EP4279153A1 - Schläger für ballspiele und verfahren zum herstellen eines schlägers für ballspiele - Google Patents

Schläger für ballspiele und verfahren zum herstellen eines schlägers für ballspiele Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4279153A1
EP4279153A1 EP22174668.8A EP22174668A EP4279153A1 EP 4279153 A1 EP4279153 A1 EP 4279153A1 EP 22174668 A EP22174668 A EP 22174668A EP 4279153 A1 EP4279153 A1 EP 4279153A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
striking
section
layer
racquet
density
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22174668.8A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Daniel Lau
Ralf Schwenger
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Head Technology GmbH
Original Assignee
Head Technology GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Head Technology GmbH filed Critical Head Technology GmbH
Priority to EP22174668.8A priority Critical patent/EP4279153A1/de
Publication of EP4279153A1 publication Critical patent/EP4279153A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
    • A63B59/40—Rackets or the like with flat striking surfaces for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for table tennis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/02—Ballast means for adjusting the centre of mass
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
    • A63B2102/08—Paddle tennis, padel tennis or platform tennis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
    • A63B2102/16—Table tennis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
    • A63B2209/02—Characteristics of used materials with reinforcing fibres, e.g. carbon, polyamide fibres
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
    • A63B59/40—Rackets or the like with flat striking surfaces for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for table tennis
    • A63B59/48—Rackets or the like with flat striking surfaces for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for table tennis with perforated surfaces

Definitions

  • Ball game racquets are available for a variety of different sports and/or leisure activities.
  • the ball game racquets intended to be used for the respective sport and/or leisure activity are specifically designed and/or constructed for the respective sport and/or leisure activity.
  • the respective ball game racquets may have one or more features which may have one or more specific purposes and/or one or more advantages in the respective sport and/or leisure activity.
  • tennis racquets and squash racquets conventionally include a head portion which has a stringed plane provided by a web of woven strings which are attached to a rim of the head portion.
  • the stringed plane provides a striking structure on either side of the stringed plane for striking a game ball.
  • some game ball racquets include a plate, often referred to as a core, which provides a striking structure for striking a game ball.
  • the plate typically defines two striking surfaces arranged on opposite sides of the plate and configured to strike a game ball.
  • the plate is often coated or planked with one or more additional materials in order to influence and/or intentionally alter the stiffness, rigidity and/or elasticity of the racquet.
  • Such plated racquets are used, for instance, in padel, also known as padel tennis or padel, which is a relatively new ball game sport.
  • Padel tennis is already widespread in some regions of the world, for example in Spain, Italy, Central America and South America. In addition, the popularity of padel tennis is increasing worldwide, for example, in other countries in Europe, such as Sweden.
  • padel tennis as in conventional tennis, a game ball is hit alternately over a net into an opponent's field by means of a ball game racquet.
  • a padel tennis court has outer walls against which the game ball may be struck, e.g., in order to play the game ball into the opponent's field, similar to squash.
  • Ball racquets which include a plate as a striking structure for striking a game ball, i.e., plated racquets, known from the prior art still have significant disadvantages. On the one hand, this is due to the relatively short existence of some sports and/or leisure activities which use such plated racquets, such as padel tennis, compared with ball game sports which use stringed racquets, such as tennis. Moreover, padel tennis, for instance, and/or other sports and/or other leisure activities which use plated racquets have thus far been practiced only as niche sports and/or niche leisure activities in many regions of the world.
  • plated racquets have generally received less attention and/or less development efforts than stringed ball game racquets, in particular tennis racquets, in the past years.
  • the racquet is preferably configured as a padel tennis racquet, which is sometimes also referred to as a padel bat or padel tennis bat.
  • a padel tennis racquet which is sometimes also referred to as a padel bat or padel tennis bat.
  • the racquet includes a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user.
  • the handle portion may have one or more features configured to improve the user's grip on the handle portion and/or to prevent the racquet from dislodging from the user's hand(s) and/or arm(s), e.g., due to an external force which may be exerted on the racquet and/or an inertia of the racquet, e.g., as the racquet is accelerated or decelerated during use.
  • at least a portion of the handle portion may have one or more features which may increase friction between the handle portion and the user's hand(s), e.g., by providing a roughened and/or gnarled surface on the handle portion.
  • the racquet may include a strap, e.g., a wrist strap, which is attached to the handle portion of the racquet and configured to receive a user's hand and/or wrist and/or arm.
  • the racquet further includes a head portion connected to the handle portion.
  • the head portion may be connected directly to the handle portion.
  • the head portion and the handle portion may be connected to each other via one or more intermediate sections.
  • Such an intermediate section is often referred to as the "throat" of the racquet.
  • the head portion may include at least two striking sides each configured to strike a game ball.
  • the head portion includes at least one core element and at least two striking layers arranged on substantially opposite sides of the core element. Each striking layer defines a striking surface, respectively, for striking a ball of the ball game.
  • the ball of the ball game does not have to be a spherical object, despite the suggestive nature of the term. Instead, the ball of the ball game can be any ball game object having any shape, such as a shuttlecock which is mainly used in badminton.
  • the head portion may have a layered or sandwich construction including at least the core and the striking layers as corresponding layers of the layered or sandwich construction. Further layers may be provided, such as multiple components of the striking layers and/or multiple core elements, e.g., multiple stacked core elements.
  • At least one striking layer may include a plurality of stacked sub-layers, e.g., a plurality of prepreg layers.
  • the striking layers are attached to the core element via one or more attachment means, e.g., one or more adhesives provided between the respective striking layer and the core element.
  • the core element may be at least partially, preferably completely, made of a foam material.
  • the core element is made of a compressible material in at least a section of the core element.
  • the core element may be made of a material which has a density of no more than 1 g/cm 3 , preferably no more than 0.9 g/cm 3 , more preferably no more than 0.8 g/cm 3 , more preferably no more than 0.7 g/cm 3 , more preferably no more than 0.6 g/cm 3 , more preferably no more than 0.5 g/cm 3 , more preferably no more than 0.4 g/cm 3 , more preferably no more than 0.3 g/cm 3 , most preferably no more than 0.2 g/cm 3 .
  • the core element may extend along a substantial portion of at least one striking surface, preferably both striking surfaces, of the racquet, preferably at least along at least 70%, more preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 85% of an area of the striking surface of the racquet.
  • the core element may have a single-piece, e.g., an integral and/monolithic, construction.
  • the core element may have a multi-piece construction including a plurality of components, at least some of which are connected to each other.
  • the core element may include a plurality of stacked core element layers.
  • the head portion may include at least one edge which extends along at least a portion of a circumference of the head portion.
  • the edge may be at least partially defined by the core element.
  • one or more edge layers may be provided along at least a portion of the edge and may at least partially define the edge.
  • the one or more edge layers may be attached to the core element, preferably to at least a portion of a circumferential edge of the core element, and/or the striking layer(s).
  • the head portion may include one or more holes defined therein, which preferably extend entirely through the head portion from one striking side to the other striking side. This may reduce the weight and/or aerodynamic resistance of the head portion during use.
  • At least one of the striking layers has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof.
  • both striking layers have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof.
  • Configuring at least one of the striking layers to have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof may provide the respective striking layer(s), or section(s) of the respective striking layer(s), with a relatively high minimum mass for a relatively small volume of the striking layer(s), or section(s) thereof, compared with racquets known from the prior art.
  • This may increase the inertia and/or the stiffness and/or the rigidity of the respective striking layer(s), or section(s) of the respective striking layer(s), when accelerating and/or decelerating the racquet and/or when striking a game ball with one of the striking layers of the racquet, preferably the striking layer which is arranged substantially opposite from the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof, compared with racquets known from the prior art.
  • the striking force is transferred from the game ball to a first striking layer of the at least two striking layers, i.e., the striking layer which strikes the game ball, further to the core element and yet further to a second striking layer of the at least two striking layers, i.e., the striking layer which is arranged substantially opposite from the first striking surface.
  • the second striking layer With providing at least the second striking layer with a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof, the rigidity and/or the stiffness and/or the inertia of the second striking layer may be increased.
  • This may reduce a deformation and/or a deflection of the second striking layer, at least in a section which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 , away from the first striking layer and/or away from the game ball, when accelerating and/or decelerating the racquet and/or when striking a game ball with one of the striking layers of the racquet.
  • the core element may be compressed and/or pressurized between the striking layer(s) and/or a degree of compression and/or pressurization of the core element between the striking layers may be increased compared with the configurations known from the prior art.
  • the second striking layer may strike the game ball and the first striking layer may be provided with a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 to provide the effect(s), and/or similar effect(s), described above.
  • the above-identified effect(s) may be reduced when performing soft strikes, such as drop shots, compared with hard strikes, such as smashes.
  • soft strikes one or more forces are transferred from the game ball to the first striking layer, i.e., the striking layer which strikes the game ball, further to the core element and yet further to the second striking layer of the at least two striking layers, i.e., the striking layer which is arranged substantially opposite from the first striking, may be lower compared with hard strikes.
  • the second striking layer is deformed and/or deflected generally to a lower degree, regardless of the density of the striking layer.
  • the force applied by the game ball to the striking layers and/or the core element may be transferred to the striking layers and/or the core element at a lower speed than when performing hard strikes.
  • the inertia of the striking layers may have a lower effect on the pressurization and/or compression of the core element and/or on the deformation and/or deflection of the striking layer.
  • soft strikes such as drop shots, may be affected less by the density value of the striking layers. This may allow soft strikes to be performed with a relatively high degree of precision and/or with a relatively high degree of ball control and/or with a relatively high degree of ball feeling.
  • the present disclosure may provide a racquet which provides playing characteristics which vary between different strikes, e.g., at least between soft strikes and hard strikes.
  • One or more sections of the striking layer may have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 and one or more sections of the striking layer may have a density which is less than 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • a first section of a thickness of the striking layer the thickness preferably extending in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the respective striking surface, may have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 and a second section of the thickness of the striking layer, which is offset from the first section in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the respective striking surface, may have a density which is less than 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • the striking layer may include a plurality of sub-layers, wherein one or more of the sub-layers have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 and one or more of the sub-layers have a density of less than 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • a first section of the striking layer may have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 and a second section of the striking layer, which is offset from the first section in a direction which is substantially parallel to or along the striking surface, may have a density which is less than 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • the striking layer(s) may have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 across the entire striking layer(s).
  • the density of the striking layer(s) may be substantially uniform across the entire striking layer(s).
  • the striking layer(s) may have a non-uniform distribution of density across the striking layer(s).
  • a first section of the striking layer e.g., a section of the striking layer which is close to a frequent and/or a certain point of contact of the game ball on the racquet when striking the game ball, may have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • a second section of the striking layer e.g., a section of the striking layer which is further from said point of contact of the game ball on the racquet when striking the game ball, may have a lower density, e.g., less than 2.5 g/cm 3 . This may allow the above-described, or at least similar, effect(s) to be achieved while reducing the weight of the racquet, more specifically of the striking layer, compared with a configuration in which the striking layer is uniformly provided with a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • the core element is made of a compressible material which has a density which is less than the density of the striking layers.
  • the core element is made of a compressible material which has a density which is less than the density of a section of the respective striking layer which has the greatest density of the respective striking layer.
  • the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof, is at least partially made of a fiber composite material.
  • the fibercomposite material includes at least one filler material, preferably a metal, preferably lead, which has a density of at least 6 g/cm 3 , preferably at least 7 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 8 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 9 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 10 g/cm 3 , most preferably at least 11 g/cm 3 .
  • the fiber composite material preferably includes a plurality of fibers, preferably carbon fibers and/or glass fibers, which are preferably embedded in a matrix material, preferably a resin. At least one striking layer, preferably both striking layers, may include a plurality of sub-layers, e.g., a plurality of prepreg layers.
  • a filler material having the above-identified minimum density value(s) By adding a filler material having the above-identified minimum density value(s), the overall density of the fiber composite material may be increased.
  • the density of the fiber composite material may thus be increased in a relatively simple and/or variable manner, e.g., by selecting a type of filler material, such as depending on its density, and/or a quantity of filler material which is added to the fiber composite material.
  • the fiber composite material used for conventional striking layers may be employed for the racquet according to the present disclosure.
  • the filler material may simply be added to the fiber composite material. This may also simplify the manufacturing process.
  • the filler material is added to only a section of the striking layer, e.g., one or more sections of the striking layer may include the filler material and one or more sections of the striking layer may be void of the filler material.
  • the filler material may be added to the striking layer in varying concentrations, e.g., a first section of the striking layer may have a higher concentration of the filler material than a second section of the striking layer.
  • the filler material is dispersed within at least a portion of the fiber composite material.
  • the filler material is provided in particle form and/or fiber form. This may allow the filler material to be added to the fiber composite material in a relatively efficient, effective and/or simple manner.
  • the striking surface of the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof, has a center of area which is arranged substantially on a section of the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • This may enable the section of the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 to at least partially define the center of area of the striking layer.
  • the above-described effect(s) which is/are enabled by providing a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section of the striking layer may be provided at the center of area of the striking layer. This may be advantageous since the game ball is struck relatively frequently at the center of area of the striking layer.
  • At least one of the striking layers has a density of at least 3 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 3.5 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 4 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 4.5 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 5 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 5.5 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 6 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 6.5 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 7 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 8 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 9 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 10 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 15 g/cm 3 , most preferably at least 20 g/cm 3 , in at least a section thereof.
  • At least one of the striking layers has a first section which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 and at least a second section which has a density of less than 2.5 g/cm 3 , preferably less than 1.5 g/cm 3 , more preferably less than 1 g/cm 3 .
  • This may allow the above-described, or at least similar, effect(s) which is/are enabled by providing a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section of the striking layer to be achieved at the first section while reducing, or at least limiting, the weight of the racquet, more specifically of the striking layer.
  • the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof, has an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface, which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by the striking layer.
  • a first section of the striking layer has an area weight which is at least 1.5 times greater, preferably at least 2 times greater, more preferably at least 2.5 times greater, more preferably at least 3 times greater, more preferably at least 3.5 times greater, more preferably at least 4 times greater, more preferably at least 4.5 times greater, most preferably at least 5 times greater, than an area weight of a second section of the same striking layer.
  • the area weight W A may be determined by determining a mass m, for instance in kilograms (kg), of the concerned striking layer or section of the striking layer.
  • the determined mass m is divided by the area A of the striking surface defined by the concerned striking layer or section of the striking layer, for instance in square centimeters (cm 2 ).
  • the area weight defines the mass of the concerned striking layer or section of the striking layer per unit area of the concerned striking layer or section of the striking layer in accordance with equation 1 below.
  • W A m/A
  • the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof, has a density which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by the striking layer.
  • a first section of the striking layer which has a maximum density of the striking layer, extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2 , preferably at least 2 cm 2 , more preferably at least 4 cm 2 , more preferably at least 6 cm 2 , more preferably at least 8 cm 2 , more preferably at least 10 cm 2 , more preferably at least 12 cm 2 , more preferably at least 14 cm 2 , more preferably at least 16 cm 2 , more preferably at least 18 cm 2 , most preferably at least 20 cm 2 , of the striking surface, and preferably at least a second section of the striking layer, which has a minimum density of the striking layer, extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2 , preferably at least 2 cm 2 , more preferably at least 4 cm 2 , more preferably
  • Configuring the section of the striking layer which has a maximum density of the striking layer to have an area according to the above-identified values may provide a sufficiently large area of the striking layer with a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in order to achieve the above-described, or at least similar, effect(s).
  • configuring the section of the striking layer which has a minimum density of the striking layer to have an area according to the above-identified values may provide a certain degree of weight reduction of the racquet, e.g., compared with a configuration with a uniform density of the striking layer.
  • the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof, has an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface, which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by the striking layer.
  • a first section of the striking layer which has a maximum area weight of the striking layer, extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2 , preferably at least 2 cm 2 , more preferably at least 4 cm 2 , more preferably at least 6 cm 2 , more preferably at least 8 cm 2 , more preferably at least 10 cm 2 , more preferably at least 12 cm 2 , more preferably at least 14 cm 2 , more preferably at least 16 cm 2 , more preferably at least 18 cm 2 , most preferably at least 20 cm 2 , of the striking surface, and preferably at least a second section of the striking layer, which has a minimum area weight of the striking layer, extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2 , preferably at least 2 cm 2 , more preferably at least 4 cm 2 , more preferably at least 6 cm 2 , more preferably at least 8 cm 2 , more preferably at least 10 cm 2 , more preferably at least 12 cm 2 , more preferably at least 14 cm 2 , more preferably at least
  • the first section is arranged substantially at a center of area of the striking surface of the striking layer.
  • This may provide the center of area of the striking surface of the striking layer with a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • the above-described effect(s) which is/are achieved by providing a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section of the striking layer may be provided to the center of area of the striking layer. This may be advantageous since the game ball is struck relatively frequently at or at least near the center of area of the striking layer.
  • the first section is arranged closer to a center of area of the striking layer than the second section.
  • the game ball is struck relatively frequently at or at least near the center of area of the striking layer.
  • the above-described effect(s) which is/are achieved by providing a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section of the striking layer may be provided at and/or near the center of area of the striking layer.
  • the first section is arranged along a longitudinal axis of the racquet.
  • the longitudinal axis extends lengthwise along the handle portion.
  • the striking surface of the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof, has a center portion and an edge portion which at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the center portion.
  • the center portion has a higher density than the edge portion.
  • Game balls are generally struck more often at or towards the center portion of the racquet than the edge portion.
  • providing the center portion with a greater density than the edge portion may enable the above-described, or at least similar, effect(s) which is/are achieved by providing a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section of the striking layer to be utilized at a frequently used section of the racquet, i.e., at ot towards the center portion.
  • a section of the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2 , more preferably at least 2 cm 2 , more preferably at least 4 cm 2 , more preferably at least 6 cm 2 , more preferably at least 8 cm 2 , more preferably at least 10 cm 2 , more preferably at least 12 cm 2 , more preferably at least 14 cm 2 , more preferably at least 16 cm 2 , more preferably at least 18 cm 2 , most preferably at least 20 cm 2 , of the striking surface.
  • At least the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof, preferably both striking layers, abut(s) the core and/or is/are connected to the core.
  • the head portion has a laminated construction with a plurality of laminated layers which include the core and the two striking layers.
  • the striking layers are configured substantially identically.
  • the above-described effects provided by configuring at least a section of a respective striking layer to have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 may be achieved by both striking layers.
  • the racquet includes a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user and a head portion connected to the handle portion.
  • the head portion includes at least one core element and at least two striking layers arranged on substantially opposite sides of the core element, wherein each striking layer defines a striking surface, respectively, for striking a ball of the game ball.
  • At least one of the striking layers has an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface, of at least 1.5 g/cm 2 , preferably at least 2 g/cm 2 , more preferably at least 2.5 g/cm 2 , in at least a section thereof.
  • providing at least one of the striking layers with a minimum density, e.g., a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 , in at least a section thereof may also increase the rigidity and/or the stiffness and/or the inertia of the striking layer at said section. This may reduce a deformation and/or a deflection of the striking layer at said section of the striking layer. Consequently, in particular in the above-described sandwich construction of the head portion, the core element may be compressed and/or pressurized between the striking layers.
  • This may increase a degree of pressurization and/or compression of the core element which may enable more energy to be transferred to the game ball when striking the game ball with the first striking layer, e.g., since the compressed and/or pressurized core element may expand and/or release pressure when striking the game ball.
  • This may be advantageous for hard strikes, such as smashes, e.g., in order to be able to transfer greater forces to the game ball.
  • the above-identified effect may be reduced when performing soft strikes, such as drop shots, compared with hard strikes, such as smashes, as described above.
  • the striking layer which has an area weight of at least 1.5 g/cm 2 , has an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface, of at least 1.5 g/cm 2 in at least a section thereof.
  • the striking layer which has an area weight of at least 1.5 g/cm 2 in at least a section thereof, has an area weight which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by the striking layer,
  • a first section of said striking layer has an area weight which is at least 1.5 times greater than an area weight of a second section of the same striking layer.
  • Providing a section, i.e., the first section, of the striking layer with a relatively high area weight compared with another section, i.e., the second section, of the striking layer may allow the above-described, or at least similar, effect(s) to be achieved in a section, i.e., the first section, of the striking layer while reducing, or at least limiting, the weight of the racquet, more specifically of the respective striking layer, in another section, i.e., the second section.
  • the first section has a higher density than the second section. This may provide the first section with a greater area weight than the second section, e.g., by providing a greater amount of weight for a given volume of the striking layer.
  • the first section has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 and the second section has a density of less than 2.5 g/cm 3 , preferably less than 2 g/cm 3 , more preferably less than 1.5 g/cm 3 , most preferably less than 1 g/cm 3 .
  • the first section has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 , preferably at least 3 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 3.5 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 4 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 4.5 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 5 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 5.5 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 6 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 6.5 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 7 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 8 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 9 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 10 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 15 g/cm 3 , most preferably at least 20 g/cm 3 .
  • the striking layer which has a varying area weight, has a layer thickness which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by said striking layer, wherein the first section has a greater layer thickness in at least a portion thereof than the second section.
  • the area weight of the striking layer may be varied between the first section and the second section by providing the first section with a greater layer thickness in at least a portion thereof than the second section.
  • the area weight of the first section is at least 2 times greater, more preferably at least 2.5 times greater, more preferably at least 3 times greater, more preferably at least 3.5 times greater, most preferably at least 4 times greater, than the area weight of the second section.
  • the first section has a maximum area weight of the striking layer and extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2 , preferably at least 2 cm 2 , more preferably at least 4 cm 2 , more preferably at least 6 cm 2 , more preferably at least 8 cm 2 , more preferably at least 10 cm 2 , more preferably at least 12 cm 2 , more preferably at least 14 cm 2 , more preferably at least 16 cm 2 , more preferably at least 18 cm 2 , most preferably at least 20 cm 2 , of the striking surface, and preferably the second section has a minimum area weight of the striking layerand extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2 , preferably at least 2 cm 2 , more preferably at least 4 cm 2 , more preferably at least 6 cm 2 , more preferably at least 8 cm 2 , more preferably at least 10 cm 2 , more preferably at least 12 cm 2 , more preferably at least 14 cm 2 , more preferably at least 16 cm 2 , more preferably at least 18 cm 2 , most preferably at
  • the first section of the striking layer is arranged substantially along a center portion of the striking layer and the second section of the striking layer is arranged along an edge portion of the striking layer which at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the center portion.
  • the method includes the steps of providing a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user, providing at least one core element of a head portion of the racquet, and arranging at least two striking layers on substantially opposite sides of the core element.
  • Each striking layer defines a striking surface, respectively, for striking a ball game ball.
  • At least one of the striking layers is provided with a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof.
  • the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof, is at least partially made from a fiber composite material.
  • the fiber composite material includes at least one filler material, preferably a metal, preferably lead, which has a density of at least 6 g/cm 3 , preferably at least 7 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 8 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 9 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 10 g/cm 3 , most preferably at least 11 g/cm 3 .
  • the filler material is dispersed within at least a portion of the fiber composite material, preferably wherein the filler material is provided in particle form and/or fiber form.
  • the method includes the following steps providing a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user, providing at least one core element of a head portion of the racquet and arranging at least two striking layers on substantially opposite sides of the core element.
  • Each striking layer defines a striking surface, respectively, for striking a ball game ball.
  • At least one of the striking layers is provided with an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface defined by said striking layer, of at least 1.5 g/cm 2 , preferably at least 2 g/cm 2 , more preferably at least 2.5 g/cm 2 , more preferably at least 3 g/cm 2 , more preferably at least 3.5 g/cm 2 , more preferably at least 4 g/cm 2 , more preferably at least 4.5 g/cm 2 , more preferably at least 5 g/cm 2 , more preferably at least 5.5 g/cm 2 , most preferably at least 6 g/cm 2 , in at least a section thereof.
  • the striking layer which is provided with an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface, of at least 1.5 g/cm 2 in at least a section thereof, is provided with an area weight which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by the striking layer.
  • a first section of said striking layer has an area weight which is at least 1.5 times greater than an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface, of a second section of the same striking layer.
  • the striking layer which has a varying area weight along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by said striking layer, is at least partially made from a fiber composite material.
  • the fiber composite material preferably includes at least one filler material, preferably a metal, preferably lead, which has a density of at least 6 g/cm 3 , preferably at least 7 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 8 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 9 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 10 g/cm 3 , most preferably at least 11 g/cm 3 .
  • the filler material is dispersed within at least a portion of the fiber composite material.
  • the filler material is preferably provided in particle form and/or fiber form.
  • Fig. 1 shows, in a front view, a racquet 10 which includes a handle portion 12 configured to be gripped by a user and a head portion 14 connected to the handle portion 12.
  • the racquet 10 is preferably configured as a padel tennis racquet 10, i.e., a racquet configured to be used for playing padel, also known as padel tennis or padel.
  • the racquet 10 further includes an intermediate portion 16 which connects the handle portion 12 and the head portion 14.
  • the intermediate portion 16 includes an opening 18 provided in a section thereof.
  • the intermediate portion 16 is often referred to as the "throat" of the racquet 10.
  • Fig. 2 shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A indicated in Fig. 1 , an embodiment of the racquet 10.
  • the head portion 14 includes two striking sides 20, 22 each configured to strike a game ball, preferably a padel tennis ball.
  • the head portion 14 further includes a core element 24, which is preferably made of a foam material, and a striking layer 26, 28 arranged on the core element 24 on each striking side 20, 22, respectively.
  • Each striking side 20, 22, more specifically each striking layer 26, 28, defines a striking surface 23, 25, respectively, configured to strike the game ball.
  • the head portion 16 may further include one or more layers arranged on at least a section of an edge 30 of the head portion 14 (not shown).
  • each striking layer 26, 28 is configured as a single layer.
  • at least one striking layer 26, 28, preferably both striking layers 26, 28, may include a plurality of stacked sub-layers.
  • the number of sub-layers included in the respective striking layer 26, 28 may differ between the striking layers 26, 28.
  • one of the striking layers 26, 28 may include more sub-layers than the other of the striking layers 26, 28.
  • the striking layer 26 may include two sub-layers and the striking layer 28 may include three or more sub-layers.
  • a thickness of the respective striking layers 26, 28, measured in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the striking surface 23, 25, may also differ between the striking layers 26, 28.
  • the striking layer 26 may have a thickness which is greater than a thickness of the striking layer 28.
  • the striking layers 26, 28, or the sub-layers of the striking layers 26, 28 are at least partially made from one or more layers of a fiber composite material which includes a plurality of organic or inorganic fibers, e.g., carbon fibers and/or glass fibers, embedded in a matrix material, e.g., a resin.
  • a fiber composite material which includes a plurality of organic or inorganic fibers, e.g., carbon fibers and/or glass fibers, embedded in a matrix material, e.g., a resin.
  • At least one of the striking layers 26, 28, preferably both striking layers 26, 28, has/have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof. Since the embodiment of the racquet 10 shown in Fig. 2 includes striking layers 26, 28 which each have only a single layer, the density of the respective striking layer 26, 28 is preferably substantially uniform, i.e., at least 2.5 g/cm 3 , across the entire striking layer 26, 28.
  • Providing a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section of the striking layers 26, 28 may be achieved in a variety of different ways, e.g., by including one of more materials which have a relatively high density.
  • the striking layers 26, 28 may be made completely of such a material, e.g., a material having a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • the striking layers 26, 28 may be made of a plurality of materials and only some of the materials may have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • a filler material may be added to the striking layers 26, 28, as described in further detail below with respect to Figs. 3 and 4 .
  • the striking layers 26, 28 may have an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface 23, 25, of at least 2.5 g/cm 2 in at least a section thereof.
  • the area weight sometimes also referred to as area density or areal density, may be determined by determining a mass, for instance in kilograms (kg), of the concerned striking layer 26, 28 or section of the striking layer 26, 28. The determined mass is divided by an area A of the striking surface 23, 25 defined by the concerned striking layer 26, 28 or section of the striking layer 26, 28 which has an area weight of at least 2.5 g/cm 2 , for instance in square centimeters (cm 2 ).
  • the area weight defines the mass of the concerned striking layer 26, 28, or section of the striking layer 26, 28, per unit area of the concerned striking layer 26, 28 or section of the striking layer 26, 28.
  • the entire striking layers 26, 28, rather than just a section thereof have an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface 23, 25, of at least 2.5 g/cm 2 .
  • the area weight is determined based on the entire area A of the striking surface 23, 25 extending to the edge(s) of the respective striking layer 26, 28. As described further below with respect to Figs.
  • the respective area weight is determined based on the area A of the striking surface 23, 25 which is defined by the section of the striking layers 26, 28 which has an area weight of at least 2.5 g/cm 2 .
  • the area A is indicated in Figs. 2 to 4 in only one dimension due to the cross-sectional view shown therein.
  • the area A also extends into and out of the drawing plane shown in Figs. 2 to 4 to the edges of the section of the striking layers 26, 28 which has an area weight of at least 2.5 g/cm 2 .
  • Fig. 3 shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A indicated in Fig. 1 , a further embodiment of the racquet 10 according to the invention.
  • the striking layers 26, 28 of the racquet 10 shown in Fig. 3 each include a plurality of sub-layers, namely two sub-layers 26A, 26B and 28A, 28B, respectively.
  • at least the sub-layers 26B, 28B have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • the sub-layers 26A, 28A have a density which is less than 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • the embodiment of the racquet 10 may include a larger number of sub-layers than shown in Fig. 3 .
  • One or more of the sub-layers of either striking layer 26, 28 may have a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • the striking layers 26, 28, which are preferably made of a fiber composite material, include at least one filler material 32 which is preferably distributed, preferably substantially uniformly, within the sub-layers 26B, 28B.
  • the filler material 32 is a material which generally has a higher density than a base material of the sub-layers 26B, 28B, e.g., a fiber composite material.
  • the filler material 32 is a metal, preferably lead, which has a density of at least 6 g/cm 3 , preferably at least 7 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 8 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 9 g/cm 3 , more preferably at least 10 g/cm 3 , most preferably at least 11 g/cm 3 .
  • the filler material 32 is provided in particle form and/or fiber form.
  • the striking layers 26, 28 each have a first section 36, 38, i.e., the region of the striking layers 26, 28 in which the sublayers 26B, 28B are arranged, which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 and at least a second section 40, 42, i.e., the region of the striking layers 26, 28 in which the sublayers 26B, 28B are not arranged, which has a density of less than 2.5 g/cm 3 , preferably less than 2 g/cm 3 , more preferably less than 1.5 g/cm 3 , most preferably less than 1 g/cm 3 .
  • the first sections 36, 38 of the striking layers 26, 28 may have an area weight, with respect to an area A of the striking surface 23, 25, of at least 2.5 g/cm 2 .
  • the second sections 40, 42 of the striking layers 26, 28 may have an area weight, with respect to an area A of the striking surface 23, 25, which is less than 2.5 g/cm 2 .
  • the striking layer 26, 28 which the has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 in at least a section thereof, has an area weight, with respect to an area A of the striking surface 23, 25, which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface 23, 25 defined by the striking layer 26, 28.
  • the first section 36, 38 of the respective striking layer 26, 28 has an area weight which is at least 1.5 times greater than an area weight of the second section 40, 42 of the respective striking layer 26, 28.
  • the striking layers 26, 28 have a layer thickness t which varies along the respective striking surfaces 23, 25.
  • the thickness t2 of the first section 36, 38 is greater than the thickness t1 of the second section 40, 42.
  • the greater thickness t2 is achieved by providing the sub-layers 26B, 28B in the first section 36, 38 and omitting the sub-layers 26B, 28B from the second section 40, 42.
  • Fig. 4 shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A indicated in Fig. 1 , a further embodiment of the racquet 10 according to the invention.
  • the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 .
  • the striking layers 26, 28 of the racquet 10 shown in Fig. 4 are configured as single layers, respectively.
  • the striking layers 26, 28, which are preferably made of a fiber composite material, include at least one filler material 32 in the first sections 36, 38 thereof.
  • the second sections 40, 42 are substantially void of filler material 32.
  • the filler material 32 is distributed in a non-uniform manner in the striking layers 26, 28, i.e., by including the filler material 32 in the first sections 36, 38 and omitting the filler material in the second sections 40, 42.
  • the section of the striking layer 26, 28, which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 is arranged substantially at a center of area of the respective striking surface 23, 25.
  • the section of the striking layer 26, 28, which has a density of at least 2.5 g/cm 3 may be arranged outside of the a center of area of the respective striking surface 23, 25, e.g., towards the edge 30 of the head portion 14.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Golf Clubs (AREA)
EP22174668.8A 2022-05-20 2022-05-20 Schläger für ballspiele und verfahren zum herstellen eines schlägers für ballspiele Pending EP4279153A1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22174668.8A EP4279153A1 (de) 2022-05-20 2022-05-20 Schläger für ballspiele und verfahren zum herstellen eines schlägers für ballspiele

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22174668.8A EP4279153A1 (de) 2022-05-20 2022-05-20 Schläger für ballspiele und verfahren zum herstellen eines schlägers für ballspiele

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EP4279153A1 true EP4279153A1 (de) 2023-11-22

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3879035A (en) * 1972-09-28 1975-04-22 Aluminum Co Of America Paddle ball racquet construction
US4062541A (en) * 1976-02-25 1977-12-13 Marcraft Recreation Inc. Paddle construction
WO2013008357A1 (ja) * 2011-07-11 2013-01-17 株式会社タマス 卓球用ラバー
US20170021248A1 (en) * 2015-07-24 2017-01-26 Indian Industries, Inc. Paddle with internal ribs
WO2022090222A1 (de) * 2020-10-28 2022-05-05 Basf Se Sportgerät für schlägersportarten

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3879035A (en) * 1972-09-28 1975-04-22 Aluminum Co Of America Paddle ball racquet construction
US4062541A (en) * 1976-02-25 1977-12-13 Marcraft Recreation Inc. Paddle construction
WO2013008357A1 (ja) * 2011-07-11 2013-01-17 株式会社タマス 卓球用ラバー
US20170021248A1 (en) * 2015-07-24 2017-01-26 Indian Industries, Inc. Paddle with internal ribs
WO2022090222A1 (de) * 2020-10-28 2022-05-05 Basf Se Sportgerät für schlägersportarten

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