Patent Application
20250090915
The invention relates primarily to a sports training device. More specifically, the present invention is a new paddle sport training device.
Pickleball is gaining popularity both in the United States and worldwide, not only as a competitive sport, but also as social and leisure activity. Often described as resembling a hybrid between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, players reap the mental and physical benefits of this fast-paced but low impact game.
A general pickleball setup up comprises a 20′ by 44′ court, a net that is 36″ high at the ends and 34″ high at the center, a perforated plastic ball, and a paddle. Unlike the face of a tennis racket which comprises a network of strings which compress upon contacting a tennis ball to propel the ball forward, a pickleball paddle is solid and comprised of rigid materials which do not compress upon contact with the perforated plastic pickleball. These differences in equipment performance require entirely different techniques for the user to operate successfully. For example, compared to tennis, pickleball strokes are not only shorter and quicker, but can also require distinct wrist manipulations and angles. As such, there is an unmet need for a pickleball training aid to help players develop proper pickleball technique and build wrist strength.
Many paddle-based sports training devices exist in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,566,252 (“Bolster”) discloses a swimming assist device which attaches to the user's wrist to aid in proper wrist position during swim strokes. However, the Bolster device cannot be readily adapted for use in racket and/or paddle sports, because the hand portion is specifically shaped to provide propulsion for the user through the water. Additionally, the Bolster device would pose a safety threat to a user on solid ground, versus water, because in the case of a fall onto a hard surface the user may not be able to catch him/herself, and/or may land awkwardly on his/her wrist, because of the Bolster device's design.
Of course, other known prior art devices are specifically adapted to training for racket sports, and yet none provide the features or benefits of the present invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,367,871 (“Schiefer”) discloses a tennis-type racquet with a lockable hinge built into the handle. The Schiefer device is held at the handle by a user in order to develop proper tennis stroke technique. However, not only is the Schiefer device designed specifically for tennis strokes, but it also does not help with development of proper wrist angles. Another prior art device, disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0028286 (“Malkin”), consists of a glove and wrist brace and a tether which partially restricts the angle of flexion (bending forward) of the wrist. However, the Malkin device does not restrict the angle of extension (bending backward) of the wrist, nor does it impact the position of the user's hand (fingers, etc.) during use. Lastly, the Malkin device is separate from the racket and/or paddle and not a full-integrated training device. Many of the drawbacks of these prior art devices are due to the fact that the wrist movement (whip) is an essential aspect of a tennis swing, unlike a pickleball swing.
Moreover, an optimal pickleball swing is unique from those in other racquet sports because the best shots are soft with a low trajectory and control, unlike tennis in which hard shots are often preferred. In particular, one advanced technique in pickleball is called the “third shot drop”, in which the player hits the ball softly enough to cross the net yet still land in front of his opponents who are standing on the other side of the non-volley zone. If this is performed on the third shot, the player performing it is on the serving team, but has just neutralized the advantage that typically applies to the receiving team by getting all of the teams positioned forward against their non-volley zones. Because the pickleball paddle is hard and not strung like a tennis racquet, hitting this shot properly requires a specific angle of flexion (which may vary depending on the height of the player) to enable the ball to come off the face of the paddle and proceed forward across the net but without too much force which would otherwise send it back over the opposing team's shoulder. Thus, prior art innovations that may be adapted for other racquet sports are nevertheless not optimized for the game of pickleball.
As such, none of the devices found in the art, alone or in combination, provide the same unmet need as the device described herein. Thus, it would be advantageous to have a device and method for developing proper pickleball technique that avoids these and other drawbacks of the prior art.
Accordingly, disclosed herein is an inventive pickleball training device comprising a body portion, a handle portion, and attachment means to secure a user's hand to said body portion and a user's wrist/forearm to said handle portion. Further, the body and hand portions are linked via a friction or torque hinge such that the relative angle between the body and handle of the inventive device, and accordingly the relative angle between the hand and wrist of the user, can be held securely in place (subject to the application of force to the hinge).
As will be seen, the innovative device thus enables the user to practice taking various pickleball shots with his her hand held at a specific, optimized angle relative to his/her wrist, thus developing muscle memory for a specific hand angle with respect to each specific shot that is practiced. The innovative device thus provides numerous advantages to the user, including: muscle memory for soft shots with control and low trajectory; training on how to maintain a light grip on the paddle (as will be seen, the user does not grip the innovative device at all during practice), and; the development of larger muscles vs. smaller (wrist) muscles, all of which will improve the pickleball game of the user.
The foregoing objects, features and attendant benefits of this invention will, in part, be pointed out with particularity and will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment and certain modifications thereof when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings:
In embodiments, the disclosed paddle training aid device, and corresponding methods, comprises a paddle body, referred to herein as the “body”, for both contacting a pickleball and for attachment to the hand of a user. In embodiments, the body is attached to the device arm mounting bracket, referred to herein as the “handle”, by one or more hinges. In some embodiments, the body and handle can be linked via a friction hinge, alternatively referred to herein as a torque hinge, further connected to a pivot hinge. In some embodiments, the friction hinge is integrated into the body. In some embodiments, the body is connected to a non-integrated torque/friction hinge, and in some further embodiments, the non-integrated torque/friction hinge is further connected to a pivot hinge.
As used herein, the terms “friction hinge” or “torque hinge” refer to any type of hinge which provides resistance to the pivoting motion of the hinge itself. The resistance may be provided by the friction between adjacent portions of the hinge itself, and/or may be a curl type hinge, in which the movement of the hinge rotates a shaft inside a rolled spring sheet, a disc type hinge, in which the hinge includes a stack of discs wherein some move with the motion of the hinge leaves and others are stationary, or a pipe type hinge, in which a shaft press-fitted into a plastic pipe is rotated, or other types known in the art. Such a hinge may also be referred to in the art as a “position control hinge”. The present invention encompasses any type of hinge which holds the hinges leaves (and thus the components to which such leaves are affixed) at a specific relative position and resists movement from that position, up to a predetermined level of force. Accordingly, when the frictional force is overcome by the user exerting a specific amount of force on the hinge (which of course may vary based on the size/shape of the components to which each leaf of the hinge is affixed), the hinge used in the innovative device will move smoothly in the direct of such force. In alternative embodiments, the hinge can be a type of hinge known in the art as a living hinge.
Returning to the present invention, the body and handle further comprise attachment means for attaching a user's hand and forearm to the inventive device. In preferred embodiments, the body portion has attachment means sized and adapted to be attached to a user's hand (either the front or the back of the hand) whereas the handle portion of the inventive device has attachment means which are sized and adapted to be attached to the portion of user's forearm adjacent to the user's wrist (again, either on the front or the back of the forearm, dependent on whether the body is attached to the front or the back of the user's hand).
When the device is attached to either the front or back of a user's hand/forearm, the friction hinge allows for rotation between the handle and body of the device, and thereby rotation about the user's wrist from a neutral radioulnar position into a flexion or extension position, thereby orienting a user's hand to a preferred angle relative to the user's forearm. As used herein, the “neutral radioulnar” position of the wrist refers to an angle of about 180°+/−about 10° between the forearm and hand. As used herein, the term “flexion” refers to a position that decreases the angle between two body parts. In embodiments, flexion refers to a position wherein the angle between a human's palm and forearm is less than 180°. In embodiments, “extension” refers to a position that increases the angle between two body parts. In embodiments, extension refers to a position wherein the angle between a human's palm and forearm is greater than 180°. As described herein, these angles are relative to the radioulnar plane of the arm. As described herein, the radioulnar plane is perpendicular to the transverse axis of the upright human body when arms and hands are raised perpendicular to the torso. In some preferred embodiments, the preferred range of flexion or extension provided by the inventive device is between 10° and 60°, or between 20° and 50°, or between 30° and 40°, or between 10° and 20°, or between 20° and 30°, or between 40° and 50°, or between 50° and 60° degrees of deviation from the radioulnar plane of the arm.
As described herein, a friction or torque hinge is a hinge which provides resistance to the pivoting motion of the hinge itself. In particular, the friction hinge of the inventive device operates to secure the angle of the inventive device's body relative to the handle at a desired angle. Thus, when a user's hand and forearm are secured to the body and handle of the inventive device, the inventive device secures the user's hand in a particular flexion or extension position relative to the user's forearm. As used here, the terms “secure” or “secured” mean that the angle between the body and handle, and by extension the angle between the user's hand and forearm, is maintained under normal operating conditions by the resistance of the friction hinge to the pivoting motion of the hinge itself. Importantly, the mechanism employed by the inventive device to secure the body and handle portions of the device is resistant, but not impervious, to rotation between the handle and the body. Thus, in the event that the user has fastened the device to his/her hand and forearm, as is anticipated in preferred methods of using the inventive device, the user's hand and forearm are not locked in a specified angle relative to one another, such that they can move relative to one another under great force, such as might occur if the user falls on his or her hands. This is a safety feature of the inventive device. Moreover, as will be described, it is contemplated that the inventive device can be used either on the front or the back of a user's hand. Thus, it may be necessary to move the position of the handle relative to the body of the inventive device to alternate between these two preferred means of use. Such movement can be achieved by applying a force to the body and/or handle of the inventive device. Thus, in preferred embodiments, the force that it would require to move the friction hinge in the inventive device can be less than that which could be applied by an adult of average strength (such as by holding the handle and pressing the body against a table or other solid surface), but more than would be applied by just the hand and forearm of an adult by the action of swinging his/her arm as would be done during a game of pickleball, and the force hitting a pickleball.
As used herein, the term “pivot hinge” may refer to any device which allows components attached to opposing sides of the pivot hinge to turn or swivel relative to one another in both directions, typically about a central point or axis. As it pertains to the present invention, the contemplated pivot hinge enables the body of the inventive device to swivel within the primary plane of the body, and laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle. This movement can be appreciated by a comparison of
Thus, when in use, the pivot hinge allows for movement about the dorsopalmar plane, thereby allowing the user to perform both ulnar and radial deviations from a neutral dorsopalmar wrist position. As used herein, the “neutral dorsopalmar” position of the wrist refers to an angle of about 0°+/−about 5° in the dorsopalmar plane. As used herein, the term “ulnar deviation” refers to a position in which the wrist bends away from the thumb, for example, the wrist is oriented greater than about 5° away from the thumb in the dorsopalmar plane. As used herein, the term “radial deviation” refers to a position in which the wrist bends towards the thumb. For example, the wrist is oriented greater than about 5° towards the thumb in the dorsopalmar plane. In some preferred embodiments, the preferred range of radial deviation provided by the inventive device is between 0° and 20°, or between 10° and 20°, or between 0° and 10°. In some preferred embodiments, the range of ulnar deviation provided by the inventive device is between 0° and 30°, or between 0° and 10°, or between 10° and 20°, or between 20° and 30°, or between 0° and 20°.
Turning now to the figures,
In preferred embodiments, body 1 is a generally oval-shaped member with a generally flat surfaces on the face and the side opposing the face, similar to the configuration of the ball-contacting portion of a pickleball paddle. Although in preferred embodiments, the device includes slots in the side(s) of the body for securing attachment means, and/or a case or frame overlaid on or surrounding the edges of the body, it will be understood that in preferred embodiments, at least a central portion of both sides of the body will be flat in order to provide a uniform surface with which to contact a pickleball during use. Also in preferred embodiments, the surface area of the face of the body 1 is designed to accommodate the hand of an average or anticipated user, when extended. Thus, in some embodiments, the size of the body 1 may be customizable to the intended user, such as a “men's” training paddle, a “ladies” training paddle, or a “child size” training paddle. Also in preferred embodiments, the handle 2 is an elongate member that is sized to be narrower than the width of the wrist of an intended user, and extend down the forearm of the intended user to a position that is at least 20%, or at least 25%, or at least 30%, or at least 35%, or at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50% of the way down the user's arm. Thus, in preferred embodiments, the length of the handle can be between 1-6″, or between 2-5″, or between 3-4″.
In embodiments, the friction hinge 7 is linked to the body 1 by a securing mechanism 8. For example, the securing mechanism can comprise a plate 8b which is attached to the face of the body 1. In embodiments, the plate 8b can be attached to the face of the body 1 by bolts 8a. In some embodiments, the plate 8b can be adhered to the face of the body by an adhesive. In embodiments, the friction hinge 7 is linked to the handle 2 by the pivot leaf 9b of the pivot hinge 9. In embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the pivot hinge 9 is omitted, and the opposing leaf of friction hinge 7 is attached directly to handle 2, such that the relative position between body 1 and handle 2 is only adjustable via the friction hinge 7, such that the relative position between these two parts is only adjustable in terms of the flexion or extension position (i.e., the flexion or extension of a user's hand if attached to the inventive device as will herein be described).
One such preferred embodiment is shown in
Regardless of the configuration of the hinge, in preferred embodiments, the body 1 can comprise at least two strap cutouts 4 located on opposite sides of the body 1 which allow for the threading of a hand strap 3 (see
In yet other embodiments, strap cutouts 4 are provided within a frame 102 which, in some embodiments, is made of a different material than body 2 and which wraps around the lateral edges of body 1 such that the primary front face of body 1 remains exposed. In some embodiments, frame 102 also wraps around the back of body 1, covering its rear face (not shown).
In non-limiting embodiments, the body 1 can be manufactured from wood, a plastic, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, a composite material, a metal, a metal alloy, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, body 1 is made of EVA and the device also includes a frame 102 which is made of a resilient material such as injection molded plastic. In some embodiments, the frame 102 may be made by a process known in the art as “injection molding with blowing agent” to create a lower density material. In some embodiments, the injection molded plastic frame 102 extends around to the back face of body 1 (not shown), which provides one exposed, EVA face and one “covered” molded plastic face. As will be appreciated, this will provide the user with two options for use of the device: either place the EVA foam side against his/her hand and use the firmer, molded plastic face as the hitting face, or vice versa. Of course, in other embodiments where frame 102 wraps around the rear face of body 1, other material combinations are also possible as between the front and back faces.
In some embodiments, the face of the body 1, is at least partially covered in moisture-absorbing composition, a moisture-wicking composition, or a combination thereof. In embodiments, the moisture-absorbing composition comprise cotton. In embodiments, the moisture-wicking composition comprises a polyester, polypropylene, a polyamide, an elastomeric fiber, a cellulosic fiber, a semi-synthetic cellulosic fiber, bamboo, wool, or any combination thereof.
In use, the inventive device will be secured to the hand and wrist of a user via straps 3. In some embodiments, the user's hand is strapped to the device with the palm facing up away from the face of body 1, whereby the straps 3 contact the palm of the user's hand. In some embodiments, the user's hand is strapped to the device with the palm facing towards the face of the body 1, whereby the straps 3 contact the back of the user's hand. For example, in certain embodiments, the placement of the palm towards the face of the body 1 can be advantageous for practicing forehand swings. For example, in certain embodiments, the placement of the palm away from the body 1 can be advantageous for practicing backhand swings.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In other embodiments, shown in
By simultaneously securing the user's hand to the body 1 and the user's forearm to the handle 2 of the device, manipulation of the friction hinge 7 can form advantageous angles for contacting a pickleball with the opposing (rear) face of the body 1. Thus, the innovative device, upon being secured to either the front or the back of the user's hand, could be used as if it were a pickleball paddle during practice play, such that the user could gain muscle memory in the angle of his/her hand relative to his/her wrist during the motion of hitting either a forehand or a backhand shot.
Thus, one method of using the present invention comprises adjusting the friction hinge of the device to a desired angle (between the body and handle) and securing a user's hand to the body of the device and securing a user's forearm to the arm of the device to form the appropriate contact position for a pickleball swing.
In some embodiments, body 1 is affixed to the user's hand and wrist/forearm (using the straps) with the user's palm facing away from the body 1 and the friction hinge 7 can (either before or after affixing the user's hand) be manipulated to position the user's hand and wrist in a flexion position. For example, the flexion position can comprise an angle of about 45° to about 85° between the user's palm and wrist which can be advantageous for performing backhand swings in pickleball. In certain embodiments, the friction hinge can be manipulated by applying force. In certain embodiments, the friction hinge can be locked into place in the desired position to prevent the angle of the hand/wrist from moving, i.e. during a demonstration or passive muscle training that does not involve the risk of the user falling on his/her hand.
In some embodiments, the inventive device may comprise markings along the hinge that indicate a specific angle at which the hinge is set, or a color coded “zone” of flexion or extension angle, such that the user can return the device to the same position easily after storage, use by another player, use for a forehand shot, or the like, and thus continue training their muscles to be familiar with the exact same angle for the shot in question. As will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art, although maintaining a specified angle between hand and wrist is advantageous for proper stroke technique during the game of pickleball, the game also involves a number of shots whereby each such shot may have a different preferred angle of flexion/extension (i.e., forehand vs. backhand). Thus, one primary advantage provided by the inventive device over prior art devices is the ability of the inventive training aide to secure the user's wrist in one or more specific positions to enable the user to build muscle memory around one specific position associated with each shot in that player's repertoire.
Likewise, with the device in the configuration shown in
Further according to the method of using the innovative device, once the user's hand and wrist/forearm is secured to the body 1 and handle 2 of the invention, the user then proceeds to practice hitting one or more pickleball shots (i.e., the shot for which the user's hand is at the desired angle relative to his/her wrist), wherein the opposing face of the body (the side which is not contacting the user's hand) may be used to actually hit a pickleball shot as if the inventive device is itself a pickleball paddle. The repeated action of swinging his/her hand as if the user is hitting a pickleball shot, all while his/her hand is held at a specific angle relative to his/her wrist, will develop muscle memory such that the user can thereafter hit pickleball shots simply by gripping the handle of a standard pickleball paddle and placing his/her hand in the optimal angle without having it held in place.
Another skill pickleball players try to accomplish is applying topspin to particular forehand and backhand shots. In order to accomplish this, forearm rotation (pronation) is required. What is essential in mastering this stroke is the ability to keep the wrist stable throughout this stroke. The inventive device provides an additional advantage to accomplish this, by preventing the player from moving the wrist as they are pronating their forearm while performing the stroke/swing, resulting in applying topspin to the ball.
Thus, it can be seen the innovative device thus enables the user to practice taking various pickleball shots with his her hand held at a specific, optimized angle relative to his/her wrist, thus developing muscle memory for a specific hand angle with respect to each specific shot that is practiced. The innovative device thus provides numerous advantages to the user, including: muscle memory for soft shots with control and low trajectory; training on how to maintain a light grip on the paddle (as has be seen, the user does not grip the innovative device at all during practice), and; the development of larger muscles vs. smaller (wrist) muscles, all of which will improve the pickleball game of the user.
Moreover, because the inventive device does not provide anything for the user to grip in his/her hand during use, another important advantage of the inventive training aide is the development of muscle and muscle memory in the user's legs, core, hips, and shoulders/shoulder rotations. This is because with nothing held in the user's hand, there is less tendency for the user to “pull” the paddle back behind him/herself, especially when practicing a forehand shot. In general, and with respect to prior art training devices, the additional range of motion that a player has on his/her forehand side can become a problem when playing with a paddle which is held in the hand, as players tend to want to take a much bigger backswing when holding such paddle. By contrast, the inventive device is not held in the hand, which lessens desire of the user to want to make the big backswing. In the game of pickleball, larger backswings take more time which can be detrimental to the player's strategy. Additionally, because the inventive device “freezes” the user's wrist in place, it takes a lot of power out of the stroke that a user is able to achieve with the inventive device versus holding a standard pickleball paddle. In order to compensate for that loss of power, the player is then forced to use his/her legs, core, hips and shoulder rotations, which builds muscle and muscle memory in those muscle groups.
While the device disclosed herein is particularly useful for use as a training aid for pickleball, it is within the scope of the invention disclosed herein to adapt the device to use in other fields.
This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.
The present invention derives priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/539,535, filed Sep. 20, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63539535 | Sep 2023 | US |
