ES2400286B1 - Ball game device - Google Patents

Abstract

Ball game device comprising a hitting element (1) that will allow the user to hit a ball, said hitting element (1) comprising a central element (2) surrounded by a frame (3) comprising a lower portion ( 4) and an upper portion (5) separated at least in part from each other by a space 12 and suitable to move with respect to each other particularly during a hitting of the ball with the hitting element (1), where separating means (6) are provided between said lower and upper portions (4, 5), said separating means (6) being suitable for controlling, without preventing it, the relative movement of the two lower (4) and upper (5) portions.

Description

BALL GAME DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a ball game device, of the type comprising a hitting element that will allow the user to hit a ball, such as a racket. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of paddle tennis rackets.

STATE OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

Rackets are already known, particularly for playing paddle tennis, such as those described in documents ES 2 255 419, ES 1 055 113, FR 2 908 051 and US 2003/0069096.

The racquets described in those documents generally comprise a hitting element comprising a central element, at which level the ball must hit, surrounded by a frame.

The structure of these rackets, at the level of the central element, is such that, when the hitting of the ball is correctly centered at the level of the central element, the vibrations are attenuated, with some damping during the ball hitting the central element, what provides a greater comfort to the user and a better control of the hitting and, therefore, a greater precision.

However, the closer the point with which the ball is hit to the frame, the more the rackets lose their ability to limit vibrations and dampen shock, particularly due to the stiffness of the frame.

Also known, from document WO 2009/125329, rackets adapted to the practice of paddle tennis, for which the structure of the frame is intended to improve aerodynamics and reduce the weight of the racket.

For this, the frame of this racket has an upper portion and a lower portion rigidly assembled, and the striking element is provided with through cavities perpendicular to the plane of the striking element and through passing cavities parallel to the plane of the striking element that

flow into the frame. This structure therefore gives the racket a certain lightness.

However, said racket continues to be subject to vibrations at the frame level, particularly due to its rigidity. It also follows that the precision of use of said racket is insufficient when the hit is made at or near the frame.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

The object of the invention is therefore to solve, among others, the problems mentioned above.

The objective of the present invention is, thus, to propose a ball game device, such as a paddle tennis racket, that is more tolerant of the user in case of hitting the ball off-center.

The invention thus relates to a ball game device comprising a hitting element that will allow a user to hit a ball.

This striking element comprises a central element surrounded by a frame which, in turn, comprises a lower portion and an upper portion.

These lower and upper portions are, at least in part, separated from each other by a space and are suitable to move relative to each other, particularly during a hitting of the ball with the hitting element.

Furthermore, there are spacer means arranged between the lower and upper portions. These separating means are suitable for controlling, without preventing it, the relative movement of the two lower and upper portions.

In this way, the frame of the striking element of the device according to the invention does not have too great a stiffness, due to its structure in two different portions, separated from each other and free to move relative to each other. This freedom of movement is controlled by the separating means.

The device of the invention is, thus, more tolerant for the user, particularly in the sense that it can be better controlled by the user, and in the sense that it generates less vibrations, particularly in the event of a knock on the ball off-center, at or near the frame.

It is specified, in this document, that by frame is meant the periphery of the striking element that surrounds the central element of this striking element.

Depending on the type of racket, this frame can be an element structurally different from the central element, as for example in a classic tennis racket in which the string constitutes the central element tensioned inside the frame, or in some paddle.

In this case, the distinction between the central element and the frame is both functional and structural.

This frame can also form a monoblock assembly with the central element, not structurally different from it, as is the case, for example, with some other paddle rackets.

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

In a first variant embodiment, the separating means comprise at least one protruding block-type separating element that does not occupy the entire space between the lower and upper portions.

Eventually, at least one protection element is arranged at least in the space between the lower and upper portions not occupied by the spacer element or elements, to protect the central element.

The protection element can extend between the lower and upper portions, along their entire length. The spacer element is then inserted between the lower and upper portions, after the protection element. Alternatively, the device may comprise a

alternation of several spacer elements and of several protection elements that form a continuous element arranged between the lower and upper portions.

This or these protection elements may be of a textile-type material covered, for example, with polyurethane.

In a second variant of embodiment, as an alternative to the first, the separating means comprise a separating element that extends continuously to occupy the entire space between the lower and upper portions.

In either the first or the second embodiment variant, the spacer element or elements may be made of a foam or gel or silicone or elastomer type material.

In a third variant embodiment, optionally in combination with one or more of the above, the space between the lower and upper portions does not have a constant dimension.

In a fourth variant embodiment, optionally in combination with one or more of the above, the lower and upper portions each comprise a tubular element.

Preferably, each tubular element is made of a composite material.

The device may comprise a handle attached to the striking element. In this case, the two tubular elements each have two opposite ends that can be joined to form, for example by gluing, at least in part the handle.

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

On the other hand, the central element can comprise at least one or more layers of composite material on the surface.

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

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

One or more of these composite layers may, on the other hand, surface coat at least partially the lower and upper portions.

This or these composite layers may then also at least partially laterally coat the lower and upper portions.

This or these composite layers may also at least partially coat 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 presenting an upper surface and a lower surface, this upper surface of the central element and the upper portion of the frame form a set plastic monoblock upper preferably obtained by injection, and this lower surface of the central element and the lower frame portion form a plastic monobloc lower assembly, preferably obtained by injection.

In this case, the upper assembly and the lower assembly can be assembled by snapping, gluing, or heat sealing.

As an alternative to the fifth variant, the central element presenting 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 lower portion of the frame form a lower assembly, these upper and lower assemblies forming a mono b 1 or 1 of material 1 p 1 atom obtained preferably by injection.

In all cases, the upper assembly and the lower assembly can be joined from the inside by one or more connecting elements, for example of the rib type or protruding connecting blocks.

In this case, the spacer means can be located between the connecting elements.

DRAWINGS AND REFERENCES

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly and completely upon reading the description below of the preferred embodiment variants, which are given as non-limiting examples and with reference to the following attached drawings:

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figure 1: schematically represents an example of a device according to the invention,

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Figures 2a, 2b: schematically represent a detail of the device of Figure 1, respectively in two embodiments,

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Figures 3a, 3b, 3c: schematically represent three variants of the frame structure of the device of Figure 1. The following references are indicated in these figures:

1.-Striking element 2.-Central element 2a.- Lower surface 2b.-Upper surface 3.-Framework 4.-Lower portion 5.-Superior portion 6.-Separators 7.-Mango 8.-First zone 9.-Core

10.-Layers 11.-Protection element 12.-Space

EXHIBITION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

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

This racket has a striking element 1 and a handle 7 in the extension of this central element 1.

Hitting element 1 is for hitting a ball by a user. This striking element 1 conventionally comprises a central element 2 surrounded by a frame

3.

It is recalled again that, by frame 3, it is meant the periphery of the striking element 1 that surrounds the central element 2 of this striking element 1.

In this way, the frame 3 can also be an element structurally different from the central element 2, as for example in a classic tennis racket in which the string constitutes the central element stretched inside the frame, or in some paddle 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 frame is, therefore, both functional and structural.

The frame 3 can also form a monoblock assembly with the central element that is not structurally different from this central element, as is the case, for example, with some other paddle rackets.

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

Generally, the frame 3 comprises a lower portion 4 and an upper portion 5, and the central element 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 upper set 2b, 5.

The lower 4 and upper 5 portions of the frame 3 are separated from each other by a space 12, at least in part, i.e. at least in a portion of the frame 3.

This space between the lower 4 and upper 5 portions of the frame 3 allows them to move with respect to each other, particularly during a hitting of the ball by the user with the striking element 1.

This space 12 does not necessarily have constant dimensions throughout the portion of the frame 3 where it is present. In this way, and in particular, its depth as well as its height can vary.

In an embodiment variant to be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, the lower 4 and upper 5 portions of the frame 3 may each be formed by, or comprise, a tubular element 4, 5, preferably it is made of matter 1 and put and, in turn, eventually covered at least in part by one or more layers of composite material.

In this case, the two tubular elements 4, 5 can be joined at the level of their respective opposite ends, to form, for example by gluing, in whole or in part, the handle 7.

The handle 7 can also be formed, in whole or in part, by molding two tubular elements 4 and 5 which will then be covered, at the level of the union of their respective opposite ends, with a common casing to join them, for example of composite material.

The two tubular elements can also be joined 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 being referenced.

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

As represented in more detail in Figures 2a and 2b, the racket is provided with spacer means 6 arranged between the lower 4 and upper 5 portions of the frame 3, in space 12.

Said separating means are provided to limit and control the relative movement of the lower 4 and upper 5 portions of the frame, without preventing said movement.

By way of example, as shown in Figures 2a, 2b, these spacer means 6 may comprise one or more spacer elements 6, for example of the protruding block type 6.

These protruding blocks 6 will not occupy the entire space 12 between the lower 4 and upper 5 portions so that the core 9 of the central element 2 can be seen in the space 12, behind the protruding blocks 6.

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

This core 9 can be, for example, of a thermoplastic foam type material. This may be a particularly ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.

The protruding blocks 6 may be formed of a material of the foam, gel, silicone or also elastomer type. They can suffer, within a certain limit, crushing when the user hits a ball with the hitting element 1, thus allowing the lower 4 and upper 5 portions to approach each other, within said limit.

The vibrations at the level of the frame 3 are, therefore, reduced and the absorption of the vibrations is limited and controlled, which provides the user with better control of his hitting the ball.

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

Among these parameters, are particularly the choice of the material and its damping properties, the number of spacer elements 6, as well as its distribution along the frame 3.

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

In another embodiment not shown, the protection element could be inserted in the bottom of the space 12 between the lower 54 and upper 5 portions of the frame 3, continuously throughout the entire length of the bottom of this space 12. In this case, the o the spacer elements 6 are inserted after the protection element 11 that is behind these spacer elements 6 and visible only between these spacer elements 6.

Said protection element 11, whatever the embodiment, makes it possible to protect the central element 2, particularly in the case in which the central element 2 comprises a core 9 as shown in figure 2a and hidden in figure 2b. For this or these protection elements 11, a textile-type material covered, for example, with polyurethane, can be used in particular.

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

In another example not shown, a single spacer element 6, which extends continuously in space 12, can thus fully occupy this space 12 between lower 4 and upper 5 portions of frame 3.

Thus, it is understood that it is not necessary to use a

protection element 11 to protect the core 9 of the central element 2, since this is already protected by the separating element 6. However, it is also understood that the presence of this continuous separating element throughout the space 12 modifies the absorption properties of frame vibrations 3.

Figures 3a, 3b and 3c schematically represent three variants of the frame structure of the device of figure 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 represented in figure 1.

The central element 2 is therefore found with a core 9, covered by one or more layers of composite material 1 O, these layers 1 O constituting the lower surface 2a and the upper surface 2b of the central element 2.

Eventually, the core 9 and the or at least one of the layers 1 O can be glued together. This makes it possible to reinforce the construction of the racket, avoiding or limiting the risks of separation or tearing of the racket, for example by separating the two lower portions 4 and upper 5 at the points where the two portions are separated from each other. other.

In the example shown in figure 3a, the composite material layer (s) 1 O extend beyond the central element 1 O to coat the tubular elements 4 and 5, on the surface of the frame 3 of the striking element 1, such as represented in figure 1.

This surface coating can be partial, therefore only in a part of the surface of the frame 3 or total, as effectively represented in figure 3a.

In the example shown in FIG. 3b, the composite material layer (s) 1O extend practically perpendicular to the lower surface 2a and the upper surface 2b of the central element, until it covers the tubular elements 4 and 5 laterally.

Also in this invention, this covering can be partial, therefore only in a part of the side walls of the lower 4 and upper 5 portions of the frame 3 or total, as effectively represented in figure 3b.

In the example shown in FIG. 3c, the covering of the tubular elements 4 and 5 by the composite layer (s) 1O is prolonged inside the space 12 to cover these tubular elements on the inside.

Also in this case, this covering on the inside can be partial, therefore only on a part of the internal walls of the lower 4 and upper 5 portions of the frame 3, as shown in Figure 3c, or totally.

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

In another embodiment, which is not shown in the figures, the racket can be such that the lower surface 2a of the central element 2 and the lower portion 4 of the frame 3 form a monoblock lower assembly 2a, 4, for example of 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 a monoblock upper assembly 2b, 5, for example of plastic, which can also be obtained by injection.

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

These lower 2a, 4 and upper 2b, 5 assemblies can be assembled, for example, by snap-in, gluing, or also heat welding.

It is also possible to obtain at the same time the lower assembly 2a, 4 and the upper assembly 2b, 5 and optionally the handle, in a single injection operation of a plastic material, forming an entire monobloc element.

In these two cases, that is to say when the lower assemblies 2a, 4 and upper 2b, 5 form two monoblock assemblies separately or when they form a single monoblock element, in addition to the separating means 6 described above, connecting elements can be provided that join on the inside to the lower 2a, 4 and upper 2b, 5 sets.

In this way, the separating means are located between these connecting elements.

These connecting elements can be, for example, rib-like or protruding connecting blocks. They are, for example, of the same plastic material as the lower 2a, 4 and upper 2b, 5 assemblies and are preferably made by integral molding with the lower surface of one and / or the other of the lower 2a, 4 and upper 2b, 5 assemblies. .

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

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

Claims (23)

one.

Ball game device comprising a hitting element (1) that will allow the user to hit a ball, said hitting element (1) comprising a central element (2) surrounded by a frame (3) comprising a lower portion ( 4) and an upper portion (5) separated at least in part from each other by a space 12 and suitable to move with respect to each other particularly during a hitting of the ball with the hitting element (1), characterized by separating means (6) are arranged between said lower and upper portions (4, 5), said separating means (6) being suitable for controlling, without preventing it, the relative movement of the two lower (4) and upper portions (5) .

2.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating means (6) comprise at least one protruding block-type separating element (6) that does not occupy the entire space (12) between the lower and upper portions (4, 5 ).

3.

Device according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one protection element (11) is arranged at least in the space (12) between the lower and upper portions (4, 5) not occupied by the spacer element (s) ( 6), to protect the central element (2).

Four.

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

5.

Device according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises an alternation of several spacer elements (6) and of several protection elements

(11) that form 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 protection element (s) (11) are made of a coated textile-type material, for

example, polyurethane.

7.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating means (6) comprise a separating element (6) that extends continuously to occupy 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 spacer element (s) (6) are made of a foam, gel or silicone or elastomer type material.

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) does not have a constant dimension.

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.

eleven.

Device according to claim 1O, characterized in that it comprises a handle (7) attached to the striking element (1) and in that the two tubular elements (4, 5) each have two opposite ends that are joined to form, by example by gluing, at least in part the handle (7).

12.

Device according to any one of claims 1 O and 11, said device comprising a handle (7) attached to the striking element (1), characterized in that the two tubular elements (4, 5) are joined in a first area

(8) and in a second zone, symmetrical to the first zone (8) with respect to the axis passing through the handle (7). 13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the central element (2) comprises at least one or more layers (1 O) of composite material on the surface. 14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the central element (2) comprises a core (9) of a material of the thermoplastic foam type, such as an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, covered on the surface by the layer (s) of composite material .

fifteen.

Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the core (9) and the or at least one of the layers (1 O) of composite material are glued together.

16.

Device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that one or more of the layers (1 O) of composite material cover at least partially the upper and lower portions (4, 5).

17.

Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the composite layer (s) (1 O) laterally covers at least partially the lower and upper portions (4, 5).

18.

Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the composite layer (s) (1 O) covers at least partially the lower and upper portions (4, 5) inside the space (12) between these lower portions and superior (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 a monoblock upper assembly (2b, 5) of 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 monoblock lower assembly (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 means of pressure coupling, gluing or heat sealing. 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 of thermoplastic 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 on the inside by one or more connecting elements, for example of the type ribs or protruding connecting blocks.

2. 3.

Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the separating means (6) are located between the connecting elements.