Composite artificial feathers for shuttlecocks

Abstract

To provide an artificial feather made of composite material for a shuttlecock. [Solution] The composite artificial feather for a shuttlecock of this invention comprises a main shaft (10) made from a first plastic injection molding material and feathers (30) made from a second plastic injection molding material, the density of the first plastic injection molding material being greater than the density of the second plastic injection molding material, the feathers covering the outside of the main shaft, the front of which has a plurality of groove patterns (311) and the back of which is flat, and is manufactured using overmolding or embedded injection molding technology, so that the main shaft made from the first plastic injection molding material can provide sufficient structural strength, and the feathers made from the second plastic injection molding material can reduce the weight of the artificial feather.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to the structure of a shuttlecock, and more particularly to an artificial feather made of composite material for a shuttlecock. [Background technology]

[0002] The structure of a shuttlecock is basically divided into two parts: the cork and the feathers. The cork is a hemispherical cylinder at its tip, and is the point of contact between the shuttlecock and the string surface of the badminton racket. The string surface is a mesh surface made up of feathers arranged crisscrossing each other from a special line. The feathers are evenly inserted into the tail end of the cork and are aligned with a roughly conical structure. The general-purpose specification for a conventional shuttlecock is 16 feathers.

[0003] Shuttlecocks are basically divided into two types according to the materials they are made from: natural materials and artificial materials. Because the selling price of shuttlecocks made from natural materials is higher than that of shuttlecocks made from artificial materials, shuttlecocks made from natural feathers are generally used in matches, while shuttlecocks made from artificial materials may also be used as practice balls for beginners.

[0004] As natural feathers, goose feathers or duck feathers are generally used, and the cost is high because natural feathers are difficult to collect, sort and process. During a match, it is necessary to maintain the stability of the shuttlecock's flight, and even slight damage to the shuttlecock feathers will affect the flight trajectory, requiring the ball to be replaced with a new one, and the consumption of shuttlecocks remains high during a high-intensity match.

[0005] In the registered Taiwanese patent (registration number: TWI713740) for "artificial feathers for shuttlecocks and shuttlecocks," the feather portion of the artificial feather can be made of, for example, nonwoven fabric or resin. When nonwoven fabric is used, a reinforcing coating is formed on the surface to prevent the fibers of the nonwoven fabric from unraveling when the ball is hit. The reinforcing coating can be formed by applying resin.

[0006] In the registered Taiwan patent (registration number: TWI636815) for "Shuttlecock and feathered stick therefor," the shuttlecock comprises a plurality of feathers, a cork, and a plurality of said feathered sticks, the feathered stick comprising a stick body with a feather tip and a cork tip, the stick body being made of a plastic material, with one of the plurality of feathers joined to the feather tip. The stick body comprises a hollow tubular body with an upper top surface and a lower top surface, an accommodating passage located within the hollow tubular body, a pair of side wings with a shingle structure connected respectively to oppositely facing sides of the hollow tubular body and to which each feather is stably joined, and a foam material filled into the accommodating passage, the interior of the stick body being filled with foam material, which imitates the porous structure of natural feathers, giving the feathered stick light weight, low density, impact resistance and toughness. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide an artificial composite feather for a shuttlecock that has the advantages of being quick to manufacture, having a strong structure, and reducing the consumption of natural resources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problems, the preferred embodiment of an artificial composite feather for a shuttlecock in accordance with this invention has a structure that includes a main shaft and a valve, the main shaft including a rachis and a handle that are connected together so that they are coaxial, the main shaft is made from a first plastic injection molding material and the valve is made from a second plastic injection molding material, the density of the first plastic injection molding material being greater than the density of the second plastic injection molding material, the valve covering the outside of the rachis, its front surface having a plurality of groove patterns and its back surface being flat, the groove patterns starting from the axis of the main shaft and extending in a direction away from the main shaft.

[0009] Preferably, the first plastic injection molding material is a mixture comprising a plastic injection molding material and RF lignocellulose.

[0010] Preferably, the first plastic injection molding material is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), a blend of polypropylene (PP) and RF lignocellulose, and a blend of nylon and RF lignocellulose.

[0011] Preferably, in the mixture of polypropylene (PP) and RF lignocellulose and the mixture of nylon and RF lignocellulose, the weight percentage of RF lignocellulose relative to the mixture is 30 to 40 wt %.

[0012] Preferably, the second plastic injection molding material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), expanded polyethylene (EPE), and polyurethane (PU).

[0013] Preferably, the vanes are manufactured using a second plastic injection molding material using MuCell technology.

[0014] Preferably, the cross section of the main shaft has a U-shaped configuration.

[0015] Preferably, the width of the main shaft narrows along the direction extending from the shank to the rachis, and the thickness of the main shaft thins along the direction extending from the shank to the rachis.

[0016] Preferably, both ends of the main shaft in the axial direction are formed in a curved arc shape so as to be slightly curved back toward the back surface, and the axial direction of the main shaft is slightly curved and arc-shaped.

[0017] Preferably, the vane includes a first vane and a second vane arranged on the left side and the right side of the rachis, respectively.

[0018] Preferably, the thickness of the first and second flap portions is thinner than that of the rachis in a direction away from the rachis.

[0019] Preferably, the rachis has a plurality of transverse notches that are uniformly distributed at different axial positions of the rachis, so that across the rachis, the flap completely covers the transverse notches as well as the rachis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The advantages and effects of the present invention are as follows: the composite artificial feather for a shuttlecock of the present invention is manufactured using over-molding or insert molding technology, and the main shaft made from a first plastic injection molding material can provide sufficient structural strength, while the feather valve made from a second plastic injection molding material can reduce the weight of the artificial feather.

[0021] The specific embodiments of the present invention and their technical features and advantages will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of an artificial feather made of composite material for a shuttlecock according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 5A] This is a cross-sectional structure taken along the axis line AA in FIG. [Figure 5B] This is a cross-sectional structure at the position BB of the main shaft in FIG. [Figure 5C] This is a cross-sectional structure at the position CC of the spindle in FIG. [Figure 5D] This is a cross-sectional structure at the position DD of the spindle in FIG. [Figure 5E] This is a cross-sectional structure taken at the position EE of the main axis in FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main shaft at position FF in FIG. 2, showing the structure of another preferred embodiment of the rachis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The directions (e.g., up, down, left, right, front, and rear) referred to in the embodiments disclosed in the specification and drawings of the present invention are subject to the content of the drawings and are used to explain the relative relationships (e.g., positional relationships, connection relationships, and operational relationships) between each unit or structure in the embodiments. In principle, the directions are appropriate when the units or structures referred to in the specification of the present invention are consistent with the positions in the drawings. If the positions of the units or structures referred to in the specification of the present invention are changed, the directions should also be changed accordingly.

[0024] 1 to 4, which are respectively a structural diagram, a front view, a side view, and a back view of a preferred embodiment of an artificial feather made of a composite material for a shuttlecock according to the present invention. The structure of the preferred embodiment of the artificial feather made of a composite material for a shuttlecock according to the present invention includes a main shaft 10 and feather valves 30 (including first feather valve 301 and second feather valve 302), with main shaft 10 being made from a first plastic injection-molded material and feather valves 30 being made from a second plastic injection-molded material, the density of the first plastic injection-molded material being greater than the density of the second plastic injection-molded material. Feather valves 30 cover the outside of main shaft 10, with front surface 31 having a plurality of groove patterns 311 and back surface 32 being a flat surface, with groove pattern 311 starting from the axis of main shaft 10 and extending in a direction away from main shaft 10.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first plastic injection molding material is a mixture containing a plastic injection molding material and a reinforcing material (e.g., RF lignocellulose), and preferably the first plastic injection molding material is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), a mixture of polypropylene (PP) and RF lignocellulose, and a mixture of nylon and RF lignocellulose. In a preferred embodiment, in the mixture of polypropylene (PP) and RF lignocellulose and the mixture of nylon and RF lignocellulose, the weight percentage of RF lignocellulose in the mixture is 30 to 40 wt%.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second plastic injection molding material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), expanded polyethylene (EPE), and polyurethane (PU).

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composite artificial feathers for shuttlecocks of the present invention are manufactured using over-molding technology, which is also known as two-shot molding or multiple material injection molding, in which two different plastic materials are combined to produce a single part or product during the injection molding process. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composite artificial feathers for shuttlecocks of the present invention may be manufactured using insert molding technology.

[0028] For example, first, shaft 10 is manufactured using a first plastic injection molding material, and then shaft 10 is moved into another mold, where a second plastic injection molding material is injected to complete the formation of feathers 30. At the same time, feathers 30 are used to cover shaft 10, thereby producing the composite material artificial feather for a shuttlecock of the present invention.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feathers 30 are manufactured from a second plastic injection molding material using microcellular foam injection molding (MuCell) technology, and the elasticity, density, and weight of the feathers are adjusted by controlling the density of the microcellular foam, so that the feathers have the toughness and elasticity required for a shuttlecock feather and meet the weight requirements of the shuttlecock.

[0030] The composite artificial feathers for shuttlecocks of this invention are manufactured using overmolding and embedded injection molding techniques, with the main shaft made from a first plastic injection molding material providing sufficient structural strength, and the feather valves made from a second plastic injection molding material reducing the weight of the artificial feather.

[0031] 5A to 5E show the cross-sectional structure of a preferred embodiment of main shaft 10. Main shaft 10 includes rachis 11 and shank 12, which are coaxially connected as a single unit. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of main shaft 10 is U-shaped, providing preferred structural strength. In a preferred embodiment, width W1 of main shaft 10 narrows in the direction extending from shank 12 to rachis 11, and thickness T1 of main shaft 10 decreases in the direction extending from shank 12 to rachis 11. In a preferred embodiment, both ends of main shaft 10 in the axial direction are formed in a curved arc so as to be slightly curved back toward back surface 32. In a preferred embodiment, when viewed from the viewing angle of the front and back views of the artificial composite feather for a shuttlecock of this invention, the axial direction of main shaft 10 is slightly curved and arc-shaped.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the structure of the vane 30 includes a first vane 301 and a second vane 302, which are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the rachis 11. The structures of the first vane 301 and the second vane 302 are symmetrical to each other, and generally, the projected shapes of the first vane 301 and the second vane 302 on the same plane are asymmetrical. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness T2 of the first vane 301 and the second vane 302 is thinner than that of the rachis 11 in the direction away from the rachis 11 (see FIG. 5D).

[0033] 6, which shows a preferred embodiment structure of the rachis 11, the rachis 11 has a plurality of transverse notches 20, which are uniformly distributed at different positions in the axial direction of the rachis 11, so that across the rachis 11, the vanes 30 cover the rachis 11 of the main shaft 10 and also completely cover the transverse notches 20. Therefore, the first vanes 301 and the second vanes 302 can be better and more firmly bonded to the rachis 11 of the main shaft 10.

[0034] The above has disclosed the present invention through the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to them, and those skilled in the art may make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined based on the appended claims of this specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 10...Spindle 11 ... rachis 12 Feather handle 20 Horizontal cut 30...Petals 301 First valve 302 Second flap 31...Front 311 Groove pattern 32...Back side T1: Thickness T2: Thickness W1...width

Claims

1. An artificial shuttlecock feather made of a composite material, the artificial shuttlecock feather including a main shaft and a valve, the main shaft including a rachis and a handle that are connected together so as to be coaxial, the main shaft being manufactured from a first plastic injection molding material and the valve being manufactured from a second plastic injection molding material, the density of the first plastic injection molding material being greater than the density of the second plastic injection molding material, the front surface of the valve having a plurality of groove patterns that start on the axis of the main shaft and extend in a direction away from the main shaft.

2. 2. The artificial composite feather for a shuttlecock according to claim 1, wherein said first plastic injection molding material is a mixture containing a plastic injection molding material and RF lignocellulose.

3. 2. The artificial composite feather for a shuttlecock according to claim 1, wherein the first plastic injection molding material is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), a mixture of polypropylene (PP) and RF lignocellulose, and a mixture of nylon and RF lignocellulose.

4. The artificial feather made of a composite material for a shuttlecock as set forth in claim 3, wherein in the mixture of polypropylene (PP) and RF lignocellulose, and the mixture of nylon (Nylon) and RF lignocellulose, the weight percentage of the RF lignocellulose relative to the mixture is 30 to 40 wt %.

5. 2. The composite artificial feather for a shuttlecock according to claim 1, wherein the second plastic injection molding material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), expanded polyethylene (EPE), and polyurethane (PU).

6. 6. The composite material artificial feather for a shuttlecock according to claim 5, wherein the flap is manufactured by microcellular injection molding (MuCell) technology using the second plastic injection molding material.

7. 2. The artificial feather for a shuttlecock made of a composite material according to claim 1, wherein a cross section of said main shaft has a U-shaped configuration.

8. 2. The artificial shuttlecock feather made of a composite material according to claim 1, wherein the width of the main shaft narrows along the direction extending from the handle to the rachis, and the thickness of the main shaft thins along the direction extending from the handle to the rachis.

9. 2. The artificial composite material feather for a shuttlecock as set forth in claim 1, wherein both axial ends of said main shaft are formed in a deflected arc shape so as to be slightly curved back toward the back surfaces of said valves, and the axial direction of said main shaft is curved slightly so as to present an arc shape.

10. 2. The artificial shuttlecock feather made of a composite material according to claim 1, wherein the flap includes a first flap and a second flap arranged on the left side and right side of the rachis, respectively.

11. 11. The artificial shuttlecock feather made of a composite material according to claim 10, wherein the thickness of said first flap and said second flap becomes thinner in a direction away from said rachis.

12. 11. The artificial feather for a shuttlecock made of a composite material according to claim 10, wherein the rachis has a plurality of transverse notches that are uniformly distributed at different positions in the axial direction of the rachis, and the valves cover the rachis and also completely cover the transverse notches across the rachis.

Images