ES3040425T3 - Padel racket - Google Patents

Abstract

The padel racket (100) of the present invention comprises a hitting zone (110), a handle (120), and an intermediate section (130) connecting the hitting zone (110) to the handle (120). The padel racket (100) has a midplane (PM) and a longitudinal axis (A), aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the handle (120) and extending through the midplane (PM). The hitting zone (110) comprises a central element (111) and a frame (112). The central element (111) comprises a first hitting surface (115) extending in a first plane (P1) and a second hitting surface (116) extending in a second plane (P2). The frame (112) surrounds the central element (111) along the periphery of the first striking surface (115) and the periphery of the second striking surface (116). The frame comprises a plurality of ribs arranged transversely to the median plane, where each rib (114) is curved and extends from a first endpoint (150, 150', 150'') in direct or adjacent connection to the first plane (P1) to a second endpoint (151, 151', 151'') in direct or adjacent connection to the second plane (P2) through an intermediate point (152), the intermediate point (152) being located on a line (L) defined by the intersection of the median plane (MP) and the external surface of the frame (112) at a displacement distance (d) from a central point (CP) on the line (L), where the central point (CP) is the point on the line (L) that has the shortest possible distance to each of the first endpoints (150, 150', 150'') and the second endpoints (151, 151', 151''), respectively. (Automatic translation using Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Padel racket

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a padel racket.

BACKGROUND

In the field of padel, there are many different designs, all aimed at providing the best possible user experience, for example in terms of hitting power and playability of the padel racket's hitting surface.

However, there is still a need for a padel racket constructed in such a way as to increase hitting power, improve ball handling and accuracy by controlling the position and size of the sweet spot, and generally allow a user (i.e., a padel player) to perform more consistently during play compared to existing padel rackets.

Furthermore, there is a need for a padel racket constructed in such a way as to reduce vibrations compared to existing padel rackets, thereby reducing sounds after impact, reducing vibration-induced injuries, and improving the durability of the padel racket.

Examples of the relevant technique are found in patent documents GB2445351 A, which describes a padel racket having reduced air resistance, ES2400286 B1, which describes a padel racket, US2004229719 A1, which describes a racket for ball games, and EP0676222 A1, which describes a racket with a sturdy frame.

SUMMARY

The object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least minimize the aforementioned problems. This is achieved by means of a padel racket according to the appended independent claim.

The padel racket according to the present invention comprises a hitting portion, a handle, and an intermediate portion connecting the hitting portion and the handle. The padel racket has a midplane and a longitudinal axis A, which is aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the handle and extends through the midplane. The hitting portion comprises a central element and a frame. The central element comprises a first ball-striking surface extending in a first plane and a second ball-striking surface extending in a second plane. The frame surrounds the central element along the periphery of the first ball-striking surface and the periphery of the second ball-striking surface. The frame further comprises an outer surface 119a and an inner surface 119b. The frame comprises a plurality of ribs arranged transversely or substantially transversely to the midplane. Each rib is curved and extends from a first end point directly connected to or adjacent to the first plane to a second end point directly connected to or adjacent to the second plane via an intermediate point. The intermediate point is located on a line defined by the intersection of the mid-plane and the outer surface of the frame at an offset distance from a central point on the line, where the central point is the point on the line that has the shortest possible distance to each of the first and second end points, respectively. A principal advantage of the present invention is that the ribs in the frame store and transfer the energy of a shot at a higher ball speed with less effort and greater ball control.

Because each curved rib has an intermediate point offset from its endpoints, each rib, when projected onto a plane tangent to its respective center point on the outer surface, forms a projected curve. The inventor has realized that this additional curvature of the ribs, in a plane that does not coincide with the normal to the outer surface of the frame at the center point, adds the further advantage that the energy stored in the frame upon impact and transferred back to the ball upon release does not increase linearly, but rather increases progressively in relation to the force with which the ball is struck. In other words, if a low force is applied on impact (soft play), a certain amount of energy is stored in the frame and released back into the ball, resulting in the transfer of the impact energy to a higher ball speed with less effort and greater ball control compared to without ribs. Furthermore, thanks to the curved ribs of the present invention, the energy of the striking force begins to be stored in the frame with a lower striking force compared to a straight rib (straight as viewed from the normal to the outer surface of the frame at a point on the rib), because a curved rib requires less force to be applied to its outer ends before it bends. In other words, the curved ribs of the present invention make the frame more elastic in response to an applied striking force compared to straight ribs. When the energy is stored in the frame and released back into the ball, this results in a transfer of the striking energy to a higher ball speed with less effort and greater ball control compared to if ribs were not used. When the ribs are curved as described in this invention, the energy is progressively stored in the frame, starting with a smaller amount of applied striking force. This is in comparison to a straight rib, which is more difficult to bend and therefore will not respond to low striking force during soft play, but only reacts to higher striking force and does so for a short period, storing energy and transferring it back to the ball upon release. An additional advantage is that if greater force is applied during the swing of a padel racket with curved ribs according to the present invention, the progressive energy transfer achieved by the curved ribs provides not only a linearly increased transfer of swing energy, but also an even greater exit velocity than would be achieved using straight ribs, which simply stiffen the frame but do not progressively store and release energy during the swing.

The projected curve has a radius of curvature that can be in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range, within manufacturing tolerances. For each rib, the projected curve can have a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 100 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range, within manufacturing tolerances. For each rib, the projected curve can have a radius of curvature in the range of 35 mm to 50 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range, within manufacturing tolerances.

Furthermore, since the ribs are integral to the padel racket, it is possible to produce the racket in a simple and economical way, while at the same time optimizing the racket's properties and mass distribution.

The first plane and the second plane are parallel to each other and to the median plane, or each of the first and second planes differs from the median plane by an angle a and differs from each other by an angle 2a, where 0° < a < 4°.

In some embodiments, the projected curve of at least two of the plurality of ribs of the padel racket has a different radius of curvature.

Each of the ribs can extend inwards in the radial direction of the frame, thus forming a recess in the outer surface of the frame. Compared to ribs that extend outwards, this provides the added advantage of better protecting the ribs from shocks and impacts during play, manufacturing, and transport, and therefore contributes to a more durable padel racket that maintains its advantageous playability properties as described in this invention.

The ribs are preferably arranged in a first rib-containing portion and a second rib-containing portion of the frame, where the first rib-containing portion is located on one side of the longitudinal axis and the second rib-containing portion is located on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis. By arranging the ribs on both sides of the padel racket, the curved ribs for reinforcement and progressive energy transfer can be better utilized to control the location and size of the hitting surfaces and preferred sweet spots, for even better playability.

The first and second rib-containing portions are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis, and also symmetrically with respect to the lateral axis. Of course, this depends on the desired locations of the preferred hitting area and the optimal point for the racket.

The first and second rib-containing portions may preferably each comprise at least 5 ribs, for example, 5-15, 6-13, or 8-11 ribs. Each of the first and second rib-containing portions may also preferably cover approximately 6 cm to approximately 12 cm of the circumferential length of the frame, such as approximately 8 cm to approximately 10 cm of the circumferential length of the frame.

The inventor has appropriately discovered that the above-given intervals for the number of ribs in each rib-containing portion and the length of each rib-containing portion are preferred in order to control the striking force, as well as the location of the preferred ideal striking surface point.

The first and second rib-containing portions may be arranged in a proximal position of the frame, near the proximal end of the striking portion, in a central position of the frame, around the lateral axis, in a distal position of the frame, near the distal end of the striking portion, or a combination of any or all of these positions, depending on the desired placement of the preferred striking surface and the optimal point and how the energy is optimally transferred to these sections of the striking surface to achieve the desired playability properties, as further described in this invention.

The frame has a depth in the radial direction, and each of the ribs can extend to the full depth of the frame.

In a second aspect, the invention includes a mold for producing a padel racket. The mold has a space for receiving a material, where the space is delimited by an outer edge. The outer edge comprises a rim pattern on at least a portion of the outer edge, where the rim pattern comprises: a plurality of protrusions having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range, and/or a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range. Appropriately, using the mold, a padel racket can be produced according to the embodiments described in this invention, which has all the advantages associated therewith. The rim pattern is preferably provided on at least two portions of the outer edge. These two portions are provided symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the space in the mold, and furthermore, they are arranged symmetrically with respect to a lateral axis of symmetry of the space in the mold.

In a third aspect, the invention includes a method for producing a padel racket comprising a hitting portion, a handle, and an intermediate portion joining the hitting portion and the handle, in particular a padel racket according to any of the embodiments presented in this invention. The method comprises placing material to form the frame and an inner material in a mold having a space for receiving a material, wherein the space is delimited by an outer edge, wherein the outer edge comprises an edge pattern on at least a portion of the outer edge. The edge pattern comprises a plurality of protrusions having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, including the endpoints of the range, and/or a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, including the endpoints of the range. The method further comprises molding and hardening the material and removing the padel racket from the mold. This process appropriately results in a padel racket according to any of the embodiments presented in this application, which has all the associated advantages. The material forming the frame may comprise carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, titanium, another suitable metallic material, or a combination thereof, where the material is molded and hardened at a higher temperature and/or higher pressure.

The expert in the field will readily understand many additional benefits and advantages of the present invention in view of the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail by reference to the schematic drawings, where:

Figures 1a-c show front views of padel rackets that have hitting portions of different shapes when viewed from the front. Figure 1a represents a round shape, Figure 1b illustrates a so-called teardrop shape, and Figure 1c represents a so-called diamond shape.

Figures 2a-b represent cross-sectional side views of padel rackets that have differently shaped hitting portions when viewed from the side. Figure 2a shows a straight hitting portion, and Figure 2b illustrates a hitting portion that has a conical shape.

Fig. 3 shows a front view of a padel racket comprising ribs in the frame according to the present invention.

Figs. 4a-c illustrate side views of padel rackets having ribs in the frame according to the present invention.

Fig. 4d illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a padel racket with a curved rib in the frame.

Fig. 4e illustrates the curvature of a rib projected onto a PT plane.

Figs. 5a-c show front views of padel rackets that have differently shaped hitting portions when viewed from the front, exemplifying preferred hitting surface locations and ideal points of the ball hitting surfaces.

Figs. 6a-c illustrate front views of padel rackets having differently shaped hitting portions when viewed from the front portion, exemplifying the locations of preferred hitting surfaces and ideal points of the ball hitting surfaces, and further indicating the forces, illustrated by the arrows, exerted by the ribs according to the present invention when a ball strikes the ball hitting surface.

Figures 7a-b each show a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the frame containing ribs. In Figure 7a, the curved ribs extend inward in the radial direction of the frame, while in Figure 7b, the curved ribs extend outward in the radial direction of the frame.

Figures 8a-b each show a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the frame containing ribs. In Figure 8a, the V-shaped ribs extend inward in the radial direction of the frame, while in Figure 8b, the V-shaped ribs extend outward in the radial direction of the frame.

Figures 9a-b each show a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the frame containing ribs. In Figure 9a, the angular ribs extend inward in the radial direction of the frame, while in Figure 9b, the angular ribs extend outward in the radial direction of the frame.

Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional top view of a portion of the striking portion, representing the frame and a portion of the central element.

Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional top view of a portion of the striking portion, representing the frame and a portion of the central element and indicating the external length of the frame.

Figs. 12a-c show schematic views of a mold according to embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart of a procedure for producing a padel racket according to embodiments of the invention.

All figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally show only the necessary parts to clarify the respective embodiments, while other parts may be omitted or merely suggested. Any reference number appearing on multiple drawings refers to the same object or feature throughout the drawings, unless otherwise indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The design and function of padel rackets are well known in the art. However, before describing the present invention with reference to Fig. 3 onwards, the main parts and function of a padel racket according to the prior art will be briefly described with reference to Figs. 1a-c and 2a.

Figures 1a to 1c each show a front view of a padel racket 100 according to one of the three common principal shapes, where the padel racket in Fig. 1a is called round, the padel racket in Fig. 1b is called teardrop-shaped, and the padel racket in Fig. 1c is called diamond-shaped. As can be seen in Figures 1a-1c, each padel racket comprises a hitting portion 110, a handle 120, and an intermediate portion 130 that joins the hitting portion 110 and the handle 120. More precisely, it is the hitting portion 110 that is round (Fig. 1a), teardrop-shaped (Fig. 1b), or diamond-shaped (Fig. 1c). The hitting portion 110, the handle 120, and the intermediate portion 130 can be manufactured as separate parts and assembled to form the padel racket 100 by molding or any other suitable method. Alternatively, the hitting portion 110, the handle 120, and the intermediate portion 130 can be molded or manufactured by any other suitable method as a single piece. The intermediate portion can, as is well known in the art, comprise one or more openings, or through-holes, such as the exemplary opening 131 in Fig. 1a and the openings 131 in Fig. 1b. The opening(s) can be of any shape and size suitable for providing the desired aerodynamic properties and/or design features. This is not further described in this invention nor shown in any of the other figures. In any case, the striking portion 110, the handle 120 and the intermediate portion 130 may be made at least partially of the same material or of different materials.

Figures 2a and 2b each represent a cross-sectional side view of a padel racket 100. As shown in Figures 2a-b, the hitting portion 110 has a proximal end 118a, i.e., the end adjacent to and contiguous with the intermediate portion 130, and a distal end 118b, i.e., the end furthest from the intermediate portion 130. The padel racket 100 has a median plane MP, and the hitting portion 110 comprises a first ball-striking surface 115, extending in a first plane P1, and a second ball-striking surface 116, extending in a second plane P2. The frame 112 has at least a width W1, W2, W3 extending from the first ball-striking surface to the second ball-striking surface. As depicted in Fig. 2a, the striking portion 110 can have a width W1 at both its proximal end 118a and its distal end 118b, in which case planes P1 and P2 are parallel to each other and parallel to the median plane MP, i.e., substantially parallel within manufacturing tolerances. Alternatively, as depicted in Fig. 2b, the striking portion 110 has a first width W2 at its proximal end 118a, and a second width W3 at or near its distal end 118b, where W3 is greater than W2, i.e., W3 > W2. In other words, the width can vary along the vertical extent of the striking portion 110, i.e., in the span between its proximal end 118a and its distal end 118b. Appropriately, the conical shape of the striking portion 110 in this case allows a user to push the ball down, "squash," with greater force. In this case, each of the planes P1 and P2 differs by an angle α from the mean plane MP, where 0° < α < 4°, and the planes P1 and P2 differ from each other by an angle that is twice α (i.e., 2 x α, or simply 2α).

Of course, many other cross-sectional shapes of the striking portion 110 are also feasible. In one non-exhaustive example, not shown in the figures, the first width W2 at the proximal end 118a of the striking portion 110 may be greater than the second width W3 at or near the distal end 118b of the striking portion 110, i.e., W2 > W3. Also in this embodiment, the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 each differ from the median plane (MP) by an angle α and differ from each other by an angle 2α, where 0° < α < 4°.

In other words, the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 (i) are parallel to each other and to the median plane (MP) (as in Fig. 2a), or (ii) differ from the median plane (MP) by an angle a and differ from each other by an angle 2a, where 0° < a < 4° (for example, as in Fig. 2b).

According to current international padel regulations, each of the widths W1, W2, and W3 is a maximum of 38 mm. Previously known padel rackets typically have a W1 width of 36 or 38 mm. Thanks to the ribs according to the present invention, the frame's rigidity is increased, making it possible to reduce the frame's W1 width, for example, to approximately 34 mm or approximately 35 mm, while maintaining or even increasing rigidity compared to conventional padel racket frames. Advantageously, the overall weight of the racket is thus reduced while maintaining or improving playability.

Similarly, the overall weight of the racket can be reduced in the embodiment where the hitting portion 110 has a width W2 at its proximal end 118a and a width W3 at its distal end 118b, and W3 > W2 (Fig. 2b), since the ribs according to the present invention allow for a reduced average width compared to previously known padel rackets with maintained or increased frame stiffness. In some non-limiting examples, the width W2 is suitably from approximately 28 mm to approximately 34 mm, such as approximately 30 mm or 32 mm, while the width W3 is suitably from approximately 36 mm to approximately 38 mm. Alternatively, when W2 > W3, the width W3 is suitably from approximately 28 mm to approximately 34 mm, such as approximately 30 mm or 32 mm, while the width W2 is suitably from approximately 36 mm to approximately 38 mm.

The embodiments of the invention described in this application are applicable and provide the described advantages to padel rackets having any of the cross-sectional side views described in relation to Fig. 2a and 2b.

The striking portion typically comprises two ball-striking surfaces (e.g., as described in relation to Figs. 2a-b above), which are connected by a frame (as described, e.g., in relation to Fig. 3 below). When a ball strikes a striking surface of a padel racket, the ball's energy is transferred to the striking surface, deforming it, and thus the frame also deforms. As a counter-reaction, the frame returns to its original shape and releases the received energy back into the ball through the striking surface. The striking surface then returns to its original shape, possibly after a series of oscillations. The speed and force with which the ball leaves the padel racket's striking surface depend on the efficiency with which the energy received by the striking surface and the frame from the ball is transferred back to the ball upon release.

The inventor has discovered that providing the frame with ribs, according to the embodiments described in this application, greatly improves energy transfer, leading to increased ball speed and force using the same striking force, and a reduction in vibrations. In other words, the padel racket according to the embodiments described in this application achieves a faster frame reaction, is more consistent, reduces energy loss, and increases ball energy and speed compared to existing padel rackets. Appropriately, improved energy transfer results in reduced vibrations in the padel racket, which in turn leads to significantly reduced sound upon impact, as well as a much lower risk of vibration-induced injuries for the user/player. Reduced vibrations also contribute to better durability and a longer lifespan for the padel racket. The inventor has further discovered that providing the frame with ribs that are curved as described in relation to Figs. 4a-e further improves energy transfer. In fact, the ribs of the claimed padel racket provide progressive energy transfer. The ribs help store the energy received by the ball upon impact with the hitting surface and progressively transfer that energy back to the ball upon release. In other words, when the padel racket is used for "soft play"—that is, when the ball is struck with low to medium force—the ribs help stiffen the frame, thereby increasing energy storage and, to a certain extent, enhancing the ball's release force or the frame's reaction. However, because each rib of the claimed padel racket is additionally curved in the plane tangent to the normal of the outer surface of the frame, at the rib endpoints, a harder ball strike (a "squash"), i.e., a higher force applied to the striking surface, will not lead to a linear increase in the amount of energy stored in the frame. Instead, the curved rib will progressively increase energy storage, leading to a progressive transfer of energy back to the ball upon release as the frame returns to its original shape. Therefore, the subjective sensation of a player striking the ball at an optimal point with a certain force is that the ball is released faster and with more force compared to striking the same ball with the same force using a padel racket that does not have the curved ribs of the present invention. Since the key to the improved energy transfer—that is, the progressive non-linear increase in energy storage and transfer achieved by the frame—is that the ribs are curved in the tangent plane, the same advantageous energy transfer cannot be obtained using ribs that are straight when viewed along the frame normal, i.e., straight in the tangent plane described in relation to Fig. 4e. The advantageous progressive energy transfer obtained by the present invention is further described in connection with Figs. 4a to 4e. The padel racket of the present invention guarantees improved vibration and/or dampening behavior, as well as improved stiffness and progressive energy transfer. By means of the racket of the present invention, the playability can be influenced. The player subjectively experiences a higher sweet spot, a more easily playable racket in soft play, and greater ball speed from the same stroke energy compared to prior art padel rackets. By adapting the configuration and/or arrangement of the ribs of the present invention, as well as the rib-containing portions described, the specific properties and characteristics of padel rackets can be tailored as desired. The optimized mass distribution also allows for the provision of a padel racket that exhibits excellent stiffness and progressive energy transfer while remaining lightweight.

Depending on how the ribs are positioned along the frame, it is also possible to control the size and placement of the preferred striking surface and the "sweet spot." This allows a user/player to perform more consistently during play and improves ball handling and accuracy. It should be noted that the features of the various embodiments described in this invention can be freely combined, unless explicitly stated that such a combination would be unsuitable.

The preferred hitting surface is the portion of the hitting surface that will allow for a satisfactory ball strike and/or a decent transfer of energy to the ball. If the ball strikes a portion of the hitting surface outside the preferred hitting surface, the speed and force with which the ball is released will be much lower compared to if the ball strikes a portion of the preferred hitting surface. The sweet spot is the most preferred striking point or area on the preferred hitting surface. If a player strikes a ball at this most preferred striking point or area, the greatest amount of force and energy the player puts into the stroke is transferred to the ball, compared to the amount of force and energy that would be transferred to the ball if the ball were struck at any other point or area on the hitting surface. In other words, hitting the sweet spot provides an optimal exchange of energy and force and the greatest possible speed of the ball leaving the padel racket, for any given striking force.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 3 to 11.

Figure 3 shows a padel racket 100 comprising a hitting portion 110, a handle 120, and an intermediate portion 130 joining the hitting portion 110 and the handle 120. The padel racket has a longitudinal axis A, which is aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the handle 120 and extends through the median plane MP (median plane MP not shown in Figure 3). The hitting portion has a lateral axis B, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A and crosses the longitudinal axis A transversely at the center of the hitting portion 110. The lateral axis B may alternatively be called the transverse axis B. The hitting portion 110 comprises a central element 111 and a frame 112. The central element 111 comprises a first ball-striking surface 115 and a second ball-striking surface 116, as described in more detail above in relation to Figures 2a-b. The frame 112 surrounds the central element 111 along the periphery of the first ball striking surface 115 and the periphery of the second ball striking surface 116, and the frame 112 comprises an outer surface 119a and an inner surface 119b.

The frame 112 may have a width W1, or widths W2 and W3 at or near the respective ends of the frame 112 and a continuous width transition between them, as described in more detail in relation to Figs. 2a-b. The at least one width of the frame 112 extends from the first ball striking surface 115 to the second ball striking surface 116. In other words, the two ball striking surfaces 115 and 116 are connected by the frame 112. Furthermore, the at least one width of the frame typically defines the thickness of the striking portion 110.

According to the present invention, and as described in Fig. 3 in combination with Figs. 4a-4e, the frame 112 comprises a plurality of ribs 114 that are arranged transversely to the median plane MP. Each rib 114 is curved and extends from a first end point 150, 150', 150" in direct connection with or adjacent to the first plane P1 to a second end point 151, 151', 151" in direct connection with or adjacent to the second plane P2 through an intermediate point 152, 152', 152". The intermediate point 152, 152', 152" is located on a line L defined by the intersection of the mid-plane MP and the outer surface of the frame 112 at an offset distance d from a center point C<p> on line L. The center point CP is the point on line L that has the shortest possible distance to each of the first end point 150, 150', 150" and the second end point 151, 151', 151", respectively.

The first endpoint 150, 150', 150" and the second endpoint 151, 151', 151" are at the same height, i.e., at an equal distance from the center of the striking portion 110 along the longitudinal axis A.

The point on line L that has the shortest possible distance to each of the first endpoint 150, 150', 150" and the second endpoint 151, 151', 151", respectively, is illustrated in Fig. 4e by means of a first straight line 161 and a second straight line 162 extending from the first and second endpoints, respectively, to line L in a plane 160, wherein plane 160 is perpendicular to tangent plane 170 and crosses line L transversely.

For each rib 114, the first end point 150, 150', 150", the second end point 151, 151', 151", and the midpoint 152, 152', 152" are assumed to be located along the longitudinal centerline of the rib. In other words, each rib has a certain width, and all referenced points are assumed to be at the center of this width. The width of a rib is typically in the range of approximately 2 mm to 4 mm, and preferably in the range of approximately 2.5 mm to 3 mm. Of course, larger widths of, for example, 5 mm or more are possible, but the inventor has found that ribs of such widths will not provide the same desired energy transfer properties. It is also noted that the width may differ between the location of the midpoint and the end points if the rib "fade out" due to the manufacturing process, meaning the ribs may be slightly narrower at the endpoints compared to the midpoint.

Now, with regard to Fig. 4e, it illustrates how each rib 114, when projected onto a tangent plane PT from its respective center point CP on the outer surface 119A, forms a projected curve 170 having a radius of curvature. Fig. 4a-4call illustrates the ribs 114 extending from a first end point 150 to a second end point 151, when viewed in cross-section from the side, i.e., in a side view. The ribs 114 are curved when viewed along the normal to the outer surface 119b of the frame 112, at the center point CP of the respective rib 114, i.e., curved in the tangent plane PT.

The tangent plane PT to the center point CP on the outer surface 119a is the plane to which all lines tangent to the center point CP on the outer surface 119a extend. Therefore, the tangent plane and the projected curve 170 are also perpendicular to the normal to the outer surface 119a at the center point CP. The radius of curvature of the projected curve 170 of each rib 114 is preferably in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, more preferably in the range of 25 mm to 100 mm, and most preferably in the range of 35 mm to 50 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range. In all embodiments, the radius of curvature of the projected curve 170 must be less than 300 mm. A rib 114 with a projected curve 170 and a radius of curvature greater than 300 mm would be so close to a straight line for the length L1 of the frame 112 that the frame would not achieve the desired progressive energy transfer properties. The portions containing ribs 113 in that case would only provide linearly increased stiffness, resulting in linear energy storage and transfer upon release. Furthermore, the larger the radius of curvature, the slower the frame's reaction, which is undesirable.

The projected curve 170 of at least two of the plurality of ribs (114) of the padel racket has a different radius of curvature. For example, within a portion containing ribs 113, the radius of curvature may change gradually from the first rib to the last rib. This is illustrated in the example of a portion containing ribs 113b in Fig. 4c. Alternatively or additionally, the radius of curvature may vary between a first portion containing ribs 113 in the padel racket and a second portion containing ribs. Of course, any other suitable variation is also feasible to achieve certain properties of frame stiffness, progressive energy transfer, and improved control of the sweet spot on the hitting surface.

Figure 4d shows a section of a frame 112 with two of said ribs 114 in a perspective view. The two ribs in Figure 4e are shown for illustrative purposes only, as the placement of the ribs is not consistent with any preferred embodiment. A single rib would not be sufficient to obtain the advantageous effects of progressive energy transfer; therefore, one or more groups of ribs, as described in this invention, are preferred.

The offset distance d can be in the range of 0.2 mm to 4 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, more preferably around 2.5 mm, including the endpoints of the ranges and within manufacturing tolerances. Since the offset distance d and the radius of curvature of the projected curve 170, as well as the radius of curvature of the rib 114, are dependent variables, they can be used interchangeably to define the same properties of the frame 112.

As with all dimensions given in this invention, the values for the radius of curvature may vary from the example values due to manufacturing tolerances.

That the first endpoint 150, 150', 150" is located on or adjacent to the first plane P1 means that it is located in connection with, adjacent to, or next to the first ball-striking surface 115. Similarly, that the second endpoint 151, 151', 151" is located on or adjacent to the second plane P2 means that it is located in connection with, adjacent to, or next to the second ball-striking surface 116.

For any embodiment of this invention, the frame 112 may have a continuous curvature from the first striking surface 115 to the second striking surface 116. Alternatively, the frame 112 may comprise a main portion 112a having a first radius of curvature, a first frame rim 112b connecting the main portion 112a of the frame 112 to the first striking surface 115, and a second frame rim 112b connecting the main portion 112a of the frame 112 to the second striking surface 116. In Fig. 4d, the first frame rim 112b is illustrated by the dotted lines following the curvature of the frame 112, thus schematically showing how the first frame rim 112b connects the main portion of the frame 112a to the first striking surface 115. In embodiments including frame rims, a corresponding second frame rim 112b is not visible from the perspective in Fig. 4d, it therefore connects the main part 112b of the frame with the second hitting surface 116 on the opposite side of the padel racket 100.

Figure 4d shows two example locations of the first end point 150', 150" for example ribs 114' and 114", respectively. In the example rib 114', the first end point 150' is located in direct connection with the first hitting surface 115, and the second end point 151' is located in direct connection with the second hitting surface 116. This is particularly suitable for padel rackets where the frame 112 has a continuous curve from the first hitting surface 115 to the second hitting surface 116, and the rib can thus extend between the hitting surfaces with a continuous radius of curvature. Of course, even if the frame 112 has this curvature of its outer surface 119b, the ribs 114 can extend less than the entire length L1 of the frame, i.e., terminate before reaching the first and second striking surfaces 115, 116 respectively, as described below for the example of rib 114."

In the example of rib 114", the first end point 150" is located adjacent to the first plane P1 and adjacent to the first striking surface 115. Specifically, the first end point 150" is located on the first frame edge 112b or on the main part 112a of the frame in direct connection with the first frame edge 112b. Similarly, in this embodiment, the second end point 151" is located adjacent to the second plane P2 and adjacent to the second striking surface 116, either on the second frame edge 112b or on the main part 112a of the frame in direct connection with the second frame edge 112b. This is particularly suitable for padel rackets where the frame 112 comprises a main part 112a and a respective frame rim 112b connecting the main part 112a of the frame 112 to each of the first and second hitting surfaces 115, 116, respectively. The rims of the frame 112b in this case are typically bent or curved (continuously, or as a series of flat or rounded sections that form angles with each other and thus achieve the curvature) from the main part 112a of the frame 112 to the respective first and second hitting surfaces 115, 116. The main part of the frame 112b has a significantly smaller radius of curvature compared to the radius of curvature of the main part of the frame 112. The main part of the frame may, for example, be flat or have a large radius of curvature that makes it substantially flat, thus requiring significantly more bent or curved rims to connect it to the hitting surfaces.

As can be seen from the two examples in Fig. 4d, it is preferable that the ribs do not extend towards the hitting surfaces 115, 116. This provides the added benefit of making the molds used to manufacture padel rackets more durable, since the shape of the grooves or other edge patterns of the mold used to form the ribs does not need to include small folded sections to form the outer parts (end points and near portions) of the ribs. Because the molds are more durable, the risk of wear and tear, which could result in uneven padel rackets with uneven ribs, is reduced. This makes the production process more reliable and cost-effective.

Figure 3 shows a first portion containing ribs 113 and a second portion containing ribs 113 of the frame 112, where the ribs 114 are arranged. In other words, the plurality of ribs 114 is divided into two portions containing ribs 113. Typically, half of the total number of ribs is arranged in a first rib-containing portion and the other half is arranged in a second rib-containing portion. However, it should be understood that the first rib-containing portion and the second rib-containing portion may comprise an unequal number of ribs if this is desirable to obtain certain frame properties and force distribution as described in this invention.

In Fig. 3, the first rib-containing portion 113 is arranged on one side of the longitudinal axis A, and the second rib-containing portion 113 is arranged on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis A. In Fig. 3, the rib-containing portions 113 are shown arranged in a central position of the frame 112, around the lateral axis B. Alternatively, the rib-containing portions 113 can be arranged in a proximal position of the frame 112, i.e., closer to the proximal end 118a of the striking portion 110, or in a distal position of the frame 112, i.e., closer to the distal end 118b of the striking portion 110, as further described in relation to Figs. 6a-c. It should be noted that each of the first and second portions containing ribs 113 may comprise more than one group of ribs, for example, two, three, or four groups of ribs, with a distance between them. In Fig. 4f, a non-exhaustive example is shown where each portion containing ribs 113 (one of which is shown in the Figure) comprises three groups of ribs 113a ("high"), 113b ("medium"), and 113c ("low"). As described later in connection with Figs. 6a to 6c, the placement of the ribs can affect the placement and/or size of the playing surface, also called the preferred hitting surface, and the sweet spot of the padel racket, as well as the force and speed with which a ball striking the surface of the padel racket leaves the hitting surface. Therefore, depending on the properties of the padel racket, including but not limited to its shape, size, weight, and the intended player group (beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert), different grouping and placement of the ribs in each of the first and second sections containing ribs 113 may be suitable. For example, a "high" group of ribs 113a and a "low" group of ribs 113c may be advantageous for achieving a specific desired sweet spot placement. If it is appropriate to obtain certain desired properties, the frame may also comprise an odd number of rib groups, for example, one or two groups in each of the first and second sections containing ribs 113 and a group (having a similar or different number of ribs) between them, for example, centered at the top of the frame.

In a currently preferred embodiment, the first and second rib-containing portions 113 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis A, and are further arranged symmetrically with respect to the lateral axis B. However, many other arrangements of the two rib-containing portions 113 are also possible. In addition, as mentioned above, the frame may comprise more than two rib-containing portions, such as three or four, and/or have more than one group of ribs in each rib-containing portion 113.

It is important to note that, to achieve the desired effects and advantages described in this application for ribs, the frame will comprise portions that do not contain ribs (i.e., rib-free portions). In other words, the frame will comprise rib-free portions interspersed with rib-containing portions. If the ribs were arranged along substantially the entire peripheral length of the frame, the hitting portion would become too rigid, and the stroke energy, as well as the placement and/or size of the preferred hitting surface and the sweet spot of the padel racket, could not be controlled as effectively as when the ribs are arranged in rib-containing portions interspersed with rib-free portions. As described above, each rib-containing portion may comprise groups of ribs, so there are additional rib-free portions interspersed between the groups of ribs.

Each of the first and second portions containing ribs 113, or each of the groups of ribs within a portion containing ribs 113, may properly comprise at least five ribs 114, such as 5-15, 6-13, or 8-11 ribs. However, the number of ribs per portion containing ribs may differ, depending, for example, on the total number of ribs and the total number of portions and/or groups of ribs containing ribs within a portion containing ribs 113.

Each of the first and second portions containing ribs 113, or each group of ribs within a portion containing ribs 113, can cover a length of approximately 6 cm to approximately 12 cm, such as approximately 8 cm to approximately 10 cm, of the circumferential length of the frame 112. As shown in Fig. 3, the circumferential length of the frame 112 is defined in this invention as extending from a first peripheral connection point PC1 where the frame 112 is joined to the intermediate portion 130 on one side of the longitudinal axis A to a second peripheral connection point PC2 where the frame 112 is joined to the intermediate portion 130 on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis A. The circumferential length is exemplified in Fig. 3 as the length L2, illustrated by the bidirectional arrow. However, other lengths of rib-containing portions are also possible, depending, for example, on the total number of rib-containing portions and/or the number of groups within each rib-containing portion. A greater number of rib-containing portions and/or a greater number of groups within each rib-containing portion would typically lead to shorter lengths of each rib-containing portion or rib group.

The ribs 114 can be evenly spaced (i.e., symmetrically arranged) within each rib-containing portion 113. Alternatively, the ribs 114 can be asymmetrically placed within each rib-containing portion 113, in which case it may be advantageous to arrange the ribs more densely in the center of a rib-containing portion and more sparsely on the outside of the rib-containing portion. Furthermore, it is possible to combine one or more rib-containing portions having symmetrically placed ribs and one or more rib-containing portions having asymmetrically placed ribs in the same frame.

The distance between each pair of ribs 114 within a portion containing ribs 113 is appropriately from approximately 5 mm to approximately 20 mm, such as from approximately 10 mm to approximately 15 mm, or approximately 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, or 20 mm. However, other distances between ribs are also possible, depending, for example, on the total number of ribs and the total number of portions containing ribs. It should be noted that the distance between two adjacent ribs 114 depends on the radius of curvature of the projected curve 170, such that a larger radius of curvature requires a greater distance between adjacent ribs 114 in order to maintain the frame stiffness and the desired energy transfer properties.

Returning to Figs. 4a to 4c, each depicts a side view of a padel racket 100 comprising a hitting portion 110 comprising ribs 114 according to the present invention. Each of the ribs 114 is arranged transversely or substantially transversely to the median plane MP (represented in Fig. 4b). In other words, each rib 114 is substantially aligned with a plane P3 (represented in Fig. 4b), which crosses the median plane MP transversely. In this invention, a rib 114 being arranged transversely or substantially transversely to the median plane MP means that at least the principal direction, or general direction, of the rib 114 is transverse to the median plane MP. Similarly, for a rib 114 to be aligned or substantially aligned with plane P3 means that at least the principal direction, or general direction, of rib 114 coincides with plane P3. This can also be described as each rib 114 having its principal extension direction along plane P3. As can be seen in Figs. 4a to 4d, the curvature of rib 114 that deviates from plane P3 is symmetric about plane P3.

All the rib shapes in Figs. 4a to 4d, with respect to size, rib width, curvature, angles, distances between ribs, internal grouping of ribs within a rib-containing portion as in Fig. 4d, etc., are only illustrative examples, and many other variations and combinations are possible. For example, as shown in Fig. 4a on the one hand and in Figs. 4b and 4c on the other, the ribs can be curved "upward," i.e., the midpoint 152 is offset from the center point CP along line L in the direction of the distal end 118b of the striking portion 110, or curved "downward," i.e., the midpoint 152 is offset from the center point CP along line L in the direction of the proximal end 118a of the striking portion 110.

Planes P1 and P2, along which the striking surfaces 115 and 116 extend, are shown as parallel in Figs. 4a–d, as illustrated by the indication of planes P1 and P2 in Fig. 4a. This is for illustrative purposes only. Planes P1 and P2, and therefore the striking surfaces 115 and 116, may be parallel, i.e., substantially parallel within manufacturing tolerances. Alternatively, planes P1 and P2, and therefore the striking surfaces 115 and 116, may differ from each other by an angle α, as described in relation to Fig. 2b. In other words, the striking portion 110 may be tapered when viewed in a side view. Figures 5a to 5c each show a padel racket 100 according to one of the three common principal shapes, corresponding to the shapes shown in Figs. 1a-c. As can be seen in Figs. 5a-5c, each padel racket comprises a hitting portion 110, a handle 120, and an intermediate portion 130 joining the hitting portion 110 and the handle 120. The hitting portion 110 comprises a central element 111 and a frame 112. The central element 111 in each of Figs. 5a-c comprises a ball striking surface (Ref. No. 115/116 not shown in Figs. 5a-c), comprising a preferred striking surface 117 and an ideal spot 140, both of which have been defined in detail elsewhere in this invention. In summary, preferred hitting surface 117 is the part of the hitting surface that will allow a decent or good hit of the ball and/or a decent or good energy transfer to the ball, while ideal spot 140 is the most preferred hitting spot or area of preferred hitting surface 117.

In Fig. 5a, the shape of the striking portion 110 is round, the preferred striking surface 117 covers most of the central element 111 (or more precisely, covers most of the ball striking surface 115/116 of the central element 111), and the ideal spot 140 is located at or near the center of the preferred striking surface 117, i.e., at or near the center of the ball striking surface 115/116, as well as at or near the center of the striking portion 110.

In Fig. 5b, the striking portion 110 is teardrop-shaped. In the longitudinal direction, the preferred striking surface 117 covers most of the central element 111 (or more precisely, most of the ball striking surface 115/116 of the central element 111) and is located slightly toward the distal end 118b of the striking portion 110. In the lateral direction of the central element 111, for example, along the lateral or transverse axis B (represented in Fig. 3), the preferred striking surface 117 covers a significantly narrower lateral area compared to Fig. 5a, making the total area of the preferred striking surface significantly smaller compared to Fig. 5a. This means that it is more difficult to hit the ball cleanly or decently with a teardrop-shaped padel racket compared to a round padel racket, but a good hit with the same force will result in greater speed. The sweet spot 140 is located distal to the center of the preferred hitting surface 117, near the distal end 118b of the hitting portion 110.

In Fig. 5c, the striking portion 110 is diamond-shaped. In the longitudinal direction, the preferred striking surface 117 covers less than half of the central element 111 (or more precisely, less than half of the ball striking surface 115/116 of the central element 111) and is located near the distal end 118b of the striking portion 110. In the lateral direction of the central element 111, the preferred striking surface 117 covers a slightly wider area laterally compared to Fig. 5b and a slightly narrower area laterally compared to Fig. 5a. As is evident from the figure, the total area of the preferred striking surface is significantly smaller compared to both Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b. This means that it is more difficult to hit the ball cleanly or decently with a diamond-shaped padel racket compared to a round padel racket, as well as a teardrop-shaped padel racket, but a good hit with the same force will result in greater speed. The sweet spot 140 is located at or near the center of the preferred hitting surface 117, close to the distal end 118b of the hitting portion 110.

Figures 6a to 6c each describe a padel racket 100 according to one of the three common principal shapes corresponding to the shapes shown in Figures 1a-c and 5a-c, wherein the rib-containing portions 113 are arranged in different positions on the frame 112. As seen in each of Figures 6ac, a first rib-containing portion 113 and a second rib-containing portion 113, each comprising a plurality of ribs 114, are arranged on the frame 112 of the hitting portion 110 of a padel racket 100. The hitting portion 110 comprises a central element 111 and a frame 112. Also depicted in Figures Figures 6a-c show the preferred hitting surface 117 and the sweet spot 140 of each padel racket 100, as described in more detail in relation to Figures 5a-c. Figures 6a-c also show arrows pointing inwards from the rib-containing portions 113, radially towards the hitting portion 110. The arrows illustrate the direction of energy transfer and the energy gained from the effects exerted by the ribs on the movements of the frame and hitting portion, in reaction to a ball striking the hitting surface. The position of the rib-containing portions 113 determines how and in what direction the ribs 114 will transfer energy from the racket to the ball. Therefore, it is possible to change the position and alter the size of the preferred striking surface 117 and the optimum point 140 by arranging the rib-containing portions 113 in different positions of the frame, according to embodiments of the present invention.

More specifically, in Fig. 6a, the two rib-containing portions 113 are arranged in a proximal position of the frame 112 of the round striking portion 110. The proximal frame position is close to the proximal end 118a of the striking portion 110 and is therefore also close to the intermediate portion 130. A proximal frame position may alternatively be called a "low frame position." The inward-pointing arrow in the radial direction of the striking portion 110 from each rib-containing portion 113 illustrates that the effect, or force, exerted by the ribs 114 in a proximal position transfers energy and momentum further up, i.e., upward toward the ideal point 140, thereby imparting greater speed to the ball as it leaves the striking surface. Advantageously, as the ribs contribute to a more energy-efficient swing by decreasing the frame's reaction time—that is, by converting more of the ball's incoming energy into energy from the hitting surface to the ball—the ball leaves the padel racket at a higher speed, reducing vibrations in the racket and the sound level after impact. If the ribs are arranged so that the preferred hitting surface and/or sweet spot also increase in size, the racket becomes more forgiving and can be played over a larger area. It can even be played by striking the ball with a slight spin angle rather than directly on the hitting surface, across the normal. Currently, it is preferred to position the rib-containing portions proximal to the rounded hitting portion of the frame, as shown in Fig. 6a. However, rib-containing portions may be placed in a proximal position on the frame of a hitting portion that is any shape other than round (not shown in the figures), to influence the transfer of energy from the racket to the ball and to change the preferred hitting surface and/or sweet spot of the racket.

Furthermore, in Fig. 6b, the two rib-containing portions 113 are arranged in a central position on the frame 112 of the teardrop-shaped hitting portion 110. The central position of the frame 112 is located around the lateral axis B. The inward-pointing arrow in the radial direction of the hitting portion 110 from each rib-containing portion 113 illustrates that the effect, or force, exerted by the ribs 114 in a central position transfers energy and power to enlarge the preferred hitting surface 117 and increase the energy of the stroke, thereby increasing the playability of a teardrop-shaped racket and providing greater speed to the ball as it leaves the hitting surface. Advantageously, as the ribs contribute to a more energy-efficient swing by decreasing the frame's reaction time—that is, by allowing the frame to return to its original shape more quickly after impact—more of the ball's incoming energy is transferred to the hitting surface, resulting in the ball leaving the padel racket at a higher speed. This also reduces vibrations in the racket and lowers the sound level after impact. If the ribs are arranged in such a way that the sweet spot and/or sweet spot also increase in size, the racket becomes more forgiving and can be played over a larger area. It can even be played by striking the ball with a slight spin angle rather than directly on the sweet spot, across the normal stroke. Currently, it is preferred to arrange the rib-containing portions 113 in a central position of the frame 112 of a teardrop-shaped hitting portion 110, as shown in Fig. 6b. However, the rib-containing portions 113 may be placed in a central position of the frame 112 of a hitting portion 110 of any shape other than teardrop (not shown in the figures), to influence the energy transfer from the racket to the ball and to change the preferred hitting surface and/or the ideal spot of the racket.

In Fig. 6c, the two rib-containing portions 113 are arranged distally on the frame 112 of the diamond-shaped hitting portion 110. The distal frame position is close to the distal end 118b of the hitting portion 110. A distal frame position may alternatively be called a "high" frame position. The inward-pointing arrow in the radial direction of the hitting portion 110 from each rib-containing portion 113 illustrates that the effect exerted by the ribs 114 at a distal position transfers energy and power downward, thereby widening the preferred hitting surface 117 and slightly lowering the sweet spot 140, to give optimal energy and balance, and thus increasing the playability of a diamond-shaped racket while simultaneously increasing the force and speed with which the hitting ball leaves the hitting surface. Therefore, the sound level upon impact is also reduced, and the racket is more forgiving and playable over a wider area, and even playable if the ball is struck at a slight angle of spin rather than directly on the hitting surface, across the normal. Of course, in this embodiment as well, the advantageous progressive energy transfer is achieved by means of the curved ribs, in the manner described in this invention. Currently, it is preferred to arrange the rib-containing portions distal to the frame of a diamond-shaped hitting portion, as shown in Fig. 6c. However, the rib-containing portions can be positioned distal to the frame of a hitting portion of any other shape besides diamond (not shown in the figures), to influence the energy transfer from the racket to the ball, and to change the preferred hitting surface and/or the optimal point of the racket.

Furthermore, many other arrangements of rib-containing portions 113 are also feasible, and there may be more than two rib-containing portions 113 arranged in the frame 112, such as three or four rib-containing portions 113, or more than one group of ribs within each rib-containing portion 113 as described in this invention. In a non-exhaustive example, not shown in the figures, a padel racket may comprise a first and a second rib-containing portion 113 arranged in a proximal position of the frame 112 (as depicted in Fig. 6a) and a third and a fourth rib-containing portion 113 arranged in a distal position of the frame 112 (as shown in Fig. 6c). Any arrangement of ribs along the sides of the frame can also be supplemented by a rib-containing portion centered at the distal end, or top, of the frame 112 if it is desirable to move the ideal point further down, towards the intermediate portion 130, on the preferred striking surface 117.

Figures 7a and 7b each depict a detailed cross-sectional view of a rib-containing portion 113 of the frame 112, which has an outer surface 119a and an inner surface 119b, as seen from a front view of the padel racket. The inner surface 119b faces the central element 111. Specifically, the inner surface 119b faces the inner portion 122 of the central element 111, which is further described in relation to Figure 10. In Figure 7a, each rib 114 extends inward in the radial direction of the frame 112, thereby forming a recess in the outer surface 119a of the frame 112. The recess has a curved cross-sectional shape and thus gives the outer surface 119A an inwardly curved cross-sectional shape. Each rib 114 also gives the inner surface 119b of the frame 112 a cross-sectional shape that curves inwards in the radial direction of the frame 112. Ribs extending inwards 114 are preferred, but of course, by using a different manufacturing process, a frame with corresponding properties can be achieved that has ribs in the form of raised strips (pressing/reshaping the frame to create recesses on the inner surface of the frame and corresponding raised strips on the outer surface of the frame).

In Fig. 7b, each rib extends outwards in the radial direction of the frame 112, thereby forming a raised strip (or ridge) on the outer surface 119a of the frame 112. Each raised strip has a curved cross-sectional shape and thus gives the outer surface 119A an outwards curved cross-sectional shape. As indicated by the dashed line, each rib 114 can give the inner surface 119b of the frame 112 a cross-sectional shape curved outwards in the radial direction of the frame 112. Alternatively, depending on how the ribs 114 are obtained during the manufacturing process, each raised strip has a curved cross-sectional shape and thus gives the outer surface 119a a cross-sectional shape curved outwards, while the inner surface 119b of the frame 112 is uniform, without any cross-sectional shape curved outwards in the radial direction of the frame 112.

Figures 8a and 8b each depict a detailed cross-sectional view of a rib-containing portion 113 of the frame 112, which has an outer surface 119a and an inner surface 119b, as seen from a front view of the padel racket. The inner surface 119b faces the central element 111. In Figure 8a, each rib 114 extends inward in the radial direction of the frame 112, thereby forming a recess in the outer surface 119a of the frame 112. The recess has a V-shaped cross-section and thus gives the outer surface 119a an inwardly V-shaped cross-section. Each rib 114 gives the inner surface 119b of frame 112 a cross-section shape that is substantially curved inwards, rather than a V-shape, as a result of the current manufacturing process (described in more detail later).

In Fig. 8b, each rib extends outward in the radial direction of the frame 112, thus forming a raised strip on the outer surface 119a of the frame 112. Each raised strip has a V-shaped cross-section and therefore gives the outer surface 119A an outwardly curving V-shaped cross-section. As indicated by the dashed line, each rib 114 may give the inner surface 119b of the frame 112 a substantially outwardly curved cross-section, rather than a V-shape, as a result of the current manufacturing process. Alternatively, depending on how the ribs 114 are obtained during the manufacturing process, each raised strip has a V-shaped cross-section and thus gives the outer surface 119a an outwardly V-shaped cross-section, while the inner surface 119b of the frame 112 is uniform, without any outwardly curved or V-shaped cross-section in the radial direction of the frame 112.

Figures 9a and 9b each depict a detailed cross-sectional view of a rib-containing portion 113 of the frame 112, which has an outer surface 119a and an inner surface 119b, as seen from a front view of the padel racket. The inner surface 119b faces the central element 111. In Figure 9a, each rib 114 extends inward in the radial direction of the frame 112, thereby forming a recess in the outer surface 119a of the frame 112. The recess has an angular cross-sectional shape and thus gives the outer surface 119a an inwardly angular cross-sectional shape. Each rib 114 gives the inner surface 119b of the frame 112 a substantially inwardly curved cross-sectional shape, rather than an angular shape, as a result of the current manufacturing process.

In Fig. 9b, each rib extends outward in the radial direction of the frame 112, thus forming a raised strip on the outer surface 119a of the frame 112. Each raised strip has an angular cross-sectional shape and therefore gives the outer surface 119a an outwardly angular cross-sectional shape. As indicated by the dashed line, each rib 114 may give the inner surface 119b of the frame 112 a substantially outwardly curved cross-sectional shape, rather than an angular one, as a result of the current manufacturing process. Alternatively, depending on how the ribs 114 are formed during the manufacturing process, each raised strip has an angular cross-sectional shape and therefore gives the outer surface 119a an outwardly angular cross-sectional shape, while the inner surface 119b of the frame 112 is uniform, without any outwardly curved or angular cross-sectional shape in the radial direction of the frame 112.

The desired stiffness properties and advantageous progressive energy transfer described in this invention are obtained with both the inward-extending ribs 114 of Figs. 7a, 8a, and 9a and the outward-extending ribs of Figs. 7b, 8b, and 9b. However, the inward-extending ribs 114 according to any of the embodiments shown in Figs. 7a, 8a, and 9a, or having other cross-sectional shapes, are preferred because the inward-extending ribs 114 have the additional advantage of being better protected from shocks and impacts during play, manufacturing, and transport, and are therefore more durable than the outward-extending ribs. Of course, if one or more outward-extending ribs are damaged due to impact (hitting the floor or a wall, for example), the energy transfer properties, and therefore the playability, deteriorate. Furthermore, since ribs 114 are created by adding pressure and/or heat to the frame using a mold with edge patterns and reshaping the frame to fit the mold's edge patterns, reshaping frame 112 to accommodate inward-extending ribs 114—where only the rib-shaped edge pattern needs to be pushed into frame 112 for reshaping—is easier than reshaping frame 112 to accommodate outward-extending ribs 114.

Figure 10 shows a top cross-sectional view of a portion of the striking portion 110, representing the frame 112 and a portion of the center element 111. The ball striking surfaces 115 and 116 are shown, as well as the outer surface 119a and the inner surface 119b of the frame 112. Figure 10 further shows that the frame 112 has a depth D1 in the radial direction. The depth D1 of the frame is approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 3 mm, typically approximately 0.8 mm to approximately 2 mm. As illustrated in Figures 7-9, each of the ribs 114 can extend the entire depth D1 of the frame. In other words, each of the ribs 114 in these embodiments changes the shape of the frame in the radial direction through the entire depth D1, possibly also locally altering the depth of the frame. Alternatively, as described above in relation to Figs. 7b, 8b, and 9b, each of the ribs 114 can locally extend the depth of the frame in the external radial direction, while the inner surface 119b of the frame 112 remains more or less unchanged. Each rib 114 can, instead of extending the entire depth D1 of the frame, extend less than the entire depth D11.

The depth of each nerve 114 is preferably approximately 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. The depths within this range have been found to be adequate to provide the desired stiffness and progressive energy transfer properties to frame 112, while maintaining the integrity of frame 112. The depth may vary along rib 114, due to the manufacturing process, but also because ribs 114 may "fade out" towards the endpoints 150, 150', 150", 151, 151', 151", meaning that the depth of rib 114 is successively reduced from the depth defined in the central portion of rib 114 around the midpoint 152, 152', 152", whose depth is preferably within the range given above, to zero or close to zero at the endpoints 150, 150', 150", 151, 151', 151".

Figure 10 also shows that the central element 111 comprises an inner part 122 and first and second outer layers 121a. The frame 112 connects the first outer layer 121a to the second outer layer 121b. In the figure, the first outer layer 121a and the second outer layer 121b are shown to connect to the frame 112 such that the outer surfaces of the first and second outer layers 121a, 121b and the frame 112 are flush. Alternatively, the padel racket can be constructed such that the edges of the frame 112 overlap and are external to the edges of the first and second outer layers 121a, 121b. In the event that the edges of frame 112 overlap and are outside the edges of the first and second outer layer 121a, 121b, the first and second ball striking surfaces 115, 116 extend outwards to the overlapping edges of frame 112.

As shown in the figure, the outer surface of the first outer layer 121a is the first ball-striking surface 115, and the outer surface of the second outer layer 121b is the second ball-striking surface 116. Each of the first and second outer layers 121a and 121b has a depth D2, which can be equal to or less than the depth D1.

In Fig. 10, the frame 112 and the outer layers 121a and 121b of the central element 111 are made of the same material (white in Fig. 10), whereas the inner part 122 of the central element 111 comprises a different material (shaded gray in Fig. 10) than the frame 112 and the outer layers 121a and 121b. The material comprising the frame 112 and the outer layers 121a and 121b is typically a rigid, lightweight material, such as carbon fiber, an aluminum material, a titanium material, another suitable metallic material, or fiberglass, or a combination of any or all of these materials. The material filling the inner portion 122 of the central element 111 is typically a softer, more flexible foam-like material, such as polyethylene foam, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), another suitable polymeric material or polymer composition, or any other suitable foam-like material known in the art. It should be understood that the degree of hardness of the filling material may vary depending on the desired properties of the racket. Furthermore, it should be understood that the filling material may fill the entire inner portion 122 or parts of it.

For any embodiment of the padel racket described in this application, the ribs 114 are preferably integrated with the frame 112. Therefore, no additional material is added to achieve the curved ribs 114, but the material of the frame 112 is shaped to form the ribs 114.

As mentioned previously, a padel racket can be manufactured by molding or any other suitable method. The hitting portion of a padel racket can be manufactured, for example, separately in a two-part mold, as follows. First, the material that forms the frame is placed in a frame forming mold. The shape of the frame can be obtained using a blow molding technique. The inner part of the core can be manufactured separately, for example, using foam molding or any other suitable technique. The material that forms the outer layers of the core, the frame, and the inner part (or the material that forms the inner part) is placed in a padel baking mold (which can be the same as the frame forming mold or a different one), and the materials are molded together by applying heat and/or pressure. The material that forms the frame and outer layers can be cured, either as part of the molding stage or as a subsequent manufacturing stage. The material forming the frame and the first and second outer layers of the central element typically constitute the outer layer of the entire striking portion. Finally, the outer surface of the frame and/or the striking surfaces may optionally be coated with a layer of lacquer or varnish.

In another aspect of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 13, a method is provided for producing a padel racket comprising a hitting portion 110, a handle 120, and an intermediate portion 130 joining the hitting portion 110 and the handle 120, in particular a padel racket 100 according to any of the embodiments described in this invention. The method comprises, in a first step, placing material to form at least the hitting portion 110, preferably all the portions 110, 120, and 130 of the padel racket as an integrated unit, in a mold having a space for receiving material, where the space is delimited by an outer edge, the outer edge comprising an edge pattern on at least a portion of the outer edge. The edge pattern comprises a plurality of protrusions having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, including the endpoints of the range, and/or a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, including the endpoints of the range. The procedure then comprises, in step 310, molding and hardening the material, and in step 320, removing the padel racket from the mold or removing the hitting portion and any other portions produced using the mold and assembling them with the remaining parts of the padel racket after the molding process has been completed.

The material forming the frame preferably comprises a carbon fiber material, a fiberglass material, an aluminum material, a titanium material, another suitable metallic material, or a combination of any or all of these materials, and the material is molded and hardened at an increased temperature and/or increased pressure.

The radius of curvature of each protrusion and/or recess may be in the range of 25 mm to 100 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range. The radius of curvature of each protrusion and/or recess may also be in the range of 35 mm to 50 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range.

All the protrusions and/or recesses in the edge pattern may have the same radius of curvature, or they may differ between different protrusions and/or recesses in the edge pattern.

The border pattern is preferably provided on at least two portions of the outer edge, said two portions being provided symmetrically in relation to a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the space in the mold, and are further arranged symmetrically in relation to a lateral axis of symmetry of the space in the mold.

For the purposes of the present invention, a mold adapted to form ribs in the frame may be used. More particularly, the outer edge of the mold has indentations (concavities) in suitable portions to form raised, strip-like ribs at the corresponding positions on the frame of the striking portion. Alternatively, the outer edge of the casting mold has protrusions (convexities) in suitable portions to form recessed ribs at the corresponding positions on the frame.

In a further aspect of the invention, a mold 200 is provided for producing a padel racket 100, the mold having a space 210 for receiving material to form a padel racket 100, or at least the hitting portion 110 of the padel racket 100. Figures 12a-c show schematic cross-sectional views of a mold 200 according to embodiments of the invention. As shown in the figures, the space 210 is delimited by an outer edge 211, where the outer edge 211 comprises an edge pattern 201 on at least a portion of the outer edge. The edge pattern 201 comprises a plurality of protrusions 202 having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, including the endpoints of the range, and/or a plurality of recesses 202 having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, including the endpoints of the range. Only exemplary positions of the edge patterns 201 along the outer edge 211 are shown in the figures. The figures do not show the actual shape of the protrusions or recesses, which of course varies depending on how the ribs are formed. The different positions of the rim patterns 201 illustrated for a round padel racket mold in Fig. 12a, a teardrop-shaped padel racket mold in Fig. 12b, and a diamond-shaped padel racket mold in Fig. 12C achieve different directions of energy transfer on the striking surfaces of the resulting padel racket 100, as described in this application. The examples in Figs. 12a-c are for illustrative purposes only, and any suitable combination and position of the rim patterns 201 may be used, corresponding to the combination and positions of the rib-containing portions 113 described for the embodiments of padel racket 100.

The radius of curvature of each protrusion and/or recess may be in the range of 25 mm to 100 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range. The radius of curvature of each protrusion and/or recess may also be in the range of 35 mm to 50 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range.

All the protrusions and/or recesses in the edge pattern may have the same radius of curvature, or they may differ between different protrusions and/or recesses in the edge pattern.

The rim pattern is preferably provided on at least two portions of the outer rim. These two portions are provided symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the space within the mold, and are also arranged symmetrically with respect to a lateral axis of symmetry of the space within the mold. Of course, it is also possible for the frame to be manufactured separately before being assembled with the other parts of the padel racket, and for the ribs to be subsequently obtained in any suitable manner during the construction of the frame or as a separate manufacturing stage after the frame has been constructed.

A striking portion thus manufactured is then typically assembled with a handle and a middle portion into a padel racket.

As mentioned above, the striking portion can alternatively be manufactured directly together with the handle and the intermediate portion as a single piece, for example, in a mold, which is adapted for the purposes of the present invention, as described in detail above.

The desired stiffness properties and advantageous progressive energy transfer described in this invention are obtained with both the inward-extending ribs 114 of Figs. 7a, 8a, and 9a and the outward-extending ribs of Figs. 7b, 8b, and 9b. However, the inward-extending ribs 114 according to any of the embodiments shown in Figs. 7a, 8a, and 9a, or having other cross-sectional shapes, are preferred because the inward-extending ribs 114 have the additional advantage of being better protected from shocks and impacts during play, manufacturing, and transport. Of course, if one or more outward-extending ribs are damaged due to impact (hitting the ground or a wall during play, for example), the energy transfer properties and, therefore, the playability of the padel racket deteriorate. Therefore, inward-extending ribs contribute to making the padel racket more robust and durable than outward-extending ribs. Furthermore, since ribs are created by adding pressure and/or heat to the frame using a patterned mold and reshaping the frame to fit the mold pattern, reshaping the frame to accommodate inward-extending ribs—where only the rib pattern needs to be pushed into the frame—is easier than reshaping the frame to accommodate outward-extending ribs.

Figure 11 shows a top cross-sectional view of a portion of the striking portion 110, similar to that in Figure 10, where the frame 112, a portion of the central element 111 with the first and second outer layers 121a and 121b, and the inner portion 122 are shown with dashed outlines. Figure 11 further indicates that the outer surface 119a of the frame 112 has a length L1, extending from the peripheral edge of the first ball striking surface 115 to the peripheral edge of the second ball striking surface 116, as illustrated by the bidirectional arrow. Each of the ribs 114 (not shown in the figure) typically extends the entire length L1 of the outer surface 119a of the frame.

It should be noted that the features of the various embodiments described in this invention can be freely combined, unless explicitly stated that such a combination would be unsuitable. The scope of the invention is defined according to the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A padel racket (100) comprising a hitting portion (110), a handle (120) and an intermediate portion (130) joining the hitting portion (110) and the handle (120), the padel racket (100) having a median plane (MP) and a longitudinal axis (A), which is aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the handle (120) and extending in the median plane (MP), the hitting portion (110) comprising a central element (111) and a frame (112), the central element (111) comprising a first ball-striking surface (115) extending in a first plane (P1) and a second ball-striking surface (116) extending in a second plane (P2), the frame (112) surrounding the central element (111) along the periphery of the first ball-striking surface (115) and the periphery of the second ball-striking surface (116), wherein the frame (112) comprises an outer surface (119a) and an inner surface (119b), wherein the frame (112) comprises a plurality of ribs (114) arranged transversely to the median plane (MP), wherein each rib (114) is curved and extends from a first end point (150, 150', 150") in direct connection with or adjacent to the first plane (P1) to a second end point (151, 151', 151") in direct connection with or adjacent to the second plane (P2) through an intermediate point (152), characterized in that the intermediate point (152) is located on a line (L) defined by the intersection of the mid-plane (MP) and the outer surface of the frame (112) at a displacement distance (d) from a central point (CP) on the line (L), where the central point (CP) is the point on the line (L) that has the shortest possible distance to each of the first end point (150, 150', 150") and the second end point (151, 151', 151"), respectively. 2. The padel racket (100) according to claim 1, wherein each rib (114), when projected onto a tangent plane (PT) from its respective center point (CP) on the outer surface (119A), forms a projected curve (170) having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range and within manufacturing tolerances. 3. The padel racket (100) according to claim 2, wherein the projected curve (170) has a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 100 mm, including the endpoints of the range and within manufacturing tolerances. 4. The padel racket (100) according to claim 2, wherein the projected curve (170) has a radius of curvature in the range of 35 mm to 50 mm, including the endpoints of the range and within manufacturing tolerances. 5. The padel racket (100) according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the projected curve (170) of at least two of the plurality of ribs (114) of the padel racket has a different radius of curvature. 6. The padel racket (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the displacement distance (d) is in the range of 0.2 mm to 4 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, more preferably 2.5 mm, including the endpoints of the ranges and within manufacturing tolerances. 7. The padel racket (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the ribs (114) extends inwards in the radial direction of the frame (112), thus forming a recess in the outer surface (119a) of the frame (112). 8. The padel racket (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ribs (114) are arranged in a first rib-containing portion (113) and a second rib-containing portion (113) of the frame (112), wherein the first rib-containing portion (113) is arranged on one side of the longitudinal axis (A) and the second rib-containing portion (113) is arranged on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis (A). 9. The padel racket (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first and second rib-containing portions (113) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (A), and are further arranged symmetrically with respect to the lateral axis (B). 10. The padel racket (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (112) has a depth (D1) in the radial direction, and wherein each of the ribs (114) extends throughout the depth (D1) of the frame (112). 11. The padel racket (100) according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the first and second rib-containing portions (113) each comprise at least 5 ribs (114), such as 5-15, 6-13 or 8-11 ribs (114). 12. The padel racket (100) according to any of claims 8-11, wherein the first and second rib-containing portions (113) each cover approximately 6 cm to approximately 12 cm, such as approximately 8 cm to approximately 10 cm, of the circumferential length of the frame. 13. The padel racket (100) according to any of claims 8-12, wherein the first and second rib-containing portions (113) are arranged in a proximal position of the frame (112), near the proximal end (118A) of the hitting portion (110). 14. The padel racket (100) according to any of claims 8-13, wherein the first and second rib-containing portions (113) are arranged in a central position of the frame (112), around the lateral axis (B). 15. The padel racket (100) according to any of claims 8-14, wherein the first and second rib-containing portions (113) are arranged in a distal position of the frame (112), near the distal end (118b) of the hitting portion (110). 16. The padel racket (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ribs (114) are integrated with the frame (112). 17. A mold for producing a padel racket (100) according to any of claims 1-16, wherein the mold has a space for receiving a material, wherein the space is delimited by an outer edge, wherein the outer edge comprises an edge pattern on at least a portion of the outer edge, wherein the edge pattern comprises: a. a plurality of protrusions having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range, or b. a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range. 18. The mold according to claim 17, wherein the edge pattern is provided on at least two portions of the outer edge, wherein said two portions are provided symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of symmetry of space in the mold, and further arranged symmetrically with respect to a lateral axis of symmetry of space in the mold. 19. A method for producing a padel racket (100) according to any of claims 1-16, the method comprising: a. Placing material to form the frame and an inner material in a mold having a space for receiving a material, wherein the space is bounded by an outer edge, wherein the outer edge comprises a border pattern on at least a portion of the outer edge, wherein the border pattern comprises: i. a plurality of protrusions having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range, or ii. a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature in the range of 25 mm to 300 mm, inclusive of the endpoints of the range, b. to mold and harden the material, and c. Remove the padel racket from the mold. 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the frame material comprises a carbon fiber material, a fiberglass material, an aluminum material, a titanium material, another suitable metallic material or a combination thereof, wherein the material is molded and hardened at a higher temperature and/or higher pressure.