TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to a padel racket.

BACKGROUND

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.

SUMMARY

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 25 mm to 300 mm, including the interval end points, within manufacturing tolerances. For each rib, the projected curve may have a radius of curvature in the interval of 25 mm to 100 mm, including the interval end points, within manufacturing tolerances. For each rib, the projected curve may have a radius of curvature in the interval of 35 mm to 50 mm, 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 a and differ from each other by an angle 2a, wherein 0° < a < 4°.

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 5 ribs for example 5-15, 6-13, or 8-11 ribs. The first and second rib-containing portions may further each preferably cover from about 6 cm to about 12 cm of the circumferential length of the frame, such as from about 8 cm to about 10 cm, of the circumferential length of the frame.

Suitably, the inventor has found that the above given intervals for the number of ribs in each ribcontaining 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 25 mm to 300 mm, including the interval end points, and/or a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature in the interval of 25 mm to 300 mm, 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 25 mm to 300 mm, including the interval end points, and/or a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature in the interval of 25 mm to 300 mm, 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figs, la-c show front views of padel rackets having differently shaped striking portions when seen from the front. Fig. la depicts a round shape, Fig. lb illustrates a so-called drop shape, and Fig. lc depicts a so-called diamond shape.

Figs. 2a-b depict cross-sectional side views of padel rackets having differently shaped striking portions when seen from the side. Fig. 2a depicts a straight striking portion, and Fig. 2b illustrates a striking portion having a tapered 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 part of a padel racket with one curved rib in the frame.

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

Figs. 5a-c show front views of padel rackets having differently shaped striking portions when seen from the front, exemplifying locations of preferred striking surfaces and sweet spots of the ball striking surfaces.

Figs. 6a-c illustrate front views of padel rackets having differently shaped striking portions when seen from the front, exemplifying locations of preferred striking surfaces and sweet spots of the ball striking surfaces, and further indicating forces, illustrated by arrows, exerted by ribs according to the present invention when a ball hits the ball striking surface.

Figs. 7a-b each shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a rib-containing portion of the frame. In Fig.

7a, curved ribs are extending inwardly in the radial direction of the frame while in Fig. 7b, curved ribs are extending outwardly in the radial direction of the frame. Figs. 8a-b each shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a rib-containing portion of the frame. In Fig. 8a, V-shaped ribs are extending inwardly in the radial direction of the frame while in Fig. 8b, V- shaped ribs are extending outwardly in the radial direction of the frame.

Figs. 9a-b each shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a rib-containing portion of the frame. In Fig. 9a, angular ribs are extending inwardly in the radial direction of the frame while in Fig. 9b, angular ribs are extending outwardly in the radial direction of the frame.

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

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

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

Fig. 13 is a flow chart of a method for producing a padel racket according to embodiments of the invention.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The design and function of padel rackets are well-known within 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 Fig. la to c and 2a.

Figs, la to lc each shows a front view of a padel racket 100 according to one of three common main shapes, wherein the padel racket in Fig. la is referred to as being round, the padel racket in Fig. lb is referred to as being drop shaped and the padel racket in Fig. lc is referred to as being diamond shaped. As can be seen from Figs, la-lc, each padel racket comprises a striking portion 110, a handle 120, and an intermediate portion 130 joining the striking portion 110 and the handle 120. More precisely, it is the striking portion 110 which is round (Fig. la), drop shaped (Fig. lb), or diamond shaped (Fig. lc). The striking portion 110, the handle 120 and the intermediate portion 130 may be manufactured as separate parts and assembled to form the padel racket 100, by moulding or in any other suitable manner. Alternatively, the striking portion 110, the handle 120 and the intermediate portion 130 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 131 in Fig. la and openings 131 in Fig. lb. 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 110, the handle 120, and the intermediate portion 130 may be made of at least partly the same material or of different materials.

Figs. 2a and 2b each depicts a cross-sectional side view of a padel racket 100. As seen from Figs. 2a- b, the striking portion 110 has a proximal end 118a, i.e., the end adjacent to and adjoining the intermediate portion 130, and a distal end 118b, i.e., the end furthermost from the intermediate portion 130. The padel racket 100 has a midplane MP, and the striking portion 110 comprises a first ball striking surface 115, extending in a first plane Pl, and a second ball striking surface 116, extending in a second plane P2. The frame 112 has at least one width Wl, W2, W3 which extends from the first ball striking surface to the second ball striking surface. As depicted in Fig. 2a, the striking portion 110 may have a width Wl both at its proximal end 118a and at its distal end 118b, in which case the planes Pl 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. 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, 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 110, i.e., in the extension between its proximal end 118a and its distal end 118b. Suitably, the tapered shape of the striking portion 110 in this case enables a user to push the ball downward, "smash", with greater force. In this case, each of the planes Pl and P2 differs by an angle a to the midplane MP, wherein 0° < a < 4°, and the planes Pl and P2 differ from each other by an angle which is two times a (i.e., 2 x a, or simply 2a).

Of course, many other cross-sectional shapes of the striking portion 110 are also feasible. In a nonlimiting 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 Pl and the second plane P2 each differs from the midplane (MP) by an angle a and differ from each other by an angle 2a, wherein 0° < a < 4°.

In other words, the first plane Pl and the second plane P2 either (i) are parallel to each other and to the midplane (MP) (as in Fig. 2a), or (ii) differ from the midplane (MP) by an angle a and differ from each other by an angle 2a, wherein 0° < a < 4° (e.g., as in Fig. 2b). According to current international regulations of the padel game, each of the widths Wl, W2 and W3 is a maximum of 38 mm. Previously known padel rackets typically have a width Wl of 36 or 38 mm. Thanks to the ribs according to the present invention, the stiffness of the frame is increased which makes it possible to reduce the width Wl of the frame, e.g., to about 34 mm or about 35 mm 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 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 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 28 mm to about 34 mm, such as about 30 mm or 32 mm, while the width W3 is suitably from about 36 mm to about 38 mm. Alternatively, where W2 > W3, the width W3 is suitably from about 28 mm to about 34 mm, such as about 30 mm or 32 mm, while the width W2 is suitably from about 36 mm to about 38 mm.

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. 2a and 2b.

The striking portion typically comprises two ball striking surfaces (e.g., as described in connection with Figs. 2a-b above), which are connected by a frame (as described for example in connection with fig. 3 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 Figs. 4a-e, 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. 4e. The advantageous progressive energy transfer obtained by the present invention is described further in connection with Figs. 4a to 4e.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 Figs. 3 to 11.

Fig. 3 shows a padel racket 100 comprising a striking portion 110, a handle 120, and an intermediate portion 130 joining the striking portion 110 and the handle 120. The padel racket has a longitudinal axis A, which is aligned with the longitudinal centreline of the handle 120 and which extends through the midplane MP (midplane MP not shown in Fig. 3). 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 110. The lateral axis B may alternatively be called transverse axis B. The striking 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 connection with Figs. 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 exterior surface 119a and an interior surface 119b.

The frame 112 may have a width Wl, or widths W2 and W3 at or near the respective ends of the frame 112 and a continuous transition of the width there between, as described in more detail in connection with 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. Further, the at least one width of the frame thereby typically defines the thickness of the striking portion 110.

In accordance with the present invention, and as disclosed in Fig. 3 in combination with Figs. 4a-4e, the frame 112 comprises a plurality of ribs 114 which are arranged transversally to the midplane 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 Pl to a second end point 151, 151', 151" in direct connection with or adjacent to the second plane P2 via an intermediate point 152, 152', 152". The intermediate point 152, 152', 152" is located on a line L defined by the intersection of the midplane MP and the external surface of the frame 112 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 150, 150', 150" and the second end point 151, 151', 151", respectively.

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

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

For each rib 114, the first end point 150, 150', 150", second end point 151, 151', 151" and intermediate point 152, 152', 152" 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 2 mm to 4 mm, and preferably in the interval from about 2.5 mm to 3 mm. Greater widths of e.g. 5 mm 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. 4e, there is illustrated how each rib 114, when projected onto a tangent plane PT of its respective centre point CP on the exterior surface 119a, forms a projected curve 170 having a radius of curvature. Fig. 4a-4c all illustrate ribs 114 extending from a first end point 150 to a second end point 151, when seen cross-sectionally from the side, i.e., in a side view. The ribs 114 are curved when seen along the normal of the exterior surface 119b of the frame 112, at the centre point CP of the respective rib 114, 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 170 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 170 of each rib 114 is preferably in the interval of 25 mm to 300 mm, more preferably in the interval of 25 mm to 100 mm, most preferably in the interval of 35 mm to 50 mm, including the interval end points. In all embodiments, the radius of curvature of the projected curve 170 must be under 300 mm. A rib 114 having a projected curve 170 with a radius of curvature of more than 300 mm would be so close to a straight line for the length LI of the frame 112 that the frame would not achieve the desired progressive energy transfer properties. The rib-containing portions 113 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 170 of at least two of the plurality of ribs (114) of the padel racket have different radius of curvature. For example, within a rib containing portion 113 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. 4c. Alternatively, or additionally, the radius of curvature may vary between a first rib containing portion 113 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. 4d shows a section of a frame 112 with two such ribs 114 in a perspective view. The two ribs in Fig. 4e are shown for ill ustrational 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 0.2 mm to 4 mm, preferably in the interval of 1 mm to 3 mm, more preferably around 2.5 mm, 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 170, as well as the radius of curvature of the rib 114, are dependent variables, these may be used interchangeably to define the same properties of the frame 112.

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 150, 150', 150" is located in or adjacent to the first plane Pl means that it is located in connection to, adjoining or adjacent to the first ball striking surface 115. Similarly, that the second end point 151, 151', 151" 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 116.

For any embodiment herein, 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 part 112a having a first radius of curvature, a first frame edge 112b connecting the main part 112a of the frame 112 with the first striking surface 115, and a second frame edge 112b connecting the main part 112a of the frame 112 with the second striking surface 116. In Fig. 4d, the first frame edge 112b is illustrated by the dotted lines following the curvature of the frame 112, thereby schematically showing how the first frame edge 112b connects the main part of the frame 112a with the first striking surface 115. In embodiments including frame edges, a corresponding second frame edge 112b, not visible from the perspective in Fig. 4d, hence connects the main part 112b of the frame with the second striking surface 116 on the opposite side of the padel racket 100.

In Fig. 4d, two exemplary locations of the first endpoint 150', 150" are shown for the example ribs 114' and 114", respectively. In the example of the rib 114' the first endpoint 150' is located in direct connection to the first striking surface 115 and the second endpoint 151' is located in direct connection to the second striking surface 116. This is particularly suitable for padel rackets wherein the frame 112 has a continuous curvature from the first striking surface 115 to the second striking surface 116 and the rib can thereby extend between the striking surfaces with a continuous radius of curvature. Of course, even if the frame 112 has this curvature of its exterior surface 119b, the ribs 114 may extend less than the entire length LI of the frame, i.e., end before reaching the first and second striking surfaces 115, 116, respectively, as described below for the example of the rib 114".

In the example of the rib 114" the first endpoint 150" is located adjacent to the first plane Pl, and adjacent to the first striking surface 115. Specifically, the first endpoint 150" 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 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 to the second frame edge 112b. This is particularly suitable for padel rackets wherein the frame 112 comprises a main part 112a and a respective frame edge 112b connecting the main part 112a of the frame 112 with each of the first and second striking surfaces 115, 116, 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 112 to the respective first and second striking surface 115, 116 with 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 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. 4d, it is preferable that the ribs do not extend into the striking surfaces 115, 116. 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. 3 shows a first rib-containing portion 113 and a second rib-containing portion 113 of the frame 112, in which the ribs 114 are arranged. In other words, the plurality of ribs 114 is divided into two rib-containing portions 113. Typically, half of the total number of ribs is arranged in a first ribcontaining 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. 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 as being arranged at a central position of the frame 112, around the lateral axis B. Alternatively, the rib-containing portions 113 may be arranged at a proximal position of the frame 112, i.e., closer to the proximal end 118a of the striking portion 110, or at a distal position of the frame 112, i.e., closer to the distal end 118b of the striking portion 110, as further described in connection with Figs. 6a-c. It should be noted that each of the first and second rib-containing portions 113 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 113 (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 Figs. 6a to 6c, 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 113 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 113 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 113 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 113 are also possible. Further, as mentioned above, the frame may comprise more than two ribcontaining portions, such as three or four, and/or have more than one group of ribs in each ribcontaining portion 113.

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 ribcontaining 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 113, or each of the groups of ribs within a ribcontaining portion 113, may suitably comprise at least five ribs 114, such as 5-15, 6-13, or 8-11 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 113.

The first and second rib-containing portions 113, or each group of ribs within a rib-containing portion 113, may each cover a length of from about 6 cm to about 12 cm, such as from about 8 cm to about 10 cm, of the circumferential length of the frame 112. As shown in Fig. 3, the circumferential length of the frame 112 is herein defined as extending from a first peripheral connection point PCI 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 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 114 may be evenly spaced (i.e., symmetrically arranged) within each rib-containing portion 113. Alternatively, the ribs 114 may be asymmetrically positioned within each rib-containing portion 113, in which case it may be advantageous to arrange ribs more densely in the centre of a ribcontaining 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 114 within a rib-containing portion 113 is suitably from about 5 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 10 mm to about 15 mm, or about 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 total number of rib-containing portions. It is noted that the distance between two adjacent ribs 114 depends on the radius of curvature of the projected curve 170, such that an increased radius of curvature necessitates an increased distance between the adjacent ribs 114 for the desired frame stiffness and energy transfer properties to be maintained.

Turning again to Figs. 4a to 4c, they each disclose a side view of a padel racket 100 comprising a striking portion 110 comprising ribs 114 according to the present invention. Each of the ribs 114 is arranged transversally or substantially transversally to the midplane MP (depicted in Fig. 4b). In other words, each rib 114 is substantially aligned with a plane P3 (depicted in Fig. 4b), which crosses the midplane MP transversally. Herein, that a rib 114 is arranged transversally or substantially transversally to the midplane MP means that at least the main direction, or the general direction, of the rib 114 is transversal to the midplane MP. Similarly, that a rib 114 is aligned or substantially aligned with the plane P3 means that at least the main direction, or the general direction, of the rib 114 coincides with the plane P3. This may also be described as each rib 114 having its main extension direction along the plane P3. As can be seen from Figs. 4a to 4d, the curvature of the rib 114 that deviates from the plane P3 is symmetrical around the plane P3.

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

The planes Pl and P2 along which the striking surfaces 115, 116 extend are shown as parallel in Figs. 4a-d, as illustrated by indication of the planes Pl, P2 in Fig. 4a. This is for ill ustrational purposes only. The planes Pl and P2, and hence the striking surfaces 115, 116, may be parallel, i.e., substantially parallel within manufacturing tolerances. Alternatively, the planes Pl and P2, and hence the striking surfaces 115, 116, may differ from each other by an angle a, as described in connection with Fig. 2b. In other words, the striking portion 110 may be tapered when seen in a side view. Figs. 5a to 5c each shows a padel racket 100 according to one of three common main shapes, corresponding to the shapes shown in Figs. la-c. As can be seen from Figs. 5a-5c, each padel racket comprises a striking portion 110, a handle 120, and an intermediate portion 130 joining the striking portion 110 and the handle 120. The striking 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), which comprises a preferred striking surface 117 and a sweet spot 140, both of which have been defined in detail elsewhere herein. Briefly, the preferred striking surface 117 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 140 is the most preferred striking point or area of the preferred striking surface 117.

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

In Fig. 5b, the striking portion 110 is drop shaped. In the longitudinal direction, the preferred striking surface 117 covers the most part of the central element 111 (or more precisely, covers the most part of the ball striking surface 115/116 of the central element 111), and is located slightly towards the distal end 118b of the striking portion 110. In the lateral direction of the central element 111, e.g. along the lateral or transverse axis B (depicted in Fig. 3), the preferred striking surface 117 covers a laterally significantly narrower area compared to in Fig 5a, making the total area of the preferred striking surface significantly smaller compared to in Fig. 5a. 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 140 is located distally of the centre of the preferred striking surface 117, close to the distal end 118b of the striking 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, covers less than half of the ball striking surface 115/116 of the central element 111), and is located close to 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 in Fig. 5b and covers a slightly narrower area laterally compared to in Fig. 5a. As is evident from the figure, the total area of the preferred striking surface is significantly smaller compared to in Fig. 5a as well as in Fig. 5b. 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 140 is located at or close to the centre of the preferred striking surface 117, close to the distal end 118b of the striking portion 110.

Figs. 6a to 6c each discloses a padel racket 100 according to one of the three common main shapes corresponding to the shapes shown in Figs, la-c and Figs. 5a-c, in which rib-containing portions 113 are arranged in different positions of the frame 112. As seen in each of Figs. 6a-c, a first ribcontaining portion 113 and a second rib-containing portion 113, each comprising a plurality of ribs 114, are arranged in the frame 112 of the striking portion 110 of a padel racket 100. The striking portion 110 comprises a central element 111 and a frame 112. Also depicted in Figs. 6a-c are the preferred striking surface 117 and the sweet spot 140 of each padel racket 100, as described in more detail in connection with Figs. 5a-c. Further shown in Figs. 6a-c are arrows pointing from the ribs- containing portions 113, inwards in the radial direction of the striking portion 110. 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 113 determines how and in which direction the ribs 114 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 117 and the sweet spot 140 by arranging the ribcontaining portions 113 in different positions of the frame, according to embodiments of the present invention.

More particularly, in Fig. 6a, the two rib-containing portions 113 are arranged at a proximal position of the frame 112 of the striking portion 110, which has a round shape. The proximal position of the frame is close to proximal end 118a of the striking portion 110 and is thus also close to the intermediate portion 130. 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 110 from each rib-containing portion 113 illustrates that the effect, or force, exerted by ribs 114 in a proximal position transfers the energy and power higher up, i.e., upwards towards the sweet spot 140, 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. 6a. 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. 6b, the two rib-containing portions 113 are arranged at a central position of the frame 112 of the striking portion 110, which is drop shaped. The central position of the frame 112 is located around the lateral axis B. The arrow pointing inwards in the radial direction of the striking portion 110 from each rib-containing portion 113 illustrates that the effect, or force, exerted by ribs 114 in a central position transfers the energy and power to enlarge the preferred striking surface 117 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 113 at a central position of the frame 112 of a striking portion 110 which is drop shaped, as shown in Fig. 6b. However, the rib-containing portions 113 may be placed in a central position of the frame 112 of a striking portion 110 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. 6c, the two rib-containing portions 113 are arranged at a distal position of the frame 112 of the striking portion 110, which has a diamond shape. The distal position of the frame is close to the distal end 118b of the striking portion 110. 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 110 from each rib-containing portion 113 illustrates that the effect exerted by ribs 114 in a distal position transfers the energy and power downwards, thereby widening the preferred striking surface 117 and slightly lowering the sweet spot 140, 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. 6c. 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 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 ribcontaining portions 113, or more than one group of ribs within each rib-containing portion 113 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 113 arranged at a proximal position of the frame 112 (as depicted in Fig. 6a) and a third and a fourth rib-containing portion 113 arranged at a distal position of the frame 112 (as shown in Fig. 6c). 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 112 if it is desirable to move the sweet spot further downwards, towards the intermediate portion 130, on the preferred striking surface 117. Figs. 7a and 7b each discloses a detailed cross-sectional view of a rib-containing portion 113 of the frame 112, 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 111. Specifically, the interior surface 119b is facing the interior part 122 of the central element 111, which is described further in connection with Fig. 10. In Fig. 7a, each rib 114 is extending inwardly in the radial direction of the frame 112, thereby forming a recess in the exterior surface 119a of the frame 112. The recess has a curved cross-sectional form and thus gives the exterior surface 119a a curved cross-sectional form inwardly. Each rib 114 also gives the interior surface 119b of the frame 112 a curved cross- sectional form inwardly in the radial direction of the frame 112. Inwardly extending ribs 114 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. 7b, each rib is extending outwardly in the radial direction of the frame 112, thereby forming a raised strip (or ridge) in the exterior surface 119a of the frame 112. 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 114 may give the interior surface 119b of the frame 112 a curved cross-sectional form outwardly 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 form and thus gives the exterior surface 119a a curved cross- sectional form outwardly while the interior surface 119b of the frame 112 is even, without any curved cross-sectional form outwardly in the radial direction of the frame 112.

Figs. 8a and 8b each discloses a detailed cross-sectional view of a rib-containing portion 113 of the frame 112, 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 111. In Fig. 8a, each rib 114 is extending inwardly in the radial direction of the frame 112, thereby forming a recess in the exterior surface 119a of the frame 112. 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 114 gives the interior surface 119b of the frame 112 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. 8b, each rib is extending outwardly in the radial direction of the frame 112, thereby forming a raised strip in the exterior surface 119a of the frame 112. 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 114 may give the interior surface 119b of the frame 112 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 114 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 112 is even, without any curved or V-shaped cross-sectional form outwardly in the radial direction of the frame 112.

Figs. 9a and 9b each discloses a detailed cross-sectional view of a rib-containing portion 113 of the frame 112, 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 111. In Fig. 9a, each rib 114 is extending inwardly in the radial direction of the frame 112, thereby forming a recess in the exterior surface 119a of the frame 112. The recess has an angular cross-sectional form and thus gives the exterior surface 119a an angular cross-sectional form inwardly. Each rib 114 gives the interior surface 119b of the frame 112 a substantially curved cross-sectional form inwardly, rather than an angular form, as a result of the current manufacturing process.

In Fig. 9b, each rib is extending outwardly in the radial direction of the frame 112, thereby forming a raised strip in the exterior surface 119a of the frame 112. 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 114 may give the interior surface 119b of the frame 112 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 114 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 112 is even, without any curved or angular cross-sectional form outwardly in the radial direction of the frame 112.

The desired stiffness properties and advantageous progressive energy transfer described herein are obtained both with the inwardly extending ribs 114 of Figs. 7a, 8a and 9a and the outwardly extending ribs of Figs. 7b, 8b and 9b. However, inwardly 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 inwardly extending ribs 114 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 114 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 112 to comprise inwardly extending ribs 114, wherein only the rib-shaped edge pattern need to be pushed into the frame 112 to reshape it, is easier than reshaping the frame 112 to comprise outwardly extending ribs 114.

Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional top view of a part of the striking portion 110, depicting the frame 112 and a part of the central element 111. The ball striking surfaces 115 and 116 are shown, as well as the exterior surface 119a and the interior surface 119b of the frame 112. Fig. 10 further depicts that the frame 112 has a depth DI in the radial direction. The depth DI of the frame is from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, typically from about 0.8 mm to about 2 mm. As illustrated in Figs. 7-9, each of the ribs 114 may extend the entire depth DI of the frame. In other words, each of the ribs 114 in these embodiments changes the form of the frame in the radial direction across the entire depth DI, thereby possibly also locally altering the depth of the frame. Alternatively, as described above in connection with Figs. 7b, 8b and 9b, each of the ribs 114 may locally extend the depth of the frame in the external radial direction, while the interior surface 119b of the frame 112 is more or less unchanged. Each rib 114 may instead of extending the entire depth DI of the frame instead extend less than the entire depth Dll.

The depth of each rib 114 is preferably from about 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. Depths in this interval have found to be suitable to provide the desired stiffness and progressive energy transfer properties to the frame 112, while maintaining the integrity of the frame 112. The depth may vary along the rib 114, due to the manufacturing process, but also because the ribs 114 may "fade out" towards the end points 150, 150', 150", 151, 151', 151", meaning that the depth of the rib 114 successively reduces from the depth defined in the central portion of the rib 114 around the intermediate point 152, 152', 152", which depth is preferably within the interval given above, to zero or close to zero at the end points 150, 150', 150", 151, 151', 151".

Fig. 10 also shows that the central element 111 comprises an interior part 122 and a first and second exterior layer 121a. The frame 112 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 112 such that the exterior surfaces of the first and second exterior layers 121a, 121b and the frame 112 are flush. Alternatively, the padel racket may be constructed such that the edges of the frame 112 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 112 overlap and are exterior to the edges of the first and second exterior layers 121a, 121b, the first and second ball striking surfaces

115, 116 extend outwardly to the overlapping edges of the frame 112.

As indicated in the figure, the exterior surface of the first exterior layer 121a is the first ball striking surface 115, and the exterior surface of the second exterior layer 121b is the second ball striking surface 116. Each of the first and second exterior layers 121a and 121b has a depth D2, which may be equal to the depth DI, or smaller than the depth DI.

In Fig. 10, the frame 112 and the exterior layers 121a and 121b of the central element 111 are made of the same material (white in Fig. 10) while the interior part 122 of the central element 111 comprises a different material (shaded grey in Fig. 10) than the frame 112 and the exterior layers 121a and 121b. The material making up the frame 112 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 122 of the central element 111 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 122 or parts of the interior part 122.

For any embodiment of the padel racket described herein, the ribs 114 are preferably integrated with the frame 112. Thereby, 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 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. 13, there is thus provided a method for producing a padel racket comprising a striking portion 110, a handle 120, and an intermediate portion 130 joining the striking portion 110 and the handle 120, in particular a padel racket 100 according to any of the embodiments described herein. The method comprises in a first step 300 placing material for forming at least the striking portion 110, preferably all portions 110, 120, 130 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 25 mm to 300 mm, including the interval end points, and/or a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature in the interval of 25 mm to 300 mm, including the interval end points. The method then comprises in step 310 moulding and hardening the material and in step 320 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 25 mm to 100 mm, including the interval end points. The radius of curvature of each bulge and/or recess may further be in the interval of 35 mm to 50 mm, 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 200 for producing a padel racket 100, the mould having a space 210 for receiving material for forming a padel racket 100, or at least the striking portion 110 of the padel racket 100. Figs. 12a-c show schematic cross-sectional views of a mould 200 according to embodiments of the invention. As shown in the figures, the space 210 is delimited by an outer edge 211, wherein the outer edge 211 comprises an edge pattern 201 in at least one portion of the outer edge. The edge pattern 201 comprises a plurality of bulges 202 having a radius of curvature in the interval of 25 mm to 300 mm, including the interval end points, and/or a plurality of recesses 202 having a radius of curvature in the interval of 25 mm to 300 mm, including the interval end points. In the figures, only exemplary positions of the edge patterns 201 along the outer edge 211 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 201 illustrated for a round shape padel racket mould in fig. 12a, a drop shape padel racket mould in fig. 12b and a diamond padel racket mould in fig. 12c achieve different energy transfer directions into the striking surfaces of the resulting padel racket 100, as described herein. The examples in figs. 12a-c are for illustrational purposes only, and any suitable combination and positions of edge patterns 201 may be used, corresponding to the combination and positions of ribcontaining portions 113 described for embodiments of the padel racket 100.

The radius of curvature of each bulge and/or recess may be in the interval of 25 mm to 100 mm, including the interval end points. The radius of curvature of each bulge and/or recess may further be in the interval of 35 mm to 50 mm, 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 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 114 of Figs. 7a, 8a and 9a and the outwardly extending ribs of Figs. 7b, 8b and 9b. However, inwardly 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 inwardly extending ribs 114 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 114 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 112 to comprise inwardly extending ribs 114, wherein only the rib pattern need to be pushed into the frame 112 to reshape it, is easier than reshaping the frame 112 to comprise outwardly extending ribs 114.

Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional top view of a part of the striking portion 110, similar to that of Fig. 10, wherein the frame 112, a part of the central element 111 with first and second exterior layers 121a and 121b and interior part 122 are shown having dashed outlines. Fig. 11 further indicates that the exterior surface 119a of the frame 112 has a length LI, which extends 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 bi-directional arrow. Each of the ribs 114 (not shown in the figure) typically extends the entire length LI of the exterior surface 119a of the frame.

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.