FR2820646A1 - Plastic pelota racket has hollow section with walls that converge slightly towards launch zone tip and have a continuous edge rib - Google Patents

Abstract

The racket consists of a hollow plastic section with a forward zone (4) for launching the ball, an intermediate deeper zone to receive it, and a rear zone for attaching to the player's hand. The side walls of the hollow section converge slightly towards the tip of the launch zone and have a continuous edge rib (6) which has a lengthwise slit in the hand zone, where it is joined to a transverse bar (8). The edge can have a reinforcing core of a non-metallic material, such as carbon fibres.

Description

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 The present invention relates to a chistera for practicing Basque pelota, consisting of a hollow piece of plastic material which includes a zone before launching the ball, an intermediate zone of greater depth, for receiving the ball, and a rear mating area in the player's hand.

 The traditional chisteras for the practice of Basque pelota sport are generally made of vegetable fiber, in particular of hand-woven chestnut wood, which gives a semi-rigid and semiflexible structure.

 In the exposed constitution, we know chisteras in the posterior zone of which is fixed a glove in which the player places the hand and by means of which this hand of the player is made integral with the chistera.

 These traditional chisteras are made by hand and have relatively high costs. In the practice of the Basque pelota game, because of the high number of times that the ball is caught and thrown, of high hardness and at high speeds, there is premature wear of the chistera, which obliges professional players of this sport to have to acquire between 12 and 20 units per year, with the resulting investment that this requires. These same problems have prevented the growth of amateur sport.

 In addition, as all the chisteras are made manually by a reduced number of craftsmen, it is not possible to have new chisteras in the number that would be necessary.

 In view of the problems described, attempts have been made to be able to supply chisteras in series at costs much lower than traditional ones and with characteristics similar to those of traditional chisteras. In this regard, it is worth mentioning US Pat. Nos. 4,098,508.4

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 273,339 and 4,374,590. However, in all cases, the result was unsuccessful, as a result of various factors.

 Most of the time, with the materials and design techniques available at the time, it was not possible to obtain the necessary combination of elasticity and rigidity.

 In order to solve the problems set out, it has been envisaged, in accordance with USA 4,098,505, to place elastic inserts in the reception area of the ball to absorb the impact of the ball and facilitate its reception. However, these inserts were made of heavy material which required securing means and which thus gave an excessively heavy chistera.

 The chistera proposed by US 4,374,590 presented, as main problem, the lack of reinforcement at the periphery of the chistera, in the section of the tip, so that it occurs with relative rapidity bending of the tip towards the 'rear or its break.

 Also in the side walls of the chistera, in the reception area, according to the technique described in US 4,273,339 and 4,374,590, the appropriate flexibility is not obtained along the longitudinal axis of the chistera. This problem is mainly due to the fact that, in both cases, the walls produce a rigid structure along the longitudinal axis.

 Another disadvantage of the prior art is that the chisteras make it necessary to mount and dismount, on the main body, multiple components intended to receive the fixing means for the hand and to receive an elastic protective layer. All this involves adding excess material and external elements, after the manufacture of the chistera, which results in an increase in volume and essentially in weight, without

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 considerably improve the flexibility properties of the chistera.

 Other problems presented by the chisteras described in the cited patents are the failure to provide means for overcoming air resistance, and the absence of texturing on the internal surface of the main body which makes it possible to approach qualities of friction of traditional braided chisteras, in order to control the ball and its launching with effect.

 The object of the present invention is to solve the problems set out, by means of a chistera formed from a hollow piece of plastic material which has a zone before launching exhibiting excellent behavior, with an intermediate zone. limited by side walls which do not affect the flexibility of the set and with an easy coupling rear area on the player's hand.

 Another object of the invention is to be able to provide chisteras made of a hollow plastic part which is of a reduced cost compared to traditional braided chisteras and with a behavior similar to these.

 As has been indicated, the chistera of the invention consists of a hollow plastic part which includes a zone before launching the ball, an intermediate zone of greater depth for receiving the ball and a zone rear coupling on the player's hand.

 It is further characterized in that the walls of the hollow part converge slightly along the receiving and launching zones, up to the end of the launching zone, and terminate along its longitudinal edges and the edge. transverse which limits the front launch zone, by a continuous rib which has, along the rear coupling zone of the hand, at least one slot

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 longitudinal through on each side, in that the rear zone ends, at the place of its free transverse edge, by a transverse bar which protrudes partially with respect to the longitudinal ribs and it carries a removable outer cover , for fixing the hand, and the means for fixing and tightening this cover, and in that the launching zone has a limited bottom between the longitudinal ribs and front with a slightly transverse interior concave curve-concave between these longitudinal ribs .

- le noyau de renfort est constitué à base de fibres, de carbone et/ou de KEVLAR , - elle présente dans son fond, au moins dans la zone intermédiaire de réception de la balle, des orifices traversants, - le fond présente, l'un au moins d'une manière correspondant à la zone intermédiaire de réception de la balle, une surface interne texturée qui offre une surface non glissante pour la balle, - la surface interne texturée s'étend le long des zones de réception et de lancement de la balle, - la surface interne texturée consiste en une pièce de recouvrement en forme de couche, de préférence de nature textile, qui se fixe à la surface intérieure de ladite ou desdites zones, - la zone de lancement présente, à partir de la nervure qui termine son bord transversal, un élément protecteur contre les impacts, constitué d'un prolongement en forme de couche, à la façon d'une languette, - la pièce en forme de couche qui constitue la couverture extérieure, fait saillie, par rapport à la nervure The chistera according to the invention may also have one or more of the following features: - said rib comprises a reinforcing core of a non-metallic nature,

- the reinforcing core is made from fibers, carbon and / or KEVLAR, - it has at its bottom, at least in the intermediate zone for receiving the ball, through holes, - the bottom has, at least one corresponding to the intermediate ball reception area, a textured internal surface which provides a non-slip surface for the ball, - the textured internal surface extends along the reception and launch zones of the ball, - the textured internal surface consists of a covering piece in the form of a layer, preferably of a textile nature, which is fixed to the internal surface of said zone or zones, - the launch zone present, starting from the rib which ends its transverse edge, a protective element against impacts, consisting of a layer-shaped extension, in the manner of a tongue, - the layer-shaped part which constitutes the outer cover, protrudes, p ar compared to the rib

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 transverse which terminates the zone, for coupling of the hand, by a part on which the ribbon or drawstring bears, - the rear section for coupling of the hand extends, starting from the transverse bar which terminates this zone , by a tongue which acts as a protective element of the player's wrist, - at the rear coupling zone of the hand, there is fixed, on its outer surface, a covering in the form of a layer, preferably of a textile nature.

 Concerning more particularly the last three characteristics above, the outer cover for fixing by hand, which the rear zone carries, consists of a piece in the form of a layer, flexible, preferably of a textile nature, of approximately equal dimensions or slightly higher than in the rear hand coupling area. At least one transverse strap, for example made of VELCRO, is fixed to the layer-shaped part on the back, this transverse strap projecting, on both sides, relative to the edges of the layer-shaped part, by sections which are intended to be introduced through the slit (s) of the longitudinal ribs of the rear region and which are fixed to one another or to the strap itself. As regards the means for fixing and tightening the cover, they consist of a fastening loop and a ribbon or tightening cord. The loop consists of a cord which is fixed at both ends at an intermediate point on the outer surface of the rear coupling area of the hand, forming a loop which projects outside through a central hole. of the outer fixing cover. As for the ribbon or drawstring, it passes through the part of the loop which projects from the cover and attaches to the

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 protruding parts of the transverse rib which terminates the coupling area of the hand.

 All the characteristics set out, as well as the advantages linked to these, can be better understood in the light of the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings, in which a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment is shown.

At drawings :
Figure 1 is a perspective of a chistera formed according to the invention.

 Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the chistera of Figure 1.

 Figure 3 is a top plan view of the same chistera.

 Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, without the coupling glove.

 Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the chistera from there Figure 1.

 Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, without the assembly of the glove.

 Figures 7,8 and 9 are cross sections of the chistera taken by the section lines VII-VII, VIIIVIII and IX-IX of Figure 5.

 Figure 10 is a view, similar to Figure 4, of the rear area, coupling on the hand, the chistera.

 Figure 11 is a perspective of the rear coupling area, with the removable outer cover.

 Figure 12 is a partial perspective of the posterior area, hand coupling, the chistera of the invention.

 Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 11, without the removable outer cover.

 Figure 14 is a section similar to Figure 8, including an elastic insole.

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FIG. 15 is a partial side view of the extreme launch area of the chistera, showing the tip protective element.

 Figure 16 is an external perspective of the chistera, showing a possible alternative embodiment.

 Figure 17 is a section similar to Figure 14, showing the non-metallic reinforcement structure of the rib that ends the walls of the chistera.

 Figure 18 shows one of the VELCRO straps which is associated with the removable outer cover.

 Figure 19 shows the outer cover of the rear area of the chistera, with VELCRO straps.

 Figures 20 and 21 are partial external perspectives of the rear area of the chistera, showing the removable cover in two successive positions for fixing the hand.

 Figure 22 is a top plan view showing the position of the hand on the rear area of the chistera.

 Figures 23 and 24 are external perspectives of the chistera showing successive phases of fixing it on the hand of a user.

 The accompanying drawings represent a chistera for the practice of Basque pelota, consisting of a hollow piece of plastic material which includes a zone before launching the ball, which bears the mark 1, an intermediate zone of greater depth for reception of the ball, which bears the mark 2, and a rear coupling zone on the player's hand, which bears the mark 3.

FIG. 2 represents approximately the limits of these zones, the launch zone 1 extending from the end or point 4 to the imaginary line A, the reception zone 2 between the imaginary lines A and B and the zone 3 on the hand of the imaginary line B to the rear end. In reality, these areas do not have clearly delimited borders and are indicated only-

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 ment by way of illustration for a better explanation of the invention.

 The hollow part which forms the chistera is limited by longitudinal walls 5 which reach their greatest height in the intermediate zone of greatest depth. In addition, as can be seen in FIGS. 3,5 and 6, these walls 5 converge from the rear end towards the front end 4 and terminate, along their longitudinal edges and the transverse edge which limits the 'front end 4, by a continuous rib 6. This rib has, in correspondence with the rear zone 3 of coupling on the hand, through longitudinal slots 7 on both sides, for a purpose which will be exposed further.

 The rear zone 3 is further limited to the place of its free transverse edge by a transverse bar 8 which projects partially with respect to the longitudinal ribs 6. A tongue 9 serving for the protection of the wrist projects behind at this crossbar 8.

 As can be seen in Figures 7 to 9, the bottom 10 of the hollow part has a transverse curvature, more pronounced in the intermediate zone of greater depth, but which also extends along the zone before launching where the bottom is limited by the longitudinal ribs and the front rib. This rib may have a non-metallic reinforcing core, as indicated by the reference 11 in FIG. 17.

 As seen in Figures 7 to 9, the section of the rib 6 can vary, from an oval or rectangular section in the coupling zone 3 on the hand, as shown in Figure 9, to a more circular and smaller diameter section along the intermediate receiving zone 2 and the extreme launching zone 1, sections to which the figures correspond respectively

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 8 and 7. A continuous structure is obtained which ends on both sides and for each at the location of the rear transverse element 8. The reinforcement incorporated in this rib, of non-metallic nature, can be made from materials such as graphite or KEVLAR, to give more resistance to the chistera and to reduce unwanted twists along its longitudinal axis.

 The bottom 10 of the hollow part has an arcuate configuration, as has already been indicated, with a variable curvature, at maximum depth in the receiving zone 2, to which the section of FIG. 8 corresponds, and decreasing in depth in the extreme launch zone 1, the section of which corresponds to FIG. 7, where it continues to have a slight internal transverse concavity and has a longitudinal concavity along the direction of the arrow X in FIG. 2. The arrangement non-parallel side walls 5 and corresponding longitudinal ribs 6 is fundamental for the correct operation of the chistera. The inner surface of the bottom 2 forms the main contact area with the ball and is the area most liable to deterioration by impact during reception and launch of the ball, in the central 2 and extreme 1 zones. C is on this curved surface, along the zones 2 and 1 indicated, that a covering part 12, FIGS. 6 and 14 can be placed, for example based on polypropylene provided with adhesive, which constitutes an ultra-elastic covering light and which will facilitate the reception of the ball.

 It is also possible, in the chistera of the invention, to provide the bottom with a series of holes 13, FIG. 16, which also pass through the elastic sole 12, in order to reduce the resistance to air created during the launching of the ball. The body of the chistera may include a protective element 14 from the front end 4, in the form of a thin bumper and which will serve to

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 partially defect a possible direct and frontal impact of the tip 4 on the playing surface, during the practice thereof.

 The one-piece body which constitutes the described chistera will preferably be made of a hard, light and semi-flexible plastic material. The dimensions of this monobloc body are smaller than those of a traditional chistera, since the ball will be thrown at a shorter distance and that a longer length is not necessary to play the game of Basque pelota on lengths shorter than those traditionally used. In addition, excessive length could make it prohibitive to use the chistera for young people, due to problems in releasing the ground while performing movements specific to the game.

 The coupling zone 3 on the hand carries a removable external cover, bearing the reference 15, as well as means for fixing and tightening this cover, which are set out below in detail.

 As can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 13, on the outside surface of the rear coupling zone 3 on the hand, it is possible to arrange a layer of felt 16 fixed by means of adhesive, to provide a surface comfortable for hand support.

 The external cover 15, as can be seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, it is possible to provide, fixed externally on the external cover 15, transverse fixing strips which bear the mark 17, strips which can for example be of the type VELCRO. We will introduce these strips through the slots 7, Figures 4 to 6, for example as shown in Figures 11 and 20, to then fold them outwards and fix them on these same strips, after the introduction of the hand 18 of the player, as shown for example in Figures 21 to 24.

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As can be understood, for fixing the outer cover 15, it is possible to adapt any arrangement of the fixing straps 17.

 As seen in Figures 5 and 13, the rear coupling zone 3 on the hand further comprises a cord 20 in the form of a loop, fixed by the two ends to the part of the chistera. This loop-shaped cord 20 can be pulled through an orifice presented by the removable outer cover 15, as shown in FIGS. 11, 16 and 20. When the user's hand 18 is introduced, FIG. 22, the cord in the form of a loop 20 can pass between two of the player's fingers, before being pulled through the opening of the cover 15.

 The rear coupling zone 3 on the hand also has a ribbon or drawstring 21 which will be used to secure and wind the components of the coupling system around the user's hand 18. One of the two ends of the ribbon is fixed or attached to one of the ends of the rear crossbar 8, the other end of the ribbon being introduced through the loop 20, as shown in FIG. 23. Then , by suitably stretching this ribbon or cord 21, it is passed through the opposite end of the crossbar 8, by pressing on the outer cover 15 and applying suitable pressure on the wrist or hand 18 of the player. This results in perfect fixation of the wrist in all directions, without neither this cord or ribbon, nor the loop 20 being able to affect the user's hand, which is protected by the cover 15.

 Thanks to the arrangement described, a system for fixing the hand to the chistera is obtained which is convenient and safe, regardless of the configuration of this chistera.

Claims (11)

 CLAIMS 1. Chistera for the practice of Basque pelota, made up of a hollow piece of plastic material which includes a zone before (1) of launching the pelota, an intermediate zone (2) of greater depth, for the reception of the ball, and a rear zone (3) for coupling to the player's hand (18), characterized in that the walls (5) of the hollow part converge slightly along the reception and launch zones, up to '' at the end of the launch area, and terminate along its longitudinal edges and the transverse edge which limits the front launch area (1), by a continuous rib (6) which presents, along the area rear (3) of hand coupling (18), at least one through longitudinal slot (7) on each side, in that the rear zone (3) ends, at the place of its free transverse edge, by a transverse bar (8) which projects partially vis-à-vis the longitudinal ribs and e l carries a removable outer cover (15), for fixing the hand (18), and means for fixing and tightening (17, 21) of this cover (15), and in that the area before launching (1 ) has a bottom (10) limited between the longitudinal and front ribs with a slightly curved-concave internal transverse path between these longitudinal ribs.  2. Chistera according to claim 1, characterized in that said rib (6) comprises a reinforcing core (11) of non-metallic nature.  3. Chistera according to claim 2, characterized in that the reinforcing core (11) is made from fibers, carbon and / or KEVLAR.  4. Chistera according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has in its bottom, at least in the intermediate zone (2) for receiving the ball, through holes (13). <Desc / Clms Page number 13>  5. Chistera according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom has, at least one corresponding to the intermediate zone (2) for receiving the ball, a textured internal surface (12) which provides a non-slip surface for the ball.  6. Chistera according to claim 5, characterized in that the textured internal surface (12) extends along the reception (2) and launch (1) areas of the ball.  7. Chistera according to any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the textured internal surface (12) consists of a covering piece in the form of a layer, preferably of a textile nature, which is fixed to the internal surface of said zone or zones.  8. Chistera according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the launching zone (1) has, from the rib (6) which ends its transverse edge, a protective element against impacts, consisting of an extension in the form of a layer, like a tongue (9).  9. Chistera according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer-shaped part which constitutes the outer cover (15) protrudes, relative to the transverse rib (6) which ends the zone (3) d 'coupling of the hand, by a part on which rests the ribbon or drawstring (21).  10. Chistera according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear section (3) of the hand coupling (18) is extended, from the crossbar (8) which ends this area, by a tongue (9) which acts as a protective element on the player's wrist.  11. Chistera according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the rear zone (3) of the hand coupling (18), it is fixed, on its surface <Desc / Clms Page number 14>  exterior, a cover in the form of a layer (12), preferably of a textile nature.