PADEL TENNIS RACQUET AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A PADEL TENNIS RACQUET

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a padel tennis racquet (10), including a handle portion (12) configured to be gripped by a user and a head portion (14) connected to the handle portion (12). The head portion (14) includes at least two striking sides (20, 22) each configured to strike a padel tennis ball. One striking side (20) has a structural configuration which differs from a structural configuration of the other striking side (22) such that one or more playing characteristics of the padel tennis racquet (10) vary between the two striking sides (20, 22). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a padel tennis racquet (10).

Description

[0001] Ball game racquets are available for a variety of different sports and/or leisure activities. In many cases, the ball game racquets intended to be used for the respective sport and/or leisure activity are specifically designed and/or constructed for the respective sport and/or leisure activity. For instance, the respective ball game racquets may have one or more features which may have a specific purpose and/or advantage in the respective sport and/or leisure activity.

[0002] Moreover, many ball game sports have one or more regulations which define one or more requirements and/or mandatory features which the respective ball game racquet must fulfill or have, respectively. Hence, the design and/or construction of a ball game racquet for a specific sport may be at least partially dependent on the respective regulations provided for the respective sport.

[0003] Padel, also known as padel tennis or padel, is a relatively new ball game sport in which ball game racquets are used. Padel tennis is already widespread in some regions of the world, for example in Spain, Italy, Central America and South America. In addition, the popularity of padel tennis is increasing worldwide, for example, in other countries in Europe, such as Sweden.

[0004] In padel tennis, as in conventional tennis, a game ball is hit alternately over a net into an opponent's field by means of a ball game racquet. In contrast to conventional tennis, a padel tennis court has outer walls against which the game ball may be struck, e.g., in order to play the game ball into the opponent's field, similar to squash.

[0005] Unlike conventional tennis racquets, squash racquets, or other stringed ball game racquets, a padel tennis racquet generally does not have a hitting surface configured as a web of woven strings. Instead, the padel tennis racquet generally has a plate, which is often also referred to as a core. This plate usually defines the hitting surfaces of the respective padel tennis racquet. The plate is often coated or planked with an additional material in order to influence or intentionally alter the stiffness and/or elasticity of the racquet. Furthermore, as discussed above, a set of regulations is also provided for padel tennis which put certain restraints and/or requirements on the design and/or construction of a padel tennis racquet.

[0006] Padel tennis racquets known from the prior art still have disadvantages. On the one hand, this is due to the relatively short existence of padel tennis as a sport compared to other ball game sports. Moreover, padel tennis has thus far been practiced only as a niche sport in certain regions of the world. Therefore, the development effort of such ball game racquets for padel tennis has been limited so far. However, due to the increasing popularity of this sport, also in other regions of the world, there is a need to further develop padel tennis racquets and to at least partially improve the disadvantages of the padel tennis racquets known from the prior art.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved padel tennis racquet.

[0008] This object is achieved by a padel tennis racquet as defined by the features of claim 1. Preferred variations and further developments are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

[0009] The padel tennis racquet, which is sometimes also referred to as a padel bat or padel tennis bat, includes a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user and a head portion connected to the handle portion. The handle portion may have one or more features configured to improve the user's grip on the handle portion and/or to prevent the padel tennis racquet from dislodging from the user's hand(s) and/or arm(s), e.g., due to an external force which may be exerted on the padel tennis racquet and/or an inertia of the padel tennis racquet, e.g., as the padel tennis racquet is accelerated or decelerated during use. For instance, at least a portion of the handle portion may have one or more features which may increase friction between the handle portion and the user's hand(s), e.g., by providing a roughened and/or gnarled surface on the handle portion.

[0010] Moreover, the padel tennis racquet may have a strap, e.g., a wrist strap, which is attached to the handle of the padel tennis racquet and configured to receive the user's hand and/or wrist and/or arm. In fact, the current regulations for padel tennis, i.e., the regulations which are in force on March 14, 2022, prescribe that padel tennis racquets, at least when used during official competition, must have such a strap. The strap may prevent the padel tennis racquet from being dislodged from the user's body. In particular, the risk of an external force being exerted on the padel tennis racquet is higher than in many other ball game sports, e.g., due to the presence of the aforementioned outer walls which bound a portion of the court. When playing the game ball in the vicinity of the wall(s), the user may inadvertently strike the wall with a portion of the padel tennis racquet which may cause the user to lose grip of the handle portion of the padel tennis racquet. The strap may maintain a connection between the padel tennis racquet and the user's hand and/or wrist and/or arm to prevent the padel tennis racquet from dislodging from the user's body, or at least reduce the risk thereof. This may prevent, or at least reduce the risk of injury or damage which may be caused by a padel tennis racquet dislodging from the user's body and, e.g., being flung towards a person and/or object.

[0011] The head portion includes at least two striking sides each configured to strike a padel tennis ball. One striking side has a structural configuration which differs from a structural configuration of the other striking side such that one or more playing characteristics of the padel tennis racquet vary between the two striking sides. The one or more playing characteristics may be playing characteristics which are intrinsic to the respective striking side, e.g., playing characteristics which are at least partially defined and/or result from the structural configuration of the respective striking side. For instance, the one or more playing characteristics of the padel tennis racquet which may vary between the two striking sides may include the amount of spin which may be imparted to the game ball by the respective striking side, an amount and/or percentage of force which may be transferred to the game ball by the respect striking side, a degree of ball control of the game ball when striking the game ball by the respective striking side, a degree of acceleration and/or deceleration of the game ball by the respective striking side and/or further playing characteristics which may be altered, preferably in a controllable manner, due to the structural configuration of the respective striking side.

[0012] Configuring the striking sides to have one or more playing characteristics of the padel tennis racquet which vary between the two striking sides may increase the versatility of the padel tennis racquet. Thus, one striking side may have a structural configuration configured to provide one or more effects when striking the game ball which differ from one or more effects provided by the structural configuration of the other side. Hence, each striking side may be individually tailored to one or more specific playing characteristics.

[0013] Moreover, due to the padel court being relatively small, compared with tennis, for instance, and each team generally comprising two players playing simultaneously on opposite sides of a net on the padel court, a player of a team may pass up playing a backhand shot in order to allow the other player of the team to play a forehand shot since forehand shots may generally be played with more power and/or control than backhand shots. Hence, one striking side of the padel tennis racquet may be configured to have a greater rigidity and/or stiffness than the other striking side, e.g., in order to be better suited for forehand shots. Alternatively, or additionally, this may allow one striking side to have a more sophisticated configuration, e.g., with respect to its construction and/or material(s), than the configuration of the other striking side. This may allow the development and/or design efforts and/or manufacturing efforts of the padel tennis racquet to be focused on one striking side. This may provide a more efficient construction and/or design of the padel tennis racquet. This may also reduce the manufacturing costs of the padel tennis racquet, e.g., since lower quality and/or less expensive material and/or less material in general may be used for one striking side, e.g., the striking side intended for backhand shots. Using less material and/or material with a lower density for one striking side may reduce the weight of the padel tennis racquet.

[0014] The structural configurations of the striking sides may differ from each other in one or more features, e.g., in one or more materials employed in or on the striking sides, one or more dimensions of the striking sides, one or more shapes of the striking sides and/or one or more physical parameters of the striking sides, such as density, weight, surface roughness, rigidity, elasticity, stiffness, hardness and/or force transfer capabilities.

[0015] As discussed above, the strap which is generally provided on padel tennis racquets, which is mandatory in sanctioned padel tennis matches, may maintain an orientation of the padel tennis racquet relative to the user's hand and/or wrist and/or arm and/or may at least limit the user's ability to change the orientation of the padel tennis racquet relative to the user's hand and/or wrist and/or arm. As a result, the strap may ensure that the same striking side is used for a particular shot, such as one striking side being used for a forehand shot and the other striking side being used for a backhand shot. In tennis or squash, for instance, no such strap is generally provided. Hence, providing striking sides with different structural configurations may be more challenging and/or disadvantageous for ball game racquets for such sports since the user may have difficulties in correctly orienting the ball game racquets in order to use the striking side which is intended and/or more advantageous for a particular shot.

[0016] Moreover, providing striking sides with different structural configurations may be more challenging for ball game racquets which have a striking surface configured as a web of woven strings since generally the same structure, i.e., the web of woven strings, defines both striking sides.

[0017] Preferably, each striking side is provided with one of more individual markings to indicate the respective striking side and/or the playing characteristics which characterize the respective striking side. For instance, one striking side may be marked as "stiff" and the other striking side may be marked as "soft" to distinguish two striking sides which have varying stiffnesses. Additionally, or alternatively, one striking side may be marked as "forehand" and the other striking side may be marked as "backhand" to distinguish a striking side which is intended for forehand strikes from a striking side which is intended for backhand strikes. Additionally, or alternatively, a design of the respective striking sides may differ to indicate the respective striking side and/or the playing characteristics which characterize the respective striking side. For instance, one striking side may include one or more colors and/or one or more graphics which differ from one or more colors and/or one or more graphics provided on the other striking side. For instance, a striking side intended for more powerful shots, such as smashes, may be marked by a first image, such as one or more first graphics and/or letters, preferably one or more stylized graphics and/or stylized letters, and a striking side intended for softer shots, such as drop shots, may be marked by a second image, such as one or more second graphics and/or letters, preferably one or more stylized graphics and/or stylized letters. For instance, a striking side intended for more powerful shots may be provided with a red color in at least a portion thereof and a striking side intended for softer shots may be provided with a blue color in at least a portion thereof.

[0018] The head portion may include one or more holes defined therein, which preferably extend entirely through the head portion from one striking side to the other striking side. This may reduce the weight and/or aerodynamic resistance of the head portion during use.

[0019] Each striking side may define at least one striking surface configured to contact the game ball, when the respective striking side strikes the game ball. The striking surfaces may be arranged substantially opposite from each other and/or parallel to each other.

[0020] Although the embodiments described herein are generally directed towards padel tennis racquets, the configurations described herein may be applied to any ball game racquet, e.g., tennis racquets, squash racquets, pickleball racquets, etc.

[0021] Preferably, the head portion includes at least one core section, which is preferably made of a foam material, and at least one striking layer arranged on the core section on each striking side, respectively. Alternatively, or additionally, the core element may be made of a material which has a honeycomb structure in at least a section thereof. The striking layer may define a striking surface configured to contact the game ball, when the respective striking side strikes the game ball. The striking layer may include a single layer. Alternatively, the striking layer may include a plurality of sublayers. The core section may be configured as a one-piece structure, i.e., a single integral structure. Alternatively, the core section may be configured as a multi-piece structure, e.g., including a plurality of core elements, at least some of which may be connected to each other. Preferably, the core section and/or the striking layers has/have a structural configuration which differs between the two striking sides. The structural configurations of the core section and/or the striking layers may differ between the two striking sides in one or more features, e.g., in one or more materials of the core section and/or the striking layers on the striking sides, one or more dimensions of the core section and/orthe striking layers on the striking sides, one or more shapes of the core section and/or the striking layers on the striking sides and/or one or more physical parameters of the core section and/or the striking layers on the striking sides, such as density, stiffness, hardness, weight, surface roughness, rigidity, elasticity, and/or force transfer capability.

[0022] The core section may be configured as a single piece construction or may be a multiple-piece construction, wherein at least some of the pieces of the multiple-piece construction may be connected to each other.

[0023] Preferably, a stiffness of the striking layer of one striking side is greater than a stiffness of the striking layer of the other striking side. This may allow the striking side with a greater stiffness to be more suitable and/or more advantageous than the other striking side for executing more powerful shots, such as a smash. For instance, a greater stiffness may provide a greater and/or more efficient transfer of forces from the padel tennis racquet to the game ball and/or may provide a greater durability of the respective striking side with respect to more powerful shots. The striking side having a lower stiffness than the other striking side may allow a greater ball control and/or may reduce the velocity of the game ball to a greater degree, when striking the game ball, e.g., by being deformed to a greater extent.

[0024] The stiffness of the respective striking side or striking layer may be determined by known means and methods. Preferably, a stiffness of the respective striking side or striking layer may be defined by the extent to which the respective striking side or striking layer resists deformation in response to a force, preferably a compressive force, which is applied to the respective striking side or striking layer. The stiffness of the respective striking side or striking layer may be determined by measuring a deformation of the respective striking side or striking layer when applying a predetermined force, preferably a compressive force, by means of a predetermined object. Hence, the stiffness k of the respective striking side or striking layer may be defined as the magnitude of a force F, preferably a compressive force, of a measuring object which is applied to at least a section of the respective striking side or striking layer divided by a deformation δ of the respective striking side or striking layer which is effected by the application of the force F, as indicated by equation 1 below. Preferably, the same force F is exerted on each striking side or striking layer by the measuring object. Preferably, a total force of 400 N is exerted. The measuring object may have any shape and/or dimensions. Preferably, the measuring object is configured as a stamp, preferably having a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional shape with a diameter of preferably 76.9 mm. Preferably, the deformation of the striking side or striking layer, which is effected by the force F, is determined normal to the direction of the application of the force F on the striking side or striking layer. Thus, a first striking side or striking layer may be considered stiffer than a second striking side or striking layer, if the first striking side or striking layer suffers a relatively smaller deformation upon application of a certain force than the second striking side or striking layer.

[0025] Preferably, the stiffness of the striking layer of one striking side is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, most preferably at least 20%, greater than the stiffness of the striking layer of the other striking side. For instance, the striking layer of one striking side is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, most preferably at least 20%, greater than the stiffness of the striking layer of the other striking side.

[0026] Preferably, the striking layers are at least partially made from one or more layers of a fiber composite material. The fiber composite material may include a plurality of synthetic and/or natural fibers which are preferably dispersed in a matrix, preferably a resin. Fiber composite material may allow one or more properties of the striking layers to be altered, preferably in a controlled manner, e.g., based on a selection of the fibers and/or the matrix and/or the construction of the fibers and/or the matrix, such as the concentration of fibers in the matrix and/or the orientation of the fibers relative to an axis, preferably a longitudinal axis, of the padel tennis racquet.

[0027] Preferably, the striking layer of one striking side includes a larger number of layers in the fiber composite material than the striking layer of the other striking side. For instance, the striking layer of one striking side may include three layers of fiber composite material, e.g., three layers of prepregs made of fiber composite material, and the striking layer of the other striking side may include four layers of fiber composite material, e.g., four layers of prepregs made of fiber composite material.

[0028] Preferably, the fiber composite material of the striking layer of one striking side includes a plurality of fibers of a first type and the fiber composite material of the striking layer of the other striking side includes a plurality of fibers of a second type which is different from the first type. Preferably, the first type of fibers provides a greater stiffness to the respective striking layer than the second type of fibers. The first type of fibers may differ from the second type of fibers in the fiber material, fiber thickness, strength grade, and/or an origin of the fibers, e.g., synthetic or natural, etc.

[0029] Preferably, the first type of fibers provides a stiffness which is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, most preferably at least 20%, greater than a stiffness provided by the second type of fibers.

[0030] Preferably, the fiber composite material of the striking layer of one striking side includes a matrix material of a first type, in which a plurality of fibers are embedded, and the fiber composite material of the striking layer of the other striking side includes a matrix material of a second type, in which a plurality of fibers are embedded. Preferably, the first type of matrix material and the second type of matrix material are different. Preferably, the first type of matrix material provides a greater stiffness to the respective striking layer than the second type of matrix material. Hence, the stiffness may be varied between the striking sides based on a selection of the matrix material for the respective striking sides. The stiffness of each striking layer may be determined as discussed above, e.g., by applying a predetermined force by means of a predetermined (measuring) object to the respective striking layer or striking side and measuring a deformation of the respective striking layer or striking side which is effected by the application of the force.

[0031] The first type and/or second type of matrix material is/are preferably a resin material.

[0032] Preferably, the first type of matrix material provides a stiffness which is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, most preferably at least 20%, greater than a stiffness provided by the second type of matrix material.

[0033] Preferably, the core section includes a first core element which faces the first striking side and at least a second core element which faces the second striking side. Preferably, the first core element and the second core element have different structural configurations. The core section may include one or more layers of fiber composite material which are arranged at least partially along an interface between the core elements. The fiber composite material may include one or more carbon fiber and/or glass fibers which are embedded in a matrix, such as a resin.

[0034] Preferably, the first core element and the second core element have different thicknesses in at least a section thereof, respectively. Providing the core elements with different thicknesses may allow one or more playing characteristics of the respective striking sides to be selectively and/or controllably altered according to the user's and/or manufacturer's requirements and/or desires.

[0035] Preferably, the first core element and the second core element are made from different materials, preferably materials which provide different stiffnesses to the respective core elements. Preferably, the first core element is made from a material, at least in a section thereof, which has a greater density than the material of the second core element. The stiffness of each core element may be determined as discussed above, e.g., by applying a predetermined force by means of a predetermined (measuring) object to the respective core element and measuring a deformation of the respective core element which is effected by the application of the force.

[0036] Preferably, the first core element has a stiffness which is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, most preferably at least 20%, greater than a stiffness of the second core element.

[0037] Preferably, the first core element and the second core element abut along an interface which is offset from a central plane of the head portion. Preferably, the padel tennis racquet is configured asymmetrically with respect to the interface. For instance, the first core element may have a thickness which is greater than a thickness of the second core element. The central plane may be defined as a plane which extends along a geometric center of the head portion between the striking sides, e.g., at an equal distance from a striking surface of each striking side, each striking surface being configured to contact the padel tennis ball.

[0038] Preferably, the core section includes at least one intermediate core element which is arranged at least partially between the first core element and the second core element.

[0039] Preferably, each striking side defines a striking surface configured to contact the padel tennis ball. Preferably, the striking surfaces are provided at least section-wise with different surface finishes.

[0040] Preferably, the striking surface of one striking side has a greater surface roughness at least in a section thereof than the striking surface of the other striking side. Providing a greater surface roughness on the striking surface of one striking side may allow a friction between the striking surface and the game ball to be increased, when striking the game ball. This may allow a greater degree of spin to be imparted on the game ball. Thus, the striking sides may be configured to provide spin-generating characteristics which differ between the striking sides. Thus, for instance, it may be desired to generate less ball spin during a backhand shot than for a forehand shot. Thus, the striking side which has a greater surface roughness may be used for forehand shots and the other striking side, which has a lower degree of surface roughness, may be used for backhand shots

[0041] The surface roughness of each striking surface, or at least a section thereof, may be determined by measuring Rz values of the respective striking surface, i.e., an average value of the maximum peak to valley height of a profile in at least a section of the respective striking surface. The measurement of the surface roughness of each striking surface may be conducted in accordance with the measurement standard described in section 2.E.2.a of the 2021 Equipment Standards Manual issued by the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) and USA Pickleball. A Starrett SR160 Surface Roughness Tester may be used to measure the surface roughness of each striking surface, as discussed in section 2.E.2.a of the above-identified 2021 Equipment Standards Manual. Hence, the striking surface of one striking side may have a greater Rz value at least in a section thereof than the striking surface of the other striking side.

[0042] Preferably, the striking surface of at least one of the striking sides has a varying surface roughness across at least a section of the respective striking surface. Preferably, the striking surface of each striking side has a varying surface roughness across at least a section of the respective striking surface. Preferably, the striking surface of one striking side has a different surface roughness distribution across its striking surface than the striking surface of the other striking side. Thus, the spin-generating characteristics, which is dependent from the degree of surface roughness of the respective striking surface as discussed above, may be varied across the striking surface of one or both striking sides. Providing a roughness distribution which varies between the striking sides may allow each striking side to be individually tailored to the shots when are intended to be performed by the respective striking side. For instance, for a backhand shot, the game ball generally strikes a section of the head portion which is arranged at a different distance from the handle portion than for a forehand shot.

[0043] Preferably, the surface roughness distributions across the striking surface of the respective striking sides are asymmetrical, with respect to a central plane of the head portion. The central plane may be defined as a plane which extends along a geometric center of the head portion between the striking sides, e.g., at an equal distance from a striking surface of each striking side, each striking surface being configured to contact the padel tennis ball.

[0044] Preferably, the striking surface of each striking side has a varying roughness across at least a section thereof. Preferably, a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface of one striking side is arranged asymmetrically, with respect to a central plane of the head portion, to a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface of the other striking side. The central plane may be defined as a plane which extends along a geometric center of the head portion between the striking sides, e.g., at an equal distance from a striking surface of each striking side, each striking surface being configured to contact the padel tennis ball.

[0045] Preferably, a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface of one striking side is arranged at least partially further towards the handle portion than a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface of the other striking side.

[0046] Preferably, a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface of a striking side is arranged substantially at a center of the striking surface and/or between the center of the striking surface and the handle portion,
and/or
a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface of a striking side is arranged substantially at a center of the striking surface and/or between the center of the striking surface and a distal end of the head portion.

[0047] The object mentioned at the beginning is also solved by a method for manufacturing a ball game racquet as defined by the features of claim 15. The features, configurations and advantages described above with respect to the ball game racquet also apply to the method.

[0048] The method includes the steps of:

providing a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user;

providing a head portion connected to the handle portion, the head portion including at least two striking sides each configured to strike a game ball; and

configuring one striking side to have a structural configuration which differs from a structural configuration of the other striking side such that one or more playing characteristics of the ball game racquet vary between the two striking sides.

[0049] The following list of aspects provides alternative and/or further features of the invention:

1. A ball game racquet, preferably a padel tennis racquet, including:

a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user; and

a head portion connected to the handle portion;

wherein the head portion includes at least two striking sides each configured to strike a game ball, preferably a padel tennis ball, wherein one striking side has a structural configuration which differs from a structural configuration of the other striking side, preferably such that one or more properties, preferably one or more playing characteristics, of the ball game racquet vary between the two striking sides.

2. The ball game racquet according to aspect 1, wherein the head portion includes at least one core section, which is preferably made of a foam material, and at least one striking layer arranged on the core section on each striking side, respectively, and wherein the core section and/or the striking layers has/have a structural configuration which differs between the two striking sides.

3. The ball game racquet according to aspect 2, wherein a stiffness of the striking layer of one striking side is greater than a stiffness of the striking layer of the other striking side.

4. The ball game racquet according to aspect 3, wherein the stiffness of the striking layer of one striking side is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, most preferably at least 20%, greater than the stiffness of the striking layer of the other striking side.

5. The ball game racquet according to any of aspects 2 to 4, wherein the striking layers are at least partially made from one or more layers, preferably of a fiber composite material.

6. The ball game racquet according to aspect 5, wherein the striking layer of one striking side includes a larger number of layers of the fiber composite material than the striking layer of the other striking side.

7. The ball game racquet according to aspect 5 or 6, wherein the fiber composite material of the striking layer of one striking side includes a plurality of fibers of a first type and the fiber composite material of the striking layer of the other striking side includes a plurality of fibers of a second type which is different from the first type, preferably wherein the first type of fibers provides a greater stiffness to the respective striking layer than the second type of fibers.

8. The ball game racquet according to aspect 7, wherein the first type of fibers provides a stiffness which is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, most preferably at least 20%, greater than a stiffness provided by the second type of fibers.

9. The ball game racquet according to any of aspects 5 to 8, wherein the fiber composite material of the striking layer of one striking side includes a matrix material of a first type, in which a plurality of fibers are embedded, and the fiber composite material of the striking layer of the other striking side includes a matrix material of a second type, in which a plurality of fibers are embedded, preferably wherein the first type of matrix material and the second type of matrix material are different, preferably wherein the first type of matrix material provides a greater stiffness to the respective striking layer than the second type of matrix material.

10. The ball game racquet according to aspect 9, wherein the first type of matrix material provides a stiffness which is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, most preferably at least 20%, greater than a stiffness provided by the second type of matrix material.

11. The ball game racquet according to any of aspects 2 to 10, wherein the core section includes a first core element which faces the first striking side and at least a second core element which faces the second striking side, wherein the first core element and the second core element have different structural configurations.

12. The ball game racquet according to aspect 11, wherein the first core element and the second core element have different thicknesses in at least a section thereof, respectively.

13. The ball game racquet according to aspect 11 or 12, wherein the first core element and the second core element are made from different materials, preferably materials which provide different stiffnesses to the respective core elements.

14. The ball game racquet according to aspect 13, wherein the first core element has a stiffness which is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, most preferably at least 20%, greater than a stiffness of the second core element.

15. The ball game racquet according to any of aspects 11 to 14, wherein the first core element and the second core element abut along an interface which is offset from a central plane of the head portion.

16. The ball game racquet according to any of aspects 11 to 14, wherein the core section includes at least one intermediate core element which is arranged at least partially between the first core element and the second core element.

17. The ball game racquet according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein each striking side defines a striking surface configured to contact the game ball, wherein the striking surfaces are provided at least section-wise with different surface finishes.

18. The ball game racquet according to aspect 17, wherein the striking surface of one striking side has a greater surface roughness at least in a section thereof than the striking surface of the other striking side.

19. The ball game racquet according to aspect 17 or 18, wherein the striking surface of at least one of the striking sides has a varying surface roughness across at least a section of the respective striking surface, preferably wherein the striking surface of each striking side has a varying surface roughness across at least a section of the respective striking surface and preferably wherein the striking surface of one striking side has a different surface roughness distribution across its striking surface than the striking surface of the other striking side.

20. The ball game racquet according to aspect 19, wherein the surface roughness distributions across the striking surface of the respective striking sides are asymmetrical, with respect to a central plane of the head portion.

21. The ball game racquet according to any of aspects 17 to 20, wherein the striking surface of each striking side has a varying roughness across at least a section thereof, preferably wherein a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface of one striking side is arranged asymmetrically, with respect to a central plane of the head portion, to a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface of the other striking side.

22. The ball game racquet according to aspect 21, wherein a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface of one striking side is arranged at least partially further towards the handle portion than a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface of the other striking side.

23. The ball game racquet according to aspect 21 or 22, wherein:

a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface of a striking side is arranged substantially at a center of the striking surface and/or between the center of the striking surface and the handle portion; and/or

a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface of a striking side is arranged substantially at a center of the striking surface and/or between the center of the striking surface and a distal end of the head portion.

24. A method for manufacturing a ball game racquet, preferably a padel tennis racquet, preferably the ball game racquet according to any of the preceding aspects, the method including the steps of:

providing a handle portion configured to be gripped by a user;

providing a head portion connected to the handle portion, the head portion including at least two striking sides each configured to strike a game ball; and

configuring one striking side to have a structural configuration which differs from a structural configuration of the other striking side such that one or more playing characteristics of the ball game racquet vary between the two striking sides.

[0050] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are further elucidated below with reference to the figures. The described embodiments do not limit the present invention.

Fig. 1

shows, in a front view, the general structure of a padel tennis racquet according to the invention;

Fig. 2

shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A as indicated in Fig. 1, a padel tennis racquet according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3

shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A as indicated in Fig. 1, a padel tennis racquet according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4

shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A as indicated in Fig. 1, a padel tennis racquet according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows, in a front view, a padel tennis racquet 10 which includes a handle portion 12 configured to be gripped by a user and a head portion 14 connected to the handle portion 12. The padel tennis racquet 10 further includes an intermediate portion 16 which connects the handle portion 12 and the head portion 14. The intermediate portion 16 includes an opening 18 provided in a section thereof. The intermediate portion 16 is often referred to as the "throat" of the padel tennis racquet 10.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A indicated in Fig. 1, an embodiment of the padel tennis racquet 10. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the head portion 14 includes two striking sides 20, 22 each configured to strike a padel tennis game ball. The head portion 14 further includes a core section 24, which is preferably made of a foam material, and a striking layer 26, 28 arranged on the core section 20 on each striking side 20, 22, respectively. Each striking side 20, 22 defines a striking surface 23, 25 configured to contact the padel tennis ball.

[0053] One striking side 20 of the head portion 14 has a structural configuration which differs from a structural configuration of the other striking side 22 such that one or more playing characteristics of the padel tennis racquet 10 vary between the two striking sides 20, 22.

[0054] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, each striking layer 26, 28 includes a plurality of sub-layers 26A, 26B, 26C, 28A, 28B. In particular, the striking layer 26 arranged on the striking side 20 of the head portion 14 includes a larger number of layers, namely three layers 26A, 26B, and 26C as shown in Fig. 2, than the striking layer 28 of the other striking side 22, which has two layers 28A and 28B as shown in Fig. 2. Thus, the striking layer 26 provided on the first striking side 20 may have a total layer thickness which is greater than a total layer thickness of the striking layer 28 provided on the other striking side 22. By providing the striking side 20, more specifically the striking layer 26, with a larger number of layers than the other striking side 22, more specifically the other striking layer 28, a stiffness of the striking layer 26, or more generally the striking side 20, is greater than a stiffness of the striking layer 28, or more generally the other striking side 22.

[0055] Preferably, the striking layers 26, 28, more specifically the sub-layers 26A, 26B, 26C, 28A, 28B, are at least partially made from one or more layers of a fiber composite material.

[0056] Additionally, or alternatively, the fiber composite material of the striking layer 26 of one striking side 20 may include a plurality of fibers of a first type and the fiber composite material of the striking layer 28 of the other striking side 22 may include a plurality of fibers of a second type which is different from the first type. The first type of fibers may provide a greater stiffness to the respective striking layer 26 than the second type of fibers.

[0057] Additionally, or alternatively, the fiber composite material of the striking layer 26 of one striking side 20 may include a matrix material of a first type, in which a plurality of fibers are embedded, and the fiber composite material of the striking layer 28 of the other striking side 22 may include a matrix material of a second type, in which a plurality of fibers are embedded. The first type of matrix material and the second type of matrix material may be different. Preferably, the first type of matrix material provides a greater stiffness to the respective striking layer 26 than the second type of matrix material.

[0058] The head portion 16 may further include one or more layers arranged on at least a section of an edge 30 of the head portion 14 (not shown).

[0059] Fig. 3 shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A indicated in Fig. 1, a further embodiment of the padel tennis racquet 10 according to the invention.

[0060] The core section 24 includes a first core element 34 which faces the first striking side 20 and a second core element 36 which faces the second striking side 22. The first core element 34 and the second core element 36 have different structural configurations. For instance, the first core element 34 and the second core element 36 may be, at least partially, made of different materials, e.g., different types of foam, e.g., which impart different stiffnesses to the core elements 34, 36. For instance, the first core element 34 may have a greater stiffness than the second core element 36, e.g., by configuring the material of the first core element 34 to have a greater density than the material of the second core element 36.

[0061] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the striking layers 26, 28 are each configured as a single layer. Alternatively, each striking layer 26, 28 may include a plurality of sub-layers, for instance, as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2. In particular, one striking layer, e.g., the striking layer 26 arranged on the striking side 20 of the head portion 14, may include a larger number of layers than the striking layer of the other striking side, e.g., the striking layer 28 of the striking side 22.

[0062] Fig. 4 shows, in a cross-sectional view along the section line A-A indicated in Fig. 1, a further embodiment of the padel tennis racquet 10 according to the invention.

[0063] The embodiment of Fig. 4 is similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, in particular in that the padel tennis racquet 10 shown in Fig. 4 has two core elements 34, 36. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the core elements 34, 36 of the core section 24 of the padel tennis racquet 10 shown in Fig. 4 have different thicknesses d1 and d2. The thicknesses d1, d2 may be defined in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the striking surface 23 of the first striking side 20 and/or to the striking surface 25 of the second striking side 22. The first core element 34 and the second core element 36 abut along an interface 37 which is offset from a central plane CP of the head portion 14.

[0064] Additionally, the first core element 34 and the second core element 36 may be made from different materials, preferably materials which provide different stiffnesses to the core elements 34, 36.

[0065] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the striking layers 26, 28 are each configured as a single layer. Alternatively, each striking layer 26, 28 may include a plurality of sub-layers, for instance, as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2. In particular, one striking layer, e.g., the striking layer 26 arranged on the striking side 20 of the head portion 14, may include a larger number of layers than the striking layer of the other striking side, e.g., the striking layer 28 of the striking side 22.

[0066] Alternatively, or additionally, to the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the striking surfaces 23, 25 may be provided at least section-wise with different surface finishes, e.g., different surface roughnesses.

[0067] For instance, the striking surface of one striking side, e.g., the striking surface 23 of the first striking side 20, may have a greater surface roughness at least in a section thereof than the striking surface of the other striking side, e.g., the striking surface 25 of the second striking side 22. Alternatively, the striking surface 25 of the second striking side 22 may have a greater surface roughness at least in a section thereof than the striking surface 23 of the first striking side 20.

[0068] Alternatively, or additionally, the striking surface 23, 25 of at least one of the striking sides 20, 22 may have a varying surface roughness across at least a section of the respective striking surface 23, 25. The striking surface 23, 25 of each striking side 20, 22 may have a varying surface roughness across at least a section of the respective striking surface 23, 25. The striking surface of one striking side, e.g., the striking surface 23 of the first striking side 20, may have a different surface roughness distribution across its striking surface than the striking surface of the other striking side, e.g., the striking surface 25 of the second striking side 22.

[0069] The surface roughness distributions across the striking surface 23, 25 of the respective striking sides 20, 22 may be asymmetrical, with respect to a central plane CP of the head portion 14.

Claims

1. A padel tennis racquet (10), including:

a handle portion (12) configured to be gripped by a user; and

a head portion (14) connected to the handle portion (12);

wherein the head portion (14) includes at least two striking sides (20, 22) each configured to strike a padel tennis ball, wherein one striking side (20) has a structural configuration which differs from a structural configuration of the other striking side (22) such that one or more playing characteristics of the padel tennis racquet (10) vary between the two striking sides (20, 22).

2. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to claim 1, wherein the head portion (14) includes at least one core section (24), which is preferably made of a foam material, and at least one striking layer (26, 28) arranged on the core section (24) on each striking side (20, 22), respectively, and wherein the core section (24) and/or the striking layers (26, 28) has/have a structural configuration which differs between the two striking sides (20, 22).

3. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to claim 2, wherein a stiffness of the striking layer (26) of one striking side (20) is greater than a stiffness of the striking layer (28) of the other striking side (22).

4. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the striking layers (26, 28) are at least partially made from one or more layers (26A, 26B, 26C, 28A, 28B) of a fiber composite material.

5. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to claim 4, wherein the striking layer (26) of one striking side (20) includes a larger number of layers (26A, 26B, 26C) of the fiber composite material than the striking layer (28) of the other striking side (22).

6. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the fiber composite material of the striking layer (26) of one striking side (20) includes a plurality of fibers of a first type and the fiber composite material of the striking layer (28) of the other striking side (22) includes a plurality of fibers of a second type which is different from the first type, preferably wherein the first type of fibers provides a greater stiffness to the respective striking layer (26) than the second type of fibers.

7. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the fiber composite material of the striking layer (26) of one striking side (20) includes a matrix material of a first type, in which a plurality of fibers are embedded, and the fiber composite material of the striking layer (28) of the other striking side (22) includes a matrix material of a second type, in which a plurality of fibers are embedded, wherein the first type of matrix material and the second type of matrix material are different, preferably wherein the first type of matrix material provides a greater stiffness to the respective striking layer (26) than the second type of matrix material.

8. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the core section (24) includes a first core element (34) which faces the first striking side (20) and at least a second core element (36) which faces the second striking side (22), wherein the first core element (34) and the second core element (36) have different structural configurations.

9. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to claim 8, wherein:

the first core element (34) and the second core element (36) have different thicknesses (d1, d2) in at least a section thereof, respectively;

and/or
the first core element (34) and the second core element (36) are made from different materials, preferably materials which provide different stiffnesses to the respective core elements (34, 36).

10. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each striking side (20, 22) defines a striking surface (23, 25) configured to contact the padel tennis ball, wherein the striking surfaces (23, 25) are provided at least section-wise with different surface finishes.

11. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to claim 10, wherein the striking surface (23) of one striking side (20) has a greater surface roughness at least in a section thereof than the striking surface (25) of the other striking side (22).

12. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the striking surface (23, 25) of at least one of the striking sides has a varying surface roughness across at least a section of the respective striking surface (23, 25), preferably wherein the striking surface (23, 25) of each striking side (20, 22) has a varying surface roughness across at least a section of the respective striking surface (23, 25) and preferably wherein the striking surface (23, 25) of one striking side (20, 22) has a different surface roughness distribution across its striking surface (23, 25) than the striking surface (23, 25) of the other striking side (20, 22).

13. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to claim 12, wherein the surface roughness distributions across the striking surface (23, 25) of the respective striking sides (20, 22) are asymmetrical, with respect to a central plane (CP) of the head portion (14).

14. The padel tennis racquet (10) according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the striking surface (23, 25) of each striking side (20, 22) has a varying roughness across at least a section thereof, wherein a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface (23, 25) of one striking side (20, 22) is arranged asymmetrically, with respect to a central plane (CP) of the head portion, to a maximum surface roughness of the striking surface (23, 25) of the other striking side (20, 22).

15. A method for manufacturing a padel tennis racquet (10), preferably the padel tennis racquet (10) according to any of the preceding claims, the method including the steps of:

providing a handle portion (12) configured to be gripped by a user;

providing a head portion (14) connected to the handle portion (12), the head portion (14) including at least two striking sides (20, 22) each configured to strike a game ball; and

configuring one striking side (20) to have a structural configuration which differs from a structural configuration of the other striking side (22) such that one or more playing characteristics of the ball game racquet (10) vary between the two striking sides (20, 22).

Drawing