PICKLEBALL TRAINING AID

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to sports equipment and, more specifically, to game paddle devices that are used for playing various sports having the object of hitting a ball with a paddle. Most specifically, the disclosure relates to a pickleball training aid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Racket sports are games in which players use a racket or paddle to hit a ball or other object. Rackets consist of a handled frame with an open hoop that supports a network of tightly stretched strings. Paddles have a solid face rather than a network of strings, but may be perforated with a pattern of holes, or be covered with some form of textured surface. The racket sports include tennis, pickleball, squash, badminton, and racquetball—among others. Although the present disclosure focuses on pickleball, the disclosure is not limited to that sport.

Pickleball is an indoor or outdoor racket/paddle sport where two players (singles), or four players (doubles), hit a perforated hollow polymer ball over a 36-inch-high (0.91 m) net using solid-faced paddles. Opponents on either side of the net hit the ball back and forth until one side commits a rule infraction. Pickleball was invented in 1965 as a backyard game for children on Bainbridge Island, Washington. In 2022, pickleball was adopted as the official state sport of Washington.

The appearance of a pickleball court, and the manner of play, resemble tennis, but the court is the size of a doubles badminton court, less than a third the size of a tennis court. Court lines and rules are specific to pickleball and include two 7-foot areas (2.1 m) on either side of the net known as the non-volley zones, where the ball cannot be hit with the paddle unless the ball bounces first. The hard polymer ball used in pickleball produces significantly less bounce than softer flexible balls, such as a tennis ball.

Between 1965 and 2020, pickleball became a popular sport in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and in the meantime began to grow elsewhere. In 2021, 2022, and 2023, the sport was named the fastest-growing sport in the United States by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, with over 4.8 million players. A growing interest in the sport is attributed to several factors, including a short learning curve, appeal to a wide range of ages and fitness levels, and low startup costs. There are now thousands of pickleball tournaments throughout the United States, including the U.S. National Championships and the U.S. Open Tournament, along with two professional tours and one professional league. Pickleball is also experiencing growth outside the United States with several other national and international competitions.

The equipment needed to play pickleball includes a court, a net, a ball, and a paddle. For sanctioned games, USA Pickleball (USAP) and the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) paddle size standards state that the combined length and width of the paddle shall not exceed 24 inches (0.61 m) and the length cannot exceed 17 inches (0.43 m). There are no requirements regarding thickness or weight. The paddle must be made of a noncompressible material, and the surface of the paddle must be smooth with no texturing.

In addition to the standard equipment needed to play pickleball, the pickleball industry offers a wide range of accessories. Among those accessories are ball machines, ball collectors, tutorial equipment, rebounder nets, eye coaches, carts, mini practice nets, paddle carriers and storage centers, pop-up targets, target knockdowns, target rings, caddies, net adjusters, and practice cones. One type of accessory, self-adhering lead tape, is sold typically in a roll that measures 0.25 inches by 72 inches (0.64 cm by 182 cm). The tape is available from a variety of sources, including under the brand name “TOURNA” from Unique Sports Products, Inc. of Alpharetta, Georgia. The tape is advertised as adding weight to the paddle to deliver more power for the player during game play. The width of the tape permits the tape to fit the frame of a tennis racquet or the perimeter of a pickleball paddle. An adhesive backing allows the tape to attach easily and quickly to the racquet or paddle. Unfortunately, however, lead is a known carcinogen.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022/0088449 discloses a pickleball paddle assembly with a head having a front side, a back side, and a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge. A central portion of each of the front and back sides is planar. A handle is attached to and extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the head. A plurality of inserts is provided and the perimeter edge has a plurality of wells extending therein that are each configured to releasably receive and retain one of the inserts. Each insert of the plurality of inserts defines a weight such that a weight of the head is selectively altered by inserting one or more of the inserts into one or more of the wells. The assembly is used in a conventional manner while playing pickleball. The weight and center of gravity of the assembly may be altered, however, using the inserts. Thus, the assembly ostensibly creates in-game customization possibilities to better suit the needs of a player. Unfortunately, however, the weighted inserts can be difficult to insert, adjust, and balance to achieve the desired swing performance.

As summarized above, known devices exhibit several problems. Some of the devices include hazardous materials. Some known devices require complex and expensive components that can be difficult to manipulate. Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved sports training device (specifically suitable for pickleball) that includes changeable weights affixed to the paddle and that can be used to enhance swing training performance, to increase strength, or to warm up before game play.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet this need and to overcome the shortcomings of known devices, a weighted paddle assembly is provided that is especially useful in training for pickleball. An object of the paddle assembly is to provide an improved assembly that is relatively simple, economical, compact, and easy to use. A related object is to avoid the use of hazardous materials or the need for complex and expensive components. Another object is to provide a paddle assembly that can be a training aid to increase and develop strength, power, and mobility through muscle memory, to provide a good workout, and to decrease the probability of overuse injury in the forearm, shoulder, and elbow of the user. Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved paddle assembly that can be used to develop powerful ground strokes, serves, back hands, over heads, and volleys.

An additional object is to provide an improved paddle assembly that is intrinsically safe, assuring that the weight is held securely and cannot come loose under normal use. A related object is to allow the user to quickly and efficiently interchange and adjust weights throughout progression, allowing the user to start with small weights and slowly increase the weight over time. It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an improved paddle assembly that creates a kit (to be sold as a package) that includes two or more weights each having different weight amounts.

To achieve these and other objects, and in view of its purposes, the present invention provides an improved paddle assembly for use as a training aid for playing various sports. The assembly has a paddle including a head, a front side, a back side, a perimeter edge, and a handle. The assembly also has a weight. A first locator and a second locator are affixed to the paddle and configured to hold the weight against the front side of the paddle. A spring-loaded eccentric clamp is affixed to the paddle and configured to hold the weight against and release the weight from the front side of the paddle. The weight is secured to the paddle at three contact points by the two locators and the eccentric clamp.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides another improved paddle assembly for use as a training aid for playing various sports. The assembly has a paddle including a head, a front side, a back side, a top, a bottom, a width, and a handle. The assembly also has a weight. A harness is configured to slip over, onto, and into engagement with the paddle to affix the weight to the paddle. The harness includes a substantially horizontal band which encircles the width and contacts both the front side and the back side of the paddle when the harness engages the paddle. A substantially vertical band of the harness also contacts the front side and the back side of the paddle when the harness engages the paddle. One or more upper straps of the harness engage the horizontal band on opposite sides of the paddle and pass over the top of the paddle when the harness engages the paddle, and one or more lower straps engage the vertical band on opposite sides of the paddle and pass under the bottom of the paddle when the harness engages the paddle. Finally, the assembly has a mechanism for attaching the weight to the harness.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, but are not restrictive, of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a paddle assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the paddle assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a paddle assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure incorporating a harness concept;

FIG. 2A is a back view of the paddle assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a paddle assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the paddle assembly shown in FIG. 3 taken along the line 3A-3A;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the paddle assembly shown in FIG. 3 taken along the line 3B-3B;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the paddle assembly shown in FIG. 3 taken along the line 3C-3C;

FIG. 4 is a detailed back view of the paddle shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4A is a detailed bottom view of the paddle shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 5A is a detailed cross-sectional view of a first variation of the weight shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5B is a detailed cross-sectional view of a second variation of the weight shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5C is a detailed cross-sectional view of a third variation of the weight shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a detailed top view of one of the locators shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the locator shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 taken along the line 6A-6A of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the eccentric clamp shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7A is a side view of the eccentric clamp shown in FIGS. 3 and 7;

FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the eccentric clamp shown in FIGS. 3, 7, and 7A;

FIG. 7C is a bottom perspective view of the eccentric clamp shown in FIGS. 3, 7, 7A, and 7B;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the torsion spring shown in FIG. 3B;

FIG. 8A is a side view of the torsion spring shown in FIGS. 3B and 8;

FIG. 8B is a front view of the torsion spring shown in FIGS. 3B, 8, and 8A;

FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the pivot bushing shown in FIG. 3B; and

FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the spring bushing shown in FIG. 3C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this specification and in the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined to have the following meanings ascribed to them. “Include,”“includes,”“including,”“have,”“has,”“having,” comprise,”“comprises,” “comprising,” or like terms mean encompassing but not limited to, that is, inclusive and not exclusive. The indefinite article “a” or “an” and its corresponding definite article “the” as used in this disclosure means at least one, or one or more, unless specified otherwise. Directional terms as used in this disclosure—for example up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom—are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and the coordinate axis provided with those figures and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

The term “about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art.

When a value is described to be about or about equal to a certain number, the value is within ±10% of the number. For example, a value that is about 10 refers to a value between 9 and 11, inclusive. When the term “about” is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by “about” and one not modified by “about.” It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point and independently of the other end-point.

The term “about” further references all terms in the range unless otherwise stated. For example, about 1, 2, or 3 is equivalent to about 1, about 2, or about 3, and further comprises from about 1-3, from about 1-2, and from about 2-3. Specific and preferred values disclosed for components, and ranges thereof, are for illustration only;

they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges. The components and methods of the disclosure include those having any value or any combination of the values, specific values, more specific values, and preferred values described.

“Contact” refers to direct contact or indirect contact. Direct contact refers to contact in the absence of an intervening material and indirect contact refers to contact through one or more intervening materials. Elements in direct contact touch each other. Elements in indirect contact do not touch each other, but do touch an intervening material or series of intervening materials, where the intervening material or at least one of the series of intervening materials touches the other. Elements in contact may be rigidly or non-rigidly joined. “Contacting” refers to placing two elements in direct or indirect contact. Elements in direct (indirect) contact may be said to directly (indirectly) contact each other.

A. Introduction

Players often use weighted sports equipment while warming up or during training. For example, baseball hitters often use a batting weight such as a weighted donut or a weighted sleeve and pitchers often use a weighted ball. Soccer players may train with weighted soccer balls. Fitness enthusiasts may use weighted vests or backpacks, weighted belts, or ankle and wrist weights as training tools. The use of weighted equipment can improve strength or loosen muscles.

A weighted pickleball paddle will help strengthen and train the muscles in the hand, wrist, and forearm. Swinging with a weighted pickleball paddle during training can also provide a good workout, combining cardio benefits and weight lifting. In addition, once the player returns to the unweighted paddle typically used during games, the normal or game paddle will feel relatively light. That feeling may allow the player to increase the speed of the paddle when swung, and may give the player a mental boost.

To prevent injury and improve the swing, however, it may be beneficial to start with small weights and slowly increase the weight over time.

B. First Embodiment

Referring now to the drawing, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various figures that comprise the drawing, FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a paddle assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure especially suitable for pickleball. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the paddle assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1. The paddle assembly 10 includes a head 12 that has a front side 14, a back side 16, a perimeter edge 18, and a bottom edge 22. A central portion or area of each of the front side 14 and the back side 16 is planar and defines a substantially flat area across an entire face of each of the front side 14 and the back side 16. The head 12 may be constructed of any conventional rigid, non-compressible material used for pickleball paddles such as wood, plastics, graphite composites, and the like. The head 12 is preferably solid.

A handle 20 is attached to and extends downwardly from the bottom edge 22 of the head 12. The handle 20 and the head 12 form a paddle assembly 10 that can have any size common to pickleball paddles and which is governed by the rules of pickleball; such rules typically require a total length of no greater than 17 inches (0.43 m) and a combined length and width no greater than 24 inches (0.61 m). The handle 20 has a central base 24, which forms a core of the handle 20, and is attached to and forms an integral structure with the bottom edge 22. By “integral” is meant a single piece or a single unitary part that is complete by itself without additional pieces, i.e., the part is of one monolithic piece formed as a unit without another part. The handle 20 may be solid but is preferably hollow because a hollow handle 20 moves the center of gravity higher on the faces of the paddle assembly 10. The handle 20 may be modified during design as desired for weight, feel, and dimensions to tailor the gripping of the handle 20 specifically to the user of the paddle assembly 10.

The weight of the paddle assembly 10 can be increased by design over the weight of a normal or typical paddle assembly by manufacturing the paddle assembly from a heavier material or by embedding weights in the material used to form the paddle assembly 10. The material may be any material that is practical for giving the paddle assembly 10 a desired weight. As an example, the material may include metals and their alloys, elastomers, plastics, and the like. Particular metals and metal alloys which may be preferred include tungsten, steel, bronze, nickel, zinc, and titanium. The amount, type, and placement of material can be adjusted to achieve desired weights and centers of gravity for the paddle assembly 10. Tungsten may be used for its relatively large density when a large amount of weight is desired, for example, whereas titanium may be used when a much lighter weight is desired.

A kit may include sets of paddle assemblies 10 each having different weights, such as 11.5 ounces (325 grams), 14 ounces (400 grams), 16.5 ounces (470 grams), and 19 ounces (540 grams). Thus, the kit may include two, three, four, or more injection-molded, one-piece paddle assemblies 10 of various weights.

The paddle assembly 10 may include certain indicia that provide information to the user. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the indicia may include a trademark 26, an indication 28 of the weight of the paddle assembly 10, or both types of indicia. Still other indicia are possible.

C. Second Embodiment

FIG. 2 is a front view of a paddle assembly 100 according to a second embodiment of the disclosure incorporating a harness concept especially suitable for pickleball. FIG. 2A is a back view of the paddle assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2. The paddle assembly 100 has essentially three, main components: (1) a paddle 110, (2) a weight 120, and (3) a harness 130. The harness 130 holds the weight 120 and engages the paddle 110 to affix the weight 120 to the paddle 110. The paddle 110 may be a conventional pickleball paddle that is commercially available from a number of sources. The weight 120 may be plastic and injection molded. The weight 120 may have any shape as would be known by an artisan; a rectangular shape is illustrated in FIG. 2.

Although there are many suitable configurations for the harness 130, the version of the harness 130 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2A is made from elastic hook-and-loop bands and straps sewn to form the configuration shown. The harness 130 is integral and slips over and onto the paddle 110. The harness 130 has a substantially horizontal band 132, which encircles the width and contacts both the front side 14 and the back side 16 of the paddle 110 when the harness 130 engages the paddle 110, and a substantially vertical band 134 which also contacts the front side 14 and the back side 16 of the paddle 110. The horizontal band 132 and the vertical band 134 may have any shape as would be known by an artisan; a rectangular shape is illustrated. The horizontal band 132 and the vertical band 134 may also differ in shape.

One or more upper straps 136 (two are illustrated as an example) engage the horizontal band 132 on opposite sides of the paddle 110, passing over the top of the paddle 110 when the harness 130 engages the paddle 110. One or more lower straps 138 (two are illustrated as an example) engage the vertical band 134 on opposite sides of the paddle 110, passing under the bottom of the paddle 110 when the harness 130 engages the paddle 110. The upper straps 136 and the lower straps 138 may be narrower in width than the width of the horizontal band 132 or of the vertical band 134.

The weight 120 may be attached to the harness 130 using any one of a number of suitable mechanisms. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the weight 120 is attached to the vertical band 134 of the harness 130 with a hook-and-loop material that is similar to the material used to form the harness 130. Alternatively, the vertical band 134 of the harness 130 may have a sealable pocket into which the weight can be inserted and removed.

As for the first embodiment, the paddle assembly 100 of the second embodiment may create a kit that includes two or more weights 120 each having different weight amounts. If the kit includes three weights 120, for example, the weight amounts may be 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams), 5 ounces (141.75 grams), and 7.5 ounces (212.6 grams). The weights 120 are easily exchangeable, allowing the user to affix and remove each weight 120 to and from the harness 130 as desired. Other variants might include a fixed weight 120 permanently attached to the harness 130 with different mechanisms to secure the harness 130 to the paddle 110. For example, the harness 130 could be buckled onto the paddle 110.

D. Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 3 is a front view of a paddle assembly 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the disclosure. The paddle assembly 200 has essentially four main components: (1) a paddle 210 including a head 212, a front side 214, a back side 216, a perimeter edge 218, and a handle 220, (2) a weight 310, (3) a pair of identical stationary locators, namely a first locator 410 and a second locator 412, that are affixed to the paddle 210 and configured to hold the weight 310 against the front side 214 of the paddle 210; and (4) a spring-loaded eccentric clamp 510 affixed to the paddle 210 and configured to hold the weight 310 against and release the weight 310 from the front side 214 of the paddle 210. The weight 310 is secured to the paddle 210 at three contact points by the two locators 410 and 412 and the eccentric clamp 510. Each of the four main components, and the subcomponents with which they interact, is discussed in turn below.

The paddle 210 is illustrated in detail in both FIG. 4 (back view) and FIG. 4A (bottom view). The paddle 210 is a modified version of a standard commercially available pickleball paddle that is typically (although not necessarily) made of wood, is an integral component, and includes both a solid head 212 and a solid (i.e., not hollow) handle 220. As shown in FIG. 4, the paddle 210 has a central longitudinal axis 230. The width W of the paddle 210 at the widest point of the paddle 210 is about 8 inches (20.3 cm) and the length of the paddle 210 is about 16 inches (40.6 cm). The perimeter edge 218 of the paddle 210 includes a substantially flat top that transitions into opposing curved regions each having a radius R1 of about 3 inches (7.6 cm), which transition into opposing straight regions each having a length L1 of about 3.5 inches (8.9 cm), which transition into opposing tapered regions each having a concave radius R2 of about 6 inches (15.2 cm) proximate the straight regions and a concave radius R3 of about 7.04 inches (17.9 cm) proximate the handle 220. The length L2 of the paddle 210 between the end of the straight regions and the end of the handle 220 is about 9.39 inches (23.9 cm).

Tangents from the opposing straight regions of the perimeter edge 218 of the paddle 210 form an angle A of about 4°. The handle 220 has a length L3 of about 4.0 inches (10.2 cm) between the central base 224 of the handle 220 and the point 226 where the perimeter edge 218 of the paddle 210 contacts the handle 220. The handle 220 has a length L4 of about 4.59 inches (11.7 cm) between the central base 224 of the handle 220 and the bottom edge 222 of the head 212 of the paddle 210. The central base 224 of the handle 220 has four corners, each with a radius R4 of about 0.23 inches (0.58 cm).

The width W1 of the handle 220 is about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). The contact point 226 between the perimeter edge 218 of the paddle 210 and the handle 220 has a radius R5 of about 0.10 inches (0.25 cm). The height H of the handle 220 is about 1.22 inches (3.1 cm); the height H1 of the head 212 is about 0.50 inches (1.3 cm); and, therefore, the height H2 by which the handle 220 extends beyond both the front side 214 and the back side 216 of the head 212 is about 0.36 inches (0.91 cm). The perimeter edge 218 of the paddle 210 has a radius R6 around both of its sides of about 0.05 inches (0.13 cm).

Four holes are provided in (e.g., molded or drilled into) the head 212 of the paddle 210, extending through the height of the paddle 210 from the front side 214 to the back side 216. A first hole 232 receives the first locator 410; a second hole 234 receives the second locator 412; a third hole 236 receives a pivot bushing 520 around which the eccentric clamp 510 rotates; and a fourth hole 238 receives a spring bushing 530 that serves as a stop against further rotation of the eccentric clamp 510 and as a restraint for one arm of a spring 580. The first hole 232, the second hole 234, the third hole 236, and the fourth hole 238 may each have a first diameter of about 0.27 inches (0.7 cm) entirely through and a second diameter of about 0.53 inches (1.35 cm) at an angle of about 82° partially through to countersink flat head screws so that the screws are flush with the back side 216 of the paddle 210. Although the first hole 232, the second hole 234, the third hole 236, and the fourth hole 238 may have the same dimensions, they may also have different dimensions.

The positions of the first hole 232, the second hole 234, the third hole 236, and the fourth hole 238 are important so that the force of the weight 310 is distributed as desired on the paddle 210. The distance D1 between the first hole 232 and the second hole 234, as measured between their centers and across the width of the paddle 210, is about 6 inches (15.2 cm). The distance D2 between the third hole 236 and the fourth hole 238, as measured between their centers and across the width of the paddle 210, is about 1.83 inches (4.64 cm). The distance D3 between the third hole 236 and the fourth hole 238, as measured between their centers and down the length of the paddle 210, is about 0.41 inches (1 cm). The distance D4 between the fourth hole 238 and the axis 230, as measured from the center of the fourth hole 238 and across the width of the paddle 210, is about 0.89 inches (2.3 cm). The distance D5 between the fourth hole 238 and the central base 224, as measured from the center of the fourth hole 238 and down the length of the paddle 210, is about 5.68 inches (14.4 cm). The distance D6 between the second hole 234 and the third hole 236, as measured between their centers and down the length of the paddle 210, is about 7.12 inches (18.1 cm).

Turn now to the second of the four main components of the paddle assembly 200. Three variations of the weight 310 are illustrated in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, respectively. Regardless of the variation, the weight 310 is configured to be held onto the paddle 210 by the three contact points mentioned above. The weight 310 can be molded into any desired shape and amount of weight—allowing for maximum design flexibility. Preferably, the weight 310 is in the form of a circular disc having a round central opening 312 (although other shapes, including a triangular shape with each vertex of the triangle constituting one of the contact points, are possible for the weight 310) disposed around a central longitudinal axis 314. Among other functions, the central opening 312 allows the weight 310 to be stacked on a pole and easily stored when not in use on the paddle 210.

The variation of the weight 310 illustrated in FIG. 5A weighs about 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams); the variation of the weight 310 illustrated in FIG. 5B weighs about 5 ounces (141.75 grams); and the variation of the weight 310 illustrated in FIG. 5C weighs about 7.5 ounces (212.6 grams). Each variation of the weight 310 has the same outer diameter OD of about 6.96 inches (17.7 cm), the same thickness T of about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm), and the same bevel or bevels B in its outer perimeter (to engage opposite bevels on the locators 410, 412 and on the eccentric clamp 510 at the points of contact). The bevel B has a length of about 0.10 inches (0.25 cm) and an angle of about 45°. The central opening 312 of each variation of the weight 310 also has the same radius or radii R7 of about 0.10 inches (0.25 cm).

The amount of weight for each variation of the weight 310 is adjusted in two ways: (1) by varying the diameter of the central opening 312, i.e., the inner diameter of the weight 310; and (2) in the case of the weight 310 illustrated in FIG. 5C, by adding material 316 to the weight 310 around the central opening 312. The weight 310 illustrated in FIG. 5A has an inner diameter ID1 of about 5.30 inches (13.5 cm); the weight 310 illustrated in FIG. 5B has an inner diameter ID2 of about 2.86 inches (7.3 cm); and the weight 310 illustrated in FIG. 5C has an inner diameter ID3 of about 3.0 inches (7.6 cm). The added material 316 of the weight 310 illustrated in FIG. 5C has a thickness T1 of about 0.63 inches (1.6 cm), a radius R8 of about 0.10 inches (0.25 cm), and an outer diameter D7 of about 4.75 inches (12.1 cm).

As for the first and second embodiments, the paddle assembly 200 of the preferred embodiment may create a kit that includes two or more weights 310 each having different weight amounts. If the kit includes three weights 310, for example, the weight amounts may be 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams), 5 ounces (141.75 grams), and 7.5 ounces (212.6 grams). The weights 310 are easily exchangeable, allowing the user to affix and remove each weight 310 to and from the paddle 210 quickly, conveniently, and as desired.

Turn now to the third of the four main components of the paddle assembly 200. The first locator 410 and the second locator 412 are affixed to the paddle 210 and configured to hold the weight 310 against the front side 214 of the paddle 210 as shown in FIG. 3. The first locator 410 and the second locator 412 are identical; therefore, only the first locator 410 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 6 (top view) and in FIG. 6A (cross-sectional view along the line 6A-6A of FIG. 6).

Preferably, although other shapes are possible, the first locator 410 has a substantially flat top surface 420 that has a circular shape with a locator outer diameter LOD of about 1.13 inches (2.87 cm). The first locator 410 has a substantially flat bottom surface 430 configured to contact the front side 214 of the paddle 210 when the first locator 410 is affixed to the paddle 210 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A. The top surface 420 and the bottom surface 430 are separated by a distance, which defines a locator height LH1, of about 0.38 inches (0.97 cm). The top surface 420 and the bottom surface 430 are connected by a side surface that has a first, substantially flat region 440 extending from the top surface 420 and a bevel 450 extending from the flat region 440 to the bottom surface 430. The bevel 450 extends longitudinally along a locator height LH2 of about 0.31 inches (0.79 cm) and at an angle of about 45°. Thus, the bevel 450 of the first locator 410 (and, of course, of the second locator 412, too) matches the opposite bevel B on the weight 310 such that the weight 310 is held securely to the paddle 210 by the first locator 410 and the second locator 412 (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A).

The first locator 410 has a round central aperture 460 with a locator inner diameter of about 0.27 inches (0.69 cm). The central aperture 460 extends entirely through the first locator 410 from the top surface 420 to the bottom surface 430. The first locator 410 also has a hexagonal-shaped aperture 470 that surrounds the central aperture 460 and extends from the top surface 420 a locator height LH3 of about 0.23 inches (0.58 cm), i.e., the hexagonal-shaped aperture 470 extends only partially through the first locator 410 and does not reach the bottom surface 430. Preferably, the hexagonal-shaped aperture 470 has the shape of a regular hexagon: six equal sides with equal internal angles of 45°. The distance A1 between opposing sides of the hexagonal-shaped aperture 470 is about 0.45 inches (1.1 cm).

The first locator 410 can be affixed to the paddle 210 using any conventional fastener. Preferably, a conventional locator screw 480 and locator nut 490 combination is used. Although other materials of construction are possible, as an artisan would know, the locator screw 480 is preferably an 18-8 stainless steel hex drive flat head screw and the locator nut 490 is preferably an 18-8 stainless steel hex nut. The locator screw 480 has a flat head and is configured to sit in the central aperture 460 so that the locator screw 480 does not extend beyond the bottom surface 430 of the first locator 410 when the first locator 410 is affixed to the paddle 210. The locator nut 490 is configured to sit in the hexagonal-shaped aperture 470 so that the locator nut 490 does not extend beyond the top surface 420 of the first locator 410 when the first locator 410 is affixed to the paddle 210. The locator screw 480 engages the locator nut 490 to hold the first locator 410 against the front side 214 of the paddle 210.

A conventional Allen wrench, also known as a hex key, can be used to tighten and loosen the engagement between the locator screw 480 and the locator nut 490 without damaging either component. A hex key is a hexagonal, L-shaped wrench that is commonly available from most hardware stores. Hex keys are available individually, in sets of hex keys, or even as a multi-tool with multiple sizes of hex keys integrated into a single unit. Hex keys are available in SAE, metric, and Torx/Star in a variety of sizes and styles. The hex key should fit snugly in the locator nut 490.

Finally, the eccentric clamp 510 is the fourth of the four main components of the paddle assembly 200. The eccentric clamp 510 is affixed to the paddle 210 and is configured to hold the weight 310 against and release the weight 310 from the front side 214 of the paddle 210. The eccentric clamp 510 is spring loaded and provides the third location point, with the first locator 410 and the second locator 412 providing the first and second location points, securing the weight 310 to the paddle 210 in a releasable manner as shown in FIG. 3. The eccentric clamp 510 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 7 (top view), FIG. 7A (side view), FIG. 7B (bottom view), and FIG. 7C (bottom perspective view).

The top view of FIG. 7 shows that the eccentric clamp 510 has a substantially pie-shaped platform 542 with a knob 570 extending upward from the platform 542. The platform 542 has a perimeter defined by a curved base 544, which extends into a first straight leg 546 and an opposing straight leg 548, each of which, in turn, extends into a curved section 550. The curved section 550 has a radius of about 1.0 inches (2.5 cm). The longitudinal distance E1 between the apex of the curved base 544 and the apex of the curved section 550 is about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).

A pivot bore 560 is provided in (e.g., molded or drilled into) the eccentric clamp 510, extending through the height of both the platform 542 and the knob 570 from the top of the knob 570 to the bottom of the platform 542. The pivot bore 560 receives the pivot bushing 520 (which will be addressed further below). The pivot bore 560 is circular with a diameter of about 0.31 inches (0.79 cm). As shown in FIG. 7, the pivot bore 560 of the eccentric clamp 510 is positioned off center so that, as its name implies, the eccentric clamp 510 applies a clamping force with the action of an eccentric circle.

The shape of the knob 570 is predetermined to allow the user to grasp the knob 570 easily and thereby to manipulate the eccentric clamp 510. By “predetermined” is meant determined beforehand, so that the predetermined characteristic must be determined, i.e., chosen or at least known, in advance of some event such as manufacture of the paddle assembly 200 and subsequent manipulation of the paddle assembly 200 by the user. The shape of the knob 570 should be ergonomic. Preferably, the knob 570 has the shape of a racetrack, i.e., substantially an oval or a rectangle having straight edges 572 separated and connected by rounded corners 574. The straight edges 572 are separated by a distance E2 of about 0.63 inches (1.6 cm); the rounded corners 574 have a radius of about 0.31 inches (0.79 cm) (which is equal to the diameter of the pivot bore 560). The longitudinal distance E3 is about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) between the center of the pivot bore 560, which is proximate one rounded corner 574 and is aligned with the transition points between the rounded corner 574 and the two straight edges 572, and the corresponding point which is proximate the opposite rounded corner 574. The angle A2 is about 24.3° between the first straight leg 546 of the platform 542 and the closer straight edge 572 of the knob 570.

FIG. 7A is a side view of the eccentric clamp 510 shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. This view shows that the knob 570 extends upward from the platform 542 by a distance of about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). Extending below the platform 542 is a side wall 552 having a substantially flat end 554. The distance E4 between the top of the knob 570 and the end 554 is about 0.63 inches (1.6 cm); the distance E5 between the top of the platform 542 and the end 554 is about 0.38 inches (0.97 cm); the distance E6 between the bottom of the platform 542 and the end 554 is about 0.31 inches (0.79 cm); and the thickness or height of the platform 542 is about 0.07 inches (0.18 cm). The side wall 552 has an actuation bevel 556, formed at an angle A3 of about 45°, which matches the opposite bevel B on the weight 310 such that the weight 310 is held securely to the paddle 210 by the eccentric clamp 510 (as shown in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 7C, which is a bottom perspective view of the eccentric clamp 510, the side wall 552 is substantially U-shaped and defines a spring cavity 558.

FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the eccentric clamp 510. As shown in FIG. 7B, the side wall 552 has a curved portion 562 from which extend a first branch 564 and a second branch 566 to form the U-shape of the side wall 552. The curved portion 562 has a radius of about 0.26 inches (0.66 cm). The U-shaped side wall 552 opens into an angle A4 of about 54.3°, the first branch 564 forms an angle A5 of about 24.3° with the curved portion 562, and the second branch 566 forms an angle A6 of about 30° with the curved portion 562.

As mentioned above, the side wall 552 defines the spring cavity 558. A spring 580, preferably a torsion spring, is inserted into the spring cavity 558 so that the torsion spring 580 is housed in the eccentric clamp 510. FIG. 3B illustrates the torsion spring 580 as a component of the eccentric clamp 510 which is, in turn, a main component of the paddle assembly 200. The force of the torsion spring 580 pushes the eccentric clamp 510 such that the eccentric clamp 510 exerts pressure on the weight 310 securing the weight 310 to the paddle 210.

Torsion springs are a type of flat spiral coil or helical-shaped spring used to apply a torque or store rotational energy. Unlike other springs such as compression or extension springs that require a linear force to push or pull, torsion springs store and release rotational energy via torque as a measure of force. Torque causes the spring to rotate on its axis when applying or resisting a load. Thus, torque is the rotational equivalent of the linear force that powers compression and extension springs.

In applications, the ends of torsion springs are attached to other components or objects set to rotate around the center of the spring. The spring is generally wound closely but it can also have pitch to reduce friction between the coils. Because torsion springs offer resistance to twisting or rotational applied force, they can be applied to devices that work clockwise or counterclockwise, whatever the direction of the load requires. They can be designed to store and release angular energy such as a mousetrap or screen door or statically clamp a mechanism in place like a clothespin or clipboard. Therefore, torsion springs can hold objects in place or push them back to their original position.

The preferred torsion spring 580 is shown in FIG. 8 (perspective view), FIG. 8A (side view), and FIG. 8B (front view). The torsion spring 580 is an integral component that is made from a single wire having a diameter of about 0.059 inches (1.5 mm). The torsion spring 580 includes a central coil 582 with two equal arms, a first arm 584 and a second arm 586, extending outward from the coil 582. The first arm 584 and the second arm 586 each have a length of about 2 inches (5.1 cm). The central coil 582 has 4.25 coils, an outer diameter of about 0.499 inches (1.27 cm), and a left-handed wind direction. The torsion spring 580 has a deflection angle of about 30°, a shaft diameter of about 0.312 inches (7.92 mm), and a spring length at maximum torque (which is about 4.5 inch-pounds or 0.5 newton-meters) of about 0.32 inches (8.13 mm).

Torsion springs are usually made from spring steel. In general, spring steel is a type of low-alloy manganese, medium-carbon steel or high-carbon steel with a very high yield strength. The preferred torsion spring 580 is made from tempered 301 stainless steel.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the pivot bushing 520 is inserted through the third hole 236 of the head 212 of the paddle 210 and through the pivot bore 560 of the eccentric clamp 510. The eccentric clamp 510 rotates, via action of the torsion spring 580, on and around the pivot bushing 520. Thus, the center of the pivot bushing 520 acts as a pivot point for the eccentric clamp 510.

FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a preferred version of the pivot bushing 520. The pivot bushing 520 is a circular, integral, T-shaped component that extends along a central longitudinal axis 521 and includes an upper flange 522 and a body 523. An internal thread 524 extends along the longitudinal axis 521 and through both the upper flange 522 and the body 523. The thread 524 is ¼-20 UNC-2B (unified national coarse) per ASME Standard B1.1-2003 (the equivalent metric thread is M6). Thus, the thread 524 defines an internal diameter P1 for both the upper flange 522 and the body 523 of about 0.25 inches (6.35 mm). The body 523 has an outer diameter P2 of about 0.313 inches (7.94 mm) and a length P3 of about 0.635 inches (1.61 cm). The upper flange 522 has an outer diameter P4 of about 0.50 inches (1.27 cm). The perimeter 525 of the upper flange 522 has a bevel 526 that extends about 0.03 inches (0.8 mm) at an angle of about 45°.The distance P5 is about 0.698 inches (1.8 cm) from the top of the pivot bushing 520 to the bottom of the pivot bushing 520. Although many materials would be suitable for the pivot bushing 520, brass 360 is preferred.

The pivot bushing 520 is affixed to the paddle 210 and to the eccentric clamp 510 (and, thereby, the eccentric clamp 510 is affixed to the paddle 210) using any conventional fastener. Preferably, a conventional pivot bushing screw 590 is used. The pivot bushing screw 590 has threads that are configured to engage and mate with the thread 524 of the pivot bushing 520. Although other materials of construction are possible, as an artisan would know, the pivot bushing screw 590 is preferably an 18-8 stainless steel hex drive flat head screw. The pivot bushing screw 590 has a flat head and is configured to sit in the pivot bushing 520 so that the pivot bushing screw 590 does not extend beyond either the back side 216 of the paddle 210 or the knob 570 of the eccentric clamp 510 when the pivot bushing 520 is affixed to the paddle 210 and to the eccentric clamp 510. The pivot bushing 520 is locked against the front side 214 of the paddle 210 allowing clearance for the eccentric clamp 510 to rotate freely.

It must be assured that the eccentric clamp 510 rotates freely and easily on and about the pivot bushing 520 without risking that the eccentric clamp 510 will become loose. Toward that end, a thread locker such as Loctite® 242 thread locker or its equivalent may be applied to the pivot bushing screw 590. (“Loctite” is a registered trademark of Henkel IP & Holding GmbH of Germany.) Loctite® 242 thread locker is a medium strength, medium viscosity, methacrylate-based adhesive offering general purpose qualities. The product provides quick fixture times on steel, brass, and stainless steel of 5, 15, and 20 minutes, respectively. The product is thixotropic to prevent migration after application and is intended for fasteners that can be disassembled with standard hand tools (although the pivot bushing screw 590 is not normally disassembled).

As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the spring bushing 530 is inserted through the fourth hole 238 of the head 212 and extends above the front side 214 of the paddle 210.

The spring bushing 530 functions as a stop for one arm 584 or 586 of the torsion spring 580 and limits the clockwise rotation of the eccentric clamp 510.

FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a preferred version of the spring bushing 530. The spring bushing 530 is a circular, integral, T-shaped component that extends along a central longitudinal axis 531 and includes an upper flange 532 and a body 533. An internal thread 534 extends along the longitudinal axis 531 and through both the upper flange 532 and the body 533. The thread 534 is ¼-20 UNC-2B (unified national coarse) per ASME Standard B1.1-2003 (the equivalent metric thread is M6). Thus, the thread 534 defines an internal diameter S1 for both the upper flange 532 and the body 533 of about 0.25 inches (6.35 mm). The body 533 has an outer diameter S2 of about 0.313 inches (7.94 mm) and a length S3 of about 0.125 inches (0.32 cm). The upper flange 532 has an outer diameter S4 of about 0.50 inches (1.27 cm). The perimeter 535 of the upper flange 532 has a bevel 536 that extends about 0.03 inches (0.8 mm) at an angle of about 45°. The distance S5 is about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the top of the spring bushing 530 to the bottom of the spring bushing 530. Although many materials would be suitable for the spring bushing 530, brass 360 is preferred.

The spring bushing 530 is affixed to the paddle 210 using any conventional fastener. Preferably, a conventional screw 592 for the spring bushing 530 is used. The spring bushing screw 592 has threads that are configured to engage and mate with the thread 534 of the spring bushing 530. Although other materials of construction are possible, as an artisan would know, the spring bushing screw 592 is preferably an 18-8 stainless steel hex drive flat head screw. The spring bushing screw 592 has a flat head and is configured to sit in the spring bushing 530 so that the spring bushing screw 592 does not extend beyond either the back side 216 of the paddle 210 or the top of the spring bushing 530 when the spring bushing 530 is affixed to the paddle 210.

The weight 310 and the eccentric clamp 510 are each preferably made of nylon 6. Because nylon is versatile, it is one of the most widely used engineering thermoplastics. Commercially available nylons include nylon 6, nylon 4/6, nylon 6/6, nylon 6/10, nylon 6/12, nylon 11, and nylon 12. The numerical nomenclature for nylon is derived from the number of carbon atoms in the diamine and dibasic acid monomers used to manufacture it. The ratio of carbon atoms is what gives each nylon type its unique property characteristics. Nylon 6 or polycaprolactam is a polymer, in particular a semicrystalline polyamide (PA). Unlike most other nylons, nylon 6 is not a condensation polymer, but instead is formed by ring-opening polymerization; this makes it a special case in the comparison between condensation and addition polymers.

Nylon 6 is a tough, abrasion-resistant material. It has improved surface appearance and processability compared to nylon 6/6. It also can be molded at about 80° F. (45° C.) lower with less mold shrinkage because it is slightly less crystalline. Adversely, nylon 6 has a lower modulus and absorbs moisture more rapidly than nylon 6/6. Moisture acts as a plasticizer, reducing tensile strength and stiffness and increasing elongation. But, while absorbed moisture reduces many properties, nylon owes part of its toughness to the plasticizing effect of moisture. As moisture content rises, significant increases occur in impact strength and general energy-absorbing characteristics. Properly recognized and accounted for, the effect of moisture on the processing and properties of nylon need not be of great concern.

All nylons can be reinforced with glass fibers, glass beads, and carbon fibers to improve their mechanical and thermal performance. Nylon 6 is used in applications where toughness, lubricity, and wear are important. The weight 310 and the eccentric clamp 510 are each preferably made of nylon 6 given the material characteristics of nylon 6, including that the material will not soften up to about 150° F. (66° C.). Nor will the material splinter, crack, or fracture if dropped from a height of about 80 inches (2 m) or less, whether the weight 310 or the eccentric clamp 510 is dropped from a vertical or a horizontal orientation onto a hard surface such as concrete.

In summary, the preferred embodiment of the paddle assembly 200 includes the standard commercially available pickleball paddle 210. The paddle 210 is modified such that it includes the two locators 410, 412 and the eccentric clamp 510. The circular, changeable weight 310 is secured to the paddle 210 at three points by the two locators 410, 412 and the eccentric clamp 510. The two locators 410, 412 and the eccentric clamp 510 have bevels 450 and 556, respectively, that match the opposite bevel B on the weight 310 such that the weight 310 is held securely to the paddle 210. The eccentric clamp 510 rotates on the pivot bushing 520 such that when rotated clockwise the eccentric clamp 510 provides clearance so the weight 310 can be placed on the paddle 210. The eccentric clamp 510 houses the torsion spring 580 such that the torsion spring 580 rotates the eccentric clamp 510 counterclockwise around a pivot point at the center of the pivot bushing 520. The force of the torsion spring 580 pushes the eccentric clamp 510 such that the eccentric clamp 510 exerts pressure on the weight 310 securing the weight 310 to the paddle 210. The spring bushing 530 is affixed to the paddle 210 and serves as a stop for one leg of the torsion spring 580 and the clockwise rotation of the eccentric clamp 510. The user can grasp the knob 570 and rotate the eccentric clamp 510 clockwise to release the weight 310.

The first embodiment of the paddle assembly 10, the second embodiment of the paddle assembly 100, and the preferred embodiment of the paddle assembly 200 are each intended specifically for (although not limited to) use by any and all pickleball players. They are designed as a training aid to increase and develop strength, power, and mobility through muscle memory and to decrease the probability of overuse injury in the forearm, shoulder, and elbow of the user. Various forms of uses and applications for the disclosed embodiments include, but are not limited to, developing powerful ground strokes, serves, back hands, over heads, and volleys. Repeated motion develops kinetic muscle strength and growth. The various embodiments of the paddle assembly 10, 100, and 200 are not intended for use in game play. They may create a kit (to be sold as a package) that includes two or more weights each having different weight amounts.

The preferred embodiment of the paddle assembly 200 further addresses a particular problem: how to quickly and efficiently interchange and adjust weights throughout progression. The paddle assembly 200 solves that particular problem by securing the weight 310 to the paddle 210 using opposing bevels 450, 556, and B and three-point contact such that the weight 310 is held very securely and cannot come loose under normal use. Use of the torsion spring 580 facilitates a force such that the eccentric clamp 510 effectively retains the weight 310. The weight 310 is held such that it is pushed axially against the front side 214 of the paddle 210. The stationary locators 410, 412 are placed on the paddle 210 such that they counter the inertial load from swinging the paddle 210. Because the locators 410, 412 are fixed and the contact points are opposing bevels, the risk that the weight 310 could come loose in normal use is minimal. Weights 310 of different amounts can be exchanged in just seconds without concern that the weight 310 could become dislodged in use.

Although illustrated and described above with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, the present invention is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is expressly intended, for example, that various components of the different embodiments of the disclosed paddle assemblies may be interchanged. Further, all of the dimensions and configurations described and illustrated can vary dramatically depending on the design and specific application.

PICKLEBALL TRAINING AID

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