A RACKET OF THE LED ILLUMINABLE TYPE

Scope of the invention

[001] The present invention relates to the technical field of rackets .

[002] In particular, the invention relates to a racket , preferably a tennis racket , capable of emitting light .

Brief outline of prior art

[003] Rackets have been known for a long time and are used for many different sports, such as tennis, table tennis , beach tennis , etc . , depending on their structure and size .

[004] For example, tennis is a sport with two opposite players (in this case, singles) or four players (in this case doubles , between two players each) . Players use a racket in order to hit a ball .

[005] Aside from the specific type of sport , the racket is characterized by a handle of different sizes connected to a plate that can comprise a hitting surface made of weaved chords or can be constituted by a continuous surface, for example made of wood or other materials . The plate is the part designated to hit the ball .

[006] Originally, the racket was made of wood but over time it has slowly changed into innovative materials such as carbon or graphite to this day. Rackets are available in different shapes and sizes, depending on the way of playing of each single player and weight and balancing can also be modified according to the player/professional ’ s needs .

[007] Rackets are used in many sporting disciplines such as tennis, badminton, court tennis , table tennis , paddle tennis, platform tennis , beach tennis, squash, racquetball , paddleball , pickleball and road tennis, just to mention some non- exhaustive examples . [008] Specific types of rackets well known per se in the state of art exist for each of these sports .

[009] In the current state of art , it is known that in the absence of light the playing field is lighted by artificial lights , both in case of traditional tennis as well as in case of other sports where rackets are used.

[0010] However, artificial lights are not always sufficient and the spectator who is positioned at a distance could not see athletic feats performed by the player with racket .

[0011] The same occurs to players that are obviously very attentive to the opponent’ s movement during actions to try understanding the ball direction in advance .

[0012] In the absence of lights or with artificial lights , this is not simple and therefore following the racket movements is not simple in conditions of scarce light .

Summary of the invention

[0013] Therefore, the technical need of a racket which solves at least partially the aforesaid technical inconveniences is felt .

[0014] In particular, the need of a racket which enables its easy recognition even in the absence of light and/or in conditions of scarce light, is felt .

[0015] These and other aims are obtained through the present racket comprising at least one light source (3 ) and electric means (2 , 3 ' , 4 , 5 , 6) configured to control a switch-on and/or switch-off of this light source .

[0016] In this way, all the aforesaid technical inconveniences are readily resolved.

[0017] In particular, in the absence of light or in conditions of scarce light, the user can control the switch-on of the light source .

[0018] In this way, both the public and the players themselves can see the racket better and see its movements during the action.

[0019] In addition, the light effect contributes to creating a spectacular light effect which confers spectacularism to the play.

[0020] Not least, the same racket can also have a function of light source for other purposes not necessarily bound to the play actions, thereby being a versatile and useful accessory.

[0021] Advantageously, a plurality of light sources can be comprised.

[0022] Advantageously, said light source/s is/are in the form of LED.

[0023] Advantageously, said light source/s can be built into the frame of the racket .

[0024] Advantageously, said racket can comprise a frame which shapes a head (T) and a handle (M) , the head being suitable for generating the hitting surface (P) of the racket .

[0025] Advantageously, the hitting surface (P) can be a continuous surface or, alternatively, can be generated by a web of threads .

[0026] Advantageously, said light sources can be arranged in the outer perimeter of head.

[0027] Therefore, in this case they are facing the side opposite to the hitting surface (P) .

[0028] In all the configurations of the invention, said light sources can be built into the frame where they are arranged.

[0029] Advantageously, LEDs can be of the type Pico Led.

[0030] Advantageously, said electric means (2 , 3 ' , 4 , 5 , 6) configured to control a switch-on and or a switch-off of said at least one light source can be arranged in a suitable seat obtained in the frame of the racket .

[0031] For example , advantageously, said electric means can be arranged in a seat obtained in the handle (M) .

[0032] Advantageously, said electric means comprise at least one power supply battery.

[0033] Advantageously, said battery can be of the rechargeable type .

[0034] Advantageously, a USB inlet can be comprised, to charge the battery.

[0035] Advantageously, therefore, the battery can be of the rechargeable type, also as indicated above .

[0036] Advantageously, for example, the racket can be chosen from:

- Tennis ;

- Table tennis ;

- Paddle tennis .

- Other sports that use rackets .

[0037] The use of a racket with the function of torch is also described here, according to one or more of previous features introduced above .

[0038] Here is also described a method for playing a game which involves the use of a racket even in conditions of scarce light , the method envisaging the provision of a racket according to one or more of previous features introduced above and the switch-on of one or more light sources provided in the racket .

Brief description of the drawings

[0039] Additional features and advantages of the present racket according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof , given only by way of non -exhaustive example, with reference to the attached drawings , wherein:

[0040] - Figure 1 shows a racket according to the invention in which the racket head (that thus shapes the part hitting the ball or other playing object) and the handle part (M) including inside electronics that allow to power and then activate /deactivate the light source are shown; [0041] - Figure 2 shows the only head, where, according to the preferred configuration of the invention, the light sources are built in;

[0042] - Figure 2A shows a detail of the light sources built into a suitable seat obtained in the racket head;

[0043] - Figure 3 shows a detail of the handle containing electronics relative to switch-on/ switch-off control of the light source/s of the racket .

Description of some preferred embodiments

[0044] Figure 1 shows an example of racket in a non- exhaustive way, such as a paddle tennis racket .

[0045] What has been described is valid for any type of racket of any material , shape and size and therefore for any type of sport in which indeed the use of a racket is provided.

[0046] The following figures are not to be considered in an exhaustive way but only by way of example .

[0047] In general , a racket (for any sport) is formed by a frame (T) .

[0048] The frame (T) is a structure which develops to generate the racket head and the handle (M) .

[0049] As shown in figure 1 as well , the plate (P) is obtained in the racket head.

[0050] The plate (P) is the surface hitting the ball (or another body provided in the sport) whereas the handle (M) is the part where there is the handgrip to grab the racket and perform its movement with the corresponding athletic feat .

[0051] The frame is generally in the form a continuous structure in which head and handle are connected by an intermediate joint portion.

[0052] Generally, with reference to figure 1 , the head formed by the frame can be circular, oval or of other shapes and sizes and anyway it contributes to forming the plate (P) , that is the surface, through which the object to be thrown, such as the ball , is hit .

[0053] In the case of figure 1 , given that an example of paddle racket is shown, the hitting surface (P) , that is the plate (P) , is in the form of a continuous surface (P) which has holes passing through the whole thickness of the surface to minimise resistance of air .

[0054] The continuous surface can be made of wood or other materials (such as plastic) and it is connected rigidly to the rim of frame forming the head which is a sort of oval in the example of figure 1.

[0055] In case of tennis rackets or the like , the continuous surface (P) of figure 1 is replaced by a mesh of taut threads .

[0056] Anyway, the shape of the rackets, as mentioned, is known art and it is no specific subject of the present invention.

[0057] According to the invention, at least one light source is comprised in the frame .

[0058] More specifically, as schematized in figure 2 , the part of frame forming the head provides a succession of light sources 3 along its outer perimeter (therefore on the opposite side to the one of connection with the hitting surface P) .

[0059] Therefore, the head is lined externally by one or more light sources .

[0060] Figure 2 shows an example of a plurality of light sources positioned in succession to each other to line the whole outer perimeter of the head.

[0061] For example, LEDs can be used as light sources in all configurations .

[0062] The specific case of figure 2 (valid for any type of racket) provides a sort of crown of LEDs in succession arranged along the outer perimeter of the frame shaping the head.

[0063] LEDs can be spaced from each other by a predetermined distance, for example with a constant pitch.

[0064] LEDs can have any colour of light and can be switched on in a continuous or intermittent way.

[0065] LEDs are preferably built into the frame structure that therefore provides a housing seat for LEDs .

[0066] Therefore, in a possible embodiment of the invention, the head can provide a sort of seat on its outer perimeter, that enables to build in LEDs .

[0067] For example, LEDs can be arranged on a LED strip . In fact, LED strips that can be sold by meter are available on the market .

[0068] The strip can be housed into the perimeter seat which runs on the outside of the frame in correspondence of the head, as per figure 2.

[0069] Therefore, the seat is a sort of guiding line dug into the outer perimeter of the head in which the strip lining the head is housed.

[0070] The application of the strip can occur through glue or other connection system.

[0071] Then the strip provides electric contacts to connect the control electronics positioned in the handle (described below) to activate the switch-on and/or switch-off .

[0072] Alternatively, the frame can provide single seats in which a single LED can be built in.

[0073] Anyway, many LEDs or a single LED can be applied.

[0074] In all the cases above, LEDs are powered by a battery

6 that can be housed for example in the handle, as shown schematically by figure 3 .

[0075] The battery powers a traditional electric circuit, well known per se, which can be controlled by opening/ closing through a traditional button 5.

[0076] In fact, figure 3 shows with number 2 the opening/ closing relay of the circuit, such that the battery powers LEDs when the circuit is closed.

[0077] Figure 3 shows a plug 7 which closes the handle at the bottom to enable insertion and extraction of the battery.

[0078] The battery can be of any type, also rechargeable for example .

[0079] Figure 3 still shows with number 3 ' the electric powering cables with positive and negative poles that are connected to LEDs to power them.

[0080] Therefore, the handle part is at least partially hollow to enable the arrangement of electronics described above and suitable to control the switch-on/ switch-off of LEDs .

[0081] In addition, a USB inlet can be integrated and it can be used for example to charge the battery, in case of rechargeable battery.

[0082] For example, this USB port can be still integrated into the handle .

[0083] Filling the handle (as per fig. 3 ) with electronics controlling light does not entail any unbalancing of the racket .

[0084] In fact, the skilled person can calculate readily all weights and therefore balance the racket perfectly according to needs , for example increasing or decreasing the thickness of the handle itself .

[0085] Therefore, the user can readily control in use the switch-on and/or switch-off of the lights arranged in the racket .

[0086] By simply acting on the control , for example as mentioned through suitable button, s/he can switch on and/or switch off the lights .

[0087] This enables to see better even in conditions of scarce light .

[0088] In addition, lit lights create a fine spectacular effect during play and their effect is attractive, particularly to children, in case of toy rackets for children.

[0089] LEDs in all configurations of invention can be of the type Pico LED that are particularly miniaturized.

[0090] Obviously, LEDs can be replaced by any other type of light source .