Patent Application
20220288474
Any new and original work of authorship in this document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. Reproduction by anyone of this document as it appears in official governmental records is permitted, but otherwise all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.
The present invention relates generally to an inflatable paddle and, in particular, to an inflatable paddle for use in a game system wherein the inflatable paddle is detachably affixed to at least one region of a limb on the human body for striking and propelling a ball during game play.
Paddle-type games are well known with the most popular being table tennis also known as ping-pong. Another paddle-type game is paddle ball. It is believed that a need exists for a different and fun way to play the game of table tennis and paddle ball. Paddles in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention when used in place of conventional paddles in table tennis are believed to represent such an improvement.
The invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of paddle-type game systems such as table tennis, the invention is not limited to use only in such games, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the invention. For example, it is believed that paddles of the invention further may be used in other types of games including, for example, paddle ball, racquetball, and tennis.
In an aspect, an inflatable apparatus for striking and propelling an object when affixed to a limb of a body comprises: first and second oppositely facing walls, the first wall defining a striking surface for striking and propelling the object therefrom; and one or more sidewalls extending between and connecting the first and second oppositely facing walls, wherein the one or more sidewalls define an opening configured to permit passage of the limb from an exterior of the apparatus into an interstitial space of the apparatus for affixing the apparatus on the limb. The inflatable apparatus further comprises one or more fluid-impermeable, expandable chambers in fluid communication with one or more ports whereby fluid introduced through the one or more ports enters into the one or more chambers for expanding the one or more chambers and tensioning the first wall defining the striking surface.
In another aspect, an inflatable apparatus for striking an object when affixed to a limb of a body comprises: first and second oppositely facing walls, each wall defining a striking surface for striking and propelling the object therefrom; and one or more sidewalls extending between and connecting the first and second oppositely facing walls, wherein the one or more sidewalls define an opening configured to permit passage of the limb from an exterior of the apparatus into an interstitial space of the apparatus for affixing the apparatus on the limb. The inflatable apparatus further comprises one or more fluid-impermeable, expandable chambers in fluid communication with one or more ports whereby fluid introduced through the one or more ports enters into the one or more chambers for expanding the one or more chambers and tensioning the first and second walls defining the striking surfaces.
In another aspect, an inflatable apparatus for striking an object when affixed to a limb of a body, comprises: first and second oppositely facing walls, each wall having an oval perimeter and defining a striking surface for striking and propelling the object therefrom; and a single sidewall extending between and connecting the first and second oppositely facing walls, wherein the single sidewall defines an opening configured to permit passage of the limb from an exterior of the apparatus into an interstitial space of the apparatus for affixing the apparatus on the limb. The inflatable apparatus further comprises one or more fluid-impermeable, expandable chambers in fluid communication with one or more ports whereby fluid introduced through the one or more ports enters into the one or more chambers for expanding the one or more chambers and tensioning the first and second walls defining the striking surfaces.
In a feature, the first and second oppositely facing walls have an oval perimeter.
In a feature, the first and second oppositely facing walls have a circular perimeter.
In a feature, the first wall is defined by one or more walls of the one or more chambers.
In a feature, the first and second oppositely facing walls are defined by one or more walls of the one or more chambers.
In a feature, the one or more sidewalls are defined by one or more walls of the one or more chambers.
In a feature, the apparatus further comprises an outer casing encapsulating the one or more chambers, the outer casing defining the first and second oppositely facing walls and the one or more sidewalls. The outer casing is or may not be fluid-impermeable.
In a feature, the apparatus further comprises an envelope extending from the opening in the one or more sidewalls into the interstitial space, the envelope being shaped and dimensioned to accommodate in a snug engagement the limb of the body to which the apparatus is affixed.
In a feature, the one or more ports each has a cap or valve.
In a feature, the apparatus further comprises a strap configured to extend across the opening of the envelope for fastening the inflatable apparatus to a limb.
In a feature, the apparatus is configured to permit passage of the limb completely through the interstitial space back out to the exterior of the apparatus through another opening for affixing the apparatus on the limb.
In another aspect, an inflatable apparatus for striking an object when affixed to a limb of a body comprises: first and second oppositely facing walls, each wall having an oval perimeter and defining a striking surface for striking and propelling the object therefrom; and a single sidewall extending between and connecting the first and second oppositely facing walls, wherein the single sidewall defines an opening configured to permit passage of the limb from an exterior of the apparatus into an interstitial space of the apparatus for affixing the apparatus on the limb. The inflatable apparatus further comprises a single air-impermeable, expandable chamber in fluid communication with a port whereby air introduced through the port enters into the chamber for inflating the chamber and tensioning the first and second walls defining the striking surfaces.
In another aspect, an apparatus for playing a paddle-type game system comprises one or more inflatable apparatus in accordance with any foregoing aspect and further comprises a ball as the object.
In another aspect, a method for playing a game includes striking and propelling an object from an inflatable apparatus affixed to a limb of a body, the apparatus comprising first and second oppositely facing walls, with the first wall defining a striking surface for striking and propelling the object therefrom, and one or more sidewalls extending between and connecting the first and second oppositely facing walls. This method comprises the steps of: inflating the apparatus by pumping a fluid through one or more ports that are in fluid communication with one or more fluid-impermeable, expandable chambers such that the fluid introduced through the one or more ports enters into the one or more chambers causing the one or more chambers to expand and tension the first wall defining the striking surface; inserting a limb into an opening defined by the one or more sidewalls into an interstitial space of the apparatus to affix the apparatus on the limb in a snug engagement; and propelling the object by moving the limb so as to forcibly strike the object with the striking surface of the first wall of the inflatable apparatus.
In a feature, this method further comprises propelling the object by moving the limb so as to forcibly strike the object with the second wall of the inflatable apparatus, the second wall defining a further striking surface and the expanded chambers further tensioning the second wall.
In a feature, the fluid comprises air.
In a feature, the fluid comprises a liquid.
In a feature, the fluid comprises water.
In a feature, the fluid comprises a gel.
In a feature, the fluid comprises an inert gas.
In a feature, the object comprises a paddle ball.
In a feature, the object comprises a racquetball.
In a feature, the object comprises a tennis ball.
In a feature, the object comprises a ping-pong ball.
In a feature, the object comprises a wiffle ball.
In a feature, the object comprises a plastic ball.
In a feature, the limb comprises a hand.
In a feature, the limb comprises an elbow.
In a feature, the limb comprises a foot.
In a feature, the limb comprises a knee.
In a feature, the limb comprises an arm.
In a feature, the limb comprises a leg.
In a feature, the limb comprises a shoulder.
In another aspect, a method for playing a game includes striking and propelling an object from an inflatable apparatus affixed to a limb of a body, the apparatus comprising means for affixing the apparatus to the limb of the body, and means for tensioning a surface of the inflatable apparatus for striking and propelling the object therefrom. The method comprises the steps of affixing the apparatus to the limb of the body and propelling the object by moving the limb so as to forcibly strike the object with the striking surface.
Additional aspects and features are disclosed in the drawings and in the appendix containing the disclosure of the incorporated provisional patent application from which priority is claimed.
In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the invention, it should be noted that the invention further encompasses the various logical combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, claims in this or a divisional or continuing patent application or applications may be separately directed to any aspect, feature, or embodiment disclosed herein, or combination thereof, without requiring any other aspect, feature, or embodiment.
One or more preferred embodiments of the invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention may incorporate only one or a plurality of the aspects of the invention disclosed herein; only one or a plurality of the features disclosed herein; or combination thereof. As such, many embodiments are implicitly disclosed herein and fall within the scope of what is regarded as the invention.
Accordingly, while the invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the invention in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the invention be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.
Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
With regard solely to construction of any claim with respect to the United States, no claim element is to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to and should apply in the interpretation of such claim element. With regard to any method claim including a condition precedent step, such method requires the condition precedent to be met and the step to be performed at least once but not necessarily every time during performance of the claimed method.
Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “comprising” is open-ended insofar as that which follows such term is not exclusive. Additionally, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” is the same as “a picnic basket comprising an apple” and “a picnic basket including an apple”, each of which identically describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside an apple. In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside an apple. In contrast, “a picnic basket consisting of an apple” has only a single item contained therein, i.e., one apple; the picnic basket contains no other item.
When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside cheese and crackers.
When used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list”. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers”, as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside cheese and crackers.
The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of items joined by “and” denotes an item of the list but does not require every item of the list. Thus, “at least one of an apple and an orange” encompasses the following mutually exclusive scenarios: there is an apple but no orange; there is an orange but no apple; and there is both an apple and an orange. In these scenarios if there is an apple, there may be more than one apple, and if there is an orange, there may be more than one orange. Moreover, the phrase “one or more” followed by a list of items joined by “and” is the equivalent of “at least one” followed by the list of items joined by “and”.
Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.
Turning now to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of an inflatable apparatus 10 in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention is shown in
A sidewall 20 extends between and connects the first and second oppositely facing walls 12,16. Each of the sidewall 20 and two oppositely facing walls 12,16 preferably is defined by a sheet of material, such as a thin-walled polyvinyl chloride resin, a poly rubberized sheet, a latex sheet, silicone sheet, or a rubber sheet. The sidewall 20 and two oppositely facing walls 14,18 preferably are secured together in an airtight manner such as by welding or bonding.
The sidewall 20 defines an opening 22 that is configured to permit passage of a limb from an exterior of the apparatus into an interstitial space 24 of the apparatus 10 for affixing the apparatus 10 on the limb. Exemplary interstitial spaces are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,755,820, which is incorporated herein by reference. Indeed, an open-ended interstitial space is disclosed in
The apparatus 10 preferably may be affixed to a limb independent of the orientation of the striking surfaces 14,18, e.g., either striking surface may be oriented on the frontside or backside of a hand. This perhaps is illustrated best by comparing
The sidewall 20 and oppositely facing walls 14,18 define a fluid-impermeable, expandable chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with a port 26 that is located on the sidewall 20; the port preferably is not located on a wall defining a striking surface. The port 26 preferably includes a cap and valve. Fluid introduced through the port 26 enters into the chamber for expanding the chamber and tensioning the first and second walls 12,16 defining the striking surfaces 14,18. While a single airtight chamber is illustrated in connection with the inflatable apparatus 10, other preferred embodiments comprise multiple chambers that are interconnected and in fluid communication with one another, as disclosed and taught by U.S. Pat. No. 3,217,333, which is incorporated herein by reference. In use, a limb is inserted into through the opening 22 into the interstitial space 24 whereby the inflatable apparatus 10 is affixed to the limb. The interstitial space 24 is shaped to enable the region of the limb to easily, yet securely, be introduced therein. This is best shown collective in
Another preferred embodiment of an inflatable apparatus 30 in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention is now discussed with reference to
A paddle-type game preferably includes and is played using one or more inflatable apparatus of the invention to propel an object such as a ball by striking the ball with a striking surface. A method for playing such a game includes striking and propelling the object from an inflatable apparatus affixed to a limb of a body, including the steps of inflating the apparatus by pumping a fluid through one or more ports that are in fluid communication with one or more fluid-impermeable, expandable chambers such that the fluid introduced through the one or more ports enters into the one or more chambers causing the one or more chambers to expand and tension the first wall defining the striking surface; inserting a limb into an opening defined by the one or more sidewalls into an interstitial space of the apparatus to affix the apparatus on the limb in a snug engagement; and propelling the object by moving the limb so as to forcibly strike the object with the striking surface of the first wall of the inflatable apparatus. The fluid, such as pressurized air, preferably is introduced through the air inlets to inflate the chambers at a predetermined pressure. The method further comprises propelling the object by moving the limb so as to forcibly strike the object with the second wall of the inflatable apparatus, the second wall defining a further striking surface and the expanded chambers further tensioning the second wall. Also, if the fluid is air, then each chamber may be pressurized to a desired air pressure, depending on the type of paddle game being played, and the comfort of the player. For example, a high-pressure air can be introduced into the chamber to enable a ball to be propelled a further distance.
Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the invention has broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the invention.
For example, an apparatus may comprise an outer casing or shell encapsulating the one or more chambers and defining the first and second oppositely facing walls and the one or more sidewalls, which outer casing may or may not be air impermeable. The outer casing may be made from the same or different material than the oppositely facing walls and one or more sidewalls. The outer casing may be made from a thin-walled polyvinyl chloride resin, a poly rubberized sheet, a latex bladder, silicone, leather, rubber, and an air impermeable sheet. Furthermore, the outer casing may define a rounded edge, a squared edge, a geometrically shaped edge, or an irregularly shaped edge.
The apparatus further may comprise an envelope that extends from the opening in the sidewall and that lines the interstitial space, which envelope may or may not be air impermeable. The envelope preferably is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate in a snug engagement the limb of the body to which the apparatus is intended to be affixed. The envelope may have a generally square or rectangular shape; a generally elongated shape; or a generally L-shaped or U-shaped configuration.
Additionally, the apparatus further may comprise a strap that is configured to extend across the opening for fastening the inflatable apparatus to a limb.
To summarize in conclusion, the inflatable apparatus of the invention preferably is shaped and dimensioned to enable the region of the limb to easily, yet securely, be introduced therein. Once the region of the limb is securely affixed inside the inflatable apparatus, a player can play an eclectic assortment of paddle-type games using the inflatable apparatus in lieu of the standard rigid wooden or metal or fiberglass paddles/racquets that are known in the art. Indeed, the inflatable apparatus is considered a paddle insofar as it may be used as a substitute for a traditional paddle and the striking surfaces of the oppositely facing walls correspond to a blade of a traditional paddle.
In some embodiments the inflatable apparatus comprise one or more chambers that are durable, resilient, and support internal pressurization. The chambers are in fluid communication with a port or an air inlet, so as to be inflated at a desired pressure. The chambers may be air impermeable. In some embodiments, only one chamber is used. In other embodiments, a plurality of chambers are used. The outer casing also may have a rounded edge, a squared edge, a geometrically shaped edge, or an irregularly shaped edge.
In some embodiments, an envelope resides inside the one or more chambers. The envelope may simply be a gap that forms between chambers, or an additional sheathed component that resides between a space that forms between the chambers. The envelope preferably is shaped and dimensioned to enable introduction of the limb of the body. The envelope may have various shapes, so as to enable a comfortable, yet snug introduction of the limb. For example, if only one chamber is used, the envelope preferably is integral in the central region of the one chamber; however, if multiple chambers are used, then the envelope preferably comprises a gap that forms between the chambers. Such a gap enables the limb to be centrally located within the overall inflatable apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment, the limb is a hand that fits into the envelope up to the wrist. Upon inflation, the outer casing—or the chambers if there is no outer casing—is stretched tightly over the internally pressurized chambers so that the inflatable apparatus has resiliency and liveliness for playing the paddle-type game.
In yet another embodiment, a system includes a resilient outer casing that is durable and supports internal pressurization. The outer casing is sized and dimensioned to encapsulate one or more chambers. In one embodiment, the outer casing is not substantially air impermeable, and the one or more chambers provide the air barrier. The outer casing may have a rounded edge, a squared edge, a geometrically shaped edge, or an irregularly shaped edge; however, in other embodiments, there is no outer casing, whereby the chambers themselves form the exterior surface of the inflatable paddles.
The paddle-type game systems of the invention having the inflatable apparatus represent a unique twist on standard paddle-type games. The paddle-type games in which the inflatable apparatus are contemplated for use include, without limitation, paddle ball, racquetball, tennis, a ping-pong, and a light-weight, resilient plastic ball; however, in other embodiments, additional sports and games that require striking an object may also utilize the inflatable apparatus. A user swings the region of the limb to which the inflatable apparatus is affixed for striking a ball, and two players can repeatedly bounce a ball back and forth between themselves across a barrier, such as a net, using the inflatable apparatus.
As discussed above, the inflatable apparatus are detachably affixed to at least one region of the limbs on a human body. This can include the hand, the elbow, the foot, the knee, the arm, and the leg. Thus, using the inflatable apparatus various parts of the human body may be used to strike a ball. In one non-limiting embodiment, a game may be played where the player strikes the ball with the inflatable apparatus affixed to a hand or elbow.
If only one chamber is used, then the entire chamber preferably surrounds the limb to which the inflatable apparatus is affixed. If there are two or more chambers, then those chambers preferably surround the limb or at least are located between the interstitial space and the walls defining the striking services. In an exemplary embodiment, two equally sized chambers lie adjacent to each other on opposite sides of a limb of the player adjacent striking surface of the apparatus. In embodiments, the chambers may have a rounded edge, a squared edge, a geometrically shaped edge, or an irregularly shaped edge. In other embodiments, finger shapes or digits are defined by and extend from edges of the chambers to provide a hand-like shape.
An envelope may reside inside the one or more chambers. The envelope can be a sealed panel that is smooth and comfortable to the limbs, including an additional sheathed component that resides between a space that forms between the chambers. In other embodiments, the envelope may simply be a gap that forms between chambers. The envelope is shaped and dimensioned to enable introduction of the limb of the body.
The envelope may have various shapes, so as to enable a comfortable, yet snug introduction of the limb. In one embodiment, the envelope has a generally square or rectangular shape to accommodate a hand. In another embodiment, the envelope has a generally elongated shape to accommodate a shin of a leg. In another embodiment, the envelope has a generally L-shaped or U-shaped configuration to accommodate a foot. In any case, the envelope and possibly even the chamber is shaped to correspond to a region of the limbs.
In yet another embodiment, the inflatable apparatus includes a resilient outer casing that forms an outer seal to the chambers and the envelope. The outer casing, similar to the chambers, is durable and supports internal pressurization. The outer casing preferably is sized and dimensioned to encapsulate the one or more chambers. In one embodiment, the outer casing is not substantially air impermeable, and the one or more chambers provide the air barrier.
Also, similar to the chambers, the outer casing \can have a rounded edge, a squared edge, a geometrically shaped edge, or an irregularly shaped edge; however, in other embodiments, there is no outer casing, whereby the chambers themselves form the exterior surface of the inflatable apparatus. Thus, if only one chamber is used, the envelope is integral in the central region of the one chamber; however, if multiple chambers are used, the envelope may be substantially a gap, or limb-shaped opening, that forms between adjacent chambers. Such a gap enables the limb to be centrally located within the overall inflatable apparatus.
In one exemplary embodiment, the limb is a hand that fits into the envelope up to the wrist. Upon inflation, the outer casing is stretched tightly over the internally pressurized chambers so that the inflatable apparatus has resiliency and liveliness for playing the racket-type game. The hand swings in a forward or backward motion, such that the surface of the chambers, or the outer casing, engages with the ball. Various types of paddle-styled games can be played with such an inflatable apparatus.
In one alternative embodiment, the chambers can be filled with a liquid, a gel, or an inert gas. The pressure can be regulated, similar to the air inflatable version. Furthermore, the liquid or gel filling can have a different effect on the ball when struck, since the tension and pressure of the inflatable apparatus will be different with different fluids.
In conclusion, paddle-type of the invention utilize inflatable apparatus that detachably affix to at least one region of the limbs on the body for striking a ball during game play. The inflatable apparatus are shaped to enable the region of the limb to easily, yet securely, be introduced therein. The inflatable apparatus have one or more chambers that are in fluid communication with an inlet or port for inflation of the chambers. The chambers may or may not reside inside a resilient outer shell or casing. If used with an outer shell or casing, the outer shell or casing may not be substantially air impermeable, but the chambers are and provide the air barrier. The chambers may have a rounded edge, or other shape forming the outer edge. An envelope may reside inside the chambers, with the envelope being shaped to enable introduction of a limb. The envelope may have various shapes to enable a comfortable, yet snug introduction of the limb.
An example of another inflatable apparatus 90 is illustrated in
Accordingly, while the invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application 63/160,791, filed Mar. 13, 2021, which provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein. The disclosure of the provisional patent application is set forth in the appendix, incorporated hereby by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63160791 | Mar 2021 | US |
