Racket

Abstract

A racket (100) comprises a handle part (1) and a body part (2) connected to the handle part (1). The body part (2) includes a core layer (L1), a first surface layer (L21), a first inner layer (L31) disposed so as to sandwich the first surface layer (L21) between the core layer (L1) and the first inner layer, and a first outer layer (L41) disposed so as to sandwich the first inner layer (L31) between the first surface layer (L21) and the first outer layer. The first inner layer (L31) is an elastic body. The first outer layer (L41) has higher rigidity than the first inner layer (L31). The core layer (L1) has higher rigidity than the first inner layer (L31).

Description

racket

[0001] The present invention relates to a racket.

[0002] Conventionally, rackets for hitting balls have been available. For example, Chinese Utility Model Registration No. 218357225 (Patent Document 1) describes a racket used for pickleball. The racket described in this publication has a handle attached to the upper end of a racket base. PE and EVA secondary highly foamed sponge layers are fixed to the front and back of the racket base, and carbon fiber layers are further fixed to the outer walls of the two PE and EVA secondary highly foamed sponge layers. A high-elasticity unit is further installed within the racket base.

[0003] China Utility Model Registration No. 218357225

[0004] In the racket described in the above publication, when a ball is hit with the racket, the high-elasticity unit installed in the racket base undergoes elastic deformation, and the PE and EVA secondary highly foamed sponge layers do not recover sufficiently, resulting in insufficient resilience of the racket.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a racket that can improve resilience.

[0006] The racket of the present invention comprises a handle portion and a body portion connected to the handle portion. The body portion includes a core layer, a first face layer, a first inner layer arranged so as to sandwich the first face layer between the core layer, and a first outer layer arranged so as to sandwich the first inner layer between the first face layer. The first inner layer is an elastic body. The first outer layer has higher rigidity than the first inner layer. The core layer has higher rigidity than the first inner layer.

[0007] According to the racket of the present invention, it is possible to provide a racket that can improve resilience.

[0008] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] 3 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of a racket according to a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of a racket according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of a handle portion and a body portion of a racket according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of a handle portion and a body portion of a racket according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a front view schematically showing the honeycomb structure of the core layer in the V section of FIG. 3; FIG. 8 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of a handle portion and a body portion of a first modified example of a racket according to the first embodiment; FIG. 9 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of a handle portion and a body portion of a second modified example of a racket according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of a handle portion and a body portion of a third modified example of a racket according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of a handle portion and a body portion of a fourth modified example of a racket according to the first embodiment; FIG. 12 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of a handle portion and a body portion of a fifth modified example of a racket according to the first embodiment; and FIG. 13 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of a handle portion and a body portion of a racket according to a second embodiment. FIG. 1 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of the handle portion and body portion of a racket according to embodiment 2. FIG. 2 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of the handle portion and body portion of a racket according to embodiment 3. FIG. 3 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of the handle portion and body portion of a racket according to embodiment 4. FIG. 4 is a front view schematically showing the foam material of the core layer in a portion of the racket according to embodiment 4 corresponding to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of the handle portion and body portion of a racket according to embodiment 5. FIG. 6 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of the handle portion and body portion of a racket according to embodiment 6.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding parts in the following drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) The configuration of a racket 100 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a front view that schematically illustrates the configuration of racket 100 according to this embodiment. Note that, in this embodiment, the configuration of the rear side of racket 100 is the same as the configuration of the front side of racket 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 is a right side view that schematically illustrates the configuration of racket 100 according to this embodiment. Note that, in this embodiment, the configuration of the left side of racket 100 is the same as the configuration of the right side of racket shown in Figure 2. Racket 100 according to embodiment 1 is a pickleball racket (pickleball paddle).

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a racket 100 according to a first embodiment includes a handle portion 1 and a body portion 2. The handle portion 1 is the portion that is gripped by a user. The handle portion 1 extends in the longitudinal direction of the racket 100. In this embodiment, the handle portion 1 includes a grip member 1a. The grip member 1a is configured to cover the base material of the handle portion 1. The grip member 1a is, for example, a grip tape.

[0013] The main body 2 is connected to the handle 1. The handle 1 and main body 2 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the racket 100. The longitudinal direction of the racket 100 coincides with the length direction of the main body 2. The short side of the racket 100 coincides with the width direction of the main body 2. The main body 2 is configured in a flat plate shape. The main body 2 has a hitting surface S for hitting a ball. The front and back surfaces of the main body 2 form the hitting surface S.

[0014] The main body 2 includes a pair of straight sections arranged at both ends in the width direction, a base section connected to the handle section 1, a pair of base-side inclined sections connecting each of the pair of straight sections to the base section, a ceiling section arranged on the opposite side of the base section, and a pair of tip-side inclined sections connecting the pair of straight sections to the ceiling section.

[0015] The racket 100 of this embodiment includes a cover member 3. The cover member 3 is configured to cover the side surfaces of the main body 2. The cover member 3 is configured to cover all of the side surfaces of the main body 2. The material of the cover member 3 is, for example, resin.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the handle portion 1 and body portion 2 of the racket 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of the handle portion 1 and body portion 2 of the racket 100 of this embodiment. For ease of explanation, the grip member 1a and cover member 3 are not shown in Figs. 3 and 4. For ease of viewing, the core layer L1 of the body portion 2, which will be described later, is simplified in Fig. 4. Note that the core layer L1 of the body portion 2 is similarly simplified in the subsequent right side views.

[0017] 3 and 4, the main body 2 includes a core layer L1, a first surface layer L21, a first inner layer L31, and a first outer layer L41. The first inner layer L31 is disposed so as to sandwich the first surface layer L21 between the core layer L1. The first outer layer L41 is disposed so as to sandwich the first inner layer L31 between the first surface layer L21.

[0018] The main body 2 includes a second surface layer L22, a second inner layer L32, and a second outer layer L42. The second surface layer L22 is arranged to sandwich the core layer L1 between itself and the first surface layer L21. The second inner layer L32 is arranged to sandwich the second surface layer L22 between itself and the core layer L1. The second outer layer L42 is arranged to sandwich the second inner layer L32 between itself and the second surface layer L22.

[0019] A first surface layer L21 is superimposed on the surface of the core layer L1. A second surface layer L22 is superimposed on the back surface of the core layer L1. A first inner layer L31 is superimposed on the first surface layer L21. A second inner layer L32 is superimposed on the second surface layer L22. A first outer layer L41 is superimposed on the first inner layer L31. A second outer layer L42 is superimposed on the second inner layer L32. In other words, the first surface layer L21, the first inner layer L31, and the first outer layer L41 are superimposed in this order on the surface (one side) of the core layer L1. The second surface layer L22, the second inner layer L32, and the second outer layer L42 are superimposed in this order on the back surface (other side) of the core layer L1.

[0020] The core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, and the second surface layer L22 may be integrally formed, i.e., the core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, and the second surface layer L22 may be integrally formed or molded.

[0021] The core layer L1 is fixed to the first surface layer L21 and the second surface layer L22 with an adhesive. The first surface layer L21 is fixed to the first inner layer L31 with an adhesive. The second surface layer L22 is fixed to the second inner layer L32 with an adhesive.

[0022] The first inner layer L31 and the first outer layer L41 are fixed with an adhesive. The second inner layer L32 and the second outer layer L42 are fixed with an adhesive. That is, the core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, the second surface layer L22, the first inner layer L31, the second inner layer L32, the first outer layer L41, and the second outer layer L42 are each fixed with an adhesive.

[0023] 4, the core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, the second surface layer L22, the first inner layer L31, the second inner layer L32, the first outer layer L41, and the second outer layer L42 are arranged in the main body portion 2, but are not arranged in the handle portion 1. Note that the core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, the second surface layer L22, the first inner layer L31, the second inner layer L32, the first outer layer L41, and the second outer layer L42 may be arranged in the handle portion 1 and the main body portion 2.

[0024] The core layer L1 is disposed at the center in the direction in which the core layer L1, first surface layer L21, second surface layer L22, first inner layer L31, second inner layer L32, first outer layer L41, and second outer layer L42 are stacked. The core layer L1 has rigidity that serves as a fulcrum when hitting a ball with the racket 100. The core layer L1 has higher rigidity than the first inner layer L31. The core layer L1 has higher rigidity than the second inner layer L32. The core layer L1 has higher material hardness than the first inner layer L31. The core layer L1 has higher material hardness than the second inner layer L32. The core layer L1 has higher rigidity than the first outer layer L41. The core layer L1 has higher rigidity than the second outer layer L42.

[0025] The material of the core layer L1 is, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer synthetic resin (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylate (PA), epoxy (EP), polyurethane (PU), etc.

[0026] Each of the first surface layer L21 and the second surface layer L22 is formed in a planar shape. That is, each of the first surface layer L21 and the second surface layer L22 is formed in a flat shape. It is preferable that each of the first surface layer L21 and the second surface layer L22 is formed in a continuous shape without any gaps.

[0027] The first surface layer L21 and the second surface layer L22 may each be made of a material such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer synthetic resin (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylate (PA), epoxy (EP), polyurethane (PU), nonwoven fabric, etc. The first surface layer L21 and the second surface layer L22 may each be made of fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0028] The first inner layer L31 is an elastic body. That is, the first inner layer L31 is configured to be elastically deformable. The second inner layer L32 is an elastic body. That is, the second inner layer L32 is configured to be elastically deformable. Each of the first inner layer L31 and the second inner layer L32 is configured such that, when a ball is hit with the racket 100, the first outer layer L41 and the second outer layer L42 are restored from the center to the outside by elastic force.

[0029] The material of each of the first inner layer L31 and the second inner layer L32 is, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA), rubber, silicone, etc.

[0030] The first outer layer L41 has higher rigidity than the first inner layer L31. The first outer layer L41 has higher material hardness than the first inner layer L31. The first outer layer L41 may have higher material hardness than the core layer L1. The second outer layer L42 has higher rigidity than the second inner layer L32. The second outer layer L42 has higher material hardness than the second inner layer L32. The second outer layer L42 may have higher material hardness than the core layer L1.

[0031] The first outer layer L41 includes at least one of fiber-reinforced plastic, high-hardness resin, and metal. The second outer layer L42 includes at least one of fiber-reinforced plastic, high-hardness resin, and metal. Examples of fiber-reinforced plastic include carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP). Examples of metal include aluminum, magnesium, and titanium. Examples of resin include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer synthetic resin (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylate (PA), epoxy (EP), and polyurethane (PU).

[0032] Fig. 5 is a front view schematically showing the honeycomb structure of the core layer L1 of this embodiment at part V in Fig. 3. For convenience of explanation, Fig. 5 shows the core layer L1 and the second surface layer L22 arranged on the back side of the core layer L1.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 5, the core layer L1 includes a honeycomb structure. In plan view, the honeycomb structure is a structure in which regular hexagons are arranged without gaps. The plan view is a view from the direction in which the front and back surfaces of the main body portion 2 face each other. The entire core layer L1 may have a honeycomb structure. In other words, in plan view, the entire core layer L1 may have a honeycomb structure.

[0034] Next, modified examples of racket 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0035] Figure 6 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of the handle portion 1 and body portion 2 of Modification 1 of the racket 100 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the laminated structure is disposed on only one side of the body portion 2. In other words, the body portion 2 includes a core layer L1, a first surface layer L21, a first inner layer L31, and a first outer layer L41, but does not include a second surface layer L22, a second inner layer L32, or a second outer layer L42.

[0036] 7 is a right side view schematically illustrating the configuration of the handle portion 1 and the body portion 2 of the racket 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the first surface layer L21 is disposed so as to cover the core layer L1. The first surface layer L21 is disposed so as to cover the core layer L1 only in the body portion 2.

[0037] Figure 8 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of the handle portion 1 and body portion 2 of Modification 3 of the racket 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 8, the first surface layer L21 is arranged to cover the core layer L1. The first surface layer L21 is arranged to cover the core layer L1 in the handle portion 1 and the body portion 2. Note that the first surface layer L21 does not cover the end (base end surface) of the handle portion 1.

[0038] Figure 9 is a right side view schematically illustrating the configuration of the handle portion 1 and body portion 2 of Variation 4 of the racket 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 9, the first outer layer L41 is configured to cover the core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, and the first inner layer L31. The first outer layer L41 is disposed in the body portion 2 only to cover the core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, and the first inner layer L31.

[0039] Figure 10 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of the handle portion 1 and body portion 2 of Variation 5 of the racket 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 10, the first outer layer L41 is configured to cover the core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, and the first inner layer L31. The first outer layer L41 is configured to cover the core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, and the first inner layer L31 in the handle portion 1 and the body portion 2. Note that the first outer layer L41 does not cover the end (base end surface) of the handle portion 1.

[0040] Next, the effects of the racket 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. According to the racket 100 according to the first embodiment, the first inner layer L31 is an elastic body. The first outer layer L41 has higher rigidity than the first inner layer L31, but is able to deflect the first inner layer L31 well, thereby improving resilience. The core layer L1 has higher rigidity than the first inner layer L31. Therefore, since the core layer L1, which is a rigid member that serves as a fulcrum, is disposed inside the first inner layer L31, which is an elastic body, the restoring force of the first inner layer L31, which is an elastic body, can be strengthened. This improves resilience.

[0041] In the racket 100 according to the first embodiment, the second inner layer L32 is an elastic body. The second outer layer L42 has higher rigidity than the second inner layer L32, but is able to deflect the second inner layer L32 well, thereby improving resilience. The core layer L1 has higher rigidity than the second inner layer L32. Therefore, the core layer L1, which is a rigid member that serves as a fulcrum, is disposed inside the elastic second inner layer L32, thereby strengthening the restoring force of the elastic second inner layer L32. This improves resilience. As a result, the resilience coefficient can be improved on both the front and back surfaces of the racket 100.

[0042] In the racket 100 according to the first embodiment, the core layer L1 has higher rigidity than the first outer layer L41, which allows the first outer layer L41 to bend well.

[0043] In the racket 100 according to the first embodiment, the first outer layer L41 includes at least one of fiber reinforced plastic, high hardness resin, and metal.

[0044] According to the racket 100 of the first embodiment, the core layer L1 includes a honeycomb structure, which can improve the rigidity of the core layer L1.

[0045] The main body 2 includes a first surface layer L21. Therefore, the first surface layer L21 can increase the bonding area of ​​the first inner layer L31 compared to when the first inner layer L31 is directly bonded to the core layer L1 of the honeycomb structure. This makes it difficult for the bonded portion of the first inner layer L31 to peel off. This improves the durability and resilience of the first inner layer L31 and the core layer L1.

[0046] In the racket 100 according to the first embodiment, the first surface layer L21 is disposed so as to cover the core layer L1. Therefore, the first surface layer L21 can be laminated to the core layer L1 without using an adhesive. In the racket 100 according to the first embodiment, the first outer layer L41 is configured so as to cover the core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, and the first inner layer L31. Therefore, the first outer layer L41 can be laminated to the core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, and the first inner layer L31 without using an adhesive. Furthermore, the appearance of the racket 100 can be improved.

[0047] Second Embodiment Unless otherwise specified, the racket 100 according to the second embodiment has the same structure and functions and effects as the racket 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0048] The configuration of a racket 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the handle portion 1 and main body portion 2 of the racket 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 12 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of the handle portion 1 and main body portion 2 of the racket 100 according to the present embodiment. For ease of explanation, the grip member 1a and the cover member 3 are not shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0049] In the racket 100 according to the second embodiment, the core layer L1 and the first face layer L21 are disposed in both the handle portion 1 and the body portion 2. In this embodiment, the handle portion 1 includes the core layer L1 and the first face layer L21. The core layer L1 and the first face layer L21 extend from the body portion 2 to the handle portion 1.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second surface layer L22 is disposed on both the handle portion 1 and the main body portion 2. The handle portion 1 includes the second surface layer L22. The second surface layer L22 extends from the main body portion 2 to the handle portion 1.

[0051] Next, the effects of the racket 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. With the racket 100 according to the second embodiment, the core layer L1 and the first surface layer L21 extend from the main body 2 to the handle 1. This prevents the core layer L1 and the first surface layer L21 from succumbing to pressure in the bending direction. This allows for both high bending rigidity and the ability for the ball-striking surface to bend and recover.

[0052] Third Embodiment Unless otherwise specified, the racket 100 according to the third embodiment has the same structure and functions and effects as the racket 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0053] The configuration of a racket 100 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a right side view that schematically illustrates the configuration of the handle portion 1 and main body portion 2 of the racket 100 according to the present embodiment. For ease of explanation, the grip member 1a and the cover member 3 are not shown in Figure 13.

[0054] In the racket 100 according to the third embodiment, the core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, the first inner layer L31, and the first outer layer L41 are disposed in both the handle portion 1 and the body portion 2. In this embodiment, the handle portion 1 includes the core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, the first inner layer L31, and the first outer layer L41. The core layer L1, the first surface layer L21, the first inner layer L31, and the first outer layer L41 extend from the body portion 2 to the handle portion 1.

[0055] In this embodiment, the second surface layer L22, the second inner layer L32, and the second outer layer L42 are disposed in both the handle portion 1 and the main body portion 2. The handle portion 1 includes the second surface layer L22, the second inner layer L32, and the second outer layer L42. The second surface layer L22, the second inner layer L32, and the second outer layer L42 extend from the main body portion 2 to the handle portion 1.

[0056] Next, the effects of the racket 100 according to the third embodiment will be described. According to the racket 100 according to the third embodiment, in addition to the core layer L1 and the first face layer L21, the first inner layer L31 and the first outer layer L41 extend from the body portion 2 to the handle portion 1. This prevents the core layer L1, the first face layer L21, the first inner layer L31, and the first outer layer L41 from succumbing to pressure in the bending direction. This further enhances both high bending rigidity and the ability of the striking surface to deflect and recover.

[0057] (Fourth Embodiment) Unless otherwise specified, the racket 100 according to the fourth embodiment has the same structure and functions and effects as the racket 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0058] The configuration of a racket 100 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is a right side view schematically illustrating the configuration of the handle portion 1 and main body portion 2 of racket 100 according to this embodiment. For ease of explanation, grip member 1a and cover member 3 are not shown in Figure 14. Figure 15 is a front view schematically illustrating the foam material of core layer L1 according to this embodiment in a portion corresponding to Figure 5.

[0059] In the racket 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the core layer L1 includes a foam material. The entire core layer L1 may be made of a foam material. In other words, in a plan view, the entire core layer L1 may be made of a foam material.

[0060] Examples of foam materials include ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer synthetic resin (ABS)), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), etc.

[0061] Next, the effects of racket 100 according to embodiment 4 will be described. According to racket 100 according to embodiment 4, core layer L1 contains a foam material. Therefore, since foam material is lighter than a honeycomb structure, the weight of core layer L1 can be reduced.

[0062] Fifth Embodiment Unless otherwise specified, the racket 100 according to the fifth embodiment has the same structure and functions and effects as the racket 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0063] The configuration of a racket 100 according to embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16 is a right side view that schematically illustrates the configuration of the handle portion 1 and main body portion 2 of racket 100 according to this embodiment. For ease of explanation, grip member 1a and cover member 3 are not shown in Figure 16.

[0064] In the racket 100 according to the fifth embodiment, the core layer L1 includes a foam material. The core layer L1 and the first face layer L21 are disposed in both the handle portion 1 and the body portion 2. In this embodiment, the handle portion 1 includes the core layer L1 and the first face layer L21. The core layer L1 and the first face layer L21 extend from the body portion 2 to the handle portion 1.

[0065] In this embodiment, the second surface layer L22 is disposed on both the handle portion 1 and the main body portion 2. The handle portion 1 includes the second surface layer L22. The second surface layer L22 extends from the main body portion 2 to the handle portion 1.

[0066] Next, the effects of racket 100 according to embodiment 5 will be described. In racket 100 according to embodiment 5, core layer L1 contains a foam material. Core layer L1 and first surface layer L21 extend from main body portion 2 to handle portion 1. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both high bending rigidity and deflection and recovery of the ball-striking surface while reducing the weight of core layer L1.

[0067] Sixth Embodiment Unless otherwise specified, the racket 100 according to the sixth embodiment has the same structure and functions and effects as the racket 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0068] The configuration of a racket 100 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a right side view that schematically illustrates the configuration of the handle portion 1 and the main body portion 2 of the racket 100 according to the present embodiment. For ease of explanation, the grip member 1a and the cover member 3 are not shown in Figure 17.

[0069] In the racket 100 according to the fifth embodiment, the core layer L1 contains a foam material. The core layer L1, the first face layer L21, the first inner layer L31, and the first outer layer L41 are disposed in both the handle portion 1 and the main body portion 2. In this embodiment, the handle portion 1 includes the core layer L1, the first face layer L21, the first inner layer L31, and the first outer layer L41. The core layer L1, the first face layer L21, the first inner layer L31, and the first outer layer L41 extend from the main body portion 2 to the handle portion 1.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second surface layer L22, the second inner layer L32, and the second outer layer L42 are disposed in both the handle portion 1 and the main body portion 2. The handle portion 1 includes the second surface layer L22, the second inner layer L32, and the second outer layer L42. The second surface layer L22, the second inner layer L32, and the second outer layer L42 extend from the main body portion 2 to the handle portion 1.

[0071] Next, the effects of the racket 100 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. In the racket 100 according to the sixth embodiment, the core layer L1 contains a foam material. In addition to the core layer L1 and the first face layer L21, the first inner layer L31 and the first outer layer L41 extend from the body portion 2 to the handle portion 1. This allows the core layer L1 to be lightweight, while also achieving both high bending rigidity and the ability for the ball-striking surface to flex and recover.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that this is for purposes of illustration and example only and is not to be taken as limiting, the scope of the invention being interpreted by the terms of the claims.

Claims

1. A racket comprising: a handle portion; and a body portion connected to the handle portion, wherein the body portion includes a core layer, a first surface layer, a first inner layer arranged to sandwich the first surface layer between the core layer, and a first outer layer arranged to sandwich the first inner layer between the first surface layer, wherein the first inner layer is an elastic body, the first outer layer has higher rigidity than the first inner layer, and the core layer has higher rigidity than the first inner layer.

2. The racket described in claim 1, wherein the main body portion includes a second surface layer arranged to sandwich the core layer between the first surface layer and the second surface layer, a second inner layer arranged to sandwich the second surface layer between the core layer and the second surface layer, and a second outer layer arranged to sandwich the second inner layer between the second surface layer and the second surface layer, the second inner layer being an elastic body, the second outer layer having higher rigidity than the second inner layer, and the core layer having higher rigidity than the second inner layer.

3. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the core layer has a higher rigidity than the first outer layer.

4. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the first outer layer includes at least one of fiber-reinforced plastic, high-hardness resin, and metal.

5. The racket of claim 1, wherein the core layer comprises a honeycomb structure.

6. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the first surface layer is disposed so as to cover the core layer.

7. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the first outer layer is disposed so as to cover the core layer, the first face layer, and the first inner layer.

8. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion includes the core layer and the first face layer, and the core layer and the first face layer extend from the body portion to the handle portion.

9. The racket of claim 8, wherein the handle portion includes the first inner layer and the first outer layer, and the first inner layer and the first outer layer extend from the body portion to the handle portion.

10. The racket of claim 1, wherein the core layer comprises a foam material.

Images