Pickleball Paddle Distribution System

Abstract

A unique approach and novel structure were combined to create the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System, which is on its way to becoming a vital element and rising star in the social sport of Pickleball. The proposed assembly works well regardless of the number of players and provides seamless management and proper randomized player participation between the courts by distributing paddles to the proper people that are next in rotation to play. The assembly is developed from high-quality material, provides sustainable performance, is collapsible and portable, and enhances the life of paddles by providing a safe stand for them in contrary to the traditional approach of placing and dragging them across cement floors or uneven surfaces.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to pickleball sports, and in particular, controls and randomizes players on the courts, which is one of the primary objectives of the game of pickleball. The invention's intuitive design continuously shuffles the players by randomizing all of the player's paddles, which by design subsequently randomizes all of the players as well, keeping track of which players are next in the rotation whether there are few or many players in the queue. Paddles are placed in the device and by doing so, and by design, the players are distributed to open courts in a random but controlled manner using this unique Pickleball Paddle Distribution System.

Description of the Related Art

Pickleball popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. The “meet and greet” aspect of the game together with its inclusivity of a wide variety of age, gender and physical types has catapulted this sport into the forefront of the social sporting world! Pickleball temporarily utilizes existing tennis courts, and since pickleball courts are much smaller, 4 Pickleball courts can be setup in minutes on only 2 tennis courts! No permanent changes are made to the tennis courts aside of boundary lines that do not adversely affect the tennis court in any way. A portable net is set up in minutes and the games can begin. In recent years, 10's of thousands of unused tennis courts now have a new life as they co-exist with the new craze of Pickleball!

Physical activity in sports has been widely studied, given the benefits in physical health and fitness improvements of the participants. Physical sport activity has also been proven to be a useful tool for achieving benefits in people's mental health. This unique sport enables even people who are not fully healthy to participate and enjoy the sport as well, moving away from the status quo where sporting performance is the primary objective. Given the wide-ranging benefits it offers, it is of great interest to look for new practices that are innovative in order to encourage the greatest possible number of people to take part in this social but not physically demanding sport. Pickleball is a rapidly emerging sport that has experienced exponential growth in the United States in recent years. Although so far it has been most popular among veteran athletes and elderly people, it has characteristics that make it possible for all ages to play, suggesting the potential for working on the benefits that this emerging sports modality can have on mental health.

According to information obtained from the (United States Amateur Pickleball Association, 2022, p. 21), pickleball is a game created by Joel Pritchard (Senator of the State of Washington) together with Bell and McCallum in 1965 on Bainbridge Island. The idea for the sport was born out of a family need to design a game that would be fun and inclusive for all members of the family. In the spring of 1976, the world's first known pickleball tournament was held at the South Center Athletic Club in Tukwila, Washington. David Lester won the men's singles and Steve Paranto came second. Many of the participants were college tennis players who knew very little about pickleball.

The United States Amateur Pickleball Association was organized to perpetuate the growth and advancement of pickleball nationally. The first rules were published in March 1984. The USAPA has seen and admired the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System and is considering its use as the official Pickleball Paddle Rack of the USAPA.

The game is a combination of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. It is primarily played as a doubles game, but can also be played as a singles game. A small plastic ball with holes in it is used. This ball reaches a lower speed than other racket sports during the game.

By looking at prior art, multiple advancements have been seen in pickleball sports. For instance, a US patent 2,016,0107053A1 relates to a Pickleball paddle that may comprise methods of fabricating a paddle with monolithic fiber composite parts. The invention may result in an integral piece, while minimizing weaknesses and manufacturing complexity. Superior paddles are produced that avoid dead spots, soft spots, laminar separation, and other disadvantages while retaining consistent rigidity and improving play during pickleball play.

A US patent 2,014,0066235A1 relates to the “Silencer” Pickle Ball Paddle. The rubber sheets of various compounds are glued to the outer surfaces of pickleball paddles made of plastic, wood, fiberglass, aluminum or graphite.

In short, there are multiple patents that have been proposed for the sport of pickleball, however, all of these inventions are limited and restricted to conventional paddle construction, architecture and manufacturing techniques of paddles. The Pickleball Paddle Distribution System is a unique invention that organizes and maintains proper player distribution between the courts by distributing paddles to the proper people that are next in rotation to play.

None of the previous inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe in whole or in part, any of the characteristics of the invention as claimed. Hence, the inventor of the present invention proposes to resolve and surmount existent technical difficulties to eliminate the aforementioned shortcomings of prior art.

SUMMARY

In light of the disadvantages of the prior art, the following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can only be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

It is therefore the purpose of the invention to alleviate many, if not all of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or to provide the relevant public with a suitable alternative thereto having unique and relative advantages.

The primary object of the invention is related to an innovative Pickleball Paddle Distribution System for the sport of pickleball that with intention, randomizes all players on all of the multiple courts, permitting players to keep track of who is next in the rotation regardless of the number of players in the game and on multiple courts at the same time.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide a device that organizes and maintains proper player distribution between the courts by collecting, randomizing and then distributing paddles to the proper players that are next in rotation to play.

It is moreover the objective of the invention to provide a unique shape and diverse functionality of the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System, wherein the assembly revolutionizes the problem of keeping a randomized yet controlled and orderly distribution of all the players on multiple pickleball courts simultaneously.

The primary objective of the invention is to provide an easy-to-use paddle distribution system that autonomously provides complete pickleball player management by facilitating the randomization of all players during multi-court gameplay.

It is also the objective of the invention to provide an assembly that is developed from various high-quality materials providing sustained performance over a long period of time.

Still, yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that prevents harm to the paddles by keeping them off of the hard-court surface which currently damages paddles. The invention provides an apparatus and methods which no prior art contains in these regards. These advantages simultaneously overcome the disadvantages normally associated therewith.

This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some examples of embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like referenced numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIG. 1 discloses a complete view of the assembly as per preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 discloses the gravity feed angle created by the offset front and rear legs which creates a forward gravity feed system as per preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 discloses the 2 On/2 Off chamber and usage of the NEXT selector of the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System as per preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 discloses the “WON” chamber and usage of the NEXT selector of the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System as per preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 discloses the “LOST” chamber and usage of the NEXT selector of the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System as per preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 discloses the folded view of the assembly, showing how the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System can be compactly stored via its ability to fold flat as per preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 discloses the fence hanger kit which diversifies the different locations that the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System can be located in order to centralize the players for fast efficient player distribution as per the preferred embodiments of the invention.

The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Physical activity has been extensively studied and numerous mental health benefits have been found. Pickleball is an emerging racquet sport, which is characterized by its accessibility to all audiences and has become especially popular in the United States among the elderly. It is a novel team game and its inclusive nature is innovative for health improvement. The purpose of this systematic explanation was to review and evaluate existing studies that have examined the effects of pickleball on the physical and mental health of individuals.

In pickleball, game play takes between 10-20 minutes. Player's concentration is split between actual game play and who is up next in rotation.

Problem

It is a common occurrence while playing the game of pickleball that players have to delay play because of the poor and unsophisticated practice of players distributing the paddles themselves, creating confusion as to who is next in rotation, together with no good way to randomize players so you can play with and against many different players at each session. Accordingly, having to mentally keep track during and after a pickleball game is distracting from the main focus of the game. Adding to these problems is the physical damage done to the paddles without using the unique Pickleball Paddle Distribution System which offers unparalleled protection for these expensive components.

Solution

The invention of the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System provides an autonomous, unique and innovative solution which is detailed as follows;

Parts and Numbering: FIG. 1;

• • “A” indicates the “NEXT” Slider;
  • “A1” indicates the “NEXT” label;
  • “B1” indicates the “WON” Label;
  • “B” indicates the “WON” Chamber;
  • “C1” indicates the “2 On/2 Off” Label;
  • “C” indicates the “2 On/2 Off” Chamber;
  • “D1” indicates the “LOST” Label;
  • “D” indicates the “LOST” Chamber;
  • “E” indicates the “Players Selection Bar” bar;
  • “F” indicates the “Chamber Information Bar”;
  • “G” indicates the “Gravity feed Angle”;
  • “H” indicates the “Hinges” for folding the system flat;
  • “I” indicate the “Hooks” for the Fence Hanger System;
  • “J” indicates the “Leg Supports” for the Fence Hanger System;

As shown in FIG. 1-7, the assembly comprises of a main frame having a front end and an opposite higher back end, facing the front end. The front end is the Chamber Information Bar supported by pair of legs allowing it to remain in an elevated position. The back end is the player selection bar that also includes pair of legs supporting the other end in an even higher elevated manner. Both ends are pivotally connected with a corresponding set of horizontal frames that create the unique chambers extending from one end to the other. The horizontal frames are designed to support the Pickleball paddles in a unique and effective manner.

FIG. 1-7 shows multiple usages and configurations of the assembly. The front-end Chamber Information Bar, where “B1”, “C1” and “D1” are denoted, is used to display the proper place to put and select the paddles and therefore the randomized players at the conclusion of each game.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 shows the Players Selection Bar where “E” is denoted, and the Next Slider, where “A” is denoted, which is identified by the NEXT Label where “A1” is denoted and is utilized to indicate the proper chamber that the players who are next in rotation after the conclusion of each game are selected from.

As per further embodiments of the invention, the working of the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System involves organizing and maintaining proper player distribution between the courts by distributing paddles to the proper people that are next in rotation to play as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

Although the invention seems exhaustively complicated given the vast number of descriptive details below, the entire process is coordinated almost exclusively by the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System and as a result, the actual usage of the System is extremely intuitive and simple for the players to understand and use. This is one of the reasons that the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System is not only unique, but immeasurably more efficient than any other system and/or device currently available.

In the game of pickleball, there are usually 4 pickleball courts with 4 people playing and typically 6-16 players waiting to play. If there are less than 8 people waiting, the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System is used in the “2 ON/2 OFF” configuration as shown in FIG. 3. The winners of the game stay on and split to opposite sides of the court and 2 new players are selected by removing the 2 front paddles from the front of Chamber “C” as denoted by the NEXT Slider where “A” is denoted, which is identified by the NEXT Label where “A1” is denoted in FIG. 3. Those 2 people go to the open court and join the already waiting winners. To clarify, the 2 new people will play against each other with the winners that also now play against each other from the previous game. Any player that wins 2 successive games must relinquish their place and return their paddle to the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System. The losers put their paddles in the back of the paddles already in Chamber “C” as denoted by the Next Slider where “A” is denoted, which is identified by the NEXT Label where “A1” is denoted in FIG. 3. The proposed assembly design accomplishes extremely efficient game management by organizing the paddles in purposely randomized sequence. This continues in succession for each of the multiple courts in play.

The unique Pickleball Paddle Distribution System as per its further embodiments is cleverly designed to deal with many players waiting to play as well. In this case, the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System switches to be used as a system where all 4 players come off when a game is completed and their paddles are no longer distributed from the section denoted as Chamber “C” in FIG. 3, also known as the “2 on/2 off” gameplay section of the invention. The invention now is used in the “Won” and “Lost” configuration which utilizes Chambers “B” and “D”, thereby eliminating and stealthing the “C” Chamber of the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System as seen in FIG. 4. In this gameplay configuration, the 2 players who won the game place their paddles in the rear of the section denoted as Chamber “B” in FIG. 4, known as the “WON” Chamber. Similarly, the 2 players that lost the game place their paddles in the rear of the section denoted as Chamber “D” in FIG. 4, known as the “LOST” Chamber of the device. The next 4 players to take the vacated court is determined by the position of the “Next Slider” where “A” is denoted, which is identified by the NEXT Label where “A1” is denoted in FIG. 4. The Next Slider can physically move left, center, right and back again freely across the Player Selector Bar where “E” is denoted in FIG. 1. The position of the “Next Slider” over Chamber B, C, or D on FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5 indicate the next Chamber that players will be selected from. This is an important element and pertinent function of the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System. The Next Slider is a moveable marker that slides to indicate whether the “WON”, “2 ON/2 OFF” or “LOST” Chamber of the device is where the next 4 players are chosen from.

IE; If for example, if the Next Slider is above the Lost Chamber, that indicates to pick the next 4 players by taking the 4 paddles furthest towards the front of the LOST Chamber denoted by “D”, which easily determines which players will take the available court. They take the 4 paddles and then move the “Next Slider” of the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System over to above the ‘WON” Chamber of the device as indicated in FIG. 4 “B”, indicating the 4 paddles in the front of that Chamber will be those players that will be the next 4 players chosen to replace the subsequent 4 players when the next game is complete, then they will move the “Next Slider” back to above the Won Chamber, denoted as “B1” on FIGS. 1 and 4 and so on.

The assembly shown as per its further embodiments fold flat for ease of carrying and storage via the hinges labeled “H” in FIG. 6. It is designed from quality materials that maintains its efficacy over a long period of time.

The assembly shown as per its further embodiments is capable of being secured to a fence if it more fitting for the design of the courts. FIG. 7 shows the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System where I” indicates the “Hooks” for the Fence Hanger System together with “J” which indicates the “Leg Supports” which prevent the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System from collapsing into the storage configuration shown in FIG. 6.

While a specific embodiment has been shown and described, many physically altered variations have been tested and are viable, but the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System is what has been proven to be novel, unique and effective. With time, additional designs and/or features may be employed. The particular shape or configuration of the platform or the interior configuration may be changed to suit the system or equipment with which it is used but the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System will remain consistent.

Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described. Rather, it is intended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A Pickleball Paddle Distribution System comprising: a main frame having: a Chamber Information Bar provided at the front end of the main frame, comprises at least two chamber, each having a “WON” section and a “LOST” section, and at least a chamber having a “2 ON/2 OFF” section;a Player Selection Bar provided at the back end of the main frame, comprises a “NEXT” slider;plurality of horizontal frames pivotally connected to both ends of the main frame; and2 Pair of supporting legs attached to the front end and the back end, to provide support to the system entire assembly.

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. The Pickleball Paddle Distribution System of claim 1, when there are only a few players waiting, the 2 people who come off the court put their paddles in the back of the chamber for “2 ON/2 OFF” section.

6. The Pickleball Paddle Distribution System of claim 1, when there are few players waiting, the players take 2 paddles from the front of the chamber for “2 ON/2 OFF” section of the Pickleball Paddle Distribution System and go to the designated available court to play.

7. The Pickleball Paddle Distribution System of claim 1, wherein in case of many waiting players, the game of pickleball switches to a system where all 4 players come off the court when the game has ended and the paddles are no longer distributed from the chamber for “2 on/2 off” section but are instead placed and retrieved from the chambers for “WON” and “LOST” sections.

8. The Pickleball Paddle Distribution System of claim 1, wherein in case upon conclusion of the game, 4 people come off the court, wherein 2 winners of the game put their paddles in the back of the chamber for “WON” section System and 2 losers of the game put their paddles in the back of the chamber for “LOST” section.

9. The Pickleball Paddle Distribution System of claim 1, wherein determination of the next 4 players to participate determined by the “NEXT” slider on the rear player selection bar of the main frame, wherein if the “NEXT” slider is above the “WON” section, then 4 paddles from the front of a closest to the Chamber Information Bar and then slide the “NEXT” slider on the rear player selection bar to above the “LOST” section of the player selection bar to indicate that the next available court used by the 4 players that have paddles in the front of the “LOST” section of the Chamber Information Bar.

10. The Pickleball Paddle Distribution System of claim 1, comprises plurality of foldable hinges to enable the main frame to come in a flat position allowing better handling, carrying, and storage of the system.