Plate net racket having ribbed core and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a plate net racket with a ribbed core material and a manufacturing method thereof, which comprises a hitting part and a holding part. The hitting part comprises a racket frame, a first surface layer, a second surface layer and an inner layer structure. The racket frame has an inner wall and a containing space. The inner layer structure is arranged in the containing space and comprises an upper core material, a lower core material and a ribbed core material stacked between the upper core material and the lower core material. The first surface layer is arranged on the top surface of the upper core material, and the second surface layer is arranged on the bottom surface of the lower core material. The racket frame, the first surface layer, the second surface layer and the ribbed core material are all made of carbon fiber composite material, and the first surface layer, the second surface layer and the ribbed core material are integrally connected to the racket frame. Through the structural design of the plate net racket, the overall rigidity of the plate net racket is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a tennis racket, and more particularly to a tennis racket with a ribbed core material, which has good overall rigidity. Background Technology

[0002] Paddle tennis is a sport similar to tennis, where players hit a ball with a racket. Paddle tennis can be played in singles or doubles. It involves less physical activity and exercise than tennis, making it suitable for people of all ages. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular and loved by the general public.

[0003] Traditional paddleball rackets have a uniform core made of a single material. Due to the limitations of the core material and structure, traditional paddleball rackets have poor rigidity. As a result, when a player hits the ball, the force of the ball rebounding from the racket is weaker, which may weaken the player's attack and return performance during the game. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One of the objectives of this disclosure is to provide a novel structural design for a tennis racket with good overall rigidity.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A tennis racket with a ribbed core material includes a hitting part and a grip part connected to the hitting part. The hitting part includes a frame, a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and an inner layer structure. The frame has an inner wall and an accommodating space formed by the inner wall. The inner layer structure is disposed in the accommodating space and includes an upper core material, a lower core material, and a ribbed core material stacked between the upper and lower core materials. The first outer layer is laid on the top surface of the upper core material, and the second outer layer is laid on the bottom surface of the lower core material. The frame, first outer layer, second outer layer, and ribbed core material are all made of carbon fiber composite material, and the first outer layer, second outer layer, and ribbed core material are integrally connected to the frame.

[0007] Through the structural design of the aforementioned tennis racket, the high-strength first and second outer layers made of carbon fiber composite material, along with the rib core, are connected to the inner wall of the frame in a parallel manner. The first and second outer layers and the rib core are structurally connected in parallel. In cross-section, the integrally connected rib core and frame form a structure similar to the English letter "I," which improves the overall rigidity of the tennis racket. As a result, it can better withstand the force transmitted from the ball to the inside of the racket when hitting the ball and bounce it back onto the ball, making the ball bounce with greater force. This, in turn, helps players perform better in attacking and returning shots during competition.

[0008] In one respect, the thickness of the upper core material is the same as that of the lower core material.

[0009] In another respect, the upper core material and the lower core material are made of the same material. In some cases, the upper core material and the lower core material may also be made of different materials.

[0010] This application also provides a method for manufacturing a tennis racket, comprising the following steps: providing a plurality of rollable sheets coated with resin and an expandable material, the rollable sheets being made of carbon cloth; rolling the resin-coated rollable sheets around the expandable material to form a tubular structure, the tubular structure having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other; bending the tubular structure to form a frame and a columnar body connected together, the inner wall of the frame forming an accommodating space, the columnar body... The body is formed by two straight ends that converge towards each other. Within the aforementioned accommodating space, a lower composite sheet, a lower core material, a first type of composite sheet, a second type of composite sheet, an upper core material, and an upper composite sheet are sequentially laid from bottom to top. The outer edge of the first type of composite sheet is bent downwards so that its outer edge adheres to the inner wall of the frame and the lower core material. The outer edge of the second type of composite sheet is bent upwards so that its outer edge adheres to the inner wall of the frame and the upper core material. The lower composite sheet… The first composite sheet, the second composite sheet, and the upper composite sheet are all made of carbon fiber. The bent tubular structure, along with the laid lower composite sheet, lower core material, first composite sheet, second composite sheet, upper core material, and upper composite sheet, are collectively defined as a preform. Pressurizing and heating the preform and expanding the expandable material causes the thermosetting columnar body to form the grip of a tennis racket, the thermosetting frame to form the racket frame, and the thermosetting upper composite sheet, integrally connected to the racket frame, to form a plate. The first surface layer of the tennis racket, after heat curing, is integrally formed with the lower composite sheet connected to the frame to form the second surface layer. The first composite sheet and the second composite sheet, after heat curing and integrally connected to each other and the frame, are jointly formed to form the rib core material of the racket. Thus, the formed upper core material, lower core material and rib core material are collectively defined as the inner layer structure, and the formed frame, first surface layer, second surface layer and inner layer structure are collectively defined as the hitting part, and the hitting part and the grip part are collectively defined as the aforementioned racket. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a tennis racket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 This is an exemplary embodiment based on the present disclosure. Figure 1 Top view;

[0013] Figure 3 This is an exemplary embodiment based on the present disclosure. Figure 2 A sectional view drawn along the line of sight 3-3;

[0014] Figure 4 This is an exemplary embodiment based on the present disclosure. Figure 2 A sectional view drawn along the line of sight 4-4;

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of a tennis racket according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0016] Figures 6A to 6J These are schematic diagrams illustrating the corresponding steps in the manufacturing process flowchart according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. The meanings of the reference numerals in the above figures are as follows:

[0017] 1: Tennis racket;

[0018] 1': Tennis racket;

[0019] 10: The striking part;

[0020] 11: Racquet frame;

[0021] 111: Inner wall;

[0022] 12: First surface layer;

[0023] 13: Inner structure;

[0024] 131: Upper core material;

[0025] 132: fin core material;

[0026] 133: Lower core material;

[0027] 14: Second surface layer;

[0028] 15: Through hole;

[0029] 16: Lower composite sheet;

[0030] 17: The first type of composite sheet;

[0031] 18: The second type of composite sheet;

[0032] 19: Composite sheet material;

[0033] 20: Grip section;

[0034] 21: Grip straps;

[0035] 30: Frame;

[0036] 40: Columnar body;

[0037] 50: Reinforcing ribs;

[0038] C: Mold cavity;

[0039] E1: First end;

[0040] E2: Second end;

[0041] F: Expandable material;

[0042] M: mold;

[0043] R: Storage space;

[0044] S: Rollable sheet;

[0045] T: Tubular structure. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The following detailed description of the technical content and features of this disclosure is achieved through several examples and accompanying drawings. The directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top," and "bottom" mentioned in this specification are merely illustrative terms based on the normal usage direction and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0047] To illustrate the technical features of this disclosure in detail, the following embodiments are provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0048] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a tennis racket 1, which includes a hitting part 10 and a grip part 20 connected to the hitting part 10. The hitting part 10 is the part of the tennis racket 1 used for hitting the ball. Typically, the thickness of the hitting part 10 is between 22 mm and 38 mm, thus conforming to the specifications of the tennis racket 1. The hitting part 10 structurally includes a frame 11, a first surface layer 12, an inner layer structure 13, and a second surface layer 14. The frame 11 is formed by pressing and heating carbon fiber composite material. In this embodiment, the interior of the frame 11 is hollow, and the frame 11 has an inner wall 111, which surrounds a diamond-shaped receiving space. The inner layer structure 13 is disposed in the aforementioned receiving space. The first surface layer 12 and the second surface layer 14 are the parts that are in direct contact with the ball. The first surface layer 12 and the second surface layer 14 are also made of carbon fiber composite material. The first surface layer 12 is integrally connected to the upper edge of the frame 11, and the second surface layer 14 is integrally connected to the lower edge of the frame 11.

[0049] The inner layer structure 13 is located between the first surface layer 12 and the second surface layer 14. The inner layer structure 13 includes an upper core material 131, a lower core material 133, and a rib core material 132 stacked between the upper and lower core materials 131 and 133. The first surface layer 12 is laid on the top surface of the upper core material 131. The upper core material 131 is a foamed layer structure made of EVA material (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer). The Shore A hardness of EVA material is 10-25 degrees. EVA material has good rigidity and helps improve the feel of the racket. The rib core material 132 provides support and is made of multiple layers of carbon cloth laminated and cured. The outer edge of the rib core material 132 is integrally connected to the frame 11. The second surface layer 14 is laid on the bottom surface of the lower core material 133. The lower core material 133 is also a foamed layer structure, and is also made of EVA material. The thickness of the lower core material 133 is the same as that of the upper core material 131. Since the frame 11, the first surface layer 12, the second surface layer 14 and the rib core material 132 are all made of carbon fiber composite material, the carbon fiber composite material will soften and undergo a cross-linking reaction during the heating and pressurization process using a mold and an expandable material (which will be described in detail in the following paragraphs), thereby forming the shape of the above-mentioned parts.

[0050] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the striking part 10 is also provided with a plurality of through holes 15, each through hole 15 penetrating the first surface layer 12, the inner structure 13 and the second surface layer 14, so that the airflow can pass smoothly through the striking part 10, thereby reducing wind resistance.

[0051] The grip 20 is for the user to hold and is integrally connected to the frame 11. In addition, the grip 20 is covered with a grip strap 21 to prevent slipping and provide shock absorption.

[0052] Through the above-mentioned structural design of the tennis racket 1, since the high-strength first surface layer 12, second surface layer 14 and rib core material 132 made of carbon fiber composite material are connected to the inner wall 111 of the frame 11 in a parallel manner, the first surface layer 12, second surface layer 14 and rib core material 132 are connected in parallel in structure. In cross section, the integrally connected rib core material 132 and frame 11 form a structure similar to the English letter "I", which makes the overall rigidity of the tennis racket 1 better. Therefore, it can better withstand the force transmitted by the ball to the inside of the tennis racket 1 when hitting the ball and bounce it back to the ball, making the force of the ball rebound stronger, which can help the player's attack and return performance during the game.

[0053] This embodiment also provides a method for manufacturing a tennis racket 1'. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 5 to 6J The above manufacturing method includes the following steps:

[0054] Step S1: Starting Step: Provide multiple rollable sheets S coated with resin and an expandable material F (e.g., Figure 6A As shown, the rollable sheets S are essentially multi-layered carbon cloth, and the expandable material F in this embodiment is an air bag that can be inflated. Depending on the manufacturing process, the air bag may also be filled with foam material.

[0055] Step S2: The resin-coated rollable sheets S are wound around the expandable material F to form a tubular structure T (e.g., Figure 6B As shown), the tubular structure T has a first end E1 and a second end E2 disposed opposite to each other, at which time the expandable material F has not yet been inflated.

[0056] Step S3: Place the tubular structure T in a cavity C of a mold M, and bend the tubular structure T to form a connected frame 30 and a columnar body 40 (e.g., Figure 6C As shown), the inner wall of the frame 30 forms an accommodating space R, and the columnar body 40 is formed by the first end E1 and the second end E2 that are brought together in a straight line.

[0057] To facilitate explanation of the following steps, Figures 6D to 6H Therefore Figure 6C It is drawn from the perspective of the LL section line.

[0058] Step S4: Inside the cavity C and within the accommodating space R, lay a layer of lower composite sheet 16 on the inner wall of the cavity C (e.g., Figure 6D As shown), a lower core material 133 is laid on the lower composite sheet 16 (as shown). Figure 6E As shown), a first composite sheet 17 and a second composite sheet 18 are laid on the lower core material 133, and the outer edge of the first composite sheet 17 is bent downward so that the outer edge of the first composite sheet 17 is attached between the inner wall of the frame 30 and the lower core material 133. The outer edge of the second composite sheet 18 is bent upward (as shown). Figure 6F (As shown). Then, an upper core material 131 is laid on the second composite sheet 18, such that the outer edge of the second composite sheet 18 is attached between the inner wall of the frame 30 and the upper core material 131 (as shown). Figure 6G As shown), finally, lay another composite sheet 19 on the upper core material 131 (as shown). Figure 6H As shown), in some cases, a reinforcing rib 50 may also be placed (see...). Figure 6JIn this design, the lower composite sheet 16, the first composite sheet 17, the second composite sheet 18, and the upper composite sheet 19 are all made of carbon cloth. The upper core material 131 and the lower core material 133 can be foamed from EVA material, and the upper core material 131 and the lower core material 133 have the same thickness. The bent tubular structure T, as well as the laid lower composite sheet 16, lower core material 133, first composite sheet 17, second composite sheet 18, upper core material 131, and upper composite sheet 19, are collectively defined as a preform.

[0059] Step S5: The preform is pressurized and heated using the mold M, and the expandable material F is inflated to expand it, so that the thermosetting column 40 is formed into the grip 20, the thermosetting frame 30 is formed into the racket frame 11, the thermosetting upper composite sheet 19 integrally connected to the racket frame 11 is formed into the first surface layer 12, the thermosetting lower composite sheet 16 integrally connected to the racket frame 11 is formed into the second surface layer 14, and the thermosetting first composite sheet 17 and second composite sheet 18 integrally connected to the racket frame 11 are formed into the rib core material 132 (e.g., ...). Figure 6I As shown), the inner structure 13 is defined by the formed upper core material 131, lower core material 133, and rib core material 132. The hitting part 10 is defined by the formed frame 11, first surface layer 12, second surface layer 14, and inner structure 13. The hitting part 10 and the grip part 20 together define the tennis racket 1' (as shown). Figure 6J (As shown).

[0060] Step S6: Ending step: Drill multiple through holes 15 into the striking part 10 of the tennis racket 1' and wrap the grip strap 21 around the grip part 20.

[0061] Finally, it must be reiterated that the methods and components disclosed in the foregoing embodiments are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of this disclosure. Any simple structural modifications or changes made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, or any substitutions with other equivalent components, should still fall within the scope of the patent application of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a tennis racket, comprising the following steps: Multiple rollable sheets coated with resin and an expandable material are provided, the rollable sheets being made of carbon cloth; The rollable sheets coated with resin are wound around the outside of the expandable material to form a tubular structure having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The tubular structure is bent to form a frame and a column that are connected. The inner wall of the frame forms an accommodating space. The column is formed by the first end and the second end that are straight and close together. Within the accommodating space, a lower composite sheet, a lower core material, a first type of composite sheet, a second type of composite sheet, an upper core material, and an upper composite sheet are sequentially laid from bottom to top. The outer edge of the first type of composite sheet is bent downwards so that its outer edge adheres to the inner wall of the frame and the lower core material. The outer edge of the second type of composite sheet is bent upwards so that its outer edge adheres to the inner wall of the frame and the upper core material. The lower composite sheet, the first type of composite sheet, the second type of composite sheet, and the upper composite sheet are all made of carbon cloth. The bent tubular structure and the laid lower composite sheet, the lower core material, the first type of composite sheet, the second type of composite sheet, the upper core material, and the upper composite sheet are collectively defined as a preform. The preform is pressurized and heated, and the expandable material is expanded, so that the thermosetting column is formed into a grip, the thermosetting frame is formed into a racket frame, the thermosetting upper composite sheet integrally connected to the racket frame is formed into a first surface layer, the thermosetting lower composite sheet integrally connected to the racket frame is formed into a second surface layer, and the thermosetting first composite sheet and the second composite sheet integrally connected to each other and integrally connected to the racket frame are jointly formed into a rib core material. Thus, the formed upper core material, the lower core material and the rib core material are collectively defined as an inner layer structure, and the formed racket frame, the first surface layer, the second surface layer and the inner layer structure are collectively defined as a hitting part, and the hitting part and the grip are collectively defined as the tennis racket.

2. The method for manufacturing a tennis racket as described in claim 1, wherein the upper core material and the lower core material have the same thickness.

3. The method for manufacturing a tennis racket as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper core material and the lower core material are made of the same material.

Images