GB2491113A

GB2491113A - A brace for a tennis racket throat

Info

Publication number: GB2491113A
Application number: GB1108440.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Andrews
Original assignee: Dunlop Slazenger International Ltd
Current assignee: Dunlop International Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2011-05-19
Filing date: 2011-05-19
Publication date: 2012-11-28
Also published as: CN202860037U; GB201108440D0

Abstract

A sports racquet comprising first and second integrally formed frame members 110 extending obliquely from a common joint portion 112 and an integrally formed brace 120 forming a wall extending between the common joint portion 112 and along at least a portion of each of the frame members 110. The brace 120 may have elements extending along the outer edges of the frame members to form an inner recess 122 or indent. There may also be ridges 124 on the brace that extend outwardly beyond the edges of the frame members. The brace 120 may be located at the throat or shoulder regions of a tennis racquet and is designed to increase torsional strength. The racket maybe made from graphite or a metal composite.

Description

SPORTS RACQUET

The present invention relates to a sports racquet, in particular, it relates to a sports racquet with increased torsional strength.

Sports racquets, such as tennis racquets, badminton racquets, squash racquets, racquetball racquets and the like, are generally designed and manufactured to be as light and rigid as possible. Being lightweight allows a user to swing the racquet faster, thereby generating a greater head speed with which to hit the ball/shuttlecock etc and to generate more power through the shot. Increasing the rigidity of the frame of a racquet not only increases the power as it ensures more of the power from the swing is transferred to the ball/shuttlecock, it also increases the accuracy of shots made with the racquet as the face of the racquet is kept perpendicular to the direction of the shot through impact with ball/shuttlecock.

Figure 1 shows a profile view of a conventional sports racquet, in this case a tennis racquet.

As shown in figure 1, the tennis racquet contains a handle portion 10 with a butt cap 12 and a throat region 14 connecting the handle portion 10 to a head portion 16. Running around a substantial part of the periphery of the head portion 16 is a grommet strip 18 containing a plurality of grommet holes 20 through which the racquet can be strung. The handle portion 10, throat region 14 and head portion 16 are arranged in a plane that defines racquet frame plane. The plane of the racquet frame is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the hitting direction.

Figure 2 shows a face view of the conventional sports racquet of figure 1. As can be seen in more detail from figure 2, the throat region is an open throat that is defined by two throat members 22 extending from a common joint portion 24. The throat members extend obliquely away from the common joint portion 24 and connect with the head frame portion 16 at the shoulder regions 26 of the racquet. Bridging the throat members 22 and completing the head of the racquet is a neck portion 28. As shown in figure 2, the neck portion 28 extends obliquely away from the throat members 22. Although not shown in figure 2, in use the racquet will contain strings in the region 30. Also, a grip (not shown) is usually wound around the handle portion 10 and butt cap 12.

The racquet of figures 1 and 2 is generally made of graphite or other lightweight composite materials and is integrally moulded. Although the materials used in the construction of the racquet have a high strength compared to their weight, the conventional racquet of figures 1 and 2 may twist under the stress of striking a tennis ball. This may lead to decreased performance of the racquet both in terms of power and control of the shots.

It is therefore desirable to provide a sports racquet with improved power and control. It is further desirable to provide a sports racquet with increased torsional strength.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to address at least some of the above problems to some extent.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sports racquet, comprising; first and second integrally formed frame members extending obliquely from a common joint portion; and a brace integrally formed with the first and second frame members, the brace forming a wall extending from the common joint portion along at least a portion of each of the first and second frame members.

By providing the brace between the frame members, the torsional strength of the racquet can be increased. This increased torsional strength may enable the racquet frame to resist twisting when striking a ball or the like, and may lead to a racquet with improved power and control. In other words, the brace acts to increase the torsional strength of the racquet in the plane of the racquet frame, i.e. the plane substantially perpendicular to the hitting direction.

The brace may comprise a first brace portion and a second brace portion, the first brace portion may extend from the common joint portion along a first portion of each of the first and second frame members and the second portion may extend from the common joint portion along a second portion of each of the first and second frame members.

The first portion of each of the first and second frame members and the second portion of each of the first and second frame members may be opposed outer surfaces of the first and second frame members.

The first and second brace portions may define a recess in the frame. The recess along with the brace portions will act to increase the torsional strength of the racquet. Further, although the brace portions will add weight to the racquet frame, the recess in the frame will negate this increase in weight.

A ridge may be provided in the surface of the brace. A first ridge may be provided in the surface of the first brace portion and a second ridge may be provided in the surface of the second brace portion. By providing a ridge in the surface of the brace, which may be along the centre of the brace, the torsional stiffness of the brace may be increased in the direction perpendicular to the plane in which the first and second frame members are located, i.e. in a plane substantially parallel to the hitting direction.

The first and second frame members may define a throat region of the sports racquet and the brace may be located in the throat region.

The first and second frame members may define a shoulder region of the sports racquet and the brace may be located in the shoulder region.

The first and second frame members may define a throat region of the sports racquet and the sports racquet may further comprise a third frame member bridging the first and second frame members to define first and second shoulder regions.

The sports racquet may further comprise a first brace located in the throat region and a second brace located in the first or second shoulder regions.

The sports racquet may further comprise a first brace located in the first shoulder region and a second brace located in the second shoulder region.

The frame members may be made from graphite. Alternatively, they may be made from a composite or metal material.

The sports racquet may be a tennis racquet.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a sports racquet comprising: integrally forming first and second frame members extending obliquely from a common joint point; and integrally forming a brace with the first and second frame members, the brace forming a walJ extending from the common joint portion along at least a portion of each of the first and second frame members.

The brace may comprise a first brace portion and a second brace portion, and the method may further comprise forming the first brace portion extending from the common joint portion along a first portion of each of the first and second frame members; and forming the second portion extending from the common joint portion along a second portion of each of the first and second frame members.

The first portion of each of the first and second frame members and the second portion of each of the first and second frame members may be opposed outer surfaces of the first and second frame members and wherein the first and second brace portions may define a recess intheframe.

The method may further comprise forming a ridge in the surface of the brace. If a brace is provided with first and second brace portions, the method may comprise forming a ridge in the surface of both the first and second brace portions.

The first and second frame members may be formed to define a throat region of the sports racquet and the brace may be formed in the throat region.

The first and second frame members may be formed to define a shoulder region of the sports racquet and the brace may be located in the shoulder region.

When the first and second frame members are formed to define a throat region of the sports racquet, the method may further comprise: forming a third frame member bridging the first and second frame members to define first and second shoulder regions.

The method may further comprise: forming a first brace located in the throat region; and forming a second brace located in the first or second shoulder regions.

The method may further comprise: forming a first brace located in the first shoulder region and a second brace located in the second shoulder region.

The method may further comprise moulding graphite to form the frame members. The method may further comprise moulding a composites or metal material to form the frame members.

The invention may comprise any combination of the features and/or limitations referred to herein, except combinations of such features as are mutually exclusive.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a profile view of a prior art sports racquet; Figure 2 shows a view of the face of a prior art sports racquet; Figure 3 shows a profile view of a sports racquet according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a view of the face a sports racquet according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows an enlarged version of the throat region of figure 3; Figure 6 shows an enlarged version of the throat region of figure 4; Figure 7 shows a section along line A -A of figure 4; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a sports racquet of an embodiment of the present invention with a cut away showing the frame profile; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a sports racquet of an embodiment of the present invention with a cut away showing the frame profile; and Figure 10 shows a sports racquet according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a profile view of a sports racquet according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in figure 3, the racquet is a tennis racquet. The tennis racquet comprises a handle portion 102 with a butt cap 104. In use, a grip (not shown) would be wound around the handle portion 102 and the butt cap 104. A head portion 106 is coupled to the handle portion 102 via a throat region 108. The handle portion 102, throat portion 108 and head portion 106 are arranged to lie in a plane of the racquet frame.

A grommet groove 107 is provided around a substantial portion of the periphery of the head portion 106 of the racquet. Holes are provided through the frame in the grommet strip such that the grommet groove is arranged to receive a grommet strip, through which the racquet can be strung.

Figure 4 shows a view of the face of the sports racquet of figure 3. Figure 4 more clearly shows the construction of the frame of the racquet. As shown in figure 4, the throat region contains two throat members 110 that extend obliquely away from a common joint portion 112, the common joint portion being coupled to the handle portion 102. The throat members are coupled to the head portion 106 at shoulder regions 114 of the racquet. A neck portion 116 is provided that extends between and couples the throat member 110 at the shoulder regions 114. At each shoulder region 114, a corresponding throat member 110 and a neck portion 116 extend obliquely away from a common joint portion.

A brace is provided in the throat region 108 of the racquet of figures 3 and 4, that is integrally formed with the two throat members 110 and the joint portion 112.

Figure 5 shows an enlarged version of the throat region of figure 3. Figure 6 shows an enlarged version of the throat region of figure 4. As shown in figures 5 and 6, the throat region contains a brace formed of two brace portions 120. The brace is integrally formed with the first and second frame members 110, such that the brace forms walls 120 extending from the common joint portion 112 along at least a portion of each of the throat members 110. The brace portions 120 are located in the plane of the head portion oftheframe of the racquet. The brace portions 120 are formed such that they increase the torsional strength of the throat region such that twisting of the throat region with respect to the plane of the head of the racquet is minimised.

As can be seen in figures 5 and 6, the brace portions are effectively walls that extend away from the common joint portion 112 and along the throat membersilO. The brace portions extend along the outer surfaces of the throat portions 110 in the plane of the racquet, such that they form the outer surface of the racquet. In other words, the walls extend along opposed external surfaces of the throat members, spanning the gap between the end portions of the throat members.

The brace portions 120 are arranged such that a recess 122 is formed in the throat region between the brace portions 120. The recess 122 between the brace portions in combination with the brace portions themselves act to increase the torsionai strength of the racquet.

Furthermore, the recess 122 has the advantage of reducing the weight of the racquet.

Figures 5 and 6 also show that ridges 124 are provided on the surface of each brace portion.

Each ridge is a raised portion in the surface of the brace members 120. The ridges 124 extend along the length of the brace member 120 and into the common joint portion 112.

The ridges 124 act to increase the torsional strength of the racquet in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the racquet frame, i.e. in a direction substantially parallel to the hitting direction.

Although the figures show a ridge 124 provided on each brace portion, it will be understood that a single ridge may be provided on only one of the brace portions. Also, it should be apparent that multiple ridges may be provided on each brace portion.

Figure 7 shows a section along line A -A of figure 4. Figure 7 more clearly shows that the arrangement of the brace portions 120 define the recess 122. Figure 7 also shows the ridges 124 on the upper and lower brace portions 120.

It should be noted that although the figures show that the brace comprises brace portions and a recess defined by curved sections, the brace portions could be angular in section for

example.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the sports racquet of figures 3 and 4 with a cut away showing the frame profile and a different view of the brace in the throat region of the racquet.

Features that are the same as those in figures 3 to 7 are given the same reference numbers.

As shown in figure 8, the frame of the racquet is made from a tubular construction. In one embodiment, the frame is manufactured by integrally moulding the frame members out of graphite.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a sports racquet of an embodiment of the present invention with a cut out showing the frame profile. Features that are the same as those in figures 3 to 8 are given the same reference numbers.

In addition to the features described above, the racquet shown in figure 9 also contains additional stiffening elements in the shoulder regions and throat members of the racquet.

The additional stiffening elements comprise an elongate recess 140 defined in the outer surface of the throat member, that is the surface of the throat member that extends around the periphery of the racquet frame. The recess 140 is provided along at least a portion of the throat member and along the shoulder region 114 up to the grommet groove 107 in the head 106 of the racquet frame in which the grommet strip is located. In other words, recess 140 acts as an extension to the grommet groove 107 in the frame. The contour of the recess 140 at least partially follows the curve of the neck portion. In other words, as shown in figure 9, the recess 140 is deeper in the shoulder region in the area corresponding to the neck portion 116. Not only does the recess 140 act to stiffen the shoulder region of the racquet, as the recess 140 at least partially follows the curve of the neck portion, stringing can be provided through the recess while providing less stress to the string as the grommet will pass through the frame in this region more linearly with respect to the string direction. This may cause less strain on the strings and may therefore increase the lifetime of the strings.

Figure 10 shows a sports racquet according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In figure 10, in addition to a brace 202 being provided in the throat region, as in figures 3 and 4 for example, braces 204 and 206 are also provided in the shoulder regions of the racquet.

The braces in the shoulder regions of the racquet are of a similar form to those described in relation to the brace in the throat region. In other words, the braces in the shoulder regions comprise brace portions (walls) extending from common joint portions 208 along portions of the neck portion 210 and the throat portions 212.

The additional braces of figure 10 may be provided in addition to a brace in the throat region.

Alternatively, the braces in the shoulder regions may be provided without a brace being provided in the throat region. Also, as would be understood by the skilled person, a brace may be provided in the throat region and in one of the shoulder regions.

Although a brace is described as having two brace portions, it should be understood that a brace may be provided with a single brace portion. Also, although the brace portions are shown extending along the outer surfaces of the frame members (along the top and bottom portions of figure 3), it would be understood by the skilled person that the braces may be provided in a different location along the frame members, for example along a centre portion of each frame portion.

Although the above describes the invention in relation to tennis racquets, as would be understood by the skilled person, the present invention could be used in any sports racquet.

It is in particular applicable to badminton, squash and racquetball racquets.

Although the above generally describes the racquets being made of graphite, it would be understood that the present invention is equally applicable to racquets made from any composite material, metal or wood.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the features described in one embodiment could be interchanged and/or combined with the features or another embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A sports racquet, comprising; first and second integrally formed frame members extending obliquely from a common joint portion; and a brace integrally formed with the first and second frame members, the brace forming a wall extending from the common joint portion along at least a portion of each of the first and second frame members.
2. A sports racquet according to claim 1, wherein the brace comprises a first brace portion and a second brace portion, the first brace portion extending from the common joint portion along a first portion of each of the first and second frame members and the second brace portion extending from the common joint portion along a second portion of each of the first and second frame members.
3. A sports racquet according to claim 2, wherein the first portion of each of the first and second frame members and the second portion of each of the first and second frame members are opposed outer surfaces of the first and second frame members.
4. A sports racquet according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the first and second brace portions define a recess in the frame.
5. A sports racquet according to any preceding claim, further comprising a ridge provided in the surface of the brace.
6. A sports racquet according to any of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a first ridge provided in the surface of the first brace portion and a second ridge provided in the surface of the second brace portion.

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7. A sports racquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second frame members define a throat region of the sports racquet and the brace is located in the throat region.
8. A sports racquet according to any of claims I to 6, wherein the first and second frame members define a shoulder region of the sports racquet and the brace is located in the shoulder region.
9. A sports racquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second frame members define a throat region of the sports racquet and further comprising a third frame member bridging the first and second frame members to define first and second shoulder regions.
10. A sports racquet according to claim 9, further comprising a first brace located in the throat region and a second brace located in the first or second shoulder regions.
11. A sports racquet according to claim 9, further comprising a first brace located in the first shoulder region and a second brace located in the second shoulder region.
12. A sports racquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame members are made from graphite.
13. A sports racquet according to any of claims I to 11, wherein the frame members are made from a composites or metal material.
14. A sports racquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the sports racquet is a tennis racquet.
15. A method of manufacturing a sports racquet comprising: integrally forming first and second frame members extending obliquely from a common joint point; and -11 -integrally forming a brace with the first and second frame members, the brace forming a wall extending from the common joint portion along at least a portion of each of the first and second frame members.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the brace comprises a first brace portion and a second brace portion, and the method further comprising: forming the first brace portion extending from the common joint portion along a first portion of each of the first and second frame members; and forming the second portion extending from the common joint portion along a second portion of each of the first and second frame members.
17. A method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the first portion of each of the first and second frame members and the second portion of each of the first and second frame members are opposed outer surfaces of the first and second frame members and wherein the first and second brace portions define a recess in the frame.
18. A method according to any of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: forming a ridge in the surface of the brace.
19. A method according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the first and second frame members are formed to define a throat region of the sports racquet and the brace is formed in the throat region.
20. A method according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the first and second frame members are formed to define a shoulder region of the sports racquet and the brace is located in the shoulder region.
21. A method according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the first and second frame members define a throat region of the sports racquet, the method further comprising: forming a third frame member bridging the first and second frame members to define first and second shoulder regions.

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22. A method according to claim 21, further comprising: forming a first brace located in the throat region; and forming a second brace located in the first or second shoulder regions.
23. A method according to claim 21, further comprising: forming a first brace located in the first shoulder region and a second brace located in the second shoulder region.
24. A method according to any of claims 15 to 23, further comprising moulding graphite to form the frame members.
25. A method according to any of claims 15 to 23, further comprising moulding a composites or metal material to form the frame members.
26. A sports racquet substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.