Racquet for ball games and method for manufacturing a racquet for ball games

Abstract

The invention relates to a racquet (10) for ball games, including a handle portion (12) configured to be gripped by a user and a head portion (14) connected to the handle portion (12). The head portion (14) includes at least one core element (24) and at least two striking layers (26, 28) arranged on substantially opposite sides of the core element (24). Each striking layer (26, 28) defines a striking surface (23, 25), respectively, for striking a ball of the ball game. At least one of the striking layers (26, 28) has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm3 in at least a section thereof. The present invention also relates to a racquet (10) for ball games, wherein at least one striking layer (26, 28) has an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface (23, 25), of at least 2.5 g / cm2 in at least a section thereof. The present invention further relates to one or more methods for manufacturing a racquet (10) for ball games.

Description

[0001] Ball game racquets are available for a variety of different sports and / or leisure activities. In many cases, the ball game racquets intended to be used for the respective sport and / or leisure activity are specifically designed and / or constructed for the respective sport and / or leisure activity. For instance, the respective ball game racquets may have one or more features which may have one or more specific purposes and / or one or more advantages in the respective sport and / or leisure activity.

[0002] For instance, tennis racquets and squash racquets conventionally include a head portion which has a stringed plane provided by a web of woven strings which are attached to a rim of the head portion. The stringed plane provides a striking structure on either side of the stringed plane for striking a game ball.

[0003] In contrast to conventional tennis racquets, squash racquets, or other stringed ball game racquets, some game ball racquets include a plate, often referred to as a core, which provides a striking structure for striking a game ball. The plate typically defines two striking surfaces arranged on opposite sides of the plate and configured to strike a game ball. The plate is often coated or planked with one or more additional materials in order to influence and / or intentionally alter the stiffness, rigidity and / or elasticity of the racquet. Such plated racquets are used, for instance, in padel, also known as padel tennis or pádel, which is a relatively new ball game sport.

[0004] Padel tennis is already widespread in some regions of the world, for example in Spain, Italy, Central America and South America. In addition, the popularity of padel tennis is increasing worldwide, for example, in other countries in Europe, such as Sweden. In padel tennis, as in conventional tennis, a game ball is hit alternately over a net into an opponent's field by means of a ball game racquet. In contrast to conventional tennis, a padel tennis court has outer walls against which the game ball may be struck, e.g., in order to play the game ball into the opponent's field, similar to squash.

[0005] Ball racquets which include a plate as a striking structure for striking a game ball, i.e., plated racquets, known from the prior art still have significant disadvantages. On the one hand, this is due to the relatively short existence of some sports and / or leisure activities which use such plated racquets, such as padel tennis, compared with ball game sports which use stringed racquets, such as tennis. Moreover, padel tennis, for instance, and / or other sports and / or other leisure activities which use plated racquets have thus far been practiced only as niche sports and / or niche leisure activities in many regions of the world. Furthermore, in contrast to conventional tennis racquets, squash racquets, or other stringed ball game racquets, plated racquets have generally received less attention and / or less development efforts than stringed ball game racquets, in particular tennis racquets, in the past years.

[0006] WO 2013 / 008357 A1 discloses a table tennis racquet which comprises a sponge-like sheet and a rubber sheet which is layered and adhered onto the sponge-like sheet. US 3 879 035 A discloses a racquet construction which includes a pair of spaced-apart opposed striking faces having sandwiched therebetween a honeycomb-like network comprising a light weight, high strength composition, especially aluminum. US 4 062 541 A discloses a game paddle construction utilizing a wood core and metal skin layers. TW M 623 441 U discloses a paddle racket which includes a frame body including a frame wall and a handle connected with the frame wall. The frame wall defines a receiving space and a three-dimensional web core including a plurality of channels disposed through the three-dimensional web core.

[0007] However, due to an increasing popularity of these sports and / or leisure activities, such as padel tennis, in many regions of the world, there is a need to further develop such racquets and to at least partially improve the disadvantages of the racquets known from the prior art.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved racquet for ball games.

[0009] This object is achieved by a racquet for ball games as defined by the features of claim 1. Preferred variations and further developments are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

[0010] The racquet is preferably configured as a padel tennis racquet, which is sometimes also referred to as a padel bat or padel tennis bat. However, the configurations described herein may be applied to any ball game racquet, e.g., table tennis racquets, beachball racquets, pickleball racquets, etc. The racquet includes a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user. The handle portion may have one or more features configured to improve the user's grip on the handle portion and / or to prevent the racquet from dislodging from the user's hand(s) and / or arm(s), e.g., due to an external force which may be exerted on the racquet and / or an inertia of the racquet, e.g., as the racquet is accelerated or decelerated during use. For instance, at least a portion of the handle portion may have one or more features which may increase friction between the handle portion and the user's hand(s), e.g., by providing a roughened and / or gnarled surface on the handle portion. The racquet may include a strap, e.g., a wrist strap, which is attached to the handle portion of the racquet and configured to receive a user's hand and / or wrist and / or arm.

[0011] The racquet further includes a head portion connected to the handle portion. For instance, the head portion may be connected directly to the handle portion. Alternatively, the head portion and the handle portion may be connected to each other via one or more intermediate sections. Such an intermediate section is often referred to as the "throat" of the racquet. The head portion may include at least two striking sides each configured to strike a game ball.

[0012] The head portion includes at least one core element and at least two striking layers arranged on substantially opposite sides of the core element. Each striking layer defines a striking surface, respectively, for striking a ball of the ball game. The ball of the ball game does not have to be a spherical object, despite the suggestive nature of the term. Instead, the ball of the ball game can be any ball game object having any shape, such as a shuttlecock which is mainly used in badminton. The head portion may have a layered or sandwich construction including at least the core and the striking layers as corresponding layers of the layered or sandwich construction. Further layers may be provided, such as multiple components of the striking layers and / or multiple core elements, e.g., multiple stacked core elements. At least one striking layer, preferably both striking layers, may include a plurality of stacked sub-layers, e.g., a plurality of prepreg layers. Preferably, the striking layers are attached to the core element via one or more attachment means, e.g., one or more adhesives provided between the respective striking layer and the core element.

[0013] The core element may be at least partially, preferably completely, made of a foam material. Preferably, the core element is made of a compressible material in at least a section of the core element. Preferably, the core element may be made of a material which has a density of no more than 1 g / cm 3< , preferably no more than 0.9 g / cm 3< , more preferably no more than 0.8 g / cm 3< , more preferably no more than 0.7 g / cm 3< , more preferably no more than 0.6 g / cm 3< , more preferably no more than 0.5 g / cm 3< , more preferably no more than 0.4 g / cm 3< , more preferably no more than 0.3 g / cm 3< , most preferably no more than 0.2 g / cm 3< .

[0014] The core element may extend along a substantial portion of at least one striking surface, preferably both striking surfaces, of the racquet, preferably at least along at least 70%, more preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 85% of an area of the striking surface of the racquet. The core element may have a single-piece, e.g., an integral and / monolithic, construction. Alternatively, the core element may have a multi-piece construction including a plurality of components, at least some of which are connected to each other. For instance, the core element may include a plurality of stacked core element layers.

[0015] The head portion may include at least one edge which extends along at least a portion of a circumference of the head portion. The edge may be at least partially defined by the core element. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more edge layers may be provided along at least a portion of the edge and may at least partially define the edge. The one or more edge layers may be attached to the core element, preferably to at least a portion of a circumferential edge of the core element, and / or the striking layer(s).

[0016] The head portion may include one or more holes defined therein, which preferably extend entirely through the head portion from one striking side to the other striking side. This may reduce the weight and / or aerodynamic resistance of the head portion during use.

[0017] At least one of the striking layers has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof. Preferably both striking layers have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof. Configuring at least one of the striking layers to have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof may provide the respective striking layer(s), or section(s) of the respective striking layer(s), with a relatively high minimum mass for a relatively small volume of the striking layer(s), or section(s) thereof, compared with racquets known from the prior art.

[0018] This may increase the inertia and / or the stiffness and / or the rigidity of the respective striking layer(s), or section(s) of the respective striking layer(s), when accelerating and / or decelerating the racquet and / or when striking a game ball with one of the striking layers of the racquet, preferably the striking layer which is arranged substantially opposite from the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof, compared with racquets known from the prior art.

[0019] This may be advantageous, in particular with respect to the above-described sandwich construction of the head portion including the core element and the striking layers. In particular when striking a game ball, in particular with a relatively large force, the striking force is transferred from the game ball to a first striking layer of the at least two striking layers, i.e., the striking layer which strikes the game ball, further to the core element and yet further to a second striking layer of the at least two striking layers, i.e., the striking layer which is arranged substantially opposite from the first striking surface. By providing at least the second striking layer with a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof, the rigidity and / or the stiffness and / or the inertia of the second striking layer may be increased. This may reduce a deformation and / or a deflection of the second striking layer, at least in a section which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< , away from the first striking layer and / or away from the game ball, when accelerating and / or decelerating the racquet and / or when striking a game ball with one of the striking layers of the racquet. As a result, in particular with respect to the above-described sandwich construction of the head portion, the core element may be compressed and / or pressurized between the striking layer(s) and / or a degree of compression and / or pressurization of the core element between the striking layers may be increased compared with the configurations known from the prior art. This may enable more energy to be transferred to the game ball when striking the game ball with the first striking layer, e.g., since the compressed and / or pressurized core element may expand and / or release pressure when striking the game ball. This may deform and / or deflect and / or propel the first striking layer to a greater degree in a direction towards the game ball. This may be advantageous for hard strikes, such as smashes, e.g., to enable greater forces to be transferred to the game ball. Alternatively, or additionally, the second striking layer may strike the game ball and the first striking layer may be provided with a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< to provide the effect(s), and / or similar effect(s), described above.

[0020] The above-identified effect(s) may be reduced when performing soft strikes, such as drop shots, compared with hard strikes, such as smashes. When performing soft strikes one or more forces are transferred from the game ball to the first striking layer, i.e., the striking layer which strikes the game ball, further to the core element and yet further to the second striking layer of the at least two striking layers, i.e., the striking layer which is arranged substantially opposite from the first striking, may be lower compared with hard strikes. Hence, the second striking layer is deformed and / or deflected generally to a lower degree, regardless of the density of the striking layer. Moreover, when performing soft strikes, the force applied by the game ball to the striking layers and / or the core element may be transferred to the striking layers and / or the core element at a lower speed than when performing hard strikes. Thus, the inertia of the striking layers, may have a lower effect on the pressurization and / or compression of the core element and / or on the deformation and / or deflection of the striking layer. Hence, soft strikes, such as drop shots, may be affected less by the density value of the striking layers. This may allow soft strikes to be performed with a relatively high degree of precision and / or with a relatively high degree of ball control and / or with a relatively high degree of ball feeling. As a result, the present disclosure may provide a racquet which provides playing characteristics which vary between different strikes, e.g., at least between soft strikes and hard strikes.

[0021] One or more sections of the striking layer may have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< and one or more sections of the striking layer may have a density which is less than 2.5 g / cm 3< . For instance, a first section of a thickness of the striking layer, the thickness preferably extending in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the respective striking surface, may have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< and a second section of the thickness of the striking layer, which is offset from the first section in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the respective striking surface, may have a density which is less than 2.5 g / cm 3< . For instance, the striking layer may include a plurality of sub-layers, wherein one or more of the sub-layers have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< and one or more of the sub-layers have a density of less than 2.5 g / cm 3< . Alternatively, or additionally, a first section of the striking layer may have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< and a second section of the striking layer, which is offset from the first section in a direction which is substantially parallel to or along the striking surface, may have a density which is less than 2.5 g / cm 3< .

[0022] The striking layer(s) may have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< across the entire striking layer(s). The density of the striking layer(s) may be substantially uniform across the entire striking layer(s). However, preferably, the striking layer(s) may have a non-uniform distribution of density across the striking layer(s). For instance, a first section of the striking layer, e.g., a section of the striking layer which is close to a frequent and / or a certain point of contact of the game ball on the racquet when striking the game ball, may have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< . A second section of the striking layer, e.g., a section of the striking layer which is further from said point of contact of the game ball on the racquet when striking the game ball, may have a lower density, e.g., less than 2.5 g / cm 3< . This may allow the above-described, or at least similar, effect(s) to be achieved while reducing the weight of the racquet, more specifically of the striking layer, compared with a configuration in which the striking layer is uniformly provided with a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< .

[0023] Preferably, the core element is made of a compressible material which has a density which is less than the density of the striking layers. Preferably, the core element is made of a compressible material which has a density which is less than the density of a section of the respective striking layer which has the greatest density of the respective striking layer.

[0024] The striking layer, which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof, is at least partially made of a fiber composite material. The fiber composite material includes at least one filler material, preferably a metal, preferably lead, which has a density of at least 6 g / cm 3< , preferably at least 7 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 8 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 9 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 10 g / cm 3< , most preferably at least 11 g / cm 3< . The fiber composite material preferably includes a plurality of fibers, preferably carbon fibers and / or glass fibers, which are preferably embedded in a matrix material, preferably a resin. At least one striking layer, preferably both striking layers, may include a plurality of sub-layers, e.g., a plurality of prepreg layers. By adding a filler material having the above-identified minimum density value(s), the overall density of the fiber composite material may be increased. The density of the fiber composite material may thus be increased in a relatively simple and / or variable manner, e.g., by selecting a type of filler material, such as depending on its density, and / or a quantity of filler material which is added to the fiber composite material. Moreover, the fiber composite material used for conventional striking layers may be employed for the racquet according to the present disclosure. The filler material may simply be added to the fiber composite material. This may also simplify the manufacturing process. Preferably, the filler material is added to only a section of the striking layer, e.g., one or more sections of the striking layer may include the filler material and one or more sections of the striking layer may be void of the filler material. Alternatively, or additionally, the filler material may be added to the striking layer in varying concentrations, e.g., a first section of the striking layer may have a higher concentration of the filler material than a second section of the striking layer.

[0025] Preferably, the filler material is dispersed within at least a portion of the fiber composite material. Preferably, the filler material is provided in particle form and / or fiber form. This may allow the filler material to be added to the fiber composite material in a relatively efficient, effective and / or simple manner.

[0026] Preferably, the striking surface of the striking layer, which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof, has a center of area which is arranged substantially on a section of the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< . This may enable the section of the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< to at least partially define the center of area of the striking layer. Thus, the above-described effect(s) which is / are enabled by providing a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section of the striking layer may be provided at the center of area of the striking layer. This may be advantageous since the game ball is struck relatively frequently at the center of area of the striking layer.

[0027] Preferably, at least one of the striking layers has a density of at least 3 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 3.5 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 4 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 4.5 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 5 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 5.5 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 6 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 6.5 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 7 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 8 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 9 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 10 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 15 g / cm 3< , most preferably at least 20 g / cm 3< , in at least a section thereof. This may further increase the above-described effect(s) which is / are enabled by providing a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section of the striking layer. This may further enhance the above-described effect(s) which is / are enabled by providing a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section of the striking layer and / or may increase the reliability and / or effectiveness and / or reproducibility of said effect(s).

[0028] Preferably, at least one of the striking layers has a first section which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< and at least a second section which has a density of less than 2.5 g / cm 3< , preferably less than 1.5 g / cm 3< , more preferably less than 1 g / cm 3< . This may allow the above-described, or at least similar, effect(s) which is / are enabled by providing a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section of the striking layer to be achieved at the first section while reducing, or at least limiting, the weight of the racquet, more specifically of the striking layer.

[0029] Preferably, the striking layer, which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof, has an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface, which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by the striking layer. Preferably, a first section of the striking layer has an area weight which is at least 1.5 times greater, preferably at least 2 times greater, more preferably at least 2.5 times greater, more preferably at least 3 times greater, more preferably at least 3.5 times greater, more preferably at least 4 times greater, more preferably at least 4.5 times greater, most preferably at least 5 times greater, than an area weight of a second section of the same striking layer. The area weight W A , sometimes also referred to as area density or areal density, may be determined by determining a mass m, for instance in kilograms (kg), of the concerned striking layer or section of the striking layer. The determined mass m is divided by the area A of the striking surface defined by the concerned striking layer or section of the striking layer, for instance in square centimeters (cm 2< ). As a result, the area weight defines the mass of the concerned striking layer or section of the striking layer per unit area of the concerned striking layer or section of the striking layer in accordance with equation 1 below. W A = m / A

[0030] Preferably, the striking layer, which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof, has a density which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by the striking layer. Preferably, a first section of the striking layer, which has a maximum density of the striking layer, extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2< , preferably at least 2 cm 2< , more preferably at least 4 cm 2< , more preferably at least 6 cm 2< , more preferably at least 8 cm 2< , more preferably at least 10 cm 2< , more preferably at least 12 cm 2< , more preferably at least 14 cm 2< , more preferably at least 16 cm 2< , more preferably at least 18 cm 2< , most preferably at least 20 cm 2< , of the striking surface, and preferably at least a second section of the striking layer, which has a minimum density of the striking layer, extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2< , preferably at least 2 cm 2< , more preferably at least 4 cm 2< , more preferably at least 6 cm 2< , more preferably at least 8 cm 2< , more preferably at least 10 cm 2< , more preferably at least 12 cm 2< , more preferably at least 14 cm 2< , more preferably at least 16 cm 2< , more preferably at least 18 cm 2< , most preferably at least 20 cm 2< , of the striking surface. Configuring the section of the striking layer which has a maximum density of the striking layer to have an area according to the above-identified values may provide a sufficiently large area of the striking layer with a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in order to achieve the above-described, or at least similar, effect(s). Moreover, configuring the section of the striking layer which has a minimum density of the striking layer to have an area according to the above-identified values may provide a certain degree of weight reduction of the racquet, e.g., compared with a configuration with a uniform density of the striking layer.

[0031] Preferably, the striking layer, which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof, has an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface, which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by the striking layer. Preferably, a first section of the striking layer, which has a maximum area weight of the striking layer, extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2< , preferably at least 2 cm 2< , more preferably at least 4 cm 2< , more preferably at least 6 cm 2< , more preferably at least 8 cm 2< , more preferably at least 10 cm 2< , more preferably at least 12 cm 2< , more preferably at least 14 cm 2< , more preferably at least 16 cm 2< , more preferably at least 18 cm 2< , most preferably at least 20 cm 2< , of the striking surface, and preferably at least a second section of the striking layer, which has a minimum area weight of the striking layer, extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2< , preferably at least 2 cm 2< , more preferably at least 4 cm 2< , more preferably at least 6 cm 2< , more preferably at least 8 cm 2< , more preferably at least 10 cm 2< , more preferably at least 12 cm 2< , more preferably at least 14 cm 2< , more preferably at least 16 cm 2< , more preferably at least 18 cm 2< , most preferably at least 20 cm 2< , of the striking surface.

[0032] Preferably, the first section is arranged substantially at a center of area of the striking surface of the striking layer. This may provide the center of area of the striking surface of the striking layer with a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< . Thus, the above-described effect(s) which is / are achieved by providing a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section of the striking layer may be provided to the center of area of the striking layer. This may be advantageous since the game ball is struck relatively frequently at or at least near the center of area of the striking layer.

[0033] Preferably, the first section is arranged closer to a center of area of the striking layer than the second section. As described above, the game ball is struck relatively frequently at or at least near the center of area of the striking layer. Hence, the above-described effect(s) which is / are achieved by providing a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section of the striking layer may be provided at and / or near the center of area of the striking layer.

[0034] Preferably, the first section is arranged along a longitudinal axis of the racquet. Preferably, the longitudinal axis extends lengthwise along the handle portion.

[0035] Preferably, the striking surface of the striking layer, which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof, has a center portion and an edge portion which at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the center portion. Preferably, the center portion has a higher density than the edge portion. Game balls are generally struck more often at or towards the center portion of the racquet than the edge portion. Hence, providing the center portion with a greater density than the edge portion may enable the above-described, or at least similar, effect(s) which is / are achieved by providing a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section of the striking layer to be utilized at a frequently used section of the racquet, i.e., at ot towards the center portion.

[0036] Preferably, a section of the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2< , more preferably at least 2 cm 2< , more preferably at least 4 cm 2< , more preferably at least 6 cm 2< , more preferably at least 8 cm 2< , more preferably at least 10 cm 2< , more preferably at least 12 cm 2< , more preferably at least 14 cm 2< , more preferably at least 16 cm 2< , more preferably at least 18 cm 2< , most preferably at least 20 cm 2< , of the striking surface.

[0037] Preferably, at least the striking layer which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof, preferably both striking layers, abut(s) the core and / or is / are connected to the core.

[0038] Preferably, the head portion has a laminated construction with a plurality of laminated layers which include the core and the two striking layers.

[0039] Preferably, the striking layers are configured substantially identically. Thus, the above-described effects provided by configuring at least a section of a respective striking layer to have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< may be achieved by both striking layers.

[0040] The object mentioned at the beginning is also solved by a racquet for ball games as defined by the features of independent claim 6. Preferred embodiments are defined by the features of the respective dependent claims. The configurations, features and advantages described above with respect to the racquet also apply to the method accordingly.

[0041] The racquet includes a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user and a head portion connected to the handle portion. The head portion includes at least one core element and at least two striking layers arranged on substantially opposite sides of the core element, wherein each striking layer defines a striking surface, respectively, for striking a ball of the game ball.

[0042] Preferably, at least one of the striking layers has an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface, of at least 1.5 g / cm 2< , preferably at least 2 g / cm 2< , more preferably at least 2.5 g / cm 2< , in at least a section thereof.

[0043] In addition, or as an alternative, to providing at least one of the striking layers with a minimum density, e.g., a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< , in at least a section thereof, providing at least a section of the striking layer with an area weight according to the above-identified values may also increase the rigidity and / or the stiffness and / or the inertia of the striking layer at said section. This may reduce a deformation and / or a deflection of the striking layer at said section of the striking layer. Consequently, in particular in the above-described sandwich construction of the head portion, the core element may be compressed and / or pressurized between the striking layers. This may increase a degree of pressurization and / or compression of the core element which may enable more energy to be transferred to the game ball when striking the game ball with the first striking layer, e.g., since the compressed and / or pressurized core element may expand and / or release pressure when striking the game ball. This may be advantageous for hard strikes, such as smashes, e.g., in order to be able to transfer greater forces to the game ball. The above-identified effect may be reduced when performing soft strikes, such as drop shots, compared with hard strikes, such as smashes, as described above.

[0044] Preferably, the striking layer, which has an area weight of at least 1.5 g / cm 2< , has an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface, of at least 1.5 g / cm 2< in at least a section thereof. Preferably, the striking layer, which has an area weight of at least 1.5 g / cm 2< in at least a section thereof, has an area weight which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by the striking layer, Preferably, a first section of said striking layer has an area weight which is at least 1.5 times greater than an area weight of a second section of the same striking layer. Providing a section, i.e., the first section, of the striking layer with a relatively high area weight compared with another section, i.e., the second section, of the striking layer, may allow the above-described, or at least similar, effect(s) to be achieved in a section, i.e., the first section, of the striking layer while reducing, or at least limiting, the weight of the racquet, more specifically of the respective striking layer, in another section, i.e., the second section.

[0045] Preferably, the first section has a higher density than the second section. This may provide the first section with a greater area weight than the second section, e.g., by providing a greater amount of weight for a given volume of the striking layer.

[0046] Preferably, the first section has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< and the second section has a density of less than 2.5 g / cm 3< , preferably less than 2 g / cm 3< , more preferably less than 1.5 g / cm 3< , most preferably less than 1 g / cm 3< .

[0047] Preferably, the first section has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< , preferably at least 3 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 3.5 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 4 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 4.5 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 5 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 5.5 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 6 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 6.5 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 7 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 8 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 9 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 10 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 15 g / cm 3< , most preferably at least 20 g / cm 3< .

[0048] Preferably, the striking layer, which has a varying area weight, has a layer thickness which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by said striking layer, wherein the first section has a greater layer thickness in at least a portion thereof than the second section. Thus, the area weight of the striking layer may be varied between the first section and the second section by providing the first section with a greater layer thickness in at least a portion thereof than the second section.

[0049] Preferably, the area weight of the first section is at least 2 times greater, more preferably at least 2.5 times greater, more preferably at least 3 times greater, more preferably at least 3.5 times greater, most preferably at least 4 times greater, than the area weight of the second section.

[0050] Preferably, the first section has a maximum area weight of the striking layer and extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2< , preferably at least 2 cm 2< , more preferably at least 4 cm 2< , more preferably at least 6 cm 2< , more preferably at least 8 cm 2< , more preferably at least 10 cm 2< , more preferably at least 12 cm 2< , more preferably at least 14 cm 2< , more preferably at least 16 cm 2< , more preferably at least 18 cm 2< , most preferably at least 20 cm 2< , of the striking surface, and preferably the second section has a minimum area weight of the striking layer and extends along an area of at least 1 cm 2< , preferably at least 2 cm 2< , more preferably at least 4 cm 2< , more preferably at least 6 cm 2< , more preferably at least 8 cm 2< , more preferably at least 10 cm 2< , more preferably at least 12 cm 2< , more preferably at least 14 cm 2< , more preferably at least 16 cm 2< , more preferably at least 18 cm 2< , most preferably at least 20 cm 2< , of the striking surface. Preferably, the first section of the striking layer is arranged substantially along a center portion of the striking layer and the second section of the striking layer is arranged along an edge portion of the striking layer which at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the center portion.

[0051] The object mentioned at the beginning is also solved by a method for manufacturing a racquet for ball games as defined by the features of independent claim 11. Preferred embodiments are defined by the features of the respective dependent claims. The configurations, features and advantages described above with respect to the racquet(s) also apply to the method accordingly.

[0052] The method includes the steps of providing a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user, providing at least one core element of a head portion of the racquet, and arranging at least two striking layers on substantially opposite sides of the core element. Each striking layer defines a striking surface, respectively, for striking a ball game ball. At least one of the striking layers is provided with a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof.

[0053] The striking layer, which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof, is at least partially made from a fiber composite material. The fiber composite material includes at least one filler material, preferably a metal, preferably lead, which has a density of at least 6 g / cm 3< , preferably at least 7 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 8 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 9 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 10 g / cm 3< , most preferably at least 11 g / cm 3< .

[0054] Preferably the filler material is dispersed within at least a portion of the fiber composite material, preferably wherein the filler material is provided in particle form and / or fiber form.

[0055] The object mentioned at the beginning is also solved by a method for manufacturing a racquet for ball games as defined by the features of independent claim 13. Preferred embodiments are defined by the features of the respective dependent claims. The configurations, features and advantages described above with respect to the racquet also apply to the method accordingly.

[0056] The method includes the following steps providing a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user, providing at least one core element of a head portion of the racquet and arranging at least two striking layers on substantially opposite sides of the core element. Each striking layer defines a striking surface, respectively, for striking a ball game ball. At least one of the striking layers is provided with an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface defined by said striking layer, of at least 1.5 g / cm 2< , preferably at least 2 g / cm 2< , more preferably at least 2.5 g / cm 2< , more preferably at least 3 g / cm 2< , more preferably at least 3.5 g / cm 2< , more preferably at least 4 g / cm 2< , more preferably at least 4.5 g / cm 2< , more preferably at least 5 g / cm 2< , more preferably at least 5.5 g / cm 2< , most preferably at least 6 g / cm 2< , in at least a section thereof.

[0057] Preferably, the striking layer, which is provided with an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface, of at least 1.5 g / cm 2< in at least a section thereof, is provided with an area weight which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by the striking layer. Preferably, a first section of said striking layer has an area weight which is at least 1.5 times greater than an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface, of a second section of the same striking layer.

[0058] Preferably, the striking layer, which has a varying area weight along at least a portion of the striking surface defined by said striking layer, is at least partially made from a fiber composite material. The fiber composite material preferably includes at least one filler material, preferably a metal, preferably lead, which has a density of at least 6 g / cm 3< , preferably at least 7 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 8 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 9 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 10 g / cm 3< , most preferably at least 11 g / cm 3< .

[0059] Preferably, the filler material is dispersed within at least a portion of the fiber composite material. The filler material is preferably provided in particle form and / or fiber form.

[0060] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are further elucidated below with reference to the figures. The described embodiments do not limit the present invention. Fig. 1shows, in a front view, the general structure of a racquet according to the invention; Fig. 2shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A as indicated in Fig. 1, a racquet according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A as indicated in Fig. 1, a racquet according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A as indicated in Fig. 1, a racquet according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows, in a front view, a racquet 10 which includes a handle portion 12 configured to be gripped by a user and a head portion 14 connected to the handle portion 12. The racquet 10 is preferably configured as a padel tennis racquet 10, i.e., a racquet configured to be used for playing padel, also known as padel tennis or pádel. The racquet 10 further includes an intermediate portion 16 which connects the handle portion 12 and the head portion 14. The intermediate portion 16 includes an opening 18 provided in a section thereof. The intermediate portion 16 is often referred to as the "throat" of the racquet 10.

[0062] Fig. 2 shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A indicated in Fig. 1, an embodiment of the racquet 10. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the head portion 14 includes two striking sides 20, 22 each configured to strike a game ball, preferably a padel tennis ball. The head portion 14 further includes a core element 24, which is preferably made of a foam material, and a striking layer 26, 28 arranged on the core element 24 on each striking side 20, 22, respectively. Each striking side 20, 22, more specifically each striking layer 26, 28, defines a striking surface 23, 25, respectively, configured to strike the game ball. The head portion 16 may further include one or more layers arranged on at least a section of an edge 30 of the head portion 14 (not shown).

[0063] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, each striking layer 26, 28 is configured as a single layer. Alternatively, at least one striking layer 26, 28, preferably both striking layers 26, 28, may include a plurality of stacked sub-layers. The number of sub-layers included in the respective striking layer 26, 28 may differ between the striking layers 26, 28. For instance, one of the striking layers 26, 28 may include more sub-layers than the other of the striking layers 26, 28. For instance, the striking layer 26 may include two sub-layers and the striking layer 28 may include three or more sub-layers. A thickness of the respective striking layers 26, 28, measured in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the striking surface 23, 25, may also differ between the striking layers 26, 28. For instance, the striking layer 26 may have a thickness which is greater than a thickness of the striking layer 28.

[0064] Preferably, the striking layers 26, 28, or the sub-layers of the striking layers 26, 28, are at least partially made from one or more layers of a fiber composite material which includes a plurality of organic or inorganic fibers, e.g., carbon fibers and / or glass fibers, embedded in a matrix material, e.g., a resin.

[0065] At least one of the striking layers 26, 28, preferably both striking layers 26, 28, has / have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof. Since the embodiment of the racquet 10 shown in Fig. 2 includes striking layers 26, 28 which each have only a single layer, the density of the respective striking layer 26, 28 is preferably substantially uniform, i.e., at least 2.5 g / cm 3< , across the entire striking layer 26, 28.

[0066] Providing a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section of the striking layers 26, 28 may be achieved in a variety of different ways, e.g., by including one of more materials which have a relatively high density. The striking layers 26, 28 may be made completely of such a material, e.g., a material having a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< . Alternatively, the striking layers 26, 28 may be made of a plurality of materials and only some of the materials may have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< . For instance, a filler material may be added to the striking layers 26, 28, as described in further detail below with respect to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0067] Alternatively, or additionally, the striking layers 26, 28 may have an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface 23, 25, of at least 2.5 g / cm 2< in at least a section thereof. The area weight, sometimes also referred to as area density or areal density, may be determined by determining a mass, for instance in kilograms (kg), of the concerned striking layer 26, 28 or section of the striking layer 26, 28. The determined mass is divided by an area A of the striking surface 23, 25 defined by the concerned striking layer 26, 28 or section of the striking layer 26, 28 which has an area weight of at least 2.5 g / cm 2< , for instance in square centimeters (cm 2< ).

[0068] As a result, the area weight defines the mass of the concerned striking layer 26, 28, or section of the striking layer 26, 28, per unit area of the concerned striking layer 26, 28 or section of the striking layer 26, 28. Preferably, according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the entire striking layers 26, 28, rather than just a section thereof, have an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface 23, 25, of at least 2.5 g / cm 2< . Thus, the area weight is determined based on the entire area A of the striking surface 23, 25 extending to the edge(s) of the respective striking layer 26, 28. As described further below with respect to Figs. 3 and 4, if only a section of the striking layers 26, 28 is provided with an area weight of at least 2.5 g / cm 2< , then the respective area weight is determined based on the area A of the striking surface 23, 25 which is defined by the section of the striking layers 26, 28 which has an area weight of at least 2.5 g / cm 2< .

[0069] The area A is indicated in Figs. 2 to 4 in only one dimension due to the cross-sectional view shown therein. The area A also extends into and out of the drawing plane shown in Figs. 2 to 4 to the edges of the section of the striking layers 26, 28 which has an area weight of at least 2.5 g / cm 2< .

[0070] Fig. 3 shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A indicated in Fig. 1, a further embodiment of the racquet 10 according to the invention. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the striking layers 26, 28 of the racquet 10 shown in Fig. 3 each include a plurality of sub-layers, namely two sub-layers 26A, 26B and 28A, 28B, respectively. Preferably, at least the sub-layers 26B, 28B have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< . Preferably, the sub-layers 26A, 28A have a density which is less than 2.5 g / cm 3< . The embodiment of the racquet 10 may include a larger number of sub-layers than shown in Fig. 3. One or more of the sub-layers of either striking layer 26, 28 may have a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< .

[0071] The striking layers 26, 28, which are preferably made of a fiber composite material, include at least one filler material 32 which is preferably distributed, preferably substantially uniformly, within the sub-layers 26B, 28B. Preferably, the filler material 32 is a material which generally has a higher density than a base material of the sub-layers 26B, 28B, e.g., a fiber composite material. Preferably, the filler material 32 is a metal, preferably lead, which has a density of at least 6 g / cm 3< , preferably at least 7 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 8 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 9 g / cm 3< , more preferably at least 10 g / cm 3< , most preferably at least 11 g / cm 3< . Preferably, the filler material 32 is provided in particle form and / or fiber form.

[0072] Thus, the striking layers 26, 28 each have a first section 36, 38, i.e., the region of the striking layers 26, 28 in which the sublayers 26B, 28B are arranged, which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< and at least a second section 40, 42, i.e., the region of the striking layers 26, 28 in which the sublayers 26B, 28B are not arranged, which has a density of less than 2.5 g / cm 3< , preferably less than 2 g / cm 3< , more preferably less than 1.5 g / cm 3< , most preferably less than 1 g / cm 3< .

[0073] Alternatively, or additionally, the first sections 36, 38 of the striking layers 26, 28 may have an area weight, with respect to an area A of the striking surface 23, 25, of at least 2.5 g / cm 2< . Preferably, the second sections 40, 42 of the striking layers 26, 28 may have an area weight, with respect to an area A of the striking surface 23, 25, which is less than 2.5 g / cm 2< .

[0074] Preferably, the striking layer 26, 28, which the has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< in at least a section thereof, has an area weight, with respect to an area A of the striking surface 23, 25, which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface 23, 25 defined by the striking layer 26, 28. Preferably, the first section 36, 38 of the respective striking layer 26, 28 has an area weight which is at least 1.5 times greater than an area weight of the second section 40, 42 of the respective striking layer 26, 28.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 3, the striking layers 26, 28, have a layer thickness t which varies along the respective striking surfaces 23, 25. In particular, the thickness t2 of the first section 36, 38 is greater than the thickness t1 of the second section 40, 42. The greater thickness t2 is achieved by providing the sub-layers 26B, 28B in the first section 36, 38 and omitting the sub-layers 26B, 28B from the second section 40, 42.

[0076] Fig. 4 shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A indicated in Fig. 1, a further embodiment of the racquet 10 according to the invention. The embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2. The striking layers 26, 28 of the racquet 10 shown in Fig. 4 are configured as single layers, respectively. The striking layers 26, 28, which are preferably made of a fiber composite material, include at least one filler material 32 in the first sections 36, 38 thereof. The second sections 40, 42 are substantially void of filler material 32. Thus, the filler material 32 is distributed in a non-uniform manner in the striking layers 26, 28, i.e., by including the filler material 32 in the first sections 36, 38 and omitting the filler material in the second sections 40, 42.

[0077] As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the section of the striking layer 26, 28, which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< , is arranged substantially at a center of area of the respective striking surface 23, 25. Alternatively, the section of the striking layer 26, 28, which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm 3< , may be arranged outside of the a center of area of the respective striking surface 23, 25, e.g., towards the edge 30 of the head portion 14.

Claims

1. A racquet (10) for ball games, including: a handle portion (12) configured to be gripped by a user; and a head portion (14) connected to the handle portion (12); wherein the head portion (14) includes at least one core element (24) and at least two striking layers (26, 28) arranged on substantially opposite sides of the core element (24), wherein each striking layer (26, 28) defines a striking surface (23, 25), respectively, for striking a ball of the ball game, wherein at least one of the striking layers (26, 28) has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm3 in at least a section thereof, and wherein the striking layer (26, 28), which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm3 in at least a section thereof, is at least partially made of a fiber composite material, wherein the fiber composite material includes at least one filler material (32) which has a density of at least 6 g / cm3.

2. The racquet (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one filler material (32) has a density of at least 7 g / cm3, preferably at least 8 g / cm3, more preferably at least 9 g / cm3, more preferably at least 10 g / cm3, most preferably at least 11 g / cm3, wherein the at least one filler material (32) is preferably a metal, preferably lead.

3. The racquet (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filler material (32) is dispersed within at least a portion of the fiber composite material, preferably wherein the filler material (32) is provided in particle form and / or fiber form.

4. The racquet (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the striking layers (26, 28) has a first section (36, 38) which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm3 and at least a second section (40, 42) which has a density of less than 2.5 g / cm3, preferably less than 2 g / cm3, more preferably less than 1.5 g / cm3, most preferably less than 1 g / cm3.

5. The racquet (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the striking layer (26, 28), which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm3 in at least a section thereof, has an area weight, with respect to an area (A) of the striking surface (23, 25), which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface (23, 25) defined by the striking layer (26, 28), wherein a first section (36, 38) of said striking layer (26, 28) has an area weight which is at least 1.5 times greater, preferably at least 2 times greater, more preferably at least 2.5 times greater, more preferably at least 3 times greater, more preferably at least 3.5 times greater, more preferably at least 4 times greater, more preferably at least 4.5 times greater, most preferably at least 5 times greater, than an area weight of a second section (40, 42) of the striking layer (26, 28).

6. A racquet (10) for ball games, including: a handle portion (12) configured to be gripped by a user; and a head portion (14) connected to the handle portion (12), wherein the head portion (14) includes at least one core element (24) and at least two striking layers (26, 28) arranged on substantially opposite sides of the core element (24), wherein each striking layer (26, 28) defines a striking surface (23, 25), respectively, for striking a ball of the ball game, and wherein at least one of the striking layers (26, 28) has an area weight, with respect to an area (A) of the striking surface (23, 25) defined by said striking layer (26, 28), of at least 2.5 g / cm2 in at least a section thereof.

7. The racquet (10) according to claim 6, wherein the striking layer (26, 28), which has an area weight of at least 2.5 g / cm2 in at least a section thereof, has an area weight which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface (23, 25) defined by said striking layer (26, 28), wherein a first section (36, 38) of said striking layer (26, 28) has an area weight which is at least 1.5 times greater than an area weight of a second section (40, 42) of the same striking layer (26, 28).

8. The racquet (10) according to claim 7, wherein the first section (36, 38) has a higher density than the second section (40, 42).

9. The racquet (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first section (36, 38) has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm3 and the second section (40, 42) has a density of less than 2.5 g / cm3, preferably less than 2 g / cm3, more preferably less than 1.5 g / cm3, most preferably less than 1 g / cm3.

10. The racquet (10) according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the striking layer (26, 28), which has a varying area weight, has a layer thickness (t) which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface (23, 25) defined by said striking layer (26, 28), wherein the first section (36, 38) has a greater layer thickness (t) in at least a portion thereof than the second section (40, 42).

11. A method for manufacturing a racquet (10) for ball games according to claim 1, including the following steps: providing a handle portion (12) configured to be gripped by a user; providing at least one core element (24) of a head portion (14) of the racquet (10); arranging at least two striking layers (26, 28) on substantially opposite sides of the core element (24), wherein each striking layer (26, 28) defines a striking surface (23, 25), respectively, for striking a ball game ball, wherein at least one of the striking layers (26, 28) is provided with a density of at least 2.5 g / cm3 in at least a section thereof, and wherein the striking layer (26, 28), which has a density of at least 2.5 g / cm3 in at least a section thereof, is at least partially made of a fiber composite material, wherein the fiber composite material includes at least one filler material (32) which has a density of at least 6 g / cm3.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the at least one filler material (32) has a density of at least 7 g / cm3, preferably at least 8 g / cm3, more preferably at least 9 g / cm3, more preferably at least 10 g / cm3, most preferably at least 11 g / cm3, wherein the at least one filler material (32) is preferably a metal, preferably lead.

13. A method for manufacturing a racquet (10) for ball games according to claim 6, including the following steps: providing a handle portion (12) configured to be gripped by a user; providing at least one core element (24) of a head portion (14) of the racquet (10); arranging at least two striking layers (26, 28) on substantially opposite sides of the core element (24), wherein each striking layer (26, 28) defines a striking surface (23, 25), respectively, for striking a ball game ball, and wherein at least one of the striking layers (26, 28) is provided with an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface (23, 25) defined by said striking layer (26, 28), of at least 2.5 g / cm2 in at least a section thereof.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the striking layer (26, 28), which is provided with an area weight, with respect to an area of the striking surface (23, 25), of at least 2.5 g / cm2 in at least a section thereof, is provided with an area weight which varies along at least a portion of the striking surface (23, 25) defined by the striking layer (26, 28), wherein a first section (36, 38) of the striking layer (26, 28) has an area weight which is at least 1.5 times greater than an area weight of a second section (40, 42) of the same striking layer (26, 28).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the striking layer (26, 28), which has a varying area weight along at least a portion of the striking surface (23, 25) defined by the striking layer (26, 28), is at least partially made from a fiber composite material, wherein the fiber composite material includes at least one filler material (32), preferably a metal, preferably lead, which has a density of at least 6 g / cm3, preferably at least 7 g / cm3, more preferably at least 8 g / cm3, more preferably at least 9 g / cm3, more preferably at least 10 g / cm3, most preferably at least 11 g / cm3.

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