A racket with a socket and a plug

Abstract

A racket (1) is provided. The racket (1) comprises a handle (2) and a blade (3). The handle (2) comprises a socket (5) disposed at an end (2') of the handle (2). The socket (5) extends within the handle (2) along a central longitudinal axis (6) of the racket (1). The socket (5) comprises a first magnetic material (7) disposed within the socket (5). The racket (1) further comprises a plug (8) configured to be disposed within the socket (5). The plug (8) comprises a second magnetic material configured to be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic material (7).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to the field of sports rackets. [Background technology]

[0002] Racquet sports players, both amateurs and professionals, choose their rackets carefully because there are many parameters to consider in order to obtain the optimal racket. These parameters include, for example, the type of material the various racket components are made of, the assembly of the racket components, and the shape and appearance of the racket. One of the most important parameters is the weight and balance of the racket handle.

[0003] Therefore, many racket sport players attempt to adjust and customize their equipment to suit their individual preferences. For example, some players use lead tape to adjust the weight and balance of their racket handle. However, such procedures can be time-consuming, inaccurate, difficult to reproduce, and / or can adversely affect other parameters of the racket, such as the grip of the handle. Also, lead tape can peel off, requiring the player to replace the tape.

[0004] For this reason, attention has been focused on providing a racket whose weight and balance can be easily adjusted. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a racket that allows a player to easily and quickly adjust the weight and balance.

[0006] To achieve this object, the present disclosure provides a racket comprising a socket and a plug as defined in the independent claims. Further embodiments are provided in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a racket is provided. The racket includes a handle and a blade. The handle includes a socket disposed at an end of the handle. The socket extends within the handle along a central longitudinal axis of the racket. This can also be understood as the socket extending within the handle along the central longitudinal axis of the handle. The socket includes a first magnetic material disposed within the socket. The racket further includes a plug configured to be disposed within the socket. The plug includes a second magnetic material configured to be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic material.

[0008] The handle may extend longitudinally. One longitudinal end of the handle may be attached to the blade. The other longitudinal end of the handle may include a socket. The first magnetic material may be disposed in, on, and / or within the socket. The surface of the blade may be configured to have one or more cover layers or surface materials, such as rubber layers, attached thereto. The term "magnetic material" refers, for example, to a permanent magnet or a material that is attracted by magnetic force, such as a magnetic metallic material. The plug may alternatively be understood as an insert or a filler.

[0009] The present disclosure is based on the concept of modifying the weight and / or balance of a racket, particularly the weight and / or balance of the handle of the racket, by providing a racket with a socket configured to receive a plug. Accordingly, the plug may alternatively be understood as a weighted plug. Furthermore, the socket may be configured to receive one plug from a plurality of plugs. Each plug from the plurality of plugs may be configured to be positioned within the socket. In other words, each plug may have a shape that allows it to be positioned within the socket. Each plug from the plurality of plugs may have a weight that is different from the remaining plugs from the plurality of plugs. Accordingly, the weight and / or balance of the racket can be easily adjusted by replacing plugs having different weights.

[0010] The socket and plug each have a magnetic material configured to be magnetically attracted to each other, allowing the plug to be quickly and easily placed in the socket or connected to the socket. Furthermore, the magnetic material allows the plug to be securely placed in the socket. Secure placement of the plug in the socket can prevent the plug from rattling or vibrating inside the socket, improving user convenience. Furthermore, the fast and easy placement also means that the plug can be quickly and easily replaced. In other words, the racket according to the present disclosure allows a player to try rackets of different weights and / or balances by quickly and easily swapping plugs with different weights.

[0011] The racket may be any kind of sports racket, such as a table tennis racket, a tennis racket, a badminton racket, a padel racket, etc. In other words, the above-described concept of providing a racket with a socket configured to receive a plug is not limited to a specific sports racket.

[0012] The plug may include a flange. The flange may be located on an end of the plug. The flange may alternatively be understood as, for example, a rim, lip, or protrusion located on the end of the plug. The plug may include two ends. The first rim may be configured to be inserted into the socket. The flange may be located on the second end. The flange may extend or protrude away from the central longitudinal axis of the plug. Furthermore, the flange may extend or protrude radially from the central longitudinal axis of the plug. Furthermore, the flange may extend from one or more sides of the plug extending between the ends of the plug. The flange may form a portion of the end of the plug. The flange may be positioned to abut at least a portion of the longitudinal end of the handle when the plug is placed in the socket. The flange may prevent the plug from being entirely inserted or placed into the socket, making it easier to remove the plug from the socket. Furthermore, the flange may function as a wedge or grip when a user or player removes the plug from the socket. The flange may therefore make it easier to remove the plug from the socket.

[0013] The plug may include a surface extending between a portion of the flange and a side of the plug, which may serve as a transition from one or more sides of the plug to the flange.

[0014] The socket may have a chamfered, conical, or tapered shape. A first diameter of the socket, measured at the end of the handle, may be larger than a second diameter of the socket, measured at the bottom of the socket. The socket shape allows the plug to be wedged into the socket, ensuring that the plug is securely located within the socket. Additionally, the socket shape prevents a plug without a flange from being fully inserted or located within the socket. This facilitates removal of the plug from the socket. An advantage of a conical shape is that the handle can be drilled with a drill bit, making the socket easier to manufacture.

[0015] The plug may have a chamfered, conical, or tapered shape. For example, the plug may have a shape similar to a cone or a truncated cone. A first diameter of the plug measured at a first end of the plug may be larger than a second diameter of the plug measured at a second end of the plug. The shape of the plug and the shape of the socket may be related such that a side of the plug abuts a side of the socket when the plug is inserted or placed in the socket. The shape of the socket and the shape of the plug may be complementary to each other so that they substantially match. In other words, the space defined by the shape of the socket may be substantially identical to the shape of the plug, or at least a portion thereof. The shapes of the plug and the socket allow the plug to fit snugly into the socket. Furthermore, if both the plug and the socket have chamfered, conical, or tapered shapes, the plug may be wedged when inserted into the socket, thereby ensuring secure placement in the socket. This may prevent the plug from rattling and / or vibrating when placed in the socket.

[0016] The length of the socket along the central longitudinal axis may be greater than the length of the plug along the central longitudinal axis of the plug. The length of the socket along the central longitudinal axis may be greater than the length between the end of the plug and the flange of the plug. In other words, the length of the section of the plug that can be inserted into the socket may be less than the length of the socket.

[0017] The different lengths allow for a gap or space between the bottom of the socket and the end of the plug. Furthermore, the different lengths combined with a plug having a flange allows for a gap or space between the bottom of the socket and the end of the plug. Furthermore, the different lengths combined with a socket having a chamfered, conical, or tapered shape allows for a gap or space between the bottom of the socket and the end of the plug.

[0018] The magnetic attraction of the first and second magnetic materials may secure the plug within the socket, and the gap or space between the bottom of the socket and the end of the plug may attract the plug toward the bottom of the socket without abutting the bottom of the socket, which may reduce rattle and / or vibration of the plug when placed within the socket.

[0019] The first magnetic material may be located at the bottom of the socket. This allows the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic materials to be drawn in a direction along the central longitudinal axis of the racquet, thereby ensuring secure placement of the plug within the socket. Furthermore, having the first magnetic material located at the bottom of the socket may facilitate easier manufacture of the racquet. The first magnetic material may be attached to the bottom of the socket by a fastening means such as an adhesive and / or by being wedged against the side of the bottom of the socket.

[0020] The plug can be symmetrical about a first plane, which can be aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the plug. The symmetry of the plug allows for insertion into the socket regardless of rotation of the plug about its central longitudinal axis, making it easier to insert or remove the plug from the socket.

[0021] For example, a conventional table tennis racket weighs approximately 50 to 150 grams, excluding the rubber layer on the blade. Therefore, even a few grams of weight can significantly affect the weight and / or balance of a racket weighing 50 to 150 grams. A plug may have a weight of 1 to 20 grams, 1 to 12 grams, or 3 to 9 grams. For example, a plug may have a weight equal to 3 grams, 6 grams, or 9 grams. However, a plug according to the present disclosure is not limited to having a weight of less than 20 grams, and may have a weight of, for example, up to 30 grams, 40 grams, or 50 grams.

[0022] The plug may comprise one or more materials. For example, the plug may be comprised of a second magnetic material. According to another example, the plug may comprise a second magnetic material and another material. The second magnetic material may be enclosed within, in a cavity of, or extending through the other material. Alternatively, the other material may be enclosed within, in a cavity of, or extending through the second magnetic material. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to plugs comprising one or two materials, but may comprise any number of materials, for example, three, four, five, or more.

[0023] The socket may further include a cavity extending within the handle along the central longitudinal axis of the racquet and a sleeve disposed within the cavity. The plug may be configured to be disposed within the sleeve of the cavity. The shape of the cavity and the outer shape of the sleeve may be complementary to each other so as to substantially match. The shape of the socket may be understood as the inner shape of the sleeve. The inner and outer shapes of the sleeve may be understood as the inner and outer surfaces of the sleeve, respectively. The sleeve may comprise a plastic material.

[0024] At least one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material may be a magnet. For example, the first magnetic material may be a magnet and the second magnetic material may be a magnetic metal. Alternatively, the second magnetic material may be a magnet and the first magnetic material may be a magnetic metal. Alternatively, the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material may be magnets.

[0025] The racket may include a plurality of plugs, each comprising a magnetic material, configured to be positioned within the socket. Each plug of the plurality of plugs may have a different weight than one or more other plugs of the plurality of plugs. Alternatively, the plurality of plugs may be referred to as a set of plugs, for example. The plurality of plugs may include, for example, a first plug weighing approximately 3 grams, a second plug weighing approximately 6 grams, and a third plug weighing approximately 9 grams. Having multiple plugs each having a different weight allows a player to easily change the weight and / or balance of the racket.

[0026] These and other aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1a] 1 schematically illustrates a table tennis racket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1b] 1 schematically illustrates a tennis racket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1c] 1 schematically illustrates a badminton racket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B schematically illustrate cross sections of a handle and plug of a racket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3a] 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a cross section of a plug of a racquet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3b] 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a cross section of a plug of a racquet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3c] 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a cross section of a plug of a racquet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4a] 10A and 10B schematically illustrate a plug of a racket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4b] 10A and 10B schematically illustrate a plug of a racket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]1A and 1B schematically illustrate a cross section of a handle of a racket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] FIG. 1a schematically illustrates a table tennis racket 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] The illustrated table tennis racket 1 includes a handle 2 and a blade 3. The handle 2 is connected to the blade 3 via a base 4. The handle 2 includes a socket 5 located at an end 2′ of the handle 2. The socket 5 extends within the handle 2 along a central longitudinal axis 6 of the table tennis racket 1. The socket 5 includes a first magnetic material 7. The first magnetic material 7 may be a magnet located at the bottom of the socket 5, as shown in FIG. 1 . However, the magnetic material 7 may alternatively be located along a side of the socket 5, for example. The socket 5 is configured to receive a plug (not shown, see, for example, FIGS. 2 and 3 ) configured to be located within the socket 5. The plug may include a second magnetic material configured to be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic material 7. The illustrated socket 5 has a chamfered shape, which may alternatively be understood as a conical or tapered shape.

[0030] The present disclosure is not limited to the racquet 1 having the blade 3 and handle 2 shown in Figure 1. The shape of the blade 3 and / or handle 2 shown in Figure 1 is merely exemplary, and the blade 3 and / or handle 2 can be replaced with any type of racquet blade and / or handle, as specifically illustrated in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1b and 1c.

[0031] FIG. 1b schematically illustrates a tennis racket 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Similar to the table tennis racket 1 shown in FIG. 1a, the illustrated tennis racket 1 includes a handle 2 and a blade 3. However, the blade 3 of the tennis racket 1 includes a periphery. The periphery has a string network disposed therein. Similar to the socket 5 of the table tennis racket 1 shown in FIG. 1a, the handle 2 includes a socket 5 disposed at the end 2' of the handle 2. The socket 5 extends within the handle 2 along the central longitudinal axis 6 of the tennis racket 1. The socket 5 includes a first magnetic material 7, which may be a self-magnet, disposed within the socket 5. In FIG. 1, the magnet is shown disposed at the bottom of the socket 5.

[0033] FIG. 1c schematically illustrates a badminton racket 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] The illustrated racket 1 is similar to the table tennis racket 1 and tennis racket 1 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b and includes a handle 2 and a blade 3. Like the tennis racket 1, the blade 3 of the badminton racket 1 includes a periphery having a string network disposed therein. The handle 2 further includes a socket 5 disposed at an end 2' of the handle 2, the socket 5 extending within the handle 2 along a central longitudinal axis 6 of the badminton racket 1 and including a first magnetic material 7. 1a-1c and the corresponding description above illustrate that the concept of having a socket 5 located at the end 2' of the handle 2 of the racket 1 and extending along the central longitudinal axis 6 of the racket 1 within the handle 2 is common to many different types of sports rackets. Accordingly, the differences between the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1b and 1a relate to differences between different types of sports rackets rather than implementations of the concepts of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to table tennis rackets, tennis rackets, or badminton rackets. Rather, the concepts of the present disclosure may be implemented with any type of sports racket.

[0035] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a cross section of a handle 2 and plug 8 of a racket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the handle 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 is part of a racket, and that the handle 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 is provided to facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIG. 2 includes the features, elements, and / or functions shown in FIG. 1 and described in the associated text. Therefore, reference should also be made to FIG. 1 and the associated description for a better understanding.

[0036] A first diameter D1 of the socket 5, measured at the end 2' of the handle 2, is greater than a second diameter D2 of the socket 5, measured at the bottom 10 of the socket 5. The difference between the first diameter D1 and the second diameter D2 results from the socket 5 having a chamfered, beveled, or conical shape. The socket 5 shown in FIG. 2 has a length L1 along the central longitudinal axis 6, measured between the bottom 10 of the socket 5 and the bottom 2' of the handle 2.

[0037] The socket 5 shown in FIG. 2 includes a first magnetic material 7 disposed on a bottom 10 of the socket 5. This establishes the side of the first magnetic material 7 facing the end 2′ of the handle 2 as the bottom 10 of the socket 5. However, the first magnetic material 7 is not limited to being disposed on the bottom 10 of the socket 5. Thus, the bottom of the socket 5 may or may not be based on where and how the first magnetic material 7 is disposed in the socket 5. As such, the second diameter D2 and length L1 of the socket 5 may vary depending on the placement of the first magnetic material 7.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a plug 8 configured to be disposed in the socket 5. The plug 8 includes a second magnetic material configured to be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic material of the socket 5. The plug 8 has a shape complementary to the shape of the socket 5. The shape of the plug 8 illustrated in FIG. 2 may be chamfered, tapered, or conical. The plug 8 has a first diameter D3 measured at a first end 8′ of the plug 8 and a second diameter D4 measured at a second end 8″ of the plug 8. The first diameter D3 of the plug 8 is larger than the second diameter D4 of the plug 8. Furthermore, the plug 8 has a length L2 measured between the end 8′ and the end 8″ of the plug 8. The plug 8 may be symmetrical about a first plane 11. The first plane 11 is aligned with a central longitudinal axis 6′ of the plug 8. This allows the plug 8 to have a conical shape.

[0039] Figure 3a schematically illustrates a cross section of plug 8 of racket 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that Figures 3a-3c include the features, elements, and / or functions shown in Figure 2 and described in the associated text. Therefore, reference should also be made to Figure 2 and the associated description for a better understanding.

[0040] The plug 8 has two ends 8', 8", which may be referred to as a first end 8' and a second end 8". As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first end 8' is wider than the second end 8" so that the plug 8 can be wedged into the socket of a racket.

[0041] The plug 8 shown in FIG. 3a differs from the plug shown in FIG. 2 and described in the associated text in that the plug 8 shown in FIG. 3a includes one or more flanges 9. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 3a shows the plug 8 including two flanges 9. However, the plug 8 may also include a single flange 9 extending around the entire plug 8. Furthermore, the plug 8 may include virtually any number of flanges 8 extending from one or more sides of the plug 8. In the following, the plug 8 will be described as having two flanges 9. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment, and that such an embodiment is described merely to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure.

[0042] The flanges 9 extend outward from the sides of the plug 8. The sides of the plug 8 extend between the second end 8" and the flanges 9. The extent of the sides of the plug 8 is angled with respect to the central longitudinal axis 6' of the plug 8. A surface of each of the flanges 9, which may also be referred to as an upper surface, forms a part of the first end 8' of the plug 8. Another surface 9' of each of the flanges 9 opposite the upper surface of the respective flange 9, may also be referred to as a side surface 9'. This side surface 9' extends between the side of the plug 8 and the outermost part of the flanges 9. The side surface 9' provides a smooth transition from the side of the plug 8 to the flanges 9. However, the present disclosure is not limited to plugs 8 having side surfaces 9'. For example, the flanges 9 may extend from the sides of the plug 8 substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 6' of the plug 8.

[0043] The plug 8 has a first diameter D3 that can be measured diagonally across the plug 8 below a flange 9 of the plug 8. The plug 8 has a second diameter D4 that can be measured diagonally across a second end 8" of the plug 8. The first diameter D3 of the plug 8 can be greater than the second diameter D4 of the plug 8. The length L2 of the plug 8 can be measured along a central longitudinal axis 6' of the plug 8 between the second end 8" of the plug 8 and the flange 9 of the plug 8.

[0044] The plug 8 shown in FIG. 3 a is formed from a single piece of second magnetic material 17 .

[0045] FIG. 3b shows a schematic cross section of the plug 8 of the racquet 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] The plug 8 shown in FIG. 3b differs from the plug shown in FIG. 3a in that the plug 8 shown in FIG. 3b includes a cavity 19. The cavity 19 extends from the upper end 8′ of the plug 8 within the plug 8. The cavity 19 may be centered about the central longitudinal axis 6′ of the plug 8 and may have rotational symmetry. Thus, the plug 8 shown in FIG. 3b differs from the plug shown in FIG. 3a in that a portion of the second magnetic material 17 is absent or removed. This results in the plug 8 of FIG. 3b weighing less than the plug of FIG. 3a, even though both plugs are made of the same second magnetic material 17. The dimensions of the cavity 19 are merely exemplary and may be larger or smaller. A larger cavity 19 may result in a lighter plug 8. Correspondingly, a smaller cavity 19 results in a heavier plug 8. Therefore, the weight of the plug 8 can be determined by providing the plug 8 with a cavity 19 of the desired dimensions.

[0047] FIG. 3c schematically illustrates a plug 8 of a racket 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference between the plug 8 illustrated in FIG. 3c and the plug illustrated in FIG. 3a is that the plug 8 of FIG. 3c includes two materials 17, 18. One of the two materials 17, 18 is a second magnetic material 17. The other material 17, which may be referred to as a structural material 18, may be a non-magnetic material. A plug 8 made of more than one magnetic material may be too heavy due to the weight of the magnetic materials. Therefore, to provide a lightweight plug 8, the plug 8 may include an additional non-magnetic material 18. It should be understood that a plug according to the present disclosure is not limited to including one or two materials as illustrated in FIGS. 3a-3c, but may include virtually any number of materials, such as three, four, five, or more.

[0048] The second magnetic material 17 is disposed within the plug 8. In FIG. 3c, the second magnetic material 17 is shown extending between the longitudinal ends 8, 8′ of the plug 8. Furthermore, the majority of the second magnetic material 17 is disposed closer to the first end 8′. It should be understood that the arrangement of the second magnetic material 17 and the structural material 18 shown in FIG. 3c is merely exemplary. For example, the arrangement of the two materials 17, 18 may be reversed. Furthermore, the second magnetic material 17 is not limited to extending entirely through the plug 8. However, locating the second magnetic material 17 near the second end 8″ of the plug 8 may increase the magnetic attraction of the racket to the first magnetic material, thereby providing a more secure connection. Furthermore, centrally locating the second magnetic material 17 within the plug 8 may prevent rattles and vibrations when the plug 8 is placed in a socket.

[0049] FIG. 4a schematically illustrates a plug 8 configured to be inserted into a racket 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIGS. 4a and 4b include the features, elements, and / or functions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3a-3c and described in the associated text. Therefore, reference is also made to FIGS. 2 and 3a-3c and their associated descriptions for a better understanding. The view of the plug 8 is from above the first end 8' of the plug 8, so only the first end 8' is shown in FIG. 4a. It should be understood that the plug 8 extends downward in the drawing. The plug 8 illustrated in FIG. 4a may be the plug illustrated in any of FIGS. 3a-3c when viewed from above. It should be understood, therefore, that the plug 8 may include one or more side portions (not shown, see, for example, FIG. 2 or 3a-3c) extending to the second end.

[0050] The plug 8 may include a flange 9 extending outward from a side of the plug 8. This is indicated by a dashed circle in FIG. 4a. The dashed lines may indicate where the side of the plug 8 ends and where the flange 9 begins, i.e., where the flange extends outward from the side of the plug 8. The flange 9 shown in FIG. 4a extends outward along the entire side of the plug 8. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the flange 9 or plug 8 shown in FIG. 4a. The plug 8 may include multiple sides, and / or the flange 9 may not extend entirely along one or more sides of the plug 8. For example, the plug 8 may include one or more sides and may include one or more flanges 9 that may extend along at least one of the one or more sides of the plug 8. Furthermore, the flange 9 may extend along a portion of the side of the plug 8 or along the entire side of the plug 8. The flange 9 may form part of the first end 8′ of the plug.

[0051] FIG. 4b schematically illustrates a plug 8 configured to be inserted into a racket 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The plug 8 illustrated in FIG. 4a differs from the plug illustrated in FIG. 4b in that the plug 8 illustrated in FIG. 4b includes multiple flanges 9. More specifically, the plug 8 illustrated in FIG. 4b includes four flanges 9. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to including four flanges 9, and may include substantially any number of flanges 9, such as one, two, three, four, or more. The flanges 9 are arranged around the circumference of the first end 8′. The flanges 9 are spaced substantially equally apart around the circumference.

[0052] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a cross section of the handle 2 of the racket 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIG. 5 includes the features, elements, and / or functions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described in the associated text. Therefore, reference should also be made to FIGS. 1 and 2 and their associated descriptions for a better understanding. The handle 2 illustrated in FIG. 5 differs from the handles illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the socket of the handle 2 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a cavity 51 and a sleeve 52.

[0053] The cavity 51 extends within the handle 2 from the end 2' of the handle 2 along the central longitudinal axis 6 of the racket 1. The sleeve 52 is disposed within the cavity 51. The sleeve 51 is configured to receive a plug (not shown, see, for example, Figures 2-4b). The shape of the cavity 51 and the outer shape of the sleeve 52 may be complementary to each other so as to substantially match. The cavity 51 may include a slot or slit. The sleeve 52 may include a wedge or flange. The slot or slit of the cavity 51 and the wedge or flange of the sleeve 52 may be complementary to each other so as to substantially match. The slot or slit of the cavity 51 and the wedge or flange of the sleeve 52 may more securely position the sleeve 52 within the cavity 51. Additionally, the socket 5 may be provided with fastening means, such as adhesive, screws, or bolts, for securing the sleeve in the cavity 51. The sleeve 52 may comprise a plastic material.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is in no way limited to the preferred embodiments described above, but rather many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0055] item 1. A racket (1) having a handle (2) and a blade (3), The handle (2) comprises a socket (5) located at the end (2') of the handle (2); The socket (5) extends within the handle (2) along a central longitudinal axis (6) of the racket (1); The socket (5) comprises a first magnetic material (7) disposed within the socket (5); The racket (1) further comprises a plug (8) configured to be placed in the socket (5); The plug (8) comprises a second magnetic material (17) configured to be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic material (7). Racket(1). 2. The plug (8) has a flange (9) disposed at the end (8') of the plug (8); A racket (1) as described in item 1. 3. The socket (5) has one of a chamfered shape, a conical shape, and an inclined shape; a first diameter (D1) of the socket (5) measured at the end (2') of the handle (2) is greater than a second diameter (D2) of the socket (5) measured at the bottom (10) of the socket (5); A racket (1) according to item 1 or 2. 4. The socket (5) has one of a chamfered shape, a conical shape, and an inclined shape; a first diameter (D3) of the plug (8) measured at a first end (8') of the plug (8) is greater than a second diameter (D4) of the plug (8) measured at a second end (8") of the plug (8); The racket (1) described in item 3. 5. The length (L1) of the socket (5) along the central longitudinal axis (6) is greater than the length (L2) of the plug (8) along the central longitudinal axis (6') of the plug (8); A racket (1) according to any one of items 1 to 4. 6. The first magnetic material (7) is disposed on the bottom (10) of the socket (5); A racket (1) according to any one of items 1 to 5. 7. The plug (8) is symmetrical with respect to a first plane (11); The first plane (11) is aligned with the central longitudinal axis (6') of the plug (8); A racket (1) according to any one of items 1 to 6. 8. The plug (8) has a weight of 1 to 20 grams, for example, 1 to 12 grams, or for example, 3 to 9 grams; A racket (1) according to any one of items 1 to 7. 9. The socket further comprises a cavity (51) extending within the handle along the central longitudinal axis (6) of the racket (1), and a sleeve (52) disposed within the cavity (51); The plug (8) is configured to be placed in the sleeve (51) of the cavity (5). A racket (1) according to any one of items 1 to 8. 10. The sleeve (52) comprises a plastic material. The racket (1) described in item 9. 11. At least one of the first magnetic material (7) and the second magnetic material (17) is a magnet; A racket (1) according to any one of items 1 to 10. 12. The racket (1) is a table tennis racket (1), a tennis racket (1), a badminton racket (1), or a padel racket; A racket (1) according to any one of items 1 to 11. 13. A racket set (100) including the racket (1) according to any one of items 1 to 12, the racket set comprises a plurality of plugs (8), each having a magnetic material (17), the plugs (8) being configured to be placed in the sockets (5) of the rackets (1); Each plug (8) of the plurality of plugs (8) has a weight different from one or more other plugs (8) of the plurality of plugs (8). Racket set (100).

Claims

1. A racket (1) comprising a handle (2) and a blade (3), The handle (2) comprises a socket (5) located at the end (2') of the handle (2); The socket (5) extends within the handle (2) along a central longitudinal axis (6) of the racket (1); The socket (5) comprises a first magnetic material (7) disposed within the socket (5); The racket (1) further comprises a plug (8) configured to be placed in the socket (5); The plug (8) comprises a second magnetic material (17) configured to be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic material (7); The socket (5) has one of a chamfered shape, a conical shape, and an oblique shape; a first diameter (D1) of the socket (5) measured at the end (2') of the handle (2) is greater than a second diameter (D2) of the socket (5) measured at the bottom (10) of the socket (5); the plug (8) has one of a chamfered, conical, and tapered shape that is complementary to the shape of the socket (5); a first diameter (D3) of the plug (8) measured at a first end (8') of the plug (8) is greater than a second diameter (D4) of the plug (8) measured at a second end (8") of the plug (8); the length (L1) of the socket (5) along the central longitudinal axis (6) is greater than the length (L2) of the plug (8) along the central longitudinal axis (6') of the plug (8), thereby allowing a gap to exist between the bottom (10) of the socket (5) and the second end (8") of the plug (8); The gap allows the plug (8) to be drawn towards the bottom (10) of the socket (5). Racket (1).

2. The plug (8) comprises a flange (9) located at an end (8') of the plug (8). A racket (1) according to claim 1.

3. The first magnetic material (7) is disposed on the bottom (10) of the socket (5). A racket (1) according to claim 1.

4. The plug (8) is symmetrical with respect to a first plane (11), The first plane (11) is aligned with the central longitudinal axis (6') of the plug (8); A racket (1) according to claim 1.

5. The plug (8) has a weight of 1 to 20 grams. A racket (1) according to claim 1.

6. The socket further comprises a cavity (51) extending along the central longitudinal axis (6) of the racket (1) within the handle, and a sleeve (52) disposed within the cavity (51); The plug (8) is configured to be placed in the sleeve (51) of the cavity (5). A racket (1) according to claim 1.

7. The sleeve (52) comprises a plastic material. A racket (1) according to claim 6.

8. At least one of the first magnetic material (7) and the second magnetic material (17) is a magnet. A racket (1) according to claim 1.

9. The racket (1) is a table tennis racket (1), a tennis racket (1), a badminton racket (1) or a padel racket, A racket (1) according to claim 1.

10. A racket set (100) comprising a racket (1) according to claim 1, the racket set comprises a plurality of plugs (8), each comprising a magnetic material (17), the plugs (8) being configured to be placed in the sockets (5) of the rackets (1); Each plug (8) of the plurality of plugs (8) has a weight different from one or more other plugs (8) of the plurality of plugs (8). Racket set (100).

Images