WO2006090088A1

WO2006090088A1 - Novel racket-type device for ball games or sports

Info

Publication number: WO2006090088A1
Application number: PCT/FR2006/050161
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Charles Hery
Original assignee: Jean-Charles Hery
Priority date: 2005-02-24
Filing date: 2006-02-23
Publication date: 2006-08-31
Also published as: FR2882268A1; FR2882268B1

Abstract

The invention concerns a racket-type device for ball games or sports. Said device comprises a grip (3) associated with a hollow structure for receiving/ejecting (2) the ball, said hollow structure consisting of a rigid or semirigid envelope (4) delimiting an inner cavity (5); the envelope (4) is provided with at least one opening (12) for receiving the ball inside said inner cavity (5) and at least one other opening (22) through which the ball can be ejected when an appropriate swinging movement is applied to said device by the player. Means (13) for blocking and cushioning the ball when it is received by the player through said receiving opening (12) are arranged inside the inner cavity (5) and opposite said receiving opening (12) and at least one channel (21) provided inside said inner cavity (5) is configured to enable the ball contained in the inner cavity (5) to be guided and accelerated, until the ejecting opening (12) is opened, upon the swinging movement.

Description

RACKET TYPE DEVICE FOR GAMING OR SPORTING BALLS

The present invention relates to the general field of racket type devices for the practice of games or sports balls.

There are many games or sports in which a ball must be caught or received using a racket type device; this racket then serves as a gear and force reducer to allow the propulsion of the ball at a distance and a speed higher than that of a jet by hand. Such snowshoes are known in particular documents DE-29 07 079, US-2 025 995, or US-4,717,155. The present invention proposes a new type of racket device for the practice of physical activities Those or ball sports (s)), with which the ball is received and then returned remotely, by a player, towards a wall or another player. This device according to the invention comprises a gripping member associated with a hollow structure for receiving / projecting the ball, which hollow structure consists of a rigid or semi-rigid envelope delimiting an internal cavity. This envelope is provided with at least one opening for receiving the bale within the internal cavity and at least one other opening through which said bale can be projected when an appropriate rocking motion is applied to said device by the player. Means for blocking and damping the ball when it is received by the player through said receiving opening are disposed within the inner cavity and facing said receiving opening; at least one chute, arranged within said internal cavity, is shaped to allow guiding and acceleration of the ball contained in said internal cavity, to said projection opening, during the aforementioned rocking movement.

In practice, compared to previous achievements, the racket device according to the invention has the advantage of providing the player (s) a panel of new movements. The device in question also has the advantage of allowing, by a particularly simple structure, effective reception of the ball with limited risk of rebound from the cavity, in particular the fact that the blocking and the damping of this ball are implemented once it has entered the internal cavity of the hollow structure.

According to a particular embodiment, the hollow structure is provided with two openings for the reception of the ball, arranged opposite one another, the said damping means being interposed between these two receiving openings.

The damping means advantageously consist of a mat or net made of a suitable material to absorb the shock of receiving the ball and limit the possibilities of rebound of said ball out of the cavity.

The carpet or damping net in question is preferably fixed to the hollow structure by means of at least one slide system (s), allowing it to move when receiving a ball, in order to optimize the damping phenomenon obtained and cause deflection of the ball towards the sides of the internal cavity. In this case, the net or carpet is advantageously fixed to the hollow structure, at one of its ends, by means of a slide system, its other end being fixed so as to remain immobilized.

According to another particular characteristic, the ejection chute of the bale consists of a part of the inner face of the envelope of the hollow structure. This ejection chute is preferably in the general shape of a circular arc or oval arc, and it has an arcuate section.

Another particular feature of the invention relates to the projection aperture because it is advantageously provided with an extension which extends the ejection chute, allowing additional acceleration of the ball during the swaying motion applied by the player.

In a preferred embodiment, the casing of the device has a generally ovoid flattened shape comprising two side walls facing each other, the two peripheral edges of which are in the general shape of an arc of a circle or an arc. oval. These side walls are connected by two peripheral walls of arcuate section, also facing one another. One end of this hollow structure is extended by a grip handle. The at least one bale receiving opening is arranged in at least one of the side walls, and the projection aperture is formed in one of the peripheral walls, at the end of said envelope opposite to said handle. grasping; and the ball ejection chute is constituted by the inner face of the peripheral wall which is located between the handle and the projection opening.

The two side walls are advantageously each provided with an opening for receiving the bale, arranged facing one another, the damping means being interposed between these two receiving openings. The invention will be further illustrated, without being limited in any way, by the following description of a particular racket device, given for information only and shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a general perspective view of the racket device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the device of FIG. 1;

- Figure 3 is a sectional view along IM-III of the device of Figure 2;

- Figure 4 is a sectional view along IV-IV of the device of Figure 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the racket device according to FIG. 1, equipped here with a damping mat provided with a central portion in the form of a portion of a sphere (or spherical cap) being deformable between a convex and a concave position;

FIG. 6 is a general view, in perspective, of another alternative embodiment of the racket device according to FIGS. 1 to 4, equipped here with two chute (s) for ejecting the ball facing each other. .

Figures 1 and 2 show the general structure of a racket device according to the invention.

The racket device 1 in question comprises a structure for receiving / projecting 2 a ball, extending at one of its ends by a handle 3.

The gripping handle 3 corresponding to a classic shape of handle for racket. In general, it can have any form adapted to allow optimal grip of the device by the player.

The receiving / projecting structure 2 consists of a hollow structure consisting of a rigid envelope 4, generally ovoid flattened, delimiting an internal cavity 5. This envelope 4 can be made of any suitable material, for example material plastic or composite material. FIGS. 3 and 4 make it possible to specify the structure of the rigid envelope 4. In this case, this envelope 4 comprises two lateral walls 6 facing one another, whose two curved peripheral edges 7 are connected by two curved peripheral walls 8 and 9 of arcuate section; these peripheral walls 8 and 9 meet at the two opposite ends 10 and 11 of the envelope 4, the sleeve 3 extending from the end identified by the reference 10.

For receiving a ball with this device 1, the side walls 6 of the envelope 4 are each provided with a receiving opening 12; these openings in this case 12 have the same dimensions, and they are arranged opposite one another. The dimensions of these openings 12 are adapted according to the dimensions of the ball, and also according to the degree of difficulty of reception sought. In addition, means for blocking and damping the bale are arranged within the internal cavity 5, interposed between the two receiving openings 12.

These damping means consist of a belt 13 (or mesh) made of a suitable material to absorb the speed of the ball received, and also to limit the possibility of rebound from the cavity 5 when the ball is received. The belt 13 in question is arranged, within the internal cavity 5, so that its two faces are each facing one of the two receiving openings 12.

This belt 13 can thus for example be made of a rubber-like material, 1 to 3 mm thick; it can also be made of semi-rigid plastic material.

Still for optimizing the reception of the ball, the means for fixing the damping structure 13 within the internal cavity 5 are adapted to allow it to move before or at the moment of receiving a ball, so as to ensure a deflection of this bullet on the sides of the internal cavity 5, towards the peripheral walls 8 and 9.

For this, the end 14 of the damping structure 13, the side of the handle 3, is associated with a slide system; in this case, this end 14 of the damping structure 13 is provided with an orifice 15 through which passes an axis 16 extending transversely between the two side walls 6 of the casing 4. This axis 16 can be deformable.

On the other side, the end 17 of the damping structure 13, opposite the handle 3, is in turn held by fastening means 18 ensuring its immobilization, for example of pinch member type. This pinch member 18 is adapted to maintain the corresponding end 17 of the damping structure 13, substantially in a median plane, between the two lateral faces 6.

Thus, before or at the moment of receiving a bullet, the damping structure 13 undergoes a pivot-like movement around its "fixed" end 17, resulting in the displacement of its "mobile" end 14; this particularity promotes deflection, or deflection, of the bale within the internal cavity 5, in particular towards the peripheral walls 8 and 9.

Due to the presence of the two openings 12, the ball can be received on both sides of the "racket", right side or reverse side, the internal damping structure 13 fully playing its role, the same way in both case.

Preferably, the width dimensions of the damping structure 13 are slightly smaller than those of the openings 12, to avoid any problem of attachment between these two structural elements. Preferably, the ball will be recovered in the peripheral wall 8, the latter being closed by a partition 20 at the end 11 of the envelope 4. This peripheral wall 8 is particularly adapted to keep the ball within the cavity internal 5. Thus, when receiving the ball, the player will preferentially this peripheral wall 8 to the ground. For the launch of the ball, the inner face 21 of the peripheral wall 9 is shaped as a projection chute; this chute 21 is adapted to allow guiding and acceleration of the bullet, contained in the internal cavity 5, to a projection opening 22 formed in the casing 4 at the end 11, when a movement appropriate swing is applied to the device 1.

This opening 22 is provided with an extension 23, which extends the ejection chute

21, so as to allow additional acceleration of the ball during its projection.

In general, the shapes and dimensions of the discharge chute 21, and also those of the inner face of the peripheral wall 8, are adapted according to the ball intended to be associated with this racket device, to allow a rolling over their entire length. The corresponding bearing should not be hindered by the internal damping structure 13; the ball should preferably also be able to pass from the inner face of the peripheral wall 8 to the ejection chute 21 at their ends 10, on the side of the handle, also without being hindered by the damping structure.

The projection of the ball by means of this racket device 1 is obtained by a rocking movement of the arm from the rear to the front (the receiving / projection structure being held vertically above the handle 3). The ball receives a centrifugal force rolling along the length of the inner chute 21, since the end 10 of the side of the handle to the ejection opening 22; it is thus propelled through this opening 22 in the direction applied by the player. The distance traveled by the ball thrown by means of this device can be significant, because of the acceleration generated by the ejection chute, while remaining dependent on the power of the rocking motion imposed by the arm, the front-end arm and wrist of the player.

FIG. 5 represents an alternative embodiment of the "racket" which differs from that illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 solely by the shape of its damping mat 13. The damping mat 13 in question, made of rubber type or the like, comprises a central portion 24 in the form of a sphere portion or spherical cap, surrounded by a peripheral portion 25 in the general shape of a flat ring. The corresponding central part 24 has a deformation capacity allowing its passage from a first convex position oriented towards one of the facing openings 12 (shown in solid lines in FIG. 5), to a second convex position oriented towards the another opening 12 facing (shown in broken lines in the same figure 5); this phenomenon of deformation between the two opposite convex positions is obtained by the application of a force on the convex side of this central portion 24. This feature optimizes the damping characteristics of the ball.

Another variant of the racket device described above in relation with FIGS. 1 to 4 is shown in FIG. 6. The corresponding "racket" is different from that described above in that it comprises two ejection ducts 21 of the ball, each consisting of the inner face of one of the peripheral walls 8 and 9 extending between the handle 3 and the opposite end 11 of the hollow structure 2.

As can be seen in this figure 6, each of these two ejection ducts 21 is extended by an extension 23, allowing the additional acceleration of the ball during the swing movement applied by the player. This particular structure makes it possible to optimize the return potential of the ball by increasing the possibilities or techniques of throwing, in particular for throwing reverses, whether high, lateral or low.

This type of racket with two launching troughs is of particular interest in combination with the form of damping mat shown in Figure 5. This game can be played alone, with two or more. A partner with the same or similar racket receives the ball and blocks it in the same way.

The distance between the different partners depends on their address, as well as the power of the mailing printed on the ball by the player. In general, the dimensions and shapes of the device will be adapted according to the players who will be brought to use them: children / adults, beginners / experienced, etc.

In another variant embodiment, the system for slidably holding the damping mat may be omitted. In this case, the lower portion of the damping mat will be provided sufficiently large to abut or bear against the facing portions of the side faces, and thus prevent its exit from the cavity 5.

The corresponding abutment zone of the damping mat may be reinforced or stiffened to optimize the desired blocking.

In the lower part of the carpet, it is also possible to arrange an opening or an orifice intended to cooperate with fastening members provided on the side faces 6 opposite, again to limit the possibilities of extraction of said carpet.

Still, according to another embodiment, the borders of the two lateral openings 12 may be equipped with a peripheral tongue of softer material, so as to increase the surface and the reception possibilities of the ball.

Claims

- CLAIMS -

1.- racket type device for playing games or ball sports, having a handle (3) associated with a hollow structure for receiving / projecting (2) the ball, which hollow structure (2) consists of a rigid or semi-rigid envelope (4) delimiting an internal cavity (5), which envelope (4) is provided with at least one opening (12) for receiving the ball within said internal cavity (5) and at least one other opening (22) through which said ball can be projected when a proper swinging motion is applied to said device by the player, means (13) for locking and cushioning the ball when it is received by the player through said receiving opening (12) being disposed within the internal cavity (5) and facing said receiving opening (12), and at least one chute (21) arranged within of said internal cavity (5) being shaped for pe transmitting the guidance and acceleration of the bale, contained in said internal cavity (5), to said projection opening (22), during said rocking movement.

2.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the envelope (4) is provided with two openings (12) for receiving the ball, arranged opposite one another, the damping means (13) being interposed between these two receiving openings (12).

3.- Device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the damping means consist of a mat or net (13) made of a suitable material for absorbing the shock of receiving the ball and limit the possibilities of bouncing the ball out of the cavity (5).

4.- Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the belt or the net (13) is fixed to the casing (4) through at least one slide system (s) (15, 16), allowing a displacement of said net or damping mat (13) during the reception of a ball, in order to optimize the phenomenon of damping and to cause deflection of the ball towards the sides of the cavity (5).

5.- Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the net or mat (13) is attached to the casing (4), at one of its ends (14), through a system of slide (15, 16), the other end (17) of said net or mat (13) being fixed so as to be immobilized, so as to optimize the deflection of the ball towards the sides of the internal cavity (5) .

6.- Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the chute for ejection of the ball is constituted by a portion (21) of the inner face of the casing (4) of the hollow structure (2).

7.- Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ejection chute (21) is generally arcuate or oval arc shape, and has an arcuate section.

8.- Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the projection opening (22) is provided with an extension (23) which extends the ejection chute (21), allowing acceleration additional ball during the swing motion applied by the player.

9.- Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the casing (4) has a generally ovoid flattened shape having two side walls (6) facing one another, whose two lateral sides (7) are in the general shape of an arc or oval arc, which side walls (6) are connected by two peripheral walls (8, 9) of arcuate section, also facing one of the other, one of the ends (10) of said casing (4) extending by a handle (3), wherein the receiving opening (s) (12) of the ball being arranged in at least one of said walls side (6), and the projection opening (22) being formed in one of said peripheral walls (9) at the end (11) of said casing opposite said handle (3), the chute of ejection (21) of the ball being constituted by the inner face of one of said peripheral walls (9) located between said grip handle (3) and said projection opening (22).

10.- Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the two side walls (6) are each provided with a receiving opening (12) of the ball, arranged opposite one another, the means of damping (13) being interposed between these two receiving openings (12).