Patent Description:
Many padel rackets are known in the art, in numerous different designs that aim to provide the best possible user experience, for example in terms of striking force and playability of the padel racket striking surface.

However, there is still a need for a padel racket constructed such that it increases the striking force, improves the ball handling and precision by controlling the position and size of the sweet spot, and overall enables a user (i.e., a padel player) to perform more consistently during play compared to existing padel rackets.

There is further a need for a padel racket constructed such that it reduces vibrations compared to existing padel rackets, thereby reducing sounds upon impact, reducing vibration induced injuries and improving the durability of the padel racket.

Examples of relevant art is found in the <CIT>, which discloses a padel racket having reduced air resistance, <CIT>, which discloses a padel racket, <CIT>, which discloses a racket for ball games, and <CIT> , which discloses a racket with a rugged frame.

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

The padel racket according to the present invention comprises a striking portion, a handle, and an intermediate portion joining the striking portion and the handle, the padel racket having a midplane and a longitudinal axis A, which is aligned with the longitudinal centreline of the handle, and which extends through the midplane, the striking portion comprising a central element and a frame, the central element comprising a first ball striking surface extending in a first plane and a second ball striking surface extending in a second plane, the frame surrounding 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 exterior surface 119a and an interior surface 119b. The frame comprises a plurality of ribs arranged transversally or substantially transversally to the midplane. Each rib is curved and extends from a first end point in direct connection with or adjacent to the first plane to a second end point in direct connection with or adjacent to the second plane via an intermediate point. The intermediate point is located on a line defined by the intersection of the midplane and the external surface of the frame at an offset distance from a centre point on the line, wherein the centre point is the point on the line having the shortest possible distance to each of the first end point and the second end point, respectively. A main advantage of the present invention is that the ribs in the frame store and transfer the power of a stroke into a higher speed of the ball with less effort and increased ball control.

Because each curved rib has an intermediate point offset from its endpoints, each rib forms, when projected onto a tangent plane of its respective centre point on the exterior surface, a projected curve. The inventor has realised that this additional curvature of the ribs, in a plane that does not coincide with the normal of the exterior surface of the frame at the centre point, adds the additional advantage that the energy that is stored into the frame upon hit and transferred back into the ball upon release is not linearly increasing, but increases progressively in relation to the force with which the ball is hit. In other words, if a low force is applied in the stroke ("soft play"), a certain amount of energy is stored into the frame and released back into the ball, resulting in transfer of the power of stroke into a higher speed of the ball with less effort and increased ball control compared to if no ribs were used. Also, thanks to the curved ribs of the present invention, the energy from the strike force starts to become stored into the frame at a lower strike force compared to if a straight rib (straight as seen from the normal of the exterior 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 strike force compared to straight ribs. When the energy is stored into the frame and released back into the ball, this results in a transfer of the power of stroke into a higher speed of the ball with less effort and increased ball control compared to if no ribs were used. When the ribs are curved as described herein, the energy is hence further stored into the frame progressively, starting at a less amount of applied striking force. This is in comparison to a straight rib that is harder to bend, and therefore will not respond to the low application of striking force in the soft play, but only reacts to greater applications of striking force and reacting over a short period of time, storing energy, and transferring it back into the ball upon release. A further advantage is that if a higher force is applied in the stroke on a padel racket having curved ribs according to the present invention, the progressive energy transfer achieved by the curved ribs provides not only a linearly increased transfer of the power of stroke, but an even higher output speed of the ball than what would be achieved using straight ribs that merely stiffen the frame but does not progressively store and release energy during a stroke.

The projected curve has a radius of curvature that may be in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points, within manufacturing tolerances. For each rib, the projected curve may have a radius of curvature in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points, within manufacturing tolerances. For each rib, the projected curve may have a radius of curvature in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points, within manufacturing tolerances.

Moreover, since the ribs are integral with the padel racket, it is possible to produce the racket in a simple and cost-saving manner and, at the same time, the racket properties and mass distribution are optimized.

The first plane and the second plane are either parallel to each other and to the midplane, or each of the first and second plane differs from the midplane by an angle α and differ from each other by an angle 2α, wherein <NUM>° < α < <NUM>°.

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

Each of the ribs may extend inwardly in the radial direction of the frame, thereby forming a recess in the exterior surface of the frame. Compared to having outwardly extending ribs, this provides the further advantage of better protecting the ribs from hits and impact during play, manufacture, and transportation, and therefore contribute to a more durable padel racket that keeps its advantageous playability properties as described herein.

The ribs are preferably arranged in a first rib-containing portion and a second rib-containing portion of the frame, wherein the first rib-containing portion is arranged on one side of the longitudinal axis and the second rib-containing portion is arranged on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis. By arranging the ribs on both sides of the padel racket, the stiffening and progressively energy transferring curved ribs can be better used to control the location and size of preferred striking surfaces and sweet spots, for even better playability.

The first and the second rib-containing portions are preferably symmetrically arranged in relation to the longitudinal axis, and further symmetrically arranged in relation to the lateral axis. Of course, this depends on what the desired locations of preferred striking area and sweet spot are for the racket.

The first and second rib-containing portions may preferably each comprise at least <NUM> ribs for example <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, or <NUM>-<NUM> ribs. The first and second rib-containing portions may further each preferably cover from about <NUM> to about <NUM> of the circumferential length of the frame, such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, of the circumferential length of the frame.

Suitably, the inventor has found that the above given intervals for the number of ribs in each rib-containing portion and the length of each rib-containing portion is preferred for being able to control the striking force as well as the location of the preferred striking surface sweet spot.

The first and second rib-containing portions may be arranged at a proximal position of the frame, close to the proximal end of the striking portion, at a central position of the frame, around the lateral axis, at a distal position of the frame, close to 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 sweet spot and how energy is optimally transferred into these sections of the striking surface to achieve the desired playability properties, as further described herein.

The frame has a depth in the radial direction, and each of the ribs may extends the entire depth of the frame.

In a second aspect, the invention includes a mould for producing a padel racket. The mould has a space for receiving a material, wherein the space is delimited by an outer edge, wherein the outer edge comprises an edge pattern in at least one portion of the outer edge, wherein the edge pattern comprises: a plurality of bulges having a radius of curvature in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points, and/or a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points. Suitably, using the mould a padel racket according to the embodiments described herein, having all of the advantages associated therewith, can thereby be produced. The edge pattern is preferably provided in at least two portions of outer edge, said two portions being provided symmetrically in relation to a longitudinal symmetry axis of the space in the mould, and further symmetrically arranged in relation to a lateral symmetry axis of the space in the mould.

In a third aspect, the invention includes a method of producing a padel racket comprising a striking portion, a handle, and an intermediate portion joining the striking portion and the handle, in particular a padel racket according to any of the embodiments presented herein. The method comprises placing material for forming the frame and an interior material in a mould having a space for receiving a material, wherein the space is delimited by an outer edge, wherein the outer edge comprises an edge pattern in at least one portion of the outer edge. The edge pattern comprises a plurality of bulges having a radius of curvature in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points, and/or a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points. The method further comprises moulding and hardening the material and removing the padel racket from the mould. Suitably, a padel racket according to any of the embodiments presented herein, having all of the advantages associated therewith, is thereby obtained. The material forming the frame may comprise a carbon fibre material, a glass fibre material, an aluminium material, a titanium material, another suitable metal material, or a combination thereof, wherein the material is moulded and hardened under an increased temperature and/or increased pressure.

Many additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood by the skilled person in view of the detailed description below.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, wherein.

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

The design and function of padel rackets are well-known within the art. However, before describing the present invention with reference to <FIG> onwards, the main parts and function of a padel racket according to the prior art will be briefly described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> each shows a front view of a padel racket <NUM> according to one of three common main shapes, wherein the padel racket in <FIG> is referred to as being round, the padel racket in <FIG> is referred to as being drop shaped and the padel racket in <FIG> is referred to as being diamond shaped. As can be seen from <FIG>, each padel racket comprises a striking portion <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, and an intermediate portion <NUM> joining the striking portion <NUM> and the handle <NUM>. More precisely, it is the striking portion <NUM> which is round (<FIG>), drop shaped (<FIG>), or diamond shaped (<FIG>). The striking portion <NUM>, the handle <NUM> and the intermediate portion <NUM> may be manufactured as separate parts and assembled to form the padel racket <NUM>, by moulding or in any other suitable manner. Alternatively, the striking portion <NUM>, the handle <NUM> and the intermediate portion <NUM> may be moulded, or manufactured in any other suitable manner, as a single part. The intermediate part may, as is well known in the art, comprise one or more opening, or through-hole(s), such as the exemplary opening <NUM> in <FIG> and openings <NUM> in <FIG>. The opening(s) may be of any suitable shape and size to provide desired aerodynamic properties and/or design features. This is not described further herein or shown in any of the other figures. In either case, the striking portion <NUM>, the handle <NUM>, and the intermediate portion <NUM> may be made of at least partly the same material or of different materials.

<FIG> each depicts a cross-sectional side view of a padel racket <NUM>. As seen from <FIG>, the striking portion <NUM> has a proximal end 118a, i.e., the end adjacent to and adjoining the intermediate portion <NUM>, and a distal end 118b, i.e., the end furthermost from the intermediate portion <NUM>. The padel racket <NUM> has a midplane MP, and the striking portion <NUM> comprises a first ball striking surface <NUM>, extending in a first plane P1, and a second ball striking surface <NUM>, extending in a second plane P2. The frame <NUM> has at least one width W1, W2, W3 which extends from the first ball striking surface to the second ball striking surface. As depicted in <FIG>, the striking portion <NUM> may have a width W1 both at its proximal end 118a and at its distal end 118b, in which case the planes P1 and P2 are parallel to each other and parallel to the midplane MP, i.e., substantially parallel within manufacturing tolerances. Alternatively, as depicted in <FIG>, the striking portion <NUM> has a first width W2 at its proximal end 118a, and a second width W3 at or near its distal end 118b, wherein W3 is greater than W2, i.e., W3 > W2. In other words, the width may vary along the vertical extension of the striking portion <NUM>, i.e., in the extension between its proximal end 118a and its distal end 118b. Suitably, the tapered shape of the striking portion <NUM> in this case enables a user to push the ball downward, "smash", with greater force. In this case, each of the planes P1 and P2 differs by an angle α to the midplane MP, wherein <NUM>° < α < <NUM>°, and the planes P1 and P2 differ from each other by an angle which is two times α (i.e., <NUM> x α, or simply 2α).

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

In other words, the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 either (i) are parallel to each other and to the midplane (MP) (as in <FIG>), or (ii) differ from the midplane (MP) by an angle α and differ from each other by an angle 2α, wherein <NUM>° < α < <NUM>° (e.g., as in <FIG>).

According to current international regulations of the padel game, each of the widths W1, W2 and W3 is a maximum of <NUM>. Previously known padel rackets typically have a width W1 of <NUM> or <NUM>. Thanks to the ribs according to the present invention, the stiffness of the frame is increased which makes it possible to reduce the width W1 of the frame, e.g., to about <NUM> or about <NUM> with maintained or even increased stiffness compared to the frames of conventional padel rackets. Advantageous, the total weight of the racket is thereby reduced with maintained or improved playability.

Similarly, the total weight of the racket may be reduced in the embodiment wherein the striking portion <NUM> has a width W2 at its proximal end 118a and a width W3 at its distal end 118b and W3 > W2 (<FIG>), since the ribs according to the present invention allow a reduced mean width compared to previously known padel rackets with maintained or increased frame stiffness. In some non-limiting examples, the width W2 is suitably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as about <NUM> or <NUM>, while the width W3 is suitably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Alternatively, where W2 > W3, the width W3 is suitably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as about <NUM> or <NUM>, while the width W2 is suitably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are applicable on, and provide the described advantages to, padel rackets having any of the cross-sectional side views described in connection with <FIG>.

The striking portion typically comprises two ball striking surfaces (e.g., as described in connection with <FIG> above), which are connected by a frame (as described for example in connection with <FIG> below). When a ball hits a striking surface of a padel racket, the energy of the ball transfers to the striking surface, deforming it, whereby the frame is also deformed. As a counter-reaction, the frame regains its initial form and releases the received energy back into the ball via the striking surface. Thereafter the striking surface regains its initial shape, possibly after a number of oscillations. The speed/velocity and force with which the ball leaves the striking surface of the padel racket depends on how efficiently the energy received by the striking surface and frame, from the ball, is transferred back to the ball upon release.

The inventor has found that providing the frame with ribs, according to embodiments described herein, greatly improves such an energy transfer, leading to higher speed and force of the ball using the same striking force, and a reduction of vibrations. In other words, the padel racket according to embodiments described herein achieve faster frame reaction, is more consistent, reduces the energy loss and increases power and speed of the ball compared to existing padel rackets. Suitably, an improved energy transfer further results in a reduction of vibrations in the padel racket, which in turns leads to significantly reduced sound upon impact as well as a greatly reduced risk of vibration induced injuries for the user/player. The reduced vibrations also contribute to better durability and an increased lifespan of the padel racket. The inventor has further found that by providing the frame with ribs that are curved as described in connection with <FIG>, the energy transfer is even further improved. In fact, the ribs of the claimed padel racket provide progressive energy transfer wherein the ribs contribute to storing energy received by the ball hitting the striking surface and transferring energy back into the ball upon release in a progressive manner. In other words, when the padel racket is used for "soft play", i.e. when the ball is hit with low to medium force, the ribs contribute to stiffening the frame and hence increasing the energy storage in the frame and increase the ball releasing force or the frame reaction to a certain degree. However, because each rib of the claimed padel racket is further curved in tangent plane to the normal of the exterior surface of the frame, at the height of the rib end points, a harder ball hit (a "smash"), i.e., a higher force applied to the striking surface, will not lead to linearly increasing amount of energy being stored in the frame, but will instead cause the curved rib to progressively increase the storage of energy, leading to progressive energy transfer back to the ball upon release when the frame returns to its original shape. Thereby the subjective feeling for a player hitting the ball in a sweet spot with a certain force is that is that the ball is released faster and harder compared to hitting 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 improvement in energy transfer, i.e. the non-linear progressive 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 normal of the frame, i.e. straight in the tangent plane described in connection with <FIG>. The advantageous progressive energy transfer obtained by the present invention is described further in connection with <FIG>. The padel racket of the present invention guarantees an improved vibration and/or dampening behaviour as well as an improved stiffness and progressive energy transfer. By means of the racket of the present invention the playability behaviour can thus be influenced. The player subjectively feels a greater sweet spot, easily playable racket in the soft play and an increased ball speed from the same entered stroke power compared to prior art padel rackets. By adapting the configuration and/or arrangement of the ribs of the present invention as well as the described rib-containing portions, the specific properties and characteristics of the padel rackets can be adapted as desired. The optimized mass distribution moreover allows the provision of a padel racket exhibiting an excellent stiffness and progressive energy transfer behaviour while being lightweight at the same time.

Depending on how the ribs are placed along the frame, it is further possible to control the size and placement of the preferred striking surface and the "sweet spot. " This enables a user/player to perform more consistently during play and improves the ball handling and precision. It is to be noted that features from the various embodiments described herein may freely be combined, unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination would be unsuitable.

The preferred striking surface is the part of the striking surface that will enable a satisfactory hit of the ball and/or a decent energy transfer to the ball. If the ball hits a part of the striking surface outside the preferred striking surface, the speed and force with which the ball is released will be much lower compared to if the ball hits a part of the preferred striking surface. The sweet spot is the most preferred striking point or area of the preferred striking surface. If a player hits a ball in this most preferred striking point or area, the greatest amount of the force and energy that the player puts into the stroke is transferred to the ball, compared to how much of the force and energy that would be transferred into the ball if the ball was hit in any other point or area on the striking surface. In other words, hitting the sweet spot gives an optimal energy and force exchange and the highest possible velocity 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 <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a padel racket <NUM> comprising a striking portion <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, and an intermediate portion <NUM> joining the striking portion <NUM> and the handle <NUM>. The padel racket has a longitudinal axis A, which is aligned with the longitudinal centreline of the handle <NUM> and which extends through the midplane MP (midplane MP not shown in <FIG>). The striking portion has a lateral axis B, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A and crosses the longitudinal axis A transversally at the centre of the striking portion <NUM>. The lateral axis B may alternatively be called transverse axis B. The striking portion <NUM> comprises a central element <NUM> and a frame <NUM>. The central element <NUM> comprises a first ball striking surface <NUM> and a second ball striking surface <NUM> as described in more detail above in connection with <FIG>. The frame <NUM> surrounds the central element <NUM> along the periphery of the first ball striking surface <NUM> and the periphery of the second ball striking surface <NUM>, and the frame <NUM> comprises an exterior surface 119a and an interior surface 119b.

The frame <NUM> may have a width W1, or widths W2 and W3 at or near the respective ends of the frame <NUM> and a continuous transition of the width there between, as described in more detail in connection with <FIG>. The at least one width of the frame <NUM> extends from the first ball striking surface <NUM> to the second ball striking surface <NUM>. In other words, the two ball striking surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are connected by the frame <NUM>. Further, the at least one width of the frame thereby typically defines the thickness of the striking portion <NUM>.

In accordance with the present invention, and as disclosed in <FIG> in combination with <FIG>, the frame <NUM> comprises a plurality of ribs <NUM> which are arranged transversally to the midplane MP. Each rib <NUM> is curved and extends from a first end point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" in direct connection with or adjacent to the first plane P1 to a second end point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" in direct connection with or adjacent to the second plane P2 via an intermediate point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>". The intermediate point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" is located on a line L defined by the intersection of the midplane MP and the external surface of the frame <NUM> at an offset distance d from a centre point CP on the line L. The centre point CP is the point on the line L having the shortest possible distance to each of the first end point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" and the second end point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", respectively.

The first end point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" and the second end point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" are at the same height, i.e., at an equal distance from the centre of the striking portion <NUM> along the longitudinal axis A.

The point on the line L having the shortest possible distance to each of the first end point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" and the second end point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", respectively, is in <FIG> illustrated by a first straight line <NUM> and a second straight line <NUM> that extend from the first and second end point, respectively, to the line L in a plane <NUM>, wherein the plane <NUM> is perpendicular to the tangent plane <NUM> and transversally crosses the line L.

For each rib <NUM>, the first end point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", second end point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" and intermediate point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" are each assumed to be located along the longitudinal centre line of the rib. In other words, each rib has a certain width, and the points referred to are all assumed to be in the centre of this width. The width of a rib is typically in the interval from about <NUM> to <NUM>, and preferably in the interval from about <NUM> to <NUM>. Greater widths of e.g. <NUM> or more are of course possible, but the inventor has found that ribs of such widths will not provide the same desired properties in energy transfer. It is also noted that the width may differ between the location of the intermediate point and the end points in case the rib "fades out", due to the manufacturing process, which means that the ribs may be slightly narrower at the end points compared to at the intermediate point.

Turning now to <FIG>, there is illustrated how each rib <NUM>, when projected onto a tangent plane PT of its respective centre point CP on the exterior surface 119a, forms a projected curve <NUM> having a radius of curvature. <FIG> all illustrate ribs <NUM> extending from a first end point <NUM> to a second end point <NUM>, when seen cross-sectionally from the side, i.e., in a side view. The ribs <NUM> are curved when seen along the normal of the exterior surface 119b of the frame <NUM>, at the centre point CP of the respective rib <NUM>, i.e., curved in the tangent plane PT.

The tangent plane PT to the centre point CP on the exterior surface 119a is the plane wherein all tangent lines to the centre point CP on the exterior surface 119a extends. The tangent plane and the projected curve <NUM> are hence also perpendicular to the normal of the exterior surface 119a at the centre point CP. The radius of curvature of the projected curve <NUM> of each rib <NUM> is preferably in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, most preferably in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points. In all embodiments, the radius of curvature of the projected curve <NUM> must be under <NUM>. A rib <NUM> having a projected curve <NUM> with a radius of curvature of more than <NUM> would be so close to a straight line for the length L1 of the frame <NUM> that the frame would not achieve the desired progressive energy transfer properties. The rib-containing portions <NUM> would in that case only provide linearly increased stiffness, giving linear energy storage and transfer upon release. Furthermore, the bigger the radius of curvature is, the slower the frame reaction will be, which is not desired.

The projected curve <NUM> of at least two of the plurality of ribs (<NUM>) of the padel racket have different radius of curvature. For example, within a rib containing portion <NUM> the radius of curvature may change gradually from the first rib to the last rib. This is illustrated in the example rib-containing portion 113b in <FIG>. Alternatively, or additionally, the radius of curvature may vary between a first rib containing portion <NUM> on the padel racket and a second rib containing portion. Any other suitable variation to achieve certain stiffness properties of the frame, progressive energy transfer and improved control of the sweet spot location on the striking surface is of course also feasible.

<FIG> shows a section of a frame <NUM> with two such ribs <NUM> in a perspective view. The two ribs in <FIG> are shown for illustrational purposes only, as the placement of the ribs is not consistent with any preferred embodiment. A single rib would not be enough to obtain the advantageous effects of progressive energy transfer, so one or more groups of ribs are preferred, as described herein.

The offset distance d may be in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably around <NUM>, including the end points of the intervals and within manufacturing tolerances. As the offset distance d and the radius of curvature of the projected curve <NUM>, as well as the radius of curvature of the rib <NUM>, are dependent variables, these may be used interchangeably to define the same properties of the frame <NUM>.

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

That the first end point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" is located in or adjacent to the first plane P1 means that it is located in connection to, adjoining or adjacent to the first ball striking surface <NUM>. Similarly, that the second end point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" is located in or adjacent to the second plane P2 means that it is located in connection to, adjoining or adjacent to the second ball striking surface <NUM>.

For any embodiment herein, the frame <NUM> may have a continuous curvature from the first striking surface <NUM> to the second striking surface <NUM>. Alternatively, the frame <NUM> may comprise a main part 112a having a first radius of curvature, a first frame edge 112b connecting the main part 112a of the frame <NUM> with the first striking surface <NUM>, and a second frame edge 112b connecting the main part 112a of the frame <NUM> with the second striking surface <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first frame edge 112b is illustrated by the dotted lines following the curvature of the frame <NUM>, thereby schematically showing how the first frame edge 112b connects the main part of the frame 112a with the first striking surface <NUM>. In embodiments including frame edges, a corresponding second frame edge 112b, not visible from the perspective in <FIG>, hence connects the main part 112b of the frame with the second striking surface <NUM> on the opposite side of the padel racket <NUM>.

In <FIG>, two exemplary locations of the first endpoint <NUM>', <NUM>" are shown for the example ribs <NUM>' and <NUM>", respectively. In the example of the rib <NUM>' the first endpoint <NUM>' is located in direct connection to the first striking surface <NUM> and the second endpoint <NUM>' is located in direct connection to the second striking surface <NUM>. This is particularly suitable for padel rackets wherein the frame <NUM> has a continuous curvature from the first striking surface <NUM> to the second striking surface <NUM> and the rib can thereby extend between the striking surfaces with a continuous radius of curvature. Of course, even if the frame <NUM> has this curvature of its exterior surface 119b, the ribs <NUM> may extend less than the entire length L1 of the frame, i.e., end before reaching the first and second striking surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, as described below for the example of the rib <NUM>".

In the example of the rib <NUM>" the first endpoint <NUM>" is located adjacent to the first plane P1, and adjacent to the first striking surface <NUM>. Specifically, the first endpoint <NUM>" is located on the first frame edge 112b or on the main part 112a of the frame in direct connection to the first frame edge 112b. Similarly, in this embodiment the second endpoint <NUM>" is located adjacent to the second plane P2, and adjacent to the second striking surface <NUM> either on the second frame edge 112b or on the main part 112a of the frame in direct connection to the second frame edge 112b. This is particularly suitable for padel rackets wherein the frame <NUM> comprises a main part 112a and a respective frame edge 112b connecting the main part 112a of the frame <NUM> with each of the first and second striking surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The frame edges 112b in this case typically bend or curve (continuously, or as a series of flat or rounded sections forming angles between them and thereby achieving the curvature) from the main part 112a of the frame <NUM> to the respective first and second striking surface <NUM>, <NUM> with has a significantly smaller radius of curvature compared to the radius of curvature of the main part of the frame <NUM>. The main part of the frame may for example be flat or have a large radius of curvature making it substantially flat, whereby the significantly more bent or curved edges are needed to connect it to the striking surfaces.

As can be seen from the two examples in <FIG>, it is preferable that the ribs do not extend into the striking surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. This provides the additional benefit that moulds used for manufacturing the padel rackets are more durable, since the shape of the grooves or other edge patterns of the mould that are used for forming the ribs do not need to comprise small bent sections for forming the outer parts (end points and nearby portions) of the ribs. Since the moulds are more durable, the risk of them wearing down and producing uneven padel rackets with uneven ribs is reduced. Thereby, the production process is made more reliable and more cost efficient.

<FIG> shows a first rib-containing portion <NUM> and a second rib-containing portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, in which the ribs <NUM> are arranged. In other words, the plurality of ribs <NUM> is divided into two rib-containing portions <NUM>. 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 is to 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 properties of the frame and force distribution as described herein.

In <FIG>, the first rib-containing portion <NUM> is arranged on one side of the longitudinal axis A and the second rib-containing portion <NUM> is arranged on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis A. In <FIG>, the rib-containing portions <NUM> are shown as being arranged at a central position of the frame <NUM>, around the lateral axis B. Alternatively, the rib-containing portions <NUM> may be arranged at a proximal position of the frame <NUM>, i.e., closer to the proximal end 118a of the striking portion <NUM>, or at a distal position of the frame <NUM>, i.e., closer to the distal end 118b of the striking portion <NUM>, as further described in connection with <FIG>. It should be noted that each of the first and second rib-containing portions <NUM> may comprise more than one group of ribs, e.g., two, three or four groups of ribs, with a distance between them. In Fig. 4f, a non-limiting example is shown wherein each rib-containing portion <NUM> (one of which is shown in the figure) comprises three groups of ribs 113a ("high"), 113b ("middle"), 113c ("low"). As described further in connection with <FIG>, the placement of the ribs may affect the placement and/or size of the playable surface, also referred to as preferred striking 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 striking surface. Depending on the properties of the padel racket, including but not limited to shape, size, weight, intended player group (beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert) etc., different grouping and placement of ribs in each of the first and second rib-containing portion <NUM> is therefore suitable. For example, one "high" group of ribs 113a and one "low" group of ribs 113c may be advantageous to obtain certain desired placement of the sweet spot. If it is suitable to obtain certain desired properties, the frame may also comprise an uneven number of rib groups, e.g., one or two groups in each of the first and second rib-containing portions <NUM> and one group (having a similar or different number of ribs) between them, e.g., centred at the top of the frame.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the first and the second rib-containing portions <NUM> are symmetrically arranged in relation to the longitudinal axis A, and further symmetrically arranged in relation to the lateral axis B. However, many other arrangements of the two rib-containing portions <NUM> are also possible. Further, 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 <NUM>.

Importantly, to obtain the herein described desired effects and advantages of the ribs, the frame shall comprise portions which do not comprise ribs (i.e., rib-free portions). In other words, the frame shall comprise rib-free portions interspersed with rib-containing portions. If ribs were arranged along substantially the entire peripheral length of the frame, the striking portion would become too stiff, and the power of the stroke as well as placement and/or size of the preferred striking surface and the sweet spot of the padel racket could not be controlled 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 whereby there are further rib-free portions interspersed between the groups of ribs.

Each of the first and second rib-containing portions <NUM>, or each of the groups of ribs within a rib-containing portion <NUM>, may suitably comprise at least five ribs <NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, or <NUM>-<NUM> ribs. However, the number of ribs per rib-containing portion may be different, depending for example on the total number of ribs and total number of rib-containing portions and/or groups of ribs within a rib-containing portion <NUM>.

The first and second rib-containing portions <NUM>, or each group of ribs within a rib-containing portion <NUM>, may each cover a length of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, of the circumferential length of the frame <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the circumferential length of the frame <NUM> is herein defined as extending from a first peripheral connection point PC1 where the frame <NUM> is joined to the intermediate portion <NUM> on one side of the longitudinal axis A to a second peripheral connection point PC2 where the frame <NUM> is joined to the intermediate portion <NUM> on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis A. The circumferential length is exemplified in <FIG> as the length L2, illustrated by the bi-directional arrow. However, other lengths of rib-containing portions are also possible, depending for example on the total number of rib-containing portions and/or number of groups in each rib-containing portion. A larger number of rib-containing portions and/or number of groups in each rib-containing portion would typically lead to shorter lengths of each rib-containing portion or group of ribs.

The ribs <NUM> may be evenly spaced (i.e., symmetrically arranged) within each rib-containing portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the ribs <NUM> may be asymmetrically positioned within each rib-containing portion <NUM>, in which case it may be advantageous to arrange ribs more densely in the centre of a rib-containing portion and more sparsely in the outskirts of the rib-containing portion. Further, it is possible to combine rib-containing portion(s) having symmetrically positioned ribs and rib-containing portion(s) having asymmetrically positioned ribs in the same frame.

The distance between each two ribs <NUM> within a rib-containing portion <NUM> is suitably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. However, other distances between ribs are also possible, depending for example on the total number of ribs and total number of rib-containing portions. It is noted that the distance between two adjacent ribs <NUM> depends on the radius of curvature of the projected curve <NUM>, such that an increased radius of curvature necessitates an increased distance between the adjacent ribs <NUM> for the desired frame stiffness and energy transfer properties to be maintained.

Turning again to <FIG>, they each disclose a side view of a padel racket <NUM> comprising a striking portion <NUM> comprising ribs <NUM> according to the present invention. Each of the ribs <NUM> is arranged transversally or substantially transversally to the midplane MP (depicted in <FIG>). In other words, each rib <NUM> is substantially aligned with a plane P3 (depicted in <FIG>), which crosses the midplane MP transversally. Herein, that a rib <NUM> is arranged transversally or substantially transversally to the midplane MP means that at least the main direction, or the general direction, of the rib <NUM> is transversal to the midplane MP. Similarly, that a rib <NUM> is aligned or substantially aligned with the plane P3 means that at least the main direction, or the general direction, of the rib <NUM> coincides with the plane P3. This may also be described as each rib <NUM> having its main extension direction along the plane P3. As can be seen from <FIG>, the curvature of the rib <NUM> that deviates from the plane P3 is symmetrical around the plane P3.

All of the rib shapes in <FIG>, with regard to size, rib width, curvature, angles, distances between the ribs, internal grouping of ribs within a rib-containing portion as in <FIG>, etc. are illustrative examples only and many other variations and combinations are possible. For example, as shown in <FIG> on the one hand and <FIG> on the other hand, the ribs may either be curved "upwards", i.e. the intermediate point <NUM> being offset from the centre point CP along the line L in the direction of the distal end 118b of the striking portion <NUM>, or curved "downwards", i.e. the intermediate point <NUM> being offset from the centre point CP along the line L in the direction of the proximal end 118a of the striking portion <NUM>.

The planes P1 and P2 along which the striking surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> extend are shown as parallel in <FIG>, as illustrated by indication of the planes P1, P2 in <FIG>. This is for illustrational purposes only. The planes P1 and P2, and hence the striking surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, may be parallel, i.e., substantially parallel within manufacturing tolerances. Alternatively, the planes P1 and P2, and hence the striking surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, may differ from each other by an angle α, as described in connection with <FIG>. In other words, the striking portion <NUM> may be tapered when seen in a side view. <FIG> each shows a padel racket <NUM> according to one of three common main shapes, corresponding to the shapes shown in <FIG>. As can be seen from <FIG>, each padel racket comprises a striking portion <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, and an intermediate portion <NUM> joining the striking portion <NUM> and the handle <NUM>. The striking portion <NUM> comprises a central element <NUM> and a frame <NUM>. The central element <NUM> in each of <FIG> comprises a ball striking surface (ref. <NUM>/<NUM> not shown in <FIG>), which comprises a preferred striking surface <NUM> and a sweet spot <NUM>, both of which have been defined in detail elsewhere herein. Briefly, the preferred striking surface <NUM> is the part of the striking surface that will enable a decent or good hit of the ball and/or a decent or good energy transfer to the ball, while the sweet spot <NUM> is the most preferred striking point or area of the preferred striking surface <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the shape of the striking portion <NUM> is round, the preferred striking surface <NUM> covers the most part of the central element <NUM> (or more precisely, covers the most part of the ball striking surface <NUM>/<NUM> of the central element <NUM>), and the sweet spot <NUM> is located at or close to the centre of the preferred striking surface <NUM>, i.e., at or close to the centre of the ball striking surface <NUM>/<NUM>, as well as at or close to the centre of the striking portion <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the striking portion <NUM> is drop shaped. In the longitudinal direction, the preferred striking surface <NUM> covers the most part of the central element <NUM> (or more precisely, covers the most part of the ball striking surface <NUM>/<NUM> of the central element <NUM>), and is located slightly towards the distal end 118b of the striking portion <NUM>. In the lateral direction of the central element <NUM>, e.g. along the lateral or transverse axis B (depicted in <FIG>), the preferred striking surface <NUM> covers a laterally significantly narrower area compared to in <FIG>, making the total area of the preferred striking surface significantly smaller compared to in <FIG>. This means that it is harder to hit the ball cleanly or decently with a drop shaped padel racket compared to a round padel racket, but a good hit with the same force will result in higher speed. The sweet spot <NUM> is located distally of the centre of the preferred striking surface <NUM>, close to the distal end 118b of the striking portion <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the striking portion <NUM> is diamond shaped. In the longitudinal direction, the preferred striking surface <NUM> covers less than half of the central element <NUM> (or more precisely, covers less than half of the ball striking surface <NUM>/<NUM> of the central element <NUM>), and is located close to the distal end 118b of the striking portion <NUM>. In the lateral direction of the central element <NUM>, the preferred striking surface <NUM> covers a slightly wider area laterally compared to in <FIG> and covers a slightly narrower area laterally compared to in <FIG>. As is evident from the figure, the total area of the preferred striking surface is significantly smaller compared to in <FIG> as well as in <FIG>. This means that it is harder to hit the ball cleanly or decently with a diamond shaped padel racket compared to a round padel racket as well as a drop shaped padel racket, but a good hit with the same force will result in higher speed. The sweet spot <NUM> is located at or close to the centre of the preferred striking surface <NUM>, close to the distal end 118b of the striking portion <NUM>.

<FIG> each discloses a padel racket <NUM> according to one of the three common main shapes corresponding to the shapes shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in which rib-containing portions <NUM> are arranged in different positions of the frame <NUM>. As seen in each of <FIG>, a first rib-containing portion <NUM> and a second rib-containing portion <NUM>, each comprising a plurality of ribs <NUM>, are arranged in the frame <NUM> of the striking portion <NUM> of a padel racket <NUM>. The striking portion <NUM> comprises a central element <NUM> and a frame <NUM>. Also depicted in <FIG> are the preferred striking surface <NUM> and the sweet spot <NUM> of each padel racket <NUM>, as described in more detail in connection with <FIG>. Further shown in <FIG> are arrows pointing from the ribs-containing portions <NUM>, inwards in the radial direction of the striking portion <NUM>. The arrows illustrate the direction of the transfer of energy and power obtained by the effects exerted by the ribs on the movements of the frame and striking portion, in reaction to a ball hitting the striking surface. The position of the rib-containing portions <NUM> determines how and in which direction the ribs <NUM> will transfer the power from the racket to the ball. It is thereby possible to shift the position and alter the size of the preferred striking surface <NUM> and the sweet spot <NUM> by arranging the rib-containing portions <NUM> in different positions of the frame, according to embodiments of the present invention.

More particularly, in <FIG>, the two rib-containing portions <NUM> are arranged at a proximal position of the frame <NUM> of the striking portion <NUM>, which has a round shape. The proximal position of the frame is close to proximal end 118a of the striking portion <NUM> and is thus also close to the intermediate portion <NUM>. A proximal position of the frame may alternatively be called a "low position" of the frame. The arrow pointing inwards in the radial direction of the striking portion <NUM> from each rib-containing portion <NUM> illustrates that the effect, or force, exerted by ribs <NUM> in a proximal position transfers the energy and power higher up, i.e., upwards towards the sweet spot <NUM>, thereby providing higher speed to the ball when it leaves the striking surface. Advantageously, as the ribs contribute to a more energy efficient stroke by decreasing the reaction time of the frame, i.e., causing more of the ingoing energy from the ball towards the striking surface to transform into outgoing energy from the striking surface to the ball, the ball leaves the padel racket at higher speed, and the vibrations in the padel racket as well as the sound level upon impact is reduced. If the ribs are arranged such that the preferred striking surface and/or the sweet spot are also increased in size, the racket is also more forgiving and playable in a larger area, and even playable if it hits the ball at a slight rotation angle instead of straight onto the striking surface, through the normal. It is presently preferred to arrange the rib-containing portions at a proximal position of the frame of a striking portion having a round shape, as shown in <FIG>. However, the rib-containing portions may be placed in a proximal position of the frame of a striking portion having any other shape than round (not shown in the figures), to influence the transfer of power from the racket to the ball, and to change the preferred striking surface and/or sweet spot of the racket.

Further, in <FIG>, the two rib-containing portions <NUM> are arranged at a central position of the frame <NUM> of the striking portion <NUM>, which is drop shaped. The central position of the frame <NUM> is located around the lateral axis B. The arrow pointing inwards in the radial direction of the striking portion <NUM> from each rib-containing portion <NUM> illustrates that the effect, or force, exerted by ribs <NUM> in a central position transfers the energy and power to enlarge the preferred striking surface <NUM> and increase the power of the stroke, thereby increasing the playability of a drop shaped racket and providing higher speed to the ball when it leaves the striking surface. Advantageously, as the ribs contribute to a more energy efficient stroke by decreasing the reaction time of the frame, i.e., causing the frame to return to its original shape faster after the impact thereby causing more of the ingoing energy from the ball towards the striking surface to transform into outgoing energy from the striking surface to the ball, the ball leaves the padel racket at higher speed, and the vibrations in the padel racket as well as the sound level upon impact is reduced. If the ribs are arranged such that the preferred striking surface and/or the sweet spot are also increased in size, the racket is also more forgiving and playable in a larger area, and even playable if it hits the ball at a slight rotation angle instead of straight onto the striking surface, through the normal. It is presently preferred to arrange the rib-containing portions <NUM> at a central position of the frame <NUM> of a striking portion <NUM> which is drop shaped, as shown in <FIG>. However, the rib-containing portions <NUM> may be placed in a central position of the frame <NUM> of a striking portion <NUM> having any other shape than drop (not shown in the figures), to influence the transfer of power from the racket to the ball, and to change the preferred striking surface and/or sweet spot of the racket.

In <FIG>, the two rib-containing portions <NUM> are arranged at a distal position of the frame <NUM> of the striking portion <NUM>, which has a diamond shape. The distal position of the frame is close to the distal end 118b of the striking portion <NUM>. A distal position of the frame may alternatively be called a "high position" of the frame. The arrow pointing inwards in the radial direction of the striking portion <NUM> from each rib-containing portion <NUM> illustrates that the effect exerted by ribs <NUM> in a distal position transfers the energy and power downwards, thereby widening the preferred striking surface <NUM> and slightly lowering the sweet spot <NUM>, to give an optimal power and balance, and thereby increasing the playability of a diamond shaped racket while at the same time increasing the force and speed with which the striking ball leaves the striking surface. Thereby, the sound level upon impact is also reduced, and the racket is more forgiving and playable in a larger area, and even playable if it hits the ball at a slight rotation angle instead of straight onto the striking surface, through the normal. Of course, also in this embodiment the advantageous progressive energy transfer is obtained by the curved ribs, in the manner described herein. It is presently preferred to arrange the rib-containing portions at a distal position of the frame of a striking portion which is diamond shaped, as shown in <FIG>. However, the rib-containing portions may be placed in a distal position of the frame of a striking portion having any other shape than diamond (not shown in the figures), to influence the transfer of power from the racket to the ball, and to change the preferred striking surface and/or sweet spot of the racket.

Further, many other arrangements of rib-containing portions <NUM> are also feasible, and there may be more than two rib-containing portions <NUM> arranged in the frame <NUM>, such as three or four rib-containing portions <NUM>, or more than one group of ribs within each rib-containing portion <NUM> as described herein. In a non-limiting example, not shown in the figures, a padel racket may comprise a first and a second rib-containing portion <NUM> arranged at a proximal position of the frame <NUM> (as depicted in <FIG>) and a third and a fourth rib-containing portion <NUM> arranged at a distal position of the frame <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). Any arrangement of ribs along the sides of the frame may also be complemented with a rib-containing portion centred at the distal end, or top, of the frame <NUM> if it is desirable to move the sweet spot further downwards, towards the intermediate portion <NUM>, on the preferred striking surface <NUM>.

<FIG> each discloses a detailed cross-sectional view of a rib-containing portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, which has an exterior surface 119a and an interior surface 119b, as seen from a front view of the padel racket. The interior surface 119b is facing the central element <NUM>. Specifically, the interior surface 119b is facing the interior part <NUM> of the central element <NUM>, which is described further in connection with <FIG>. In <FIG>, each rib <NUM> is extending inwardly in the radial direction of the frame <NUM>, thereby forming a recess in the exterior surface 119a of the frame <NUM>. The recess has a curved cross-sectional form and thus gives the exterior surface 119a a curved cross-sectional form inwardly. Each rib <NUM> also gives the interior surface 119b of the frame <NUM> a curved cross-sectional form inwardly in the radial direction of the frame <NUM>. Inwardly extending ribs <NUM> are preferred, but of course, using a different manufacturing process, a frame with corresponding properties but having ribs in the form of raised strips (pressing/re-shaping the frame to create recesses in the interior surface of the frame and corresponding raised strips on the exterior surface of the frame) can be achieved.

In <FIG>, each rib is extending outwardly in the radial direction of the frame <NUM>, thereby forming a raised strip (or ridge) in the exterior surface 119a of the frame <NUM>. Each raised strip has a curved cross-sectional form and thus gives the exterior surface 119a a curved cross-sectional form outwardly. As indicated by the dashed line, each rib <NUM> may give the interior surface 119b of the frame <NUM> a curved cross-sectional form outwardly in the radial direction of the frame <NUM>. Alternatively, depending on how the ribs <NUM> are obtained during the manufacturing process, each raised strip has a curved cross-sectional form and thus gives the exterior surface 119a a curved cross-sectional form outwardly while the interior surface 119b of the frame <NUM> is even, without any curved cross-sectional form outwardly in the radial direction of the frame <NUM>.

<FIG> each discloses a detailed cross-sectional view of a rib-containing portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, which has an exterior surface 119a and an interior surface 119b, as seen from a front view of the padel racket. The interior surface 119b is facing the central element <NUM>. In <FIG>, each rib <NUM> is extending inwardly in the radial direction of the frame <NUM>, thereby forming a recess in the exterior surface 119a of the frame <NUM>. The recess has a V-shaped cross-sectional form and thus gives the exterior surface 119a a V-shaped cross-sectional form inwardly. Each rib <NUM> gives the interior surface 119b of the frame <NUM> a substantially curved cross-sectional form inwardly, rather than a V-shaped form, as a result of the current manufacturing process (described in more detail further below).

In <FIG>, each rib is extending outwardly in the radial direction of the frame <NUM>, thereby forming a raised strip in the exterior surface 119a of the frame <NUM>. Each raised strip has a V-shaped cross-sectional form and thus gives the exterior surface 119a a V-shaped cross-sectional form outwardly. As indicated by the dashed line, each rib <NUM> may give the interior surface 119b of the frame <NUM> a substantially curved cross-sectional form outwardly, rather than a V-shaped form, as a result of the current manufacturing process. Alternatively, depending on how the ribs <NUM> are obtained during the manufacturing process, each raised strip has a V-shaped cross-sectional form and thus gives the exterior surface 119a a V-shaped cross-sectional form outwardly while the interior surface 119b of the frame <NUM> is even, without any curved or V-shaped cross-sectional form outwardly in the radial direction of the frame <NUM>.

<FIG> each discloses a detailed cross-sectional view of a rib-containing portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, which has an exterior surface 119a and an interior surface 119b, as seen from a front view of the padel racket. The interior surface 119b is facing the central element <NUM>. In <FIG>, each rib <NUM> is extending inwardly in the radial direction of the frame <NUM>, thereby forming a recess in the exterior surface 119a of the frame <NUM>. The recess has an angular cross-sectional form and thus gives the exterior surface 119a an angular cross-sectional form inwardly. Each rib <NUM> gives the interior surface 119b of the frame <NUM> a substantially curved cross-sectional form inwardly, rather than an angular form, as a result of the current manufacturing process.

In <FIG>, each rib is extending outwardly in the radial direction of the frame <NUM>, thereby forming a raised strip in the exterior surface 119a of the frame <NUM>. Each raised strip has an angular cross-sectional form and thus gives the exterior surface 119a an angular cross-sectional form outwardly. As indicated by the dashed line, each rib <NUM> may give the interior surface 119b of the frame <NUM> a substantially curved cross-sectional form outwardly, rather than an angular form, as a result of the current manufacturing process. Alternatively, depending on how the ribs <NUM> are obtained during the manufacturing process, each raised strip has an angular cross-sectional form and thus gives the exterior surface 119a an angular cross-sectional form outwardly while the interior surface 119b of the frame <NUM> is even, without any curved or angular cross-sectional form outwardly in the radial direction of the frame <NUM>.

The desired stiffness properties and advantageous progressive energy transfer described herein are obtained both with the inwardly extending ribs <NUM> of <FIG> and the outwardly extending ribs of <FIG>. However, inwardly extending ribs <NUM> according to any of the embodiments shown in <FIG>, or having other cross-sectional shapes, are preferred because the inwardly extending ribs <NUM> have the additional advantageous effect of being better protected from hits and impact during play, manufacture, and transportation, and are therefore more durable than outwardly extending ribs. Of course, if one or more outwardly extending ribs is damaged due to impact (hitting the floor or a wall e.g.), the energy transfer properties and hence playability deteriorates. Furthermore, since the ribs <NUM> are created by adding pressure and/or heat to the frame using a mould with edge patterns and reshape the frame to conform to the edge patterns of the mould, the reshaping of the frame <NUM> to comprise inwardly extending ribs <NUM>, wherein only the rib-shaped edge pattern need to be pushed into the frame <NUM> to reshape it, is easier than reshaping the frame <NUM> to comprise outwardly extending ribs <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional top view of a part of the striking portion <NUM>, depicting the frame <NUM> and a part of the central element <NUM>. The ball striking surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are shown, as well as the exterior surface 119a and the interior surface 119b of the frame <NUM>. <FIG> further depicts that the frame <NUM> has a depth D1 in the radial direction. The depth D1 of the frame is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, typically from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, each of the ribs <NUM> may extend the entire depth D1 of the frame. In other words, each of the ribs <NUM> in these embodiments changes the form of the frame in the radial direction across the entire depth D1, thereby possibly also locally altering the depth of the frame. Alternatively, as described above in connection with <FIG>, each of the ribs <NUM> may locally extend the depth of the frame in the external radial direction, while the interior surface 119b of the frame <NUM> is more or less unchanged. Each rib <NUM> may instead of extending the entire depth D1 of the frame instead extend less than the entire depth D11.

The depth of each rib <NUM> is preferably from about <NUM> to <NUM>. Depths in this interval have found to be suitable to provide the desired stiffness and progressive energy transfer properties to the frame <NUM>, while maintaining the integrity of the frame <NUM>. The depth may vary along the rib <NUM>, due to the manufacturing process, but also because the ribs <NUM> may "fade out" towards the end points <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", meaning that the depth of the rib <NUM> successively reduces from the depth defined in the central portion of the rib <NUM> around the intermediate point <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", which depth is preferably within the interval given above, to zero or close to zero at the end points <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>".

<FIG> also shows that the central element <NUM> comprises an interior part <NUM> and a first and second exterior layer 121a. The frame <NUM> connects the first exterior layer 121a with the second exterior layer 121b. In the figure, the first exterior layer 121a and the second exterior layer 121b are shown to connect to the frame <NUM> such that the exterior surfaces of the first and second exterior layers 121a, 121b and the frame <NUM> are flush. Alternatively, the padel racket may be constructed such that the edges of the frame <NUM> overlap and are exterior to the edges of the first and second exterior layers 121a, 121b. In the case where the edges of the frame <NUM> overlap and are exterior to the edges of the first and second exterior layers 121a, 121b, the first and second ball striking surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> extend outwardly to the overlapping edges of the frame <NUM>.

As indicated in the figure, the exterior surface of the first exterior layer 121a is the first ball striking surface <NUM>, and the exterior surface of the second exterior layer 121b is the second ball striking surface <NUM>. Each of the first and second exterior layers 121a and 121b has a depth D2, which may be equal to the depth D1, or smaller than the depth D1.

In <FIG>, the frame <NUM> and the exterior layers 121a and 121b of the central element <NUM> are made of the same material (white in <FIG>) while the interior part <NUM> of the central element <NUM> comprises a different material (shaded grey in <FIG>) than the frame <NUM> and the exterior layers 121a and 121b. The material making up the frame <NUM> and the exterior layers 121a and 121b is typically a stiff, light-weight material, such as carbon fibre, an aluminium material, a titanium material, another suitable metal material, or glass fibre, or a combination of any or all of these materials. The material filling the interior part <NUM> of the central element <NUM> is typically a softer and more flexible, foam-like material, such as e.g., polyethene foam, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymer, another suitable polymeric material or polymeric composition, or any other suitable foam-like material known in the art. It is to be understood that the degree of hardness of the filling material may vary depending on the desired properties of the racket. It is further to be understood that the filling material may fill the entire interior part <NUM> or parts of the interior part <NUM>.

For any embodiment of the padel racket described herein, the ribs <NUM> are preferably integrated with the frame <NUM>. Thereby, no additional material is added to achieve the curved ribs <NUM>, but the material of the frame <NUM> is shaped to form the ribs <NUM>.

As mentioned further above, a padel racket may be manufactured by moulding or in any other suitable manner. The striking portion of a padel racket may for instance be manufactured separately in a two-part mould, as follows. First, the material forming the frame is placed in a frame forming mould. The shape of the frame may be obtained using a blow mould technique. The interior part of the central element may be manufactured separately, e.g. using foam moulding or any other suitable technique. The material forming the exterior layers of the central element, the frame and the interior part (or material forming the interior part) are placed in a padel baking mould (which may be the same as the frame forming mould or a different one) and the materials are moulded together by applying heat and/or pressure. The material forming the frame and the exterior layers may be cured, either as part of the moulding step or as a subsequent manufacturing step. The material forming the frame and the first and second exterior layers of the central element typically makes up the exterior layer of the entire striking portion. Finally, the exterior surface of the frame and/or of the striking surfaces may optionally be provided with a layer of lacquer or varnish.

In another aspect of the invention, illustrated in <FIG>, there is thus provided a method for producing a padel racket comprising a striking portion <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, and an intermediate portion <NUM> joining the striking portion <NUM> and the handle <NUM>, in particular a padel racket <NUM> according to any of the embodiments described herein. The method comprises in a first step <NUM> placing material for forming at least the striking portion <NUM>, preferably all portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the padel racket as an integrated unit, in a mould having a space for receiving a material, wherein the space is delimited by an outer edge, wherein the outer edge comprises an edge pattern in at least one portion of the outer edge. The edge pattern comprises a plurality of bulges having a radius of curvature in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points, and/or a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points. The method then comprises in step <NUM> moulding and hardening the material and in step <NUM> removing the padel racket from the mould or removing the striking portion and any other parts that have been produced using the mould and mounting them with the remaining parts of the padel racket after the moulding process has been completed.

The material forming the frame preferably comprises a carbon fibre material, a glass fibre material, an aluminium material, a titanium material, another suitable metal material, or a combination of any or all of these materials, and the material is moulded and hardened under an increased temperature and/or increased pressure.

The radius of curvature of each bulge and/or recess may be in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points. The radius of curvature of each bulge and/or recess may further be in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points.

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

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

For the purposes of the present invention, a mould may be used which is adapted for forming ribs in the frame. More particularly, the outer edge of the mould has indentations (concaveness) at suitable portions for forming ribs in the form of raised strips at the corresponding positions of the frame of the striking portion. Alternatively, the outer edge of the casting mould has bulges (convexities) at suitable portions for forming ribs in the form of recesses at the corresponding positions of the frame.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is thus provided a mould <NUM> for producing a padel racket <NUM>, the mould having a space <NUM> for receiving material for forming a padel racket <NUM>, or at least the striking portion <NUM> of the padel racket <NUM>. <FIG> show schematic cross-sectional views of a mould <NUM> according to embodiments of the invention. As shown in the figures, the space <NUM> is delimited by an outer edge <NUM>, wherein the outer edge <NUM> comprises an edge pattern <NUM> in at least one portion of the outer edge. The edge pattern <NUM> comprises a plurality of bulges <NUM> having a radius of curvature in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points, and/or a plurality of recesses <NUM> having a radius of curvature in the interval of <NUM> to <NUM>, including the interval end points. In the figures, only exemplary positions of the edge patterns <NUM> along the outer edge <NUM> are shown. The figures do not show the actual shape of the bulges or recesses, which of course varies depending on how the ribs are to be formed. The different positions of the edge patterns <NUM> illustrated for a round shape padel racket mould in <FIG>, a drop shape padel racket mould in <FIG> and a diamond padel racket mould in <FIG> achieve different energy transfer directions into the striking surfaces of the resulting padel racket <NUM>, as described herein. The examples in <FIG> are for illustrational purposes only, and any suitable combination and positions of edge patterns <NUM> may be used, corresponding to the combination and positions of rib-containing portions <NUM> described for embodiments of the padel racket <NUM>.

The edge pattern is preferably provided in at least two portions of outer edge, said two portions being provided symmetrically in relation to a longitudinal symmetry axis of the space in the mould, and further symmetrically arranged in relation to a lateral symmetry axis of the space in the mould. It is of course also feasible that the frame is manufactured separately before it is assembled with the other parts of the padel racket, and that the ribs are then obtained in any suitable manner during construction of the frame or as a separate manufacturing step after the frame has been constructed.

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

As mentioned further above, the striking portion may alternatively be directly manufactured together with the handle and the intermediate portion as a single part, for example in a mould, 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 herein are obtained both with the inwardly extending ribs <NUM> of <FIG> and the outwardly extending ribs of <FIG>. However, inwardly extending ribs <NUM> according to any of the embodiments shown in <FIG>, or having other cross-sectional shapes, are preferred because the inwardly extending ribs <NUM> have the additional advantageous effect of being better protected from hits and impact during play, manufacture, and transportation. Of course, if one or more outwardly extending ribs is damaged due to impact (hitting the floor or a wall during play e.g.), the energy transfer properties and hence playability of the padel racket deteriorates. Inwardly extending ribs therefore contribute to making the padel racket more robust and durable than if outwardly extending ribs are used. Furthermore, since the ribs <NUM> are created by adding pressure and/or heat to the frame using a mould with patterns and reshape the frame to conform to the pattern of the mould, the reshaping of the frame <NUM> to comprise inwardly extending ribs <NUM>, wherein only the rib pattern need to be pushed into the frame <NUM> to reshape it, is easier than reshaping the frame <NUM> to comprise outwardly extending ribs <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional top view of a part of the striking portion <NUM>, similar to that of <FIG>, wherein the frame <NUM>, a part of the central element <NUM> with first and second exterior layers 121a and 121b and interior part <NUM> are shown having dashed outlines. <FIG> further indicates that the exterior surface 119a of the frame <NUM> has a length L1, which extends from the peripheral edge of the first ball striking surface <NUM> to the peripheral edge of the second ball striking surface <NUM>, as illustrated by the bi-directional arrow. Each of the ribs <NUM> (not shown in the figure) typically extends the entire length L1 of the exterior surface 119a of the frame.

Claim 1:
A padel racket (<NUM>) comprising a striking portion (<NUM>), a handle (<NUM>), and an intermediate portion (<NUM>) joining the striking portion (<NUM>) and the handle (<NUM>),
the padel racket (<NUM>) having a midplane (MP) and a longitudinal axis (A), which is aligned with the longitudinal centreline of the handle (<NUM>) and which extends in the midplane (MP),
the striking portion (<NUM>) comprising a central element (<NUM>) and a frame (<NUM>),
the central element (<NUM>) comprising a first ball striking surface (<NUM>) extending in a first plane (P1) and a second ball striking surface (<NUM>) extending in a second plane (P2),
the frame (<NUM>) surrounding the central element (<NUM>) along the periphery of the first ball striking surface (<NUM>) and the periphery of the second ball striking surface (<NUM>), wherein the frame (<NUM>) comprises an exterior surface (119a) and an interior surface (119b), wherein the frame (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of ribs (<NUM>) arranged transversally to the midplane (MP), wherein each rib (<NUM>) is curved and extends from a first end point (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") in direct connection with or adjacent to the first plane (P1) to a second end point (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") in direct connection with or adjacent to the second plane (P2) via an intermediate point (<NUM>), characterised in that the intermediate point (<NUM>) is located on a line (L) defined by the intersection of the midplane (MP) and the external surface of the frame (<NUM>) at an offset distance (d) from a centre point (CP) on the line (L), wherein the centre point (CP) is the point on the line (L) having the shortest possible distance to each of the first end point (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") and the second end point (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>"), respectively.