SPORTS RACKET AND SPORTS KIT COMPRISING SUCH A RACKET

Abstract

Sports Racket and Kit for Playing a Sport Comprising Such a Racket A sports racket (2) comprises a handle, a racket element (5), composed of a frame (7) the cross section of which defines an external envelope (E7) and a grommet strip (9) resting against the frame, and a set of strings defining a string bed. The sports racket also comprises a finishing strip (4), mounted on the racket element facing the grommet strip and comprising an external surface (S47) that is flush with an external surface (S19) of an outer wall (6) of the racket element to form an external surface (S61) of the sports racket, continuous and inscribed in the external envelope of the cross section of the frame, at every point along the finishing strip.

Claims

1. A sports racket comprising: a handle a racket element comprising: a frame a cross-section of which defines an external envelope, the frame comprising an inner wall, defining an external surface, an outer wall, defining an external surface, the frame comprising a groove provided in the outer wall, the external envelope being coincident with the external surfaces and of the inner wall and the outer wall and extending, at the junction between the external surface and the groove, toward a main plane according to a tangent of the external surface at the junction point between the external surface and the groove; and a grommet strip for guiding strings resting against the groove of the outer wall of the frame; a set of strings defining a sieve, the strings locally passing through the frame being guided by the grommet strip; wherein the sports racket comprises at least one finishing strip, mounted on the racket element facing the grommet strip and comprising an external surface that is flush with an external surface of an outer wall of the racket element to form an external surface of the sports racket, continuously derivable and inscribed in the external envelope of the cross section of the frame, at every point along the finishing strip.

2. The sports racket according to claim 1 wherein the finishing strip comprises two tabs configured to be inserted into a groove of the sports racket, so as to slidably mount the finishing strip into the groove, the grommet strip being in place in the groove.

3. The sports racket according to claim 2 wherein the finishing strip completely covers the grommet strip guide; the frame forms the groove wherein the finishing strip is slidably mounted; the grommet strip forms a stop to the displacement of the finishing strip according to a radial direction; and the external surface of the finishing strip is flush with the external surface of the outer wall of the frame.

4. The sports racket according to claim 2 wherein: the grommet strip guide comprises an outer wall an external surface of which is flush with the external surface of the outer wall of the frame so as to form an external surface of an outer wall of the racket element; the grommet strip guide forms the groove wherein the finishing strip is slidably mounted; and the external surface of the finishing strip is flush with the external surface of the outer wall of the grommet strip guide.

5. The sports racket according to claim 1 wherein: the finishing strip comprises protrusions, the grommet strip comprise housings configured to respectively receive a protrusion of the finishing strip, and the finishing strip is configured to be mounted on the grommet strip by clipping the protrusions into the housings.

6. The sports racket according to claim 5 wherein: the protrusions are distributed along the finishing strip and extend perpendicularly to an outer wall of the finishing strip in a direction opposite to the external surface, and the housings pass through the grommet strip parallel to the grommets of the grommet strip.

7. The sports racket according to claim 5 wherein: the finishing strip comprises tabs forming two rows and delimiting a volume, each tab comprises a protrusion that extends into the volume perpendicularly to the associated tab, and the housings extend in projection from the grommet strip perpendicularly to the grommets of the grommet strip.

8. The sports racket according to claim 1 comprises another grommet strip string guide mounted on the frame and covering part of the outer wall of the frame and in that the sports racket comprises another finishing strip the external surface of which is flush with the external surface of an outer wall of the other grommet strip and which is slidably mounted into a groove of the other grommet strip guide.

9. The sports racket according to claim 8 wherein an end of the other finishing strip is configured to be slidably mounted into the groove of the other grommet strip guide, the other grommet strip being in place in the groove.

10. The sports racket according to claim 9 wherein a width of the groove of the frame is greater than a width of the groove of the other grommet strip guide, a width of the finishing strip is narrowed at the end of the finishing strip.

11. The sports racket according to claim 1 wherein the grommet strip guide is a separate piece from the frame, fitted into the groove of the frame.

12. The sports racket according to claim 1 wherein the frame and the grommet strip guide are monobloc.

13. A kit for playing a racket sport comprising the sports racket according to claim 1 wherein the finishing strip is selected from among several finishing strips of different properties, which also belong to the kit for playing racket sports.

Description

[0031] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of a non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 is an elevation of a sports racket in accordance with the invention;

[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view on a larger scale of a part of the racket corresponding to the frame II of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the part of the racket shown in FIG. 2;

[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross section on a larger scale of the racket, according to the plane IV-IV in FIG. 3;

[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross-section on a larger scale of the racket, according to the plane V-V in FIG. 3;

[0037] FIG. 6 is a perspective view on a larger scale of a part of the racket corresponding to the frame VI of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a finishing strip belonging to the racket of FIGS. 1 to 6;

[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view on a larger scale, similar to FIG. 2, for a racket according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0040] FIG. 9 is a plan view similar to FIG. 3, for the racket according to the second embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 10 is a cross section on a larger scale of the racket, according to the plane X-X in FIG. 9;

[0042] FIG. 11 is a cross section on a larger scale of the racket, according to the plane XI-XI in FIG. 9;

[0043] FIG. 12 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, for a racket according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0044] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a grommet strip of the racket of FIG. 12;

[0045] FIG. 14 is a section in the plane XIV of FIG. 13;

[0046] FIG. 15 is a perspective view from below of a finishing strip of the racket of FIG. 12;

[0047] FIG. 16 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, for a racket according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0048] FIG. 17 is a section in the plane XVII of FIG. 16;

[0049] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a grommet strip of the racket of FIG. 16; and

[0050] FIG. 19 is a perspective view from below of a finishing strip of the racket of FIG. 16.

[0051] A kit 1 for playing a racket sport, represented in FIGS. 1 to 6, comprises a sports racket 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The sports racket 2 comprises at least one finishing strip 4. The kit 1 comprises several finishing strips 4, 4, 4, which are three in number in the example of the figures, among which the finishing strip 4 belonging to the sports racket 2 is chosen. Thus, the kit 1 comprises, in addition to the sports racket 2, the finishing strips 4 and 4.

[0052] Alternatively, the number of finishing strips in the kit 1 is different from three, for example equal to 1, 2, 4, or more.

[0053] The sports racket 2 comprises a handle 3 and a racket element 5 delimited by an outer wall 6. The racket element 5 is symmetrical relative to a main plane P parallel to the plane of FIG. 1. The racket element 5 comprises a frame 7 and at least two grommet strip 9 guides. The handle 3 is connected to the frame 7 by means of two branches 11 forming a bridge, sometimes called a yoke.

[0054] The longitudinal axis of the racket 2, is denoted X, according to which the handle 3 extends, and which connects a first end 13 of the frame 7, opposite the handle 3, and a second end 15 of this frame, located on the side of the handle 3 and the bridge formed by the branches 11.

[0055] The transverse axis of the racket 2, is denoted Y, which is perpendicular to the axis X and contained in the main plane P of the frame 7, as is the longitudinal axis X.

[0056] The thickness axis of the racket 2, is denoted Z, which is perpendicular to the axes X and Y and contained in the main plane P. The axes X, Y, and Z define an orthogonal reference frame.

[0057] The sports racket 2 is symmetrical relative to a plane of symmetry comprising the longitudinal axis X and the thickness axis Z.

[0058] In the representation of FIG. 1, the parts of the frame 7 can be identified like a clock 20 face, considering that the first end 13 corresponds to 12 o'clock, while the second end 15, located near the bridge or yoke, corresponds to 6 o'clock. The 6 o'clock-12 o'clock axis of the clock face is aligned with the axis X. The 3 o'clock-9 o'clock axis is aligned with the axis Y.

[0059] The frame 7 comprises an inner wall 17 and an outer wall 19 defining, between them, 25 an internal volume 20 of the frame 7. The external surface of the inner wall 17 and the outer wall 19, denoted S17 and S19 respectively, these external faces being opposite the internal volume 20.

[0060] The frame 7 defines a radial direction R directed from the inner wall 17 toward the outer wall 19 at every point of the frame 7. The inner wall 17 is concave, and the outer wall 19 is convex relative to the radial direction R.

[0061] A groove 23 is provided in the outer wall 19 of the frame 7.

[0062] Each cross section of the frame 7 defines an external envelope E7.

[0063] The external envelope E7 coincides with the external surfaces S17 and S19 of the inner wall 17 and the outer wall 19. At the junction between the external surface S19 and the groove 23, the envelope extends toward the main plane P according to the tangent of the external surface S19 at the junction point between the external surface S19 and the groove 23. Thus, the external envelope E7 is defined by the external surface S17, the external surface S19, and two segments, symmetrical relative to the main plane P and connecting, on the one hand, the point of concurrence of the tangents of the external surface S19 and, on the other hand, the junction with the groove 23 and the junction between the external surface S19 and the groove 23. The external envelope E7 is represented by a thick dashed line in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0064] The frame 7 presents holes 21. The holes 21 pass through the frame 7 and connect between them, the inner wall 17 and the outer wall 19.

[0065] The outer wall 19 of the frame 7 forms the outer wall 6 of the racket element 5.

[0066] The two grommet strips 9 are arranged on lateral portions 25 and 27 of the frame 7, corresponding approximately to the zones between 2 o'clock and 5 o'clock and between 7 o'clock and 10 o'clock on the clock face formed by the frame. Each grommet strip 9 comprises a sole 29 intended to rest against the groove 23 of the frame 7 and several grommets 31 intended to pass through the frame 7 through the holes 21, opening toward the volume surrounded by the inner wall 17. As visible in FIGS. 4 and 5, each sole 29 extends, according to the thickness axis Z, diverging from the main plane P.

[0067] Advantageously, each grommet strip 9 is a separate piece from the frame 7, fitted into the groove 23 of the frame 7.

[0068] The sports racket 2 comprises, in a known manner, one or more longitudinal strings 43 arranged parallel to the axis X and one or more other transverse strings 43 arranged parallel to the axis Y. The different strings 43 of the racket 2 together form the sieve, not represented, of the sports racket 2, which extends in the main plane P.

[0069] For clarity of the drawing, the grommet strips 9 and the transverse strings 43 are not represented in FIG. 1.

[0070] Each string 43 passes through the frame 7 between the inner wall 17 and the outer wall 19 passing through the holes 21. Each string 43 is guided through the holes 21 by a grommet 31 of a grommet strip 9.

[0071] The finishing strip 4 is configured to be mounted, facing one of the of grommet strips 9, on the racket element 3, particularly on the portion 25 of the frame 7. In the example, the sports racket 2 comprises a second finishing strip 46 mounted on the portion 27. By symmetry of the sports racket 2 relative to a plane comprising the longitudinal axis X and the thickness axis Z, the second finishing strip 46 is identical to the finishing strip 4.

[0072] The finishing strip 4 presents a convex outer wall 47 and, advantageously, two tabs 49 that extend, when the finishing strip 4 is mounted on the frame 7, in a direction opposite to the radial direction R. In this example, the two tabs 49 extend over the entire length of the finishing strip 4.

[0073] The external surface of the outer wall 47, denoted S47, is oriented in the direction of the radial direction R.

[0074] The tabs 49 delimit a volume 51 between them. The internal surfaces 53 of the tabs, delimiting the volume 51, match the shape of the sole 29 of the grommet strip 9, so that the tabs 49 can slide on the sole 29, by shape complementarity, according to a longitudinal direction of the portion 25 of the frame 7.

[0075] The external surfaces 55 of the tabs 49 match the shape of the groove 23 of the frame 7, so that the finishing strip 4 can slide in the frame 7 by shape complementarity, according to the longitudinal direction of the portion 25 of the frame 7.

[0076] The finishing strip 4 is slidably mounted onto the portion 25 of the frame 7 once the racket is strung, particularly once the grommet strip is already in place in the groove 23. In other words, the finishing strip 4 is not traversed by the strings 43.

[0077] The groove 23 of the frame 7 and the sole 29 of the grommet strip 9 associated with the portion 25 form two rails 57 in which the tabs 49 of the finishing strip 4 are inserted. The surface contact between the rails 57 and the tabs 49 form a sliding connection between the finishing strip 4 and the racket element 3 and ensure the mounting of the finishing strip 4 on the sports racket 2.

[0078] When the finishing strip 4 is mounted on the sports racket 2, the sole 29 forms a stop to the displacement of the finishing strip 4 according to the radial direction R.

[0079] When the finishing strip 4 is mounted on the sports racket 2, the finishing strip 4 completely covers the grommet strip 9 and encloses the grommet strip 9 in the volume 51. The finishing strip 4 protects the grommet strip 9 and the stringing of the sports racket 2 from external dust and ensures a longer lifespan for the stringing.

[0080] The finishing strip 4 covers several successive grommets 31 of the grommet strip. In the example, as clearly visible in FIG. 2, the finishing strip 4 covers at least six grommets 31. The length of the finishing strip 4 depends on the number of grommets 31 to be covered. Its other dimensions, particularly its width, thickness, and curvature, do not depend on the geometry of the grommet strip 9.

[0081] When the finishing strip 4 is mounted on the racket element 3, the external surface S47 of the outer wall 47 is flush with the external surface S19 of the outer wall 19 of the frame 7. The outer walls 19 and 47 together form an external wall 61 of the sports racket 2, the external surface S61 of which is continuous, without interruption. In particular, there is no abrupt relief, such as a shoulder or step, at the junction between the external surfaces S19 and S47. In the mathematical sense, the external surface S61 is continuously derivable, in other words, the ends of the external surfaces S19 and S47 have a common tangent.

[0082] The design and mounting of the finishing strip 4 ensure that a convex and continuous external surface S61 is obtained, without external abrupt relief. At every point along the length of the finishing strip 4, in other words, in every cross-section of the frame 7 in which the finishing strip 4 is present, the external surface S61 is inscribed in the external envelope E7 of the frame. By inscribed in the external envelope E7, it is meant that the external surface S61 coincides with the external envelope E7 or is contained within/inside the perimeter delimited by the external envelope E7. Thus, the external surface S61 does not cross or exceed the external envelope E7. Therefore, the finishing strip 4 does not cover the external surface S19.

[0083] The geometry of the external surface S61 improves the aerodynamics of the sports racket 2, ensuring a better penetration and a better displacement, in the air, of the sports racket 2. The improvement in the aerodynamics of the sports racket 2 allows for increased speed of displacement of the head of the sports racket 2, thereby allowing more spin and/or speed to be imparted to a ball, not represented, when the ball is struck by the sports racket 2.

[0084] The finishing strip can be mounted and removed on the sports racket 2 at the discretion of the user. The user of the sports racket 2 can, for example, play without the finishing strip 4 mounted on the sports racket 2. The finishing strip 4 is easily removed from the sports racket 2 by simply sliding the finishing strip 4 in the groove 23 until the finishing strip 4 is removed from the groove 23. Removing the finishing strip 4 allows, for example, for string adjustment. Conversely, the finishing strip can be placed on the frame 7 by sliding it into the groove 23.

[0085] Advantageously, the racket comprises a reinforced grommet strip 63. The reinforced grommet strip 63 is another grommet strip, different from the grommet strip 9. The reinforced grommet strip 63 is arranged on a portion 33 of the frame 7 corresponding to a zone between 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock. The reinforced grommet strip 63 comprises a sole, not represented, intended to rest against the groove 23 of the frame 7 and the grommets 37 intended to guide the strings 43 through the frame 7 through the holes 21. For simplicity of the drawing, only part of the grommets 37 of the reinforced grommet strip 63 is represented in FIG. 1.

[0086] The reinforced grommet strip 63 also comprises an outer wall 65 that extends on each side of the reinforced grommet strip 63 according to the thickness axis Z. The outer wall 65 forms a reinforcement of the frame 7 and protects the frame 7 from impacts. The outer wall 65 covers the outer wall 19 of the frame 7. The outer wall 65 comprises two bands 65A and 65B, which delimit a groove 67 between them.

[0087] Advantageously, the width of the groove 23 of the frame 7 is greater than the width of the groove 67 of the reinforced grommet strip 63.

[0088] Advantageously, the finishing strip 4 comprises an end 69 configured to slide into the groove 67 of the reinforced grommet strip 10. More precisely, the finishing strip presents a narrowed width at the end 69. In the example, as visible in FIG. 7, the width of the finishing strip 4 is discontinuous due to the parallel narrowing of the end 69.

[0089] Advantageously, the kit 1 for playing racket sports comprises another finishing strip 70 that is flush with the outer wall 65 of the reinforced grommet strip 63 and is slidably mounted into the groove 67 of the reinforced grommet strip 63. In other words, an external surface S70 of the finishing strip 70 is flush with the external surfaces S65A and S65B of the bands 65A and 65B.

[0090] Advantageously, the finishing strips 4, 4, and 4 have different properties. For example, the finishing strips 4, 4, and 4 have different surface states, colors, hardness, and/or mass. Furthermore, according to an aspect of the invention, not represented, the kit 1 for playing racket sports comprises several finishing strips of the type of strip 46 and/or of the type of strip 70 with different properties, these properties being the same as those mentioned for the strips 4, 4, and 4. Thus, the finishing strips 4, 46, and 70 are selected from the finishing strips of the kit 1 so as to modify the properties of the sports racket 2.

[0091] In an alternative, not represented, the frame 7 and the grommet strips 9 are monobloc, that is, formed of a single piece.

[0092] In an alternative, not represented, the width of the finishing strip 4 presents a bevel at the end 69 and therefore a parallel narrowing of the width of the finishing strip 4 at the end 69.

[0093] In an alternative, not represented, the finishing strip 4 presents a concave outer wall 47, with an external surface S61 inscribed in the external envelope E7 and improving the aerodynamics of the sports racket 2.

[0094] In an alternative, not represented, the attachment of the finishing strip 4 to the frame 7 can be achieved by a clipping system of the finishing strip 4 on the frame 7 or by any other attachment method allowing the mounting and removal of the finishing strip 4 on the frame 7.

[0095] FIGS. 8 to 11 illustrate a sports racket 102 according to a second embodiment of the invention, the sports racket 102 being identical to the sports racket 2 of the first embodiment except for the features described below. The reference signs for the device of the sports racket 102 correspond to those of the sports racket 2 when the referenced element is unchanged. The reference signs are increased by 100 when they designate similar but modified elements in the sports racket 2. If a reference is mentioned in the following description without being shown on one of FIGS. 8 to 11 or shown on one of these figures without being mentioned in the description, it concerns the same element as the one bearing the same reference in the first embodiment.

[0096] In the second embodiment, the sole 129 of the grommet strip 109 matches the shape of the groove 23 of the frame 7 and extends over the entire height of the groove 23 of the frame 7 up to an outer wall 173.

[0097] The outer wall 173 of the grommet strip 109 forms, with the outer wall 19 of the frame 7, the outer wall 106 of the racket element 105.

[0098] The external surface of the outer wall 106, is denoted S106. The external surface of the outer wall 173, is denoted S173. The external walls are oriented according to the radial direction of the frame 107, defined as in the first embodiment.

[0099] The external surface S173 is flush with the external surface S19 of the outer wall 19 of the frame 7, so that the external surface S106 is continuous, without abrupt relief.

[0100] The grommet strip 109 also presents a groove 171, delimited by an internal surface 172. Two grooves 175 are provided, symmetrically related to the main plane P, in the groove 171 of the grommet strip 109.

[0101] The finishing strip 4 presents the tabs 149 that extend, symmetrically relative to the main plane P, according to the thickness axis Z. The two tabs 149 are configured to be inserted into the grooves 175. The contacts between the grooves 175 and the tabs 149 form a sliding connection between the finishing strip 4 and the racket element 105, particularly the grommet strip 109, and ensure the mounting of the finishing strip 4 on the sports racket 102.

[0102] When the finishing strip 4 is mounted on the sports racket 2, the grooves 175 form a radial stop preventing displacement according to the radial direction R of the finishing strip 4 ensuring the radial position of the finishing strip 4 is maintained.

[0103] When the finishing strip 4 is mounted on the sports racket 2, the external surface S47 of its outer wall 47 is flush with the external surface S173 of the outer wall 173 of the grommet strip 109 and forms, with the external surface S19 of the outer wall 19 of the frame 7 and the external surface S173 of the outer wall 173 of the grommet strip 109, an external surface S161 of the sports racket 102.

[0104] Thus, the aerodynamics of the sports racket 102 is improved, like that of the sports racket 2. Its penetration in the air is also improved.

[0105] FIGS. 12 to 15 illustrate a sports racket 202 according to a third embodiment of the invention, the sports racket 202 being identical to the sports racket 2 of the first embodiment except for the features described below. The reference signs for the device of the sports racket 202 correspond to those of the sports racket 2 when the referenced element is unchanged. The reference signs are increased by 200 when they designate similar but modified elements in the sports racket 2. If a reference is mentioned in the following description without being shown on one of FIGS. 12 to 15 or shown on one of these figures without being mentioned in the description, it concerns the same element as the one bearing the same reference in the first embodiment.

[0106] In this third embodiment, the finishing strip 204 comprises protrusions 280 distributed along the finishing strip 204. The protrusions 280 extend into the volume 51, between the tabs 49, perpendicularly to the outer wall 47 in a direction opposite to the external surface S247. In other words, the protrusions extend, when the finishing strip 204 is mounted on the frame 7, in a direction opposite to the radial direction R.

[0107] The grommet strip 209 presents housings 282 passing through the sole 29 parallel to the grommets 31. The housings 282 are configured to respectively receive a protrusion 280 of the finishing strip 204.

[0108] In this embodiment, the finishing strip 204 is mounted on the grommet strip 209 by clipping the protrusions 280 into the housings 282.

[0109] In an alternative, not represented, the finishing strip 204 may present, on the external surface S247, a receiving notch configured to receive a tip of a tool allowing the removal of the finishing strip 204. The external surface S247 is continuous except at a point located along the total length of the finishing strip 204, in which the receiving notch is provided, a dimension of the receiving notch being less than a diameter of a string.

[0110] FIGS. 16 to 19 illustrate a sports racket 302 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, the sports racket 302 being identical to the sports racket 2 of the first embodiment except for the features described below. The reference signs for the device of the sports racket 302 correspond to those of the sports racket 2 when the referenced element is unchanged. The reference signs are increased by 300 when they designate similar but modified elements in the sports racket 2. If a reference is mentioned in the following description without being shown on one of FIGS. 16 to 19 or shown on one of these figures without being mentioned in the description, it concerns the same element as the one bearing the same reference in the first embodiment.

[0111] In this fourth embodiment, the two tabs 49 of the sports racket 2 of the first embodiment are replaced by several tabs 349 forming two rows along the length of the finishing strip 304. Each of the tabs 349 of the finishing strip 304 comprises a protrusion 390 that extends into the volume 51 perpendicularly to the associated tab 349.

[0112] The grommet strip 309 presents the housings 392 that extend in projection from the sole 329 perpendicularly to the grommets 31. The housings 392 are configured to respectively receive a protrusion 390 of the finishing strip 304.

[0113] In this embodiment, the finishing strip 304 is mounted on the grommet strip 309 by clipping the protrusions 390 into the housings 392. Thus, in this embodiment, the tabs 349 of the finishing strip 204 are not in contact with the groove 23.

[0114] Any feature described above for one embodiment or alternative is applicable to the other embodiments and alternatives described above, as long as it is technically possible.