclatée.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] The figure 1 illustrates in perspective, a first embodiment of the racket frame according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 2 ] The figure 2 is a front view of a racquet according to the invention comprising the racquet frame of the picture 1 ;
• [ Fig. 3 ] The picture 3 is a side view of the racquet frame of the figure 1 ;
• [ Fig. 4 ] The figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the racquet frame of the figure 1 ;
• [ Fig. 5 ] The figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the racquet frame of the picture 3 ;
• [ Fig. 6 ] The figure 6 illustrates in perspective, a second embodiment of the racket frame according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 7 ] The figure 7 is a front view of the racquet frame of the figure 6 ;
• [ Fig. 8 ] The figure 8 is a side view of the racquet frame of the figure 1 ;
• [ Fig. 9 ] The figure 9 is an exploded view of the frame of the figure 6 , illustrating the single reinforcement piece; and
• [ Fig. 10 ] The figure 10 is a front view of the racquet frame of the figure 9 , exploded view.

detailed description

Using the figures 1 to 5 , we will describe a first embodiment of a sports racket frame 10 comprising a handle 12 and a head 14 which is connected to the handle 12, the head having a distal part 14a and a proximal part 14b , which is opposite to the distal part while being connected to the handle 12 .

In this example, the racket frame is a squash racket frame. This exemplary embodiment is non-limiting insofar as this racket frame could find its application in racket sports other than squash.

Still in this non-limiting example, the handle and the frame form a single piece. The head is tubular, and has an outer peripheral edge 16 and an inner peripheral edge 18, opposite the outer peripheral edge 16. The head of the racket frame is here made of carbon fibers. The inner peripheral edge 18 delimits a sieve zone 20 intended to receive a sieve 22. In known manner, the sieve 22 of a squash racket comprises a string 22 a which is fixed to the head of the frame of the racket.

On the figure 2 , there is illustrated a racket 1 comprising the frame 10 of the racket according to the invention, as well as, in partial view, the sieve 22 fixed to the frame and disposed in the sieve zone 20 of the frame.

Furthermore, and in a known manner, the outer 16 and inner 18 peripheral edges of the tubular head are connected to each other by a first flank 24 and a second flank 26 opposite the first flank 24.

In accordance with the invention, the frame 10 of the racket includes a first added reinforcing element 100 which is fixed by overmolding to the distal part 14a of the head 14. As understood in particular by the figures 1, 2 and 4 , the reinforcing element 100 is molded over the distal part 14a of the head 14 so as to cover at least a first portion 24a of the first flank 24 of at least the distal part of the head. The first reinforcing element 100 is therefore molded over the first sidewall. In other words, the first reinforcing element 100 forms a first reinforcing insert overmolded with the frame head. The first reinforcement insert is integrated with the frame head and therefore forms a single piece with the racket frame.

As can be seen on the figure 4 , the first reinforcing element 100 has an arcuate shape shaped to match the first portion 24a of the first flank 24 of the distal part 14a of the head 14. In this example, the first reinforcing element 100 covers approximately 30% of the perimeter of the first flank 24. Alternatively, the degree of coverage could be at least equal to 20% of the perimeter of the first flank of the head, and preferably at least 30% of the perimeter of said first flank 24 of the head. The first reinforcing element has substantially the shape of a half-oval.

Preferably, the first reinforcing element 100 is metallic, preferably aluminum.

As seen in figure 4 , the first reinforcing element 100 has an arcuate cross-section. This cross section being shaped to match the shape of the sidewall 24.

It is also observed that on the figure 2 that the first reinforcing element 100 continuously covers the first portion 24a of the first sidewall 24. Without departing from the present invention, the first reinforcing element 100 could discontinuously cover the first portion 24a of the first sidewall 24 for example by providing recesses in the first reinforcing element, an interest being to further lighten the first reinforcing element 100.

In this example, the first reinforcing element 100 is fixed to the first flank 24 of the distal part of the head 14. More specifically, the first reinforcing element 100 is fixed, preferably overmoulded, to the first portion 24a of the first flank .

Referring again to the figure 2 , it can be seen that the head 14 has first and second lateral parts 14c , 14d which are located on either side of the sieve zone 20. Between the distal part 14a and the proximal part 14b . In this example, the first reinforcing element 100 extends continuously along the first sidewall 24 between the first and second lateral parts 14c , 14d .

According to the invention, the first reinforcing element 100 is flush with the head and more precisely the distal part of the head, as illustrated in figure 2 and 3 . In other words, in this example, the outer peripheral edge 16 is smooth, at least at the level of the distal part of the head. In other words, the first reinforcing element 100 is embedded or inserted into the distal part of the head.

In this first embodiment, the frame 14 further comprises a second reinforcing element 110, identical to the first reinforcing element 100. This second reinforcing element 110 is also an added piece. It is also fixed by overmoulding to the distal part 14a so as to cover a first portion 26a of the second flank 26 of at least the distal part 14a of the head. The second reinforcing element 110 forms a second reinforcing insert which is housed or embedded in the frame head. The second reinforcing element is preferably metallic, more preferably aluminum.

This second reinforcing element 110 is also fixed to the second flank 24 of the distal part 14a of the head 14.

Using the figures 6 to 10 , we will now describe a second embodiment of the racket frame according to the invention.

The racket frame 10 according to the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the first and second reinforcing elements form a single reinforcing piece 200 which covers the first flank 24, the second flank 26 and the edge. outer peripheral 16 of at least the distal part 14a of the head 14.

The reinforcement piece 200 is preferably fixed by overmolding to the outer peripheral edge 16 of the head 14.

• on fournit au moins un premier élément de renfort 100, de préférence métallique, encore de préférence en aluminium ;
• on fournit un élément de cadre tubulaire pré-imprégné en fibres de carbone ;
• on place le premier élément de renfort sur un premier flanc de la partie distale de la tête de l'élément de cadre ;
• on place une couche de pré-imprégné de verre sur le premier élément de renfort de façon à couvrir le premier élément de renfort ;
• on place le cadre tubulaire avec le premier élément de renfort dans un moule chauffant ; et
• on réalise la cuisson de l'ensemble constitué par l'élément de cadre tubulaire et le premier élément de renfort.

The manufacturing process of the racket frame 10 comprises the following steps:

• at least one first reinforcing element 100, preferably metallic, more preferably aluminum, is provided;
• a pre-preg carbon fiber tubular frame member is provided;
• the first reinforcing element is placed on a first flank of the distal part of the head of the frame element;
• placing a layer of glass prepreg on the first reinforcing element so as to cover the first reinforcing element;
• placing the tubular frame with the first reinforcing element in a heating mold; and
• the assembly consisting of the tubular frame element and the first reinforcing element is baked.

Once the cooking is done, the frame is removed from the mold and can be trimmed of the excess resin that has flowed during the cooking.

Preferably, the racquet is then sanded in order to remove the thin layer of glass prepreg which covers the first reinforcement element 100.

In other words, the pre-printed layer is preferentially, but not necessarily, removed after baking in order to uncover the first reinforcing element 100.

It is understood that the first reinforcing element forms a first reinforcing insert overmoulded with the first flank of the distal part. the first reinforcing element is arranged so that it is integrated into the first flank of the distal part and is flush with said first flank of the distal part.

Claims (16)

Sports racket frame (10) comprising a handle (12) and a head (14) which is connected to the handle, the head being tubular and having an outer peripheral edge (16) and an inner peripheral edge (18) delimiting a sieve zone intended to receive a sieve (22), the outer (16) and inner (18) peripheral edges being connected to one another by a first flank (24) and a second opposite flank (26) to the first flank, the head having a distal part (14a) in the form of an arcuate tubular portion and a proximal part (14b) which is opposed to the distal part while being connected to the handle, the racket frame (10) being characterized in that it further comprises at least one first added reinforcing element (100) which is overmoulded with the distal part (14a) of the head (14) so as to cover at least a first portion (24a) of the first flank ( 24) of at least the distal part (14a) of the head (14), the first reinforcing element (100) being flush with said part distal (14a) of the head. Racket frame according to Claim 1, in which the first reinforcing element (100) is a first reinforcing insert molded onto the first flank (24) of the distal part of the head. Racket frame according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the head (14) has first and second side parts (14c, 14d) located on either side of the screen zone (20) between the distal part and the proximal portion (14b), and wherein the first reinforcing member (100) extends continuously along the first sidewall (24) between the first and second side portions (14c, 14d). A racquet frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the first reinforcing member (100) covers at least 20% of the perimeter of the first sidewall, preferably at least 30% of the perimeter of the first sidewall (24). Racket frame according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first reinforcing element (100) is metallic, preferably aluminium. A racket frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the head (14) is made from carbon fibres. A racket frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the first reinforcing member (100) has an arcuate cross-section. Racket frame according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second added reinforcing element (110), fixed to the distal part (14a) so as to cover a first portion (26a), of the second sidewall (26) at least the distal part (14a) of the head (14). A racquet frame according to claim 8, wherein the second reinforcing member (110) is attached to the second sidewall (26) of the distal portion (14a) of the head (14). A racquet frame according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first and second reinforcing elements form a single reinforcing piece (200) which covers the first sidewall (24), the second sidewall (26) and the outer peripheral edge (16 ) of at least the distal part (14a). A racquet frame according to claim 10, wherein the backing piece (200) is attached to the outer peripheral edge of the head (14). A racket (1) comprising a racket frame (10) according to any preceding claim, together with a head (22) attached to the frame and disposed in the head area (20) of the frame. A method of making a racquet frame (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: at least one first reinforcement element (100) is provided; a pre-preg carbon fiber tubular frame member is provided; the first reinforcing element is placed on a first flank of the distal part of the head of the frame element; placing a layer of glass prepreg on the first reinforcing element (100) so as to cover the first reinforcing element; placing the tubular frame element with the first reinforcing element in a heating mold; and the assembly formed by the tubular frame element and the first reinforcing element is baked. Method according to claim 13, in which the layer of prepreg is removed after curing in order to expose the first reinforcing element (100). Method according to Claim 13 or 14, in which the first reinforcing element (100) is metallic, preferably aluminium. Method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, in which the first reinforcing element is a first insert overmoulded with the head of the racket frame so as to be flush with the tubular frame element.

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