Racket

Abstract

A racket is provided with: a handle part; the main body part is connected with the handle part; and a counterweight member capable of moving along the peripheral edge portion of the main body portion. The weight member is configured so as to be continuously movable along the peripheral edge portion of the main body portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a racket. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there have been rackets for hitting balls. For example, a racket for pickleball is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 249042. The racket described in this publication is configured to be able to adjust its weight by adding or removing weight components.

[0003] In the racket described in the above publication, the mounting positions of the weight components are intermittently arranged on the peripheral portion of the main body of the racket. Therefore, since the mounting positions of the weight components are divided, it is difficult to finely adjust the balance of the racket using the weight components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problems, and an object thereof is to provide a racket capable of finely adjusting the balance of the racket using weight members.

[0005] The racket of the present invention includes: a handle portion; a main body portion connected to the handle portion; and a weight member capable of moving along the peripheral portion of the main body portion. The weight member is configured to be able to move continuously along the peripheral portion of the main body portion.

[0006] According to the racket of the present invention, a racket capable of finely adjusting the balance of the racket using weight members can be provided.

[0007] By the following detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above object, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be further clarified. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 is a front view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 3 is a left view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the main body portion and the weight member of the racket according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the weight member of the racket according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the main body portion and the weight member of a modified example of the racket according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 2.

[0016] Figure 9 It is a left view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 2.

[0017] Figure 10 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 3.

[0018] Figure 11 It is a left view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 3.

[0019] Figure 12 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 4.

[0020] Figure 13 It is a left view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 4.

[0021] Figure 14 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 5.

[0022] Figure 15 It is a left view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 5.

[0023] Figure 16 It is a left view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 6.

[0024] Figure 17 It is a left view schematically showing the structure of the racket according to Embodiment 7.

[0025] Figure 18 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the main body portion and the weight member of the racket according to Embodiment 8. Detailed Embodiments

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the following drawings, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0027] (Embodiment 1)

[0028] Refer to Figures 1 to 7 , the structure of the racket 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The racket according to Embodiment 1 is a pickleball racket (pickleball racket).

[0029] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the racket 100 of Embodiment 1 includes a handle portion 1, a main body portion 2, and a weight member 3. The handle portion 1 is the part held by the user. The handle portion 1 extends along the long side direction of the racket 100.

[0030] The main body portion 2 is connected to the handle portion 1. The handle portion 1 and the main body portion 2 are arranged in the long side direction of the racket 100. The long side direction of the racket 100 is the same as the length direction of the main body portion 2. The short side direction of the racket 100 is the same as the width direction of the main body portion 2.

[0031] The main body portion 2 is configured in a flat plate shape. The main body portion 2 has a hitting surface S for hitting the ball. The front and back surfaces of the main body portion 2 constitute the hitting surface S. The inside of the main body portion 2 has, for example, a honeycomb structure or a foam. The material of the hitting surface S of the main body portion 2 is, for example, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The material of the inside of the main body portion 2 is, for example, polypropylene (PP).

[0032] The main body portion 2 includes: a pair of straight portions disposed at both ends in the width direction; a root portion connected to the handle portion 1; a pair of root side inclined portions respectively connecting the pair of straight portions and the root portion; a top portion disposed on the side opposite to the root portion; and a pair of front end side inclined portions connecting the pair of straight portions and the top portion.

[0033] The weight member 3 is configured to be able to continuously move along the peripheral portion of the main body portion 2. The material of the weight member 3 is, for example, stainless steel (SUS304, SUS630), nickel tungsten alloy (Ni-W), etc. The material of the weight member 3 may also be metals or resins with different specific gravities. The weight member 3 may be disposed on one side of the main body portion 2, or may be disposed on multiple sides. Multiple weight members 3 may also be disposed on one side of the main body portion 2. The weight member 3 may also be one.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the racket 100 includes two weight members 3. The two weight members 3 are respectively disposed at both ends in the width direction of the main body portion 2. Each of the two weight members 3 is configured to be able to continuously move along the peripheral portion of the main body portion 2 at both ends in the width direction of the main body portion 2.

[0035] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, each of the two weight members 3 is configured to be able to linearly move toward the front end side and the root side of the main body portion 2 at both ends in the width direction of the main body portion 2, respectively.

[0036] The main body part 2 includes a rail part 21. The rail part 21 is provided at the peripheral part of the main body part 2. The rail part 21 is configured to enable the counterweight member 3 to slide and thus move continuously. The material of the rail part 21 is, for example, resin. The resin is, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer synthetic resin (ABS), fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), etc.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the rail part 21 is provided along the side surface of the main body part 2. The rail part 21 is arranged at both ends in the width direction of the main body part 2. The rail part 21 linearly extends from the front end side to the root side of the main body part 2 at both ends in the width direction of the main body part 2. The rail part 21 is arranged on a pair of straight parts of the main body part 2.

[0038] The counterweight member 3 is configured to be able to move along the rail part 21. The counterweight member 3 is configured to slide on the rail part 21. In the present embodiment, the counterweight member 3 is configured to be able to linearly slide along the rail part 21 from the front end side to the root side of the main body part 2 at both ends in the width direction of the main body part 2 and thus move.

[0039] The counterweight member 3 is configured to be able to be fixed to the main body part 2 in a state after moving along the rail part 21. The counterweight member 3 is configured to be able to be fixed to the main body part 2 in a state after moving to an arbitrary position along the rail part 21. In the present embodiment, the counterweight member 3 is configured to be able to be fixed to the main body part 2 in a state after linearly sliding along the rail part 21 from the front end side to the root side of the main body part 2 at both ends in the width direction of the main body part 2 and thus moving.

[0040] The main body part 2 includes an enclosing part 22. The enclosing part 22 closes both ends of the rail part 21 along the peripheral part of the main body part 2. Therefore, the counterweight member 3 will not fall off from both ends of the rail part 21. In the present embodiment, after the counterweight member 3 is attached to the rail part 21, the rail part 21 is bonded to the main body part 2. Since the rail part 21 is buried in the main body of the main body part 2, the counterweight member 3 cannot be removed from the rail part 21.

[0041] As Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the rail portion 21 includes a flange portion 21a, a claw portion 21b, and a wall portion 21c. The wall portion 21c is configured in a substantially U shape. The wall portion 21c includes a pair of side walls 21c1, a bottom portion 21c2, and an opening 21c3. In the present embodiment, the rail portion 21 includes a pair of flange portions 21a. The pair of flange portions 21a are respectively disposed between the bottom portion 21c2 and the opening 21c3. The pair of flange portions 21a respectively project from the pair of side walls 21c1 in directions facing each other. The pair of flange portions 21a are respectively disposed at intervals from each other. The pair of flange portions 21a are continuously provided over both ends of the rail portion 21. The weight member 3 is disposed on the rail portion 21. The weight member 3 is held by the flange portion 21a.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the rail portion 21 includes a pair of claw portions 21b. The pair of claw portions 21b are configured to clamp the front and back surfaces of the main body portion 2. The pair of claw portions 21b are configured to engage with the front and back surfaces of the main body portion 2.

[0043] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the weight member 3 includes an upper portion 31, a screw portion 32, and a lower portion 33. The weight member 3 is configured to be fixed to the rail portion 21 by tightening the screw portion 32 in a state where the pair of flange portions 21a are sandwiched between the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33.

[0044] The upper portion 31 includes an upper base portion 31a and a through hole 31b provided in the upper base portion 31a. The screw portion 32 includes a head portion 32a and a shaft portion 32b. The diameter of the head portion 32a is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 32b. The diameter of the head portion 32a is larger than the diameter of the through hole 31b. Thread teeth are provided on the shaft portion 32b. The lower portion 33 includes a bottom base portion 33a and a through hole 33b provided in the bottom base portion 33a. A thread groove that can be screwed with the thread teeth of the shaft portion 32b is provided in the through hole 33b.

[0045] The screw portion 32 connects the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33. The upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33 sandwich the pair of flange portions 21a. The screw portion 32 is configured to change the interval between the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33. Specifically, by tightening the screw portion 32, the interval between the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33 becomes narrower in the axial direction of the shaft portion 32b of the screw portion 32. Thereby, in a state where the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33 fasten the pair of flange portions 21a, the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33 are fixed to the pair of flange portions 21a.

[0046] On the other hand, by loosening the screw portion 32, the interval between the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33 becomes wider in the axial direction of the shaft portion 32b of the screw portion 32. Thus, in a state where the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33 do not fasten the pair of flange portions 21a, the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33 can move relative to the pair of flange portions 21a. Then, the weight member 3 moves along the pair of rail portions 21 to an arbitrary position, and the weight member 3 is fixed to this position by tightening the screw portion 32 again. In this way, the weight member 3 can be adjusted to an arbitrary position relative to the rail portion 21.

[0047] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the upper portion 31 includes a convex portion 31c. The convex portion 31c is provided at one end of the upper base portion 31a. The convex portion 31c protrudes toward the lower portion 33. The lower portion 33 includes a concave portion 33c. The concave portion 33c is provided at one end of the lower portion 33. The concave portion 33c is recessed toward the side opposite to the upper portion 31. The concave portion 33c is configured to receive the convex portion 31c. By engaging the convex portion 31c with the concave portion 33c, the displacement of the position between the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33 can be suppressed.

[0048] Next, a modified example of the racket 100 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0049] As Figure 7 shown, the rail portion 21 of the modified example of the racket 100 of the first embodiment does not include a pair of claw portions 21b. Therefore, the case where the hitting surface S is narrowed due to the pair of claw portions 21b of the rail portion 21 is suppressed. Therefore, the hitting surface S can be widened.

[0050] Next, the operation and effect of the racket 100 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0051] According to the racket 100 of the first embodiment, the weight member 3 is configured to be able to move continuously along the peripheral portion of the main body portion 2. Therefore, by moving the weight member 3 continuously along the peripheral portion of the main body portion 2, the weight member 3 can be moved to an arbitrary position. That is, the weight member 3 can be moved to a detailed position. Therefore, the balance of the racket 100 can be finely adjusted by the weight member 3.

[0052] In addition, the weight member 3 may be one. Thus, the weight member 3 can be brought closer to one side of the racket 100. Therefore, the performance when hitting the ball from the front and back of the main body portion 2 can be changed.

[0053] In addition, the material of the weight member 3 may also be metals or resins having different specific gravities. Therefore, the adjustable range of the balance can be changed.

[0054] In addition, multiple counterweight members 3 may also be arranged on one side of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the balance adjustment range can be expanded. In addition, settings with the same balance but different moments of inertia can be achieved. Conversely, settings with the same moment of inertia but different balances can be achieved.

[0055] According to the racket 100 of Embodiment 1, the counterweight member 3 is configured to be movable along the rail portion 21. Therefore, the counterweight member 3 can be moved along the rail portion 21. Therefore, by moving the counterweight member 3 along the rail portion 21, the counterweight member 3 can be moved to any position.

[0056] In addition, the material of the rail portion 21 may also be fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). Thereby, high strength of the rail portion 21 can be achieved.

[0057] According to the racket 100 of Embodiment 1, the counterweight member 3 is configured to be fixable to the main body portion 2 in a state after moving along the rail portion 21. Therefore, by fixing the counterweight member 3 to the main body portion 2 in a state after moving along the rail portion 21, the counterweight member 3 can be fixed to any position. Therefore, even if the user swings the racket 100, the counterweight member 3 does not move.

[0058] According to the racket 100 of Embodiment 1, the closing portion 22 closes both ends of the rail portion 21 along the peripheral portion of the main body portion 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the counterweight member 3 from falling off from both ends of the rail portion 21.

[0059] (Embodiment 2)

[0060] Unless otherwise specified, the racket 100 of Embodiment 2 has the same structure and effects as the racket 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0061] Refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the structure of the racket 100 of Embodiment 2 will be described. In the racket 100 of Embodiment 2, the rail portion 21 is arranged on the entire peripheral portion of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the counterweight member 3 is configured to be movable along the rail portion 21 to all positions on the peripheral portion of the main body portion 2. In this embodiment, both ends of the rail portion 21 are not closed. That is, both ends of the rail portion 21 are open.

[0062] Next, the effects of the racket 100 of Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0063] According to the racket 100 of Embodiment 2, the counterweight member 3 is configured to be movable along the rail portion 21 on the entire peripheral portion of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the counterweight member 3 can be moved along the rail portion 21 to all positions on the peripheral portion of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the counterweight member 3 can be moved to any position on the entire peripheral portion of the main body portion 2.

[0064] In addition, since both ends of the rail portion 21 are not closed, the counterweight member 3 can be removed from both ends of the rail portion 21. Therefore, by adding, reducing, or replacing the counterweight member 3 from both ends of the rail portion 21, the weight of the counterweight member 3 can be changed.

[0065] (Embodiment 3)

[0066] Unless otherwise specified, the racket 100 of Embodiment 3 has the same structure and effects as the racket 100 of Embodiment 2.

[0067] Refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , and the structure of the racket 100 of Embodiment 3 will be described. In the racket 100 of Embodiment 3, closing portions 22 are disposed at both ends of the rail portion 21 disposed on the entire peripheral portion of the main body portion 2. The closing portions 22 close both ends of the rail portion 21 at the end portion on the root side of the main body portion 2.

[0068] Next, the effects of the racket 100 of Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0069] According to the racket 100 of Embodiment 3, the closing portions 22 close both ends of the rail portion 21 disposed on the entire peripheral portion of the main body portion 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the counterweight member 3 from falling off from both ends of the rail portion 21.

[0070] (Embodiment 4)

[0071] Unless otherwise specified, the racket 100 of Embodiment 4 has the same structure and effects as the racket 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0072] Refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , and the structure of the racket 100 of Embodiment 4 will be described. In the racket 100 of Embodiment 4, the rail portions 21 are respectively disposed on a pair of front-end side inclined portions and a pair of root-side inclined portions of the main body portion 2. In this embodiment, the racket 100 includes four counterweight members 3. The counterweight members 3 are configured to be movable along the rail portions 21 respectively on each of the pair of front-end side inclined portions and the pair of root-side inclined portions of the main body portion 2.

[0073] Next, the effects of the racket 100 of Embodiment 4 will be described.

[0074] The racket 100 according to Embodiment 4 is configured such that the counterweight member 3 can move along the rail portions 21 on each of the pair of front end side inclined portions and the pair of root side inclined portions of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the counterweight member 3 can be moved along the rail portions 21 on each of the pair of front end side inclined portions and the pair of root side inclined portions of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the balance of the racket 100 can be finely adjusted in the width direction and the length direction of the main body portion 2 at the front end side and the root side of the main body portion 2 by the counterweight member 3. Therefore, in addition to the moment of inertia about the short axis of the racket 100, the moment of inertia about the long axis of the racket 100 can also be changed. The short axis of the racket 100 is an axis that extends in the width direction of the main body portion 2, is located at the center of gravity position in the length direction of the main body portion 2, and is located at the center in the thickness direction of the main body portion 2. The long axis of the racket 100 is an axis that extends in the length direction of the main body portion 2, is located at the center in the width direction of the main body portion 2, and is located at the center in the thickness direction of the main body portion 2.

[0075] (Embodiment 5)

[0076] Unless otherwise specified, the racket 100 of Embodiment 5 has the same structure and effects as the racket 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0077] Refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the structure of the racket 100 of Embodiment 5 will be described. In the racket 100 of Embodiment 5, the rail portions 21 are respectively arranged on the pair of root side inclined portions of the main body portion 2. In the present embodiment, the racket 100 includes two counterweight members 3. The counterweight member 3 is configured to be able to move along the rail portions 21 on each of the pair of root side inclined portions of the main body portion 2.

[0078] Next, the effects of the racket 100 of Embodiment 5 will be described.

[0079] According to the racket 100 of Embodiment 5, the counterweight member 3 is configured to be able to move along the rail portions 21 on each of the pair of root side inclined portions of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the counterweight member 3 can be moved along the rail portions 21 on each of the pair of root side inclined portions of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the balance of the racket 100 can be finely adjusted in the width direction and the length direction of the main body portion 2 at the root side of the main body portion 2 by the counterweight member 3. Therefore, in addition to the moment of inertia about the short axis of the racket 100, the moment of inertia about the long axis of the racket 100 can also be changed.

[0080] (Embodiment 6)

[0081] Unless otherwise specified, the racket 100 of Embodiment 6 has the same structure and effects as the racket 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0082] Refer toFigure 16 The structure of the racket 100 according to Embodiment 6 will be described. In the racket 100 of Embodiment 6, the rail portion 21 is inclined in the thickness direction of the main body portion 2. The thickness direction of the main body portion 2 is the direction in which the front surface and the back surface of the main body portion 2 face each other. The weight member 3 is configured to be movable along the rail portion 21 toward the front end side and the root side of the main body portion 2, and is configured to be linearly movable in the thickness direction of the main body portion 2.

[0083] Next, the effects of the racket 100 according to Embodiment 6 will be described.

[0084] According to the racket 100 of Embodiment 6, the weight member 3 is configured to be movable toward the front end side and the root side of the main body portion 2, and is configured to be linearly movable in the thickness direction of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the weight member 3 can be moved toward the front end side and the root side of the main body portion 2, and can be linearly moved in the thickness direction of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the balance of the racket 100 can be finely adjusted in the length direction and the thickness direction of the main body portion 2 by the weight member 3. Therefore, in addition to the moment of inertia about the short axis of the racket 100, the moment of inertia about the long axis of the racket 100 can also be changed. In addition, the performance when hitting the ball with the front and back surfaces of the main body portion 2 can be changed.

[0085] (Embodiment 7)

[0086] Unless otherwise specified, the racket 100 of Embodiment 7 has the same structure and effects as the racket 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0087] Referring to Figure 17 , the structure of the racket 100 according to Embodiment 7 will be described. In the racket 100 of Embodiment 7, the rail portion 21 is curved in the thickness direction of the main body portion 2. In the present embodiment, the rail portion 21 is curved so as to protrude toward the surface side. The weight member 3 is configured to be movable along the rail portion 21 toward the front end side and the root side of the main body portion 2, and is configured to be curvilinearly movable in the thickness direction of the main body portion 2.

[0088] Next, the effects of the racket 100 according to Embodiment 7 will be described.

[0089] The racket 100 according to Embodiment 7 is configured such that the weight member 3 can move toward the front end side and the root side of the main body portion 2 and can move curvilinearly in the thickness direction of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the weight member 3 can be moved toward the front end side and the root side of the main body portion 2 and can move curvilinearly in the thickness direction of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the balance of the racket can be finely adjusted in the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction of the main body portion 2 by the weight member 3. Therefore, in addition to the moment of inertia about the short axis of the racket 100, the moment of inertia about the long axis of the racket 100 can also be changed. In addition, the performance when hitting the ball with the front and back surfaces of the main body portion 2 can be changed.

[0090] (Embodiment 8)

[0091] Unless otherwise specified, the racket 100 of Embodiment 8 has the same structure and effects as the racket 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0092] Refer to Figure 18 , and the structure of the racket 100 of Embodiment 8 will be described. In the racket 100 of Embodiment 8, the flange portion 21a of the rail portion 21 of the main body portion 2 is disposed at the front ends of a pair of side walls 21c1. The weight member 3 includes an upper portion 31 and a screw portion 32. The front end of the shaft portion 32b of the screw portion 32 abuts against the bottom portion 21c2 of the wall portion 21c of the rail portion 21.

[0093] By tightening the screw portion 32, the weight member 3 moves toward the pair of flange portions 21a and presses against the flange portions 21a. Thereby, the upper portion 31 is fixed to the pair of flange portions 21a. On the other hand, by loosening the screw portion 32, the weight member 3 moves toward the bottom portion 21c2 and separates from the pair of flange portions 21a. Thereby, the upper portion 31 can move relative to the pair of flange portions 21a. Then, the weight member 3 moves along the rail portion 21 to an arbitrary position, and by tightening the screw portion 32 again, the weight member 3 is fixed at this position. In this way, the weight member 3 can be adjusted to an arbitrary position relative to the rail portion 21.

[0094] Next, the effects of the racket 100 of Embodiment 8 will be described.

[0095] According to the racket 100 of Embodiment 8, since the flange portion 21a of the rail portion 21 is not clamped by the weight member 3, the flange portion 21a is not easily damaged. Therefore, the durability of the rail portion 21 can be improved.

[0096] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it should be clearly understood that this is only for illustration and example and should not be regarded as a limitation. The scope of the present invention is interpreted by the terms of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A racket, characterized in that: have: Handlebars; a main body connected to the handle; and a weight component capable of moving along the peripheral edge of the main body, The weight member is configured to be continuously movable along the peripheral edge portion of the main body portion.

2. The racket according to claim 1, characterized in that The main body includes a track portion provided on the peripheral portion, The weight member is configured to be movable along the rail portion.

3. The racket according to claim 2, characterized in that: The weight member is configured to be fixed to the main body portion in a state of being movable along the rail portion.

4. The racket according to claim 3, characterized in that The main body portion includes a closing portion, The closing portion closes both ends of the rail portion along the peripheral edge portion of the main body portion.

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