Sports Implement Having Asymmetric Grip

Abstract

A sports implement includes a main body portion, a handle portion extending from the main body portion, and a grip member. The main body portion includes a first contact surface constructed from a first contact material, a second contact surface constructed from a second contact material, a first core constructed from a first core material and being positioned adjacent to the first contact surface, a second core constructed from a second core material and being positioned adjacent to the second contact surface, and a sidewall positioned about a perimeter of each of the first and the second contact surfaces and cores. The handle portion defines a handle central axis extending therethrough. The grip member includes a grip body portion and a grip end portion forming a grip end plane. The grip body portion is operably coupled with the handle portion. The grip end plane forms an obtuse angle with the handle central axis.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to sports implements and, more particularly, to paddles and/or rackets having asymmetric grip arrangements.

BACKGROUND

Swinging implements include a handle that are grasped in the hand(s) and swung with a greater and/or exaggerated arm motion. Swinging implements may take the form of paddles and/or rackets used to strike balls and/or objects of varying shapes and sizes. For example, paddles or rackets are used to strike balls in the sports of pickleball, tennis, platform tennis, ping pong, and the like.

Generally, the paddles and/or rackets include a contact portion that strikes the object and a handle portion that a user grasps to maneuver the implement. In some examples, the swinging implements may include an oval shaped handle. This oval shape, when gripped, advantageously maintains the user's hands (i.e., the carpal, metacarpal and phalanx bones) and wrists in alignment with the path of the swing, thus resulting in a more accurate delivery of the implement to the targeted object of contact. However, users may desire implements capable of providing increased power and/or accuracy. Further, prolonged use these implements may cause user discomfort. Further still, users may wish to apply varying levels of power or finesse to various strikes or swings while maintaining proper swinging form.

As described in more detail below, the present disclosure sets forth paddles and/or rackets having asymmetric grips embodying advantageous alternatives to existing systems and methods, and that may address one or more of the challenges or needs mentioned herein, as well as provide other benefits and advantages.

SUMMARY

Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure are directed to a sports implement including a main body portion, a handle portion extending from the main body portion, and a grip member. The main body portion includes a first contact surface constructed from a first contact material, a second contact surface constructed from a second contact material, a first core constructed from a first core material and being positioned adjacent to the first contact surface, a second core constructed from a second core material and being positioned adjacent to the second contact surface, and a sidewall positioned about a perimeter of each of the first and the second contact surfaces and cores. The handle portion defines a handle central axis extending therethrough. The grip member includes a grip body portion and a grip end portion forming a grip end plane. The grip body portion is operably coupled with the handle portion. The grip end plane forms an obtuse angle with the handle central axis.

In some examples, the first contact material is in the form of a carbon fiber material. Further, in some examples, the first contact material may have a Young's Modulus of approximately 183 GPa. In these and other examples, the second contact material is in the form of a fiberglass material. In these and other examples, the second contact material may have a Young's Modulus of approximately 75 GPa. In yet other examples, the first contact material has a first contact elasticity value and the second contact material has a second contact elasticity value. A ratio of the first contact elasticity value to the second contact elasticity value is between approximately 1:5 and approximately 1:1.5.

In some approaches, the sports implement may include a plane extending through the sidewall. The plane may separate the first core from the second core. Further, in some examples, the sports implement may include a transition region between the grip body portion and the grip end portion. The transition region may have a first side defining a dorsal cantle region and a second side defining a ventral cantle region. At least one of the dorsal cantle region and the ventral cantle region may bisect or divide the plane. Further, in some examples, the plane may be parallel to at least one of the first or the second contact surfaces.

In some forms, the main body portion, the handle portion, and the grip member have a combined length of less than 18″. In some of these examples, the grip body portion may include at least one finger positioning member extending therealong.

In some examples, the main body portion may define a main body length, and the handle portion and grip member may define a grip length. The main body length and the grip length may combine to define an overall length. A ratio of the grip length to the main body length may be between approximately 1:3 and approximately 3:5.

In accordance with a second aspect, a sports implement is provided that includes a main body portion, a handle portion, and a grip member. The main body portion includes a forehand side constructed from a first material, a backhand side constructed from a second material, and a sidewall positioned about a perimeter of each of the forehand and backhand sides. The handle portion extends from the main body portion and defines a handle central axis extending therethrough. The grip member includes a grip body portion that is operably coupled with the handle portion and a grip end portion forming a grip end plane. The grip end plane forms an obtuse angle with the handle central axis.

In accordance with a third aspect, a sports implement is provided that includes a main body portion, a plane, a handle portion extending from the main body portion, and a grip member. The main body portion has a first contact surface constructed from a first contact material, a second contact surface constructed from a second contact material, a first core constructed from a first core material and being positioned adjacent to the first contact surface, a second core constructed from a second core material and being positioned adjacent to the second contact surface, and a sidewall positioned about a perimeter of each of the first and the second contact surfaces and first and second cores. The plane extends through the sidewall and separates the first core from the second core. The handle portion extends from a lower end of the main body portion and defines a handle central axis extending therethrough. The grip member includes a grip body portion operably coupled with the handle portion, a grip end portion forming a grip end plane, and a transition region between the grip body portion and the grip end portion having a first side and a second side. The first side of the transition region defines a dorsal cantle region and the second side defines a ventral cantle region. The grip end plane forms an obtuse angle with the handle central axis, and at least one of the dorsal cantle region or the ventral cantle region bisects or divides the plane.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, a sports implement is provided that includes a main body portion, a handle portion extending from the main body portion, and a grip member. The main body portion has a first contact surface constructed from a first contact material, a second contact surface constructed from a second contact material, and a sidewall positioned about a perimeter of each of the first and the second contact surfaces. The handle portion defines a handle central axis extending therethrough. The grip member includes a grip body portion and a grip end portion. The grip body portion is operably coupled with the handle portion, and the grip end portion defines a first apex positioned on a first side and a second apex positioned on a second side that combine to form a grip end plane. The grip end plane forms an obtuse angle with the handle central axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the sports implement described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation view of a first example sports implement in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear plan view of the example sports implement of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the example sports implement of FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a right side elevation view of the example sports implement of FIGS. 1-3 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a right side cross-sectional elevation view of the example sports implement of FIGS. 1-4 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of an example sports implement having example finger positioning members in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation view of a second example sports implement in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a right side cross-sectional elevation view of the example sports implement of FIG. 7 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front elevation view of an example sports implement having a single example finger positioning member in accordance with various embodiments.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated and/or simplified relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following definitions and methods are provided to better define the present disclosure and to guide those of ordinary skill in the art in the practice of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise noted, terms are to be understood according to conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

The term “axially symmetric” as used herein refers to symmetry about an axis in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis.

The term “cantle” as used herein in connection with a surface refers to a surface that is curved upwardly. In the context of the present disclosure, the ventral cantle is adapted to engage the hypothenar of a gripping hand of a user, and the dorsal cantle engages the pinky of the gripping hand. Like a cantle of a saddle, which cradles the gluteus maximus or bottom of a rider, the cantle-like structure of the knob described herein cradles the hypothenar of the hand in the same way giving support, stability and increased surface area contact to the hand throughout a swing.

The term “coronal plane” as used herein refers to an imaginary plane containing the central longitudinal axis dividing a knob of the present disclosure (or an element thereof) into ventral and dorsal (anterior and posterior, respectively) sections. The coronal plane is orthogonal to the sagittal plane, and the two planes intersect along the central longitudinal axis.

The term “sagittal plane” as used herein refers to an imaginary vertical, longitudinal plane containing the central longitudinal axis which passes from anterior to posterior along the central longitudinal axis, dividing a knob of the present disclosure (or an element thereof) into right and left halves. The sagittal plane is orthogonal to the coronal plane, and the two planes intersect along the central longitudinal axis.

The term “supplementary angles” as used herein refers to two angles having a sum of 180 degrees.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and not exclusive (i.e., there may be other elements in addition to the recited elements). The use of “or” means “and/or” unless specifically stated otherwise, and the use of the singular includes the plural and plural encompasses singular, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, a sports implement is provided in the form of a pickleball paddle (or other similar implement such as, for example a table tennis racket or paddle, a platform tennis racket or paddle, a tennis racket, and the like) that includes an ergonomic grip member that is asymmetrically arranged to improve user comfort, stability, increase striking power, and reduce fatigue. The grip member may be provided in a number of arrangements to accommodate left-handed users, right-handed users, or alternatively, both left-handed and right-handed users. The grip member may be configured for single-hand use—that is, the grip member may have a length dimension that only accommodates a width of a single hand of a user. In some examples, the grip member may be provided as an accessory that couples with a handle portion of the sports implement in a manner that allows the grip member to be replaceable as desired.

Turning to the figures, and more specifically to FIGS. 1-6, a first embodiment of a sports implement 100 is provided in the form of a pickleball paddle. In this example, the paddle 100 is provided in a right-handed orientation. The paddle 100 includes a main body portion 110, a handle portion 130 extending from the main body portion 110, and a grip member 150. The main body portion 110 has a first or left side 110a that includes a first contact surface 112, a second or right side 110b that includes a second contact surface 114, an upper end 110c, a lower end 110d and a sidewall 116 positioned about a perimeter of each of the first and second contact surfaces 112, 114. The sidewall 116 may be bisected by a plane (e.g., the sagittal plane “SP” illustrated in FIG. 2) and may define a top side 116a and a bottom side 116b. Further, the first and second contact surfaces 112, 114 may be bisected by a plane (e.g., the coronal plane “CP”) such that each of the first and second contact surfaces 112, 114 include first and second segments (or sides) 112a, 112b.

In some examples, the first and/or the second contact surfaces 112, 114 may be generally planar or have a slight curvature. In examples where the first and/or the second contact surfaces 112, 114 are generally planar, these surfaces may be parallel to the sagittal plane. In the illustrated example, the first contact surface 112 is constructed from a first contact material, and the second contact surface 114 is constructed from a second contact material. In the illustrated right-handed orientation, the first contact material is a relatively rigid material capable of generating ball strikes having increased power. For example, the first contact surface 112 may be constructed from a carbon fiber or similar material. In this example, the first contact material may have a Young's Modulus between approximately 165 GPa and approximately 190 GPa. In some implementations, the Young's Modulus may be approximately 183 GPa. Other examples of suitable materials for the first contact material are possible. Further, it is appreciated that the first contact surface 112 may additionally and/or alternatively be treated with various materials to provide desired performance requirements.

Conversely, in this illustrated example right-handed orientation, the second contact material is a relatively elastic or absorptive material capable of generating ball strikes having increased finesse or soft touches. For example, the second contact surface 114 may be constructed from a fiberglass or similar material. In this example, the second contact material may have a Young's Modulus between approximately 55 GPa and approximately 90 GPa. In some implementations, the Young's Modulus may be approximately 75 GPa. Other examples of suitable materials for the second contact material are possible. Further, it is appreciated that the second contact surface 114 may additionally and/or alternatively be treated with various materials to provide desired performance requirements.

In some examples, the first and/or the second contact surfaces 112, 114 may have a rough and/or textured surface finishing. Such a textured surface may be measured via any number of suitable components such as, for example, a surface roughness testing device. In some applications, the sports implement must adhere to predefined roughness parameters.

With particular reference to FIG. 5, generally, the main body portion 110 of the paddle 100 is constructed by disposing a honeycombed or other-shaped, composite and/or diffused material core between laminated layers of a polymeric or other sheet product that defines the first and second contact surfaces 112, 114. An outer bezel may then be applied that defines the sidewall 116. Notably, the core in this example is segmented and includes a first core 122 constructed from a first core material and a second core 124 constructed from a second core material. In the illustrated examples, the first and the second cores 122, 124 have generally equal thicknesses and are segmented by the sagittal plane. However, in other implementations, the first and second cores 122, 124 may have varying thicknesses depending on the desired characteristics of the paddle 100. Other examples of suitable construction approaches are possible. The first and second cores 122, 124 are provided to complement the first and second contact surfaces 112, 114.

As with the first contact surface 112, in the illustrated right-handed orientation, the first core material coincides with the first contact material and is a relatively rigid material capable of generating ball strikes having increased power. For example, the first core material 122 may be constructed from a carbon fiber or similar material. In this example, the first core material may have a Young's Modulus between approximately 165 GPa and approximately 190 GPa. In some implementations, the Young's Modulus may be approximately 183 GPa. Other examples of suitable materials for the first core material are possible.

Conversely, in this illustrated example right-handed orientation, as with the second contact surface 114, the second core material is a more elastic or absorptive material capable of generating ball strikes having increased finesse or soft touches. For example, the second core material 124 may be constructed from a fiberglass or similar material. In this example, the second core material may have a Young's Modulus between approximately 55 GPa and approximately 90 GPa. In some implementations, the Young's Modulus may be approximately 75 GPa. Other examples of suitable materials for the second core material are possible.

In some examples, materials for the first contact surface 112 (and the first core 122) and the second contact surface 114 (and the second core 124) are selected to have desired relative ratios of elasticity. For example, the second contact surface 114 (and, in some implementations, the second core 124) may be constructed from materials that are between approximately 1.5 and five times as elastic as the materials used to construct the first contact surface 112 (and, in some implementations, the first core 122). Put differently, in some examples, a ratio of the first contact elasticity value to the second contact elasticity value is between approximately 1:5 and approximately 1:1.5. Example materials may include, but are not limited to, fiberglass, composites, graphite, carbon fiber, and/or 3K weave carbon fiber. Other examples are possible. Further, it will be appreciated that in some examples, the core may be constructed from a single material, but the first and second contact surfaces 112, 114 may be constructed from different materials having desired power and elasticity characteristics.

The handle portion 130 is operably coupled with the lower end 110d of the main body portion 110 at an extension location 118. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the extension location 118 may form a reduced width portion relative to the main body portion. The handle portion 130 may define a handle central axis 131 extending therethrough. More specifically, the sagittal and coronal planes may be perpendicular to each other and intersect at the handle central axis 131. In other words, the handle portion 130 may be bisected by the sagittal and coronal planes (and may intersect orthogonally along the central axis 131). Further, the extension location 118 may form a plane that is parallel to the coronal plane. In some examples, the handle portion 130 may be formed integrally with the main body portion 110, and in other examples, the handle portion 130 may be coupled with the main body portion 110 via any number of suitable approaches. In some examples, the handle portion 130 may have a generally ellipsoid or oblong cross sectional configuration. Other examples are possible.

The grip member 150 includes a grip body portion 152, a transition region 160, and a grip end portion 170. The grip body portion 152 includes a length and is operably coupled with the handle portion 130. In some examples, the grip body portion 152 and the handle portion 130 may be integrally formed, and in other examples, the grip body portion 152 and the handle portion 130 may be permanently and/or removably coupled via adhesives, fasteners, and the like. Other examples are possible.

The grip member 150 may be formed from any of a variety of materials that provide desired mechanical strength and tactile properties. In some examples, the grip member 150 may be constructed from a combination of ceramic, metal, polymer, composite, wood or a composite or laminate thereof. More specifically, in some embodiments, the grip member 150 may be at least partially constructed form a polymer such as an epoxy resin, polyamine, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyether, polyimide, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, laser-fused plastic powders, or a copolymer or blend thereof. By way of further example, in some embodiments, the grip member 150 may be constructed from a composite such as a fiber-reinforced polymer wherein the polymer is one of the aforementioned polymers or a co-polymer or blend thereof, and the reinforcing fiber comprises aluminum fibers, an aramid or other polymeric fibers, carbon fibers, ceramic fibers, carbon nanotubes, glass fibers or a combination thereof. Additionally, the grip body portion 152, the transition region 160, and/or the grip end portion 170 may be solid, or wholly or partly hollow.

In some examples, the main body portion 110 may define a main body length. Further, the handle portion 130 and the grip member 150 may cooperate to define a grip length that extends from the extension location 118 to an end of the grip end portion 170. In such examples, the paddle 100 may have an overall combined length between the main body length and the grip length of not more than 18″. In other examples, the paddle 100 may have an overall combined length between the main body length and the grip length of not more than 17″. In some implementations (and in specific sports with dimensional requirements), width plus length dimensions cannot exceed 24″ (specific to pickleball). In other implementations, the overall length of the sports implement may be limited to 29″ (e.g., tennis rackets). In some examples, the overall length of the sports implement may be limited to 27″ (e.g., squash rackets). Other examples are possible. Accordingly, in any of these examples, the overall grip length may be variable in relation to the dimensions of the main body portion 110. In these and other examples, the grip length may be dimensioned such that the grip body portion 152 (and optionally a portion of the handle portion 130) may be between approximately 3.5″ and approximately 6.0″. In some examples, a ratio may be defined between the grip lengths to the main body length. This ratio of the grip length to the main body length may be between approximately 1:3 and approximately 3:5. In these and other examples, a ratio may be defined between the grip lengths to the overall length. This ratio may be between approximately 1:4 and 2:5. Such length and other dimensional requirements are provided to conform with equipment regulations for specific sports. Accordingly, it is appreciated that in some examples, the sports implement 100 may not need to adhere to dimensional guidelines.

Returning to the grip member 150, a user may grasp the grip body portion 152 and the transition region 160 while supporting an athlete's gripping hand (FIG. 6). With reference to FIG. 3, the grip member 150 is divided into two parts by the sagittal plane (which passes through the sidewall 116 of the main body portion 110 and the handle portion 130). In one example, the grip member 150 is bisected by the sagittal plane such that a first side 150a (corresponding to the first side 110a) of the grip member 150 and a second side 150b (corresponding to the second side 110b) are mirror images of each other.

The grip body portion 152 provides a gripping surface for a user's palm, thumb, and fingers. In some examples, the grip body portion 152 may have a substantially constant cross-sectional shape extending along the elongated length thereof. However, in other examples, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the grip body portion 152 may include any number of finger positioning members 153 extending therealong to assist with gripping the paddle 100. It is appreciated that in some examples, paddle 100 may include a grip body portion 152 having any number of finger positioning members 153 while lacking an angled grip end portion 170 (see, e.g., FIG. 9). It is appreciated that the ornamental appearance of the at finger positioning member or members 153 can vary and is not dictated by their function.

Generally speaking, the transition region 160 defines a transition (i.e., an increase) in overall cross-sectional dimension and geometry of the grip member 150. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the transition region 160 includes a first side 160a including a curved dorsal cantle region 162 and a second side 160b including a curved ventral cantle region 164. More specifically, the coronal plane divides the grip member (i.e., the transition region 160) to define first and second sides 160a, 160b, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the sagittal plane divides the ventral cantle region 164 and the dorsal cantle region 162 into first and second halves, with a first half facing the first side 110a of the main body portion 110, and a second half facing the second side 110b of the main body portion 110. In some examples, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the sagittal plane bisects the ventral cantle region 164 and dorsal cantle region 162. However, in other examples, the sagittal plane may divide the dorsal cantle region 162 and ventral cantle region 164 in an asymmetric manner.

In other examples (not illustrated), the positioning of the grip member 150 may be rotated by 90 degrees with respect to the main body portion 110. More specifically, in some examples, the sagittal plane divides the grip member to define first and second sides such that the ventral cantle region is disposed on the same side as either the first or the second contact surface and the dorsal cantle region is disposed on the other of the first or the second contact surface. Further, in such an arrangement, the coronal plane will divide the ventral cantle region 164 and the dorsal cantle region 162 into first and second halves, with a first half facing the top side of the sidewall and a second half facing the bottom side of the sidewall. It is to be appreciated that in other examples, the positioning of the grip member may be rotated by any other desired angle relative to the main body portion.

The transition region 160 extends to the grip end portion 170 which defines a first apex 172 positioned adjacent to the dorsal cantle region 162 and a second apex 174 positioned adjacent to the ventral cantle region 164. The first and second apexes 172, 174 generally define a widest overall dimension of the grip end 170 and thus the grip member 150. In some examples, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second apexes 172, 174 may then transition to a decreasing curve that ends to define a generally planar end surface 176 defining the end of the grip member 150. However, in other examples (not illustrated), the first and second apexes may define the end of the grip end such that the first and second apexes are positioned along the planar end surface. The generally planar end surface 176 is arranged obtusely (i.e., non-perpendicularly) relative to the handle central axis 131. In other words, a distance from the plane formed at the extension location 118 of the main body portion 110 to the first apex 172 is less than a distance from the plane formed at the extension location 118 of the main body portion 110 to the second apex 174. As such, the ventral cantle region 164 defines a curve having a larger radius of curvature than a radius of curvature of a curve defined by the dorsal cantle region 162, thereby providing an asymmetric grip.

In some examples, the overall length of the planar end surface 176 extending between the first and second apexes 172, 174 may be longer than a length of a planar surface extending between a conventional grip member having a non-angled grip end (not illustrated). In some examples, the overall lengths may be between approximately 1″ and 3.5″, as desired. In some examples, the length may only extend outwardly in the ventral cantle region area and not in the dorsal cantle region. Increasing this length provides a user with increased potential support and gripping engagement. Further, an enlarged area of engagement provides increased comfort, improved connection with the paddle, and improved performance.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in some examples, the planar end surface 176 of the grip end portion 170 may have a generally circular configuration and may define a grip central axis 178 that extends through the grip member 150. In the example paddle 100, the grip central axis 178 is collinear with the handle central axis 131. Further, in the example paddle 100, a distance along the planar end surface 176 from the coronal plane (and the handle central axis 131 and the grip central axis 178) to each of the first and second apexes 172, 174 are equidistant.

As previously noted, the described sports implement may be provided in both right- and left-handed applications. More specifically, in the right-handed orientation illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the dorsal cantle region 162 and the ventral cantle region 164 (as well as any finger positioning members 153, if so equipped) are positioned to provide a paddle orientation for right-handed users that results in the first side 110a of the paddle 100 corresponding to the forehand side (while featuring the “power” assembly of materials and core structures) and the second side 110b of the paddle 100 corresponding to the backhand side (while featuring the “finesse” or “touch” assembly of materials and core structures). However, in the example paddle 200 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, a left-handed orientation is provided. It is appreciated that the paddle 200 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 may include similar features to the paddle 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, and accordingly, elements illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 are designated by similar reference numbers indicated in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 increased by 100. Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail. Further, it is appreciated that any of the elements described with regards to the paddle 100 may be incorporated into the paddle 200, and vice-versa.

In this example paddle 200, in the left-handed orientation illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the dorsal cantle region 262 and the ventral cantle region 264 (as well as any finger positioning members 253, if so equipped) are positioned to provide a paddle orientation suitable for left-handed users that results in the second side 210b of the paddle 200 corresponding to the forehand side (while featuring the “power” assembly of materials and core structures (e.g., the first contact surface 212 and the first core 222)) and while the first side 210a of the paddle 200 corresponding to the backhand side (while featuring the “finesse” or “touch” assembly of materials and core structures (e.g., the second contact surface 214 and the second core 224)). So arranged, a left-handed user may properly use the paddle 200 to generate forehand swings having increased power and backhand swings having increased touch or finesse. More specifically, and as previously noted, in this left-handed configuration, the forehand swing side (i.e., the second side 210b) of the paddle 200 is constructed from materials that may generate increased power, whereas the backhand swing side (i.e., the first side 210a) of the paddle 200 is constructed form a material that may result in finesse or touch shots.

In any of these examples, the grip member may be wrapped or covered with grip tape or any other suitable material as desired. In some examples, the grip tape may be constructed from a foam material, a laminate material, a leather material, and/or any other polymeric or natural material. Further, it is appreciated that the grip members described herein may be suitable for use for similar sports implements having first and second contact surfaces and where ventral cantle and dorsal cantle regions are divided by a sagittal plane disposed between these surfaces. Such examples may include tennis rackets, badminton rackets, table tennis rackets, platform tennis rackets, padel rackets, ping pong paddles, and the like. Other examples are possible.

Unless specified otherwise, any of the feature or characteristics of any one of the embodiments of the self-massaging tool disclosed herein may be combined with the features or characteristics of any other embodiments of the self-massaging tool. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.

The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s).

Claims

1. A sports implement comprising: a main body portion having a first contact surface constructed form a first contact material, a second contact surface constructed from a second contact material, a first core constructed from a first core material and being positioned adjacent to the first contact surface, a second core constructed from a second core material and being positioned adjacent to the second contact surface, and a sidewall positioned about a perimeter of each of the first and the second contact surfaces and the first and the second cores;a handle portion extending from the main body portion, the handle portion defining a handle central axis extending therethrough; anda grip member including a grip body portion and a grip end portion forming a grip end plane, the grip body portion being operably coupled with the handle portion, wherein the grip end plane forms an obtuse angle with the handle central axis.

2. The sports implement of claim 1, wherein the first contact material comprises a carbon fiber material, and the second contact material comprises a fiberglass material.

3. (canceled)

4. The sports implement of claim 1, wherein the first contact material has a Young's Modulus of approximately 183 GPa, and the second contact material has a Young's Modulus of approximately 75 GPa.

5. (canceled)

6. The sports implement of claim 1, wherein the first contact material has a first contact elasticity value and the second contact material has a second contact elasticity value, wherein a ratio of the first contact elasticity value to the second contact elasticity value is between approximately 1:5 and approximately 1:1.5.

7. The sports implement of claim 1, further comprising a plane extending through the sidewall, the plane separating the first core from the second core.

8. (canceled)

9. The sports implement of claim 7, wherein the plane is parallel to at least one of the first or the second contact surfaces.

10. (canceled)

11. The sports implement of claim 1, wherein the grip body portion includes at least one finger positioning member extending therealong.

12. The sports implement of claim 1, wherein the main body portion defines a main body length and the handle portion and the grip member define a grip length, the main body length and the grip length combining to define an overall length, wherein a ratio of the grip length to the main body length is between approximately 1:3 and approximately 3:5.

13. A sports implement comprising: a main body portion having a forehand side constructed form a first material, a backhand side constructed from a second material, and a sidewall positioned about a perimeter of each of the forehand and backhand sides;a handle portion extending from the main body portion, the handle portion defining a handle central axis extending therethrough; anda grip member including a grip body portion and a grip end portion forming a grip end plane, the grip body portion being operably coupled with the handle portion, wherein the grip end plane forms an obtuse angle with the handle central axis

14. The sports implement of claim 13, wherein the forehand side of the main body portion is constructed from a carbon fiber material, and the backhand side of the main body portion is constructed from a fiberglass material.

15. (canceled)

16. The sports implement of claim 13, wherein the forehand side of the main body portion has a first contact elasticity value and the backhand side of the main body portion has a second contact elasticity value, wherein a ratio of the first contact elasticity value to the second contact elasticity value is between approximately 1:5 and approximately 1:1.5.

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. The sports implement of claim 13, wherein the grip body portion includes at least one finger positioning member extending therealong.

20. A sports implement comprising: a main body portion having a first contact surface constructed form a first contact material, a second contact surface constructed from a second contact material, a first core constructed from a first core material and being positioned adjacent to the first contact surface, a second core constructed from a second core material and being positioned adjacent to the second contact surface, and a sidewall positioned about a perimeter of each of the first and the second contact surfaces and the first and the second cores;a plane extending through the sidewall, the plane separating the first core from the second core;a handle portion extending from a lower end of the main body portion, the handle portion defining a handle central axis extending therethrough; anda grip member including a grip body portion being operably coupled with the handle portion, a grip end portion forming a grip end plane, and a transition region between the grip body portion and the grip end portion, the transition region having a first side defining a dorsal cantle region and a second side defining a ventral cantle region;wherein the grip end plane forms an obtuse angle with the handle central axis, wherein at least one of the dorsal cantle region and the ventral cantle region bisects or divides the plane.

21. The sports implement of claim 20, wherein the first contact material comprises a carbon fiber material, wherein the second contact material comprises a fiberglass material.

22. (canceled)

23. The sports implement of claim 20, wherein the first contact material has a Young's Modulus of approximately 183 GPa, wherein the second contact material has a Young's Modulus of approximately 75 GPa.

24. (canceled)

25. The sports implement of claim 20, wherein the first contact material has a first contact elasticity value and the second contact material has a second contact elasticity value, wherein a ratio of the first contact elasticity value to the second contact elasticity value is between approximately 1:5 and approximately 1:1.5.

26. The sports implement of claim 20, wherein the dorsal cantle region has a dorsal cantle radius of curvature and the ventral cantle region has a ventral cantle radius of curvature, wherein the ventral cantle radius of curvature is greater than the dorsal cantle radius of curvature.

27. The sports implement of claim 20, wherein the grip body portion has an elongated length having a substantially constant cross-sectional shape.

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. A sports implement comprising: a main body portion having a first contact surface constructed from a first contact material, a second contact surface constructed from a second contact material, and a sidewall positioned about a perimeter of each of the first and the second contact surfaces;a handle portion extending from the main body portion, the handle portion defining a handle central axis extending therethrough; anda grip member including a grip body portion and a grip end portion, the grip body portion being operably coupled with the handle portion, the grip end portion defining a first apex positioned on a first side and a second apex positioned on a second side, the first and second apexes forming a grip end plane;wherein the grip end plane forms an obtuse angle with the handle central axis.

31. The sports implement of claim 30, wherein the angle formed between the grip end plane and the handle central axis is between approximately 15° and approximately 55°.

32. The sports implement of claim 30, further comprising a first core constructed from a first core material and being positioned adjacent to the first contact surface; and a second core constructed from a second core material and being positioned adjacent to the second contact surface.

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. The sports implement of claim 30, wherein the first contact material has a Young's Modulus of approximately 183 GPa, wherein the second contact material has a Young's Modulus of approximately 75 GPa.

36. (canceled)

37. The sports implement of claim 30, wherein the first contact material has a first contact elasticity value and the second contact material has a second contact elasticity value, wherein a ratio of the first contact elasticity value to the second contact elasticity value is between approximately 1:5 and approximately 1:1.5.