Patent Application
20230021178
This disclosure relates to a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure relates to a pickleball paddle for use in playing pickleball. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure relates to a paddle airflow and stabilization system and methods of increasing speed and stability of a paddle for enhanced capabilities.
At least a portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files and/or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and data as described below and in the drawings that form a part of this document. Copyright Oscar Montes. Copyright Oneshot Pickleball. All rights reserved.
Competitive sports are well known in the art. A competitive sport is generally any physical activity in which competitors compete against one another in an attempt to achieve a particular goal. The present disclosure, in particular, relates to paddle sports. Paddle sports, generally speaking, are played on a court and sometimes have a net or structure which opponents are required to hit a ball or other object over. Tennis, racquetball, pickleball, padel, badminton, squash, and ping pong (or table tennis) are a few examples of paddle or racket sports.
Various racket sports have grown significantly in popularity in recent years. Pickleball is one example of racket sports that have grown in popularity in recent years. Pickleball is a paddleball sport that includes various components of other paddle sports, such as badminton, table tennis, and tennis. Pickleball can be played one on one, two on two, three on three, or more.
In traditional pickleball, each player has a solid paddle made of wood or other composite materials and uses these paddles to hit a small ball over a net. Generally, a pickleball is like a wiffle ball because it has perforations and is generally made of a plastic or polymer. Pickleball was originally invented as a backyard game but has grown rapidly in popularity and grown more competitive. Pickleball now includes major tournaments including a U.S. Pickleball National Championship as well as a U.S. Open Pickleball Championship. Furthermore, there are several large international tournaments.
The original pickleball paddles were made of plywood roughly cut by a saw. While pickleball paddles have improved since the original paddles nearly 50 years ago, there is still a need for improvement of paddles facing the art. Little improvements in pickleball paddles or similar paddles have been made over the years. With regulations and particular needs of a paddle, it is difficult to make improvements, outside of the materials being used in production.
Thus, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved paddle and features which make a player more competitive, comfortable, accurate, and the like. For this reason, there are long-felt needs for an improved paddle design. The present disclosure provides a new and unique paddle design which goes against what would normally be thought as an improvement in paddle design in the art.
The disclosure herein provides these advantages and others as will become clear from the specification and claims provided.
A paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use are presented herein. The present disclosure, presented herein, relates to a pickleball paddle for use in playing pickleball. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure relates to a paddle airflow and stabilization system and methods of increasing speed and stability of a paddle for enhanced capabilities.
Said another way, the present disclosure provides a novel paddle and various features which improve upon weight, accuracy, speed, stability, and overall handling, among other features and functionality.
Thus, it is a primary object of the disclosure to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that improves upon the state of the art.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that are accurate.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that are easy to handle.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that provide improved stabilization features.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that provides for airflow through the paddle.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that provides the state of the art with a unique modification to sports equipment.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that provides the state of the art with a unique paddle.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that provides the state of the art with a novel pickleball paddle.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that provides a pickleball paddle with openings.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that improves upon aerodynamic features of paddles which exist in the art.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that improves upon traditional pickleball paddle shapes.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that provides a novel paddle with a plurality of perforated semicircles.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that provides the state of the art with a paddle with perforations which is still balanced.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that reduces air resistance of a pickleball paddle.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that provides a lighter, or less weight, pickleball paddle.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that improves upon functionality in the state of the art of competitive paddles.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that provide stability features in the state of the art of paddles.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that improves upon the accuracy in the swing of a user.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that reduces resistance for the swing of a user.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that are easy for a user to implement.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that improves upon accuracy of the state of the art.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that provide improvements which can be implemented in various types of paddles.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that improves upon the state of the art while allowing for traditional graphics and the like to be used.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that reduces air resistance while improving upon accuracy and the ability to contact the ball.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that are quick and efficient.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that are robust.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that enhances the performance of a user.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that are high quality.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a paddle, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use that improves upon the acceleration of the paddle when in use.
These and other objects, features, or advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and claims.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that mechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure(s). The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure(s) is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, front, back, end, sides and the like are referenced according to the views, pieces and figures presented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, databases, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it should be appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use are presented. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure provides the state of the art with a pickleball paddle for use in playing pickleball. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure provides the state of the art with an improved paddle and/or a paddle airflow and stabilization system and methods of increasing speed and stability of a paddle for enhanced capabilities.
System:
With reference to the figures, a paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use 10 are presented. Paddle airflow and stabilization system, a paddle apparatus, and methods of use 10 (hereafter referred to as “paddle system”, “pickleball paddle system”, “paddle airflow system”, “paddle stabilization system”, or simply “system”) is formed of any suitable size, shape and design.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 is configured to provide acceleration in a paddle which improves upon the state of the art. Said another way, system 10 is configured to provide a paddle with reduced weight, with a plurality of apertures, which are configured to reduce drag and provide for a faster paddle swing. In one arrangement, and in one embodiment, system 10 is more efficient than the standard paddles in the state of the art. This improvement is a large improvement in aerodynamics over the state of the art.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the main structure of system 10 also includes a paddle system having an end cap 20, a handle 40, a band or damper, may also include a pallet 70, a paddle 100, and a plurality of stabilization features 120 and/or airflow features 120, among other components, features and functionality. Furthermore, and in the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 may also include a user, a table, and a ball or birdie, among other components, features, and functionality.
User (or Plurality Thereof):
In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 may include a plurality of users. Plurality of users (also referred to as “player”, or “competitor”, or simply “handler”) may be any user interacting with or utilizing the system 10. This may include viewing, controlling, swinging, manipulating, and/or competing with system 10. User is not limited to a single user but may be a plurality of users. User is generally the term used to describe competitors that are using the paddle system in a competition, fun game, combination thereof, or the like.
Court:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 may also include a court (also referred to as a “pickleball court”, a “table”, or simply a “table”). Pickleball court is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to provide boundaries and environment for which players engage in competition and/or sport. The court may include, but is not limited to boundary lines, a playing surface, a net, a net support, lighting, crowd systems, and the like.
Ball:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 may also include a ball (also referred to as a “pickleball”, a “wiffleball”, a “birdie”, or simply a “ball”, depending on the sport being engaged). Pickleball is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured as the primary engagement target of a pickleball paddle. The ball is the object which players hit over a net and attempt to keep elevated in the game of pickleball and/or cause the opponents to miss and/or not be able to hit the ball.
Paddle System:
In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes a paddle system (also referred to as a “racket”, a “pickleball paddle”, or simply a “paddle”). Pickleball paddle is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to provide an improvement upon the state of the art by providing a pickleball paddle which has reduced air resistance and stabilization features. The various features of the improved pickleball paddle will be discussed further herein and become apparent in the specification and claims herein.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the pickleball paddle system includes an end cap 20, a handle 40, a band, a pallet 70, a paddle 100, and a plurality of stabilization feature 120, among other components, arrangements, and functionalities, as will become apparent herein.
End Cap: In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes a handle base 20 (also referred to as a “handle base”, a “grip feature”, or simply a “cap”). Handle base 20 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to provide an end enclosure to the handle and grip features (to be further described herein), as well as, provide a grip feature which further aids in preventing the paddle from escaping the hand of a user while also aiding in control and the like of a user, when handling the paddle.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the end cap 20 is a small almost circular like feature when viewed from the top with a hollow interior for which the handle of the paddle system can slip into. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the end cap 20 extends a length from a first end 22 or base of the handle, to a second end 24 where the end cap is an integral part of the handle. The end cap 20 of the handle also has side portions which are slightly angled from a wider base portion to the more slender handle portion. The end cap 20 also includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface of which is shown wrapped in an additional grip feature (to be further described herein).
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the end cap 20 is an integrated part of the handle 40. In this way, the end cap 20 is not necessarily a standalone feature, but rather an integrated part of the handle 40. Furthermore, and in the arrangement shown, as one example, the end cap 20 acts as a slightly wider part at the base of the handle such that the paddle is less likely to slip out of the hand or hands of a user.
Handle: In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes a handle 40 (also referred to as a “pickleball handle”, a “grip”, or simply a “handle”). Pickleball handle 40 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to provide a place for a user to hold and control the paddle system. Said another way, the handle 40 is the primary contact component of the paddle system with the hand of a user. The handle 40, in this way, is configured for the user to fit within the user's palm with fingers wrapped around the handle, generally speaking.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the handle 40 extends a length from a first end 42—nearest the end cap and/or base of the handle—to a second end—nearest the paddle portion or damper (if applicable). The handle 40 also includes an exterior surface 46. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the handle 40 also includes, attached and/or wrapped around the exterior surface an additional grip feature 48.
Band: In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes a handle band (also referred to as a “handle band”, a “damper”, or simply a “band”). Band is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to secure the grip feature and/or the handle to the paddle feature. Furthermore, band may be configured with logos or brand names of the maker.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the band extends a length from a first end to a second and is circular in shape when viewed from the top with a hollow interior. Bands come in many sizes and shapes. Generally a band is formed of an elastic like material with a higher rigidity ratio than a typical rubber band. In this way, the band is configured to hold particular items securely in place and with close and tight tolerances, even during vigorous competition.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, paddle system does not include a band. Instead the handle and grip feature of the handle connect directly to the paddle 100 (to be further described herein). In this alternative embodiment, no band is needed due to the construction and/or assembly of the paddle system.
Paddle: In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes a paddle 100 (also referred to as a “pickleball paddle”, a “racket paddle”, or simply a “paddle”). Paddle 100 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to engage the ball as an extension from the handle and includes a plurality of various features and components. Paddle 100 as used as part of the paddle system refers to the end of the paddle system as opposed to the entire system.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the paddle 100 extends a length from a first end 102—nearest the handle and/or band—to a second end 104. The paddle has opposing sides which may be wrapped and/or fitted with an edge guard 116. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the paddle 100 includes a front surface 108 and a rear surface 110. The front and/or rear surface may have a differentiated core 112 therebetween and may also be covered with graphics and/or other surface coatings. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the paddle 100 may also include a pallet as well as stabilization features 120 (to be further described herein).
Pallet: In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes a pallet 70 (also referred to as a “core”, a “pallet core”, or simply a “pallet”). Pallet 70 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured as the primary structure which is used in the interaction with the paddle and the ball during gameplay. Generally, pallet 70 is the interior and not the surface which directly engages in contact with the ball.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the pallet 70 is a core feature and may include a surface feature on the front and back which engages in contact with the ball. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the pallet 70 is specifically designed to include the aerodynamic and/or stabilization features (to be further described herein). In one example, the pallet 70 extends into the interior space of the handle. However, pallet 70 may also be used to describe only the surface portion or paddle portion of the paddle system, and may not extend into the interior of the handle.
Stabilization Features: In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes a plurality of stabilization features 120 (also referred to as a “aerodynamic features”, a “airflow features”, or simply a “perforations”). Stabilization features 120 are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to provide reduced air friction in the use of a paddle, airflow through the paddle surface, stabilization of the paddle in use through the airflow being created by the movement of the paddle, and more.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the aerodynamic features 120 greatly improve upon the acceleration of a paddle by a user. The aerodynamic features 120 enable and are configured to provide an improved and more efficient paddle so that a user can swing the paddle faster. In this way, the aerodynamic features provide for improved draf efficiency.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the plurality of stabilizations features 120 are configured to stabilize the paddle. In this way, the stabilization occurs from airflow moving through the stabilization features 120. In this way, the airflow turns into a feature that guides the paddle, for improved accuracy, rather than diverts the paddle. Air resistance causes paddles to become wobbly or move off course due to the movement of the paddle, especially when moved at a greater velocity.
Therefore, and in the arrangement shown, the airflow and stabilization features instead harness this airflow to stabilize the paddle. In the use of the paddle and the movement of the paddle through the air, air is diverted through the stabilization features rather than around the exterior surface of the paddle. This airflow which would typically cause turbulence and/or fluid turbulence at the edge of a paddle now flows in a more laminar air movement through the stabilization features 120.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, stabilization features 120 are formed of a plurality of semi-circular shapes which are balanced and/or equivalent in number at each of the opposing sides of the paddle. The unique design, balance design, shape of the stabilization features 120 and the like, in the arrangement shown, as one example, is critical in directing airflow and producing a laminar flow for the stabilization of the paddle and/or movement of the air current in a directed way so as to stabilize the paddle.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the stabilization features are formed of 4 semi-circular shapes which also include an edge guard. In this arrangement, the edge guard additionally further acts as an air stabilization feature because the air guard causes air to move through a dictated shape of the stabilization features 120 shown (as one example).
However, another embodiment, hereby contemplated for use reduces the edge guard. In this example, the edge guard may still exist around the remainder of the paddle edge. However, at the location of stabilization features, there is no edge guard. In another example, the edge guard follows the shape of the stabilization features, instead of moving in a straight line across the surface and/or outer surface of the stabilization features.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, the interior surface and/or the surface of the stabilization features 120 which is opposite the edge guard is generally flat and semi-circular in shape. Furthermore, the interior surface is configured at a perpendicular angle to the front surface of the paddle. Similarly, the interior surface of the stabilization features is configured at a perpendicular and/or ninety degree angle to the rear surface of the paddle. However, other arrangements are hereby contemplated for use. Other configurations may include a generally smooth surface and/or cam-like surface which does not have any sharp edges. In this way, a smoother surface for airflow can be achieved. Said another way, the alternative embodiment of the interior surface is gradual and rounded in a continuous smooth surface at the point of the stabilization features from the front surface of the paddle to the interior surface of the stabilization features to the rear surface of the paddle.
In yet another alternative embodiment, other types of airflow stabilization features are also hereby contemplated for use. Other surfaces includes, but are not limited to, a square transitions surface, a beveled transition surface, a bullnose transition surface, a mitored transition surface, as well as other angles.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, each of the plurality of stabilization features 120 is shaped as a semi-circle when viewed from the front. However, other shapes for each of the plurality of stabilization features are hereby contemplated for use. Other shapes include, but are not limited to a square shape, a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape, a triangular shape, an elliptical shape, a combination thereof, and the like.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, each of the opposing sides includes an equal number of stabilization features 120. However, these stabilization features 120 may be differing in shapes and sizes, depending on the desired application. For example, a different number may be utilized to help a user gain spin on the ball due to the change in airflow caused on the opposing sides of the paddle with variations in number, and the like.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, each of the opposing sides of the paddle includes four aerodynamic features. However, other numbers of aerodynamic features 120 are hereby contemplated for use. This includes, but is not limited to one aerodynamic feature, two aerodynamic features, three aerodynamic features, five aerodynamic features, six aerodynamic features, seven aerodynamic features, eight stabilization features, nine stabilization features, or more stabilization features 120.
In another alternative embodiment, additional stabilization features may be added at the top or bottom portions of the paddle in addition to and/or in lieu of stabilization features at the opposing sides of the paddle. Furthermore, in yet another alternative embodiment, additional stabilization features may be added near the corners and/or into the body and/or internal area of the paddle.
In addition to the above identified features, options, controls, and components, system 10 may also include other features and functionalities, among other options, controls, and components.
In Operation:
Various methods are hereby contemplated for use and are apparent from the disclosure herein. As one example, a user will move the paddle system through the air by holding the handle of the paddle. The interior portion of the paddle and/or front surface will cause air to displace to the sides and/or edge of the paddle. The stabilization features will direct air current through the stabilization apertures, which will in turn stabilize the paddle, eliminate wobble of the paddle, cause the paddle to be able to move through the air more swiftly and with less force resistance than traditional paddles, and more.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the system, process, and method of use without parting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.
The present application claims priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/223,118 which was filed on Jul. 19, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, including any figures, tables, or drawings.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63223118 | Jul 2021 | US |
