Case structure, particularly for tennis rackets and the like

Claim 2

A case structure, particularly for a tennis racket and the like, characterized in that it comprises first and second half-shells of substantially rigid construction and associable with each other to define a housing for the cord network portion of said racket, on the facing sides of said half-shells there being provided soft foam material projecting elements adapted for engaging said racket cord network to provide a close fit between said case and racket.

Claim 3

A case structure, particularly for tennis rackets and the like, according to Claim 1, characterized in that said projecting elements are formed from a soft foam material.

Claim 4

A case structure, particularly for tennis rackets and the like, according to Claim 1, characterized in that said projecting elements are of a hygroscopic type.

Claim 5

A case structure, particularly for tennis rackets and the like, according to Claim 1, characterized in that said first and second half-shells are an integral construction and joined . together through a weakened section adapted to function as a hinge element.

Claim 6

A case structure, particularly for tennis rackets and the like, according to Claim 1, characterized in that said soft foam material projecting elements are received in a corresponding seat or socket defined on the inner sides or faces of said case by a rim extending all along a substantially circumferential path.

Claim 7

A case structure, particularly for tennis rackets and the like, according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises,on one of said half-shells,a male closure means effective to be associated with corresponding female closure means provided on the other of said half-shells, said male closure means comprising a lug formed with an enlarged rim protruding laterally from one of said half-shells, said female closure means comprising a cross-piece connected to one of said half-shells through flexible ears, said flexible ears being spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to or greater than the width of said lug.

Claim 8

A case structure, particularly for tennis rackets and the like, according to Claim 6, characterized in that said cross-piece is provided, on one face thereof, with feet adapted for resting on one of said hlaf-shells, in the closed position, to hold said cross-piece separated from the respective half-shell such as to facilitate the manual gripping thereof for opening.

Claim 9

A case structure, particularly for tennis rackets and the like, according to Claim 1, characterized in that said half-shells define an area for the passage of the racket handle therethrough , there being provided at said area soft foam material paddings adapted for contacting the racket handle to keep in position said racket and prevent internal moisture leakages.

Claim 10

A case structure, particularly for tennis rackets and the like, according to Claim 1, characterized in that said first and second half-shells are provided, on the matching edges thereof, with respectively a male stepped ridge or raised portion and a female stepped ridge adapted for mutual engagement.