Abstract
A racket (1) is provided. The racket (1) comprises a handle (2) and a blade (3). The handle (2) comprises a socket (5) arranged at an end portion (2) of the handle (2). The socket (5) extends into the handle (2) along a central longitudinal axis (6) of the racket (1). The socket (5) comprises a first magnetic material (7) arranged in the socket (5). The racket (1) further comprises a plug (8) configured to be arranged into the socket (5). The plug (8) comprises a second magnetic material configured for magnetic attraction to the first magnetic material (7).
Claims
1. A racket comprising a handle and a blade, wherein the handle comprises a socket arranged at an end portion of the handle, wherein the socket extends into the handle along a central longitudinal axis of the racket, and wherein the socket comprises a first magnetic material arranged in the socket, and wherein the racket further comprises a plug configured to be arranged into the socket, wherein the plug comprises a second magnetic material configured for magnetic attraction to the first magnetic material, wherein the socket has one of a chamfered, conical and slanted shape, wherein a first diameter of the socket, measured at the end portion of the handle, is greater than a second diameter of the socket, measured at a bottom of the socket, wherein the plug has one of a chamfered, conical and slanted shape, complementary to the shape of the socket, wherein a first diameter of the plug, measured at a first end portion of the plug, is greater than a second diameter of the plug, measured at a second end portion of the plug, and wherein a length of the socket along the central longitudinal axis is greater than a length of the plug along a central longitudinal axis of the plug, allowing a gap between the bottom of the socket and the second end portion of the plug, wherein the gap allows the plug to be pulled towards the bottom of the socket.
2. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the plug comprises a flange arranged at an end portion of the plug.
3. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the first magnetic material is arranged at a bottom of the socket.
4. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the plug is symmetrical about a first plane, said first plane being aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the plug.
5. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the plug has a weight between 1 and 20 grams, such as between 1 and 12 grams, or such as between 3 and 9 grams.
6. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the socket further comprises a cavity which extends into the handle along the central longitudinal axis of the racket, and a sleeve arranged in the cavity, and wherein the plug is configured to be arranged into the sleeve of the cavity.
7. The racket according to claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises a plastic material.
8. The racket according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is a magnet.
9. The racket according to claim 1, wherein the racket is a table tennis racket, a tennis racket, badminton racket or a padel racket.
10. A racket set, comprising the racket according to claim 1, wherein the racket set comprises a plurality of plugs each comprising a magnetic material and configured to be arranged within the socket of the racket, and wherein each plug of the plurality of plugs has a weight different from the other one or more plugs of the plurality of plugs.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] This and other aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 1a schematically shows a table tennis racket according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 1b schematically shows a tennis racket according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 1c schematically shows a badminton racket according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 2 schematically shows cross-sections of a handle and a plug of a racket according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIGS. 3a-c schematically show cross-sections of plugs of a racket according to exemplifying embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIGS. 4a and 4b schematically show plugs of a racket according to exemplifying embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 5 schematically shows a cross-section of a handle of a racket according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] FIG. 1a schematically shows a table tennis racket 1 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] The shown table tennis racket 1 comprises a handle 2 and a blade 3. The handle 2 is connected to the blade 3 via a base portion 4. The handle 2 comprises a socket 5 arranged at an end portion 2 of the handle 2. The socket 5 extends into the handle 2 along a central longitudinal axis 6 of the table tennis racket 1. The socket 5 comprises a first magnetic material 7, which may be a magnet, arranged in the socket 5, which is shown in FIG. 1 to be arranged at a bottom of the socket 5. However, the magnetic material 7, may alternatively be arranged, for example, along sides of the socket 5. The socket 5 is configured to receive a plug (not shown; see e.g. FIGS. 2 and 3) configured to be arranged into the socket 5. The plug may comprise a second magnetic material configured for magnetic attraction to the first magnetic material 7. The shown socket 5 has a chamfered shape, which may alternatively be understood as a conical or slanted shape.
[0036] The present disclosure is not limited to a racket 1 having a blade 3 and handle 2 as shown in FIG. 1. The shape of the blade 3 and/or the handle 2 shown in FIG. 1 is purely exemplary, and the blade 3 and/or the handle 2 may be replaced by any kind of racket blade and/or handle. This is fact is further substantiated by the exemplifying embodiments shown in FIGS. 1b and 1c.
[0037] FIG. 1b schematically shows a tennis racket 1 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] The shown tennis racket 1, similarly to the table tennis racket 1 shown in FIG. 1a, comprises a handle 2 and a blade 3. However, the blade 3 of the table tennis racket 1 comprises a rim having a network of strings arranged within the rim. The handle 2 comprises a socket 5 arranged at an end portion 2 of the handle 2 in a similar fashion as the socket 5 of the table tennis racket 1 shown in FIG. 1a. The socket 5 extends into the handle 2 along a central longitudinal axis 6 of the tennis racket 1. The socket 5 comprises a first magnetic material 7, which may be a magnet, arranged in the socket 5, which is shown in FIG. 1 to be arranged at a bottom of the socket 5.
[0039] FIG. 1c schematically shows a badminton racket 1 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] The shown badminton racket 1 is similar to the table tennis racket 1 and the tennis racket 1 as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, and comprises a handle 2 and a blade 3. Similarly to the tennis racket 1, the blade 3 comprises a rim of the badminton racket 1 having a network of strings arranged within the rim. Further, the handle 2 comprises a socket 5 arranged at an end portion 2 of the handle 2 and extending into the handle 2 along a central longitudinal axis 6 of the badminton racket 1, and comprising a first magnetic material 7.
[0041] Thereby, is has been shown in FIGS. 1a-1c and in the above corresponding description, that the concept of having a socket 5 arranged at an end portion 2 of a handle 2 of a racket 1 and extending into the handle 2 along a central longitudinal axis 6 of the racket 1 is common for many different kinds of sport rackets. Consequently, the differences between the exemplifying embodiment shown in FIG. 1b and FIG. 1a relates to the difference between the different kind of sports rackets rather than the implementation of the concept of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to table tennis rackets, tennis rackets or badminton rackets. Rather, the concept of the present disclosure may be implemented into any kind of sports racket.
[0042] FIG. 2 schematically shows cross-sections of a handle 2 and a plug 8 of a racket according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the handle 2 shown in FIG. 2 is a part of a racket, and that the handle 2 shown in FIG. 2 is provided in order to provide an increased understanding of the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIG. 2 comprises features, elements and/or functions as shown in FIG. 1 and described in the associated text. Hence, it is also referred to FIG. 1 and the description relating thereto for an increased understanding.
[0043] A first diameter D1 of the socket 5, which is measured at the end portion 2 of the handle 2, is greater than a second diameter D2 of the socket 5, which is measured at a bottom 10 of the socket 5. The difference between the first diameter D1 and the second diameter D2 is due to the socket 5 having a chamfered, slanted or conical, shape. The socket 5 shown in FIG. 2 has a length L1 along the central longitudinal axis 6, which is measured between the bottom 10 of the socket 5 and the end portion 2 of the handle 2.
[0044] The socket 5 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a first magnetic material 7 which is arranged at the bottom 10 of the socket 5, thereby establishing a side of the first magnetic material 7, which is facing the end portion 2 of the handle 2, as the bottom 10 of the socket 5. However, the first magnetic material 7 is not limited to being arranged at the bottom 10 of the socket 5. Therefore, the bottom of the socket 5 may, or may not, be based on where, or how, the first magnetic material 7 is arranged in the socket 5. Thus, the second diameter D2 and the length L1 of the socket 5 may be different, based on the arrangement of the first magnetic material 7.
[0045] FIG. 2 shows a plug 8 configured for being arranged into the socket 5. The plug 8 comprises a second magnetic material configured for magnetic attraction to the first magnetic material of the socket 5. The plug 8 has a shape which is complementary to the shape of the socket 5, wherein the shape of the plug 8 shown in FIG. 2 is chamfered, slanted or conical. The plug 8 has a first diameter D3, which is measured at a first end portion 8 of the plug 8, and a second diameter D4, which is measured a second end portion 8 of the plug 8. The first diameter D3 of the plug 8 is greater than the second diameter D4 of the plug 8. Further, the plug 8 has a length L2, which is measured between the end portions 8, 8 of the plug 8. The plug 8 may be symmetrical about a first plane 11, wherein the first plane 11 is aligned with a central longitudinal axis 6 of the plug 8, such that the plug 8 may have a conical shape.
[0046] FIG. 3a schematically shows a cross-section of a plug 8 of a racket 1 according to exemplifying embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIGS. 3a-c comprises features, elements and/or functions as shown in FIG. 2 and described in the associated text. Hence, it is also referred to FIG. 2 and the description relating thereto for an increased understanding.
[0047] The plug 8 has two end portions 8, 8, which may termed a first end portion 8 and a second end portion 8. The first end portion 8 is wider than the second end portion 8 to allow the plug 8 to be inserted into a socket of a racket as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in wedge-like fashion.
[0048] A difference between the plug 8 shown in FIG. 3a and the plug shown in FIG. 2 and described in associated texts is that the plug 8 shown in FIG. 3a comprises one or more flanges 9. The cross-sectional view in FIG. 3a shows the plug 8 comprising two flanges 9. However, the plug 8 may comprise one flange 9 which extends around the entire plug 8. Further, the plug 8 may comprise substantially any number of flanges 9 which extend from a one or more sides of the plug 8. In the following, the plug 8 will be described as if having two flanges 9, but it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such and embodiment and that this is done purely for an increased understanding of the present disclosure.
[0049] The flanges 9 extend outward from sides of the plug 8. The sides of the plug 8 extend between the second end portion 8 and the flanges 9. The extension of the sides of the plug 8 is at an angle with regards to a central longitudinal axis 6 of the plug 8. A surface of each of the flanges 9, which may be termed a top surface, forms part of the first end portion 8 of the plug 8. Another surface 9 of each of the flanges 9, opposite the top surface of the respective flange 9, which may be termed side surface 9, extends between the side of the plug 8 and an outermost portion of the flange 9. The side surface 9 provides a smooth transition from the side of the plug 8 to the flange 9. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a plug 8 comprising a side surface 9. For example, the flange(s) 9 may extend substantially perpendicularly from the side(s) of the plug 8, with respect to the central longitudinal axis 6 of the plug 8.
[0050] The plug 8 has a first diameter D3, which may be measured diagonally across the plug 8 and below the flange 9 of the plug 8. The plug 8 has a second diameter D4, which may be measured diagonally across the second end portion 8 of the plug 8. The first diameter D3 of the plug 8 may be greater than the second diameter D4 of the plug 8.
[0051] A length L2 of the plug 8 may be measured between the second end portion 8 of the plug 8 and the flange(s) 9 of the plug 8, along the central longitudinal axis 6 of the plug 8.
[0052] The plug 8 shown in FIG. 3a is formed by a single piece of second magnetic material 17.
[0053] FIG. 3b schematically shows a cross-section of a plug 8 of a racket 1 according to exemplifying embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0054] A difference between the plug 8 shown in FIG. 3b and the plug shown in FIG. 3a is that the plug 8 shown in FIG. 3b comprises a cavity 19. The cavity 19 extending into the plug 8 from the top end portion 8 of the plug 8. The cavity 19 may be centered with respect to the central longitudinal axis 6 of the plug 8, and may be rotationally symmetrical. Therefore, a difference between the plug 8 of FIG. 3b and the plug of FIG. 3a is that a portion of the second magnetic material 17 is not present, or has been removed. Thereby, a weight of the plug 8 of FIG. 3b is lesser than a weight of the plug of FIG. 3a, provided that they are composed by the same second magnetic material 17. The size of the cavity 19 is purely exemplary, and may be bigger or smaller. A bigger cavity 19 would lead to a lighter plug 8, and correspondingly, a smaller cavity 19 would lead to a heavier plug 8. Thus, the weight of a plug 8 can be determined by providing the plug 8 with a cavity 19 of a desired size.
[0055] FIG. 3c schematically shows a plug 8 of a racket 1 according to exemplifying embodiments of the present disclosure. A difference between the plug 8 shown in FIG. 3c and the plug shown in FIG. 3a is that the plug 8 shown in FIG. 3c comprises two materials 17, 18, wherein one of the two materials 17, 18 is a second magnetic material 17. The other material 17, which may be termed a structural material 18, may be a non-magnetic material. A plug 8 which is comprised by one or more magnetic materials may be too heavy, due to the weight of magnetic materials. Therefore, in order to provide a plug 8 with a reduced weight, the plug 8 may comprise additional materials 18, which are not magnetic materials. It is to be understood that the plug according to the present disclosure is not limited to comprising one or two materials as shown in FIGS. 3a-c, and may comprise substantially any number of materials, such as, for example, three, four, five or more.
[0056] The second magnetic material 17 is arranged within the plug 8. In FIG. 3c, the second magnetic material 17 is shown to extend between the longitudinal ends 8, 8 of the plug 8. Further, a larger portion of the second magnetic material 17 is arranged closer to the first end portion 8. It is to be understood that the arrangement of the second magnetic material 17 and the structural material 18 shown in FIG. 3c is purely exemplary. For example, the arrangement of the two materials 17, 18 may be reversed. Additionally, the second magnetic material 17 is not limited to extending through the whole plug 8. However, the second magnetic material 17 being arranged close to the second end portion 8 of the plug 8 may provide a higher magnetic attraction to the first magnetic material of the racket, thereby providing a more secure connection. Furthermore, the second magnetic material 17 being centered within the plug 8 may prevent rattling, and or vibration, of the plug 8 when arranged into the socket.
[0057] FIG. 4a schematically shows a plug 8 configured for being inserted into a racket 1 according to exemplifying embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIGS. 4a and 4b comprises features, elements and/or functions as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3a-c and described in the associated text. Hence, it is also referred to FIGS. 2 and 3a-c and the descriptions relating thereto for an increased understanding. The view of the plug 8 is from above a first end portion 8 of the plug 8, such that only the first end portion 8 is shown in FIG. 4a. It is to be understood that the plug 8 extends downward, into the figure. The plug 8 shown in FIG. 4a may be a plug as shown in either of FIGS. 3a-c, when viewed from above. Therefore, it is to be understood that the plug 8 may comprise one or more sides, which extends to a second end portion (not shown; see e.g. FIGS. 2 or 3a-c).
[0058] The plug 8 may comprise a flange 9 which extends outward from the side of the plug 8. In FIG. 4a this is indicated by the circular dashed line. The dashed line may indicate where the side of the plug 8 ends and where the flange 9 begins, i.e. 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 is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to a flange 9 or a plug 8 as shown in FIG. 4a. The plug 8 may comprise a plurality of sides, and/or the flange 9 may not extend along the entire one or more sides of the plug 8. For example, the plug 8 may comprise one or more sides, and may comprise one or more flanges 9 which may extend along at least one of the one ore more sides of the plug 8. Further, a flange 9 may extend along a portion of a side of the plug 8, or along an entire side of the plug 8. The flanges 9 may form a portion of the first end portion 8 of the plug.
[0059] FIG. 4b schematically shows a plug 8 configured for being inserted into a racket 1 according to exemplifying embodiments of the present disclosure. A difference between the plug 8 as shown in FIG. 4a and the plug shown in FIG. 4a is that the plug 8 shown in FIG. 4b comprises a plurality of flanges 9. More specifically, the plug 8 shown in FIG. 4b comprises four flanges 9. However, it is to be understood that present disclosure is not limited to comprising four flanges 9, and may comprise substantially any number of flanges 9, such as one, two, three, four, or more. The flanges 9 are arranged along a circumference of the first end portion 8. The flanges 9 are substantially equally spaced apart along the circumference.
[0060] FIG. 5 schematically shows a cross-section of a handle 2 of a racket 1 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIG. 5 comprises features, elements and/or functions as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described in the associated texts. Hence, it is also referred to FIGS. 1 and 2 and the descriptions relating thereto for an increased understanding. A difference between the handle 2 shown in FIG. 5 and the handles shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is that a socket 5 of the handle 2 shown in FIG. 5 comprises a cavity 51 and a sleeve 52.
[0061] The cavity 51 extends into the handle 2 from the end portion 2 of the handle 2 along the central longitudinal axis 6 of the racket 1. The sleeve 52 is arranged in the cavity 51. The sleeve 51 is configured to receive a plug (not shown; see e.g. FIGS. 2-4b). A shape of the cavity 51 and an outer shape of the sleeve 52 may be complementary, so as to substantially mate. The cavity 51 may comprise slots, or slits, and the sleeve 52 may comprise wedges, or flanges. The slots, or slits, of the cavity 51 and the wedges, or flanges, of the sleeve 52 may be complementary, so as to substantially mate. The slots, or slits, of the cavity 51 and the wedges, or flanges, of the sleeve 52 may provide a more secure arrangement of the sleeve 52 in the cavity 51. Further, the socket 5 may be provided with fastening means, such as a glue, a screw or a bolt, for fastening the sleeve 52 in the cavity 51. The sleeve 52 may comprise a plastic material.
[0062] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present disclosure by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.
ITEMS
[0063] 1. A racket (1) comprising a handle (2) and a blade (3), wherein the handle (2) comprises [0064] a socket (5) arranged at an end portion (2) of the handle (2), wherein the socket (5) extends into the handle (2) along a central longitudinal axis (6) of the racket (1), and wherein the socket (5) comprises a first magnetic material (7) arranged in the socket (5), and wherein the racket (1) further comprises [0065] a plug (8) configured to be arranged into the socket (5), wherein the plug (8) comprises a second magnetic material (17) configured for magnetic attraction to the first magnetic material (7).
[0066] 2. The racket (1) according to item 1, wherein the plug (8) comprises a flange (9) arranged at an end portion (8) of the plug (8).
[0067] 3. The racket (1) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the socket (5) has one of a chamfered, conical and slanted shape, wherein a first diameter (D1) of the socket (5), measured at the end portion (2) of the handle (2), is greater than a second diameter (D2) of the socket (5), measured at a bottom (10) of the socket (5).
[0068] 4. The racket (1) according to item 3, wherein the plug (8) has one of a chamfered, conical and slanted shape, wherein a first diameter (D3) of the plug (8), measured at a first end portion (8) of the plug (8), is greater than a second diameter (D4) of the plug (8), measured at a second end portion (8) of the plug (8).
[0069] 5. The racket (1) according to any of items 1 to 4, wherein a length (L1) of the socket (5) along the central longitudinal axis (6) is greater than a length (L2) of the plug (8) along a central longitudinal axis (6) of the plug (8).
[0070] 6. The racket (1) according to any preceding item, wherein the first magnetic material (7) is arranged at a bottom (10) of the socket (5).
[0071] 7. The racket (1) according to any preceding item, wherein the plug (8) is symmetrical about a first plane (11), said first plane (11) being aligned with a central longitudinal axis (6) of the plug (8).
[0072] 8. The racket (1) according to any preceding item, wherein the plug (8) has a weight between 1 and 20 grams, such as between 1 and 12 grams, or such as between 3 and 9 grams.
[0073] 9. The racket (1) according to any preceding item, wherein the socket further comprises a cavity (51) which extends into the handle along the central longitudinal axis (6) of the racket (1), and a sleeve (52) arranged in the cavity (51), and wherein the plug (8) is configured to be arranged into the sleeve (51) of the cavity (5).
[0074] 10. The racket (1) according to item 9, wherein the sleeve (52) comprises a plastic material.
[0075] 11. The racket (1) according to any preceding item, wherein at least one of the first magnetic material (7) and the second magnetic material (17) is a magnet.
[0076] 12. The racket (1) according to any preceding item, wherein the racket (1) is a table tennis racket (1), a tennis racket (1), badminton racket (1) or a padel racket.
[0077] 13. A racket set (100), comprising the racket (1) according to any preceding item, wherein the racket set comprises a plurality of plugs (8) each comprising a magnetic material (17) and configured to be arranged within the socket (5) of the racket (1), and wherein each plug (8) of the plurality of plugs (8) has a weight different from the other one or more plugs (8) of the plurality of plugs (8).
