EP4470637A1 - Stringing assembly and ball sports racket comprising such a stringing assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Stringing arrangement for a ball sports racket with a frame surrounding a string field, in which the strings of a racket stringing are supported and guided by string guides formed on the frame, wherein the string guides are designed asymmetrically in such a way that a free length of the string guided on the string guide perpendicular to the direction of impact and to a stringing plane of the racket is greater on one side of the stringing plane than on the other side of the stringing plane, so that a tension and/or elasticity criterion of the stringing arrangement is different for the two sides of the stringing plane

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a stringing arrangement for a ball sports racket and, in particular, to a ball sports racket having such a stringing arrangement.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Stringed, conventional ball sports rackets (hereinafter also referred to as rackets) such as a tennis, squash or badminton racket comprise a frame that converges in a handle and whose enclosed area is strung with strings. The playing characteristics of the ball sports racket are determined by the material, the arrangement of the strings, the length of the strings and the stringing strength (the tension of the strings, more precisely the tension force).

In the well-known rackets with longitudinal and cross strings, the stringing has a uniform thickness for both hitting or playing sides of the racket, which means that the playing or hitting properties are identical for both sides or hitting surfaces. This also applies to rackets where the longitudinal and cross strings have different thicknesses. With table tennis rackets, different playing properties of the two racket sides can be achieved with different coverings. This is not possible with strung or unstrung rackets, as the string arrangement stretched in the frame has identical playing properties on both playing sides.

There is a general need for a strung or unstrung racket that has different playing or hitting characteristics on each of the two hitting sides (racket sides).

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a stringing arrangement for a ball sports racket with a frame surrounding a string field, in which the strings of a racket stringing are supported and guided by string guides formed on the frame, wherein the string guides are formed asymmetrically such that a free length of the string guided on the string guide perpendicular to the direction of impact and to a stringing plane of the racket is greater on one side of the stringing plane than on the other side of the Stringing plane, so that a tension and/or elasticity criterion of the stringing arrangement is different for the two sides of the stringing plane.

Further aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the dependent claims, the figures and the description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig.1

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Tennisschlägers mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Besaitungsanordnung;

Fig. 2

eine Ausführungsform eines Details einer erfindungsgemäßen Besaitungsanordnung, bei der die Saitenführungen in Form von Öffnungen als Saitenkanäle ausgestaltet sind;

Fig. 3

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Besaitungsanordnung, mit einem Rahmenprofil;

Fig. 4

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Besaitungsanordnung, bei der die Saitenführung in Form von in das Rahmenprofil einsetzbaren Einsätzen ausgestaltet ist.

Embodiments will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig.1

an embodiment of a tennis racket with a stringing arrangement according to the invention;

Fig. 2

an embodiment of a detail of a stringing arrangement according to the invention, in which the string guides are designed in the form of openings as string channels;

Fig. 3

a further embodiment of a stringing arrangement according to the invention, with a frame profile;

Fig. 4

a further embodiment of a stringing arrangement according to the invention, in which the string guide is designed in the form of inserts that can be inserted into the frame profile.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Before a detailed description of the embodiment with reference to Fig. 1 First, general explanations of the embodiments follow.

The strength (tension) and the length of the strings of a racket largely determine the tension or elasticity criteria of the strings and thus also its playing characteristics. A general distinction is made between softer and harder strings. The string lengths can also vary depending on the size of the racket head.

A softer string on a racket offers greater ball acceleration. Rackets with a larger head allow for larger so-called "sweet spots", i.e. a larger area in the middle of the string area where the ball is hit with the greatest rebound force. Such rackets offer greater playing comfort, especially for less experienced players, as fewer vibrations occur when the ball is hit outside the middle of the string area.

A softer string requires better ball control by the player (accurate point of impact, exact racket control and control of the power and direction of the shot).

A harder string on the racket makes it easier to control the ball, but makes it harder to accelerate the ball. A medium string strength can offer a suitable compromise. Depending on the type of shot (e.g. forehand, backhand, topspin, slice), different tension and/or elasticity criteria in one and the same racket can be helpful in order to be able to optimally execute one shot with one tension and/or elasticity criterion and another shot with a different tension and/or elasticity criterion.

Furthermore, it can also be helpful for advanced or professional players to use the different tension and/or elasticity criteria of a racket depending on the shot and/or game.

In addition, a ball sports racket with a string arrangement according to the present disclosure offers opportunities for different game variations for the player. For example, the string side that generates the higher impact power or the better topspin, i.e. a rotating game ball, can be used for a serve.

A further advantage of a ball sports racket with a stringing arrangement according to the present disclosure results from the possibility of counteracting changes in outside temperatures.

A ball sports racket with a stringing arrangement according to the present disclosure can also enable a game that is more energy- and joint-friendly.

The task is to provide an improved stringing system as well as an improved ball sports racket.

The present invention now makes it possible to implement different tension and/or elasticity criteria for the two playing surfaces or sides on a single racket.

For this purpose, a stringing arrangement for a ball sports racket is provided, with a frame surrounding a string field, in which the strings of a racket stringing are supported and guided by string guides formed on the frame, wherein the string guides are designed asymmetrically such that a free length of the string guided on the string guide perpendicular to the direction of impact and to a stringing plane of the racket is greater on one side of the stringing plane than on the other side of the stringing plane, so that a tension and/or elasticity criterion of the stringing arrangement is different for the two sides of the stringing plane.

The term stringing arrangement refers to the type, design and arrangement of the playing strings on and in connection with the racket or the racket frame or head.

A ball sports racket generally refers to a strung racket whose string field is surrounded by a frame, such as a tennis racket, squash racket, badminton racket, or shuttlecock racket. The present disclosure is not limited to these racket types, but also relates to other rackets strung or strung in a similar manner and also to those provided with an elastic playing surface or membrane.

Such rackets are usually strung crosswise, lengthwise and crosswise, but also diagonally. The lengthwise direction refers to the direction along the racket handle.

Racket frames are usually made from fiber-reinforced plastic profiles (hollow and/or solid), but also using metal and/or wood materials. The desired frame shape and geometry is produced using standard forming processes.

The finished frame is strung with strings that are guided through string guides that run through the frame perpendicular to the direction of impact. The string guides can include holes, eyelets, sleeves and other elements of the racket frame against which the strings rest in certain areas or rest or support themselves in the deformed state during impact.

In the stringing arrangement according to the invention, the string guide is asymmetrical, so that a free length of the string guided through the string guide is greater on one stringing level (hitting side) than on the other.

This has the effect that one side of the stringing plane with the greater free length of the strings has a higher elasticity than the other side of the stringing plane, resulting in a different tension and/or elasticity criterion on both sides of the racket.

There are versions in which the string guides are designed as openings in the form of string channels that pass through the racket frame. They pass through the frame in the stringing plane - usually lengthways and crossways - from the inside to the outside, so that the channels have an asymmetrical extension at their opening facing the string field.

The openings of the string guides pass completely through the frame and are designed in such a way that they are different, i.e. asymmetrical, at the respective stringing levels, for example by forming an asymmetrical shape or form of the string guides in or on the frame of the racket.

This means that the free length of each string varies depending on the hitting side. On the one hand, the support length is longer and thus the free length of the string is smaller, while on the other hand, the support length is smaller and thus the free length is longer. This also changes the tension and/or elasticity criteria depending on the hitting side.

There are versions in which the openings facing the string field (string channels) are widened in a funnel shape in - i.e. parallel to - the direction of impact.

The frame is provided with funnel-shaped or conical recesses on one side, which are drilled or formed or made in a similar way in the frame. The funnel axis runs diagonally at an angle to the covering plane.

In one direction of play, the string guides widen in this way and the string rests over the entire frame cross-section with a greater support length (shortened free length), while in the other direction of play, the string experiences a shortened support due to the widening (increased free length) and in this direction a greater mobility of the strings is possible, which overall leads to a different tension and/or elasticity criterion for the two stringing levels.

There are versions in which the opening facing the string field is widened like a slit parallel to the direction of impact.

The string can move more freely in the opening direction of the slot than on the other side of the slot, where the string cannot move in the frame profile and rests against the entire support length. The slot can be widened, for example, in a wedge shape, straight or curved.

There are versions in which the opening facing the string field is widened in steps parallel to the direction of impact.

The inside of the frame of the string guide is provided with a narrow opening and a larger opening of the string guide is created on the outside of the frame, resulting in a stepped shape that allows an increased free length of the string on one side of the stringing plane.

The opening facing the string field can be convexly curved so that it is curved at the transition to the frame and hugs the string being played.

The widening side of the string guide can be funnel-shaped, slit-shaped, wedge-shaped or stepped.

There are versions in which the asymmetrical string guidance is created by a frame profile that is thickened on one side of the stringing plane.

The frame profile of the racket is designed so asymmetrically that it has a higher cross-section on one side of the stringing plane in a direction perpendicular to the stringing plane than in the opposite direction. This means that the strings on the side of the stringing plane have with the increased frame profile cross-section on which they are supported, a smaller free length and the two striking sides of the racket are therefore different in terms of the tension and/or elasticity criteria.

To achieve this effect, a "retrofittable" inner frame profile can also be provided, which is fitted and fixed to one side of the racket frame as a curved bar or in a semi-circular or semi-elliptical shape.

In this way, an inner frame can be provided which limits the elasticity of the covering plane in one direction of impact as described above.

Any one-sided reinforcement of a covering side of a frame profile is conceivable and the embodiment described above is not limited to the above-mentioned designs.

There are designs in which the asymmetrical string guide is realized by one-sided stiffening of the strings, especially in an area adjacent to the string guides.

A possible section-by-section and/or one-sided stiffening of the strings realizes one-sidedly changed tension and/or elasticity criteria without the use of a special frame or special inserts, as described below.

Different tension and/or elasticity criteria can be generated either by a different elasticity of the strings themselves in two directions, or by applying a special material, such as a spray, that stiffens the strings on one side or makes them more elastic.

The different elasticity of the strings on both playing sides of the ball sports racket can also be caused by a coating or treatment that stiffens the strings in a hitting or playing direction.

There are designs in which the asymmetrical string guidance is created by a plurality of sleeve-shaped support inserts fitted into the frame, whereby the inserts are designed in such a way that the strings are more freely movable on one side of the stringing plane compared to the other side of the stringing plane, resulting in a difference in a tension and/or elasticity criterion of the two playing sides.

The inserts can, for example, have a semi-circular, sleeve-like shape. According to a sleeve-like or bowl-like insert designed in this way, which is open on one side of the semi-circular shape and made of a stiff material on the other side, the free length of the strings and thus the elasticity of the stringing can be reduced in one direction of impact.

The inserts can be made of any suitable material, such as metals, solid plastic materials, metal-plastic compounds or other sufficiently strong materials.

Furthermore, the inserts can be shaped in such a way that they have a different stiffness on the respective covering sides, so that different covering properties of the two covering levels arise due to the different stiffness of the, for example, sleeve- and/or eyelet-shaped inserts.

The manufacturing material for such sleeves can be the harder materials mentioned above on one side of the insert in combination with a softer, e.g. elastomeric plastic on the other side of the insert.

The inserts can be inserted in a continuous semi-circular design either into the string guides of an already strung racket, or the racket is re-strung with the inserts and the strings are passed through a round design of the inserts.

The inserts can be attached to the frame profile by screwing, gluing, clicking or inserting them, for example.

In a further embodiment, a stringing arrangement is provided, wherein the plurality of inserts are connected in one piece and abut against a frame side, e.g. a band or strip that abuts against the outside of the frame and the thus connected inserts are inserted into the string channels from an outside of the frame. The band or strip is either attached to the frame itself or fixed by stringing.

There are versions in which the racket is provided with a marking that indicates the respective racket side or the orientation of the stringing plane.

The marking can be designed as a haptic handle, for example in the form of an elevation, a depression or a relief, on the racket.

For example, the handle can be provided with a raised area that can be felt with the thumb. This raised area can either be permanently attached to the handle or it can be designed as a cuff, for example, which is provided with a suitable handle that can be attached in the desired position on the handle or in the grip area of the racket.

Furthermore, the marking can be optically detectable. An optical marker can be applied to the handle.

Furthermore, the frame of the racket can also be designed in such a way that the two hitting sides each have a clearly different color, e.g. a light color on one hitting side and a dark color on the other.

After the embodiments, the present disclosure will be further illustrated with reference to the figures.

Coming back to Figure 1 This illustrates an embodiment of a tennis racket 100 with a stringing arrangement according to the invention, which comprises a frame 1 surrounding a string field 2 with a racket head 11, which surrounds the string field 2 in a ring shape. The string field 2 runs in a plane which defines the two stringing planes or surfaces 2a and 2b and runs in the direction shown in Figure 1 parallel to the paper plane shown. Attached to the frame 1 is an elongated handle 7 which extends along a longitudinal axis 9. The handle 7 is connected to the club head 11 via two struts 10.

The string field 2 is defined by strings 3 stretched in the racket head 11, which include longitudinal and transverse strings 3a, 3b. In other designs (not shown), the strings 3 are stretched diagonally, for example.

The strings 3 are guided through sleeve-like openings 4 formed in the frame 1 or the racket head 11, the inner end 4a of which is widened and passes over a funnel-shaped or continuously and/or gradually tapering widening into the outer narrow end 4b (cf. Figure 2 ).

The funnel-shaped extension of the opening 4 is designed in such a way that it is widened in a direction perpendicular to that of the stringing plane or surface 2a, so that the string 3 can move freely in this direction in the inner end 4a of the opening 4, whereas its mobility is restricted in the opposite direction by the opening 4. At the outer end 4b, the string 3 is tightly guided through the opening and runs along the frame 1 into the adjacent opening 4.

The Figure 1 marked detail D and section AA are each in the Figure 2 shown in more detail, which illustrate the above situation. The opening 4 is designed in the form of a sleeve in a hollow frame profile of the club head 11 shown here or is designed as an inserted or insertable sleeve.

Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a racket 100 in which the stringing arrangement according to the invention is implemented by a special frame profile 1b, the cross section of which is shown in the sectional view BB. The frame profile 1b has two profile areas of different thicknesses perpendicular to the stringing planes 2a and 2b.

The profile is narrower in the area of the tension plane 2a, while it is wider in the area of the string plane 2b. This means that the string field 2 with the strings 3a, 3b can move more freely in a direction perpendicular to the string plane 2a, while in the opposite direction - perpendicular to the string plane 2b - it is supported by the wider ring-shaped frame profile and its mobility is restricted. This inner ring can also be designed as a fixable insert (not shown) that can be coupled to and fixed to a standard racket head.

This results in different tension and/or elasticity criteria of the stringing arrangement for the playing or hitting surfaces.

The illustrated schematic view of the tennis racket 100 shows a top view of the wider frame profile.

Figure 4 shows another alternative version of a string guide. Here, a sleeve 12 is inserted into the frame profile, the sleeve 12 comprises a closed section 12a that runs inside the frame profile 1a and a bowl-shaped extension 12b that runs inwards towards the string field 2 and there supports the strings 3 perpendicular to the stringing plane 2b, which has more freedom of movement in the opposite direction without support - perpendicular to the stringing plane 2a. Here, too, the elasticity and tension criteria are changed depending on the playing side or the stringing plane.

Next shows Figure 1 a raised area on the handle 7 designed as a handle 7a. The handle 7a allows the respective playing side or string level with which the ball is to be hit to be detected haptically. Other tactile markings can also be provided at another suitable location.

1. (1) Besaitungsanordnung für einen Ballsportschläger mit
   • einem ein Saitenfeld umgebenden Rahmen oder Schlägerkopf, bei dem die Saiten einer Schlägerbespannung von am Rahmen ausgebildeten Saitenführungen abgestützt und geführt werden, wobei
   • die Saitenführungen derart asymmetrisch ausgebildet sind, dass
   • eine freie Länge der jeweils an der Saitenführung geführten Saite senkrecht zur Schlagrichtung und zu einer Bespannungsebene des Schlägers auf einer Seite der Bespannungsebene größer ist als auf der anderen Seite der Bespannungsebene, so dass
   • ein Spannungs- und/oder Elastizitätskriterium der Besaitungsanordnung für die beiden Seiten der Bespannungsebene jeweils unterschiedlich ist.
2. (2) Besaitungsanordnung für einen Ballsportschläger nach (1), wobei die Saitenführungen in Form von Öffnungen als Saitenkanäle ausgestaltet sind, die den Rahmen von innen nach außen durchsetzen, so dass die Kanäle an ihrer zum Saitenfeld weisenden Öffnung eine asymmetrische Erweiterung aufweisen.
3. (3) Besaitungsanordnung nach (2), wobei die zum Saitenfeld weisende Öffnung trichterförmig parallel zur Schlagrichtung aufgeweitet ist.
4. (4) Besaitungsanordnung nach (2), wobei die zum Saitenfeld weisende Öffnung schlitzartig parallel zur Schlagrichtung aufgeweitet ist.
5. (5) Besaitungsanordnung nach (2), wobei die zum Saitenfeld weisende Öffnung stufenförmig parallel zur Schlagrichtung aufgeweitet ist.
6. (6) Besaitungsanordnung nach (2) bis (5), wobei die zum Saitenfeld weisende Öffnung konvex gekrümmt ist, so dass sie im Übergang an den Rahmen gekrümmt ist und an die gespielte Saite anschmiegend.
7. (7) Besaitungsanordnung nach (1), wobei die asymmetrische Saitenführung durch ein Rahmenprofil entsteht, das auf einer Seite der Bespannungsebene verdickt ist.
8. (8) Besaitungsanordnung nach (1), wobei die asymmetrische Saitenführung durch eine einseitige Versteifung der Saiten entsteht.
9. (9) Besaitungsanordnung nach (1), wobei die asymmetrische Saitenführung durch eine Vielzahl von hülsenförmigen Einsätzen entsteht, die in den Rahmen eingepasst sind, wobei die Einsätze so gestaltet sind, dass die Saiten auf einer Seite der Bespannungsebene freier beweglich sind, im Vergleich zu der anderen Seite der Bespannungsebene.
10. (10) Besaitungsanordnung nach (10), wobei die Vielzahl von Einsätzen zusammenhängend, in einem Teil verbunden sind und an einer Rahmenseite anliegen.
11. (11) Griff für einen Ballsportschläger mit einer Besaitungsanordnung nach einem von (1) bis (10), wobei der Griff mit einer optisch und/oder haptisch erfassbaren Markierung versehen ist, die die Orientierung der Bespannungsebene anzeigt.
12. (12) Rahmen für einen Ballsportschläger mit einer Besaitungsanordnung nach einem von (1) bis (11), wobei der Rahmen durch eine unterschiedliche Farbgebung der beiden Spielseiten die Orientierung der Bespannungsebene anzeigt.

Alternatively or additionally, a color marking can also be provided or each of the sides of the racket can be marked in a different color. Furthermore, the following disclosure is characterized by these features:

1. (1) Stringing arrangement for a ball sports racket with
   • a frame or racket head surrounding a string field, in which the strings of a racket are supported and guided by string guides formed on the frame, whereby
   • the string guides are designed so asymmetrically that
   • a free length of the string guided on the string guide perpendicular to the direction of impact and to a stringing plane of the racket is greater on one side of the stringing plane than on the other side of the stringing plane, so that
   • a tension and/or elasticity criterion of the stringing arrangement is different for the two sides of the stringing plane.
2. (2) Stringing arrangement for a ball sports racket according to (1), wherein the string guides are designed in the form of openings as string channels which penetrate the frame from the inside to the outside, so that the channels have an asymmetrical extension at their opening facing the string field.
3. (3) Stringing arrangement according to (2), wherein the opening facing the string field is widened in a funnel shape parallel to the direction of impact.
4. (4) Stringing arrangement according to (2), wherein the opening facing the string field is widened like a slit parallel to the direction of impact.
5. (5) Stringing arrangement according to (2), wherein the opening facing the string field is widened in steps parallel to the direction of impact.
6. (6) Stringing arrangement according to (2) to (5), wherein the opening facing the string field is convexly curved so that it is curved at the transition to the frame and conforms to the string being played.
7. (7) Stringing arrangement according to (1), wherein the asymmetrical string guide is created by a frame profile which is thickened on one side of the stringing plane.
8. (8) Stringing arrangement according to (1), whereby the asymmetrical string guidance is created by a one-sided stiffening of the strings.
9. (9) Stringing arrangement according to (1), wherein the asymmetrical string guide is created by a plurality of sleeve-shaped inserts which are fitted into the frame, the inserts being designed such that the strings are more freely movable on one side of the stringing plane compared to the other side of the stringing plane.
10. (10) A stringing assembly according to (10), wherein the plurality of inserts are connected in one piece and are adjacent to a frame side.
11. (11) Handle for a ball sports racket with a stringing arrangement according to one of (1) to (10), wherein the handle is provided with an optically and/or haptically detectable marking which indicates the orientation of the stringing plane.
12. (12) Frame for a ball sports racket with a stringing arrangement according to one of (1) to (11), wherein the frame indicates the orientation of the stringing plane by a different colouring of the two playing sides.

Claims (12)

Stringing arrangement for a ball sports racket with a frame surrounding a string field, in which the strings of a racket are supported and guided by string guides formed on the frame, whereby the string guides are designed so asymmetrically that a free length of the string guided on the string guide perpendicular to the direction of impact and to a stringing plane of the racket is greater on one side of the stringing plane than on the other side of the stringing plane, so that a tension and/or elasticity criterion of the stringing arrangement is different for the two sides of the stringing plane. Stringing arrangement for a ball sports racket according to claim 1, wherein the string guides are designed in the form of openings as string channels which penetrate the frame from the inside to the outside, so that the channels have an asymmetrical extension at their opening facing the string field. Stringing arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the opening facing the string field is widened in a funnel shape parallel to the direction of impact. Stringing arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the opening facing the string field is widened like a slit parallel to the direction of impact. Stringing arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the opening facing the string field is widened in a step-like manner parallel to the direction of impact. Stringing arrangement according to claims 2 to 5, wherein the opening facing the string field is convexly curved so that it is curved in the transition to the frame and conforms to the string being played. Stringing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the asymmetrical string guide is created by a frame profile which is thickened on one side of the stringing plane. Stringing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the asymmetrical string guide is created by a one-sided stiffening of the strings. A stringing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the asymmetrical string guide is created by a plurality of sleeve-shaped inserts fitted into the frame, the inserts being designed such that the strings are more freely movable on one side of the stringing plane compared to the other side of the stringing plane. The stringing assembly of claim 9, wherein the plurality of inserts are contiguous, connected in one piece, and abutting a frame side. Handle for a ball sports racket with a stringing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle is provided with a haptically detectable handle which indicates the orientation of the stringing plane. Frame for a ball sports racket with a stringing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame indicates the orientation of the stringing plane by a different coloring of the two playing sides.

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