Patent Application
20240245965
The present application relates to methods and devices for playing a game, and more particularly to a paddle sport game that includes a portable framework such that the game can be played outdoors and indoors.
Paddle sports games, such as beach paddleball, are known in the art in which two or more players stand at a distance from each other and volley a ball between the players using paddles. Such games can be a source of entertainment, while developing and maintaining physical fitness, agility, and coordination, and also serve as a vehicle for promoting healthy competitiveness while building camaraderie. As people maintain a constant desire to learn to play new games that combine competitive objectives, a degree of skill, and camaraderie, the need persists for novel games, and the equipment associated with such games that facilitate their play.
The present invention may satisfy one or more of the above-mentioned desirable aspects. Other features and/or aspects may become apparent from the description which follows. The systems, methods and devices of the disclosure each have innovative aspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized.
The present invention of a portable paddle sport game is referred to herein as “a PaddlePost game” and includes a framework structure having a pair of vertical arms which form a defined space through which a ball is volleyed therebetween by at least two players using paddles and positioned on opposite sides of the framework structure. The PaddlePost game adapts and extends the elements of conventional beach paddleball by providing a physical framework structure to broaden the physical, spatial and dynamic dimensions of the game, and the manner of play. The use of the physical framework structure is a central element of the game, thus necessitating a change in the manner in which conventional paddlesport games are played, and consequently differentiating it from other paddle sport games.
The PaddlePost game is played similarly to the game of beach paddleball in that it can be played by two or more players using similar-type wooden paddles and a small, soft rubber ball. As in beach paddleball, the goal of the game is for the players to volley the ball with their paddles so that the ball is returned to the opposing player(s) who will in turn return it in a similar manner without the ball falling to the ground. The main difference between the two sports is that with the PaddlePost game is that the players on either side of the framework structure must volley the ball between two vertical arms. The framework includes two vertical arms temporarily attached to a crossbar elevated on a single pole to resemble a goal post having a U-shaped in one embodiment. In some embodiments, the U-shaped goal post can be configured to be, similar in shape, but not having the same dimensions and composition to a goal post used in American football. The purpose of the space defined by the two vertical arms is to challenge the player's accuracy, resourcefulness, agility and consistency to continually return the ball to the opposing player through the defined space of the two vertical arms. The PaddlePost game can be played outdoors and indoors.
In one embodiment, a kit for a paddle sport game includes a framework having a foldable base with a single pole extending therefrom and attached to a horizontal crossbar structure adapted to be detachably coupled with two vertical arms. One or more paddles and a ball can be optionally included in the kit. The paddles and ball used can be similar to those used in other paddle sports, such as beach paddleball. Such conventional paddles are normally constructed of hard plywood, approximately 15-17 inches long, 9 inches wide, and having a ⅜ inch thickness. The hollow ball is typically constructed of rubber and is approximately 2-4 inches in diameter.
Various embodiments provide a new and novel game which is inexpensive to manufacture, may be easily and quickly assembled for use and disassembled for transportation and storage. The apparatus can be made of suitable materials which provide desirable characteristics to allow the apparatus to be repeatedly used with minimal damage, and allow for ease of storage or transportation.
In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments will become evident. It should be understood that the invention, in its broadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should also be understood that these aspects are merely exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention.
The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings described below are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.
Embodiments of this disclosure encompass methods and devices for playing a portable PaddlePost game. For convenience in transporting and assembly, the PaddlePost game can include four pieces of lightweight % inch diameter PVC piping, and a foldable metal base that can be quickly assembled by simply fitting the components together. No tools are required for assembly. The PaddlePost game can be played either outdoors on a sandy beach, lawn, or paved surface. The PaddlePost game can also be played indoors in a gymnasium or wherever there is a hard level surface.
As depicted in the example of
The base 120 of the framework 105 is intended to reside on the ground or similar flat surface and support the connected vertical and horizontal structures. Accordingly, the lower vertical support structure 135 is connected to the center mating unit 125 to and extend vertically away from the ground.
In the embodiment of the present invention shown in
Coupled to the top of the upper vertical structure 115 is a U-shaped assembly 110 as shown in
While embodiments of the PaddlePost apparatus 100 is mainly described herein as consisting of separate components that are assembled together by the user of the game, the PaddlePost apparatus 100 can be manufactured as a single unit, that is completely foldable and adjustable. In a single unit embodiment, the PaddlePost apparatus 100 can be unfolded for use wherein the lower vertical support structure 135 of the base 120 houses the upper vertical support structure 115 such that the upper vertical support structure 115 is adjustable in a telescopic manner and extends from the base 120. The crossbar 140 is rotatably attached by a connection mechanism, such as a joint hinge, to the upper vertical support structure 115. The crossbar 140 can be rotated horizontally relative to the upper vertical support structure 115 at the T-connector 145 and locked into the horizontal position. The joint hinge can be locked in at 90 degrees relative to the upper vertical support structure 115. Both vertical arms 155 are rotatably attached by joint hinges to the crossbar 140. The vertical arms can be rotated relative vertically to the crossbar 140 and locked in a vertical position using the joint hinges. After use when it is desired to return the PaddlePost apparatus 100 to the folded position, the steps can simply be reversed.
As illustrated in
For instance, while playing the PaddlePost game, volleying the ball between the vertical arms 155 provides many benefits to the players, such as physical fitness, agility, and hand-eye coordination. The PaddlePost game can also enhance the player's spatial awareness, which is a complex cognitive skill. Spatial awareness is important for a person's depth perception and relates to their physical understanding of distance and the ability to interact with the environment around the person.
The game may be played in various ways but a set of rules is now set out below by way of example:
During a non-competitive play mode, for purposes of simplicity, the PaddlePost game can be enjoyed without adhering to any scoring rules except making sure each player makes every effort to return the ball within the vertical arms 155 of the framework 105. Players must serve the ball under-handed but can return it under-handed or over-handed. If, during play, the ball falls to the ground or is returned below the horizontal crossbar 140, or to the outsides of the two vertical arms 155, then the opposing player will restart play by serving the ball. Returning the ball high over the two vertical arms 155 is acceptable as long as it is judged within the two vertical arms 155. Keeping score is optional since the objective is to have fun, keep the ball in play for as long as possible, and maximize the agility and exercise opportunities for the players.
The game does not require any boundaries so that the ball can be returned from any distance or position from behind the post, as long as it passes through the two vertical arms 155. This is also meant to keep the game fluid and compensate for the player's abilities.
During a competitive play mode, players who are interested in playing competitively must still use the rules described above for non-competitive play. However, they can adapt the rules of beach paddleball with regard to keeping score. For the PaddlePost game, they must volley the ball between the two vertical arms 155, and play to a determined score, normally 7, 11 or 21 points, and the winner must win by 2 points. Also, since there are no marked boundaries, points can only be awarded to the opposing player if the ball is not returned between the two vertical arms 155, or if it falls to the ground.
Players must serve the ball under-handed but can return it under-handed or over-handed. If, during play the ball falls to the ground or is returned below the horizontal crossbar 140, or to the outsides of the two vertical arms 155, then the opposing player is awarded 1 point and the chance to continue play by serving the ball.
In an additional embodiment, as shown in
In a further embodiment illustrated in
The electronic scoring mechanism 190 can include electrical circuitry and a power source. The power source can, for example, be at least one battery (rechargeable or non-rechargeable) and/or at least one solar cell to provide power to the digital counter 180, sensors 175, electrical circuitry, and possibly other components. Furthermore, the electronic scoring mechanism 190 can include a processor and a storage medium. The processor, which can be a microprocessor or controller, controls the operation of the electronic scoring mechanism 190. The storage device stores the sensor data 175. In one embodiment, the digital counter 180 and the sensors 175 can be included in one or more of the vertical arms 155 as an integral component. In another embodiment, the digital counter 180 and the sensors 175 can be separate components in wireless or wired communication with each other.
Aspects of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments; those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that many modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein; any and all modifications, changes, and variations apparent from the foregoing descriptions are within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the present concepts expressly include any and all combinations and sub-combinations of the preceding elements and features.
While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As will be recognized, certain embodiments described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
