WEIGHT ADJUSTABLE SPORTS EQUIPMENT SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT, AND WEIGHTED COMPONENTS THEREFOR

Abstract

A weight adjustable pickleball paddle system includes a main body including opposing playable faces. A handle is attached to the main body. A component receptacle is located in a lateral edge of the main body of the paddle and between the playable faces. A weighted component is dimensioned to be accommodated within the component receptacle.

Description

BACKGROUND

Various sports exist in which a user hits a ball with an object such as paddle, club, racket, bat, etc. While some sports regulate the overall maximum or minimum dimensions of the equipment used, few sports, if any, regulate the weight of the objects used to hit the ball. As such, many of the equipment manufacturers design and sell equipment of varying sizes and weights. In this manner, the user may select equipment having a weight according to a personal preference, which may vary depending on one or more factors. Such factors may include: the league in which the user is playing; training; competition; personal strength; skill level; etc. For example, a user may prefer a heavier paddle for use during training and a lighter paddle for use during competition. Moreover, a player may even desire to change to a differently weighted paddle (or other ball-striking implement depending on the sport being played) in the middle of a single game, where possible.

Having the ability to swap and use different objects with different weights for different situations can be useful when playing at different levels. However, the burden of carrying, transporting, storing, and/or having to select between several different versions of the equipment is often prohibitive, and/or, at the least, cumbersome. The many techniques and variations in the techniques for manufacturing the objects with a preferred weight for hitting the balls in every situation are complex and expansive. Such complexity arises due to many factors including: a desire to accommodate each and every different player who frequently has specific preferences, the differences between sports and the respective equipment, or the subtle differences or events that may come up during a particular game, let alone the varying benefits believed to be achieved via differently weighted and/or structured equipment for hitting a ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. Furthermore, the drawings may be considered as providing an approximate depiction of the relative sizes of the individual components within individual figures. However, the drawings are not to scale, and the relative sizes of the individual components, both within individual figures and between the different figures, may vary from what is depicted. In particular, some of the figures may depict components as a certain size or shape, while other figures may depict the same components on a larger scale or differently shaped for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a pickleball paddle, as an example of sports equipment, configured to bear a weighted component, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the pickleball paddle in FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 1C illustrates a sectional view of the side of the pickleball paddle, as seen in FIG. 1B, bearing a weighted component, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of examples of a weighted component, according to embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a pickleball paddle configured to bear a weighted component, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

This disclosure is directed to a manner of adjusting the weight of sports equipment. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to paddles for pickleball that allow a user to change the weight thereof directly. Notably, it is believed that the techniques discussed herein may be readily applicable other sports equipment, and therefore, it is believed that the scope of this disclosure extends to other equipment such as rackets, clubs, bats, etc.

Inasmuch as players vary in strength, skill, and abilities, sports equipment companies have developed equipment for the various sports that satisfies the standards of possible equipment allowed in the basic rules of each individual sport. Nevertheless, in this era of customization, many players have specific preferences for which each individual wants equipment that is “just right.”

For example, in some instances, a player may desire to use sports equipment that is heavier or lighter than the standard weight for generic or basic equipment in the selected sport. The adjustability of the weight of the equipment using a custom selection of one or more weighted components allows the user to make adjustments in between usage of the equipment, including during even a relatively short reprieve from gameplay or practice.

With respect to pickleball paddles, as indicated above, this disclosure focuses on the devices and techniques for adjusting the overall weight of pickleball paddles. As such a pickleball paddle is illustrated in the figures, and the description is written with the specific details that are most applicable thereto. Nevertheless, it is believed that the principles herein regarding ways of adjusting the weight of a pickleball paddle are applicable to many types of sport equipment. Thus, it is believed that the scope of potential claims in this regard may extend to other sports as well.

Accordingly, in an embodiment of this disclosure, a pickleball paddle (“paddle”) is configured to permit a user to adjust the weight of the paddle by adding one or more weighted components to, or subtracting one or more weighted components from, the paddle. The weighted components may be combined with the paddle by being placed in or on preformed component receptacles, and/or may attach via a component surface to a paddle surface coupling, for example.

Notably, in an embodiment, the weighted components may be selectively removable from the component receptacles in the paddle to accommodate either a total weight reduction or to swap it out with a heavier or lighter weighted component. In another alternative embodiment, the weighted components may be preselected and then fixed in place in the component receptacle locations at, or after, the time of initial manufacture based on user preference. For example, a manufacturer may offer a base weight model of a paddle, and then the customer may have an option to purchase additional weights, which may be preinstalled at the manufacturing facility, or at purchase. Additionally, a manufacturer may offer another form of personal customization such that a user may order a paddle with component receptacles placed at specific positions around the paddle rather than at predefined positions. For example, a user may want or need component receptacles only at the bottom or only at the top of the paddle, or a user may want more component receptacles at a first side of the paddle and not the other. Further, the user may want a higher density or number of component receptacles at one portion along the edge of the paddle versus another in order to weight the paddle at that location even more.

The weighted components may vary in type, size, and/or the amount of weight. The weighted components may be implemented in one or more of a variety of forms, depending on the desired configuration, including: elements having a threaded shaft, styled similar to a screw for the purpose of straightforward and quick application; tack styled elements that push into a portion of the paddle; compression fit components (e.g., wall to opposing wall, frictional size tolerance fits, protrusion and correspondingly located divot/groove fits, etc.); spring-biased, push-actuated insert components; interlocking components, such as a weighted component with features that accommodate entry into a correspondingly shaped receptacle aperture in the paddle, whereby upon insertion, a twist or turn of the component places the component in a position that limits removal without further manipulation; modified edge guard material/strips to surround or connect to at least a portion of the paddle edge; magnets that couple to the paddle; or other suitably attachable pieces that do not interfere with the expected flow of the ball during gameplay.

The weighted components may be formed of a variety of materials, including at least one of metal, plastic, wood, or other hybridized/composite material suitable to be used for the purpose of adding weight to the paddle.

Some potential advantages of a weight adjustable pickleball paddle, as described hereinafter, may include: the paddle allows for a wide variation of customization to each individual player; players may purchase a single paddle and can vary the weight at will instead of having to purchase, store, carry, transport, etc. multiple paddles; multiple players may share a single paddle—one at a time, of course—with the ability to alter it to the particular player's preferred weight; user strength, placement accuracy, and/or speed improvement; increased hitting power; enhanced torsional stability during swinging and/or ball contact; alteration of the paddle's sweet spot; and/or creation of a counterweight condition in the paddle. Other advantages provided by the weighted components may or may not be listed herein but will be recognized by those skilled in the art, including a professional player and/or others upon much use of the paddle.

Illustrative Embodiments of a Pickleball Paddle with Weighted Components

FIG. 1A illustrates a weight adjustable pickleball paddle system including a paddle 100. The paddle 100 includes a main body 102 having opposed, parallel, and substantially planar playable faces 104 (only one of the playable faces is visible in FIG. 1A). The playable faces 104 of the main body 102 may be fully or partially surrounded at the perimeter thereof by an edge guard 106. Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the perimeter of the main body 102 may be formed with a tapered or otherwise closed side and may not need an edge guard such as edge guard 106. Additionally, the paddle 100 includes a handle 108 extending from the main body 102.

According to the disclosure, a component receptacle 110 may be located on the paddle 100. For example, in an embodiment, as depicted via hashed lines in FIG. 1A, the component receptacle 110 is shown as extending into the main body 102 of paddle 100 from the perimeter thereof. To clarify, as shown in FIG. 1B, the component receptacle 110 is open through the edge guard 106 into the thickness (i.e., the core) of the main body 102 that exists between the opposing playable faces 104. As such, the component receptacle 110 does not interfere with gameplay at the playable faces 104.

Upon locating the component receptacle 110, a user may insert a weighted component 112 therein and thereby add a small, predetermined amount of weight to paddle 100. In an embodiment, component receptacle 110 may have threaded walls to receive a weighted component 112 that has corresponding threads on the body thereof. However, the threads are depicted only for the sake of convenience, and it is to be understood that the weighted component 112 and correspondingly engageable component receptacle 110 are representative of any other suitable engaging combination of a weighted component and a component receptacle, as other forms are described above.

Additionally, in an embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 1A, circles shown in hashed lines around the perimeter of paddle 100, including at the handle 108, represent other potential locations 114 where additional component receptacles (like component receptacle 110) may be found or placed to be able to add more (or vary the position of) weighted components. That is, the locations 114 do not necessarily indicate that a component receptacle is, must, or will be placed there. Instead, it is possible that a paddle 100 may include a mark in the positions seen (or anywhere else as desired) indicating a preferential location for the addition of component receptacle to receive a weighted component.

FIG. 1B illustrates a right-side view of the paddle 100. In an embodiment, the edge guard 106 of the paddle 100 may include apertures therethrough at the locations 114 to accommodate access to a cavity (e.g., void, hole, empty space within a hollow insert) defining the component receptacles, such as component receptacle 110. In an alternative embodiment, the edge guard 106 may be solid (i.e., no holes to access the component receptacles when lining the perimeter) and, as such, the edge guard may be applied to the main body 102 after adding or removing any weighted components 112, as an additional means of ensuring the weighted components 112 stay in place in the component receptacles 110 at the perimeter of the paddle 100.

The cavity referenced by component receptable 110, may be defined by a depth (in FIG. 1A) into the main body 102, and a diameter (or other non-circular opening shape/area of measurement) as shown in the thickness between the opposing playable faces 104 (in FIG. 1B). Moreover, a weighted component may be not larger than the cavity of the corresponding component receptacle. Thus, a potential size (i.e., maximum dimensional volume) of a corresponding weighted component may be determined if the depth dimension and the dimensions of the shape of the cavity are known.

In an embodiment, the component receptacles may be disposed evenly spaced along the perimeter of the main body 102. In an alternative embodiment, the component receptacles may be randomly spaced along the perimeter of the main body 102. Moreover, in an embodiment like that in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the component receptacles may be grouped and spaced evenly within the grouping (i.e., side, bottom, top), symmetrically spaced on opposite sides of the main body, and/or selectively disposed around the perimeter of the main body 102. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the handle 108 may further include a component receptacle 114H, as depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the paddle 100 taken from the side view of FIG. 1B. However, FIG. 1C further depicts a weighted component 112 disposed in the (now hidden) component receptacle (like component receptacle 110 at a location 114). More specifically, a portion of the weighted component 112 is exposed to the environment for quick user access. As one example of multiple potential embodiments, a tooling feature 116 is depicted on the exposed surface of the weighted component 112. The tooling feature 116 depicted is an “X” or “+” pattern representing crossed grooves like those of a “Phillips-head screw,” via which a user might use a Phillips-head screwdriver to install or remove a weighted component embodied with such a tooling feature 116. Nevertheless, it is understood that the scope of protection of the instant disclosure is not limited to the depicted tooling feature, as other tooling features are well known and used for various purposes and may be easily suited for this purpose. Moreover, in an embodiment, proprietary tooling features may be implemented alternatively.

FIG. 2 depicts three variations of potential embodiments for use in paddle 100 of weighted components 200A, 200B, 200C. Each weighted component 200A, 200B, 200C may include a head portion 202A, 202B, 202C, respectively, that has a greater outer dimension OD1 than an outer dimension OD2 of a body portion 204A, 204B, 204C, respectively, which extends from the head portion 202A, 202B, 202C, respectively. By sizing the OD1 larger than OD2, a possible advantage is that the head portion 202A, 202B, 202C may catch on a corresponding internal ledge in the component receptacle, thereby minimizing the risk of inserting the weighted component farther than it should go and damaging the paddle. Though only represented by hashed lines within each head portion 202A, 202B, 202C, the weighted components 200A, 200B, 200C may include a tooling feature (e.g., like tooling feature 116) to assist with installation thereof into the main body of a paddle. Moreover, it is understood that the scope of protection of this disclosure should not be limited only to weighted components having the expressly described profile of a step down first cylindrical/disc-shaped head to a second cylindrical elongated body, as it is contemplated that differently shaped profiles and cross-sections are easily variable. Nevertheless, this potential for a different profile shape does not minimize the utility of the specific profiles as described above and depicted in the drawings.

Additionally, the weighted components 200A, 200B, 200C may, in an embodiment, include an internal hollow space 206A, 206B, 206C within the body portion 204A, 204B, 204C, respectively. In some embodiments, a weighted component may be solid and therefore have no internal hollow space. This may be due to an embodiment of a higher weight, or for structural integrity, such as in the case where the chosen material requires more structural support, for example. Nevertheless, the internal hollow space 206A, 206B, 206C may range in size to vary the weight of the independent weighted components (i.e., larger hollow space equals lower weight and vice versa). Accordingly, the internal hollow space 206A, 206B, 206C is represented by hashed lines within the respective body portions 204A, 204B, 204C to indicate that that size may differ from one weighted component to the next.

Note that the variation of the size of the internal hollow space in the weighted components is one potential way to provide a plurality of weight levels of the weighted components, particularly when the weighted components are all made of the same type of material. In such a case, the external shape and size of various weight levels may remain the same to maintain consistency in the mode of attachment to the paddle. Alternatively, another potential way to provide the various weights for adjustment includes maintaining the external shape for engagement while using materials of different densities and/or other naturally or unnaturally occurring characteristics to vary the weights thereof. For example, a lightweight, plastic weighted component is likely lighter than a weighted component of the same size formed from a metal, such as copper or brass.

Weighted components may be formed in a variety of structures to be configured to, and/or dimensioned to, be installed in unique and distinct manners that correspond with the features of the paddle to which installation is possible. For example, in an embodiment, weighted component 200A may include helical threading 208A on the body portion 206A; whereby the weighted component 200A may be installed in a paddle (i.e., in a correspondingly structured component receptacle (not shown in FIG. 2)) via a threaded engagement with the component receptacle. In an alternative embodiment, weighted component 200B may include one or more protrusions 208B along the surface of the body portion 206B; whereby the weighted component 200B may be installed in a paddle (i.e., in a correspondingly structured component receptacle (not shown in FIG. 2)) via a twist/turn engagement with the component receptacle. In another alternative embodiment, weighted component 200C may have a substantially smooth, texture-free surface 208C along the surface of the body portion 206C; whereby the weighted component 200C may be installed in a paddle (i.e., in a correspondingly structured component receptacle) via a frictional interference engagement with the component receptacle (i.e., surface friction between closely dimensionally sized opposing surfaces of the weight component and the component receptacle (not shown in FIG. 2)).

Moreover, in other embodiments not shown expressly in the drawings, the component receptacles may couple to the weighted components via one of epoxy, adhesive, magnetic attraction, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates an additional, and/or alternative, embodiment of a paddle 300 configured to combine with a weighted edge guard 302. In an embodiment, the weighted edge guard may be quickly swappable with a non-weighted, or differently-weighted edge guard (not-shown), perhaps via a magnetic engagement or snappable plugs that connect with the component receptacles, where the plugs extend inwardly from the edge guard. As such, the weighted edge guard 302 may serve a dual purpose, as both a protection from damage to the edge 304 of the paddle 300, and as additional weight (i.e., a weighted component, either entirely made of heavier material than what is normally used as an edge guard, or in segments as explained herein below). Weighted edge guard 302 may be applied to the edge 304 of paddle 300 by attaching a first end 306 near the handle 308 and continuing to lay the weighted edge guard 302 along the edge until the second end 310 is laid against the edge 304 at the other side of the handle 308.

In an embodiment, weighted edge guard may be manufactured using a mixed material including some particles mixed therein which are more dense and/or a larger mass than the other materials of the mix, so as to spread the weight more evenly around the paddle when applied. In such an embodiment, the weighted edge guard may be entirely considered as a “weighted component” to swap with a standard and lighter edge guard onto a paddle 300. Alternatively, a weighted edge guard 302 may be manufactured with segments 312 which include added weight components, as depicted, where the material is noticeably heavier than the adjacent material of the continuous weighted edge guard 302. That is, weighted components may be disposed within or incorporated into the edge guard at the edge 304 of the paddle 300.

Thus, in an embodiment, the weighted components may be an integral part of an edge guard of the paddle, either in an entirety of, or as one or more integral segments of the edge guard. Alternatively, the weighted components may be a removable section of the edge guard and may be weighted differently than other segments of the edge guard. For example, the weighted component 312 may be a strip of a material with a different weight than a similarly sized segment of the other edge guard material. Moreover, the weighted component 312 strip may have a thickness equal to or different than a thickness of the edge guard 302.

It is noted that the term “configured to,” as used or may be used herein and/or in the associated claims (e.g., “an [element] configured to [action]”), may be interpreted to include a meaning conveyed by at least: the plain meaning of the words, the interpretation by which one skilled in the art would understand it, or that the element is such that a feature thereof has intentional design and/or structural aspects to accommodate the intentional action for which the element is described/recited. Likewise, the term “dimensioned to” as used or may be used herein and/or in the associated claims (e.g., “[element A] dimensioned to [example actions: be accommodated within, engage with, etc.] [element B]”), may be interpreted to include a meaning conveyed by at least: the plain meaning of the words, the interpretation by which one skilled in the art would understand it, or that the element A has a corresponding size and/or shape (where applicable) such that element A conforms with the intentionally expressed action with respect to the corresponding element B, as described/recited.

Discussion of Potential Advantages of the Disclosure

A weight adjustable pickleball paddle may improve the strength, speed, and/or skill of a user. These improvements may result from training, playing, and/or competing with such a paddle. For example, by training with a heavier weighted paddle, the user may increase strength in a manner similar to the effect of resistance training. The heavier weighted paddle may require additional strength and muscle mass for effective use. Thus, with prolonged use of the weight adjustable paddle, the user may acclimate and build the greater strength needed. Naturally then, the increased strength may increase speed and/or power of a swing.

Rather than simply increase the weight all at once, in a slightly different program of resistance training, progressive overload is a common training method entailing progressively increasing exposure to gradually increasing resistance. As such, a weight adjustable paddle like that disclosed herein, which permits a user multiple options both in location and different weight quantities, allows the user to select where and how many of the weighted components to add and to gradually increase the overall weight of the paddle over an extended period of time. Thus, a user's body may be able to more gradually acclimate to the increased paddle weight. The gradual increase may also reduce the risk of injury.

With respect to the potential benefit of increased hitting power, it is noted that when the weight of, and/or the quantity implemented of, weighted components is adjusted, the user may experience an increase to the hitting power due to the increased strength. Interestingly, and additionally, hitting power may increase as a result of an increase in weight of the paddle. For instance, the increased weight may increase the inertia of the paddle resulting in increased force (i.e., hitting power).

As mentioned briefly above, the use of weighted components may additionally improve the torsional stability of the paddle. When a ball is hit off center on the paddle, a torsion may result (i.e., rotation about the handle of the paddle). In other words, hitting a ball above center on the paddle may result in the top rotating backwards, as the bottom rotates forward. In coupling the weighted components to the perimeter of the paddle—or more specifically to a position above center—the additional weight may help to reduce the torsion experienced upon contact and provide the paddle with increased torsional stability. Thus, the weighted components may be added to a variety of locations along the perimeter of the paddle to provide increased torsional stability as may be needed and/or wanted.

The weighted components may also be, advantageously, used to adjust the sweet spot of the paddle. Sweet spots are a location on the paddle with the greatest efficacy for contact. The sweet spot is typically located in the center or lower center of the paddle. Many users tend to hit the ball high in the paddle, resulting in a lackluster power and an irritating vibration. However, by taking advantage of a paddle with adjustable weight, the user may be able to add weight toward the direction where the individual often hits the ball (i.e., toward an edge above the center during swinging corresponding with hitting the ball high in the paddle). This may result in altering the sweet spot to correspond with the typical contact location.

Additionally, the weighted components may allow the user to counterbalance the paddle. Occasionally, manufacturing variations, and/or habits of personal use of a paddle, may cause the paddle to be balanced incorrectly and/or undesirably. For example, the paddle may be heavier at a location opposite the handle. This may make the paddle difficult for some users to control. Accordingly, the user may benefit from counterbalancing the paddle by increasing the weight at a location closer to the handle. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the paddle may be weighted in other locations on the paddle to counterbalance the paddle as desired.

Other advantages provided by weight adjustable sports equipment, including pickleball paddles as discussed herein, may or may not be expressly described, but may be recognized by a professional and/or upon use of the equipment.

CONCLUSION

Although several embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A weight adjustable pickleball paddle system comprising: a main body including opposing playable faces;a handle attached to the main body;a component receptacle located in a lateral edge of the main body and between the playable faces; anda weighted component dimensioned to be accommodated within the component receptacle.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the component receptacle has a cavity shaped to secure the weighted component therein unless manually manipulated for removal from the cavity.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the component receptacle has a threaded cavity to receive the weighted component threadingly.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: the weighted component includes: a head portion,a body portion extending from the head portion, anda protrusion extending laterally from the body portion,the component receptacle has a cavity shaped to receive the body portion with the protrusion on the weighted component, andthe weighted component is secured to the component receptacle via a rotational twist at the head portion.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the component receptacle secures the weighted component via a surface frictional fit.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the weighted component includes: a head portion,a body portion that extends from the head portion, andan internal hollow space within the body portion.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: the weighted component is a first weighted component among a plurality of weighted components equal in size to the first weighted component, andthe weighted components of the plurality of weighted components are groupable by different weight amounts.

8. A weight adjustable pickleball paddle comprising: a main body including opposing playable faces;a handle attached to the main body; anda component receptacle located in a lateral edge of the main body of the paddle and between the playable faces.

9. The paddle according to claim 8, wherein the component receptacle is a first component receptacle, and wherein the paddle further comprises a second receptacle located symmetrically opposite the first component receptacle.

10. The paddle according to claim 8, wherein the component receptacle is a first component receptacle, and wherein the paddle further comprises a second component receptacle located in a grouping with the first component receptacle.

11. The paddle according to claim 8, wherein: the component receptacle is a first component receptacle in a first group of component receptacles, andthe paddle further comprises a second component receptacle in a second group of component receptacles.

12. The paddle according to claim 11, wherein: the first group of component receptacles is located on a first lateral side of the main body, andthe second group of component receptacles is located on a second lateral side of the main body, symmetrically oppositely disposed from the first group of component receptacles.

13. The paddle according to claim 11, wherein: the component receptacles in the first group of component receptacles are evenly spaced along a first lateral side of the main body, andthe component receptacles in the second group of component receptacles are evenly spaced along a second lateral side of the main body.

14. The paddle according to claim 8, wherein the component receptacle is sized and shaped to receive therein a weighted component.

15. A weight adjustable sports equipment system comprising: a main body;a handle attached to the main body; anda weighted component dimensioned to be accommodated on the main body.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the weighted component is a edge guard that protects the edges of the main body, the edge guard including: a first segment that has a first weight, anda second segment that is equal in size to the first segment and has a second weight, andwherein the first weight is heavier than the second weight.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein: the main body has a perimeter edge that is bound by opposing playable faces, andthe weighted component is accommodated within the perimeter edge between the opposing playable faces.

18. The system according to claim 15, wherein: the main body has a perimeter edge that is bound by opposing playable faces, andwherein the system further comprises a component receptacle located between the opposing playable faces and shaped to accommodate the weighted component therein.

19. The system according to claim 15, wherein: the main body has a perimeter edge that is bound by opposing playable faces, andwherein the system further comprises an edge guard that wraps along the perimeter edge.

20. The system according to claim 15, wherein the weighted component is accommodated within one of a plurality of component receptacle locations distributed along a perimeter edge of the main body.