Artificial shuttlecock

Abstract

An artificial shuttlecock includes a base portion, a plurality of stems, a plurality of feathers, two first lacing structures, and a second lacing structure. The stems are intermittently disposed on the base portion. Each stem respectively includes a base portion segment, a connection segment, and a feather segment. The connection segment is located between the base portion segment and the feather segment. The base portion segment is inserted into the base portion. The feathers are respectively connected to the feather segments of the stems. The two first lacing structures are adjacent to each other and are disposed on the connection segments of the stems. The second lacing structure is disposed on the connection segments of the stems and is spaced apart from the two first lacing structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an artificial badminton shuttlecock. Prior Technology

[0002] Badminton is a common and popular ball sport, with players competing by hitting shuttlecocks. Traditional badminton shuttlecocks are primarily constructed from natural feathers attached to the head. These natural feathers are mostly goose or duck feathers, which are selected and then processed into shuttlecocks. However, obtaining natural feathers is becoming increasingly difficult, and the selection process is complex and labor-intensive. Therefore, synthetic badminton shuttlecocks are now available on the market, attempting to address the shortage and complex selection process of natural feathers.

[0003] Most synthetic badminton shuttlecocks use a soft nylon frame instead of natural feathers, relying on the structure of the frame to absorb the airflow generated during impact. However, shuttlecocks made with this type of soft frame do not perform as well as natural feather shuttlecocks in terms of flight performance and feel when hit, making them less appealing to users. Currently, there are designs using fiber-reinforced resin or carbon fiber materials for the shaft and lightweight foam materials for the feathers. These types of synthetic badminton shuttlecocks are more similar in appearance to natural feather shuttlecocks and offer a superior feel when hit compared to shuttlecocks made with a soft frame.

[0004] However, the strength (toughness) and durability of shuttlecocks made of fiber-reinforced resin are inferior to those of natural badminton shuttlecocks. Shuttlecocks made of carbon fiber are prone to damage to the shuttlecock head and shaft, leading to shaft breakage, indicating room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the main objective of the present invention is to provide an artificial badminton shuttlecock, which solves the problem of reduced overall durability caused by the shuttlecocks of conventional artificial badminton shuttlecocks by using a structure in which two first yarn structures and a second yarn structure are disposed on a plurality of feather shafts.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an artificial badminton shuttlecock, comprising a head, a plurality of shafts, a plurality of feathers, two first yarn structures, and a second yarn structure. The shafts are spaced apart from each other on the head. Each shaft includes a head section, a connecting section, and a feather section. The connecting section is located between the head section and the feather section. The head section is inserted into the head. The feathers are respectively connected to the feather sections of the shafts. The two first yarn structures are adjacent to each other on the connecting section of the shafts. The second yarn structure is disposed on the connecting section of the shafts and spaced apart from the two first yarn structures.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shortest distance from the first yarn structure to the ball head section is less than the shortest distance from the second yarn structure to the ball head section.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a shortest distance from the first yarn structure to the ball head section is greater than a shortest distance from the second yarn structure to the fleece section.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two first yarn structures are respectively woven from three yarns.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second yarn structure is woven from three yarns.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second yarn structure is woven from four yarns.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two first yarn structures are each woven from four yarns.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second yarn structure is woven from four yarns.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two first yarn structures and the second yarn structure are wound around the connecting section of the yarn rods.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bushings are made of carbon fiber reinforced resin material.

[0016] As described above, the artificial badminton shuttlecock according to the present invention includes a head, a plurality of shafts, a plurality of feathers, two first yarn structures, and a second yarn structure. Each shaft includes a head section, a connecting section, and a feather section. The feathers are respectively connected to the feather sections of the shafts. The two first yarn structures are disposed adjacent to each other in the connecting section of the shaft. The second yarn structure is disposed in the connecting section of the shaft and is spaced apart from the two first yarn structures. The artificial badminton shuttlecock has a structure of two tightly stacked yarn structures (i.e., first yarn structures), which can significantly improve the durability of the artificial badminton shuttlecock and simultaneously improve the hitting feel. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0017] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an artificial badminton shuttlecock according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the artificial shuttlecock shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded view of one of the hair shafts and the corresponding hair piece shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic diagram of one of the yarn structures of the connecting component shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the yarn structure of another embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0018] To better understand the technical content of this invention, preferred embodiments are described below.

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an artificial badminton shuttlecock according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded view of the artificial badminton shuttlecock shown in Figure 1. Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. The artificial badminton shuttlecock 1 of this embodiment includes a shuttlecock head 10, a plurality of feather shafts 20, a plurality of feather pieces 30, and a connecting assembly 40. One side of the shuttlecock head 10 has a semi-cylindrical structure. The shuttlecock head 10 has a top surface 11 and a convex surface 12, and the top surface 11 and the convex surface 12 are located on opposite surfaces of the shuttlecock head 10. The convex surface 12 is the surface of the semi-cylindrical structure, while the top surface 11 allows the feather shafts 20 to be inserted. Preferably, the shuttlecock head 10 also includes a recess 13, which is disposed on the top surface 11, and the recess 13 extends from the top surface 11 towards the convex surface 12. In other words, the recess 13 is a groove extending from the top surface 11 into the interior of the shuttlecock head 10. In this embodiment, the recess 13 is symmetrical to the top surface 11, such as a circle, ring, quadrilateral, octagon, or hexagon, etc. This embodiment uses a circle as an example. Preferably, the recess 13 and the top surface 11 can be arranged in concentric circles. In this embodiment, the volume of the recess 13 accounts for between 1% and 7% of the volume of the spherical head 10. Generally, the volume of the spherical head 10 is approximately 10,866 mm³, therefore the volume of the recess 13 (hollow portion) can be between 414 mm³ and 692 mm³. In this embodiment, the volume of the recess 13 is 553 mm³.

[0020] Each hair shaft 20 in this embodiment includes a ball head section 21, a connecting section 22, and a hair piece section 23. The connecting section 22 is located between the ball head section 21 and the hair piece section 23. In other words, each hair shaft 20 in this embodiment can be divided into three sections: the sections near the opposite ends of the hair shaft 20 are the ball head section 21 and the hair piece section 23, and the middle section is the connecting section 22. A plurality of hair shafts 20 are spaced apart on the ball head 10, and the ball head section 21 of the hair shaft 20 is inserted into the top surface 11 of the ball head 10. In this embodiment, the material of the hair shaft 20 is carbon fiber reinforced resin material to increase the durability of the hair shaft 20. Specifically, the hair shaft 20 in this embodiment is composed of unidirectional (UD) carbon fiber cloth and woven glass fiber cloth stacked together, which can increase the strength and durability of the hair shaft 20.

[0021] Furthermore, the bob section 23 of the bob rod 20 is connected to the bob pieces 30, that is, a plurality of bob pieces 30 are respectively connected to the bob section 23 of the plurality of bob rods 20. Figure 3 is an exploded schematic diagram of one of the bob rods and the corresponding bob shown in Figure 2. Please refer to Figures 1, 2 and 3. Preferably, in this embodiment, the bob pieces 30 are connected to the bob section 23 of the bob rod 20 using adhesive. In this embodiment, every two bob pieces 30 are combined with one bob rod 20, that is, two of the plurality of bob pieces 30 are connected to one of the plurality of bob rods 20. Furthermore, every two bob pieces 30 are respectively connected to the opposite sides of the bob rod 20. Specifically, adhesive is coated on one surface of the two bob pieces 30, and the adhesive-coated surface is bonded to the opposite sides of the bob rod 20. Finally, the other parts of the two bob pieces 30 are pressed together so that the two bob pieces 30 can also be bonded to each other. Preferably, the bob 30 can be glued to the bob rod 20 first, and then the ball head section 21 of the bob rod 20 can be inserted into the ball head 10. In other words, in this embodiment, the section of the bob rod 20 inserted into the ball head 10 is called the ball head section 21, and the section connected to the bob 30 is called the bob section 23, while the part between the ball head section 21 and the bob section 23 is the connecting section 22.

[0022] Furthermore, the feather 30 in this embodiment is also an artificial feather, replacing natural feathers. The feather 30 is made of a plastic with a density between 0.9 g / cm³ and 1.48 g / cm³, and the type of plastic can be, for example, but not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene resin (PE), polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), and expanded polyethylene (EPE). Preferably, the feather 30 can be a combination of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Additionally, the overall configuration of the feather 30 roughly corresponds to the configuration of the feathers of a natural badminton shuttlecock. Specifically, the hair pieces 30 can be configured symmetrically with respect to the hair shaft 20 as the axis of symmetry, such as a kite-shaped configuration.

[0023] The hair rods 20 are spaced apart behind the ball head 10, and the spacing between adjacent hair rods 20 is fixed by a connecting component 40. In this embodiment, the connecting component 40 includes two first yarn structures 41 and 42 and a second yarn structure 43. The two first yarn structures 41 and 42 are arranged adjacently in the connecting section 22 of each hair rod 20. As shown in Figure 1, the two first yarn structures 41 and 42 are stacked close together and wound around the connecting section 22 of the hair rod 20. In this embodiment, the first yarn structure 41 is located below (closer to the ball head 10), while the first yarn structure 42 is located above the first yarn structure 41 (facing the side of the hair piece 30), and the first yarn structures 41 and 42 are close together. Furthermore, the second yarn structure 43 is also located in the connecting section 22 of these hair rods 20 and is spaced apart from the first yarn structures 41 and 42. That is, the first yarn structures 41 and 42 are close to each other, while the second yarn structure 43 is separated from the close-to-each first yarn structures 41 and 42 by a distance.

[0024] Preferably, the first yarn structures 41 and 42 are closer to the ball head section 21 than the second yarn structure 43. Specifically, the shortest distance D1 from the first yarn structures 41 and 42 to the ball head section 21 is less than the shortest distance D2 from the second yarn structure 43 to the ball head section 21, as shown in Figure 1. It should be noted that since the first yarn structure 41 is closer to the ball head 10, the shortest distance D1 from the first yarn structures 41 and 42 to the ball head section 21 refers to the distance between the bottom edge of the first yarn structure 41 and the top edge of the ball head section 21. Furthermore, the shortest distance D2 from the second yarn structure 43 to the ball head section 21 refers to the distance between the bottom edge of the second yarn structure 43 and the top edge of the ball head section 21.

[0025] Preferably, in this embodiment, the shortest distance D1 from the first yarn structures 41, 42 to the ball head section 21 is greater than a shortest distance D3 from the second yarn structure 43 to the fleece section 23, as shown in Figure 1. Similarly, the shortest distance D3 from the second yarn structure 43 to the fleece section 23 refers to the distance between the top edge of the second yarn structure 43 and the bottom edge of the ball head section 21. In other words, in this embodiment, the distance between the second yarn structure 43 and the fleece 30 is less than the distance between the first yarn structures 41, 42 and the ball head 10. In other embodiments, the shortest distance D1 from the first yarn structures 41, 42 to the ball head section may also be less than or equal to the shortest distance D3 from the second yarn structure 43 to the fleece section 23, and this invention is not limited thereto. Preferably, after the first yarn structures 41, 42 and the second yarn structure 43 are wound onto the bobbin 20, adhesive is applied to the first yarn structures 41, 42, the second yarn structure 43 and the connecting section 22 to fix the spacing between the first yarn structures 41, 42 and the second yarn structure 43.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first yarn structures 41 and 42 and the second yarn structure 43 are all yarn structures woven from several yarns. Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic diagram of one of the yarn structures of the connecting component shown in Figure 1, which can be one of the first yarn structures 41 and 42 or the second yarn structure 43. Please refer to Figure 4 for details. In this embodiment, the first yarn structures 41 and 42 and the second yarn structure 43 are each woven from three yarns, referred to in this disclosure as three-strand yarn structures. In addition, the two first yarn structures 41 and 42 are closely stacked together, referred to in this disclosure as two-layer yarn structures, and the one second yarn structure 43 is referred to in this disclosure as one-layer yarn structure. Therefore, the connecting component 40 of this embodiment includes a three-strand two-layer yarn structure (i.e., the first yarn structures 41 and 42) and a three-strand one-layer yarn structure (i.e., the second yarn structure 43).

[0027] Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the yarn structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to Figure 5 for further information. In this embodiment, the yarn structure can be woven from four yarns, and similarly, it can be a first yarn structure 41a, 42a, or a second yarn structure 43a. In this disclosure, the aforementioned yarn structure woven from three yarns is referred to as the first yarn structure 41, 42, or the second yarn structure 43; and the yarn structure woven from four yarns is given different designations, namely the first yarn structure 41a, 42a, or the second yarn structure 43a. In the aforementioned embodiment, the connecting component 40 may include a three-strand two-track yarn structure (i.e., the first yarn structure 41, 42) and a three-strand one-track yarn structure (i.e., the second yarn structure 43). In another embodiment, the connecting component may include a three-strand two-track yarn structure (i.e., the first yarn structure 41, 42) and a four-strand one-track yarn structure (i.e., the second yarn structure 43a). In another embodiment, the connecting component may include a four-strand two-way yarn structure (i.e., first yarn structures 41a, 42a) and a four-strand one-way yarn structure (i.e., second yarn structure 43a). This disclosure also includes durability tests on artificial shuttlecocks made from the yarn structures of the aforementioned different embodiments, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0028] Table 1: Durability test reports of artificial shuttlecocks (No. AD) and natural shuttlecocks (No. E) with different connecting components. serial number Features of connecting components Durability (average number of smashes) A (1) Three-way two-way (2) Three strands in one direction 15 smashes B (1) Three-way two-way (2) Four strands in one direction Smash 14.5 C (1) Four-way two-way (2) Four strands in one direction 11 smashes D (1) Four strands and one road (2) Four strands in one direction 7 smashes E (1) Four strands and one road (2) Four strands in one direction 6 smashes

[0029] Among them, the artificial badminton shuttlecock numbered A is the artificial badminton shuttlecock 1 of the aforementioned embodiment, and its connecting component 40 has a three-strand two-way yarn structure (i.e., the first yarn structure 41, 42) and a three-strand one-way yarn structure (i.e., the second yarn structure 43). The artificial badminton shuttlecock numbered B has a three-strand two-way yarn structure (i.e., the first yarn structure 41, 42) and a four-strand one-way yarn structure (i.e., the second yarn structure 43a). The artificial badminton shuttlecock numbered C has a four-strand two-way yarn structure (i.e., the first yarn structure 41a, 42a) and a four-strand one-way yarn structure (i.e., the second yarn structure 43a). Numbered E is a natural badminton shuttlecock. The yarn structure of a conventional natural badminton shuttlecock is usually woven from four yarns (four strands), and each strand has only one way, so it is a two-set four-strand one-way yarn structure. Numbered D is an artificial badminton shuttlecock with a configuration similar to that of a natural badminton shuttlecock (two sets of four-strand one-way yarns). It should also be noted that, apart from the aforementioned differences in the yarn structure, the structure of the natural badminton shuttlecocks numbered AD is the same as that of the synthetic badminton shuttlecocks.

[0030] Furthermore, the durability test involved smashing the synthetic or natural shuttlecocks (numbered AE) until the shaft or the connected head was damaged, recording the average number of smashes. Table 1 shows that the durability of synthetic shuttlecocks with a two-strand, tightly stacked yarn structure (i.e., first yarn structures 41, 42, or first yarn structures 41a, 42a) is significantly improved. That is, synthetic shuttlecocks labeled A, B, and C in Table 1 can withstand a higher average number of smashes compared to synthetic or natural shuttlecocks labeled D and E. Preferably, synthetic shuttlecocks labeled A and B with a three-strand, two-row yarn structure (i.e., first yarn structures 41, 42) further increase durability by approximately twice the number of smashes (e.g., from 6 smashes to 14.5 or 15 smashes).

[0031] Table 2: Impact feel test report of artificial shuttlecocks (No. AD) with different connecting components. serial number Features of connecting components Net drop shot (out of 9) Overall assessment (out of 9) A (1) Three-way two-way (2) Three strands in one direction 6.3~7.2 6.8~7 B (1) Three-way two-way (2) Four strands in one direction 6.2 6.2~7 C (1) Four-way two-way (2) Four strands in one direction 7.6 7 D (1) Four strands and one road (2) Four strands in one direction 5~6 5~6

[0032] Additionally, the "Net Drop Shot (out of 9)" section assesses the user's performance in net drop shots using synthetic shuttlecocks numbered A through D, with a maximum score of 9. Evaluation is based on the number of rotations and spins of the shuttlecocks, or the user's perception of elasticity and firmness upon impact. The closer the performance is to that of a natural shuttlecock, the higher the score. Furthermore, the "Overall Evaluation (out of 9)" section provides an overall assessment of the flight characteristics and speed of the synthetic shuttlecocks numbered A through D upon impact. Again, better flight performance results in a higher score.

[0033] As shown in Table 2, the results of the impact feel test indicate that the artificial shuttlecocks with two tightly stacked yarn structures (i.e., first yarn structures 41, 42, or first yarn structures 41a, 42a) (numbered A, B, and C) perform better than the artificial shuttlecocks with a single yarn structure (numbered D) in terms of both ball trajectory control (net drop shot) and overall evaluation.

[0034] In summary, the artificial badminton shuttlecock according to the present invention includes a head, a plurality of shafts, a plurality of feathers, two first yarn structures, and a second yarn structure. Each shaft includes a head section, a connecting section, and a feather section. The feathers are respectively connected to the feather sections of the shafts. The two first yarn structures are adjacent to each other in the connecting section of the shaft. The second yarn structure is disposed in the connecting section of the shaft and is spaced apart from the two first yarn structures. The artificial badminton shuttlecock has a structure of two tightly stacked yarn structures (i.e., first yarn structures), which can significantly improve the durability of the artificial badminton shuttlecock and simultaneously improve the hitting feel.

[0035] It should be noted that the above embodiments are examples for ease of explanation, and the scope of the claims made by this invention should be determined by the claims of the patent application, and not limited to the above embodiments.

[0036] 1: Artificial shuttlecock 10: Ball Head 11: Top surface 12: Convex surface 13: concave part 20: Hair rod 21: Ball Head Section 22: Connecting Section 23: Pornographic Section 30: pornographic films 40: Connecting components 41, 42, 41a, 42a: First yarn structure 43, 43a: Second yarn structure D1, D2, D3: Shortest distance

Claims

1. An artificial shuttlecock, comprising: One ball head; A plurality of yarn rods are spaced apart from the ball head. Each yarn rod includes a ball head section, a connecting section, and a yarn piece section. The connecting section is located between the ball head section and the yarn piece section, and the ball head section is inserted into the ball head. A plurality of yarn pieces are connected to the yarn piece sections of the yarn rods. Two first yarn structures are adjacently disposed in the connecting section of the yarn rods. A second yarn structure is disposed in the connecting section of the yarn rods and spaced apart from the two first yarn structures.

2. The artificial shuttlecock as claimed in claim 1, wherein a shortest distance from the two first yarn structures to the head section is less than a shortest distance from the second yarn structure to the head section.

3. The artificial shuttlecock as claimed in claim 1, wherein a shortest distance from the two first yarn structures to the head section is greater than a shortest distance from the second yarn structure to the feather section.

4. The artificial shuttlecock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two first yarn structures are each woven from three yarns.

5. The artificial shuttlecock as described in claim 4, wherein the second yarn structure is woven from three yarns.

6. The artificial shuttlecock as described in claim 4, wherein the second yarn structure is woven from four yarns.

7. The artificial shuttlecock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two first yarn structures are each woven from four yarns.

8. The artificial shuttlecock as described in claim 7, wherein the second yarn structure is woven from four yarns.

9. The artificial shuttlecock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two first yarn structures and the second yarn structure are wound around the connecting section of the shuttle shafts.

10. The artificial shuttlecock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shuttlecock shafts are made of carbon fiber reinforced resin material.

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