Racket

Abstract

To provide a racket excellent in spin performance.SOLUTION: A face of a tennis racket has a plain weave structure including a plurality of vertical threads, a plurality of high tension traverse threads 36 and a plurality of low tension traverse threads 38. The tennis racket has a spinning promoting zone 46. The spinning promoting zone 46 includes: (1) first high tension traverse threads 36; (2) second high tension traverse threads 36; and (3) an odd number of low tension traverse threads 38 put between the first high tension traverse thread 36 and the second high tension traverse thread 36. The spinning promoting zone does not include other high tension traverse threads 36 between the first high tension traverse threads 36 and the second high tension traverse threads 36.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a racket for use in tennis or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] A tennis racket has a frame, main strings, and cross strings. Tennis rackets are required to have spin performance, control performance, hitting feel, etc. JP 2021-133084 A discloses a tennis racket having a first main string and a second main string having specifications different from those of the first main string. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-133084 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, swings that impart high-speed spin to the ball have become common in tennis games. The spin performance of a tennis racket is important. The spin performance of a racket is also important in racket sports other than tennis. The applicant's intention is to provide a racket with excellent spin performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The racket disclosed herein has a head having a top and a bottom, and a face contoured by the head. The face has a plain weave including a plurality of warp threads, a plurality of high-tension weft threads, and a plurality of low-tension weft threads. The plain weave has one or more spin-enhancing zones. Each spin-enhancing zone has: (1) First high tension horizontal thread, (2) Second high tension horizontal thread, and (3) An odd number of low-tension horizontal threads sandwiched between the first high-tension horizontal thread and the second high-tension horizontal thread The spin-enhancing zone does not include any other high tension transverse threads sandwiched between the first high tension transverse thread and the second high tension transverse thread. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In this racket, the spin-promoting zone can contribute to spin performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded front view showing a tennis racket according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the tennis racket of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing a portion of the tennis racket of FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the face of the racket of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of the racket of FIG. 1 showing the main strings. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of the racket of FIG. 1 showing the high tension cross strings. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged front view of the racket of FIG. 1 showing the low tension cross strings. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view of the racket head of FIG. 1, showing the cross sled. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view of the head and face of the racket of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a part of the cross section taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a part of a cross section taken along line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing a part of a cross section taken along line XII-XII in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing a part of a cross section taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view of a tennis racket head according to another embodiment, shown with a cross sled. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0009] 1-3 show a tennis racket 2. This tennis racket 2 has a frame 4, a grip 6, an end cap 8, a grommet 10, and a face 12. This tennis racket 2 can be used for hard tennis. In FIGS. 1 and 2, arrow X represents the width direction of the tennis racket 2, arrow Y represents the axial direction of the tennis racket 2, and arrow Z represents the thickness direction of the tennis racket 2. In FIG. 1, the symbol CL represents the center line in the width direction X.

[0010] The frame 4 has a head 14, two throats 16, and a shaft 18. The head 14 forms the outline of the face 12. In this embodiment, the front shape of the head 14 is approximately elliptical. The major axis direction of the ellipse coincides with the axial direction Y of the tennis racket 2. The minor axis direction of the ellipse coincides with the width direction X of the tennis racket 2. The head 14 has a top 20 and a bottom 22. In FIG. 1, the symbol Pc represents the center point of the head 14. The distance from the center point Pc to the bottom 22 is equal to the distance from the center point Pc to the top 20.

[0011] One end of each throat 16 is continuous with the head 14. This throat 16 joins with another throat 16 near the other end. The throat 16 extends from the head 14 to a shaft 18. The shaft 18 extends from the point where the two throats 16 join. The shaft 18 is formed continuously and integrally with the throats 16. The portion of the head 14 sandwiched between the two throats 16 is a yoke 24.

[0012] The frame 4 is hollow. The material of the frame 4 is fiber reinforced resin. In this embodiment, the matrix resin of the fiber reinforced resin is a thermosetting resin. A typical thermosetting resin is an epoxy resin. A typical fiber of the fiber reinforced resin is a carbon fiber. The fiber is a long fiber.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2, the head 14 has a grommet groove 26. This grommet groove 26 is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the head 14. As shown in Fig. 1, the grommet groove 26 is formed around almost the entire circumference of the head 14, excluding the yoke 24.

[0014] 3, the head 14 has a plurality of holes 28. Each hole 28 penetrates the head 14. The plurality of holes 28 are arranged around almost the entire circumference of the head 14.

[0015] The grip 6 is formed by a tape wound around the shaft 18. The grip 6 prevents the player's hand from slipping against the tennis racket 2 when the tennis racket 2 is swung. An end cap 8 is attached to the end of the grip 6.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the grommet 10 has a base 30 and a plurality of pipes 32. The base 30 has a belt shape. Each pipe 32 is formed integrally with the base 30. The pipes 32 stand upright from the base 30.

[0017] The grommet 10 is typically made of a synthetic resin that is softer than the frame 4. The racket 2 may have multiple grommets 10. The grommets 10 may be spaced apart from each other. The number of pipes 32 in each grommet 10 may be one.

[0018] The grommet 10 is attached to the head 14. When the grommet 10 is attached to the head 14, the base 30 is housed in the grommet groove 26. A portion of the base 30 may protrude from the grommet groove 26. When the grommet 10 is attached to the head 14, the pipes 32 pass through the holes 28. One pipe 32 is passed through each hole 28.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows a portion of the face 12. The face 12 has a plurality of longitudinal threads 34, a plurality of high-tension transverse threads 36, and a plurality of low-tension transverse threads 38. The tension T3 of the low-tension transverse threads 38 is less than the tension T2 of the high-tension transverse threads 36. Each longitudinal thread 34 is threaded through the head 14 along the axial direction Y. The longitudinal threads 34 intersect with the transverse threads. Each high-tension transverse thread 36 is threaded through the head 14 along the width direction X. The high-tension transverse thread 36 intersects with the longitudinal threads 34. Each low-tension transverse thread 38 is threaded through the head 14 along the width direction X. The low-tension transverse thread 38 intersects with the longitudinal threads 34. The face 12 generally lies along the XY plane.

[0020] The tennis racket 2 has a main string 40. The main string 40 is shown in FIG. 5. The main string 40 is strung in a zigzag pattern on the head 14. The main string 40 passes through a plurality of holes 28 (see FIG. 2). In other words, the main string 40 passes through a plurality of pipes 32. A plurality of longitudinal threads 34 are formed by the main string 40. In this embodiment, one main string 40 forms 16 longitudinal threads 34. These longitudinal threads 34 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the head 14 in the width direction. The tennis racket 2 may have a plurality of main strings 40.

[0021] The tennis racket 2 has high-tension cross strings 42. These high-tension cross strings 42 are shown in FIG. 6. The high-tension cross strings 42 are strung in a zigzag pattern on the head 14. The high-tension cross strings 42 pass through multiple holes 28 (see FIG. 2). In other words, the cross strings pass through multiple pipes 32. These high-tension cross strings 42 form multiple high-tension horizontal threads 36. In this embodiment, ten high-tension horizontal threads 36 are formed from one high-tension cross string 42. The tennis racket 2 may also have multiple high-tension cross strings 42. The high-tension cross strings 42 may be integral with the main strings 40 (see FIG. 5).

[0022] The tennis racket 2 has low-tension cross strings 44. These low-tension cross strings 44 are shown in FIG. 7. To facilitate distinction from the high-tension cross strings 42, the low-tension cross strings 44 are shown by dotted lines in FIG. 7. The low-tension cross strings 44 are strung in a zigzag pattern on the head 14. The low-tension cross strings 44 pass through multiple holes 28 (see FIG. 2). In other words, the cross strings pass through multiple pipes 32. The low-tension cross strings 44 form multiple low-tension horizontal threads 38. In this embodiment, nine low-tension horizontal threads 38 are formed from one low-tension cross string 44. The tennis racket 2 may have multiple low-tension cross strings 44.

[0023] 8 shows the high-tension cross strings 42 and the low-tension cross strings 44. As described above, in this embodiment, ten high-tension cross threads 36 are formed from the high-tension cross strings 42, and nine low-tension cross threads 38 are formed from the low-tension cross strings 44. Therefore, the number of cross threads is 19. Because the holes 28 through which the high-tension cross strings 42 are threaded and the holes 28 through which the low-tension cross strings 44 are threaded are selected, the low-tension cross threads 38 do not overlap with the high-tension cross threads 36 on the face 12. In this embodiment, the high-tension cross threads 36 and the low-tension cross threads 38 are alternately arranged from the top 20 to the bottom 22.

[0024] In Figure 8, the reference numeral 46 denotes a spin-promotion zone. In this embodiment, there are nine spin-promotion zones 46. Each spin-promotion zone 46 is composed of two high-tension transverse threads 36 and one low-tension transverse thread 38 sandwiched between these high-tension transverse threads 36. A high-tension transverse thread 36 sandwiched between two adjacent spin-promotion zones 46 belongs to both one spin-promotion zone 46 and the other spin-promotion zone 46.

[0025] FIG. 9 shows the head 14 and face 12. The face 12 is formed by a plurality of warp threads 34, a plurality of high-tension weft threads 36, and a plurality of low-tension weft threads 38. The face 12 has a plain weave. As can be seen by also referring to FIG. 4, in a plain weave, one warp thread 34 alternately crosses multiple weft threads. When a warp thread 34 passes over the front side of one of two adjacent weft threads, the warp thread 34 passes over the back side of the other weft thread. When a warp thread 34 passes over the back side of one of two adjacent weft threads, the warp thread 34 passes over the front side of the other weft thread. In a plain weave, one weft thread alternately crosses multiple warp threads 34. When a weft thread passes over the front side of one of two adjacent weft threads 34, the weft thread passes over the back side of the other weft thread. When a horizontal thread passes behind one of two adjacent vertical threads 34, the horizontal thread passes over the front side of the other vertical thread 34. A tennis racket 2 having a plain weave structure can comply with the rules of the International Tennis Federation.

[0026] Figure 10 shows a portion of a cross section taken along line XX in Figure 9. Figure 10 shows one high-tension weft thread 36 and five warp threads 34. Figure 10 shows a cross section of each warp thread 34. Because the face 12 has a plain weave, the high-tension weft thread 36 alternately crosses multiple warp threads 34. The warp threads 34 restrain the high-tension weft threads 36. The high-tension weft threads 36 restrain the warp threads 34.

[0027] Figure 11 shows a portion of a cross section taken along line XI-XI in Figure 9. Figure 11 shows one low-tension weft thread 38 and five warp threads 34. Figure 11 shows a cross section of each warp thread 34. Because face 12 has a plain weave, low-tension weft thread 38 alternately crosses multiple warp threads 34. Warp threads 34 restrain low-tension weft thread 38. Low-tension weft thread 38 restrains warp threads 34.

[0028] As is clear from comparison with Figure 10, the low-tension cross thread 38 in Figure 11 is bent more than the high-tension cross thread 36. This bending occurs due to the force from the longitudinal thread 34. The tension T3 of the low-tension cross thread 38 is smaller than the tension T2 of the high-tension cross thread 36, so the low-tension cross thread 38 bends more than the high-tension cross thread 36. The force with which the low-tension cross thread 38 restrains the longitudinal thread 34 is weaker than the force with which the high-tension cross thread 36 restrains the longitudinal thread 34.

[0029] Figure 12 shows a portion of a cross section taken along line XII-XII in Figure 9. Figure 12 shows a first longitudinal thread 34a, four high-tension weft threads 36, and three low-tension weft threads 38. Figure 12 also shows a cross section of each weft thread. Because face 12 has a plain weave, first longitudinal thread 34a alternates with the weft threads. In Figure 12, when the right side is the face side of face 12, the left side is the back side of face 12.

[0030] FIG. 12 shows a spin-promoting zone 46a (see also FIG. 8). This spin-promoting zone 46a includes a first high-tension transverse thread 36a and a second high-tension transverse thread 36b. The spin-promoting zone 46a also includes a first low-tension transverse thread 38a. This first low-tension transverse thread 38a is sandwiched between the first high-tension transverse thread 36a and the second high-tension transverse thread 36b. No other high-tension transverse threads 36 exist between the first high-tension transverse thread 36a and the second high-tension transverse thread 36b.

[0031] The first high-tension horizontal thread 36a is located closer to the front side than the first longitudinal thread 34a. The second high-tension horizontal thread 36b is also located closer to the front side than the first longitudinal thread 34a. The first low-tension horizontal thread 38a is located closer to the back side than the first longitudinal thread 34a. In the spin promotion zone 46a, the first longitudinal thread 34a is exposed to the front side. Because the binding force of the first low-tension horizontal thread 38a on the first longitudinal thread 34a is small, the degree of curvature of the first longitudinal thread 34a in the spin promotion zone 46a is small.

[0032] During a drive shot, a tennis player swings the racket 2 so that the face 12 moves primarily along the width direction X. When the first longitudinal thread 34a collides with the tennis ball 48, a force is applied in the width direction X to the first longitudinal thread 34a. As described above, the restraining force of the first low-tension horizontal thread 38a on the first longitudinal thread 34a is small. When the tennis ball 48 collides with the front side of the face 12, the first longitudinal thread 34a receives a force from the tennis ball 48 and is sufficiently deformed in the width direction X in the spin promotion zone 46a. After deformation, the first longitudinal thread 34a returns to its original shape. This restoration imparts overspin to the tennis ball 48. This tennis racket 2 has excellent spin performance.

[0033] The first high tension horizontal thread 36a and the second high tension horizontal thread 36b have a small degree of curvature (see FIG. 10). Therefore, these high tension horizontal threads 36a do not easily hinder the deformation of the first vertical thread 34a.

[0034] FIG. 13 shows a partial cross section taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 9. Similar to FIG. 12, FIG. 13 shows a spin-promoting zone 46a. This spin-promoting zone 46a includes a first high-tension transverse thread 36a and a second high-tension transverse thread 36b. The spin-promoting zone 46a also includes a first low-tension transverse thread 38a. This first low-tension transverse thread 38a is sandwiched between the first high-tension transverse thread 36a and the second high-tension transverse thread 36b. No other high-tension transverse threads 36 are present between the first high-tension transverse thread 36a and the second high-tension transverse thread 36b. Also shown in FIG. 13 is a second longitudinal thread 34b. This second longitudinal thread 34b is adjacent to the first longitudinal thread 34a shown in FIG. 12 (see also FIG. 9).

[0035] The first high-tension horizontal thread 36a is located behind the second longitudinal thread 34b. The second high-tension horizontal thread 36b is also located behind the second longitudinal thread 34b. The first low-tension horizontal thread 38a is located on the front side of the second longitudinal thread 34b. In the spin promotion zone 46a, the second longitudinal thread 34b is exposed to the back side. Because the binding force of the first low-tension horizontal thread 38a on the second longitudinal thread 34b is small, the second longitudinal thread 34b curves less in the spin promotion zone 46a.

[0036] As described above, the first low-tension horizontal threads 38a exert a small restraining force on the second longitudinal threads 34b. When the tennis ball 48 strikes the backside of the face 12, the force from the tennis ball 48 causes the second longitudinal threads 34b to deform sufficiently in the width direction X in the spin promotion zone 46a. After deformation, the second longitudinal threads 34b return to their original shape. This restoration imparts overspin to the tennis ball 48. This tennis racket 2 has excellent spin performance.

[0037] The first high tension horizontal thread 36a and the second high tension horizontal thread 36b have a small degree of curvature (see FIG. 10). Therefore, these high tension horizontal threads 36a and 36b do not easily hinder the deformation of the second vertical thread 34b.

[0038] In the spin promotion zone 46a, the plurality of longitudinal threads 34 exposed on the front side and the plurality of longitudinal threads 34 exposed on the back side are arranged alternately along the width direction X. The spin promotion zone 46a promotes spin when the tennis ball 48 collides with the front side of the face 12, and also promotes spin when the tennis ball 48 collides with the back side of the face 12.

[0039] Each spin-enhancing zone 46 shown in FIG. 8 promotes spin when tennis ball 48 impacts the front side of face 12 and also promotes spin when tennis ball 48 impacts the back side of face 12.

[0040] The high-tension horizontal thread 36 with a large tension T2 can contribute to the control performance of the tennis racket 2. The low-tension horizontal thread 38 with a small tension T3 can contribute to a high launch speed of the tennis ball 48. The low-tension horizontal thread 38 can also contribute to the soft feel of the tennis racket 2 when hitting the ball.

[0041] From the viewpoints of spin performance, control performance, launch speed, and shot feel, the tension difference (T2-T3) is preferably 10 pounds or more, more preferably 15 pounds or more, and particularly preferably 20 pounds or more. From the viewpoint of the durability of the face 12, this difference (T2-T3) is preferably 50 pounds or less, more preferably 40 pounds or less, and particularly preferably 35 pounds or less.

[0042] From the viewpoints of spin performance, control performance, launch speed, and shot feel, the tension ratio (T2 / T3) is preferably 1.2 or greater, more preferably 1.3 or greater, and particularly preferably 1.4 or greater. From the viewpoint of durability of the face 12, the ratio (T2 / T3) is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.7 or less, and particularly preferably 2.5 or less.

[0043] From the viewpoint of control performance, the tension T2 of the high-tension horizontal thread 36 is preferably 40 pounds or more, more preferably 45 pounds or more, and particularly preferably 50 pounds or more. From the viewpoint of launch speed and shot feel, the tension T3 of the low-tension horizontal thread 38 is preferably 50 pounds or less, more preferably 45 pounds or less, and particularly preferably 40 pounds or less.

[0044] When the high-tension cross strings 42 are strung on the head 14, the tension T2 of the high-tension transverse threads 36 can be adjusted. When the low-tension cross strings 44 are strung on the head 14, the tension T3 of the low-tension transverse threads 38 can be adjusted. The high-tension cross strings 42 are not integral with the low-tension cross strings 44. Therefore, a decrease in the tension T2 of the high-tension transverse threads 36 does not increase the tension T3 of the low-tension transverse threads 38. Furthermore, an increase in the tension T3 of the low-tension transverse threads 38 does not decrease the tension T2 of the high-tension transverse threads 36.

[0045] The longitudinal threads 34 may have a tension T1 that is greater than the tension T2 of the high-tension weft threads 36. The longitudinal threads 34 may have a tension T1 that is the same as the tension T2 of the high-tension weft threads 36. The longitudinal threads 34 may have a tension T1 that is less than the tension T2 of the high-tension weft threads 36 and greater than the tension T3 of the low-tension weft threads 38. The longitudinal threads 34 may have a tension T1 that is the same as the tension T3 of the low-tension weft threads 38. The longitudinal threads 34 may have a tension T1 that is less than the tension T3 of the low-tension weft threads 38.

[0046] If the longitudinal threads 34 have the same tension T1 as the tension T2 of the high-tension weft threads 36, multiple longitudinal threads 34 and multiple high-tension weft threads 36 can be formed from one string. If the longitudinal threads 34 have the same tension T1 as the tension T3 of the low-tension weft threads 38, multiple longitudinal threads 34 and multiple low-tension weft threads 38 can be formed from one string.

[0047] Preferably, the longitudinal threads 34 have a tension T1 greater than the tension T3 of the low-tension transverse threads 38. From the viewpoints of spin performance, control performance, launch speed, and shot feel, the tension difference (T1 - T3) is preferably 5 pounds or greater, more preferably 10 pounds or greater, and particularly preferably 15 pounds or greater. From the viewpoint of the durability of the face 12, this difference (T2 - T3) is preferably 45 pounds or less, more preferably 35 pounds or less, and particularly preferably 30 pounds or less.

[0048] From the viewpoints of spin performance, control performance, launch speed, and shot feel, the tension ratio (T1 / T3) is preferably 1.1 or greater, more preferably 1.2 or greater, and particularly preferably 1.3 or greater. From the viewpoint of the durability of the face 12, the ratio (T1 / T3) is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.7 or less, and particularly preferably 2.5 or less.

[0049] In this embodiment, the number of low-tension transverse threads 38 sandwiched between the first high-tension transverse thread 36 and the second high-tension transverse thread 36 in the spin promotion zone 46 is one. This number may be an odd number other than one. Specifically, this number may be three or five. The ideal number is one.

[0050] The preferred material for each string is a synthetic resin or a natural material. Examples of preferred synthetic resins include nylon and polyester. The preferred natural material is natural gut. The material of the high-tension cross strings 42 may be the same as or different from the material of the main strings 40. The material of the low-tension cross strings 44 may be the same as or different from the material of the main strings 40. The material of the low-tension cross strings 44 may be the same as or different from the material of the high-tension cross strings 42.

[0051] FIG. 14 shows a portion of a tennis racket 50 according to another embodiment. FIG. 14 shows a head 52, a plurality of high-tension horizontal threads 54, and a plurality of low-tension horizontal threads 56. Each high-tension horizontal thread 54 is indicated by a solid line, and each low-tension horizontal thread 56 is indicated by a dotted line. This tennis racket 50, like the tennis racket 2 shown in FIGS. 1-13, has a plurality of longitudinal threads. In FIG. 14, these longitudinal threads are not shown. This tennis racket 50, like the tennis racket 2 shown in FIGS. 1-13, has a grip, an end cap, grommets, a throat, a shaft, etc.

[0052] This tennis racket 50 has three spin-promoting zones 58. Each spin-promoting zone 58 has two high-tension transverse threads 54 and a low-tension transverse thread 56 sandwiched between the high-tension transverse threads 54. Each spin-promoting zone 58 is located on the top side of the center point Pc. Like the spin-promoting zones 46 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, each spin-promoting zone 58 promotes spin when the tennis ball 48 impacts the front side of the face, and also promotes spin when the tennis ball 48 impacts the back side of the face.

[0053] The impact point in a drive shot is often located on the top side of the center point Pc. The spin-promoting zone 58 located on the top side of the center point Pc can contribute to the spin performance in a drive shot.

[0054] The tennis racquet 50 may have spin-promoting zones 58 located above the center point Pc as well as spin-promoting zones 58 located below the center point Pc. A spin-promoting zone 58 that includes the center point Pc and has its center point in the axial direction Y located above the center point Pc is a spin-promoting zone 58 located above the center point Pc. A spin-promoting zone 58 that includes the center point Pc and has its center point in the axial direction Y located below the center point Pc is a spin-promoting zone 58 located below the center point Pc.

[0055] Preferably, the number Nt of spin-promoting zones 58 located on the top side of the center point Pc is greater than the number Nb of spin-promoting zones 58 located on the bottom side of the center point Pc. This tennis racket 50 has excellent spin performance in drive shots. The difference (Nt - Nb) is preferably 1 or greater, more preferably 2 or greater, and particularly preferably 3 or greater. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the number Nt is 3 and the number Nb is 0. Therefore, the difference (Nt - Nb) is 3. [Example]

[0056] The effects of the tennis racket according to the example will be explained below, but the scope of the disclosure in this specification should not be construed as being limited based on the description of this example.

[0057] [Example 1] The tennis racket shown in Figures 1-13 was constructed with longitudinal threads having a tension T1 of 50 pounds, high tension transverse threads having a tension T2 of 60 pounds, and low tension transverse threads having a tension T3 of 40 pounds.

[0058] [Examples 2-4 and Comparative Examples 1-5] Tennis rackets of Examples 2-4 and Comparative Examples 1-5 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the tension of each thread was set as shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.

[0059] [Impact test] An advanced tennis player was asked to play a rally using each tennis racket. The tennis player was asked to rate the distance, spin, feel (softness) and controllability on a scale of 1 to 10. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.

[0060] [Table 1]

[0061] [Table 2]

[0062] As is clear from Tables 1 and 2, the tennis rackets of the examples are excellent in each category. The superiority of this racket is clear from these evaluation results.

[0063] [Disclosure items] Each of the following sections discloses a preferred embodiment.

[0064] [Item 1] a head having a top and a bottom, and a face contoured by the head; the face has a plain weave including a plurality of warp threads, a plurality of high tension weft threads, and a plurality of low tension weft threads; the plain weave has one or more spin-enhancing zones; Each spin-promoting zone is (1) First high tension horizontal thread, (2) Second high tension horizontal thread, and (3) An odd number of low-tension horizontal threads sandwiched between the first high-tension horizontal thread and the second high-tension horizontal thread Including, and the spin-promoting zone does not include any other high-tension transverse thread sandwiched between the first high-tension transverse thread and the second high-tension transverse thread.

[0065] [Item 2] Item 1. The racket of item 1, wherein the number of low-tension transverse threads sandwiched between the first high-tension transverse thread and the second high-tension transverse thread in the spin-promoting zone is one.

[0066] [Item 3] 3. The racket according to item 1 or 2, wherein the difference (T2-T3) between the tension T2 of the high-tension horizontal thread and the tension T3 of the low-tension horizontal thread is 10 pounds or more.

[0067] [Item 4] 4. The racket according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the ratio (T2 / T3) of the tension T2 of the high-tension horizontal threads to the tension T3 of the low-tension horizontal threads is 1.2 or greater.

[0068] [Item 5] 5. The racket according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the difference (T1-T3) between the tension T1 of the vertical threads and the tension T3 of the low-tension horizontal threads is 5 pounds or more.

[0069] [Item 6] 6. The racket according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the ratio (T1 / T3) of the tension T2 of the high-tension horizontal threads to the tension T1 of the vertical threads is 1.1 or greater.

[0070] [Item 7] 7. The racket according to any one of items 1 to 6, having a spin-promoting zone located on the top side of the center point of the head.

[0071] [Item 8] 8. The racket according to item 7, wherein the number Nt of spin-promoting zones located on the top side of the center point of the head is greater than the number Nb of spin-promoting zones located on the bottom side of the center point of the head. [Industrial Applicability]

[0072] The racket described above is also suitable for soft tennis, squash, badminton, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 2. Tennis rackets 4. Frame 12...face 14...head 34 Vertical thread 34a First vertical thread 34b Second vertical thread 36 High tension horizontal thread 36a···First high tension horizontal thread 36b···Second high tension horizontal thread 38 Low tension horizontal thread 38a···First low tension horizontal thread 40 Main string 42 High tension cross string 44 Low tension cross string 46 Spin Promotion Zone 50...tennis racket 52...head 54 High tension horizontal thread 56 Low tension horizontal thread 58 Spin Promotion Zone

Claims

1. a head having a top and a bottom, and a face contoured by the head; the face has a plain weave including a plurality of warp threads, a plurality of high tension weft threads, and a plurality of low tension weft threads; the plain weave has one or more spin enhancing zones; Each spin-promoting zone is (1) First high tension horizontal thread; (2) a second high-tension transverse thread; and (3) An odd number of low-tension cross threads sandwiched between the first high-tension cross thread and the second high-tension cross thread Including, and the spin-promoting zone does not include any other high-tension transverse thread sandwiched between the first high-tension transverse thread and the second high-tension transverse thread.

2. 2. The racket of claim 1, wherein the number of low-tension transverse threads sandwiched between the first high-tension transverse thread and the second high-tension transverse thread in the spin-enhancing zone is one.

3. 3. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the difference (T2-T3) between the tension T2 of the high tension horizontal thread and the tension T3 of the low tension horizontal thread is 10 pounds or more.

4. 3. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the ratio (T2 / T3) of the tension T2 of the high tension horizontal thread to the tension T3 of the low tension horizontal thread is 1.2 or greater.

5. 3. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the difference (T1-T3) between the tension T1 of the longitudinal threads and the tension T3 of the low tension transverse threads is 5 pounds or more.

6. 3. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the ratio (T1 / T3) of the tension T2 of the high tension horizontal threads to the tension T1 of the vertical threads is 1.1 or greater.

7. 3. The racket of claim 1, further comprising a spin-promoting zone located toward the top side of the center point of the head.

8. 8. The racket of claim 7, wherein the number of spin-promoting zones located on the top side of the head center point, Nt, is greater than the number of spin-promoting zones located on the bottom side of the head center point, Nb.

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