Pickleball Racquet with Customizable Butt Cap

Abstract

An example personalizing-capable pickleball racquet comprises a striking blade, a handle connected to the striking blade, and a butt cap that includes a transparent surface. The butt cap is configured to be attached to the butt end of the handle and to have a customizable nametag inserted behind the transparent surface. An example butt cap comprises a transparent surface and is configured to be attached to a butt end of a handle of a racquet and has a customizable nametag inserted behind the transparent surface.

Claims

1. A personalizing-capable pickleball racquet, comprising: a striking blade; a handle connected to the striking blade; and a butt cap comprising a transparent surface and configured to be attached to the butt end of the handle and to have a customizable nametag inserted behind the transparent surface.

2. The pickleball racquet according to claim 1, wherein the butt cap comprises: a frame; a connector configured to be inserted into the handle and attach to one or more points of attachment in the handle; and a backplate removably attached to the frame, wherein the nametag is insertable between the transparent surface and the backplate.

3. The pickleball racquet according to claim 2, wherein the transparent surface is integrated with the frame.

4. The pickleball racquet according to claim 2, wherein the transparent surface is removably attached to the frame.

5. The pickleball racquet according to claim 2, wherein, when attached to the handle, perimeter of the frame is flush with the perimeter of the butt end of the handle.

6. The pickleball racquet according to claim 5, wherein, when attached to the handle, the frame extends the handle.

7. The pickleball racquet according to claim 2, wherein, when attached to the handle, the frame is embedded in the handle.

8. The pickleball racquet according to claim 7, wherein the frame is fully embedded in the handle.

9. The pickleball racquet according to claim 8, wherein the transparent surface is flush with the bottom edge of the handle.

10. The pickleball racquet according to claim 7, wherein the butt cap is configured to be removable from the handle by exerting a force on a portion of the frame.

11. The pickleball racquet according to claim 2, wherein a shape of the frame is same as a shape of a perimeter of the bottom end of the handle.

12. The pickleball racquet according to claim 2, wherein the connector is configured to, when being attached to the handle, snap into a groove in an internal sidewall of the handle.

13. The pickleball racquet according to claim 12, wherein the connector is configured to, when attached to the handle, release the connector from the groove when one or more areas of the frame are pressed.

14. The pickleball racquet according to claim 2, wherein the points of attachment are formed on an internal sidewall of the handle.

15. The pickleball racquet according to claim 1, wherein the butt cap comprises: the transparent surface; a backplate; and an opening for inserting the nametag, wherein the nametag is insertable between the transparent surface and the backplate.

16. The pickleball racquet according to claim 1, wherein the butt cap comprises: the transparent surface; and a backplate, wherein the nametag is insertable between the transparent surface and the backplate.

17. The pickleball racquet according to claim 1, wherein the butt cap comprises: the transparent surface; and a frame.

18. The pickleball racquet according to claim 1, wherein the butt cap comprises: the transparent surface; a connector configured to be inserted into the handle and attach to one or more points of attachment in the handle; and a backplate partially removably attached to the frame, wherein the nametag is insertable between the transparent surface and the backplate.

19. The pickleball racquet according to claim 1, wherein the customizable nametag can be removed or changed without damaging butt cap.

20. A butt cap comprising a transparent surface and configured to be attached to a butt end of a handle of a racquet and to have a customizable nametag inserted behind the transparent surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Some features are shown by way of example, and not by limitation, in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like numerals may reference similar elements.

[0022] FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0023] FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

[0024] FIG. 2A shows an example pickleball racquet holder that may be used for holding pickleball racquets described in this disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2B shows an example pickleball racquet with a customizable and changeable butt cap in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0026] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a pickleball racquet handle and a customizable and changeable butt cap in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates another example pickleball racquet handle with a customizable and changeable butt cap in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate another pickleball racquet handle and a customizable and changeable butt cap in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates another pickleball racquet handle with a customizable and changeable butt cap in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates another pickleball racquet handle with a customizable and changeable butt cap in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0031] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosure, including structures, systems, and methods, may be practiced without these specific details. The description and representation herein are the common means used by those experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

[0032] References in the specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, an example embodiment, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0033] This disclosure relates to Pickleball, a game that has in recent years seen a massive increase in popularity among all age groups of players, including among senior citizens. Pickleball is a game that can be described as combining aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a badminton-sized court, with paddles and a ball similar to a wiffle ball, but slightly smaller in size. The net used in pickleball is similar to a tennis net in some ways, but is lowered at the center.

[0034] Pickleball has recently become very popular and is played both indoors and outdoors, as either doubles or singles. The rules are relatively simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn. However, among skilled players, pickleball can develop into a quick, fast-paced, and competitive game.

[0035] FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court 100 that includes a pickleball playing surface 130 and a pickleball net 132. The playing surface 130 comprises two left serve areas 102 and 108, two right serve areas 104 and 106, and two non-volley areas 110 and 112, with one of the left serve areas, one of the right serve areas, and one of the non-volley areas being on each side of the pickleball net 132. The net is 36 inches tall at the edges, and lowered to 34 inches in the middle. The areas 102-112 are defined by baselines 118 and 120 each 20 feet, sidelines 114 and 116 each 44 feet, center lines 122 and 124 each 15 feet, and non-volley lines 126 and 128 each the same size as a baseline. Each of the lines may be 2 inches wide. The term court line is used in this disclosure to refer to any sideline, baseline, centerline or non-volley line on the pickleball court. Non-volley areas 110 and 112, each extending 7 feet from the net, are also referred to as the kitchen.

[0036] The game of pickleball is played with a pickleball paddle 134 and pickleball ball 136. The ball 136 is typically made of plastic and has a 3-inch diameter. Similar to a wiffleball, the ball 136 has through holes throughout the surface. Different types (e.g., with different levels of hardness and different sizes of the through holes) may be used for playing the game on the various types of pickleball courts (e.g., indoor, outdoor, hard surface, soft surface etc.).

[0037] Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, and is most commonly played as doubles. Each point begins with an underarm serve. The serve is performed diagonally beginning at the right-hand service square. A valid serve sends the ball from one left serve area to the other left serve area or from one right serve area to the other right serve area. The serve must clear the non-volley-zone. The serve must bounce before being hit by the receiver. The return of serve must also bounce before being hit (this is known as the 2 bounce rule). After the serve and the return of the serve, the ball can land anywhere on the opposite side of the playing surface 130. Volleys can only be performed outside of the non-volley zone. Volleys, that is, hitting the ball in the air without first letting it bounce, can only be made after the 2 bounce rule has been followed. However, if the ball is hit from within the kitchen, then it cannot land in the kitchen on the other side of the net.

[0038] A fault is any action that stops play due to a rule violation. A fault by the receiving team results in the servers earning a point. A fault by the serving team results in the server's loss of service and/or side out. A fault is committed when the serve touches any part of the non-volley zone (including the line) or the ball is hit out of bounds.

[0039] Pickleball games are typically played without a referee and are self-judged. Each player makes the line calls as to whether the ball is in or out when the ball contacts the playing surface on that player's side. The game continues to at least 11 points and requires a 2-point difference for a win. FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

[0040] In certain scenarios in the sport of pickleball such as, for example, practice sessions, training sessions, recreational games, and competitive games, many players may have arrived at the court(s) and may be waiting for court time. In such scenarios, among others, it is convenient to have a customized (e.g., personalized) racquet so that the player who owns a particular racquet can be easily identified. For example, although the different paddle shapes, different handle shapes, different paddle surface colors, racquet brand names, etc. help in the identification process, when the number of players grows courtside these usual methods of identification are sometimes not adequate.

[0041] FIG. 2A shows an example pickleball racquet holding station that is often seen courtside during busy playing times. Sometimes players may place their racquet in slots according to an expected ordering for playing on a particular court or set of courts. Starting from one end, at intervals a set of racquets are retrieved and the player owners play one or more games. Meanwhile, the other racquets are moved up in sequential order to occupy the recently vacated slots, thereby freeing slots at the opposite end which are then open to be occupied by the racquets of more players waiting for playing time on the one or more courts.

[0042] As can be seen in the example scenario of FIG. 2A, if the owners of respective racquets are easily identified, the process of game progression among the many sets of players and negotiations among players to trade slots can be made more convenient. Also, any mixup of one player accidentally using another player's racquet can be avoided. This may be important in situations such as, for example, players who are highly sensitive to their racquet being only for their own use.

[0043] Butt caps (end caps) that slip on the butt end of tennis racquets and those that can be inserted into the butt end of the racquet are available. However, they are not customizable by the players for their identification. Customization beyond whatever that is performed by the manufacturer is limited to pasting a sticker or the like on the end cap. Such stickers on the end cap may not be a durable form of identification and may require to be changed or replaced too often in scenarios of high use.

[0044] FIG. 2B illustrates a pickleball racquet (sometimes also referred to as pickleball paddle) 200 in accordance with some embodiments. The pickleball racquet 200 comprises ball striking blade 202 and a handle 204. The striking blade (herein also referred to as strike blade or head) 202 may have a single or multilayer construction encompassed by a blade frame 208. The strike blade 202 has two paddle surfaces on the front and the back, both of which are suitable for striking the pickleball ball. The paddle surfaces may have identical construction (e.g., layering of materials) or different constructions. Embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to any particular construction or composition of the strike blade of a pickleball racquet.

[0045] The handle 204 is attached to the strike blade 202 and may include a grip 206 for more comfortable and/or efficient holding and handling of the racquet during play. The handle 204 may be any of a circular shape cross section, a hexagon shape cross section, an octagon shape cross section, etc. The handle 204 may be integrally formed with the strike blade 202, or may be attached to the strike blade 202. Embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to any particular shape or construction of the handle 204.

[0046] Pickleball racquets may have an overall maximum length of 17, maximum width of 8.25, and a depth of about1.25. The length of the handle is 4-5.5 with a grip circumference between 4-4.5. The sum of the width and length of a racquet cannot exceed 24.

[0047] In example embodiments of the present disclosure, a butt cap (sometimes also referred to as end cap) 205, is attached to the bottom end (sometimes also referred to as butt end) of the handle as shown in FIG. 2B. The butt cap 205 may be detachably inserted into the racquet handle and may be repeatedly customized (e.g., personalized) conveniently such that the customization is visible through a durable transparent cover. In some embodiments, the butt cap 205 may not be detachable. The butt cap 205 can be used for the owner of the racket to customize the racquet so that their ownership of the racquet is easily identified. For example, the owner's name or initials can be shown on the butt cap 205.

[0048] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a pickleball racquet handle and a customizable and changeable butt cap in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure. In contrast to butt cap options available in the market at present, the butt caps according to the present disclosure provide for repeated customization in a convenient manner and durability.

[0049] FIG. 3A shows a handle 301 of a pickleball racquet such as, for example, that shown in FIG. 2B, and a butt cap 305. The handle 301 may have an upper portion 302 that is attached to the strike blade and a base portion 304. The upper portion may be attached to, or may be integrated with, the strike blade. The base portion 304, in the illustrated embodiment, is wider than the upper portion 302. However, embodiments may include handles in which the base portion is wider than the upper portion and also handles in which the base portion and the upper portion have the same uniform width.

[0050] The butt cap 305 includes a frame 306 that is configured to house a transparent surface/cover 312 through which a player customizable identifier 314 is visible. The butt cap 305 also includes a connector 308 that may comprise one or more attachment mechanisms that can securely and detachably attach the butt cap 305 to the base portion 304 of the handle 301.

[0051] FIG. 3B shows the butt cap 305, still detached from the handle 301, in more detail than in FIG. 3A. The connector 308 includes a hook portion that is configured to tightly fit into a groove 316 that is built into the inner surface of the base portion 304. The connector 308 may comprise at least 2 separate connectors spaced apart with hooks or other engagement structure formed on them. To attach the butt cap to the base portion 304, the connector 308 end of the butt cap 305 is inserted into the handle 301 core until the hooks in the connector 308 snaps in or otherwise engages with the engagement structure in the handle, in the illustrated embodiment, the groove 316. The base portion 304 core may be hollow with the internal surface having the attachment structure (e.g., groove 316) or may be solid with openings for inserting the connector 308 and engagement structures. To detach the butt cap 305 from the handle, the ends on the frame 306 that has connectors attached may be squeezed causing the hooks on the connectors 308 to disengage from the groove 316. In some embodiments, a slit or other opening formed on the frame 306 may have pressure applied (e.g., with a flathead of a screwdriver, the tip of a pen, etc.) to disengage the hooks.

[0052] The frame 306 of the butt cap 305 is configured to hold a stack 318 of material layers. The stack 318 comprises a transparent surface 312 at the top (e.g., facing outside when the butt cap is attached to the handle 301), a backplate 322, and a nametag 324. The nametag 324 may be a paper, cardboard, or other material on which a player may write or print their name or other identifier. The name tag 324 is arranged so that the identifier provided on the nametag is visible under the transparent surface 312. The backplate 322 functions to hold the nametag 322 in place. The frame 306 and each layer or component in the stack 318 are formed so that, when the butt cap 305 is attached to the handle 301, each layer in the stack 318 is immovably attached in place to the frame 306. The butt cap 305, including the frame 306, the connector 308 and the backplate 322 may be constructed with plastic, a rubber compound, carbon fiber, or the like, and the transparent surface 320 may be constructed with polyurethane or plastic to provide the required transparency and durability.

[0053] In some embodiments, the transparent surface 312 may be integrated with the frame 306. That is, the transparent surface 312 is an integral part of the frame 305 and cannot be separated. The nametag 324 is then placed under the transparent surface 312, and the backplate 322 is placed under the nametag 324 to hold the nametag 324 in place. For example, the nametag 324 and the backplate 322 may be snapped into a groove in the frame 306 as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0054] In some embodiments, the transparent surface 312 is also, like the nametag 324 and backplane 322 layers, removably held in place by the frame 306 as part of the stack 318 of layers.

[0055] FIG. 3C shows the butt cap 305 when it is attached to the handle 301. The hook part of the connector 308 is snapped into the groove 316 formed on the surface of the inner wall of the handle 301. In the illustrated embodiment, the butt cap 305, or more specifically the frame 306 of the butt cap 305, extends the length of the handle 301. The extended length is within the length specifications for pickleball racquets.

[0056] The frame 306, when the butt cap 305 is attached to the handle 301, has its perimeter flush with the bottom edge perimeter of the handle 301. That is the shape and size of the frame 306 is the same as the shape and size of the bottom end of the handle 301.

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates another example pickleball racquet handle 401 with a customizable and changeable butt cap 405 in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0058] The butt cap 405, the frame 406, the stack of layers including the transparent layer (e.g. 322-326), and the nametag, a may be similar or identical to that described in relation to FIG. 3A. The handle 401 too may be similar or identical to that described in relation to FIG. 3A with the main difference relative to FIG. 3A being that the width of the upper portion of the handle 402 is the same as the width of the frame 406. Note that this aspect is different from that of FIG. 3A, where the base portion 304 of the handle 401 has a larger width (e.g., has a larger cross-section) than the upper portion of the handle 401. Whether a pickleball racquet has a handle 401 with base portion 404 that is wider than the upper portion 402 of the handle, or whether the base portion 404 is the same width as the handle 401 is a matter of preference of players.

[0059] The butt cap 405, when attached to the handle extends the length of the handle, in the same or similar manner as in the embodiment of FIG. 3A-3C.

[0060] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate another pickleball racquet handle and a customizable and changeable butt cap in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0061] The handle 501 and butt cap 505 are similar to the handle 301 and butt cap 305 described in relation to FIG. 3A-3C, with a key difference being that the frame 505 fits inside (e.g., is embedded in) the handle 501 base portion 504 such that the attached frame 506 does not extend the length of the handle 501. In order that the butt cap 305 sits completely inside the handle 501, the width d2 of the butt cap 305 (more specifically, the width of the frame 506) is configured to be less than the width d1 of the bottom edge of the base portion 504 of the handle 501.

[0062] The butt cap 505 includes the frame 506 and a connector 508 that includes a hook or other attachment structure that fits inside a groove 516 or other attachment structure formed on the inner surface of the handle 501 or base portion 504 of the handle 501.

[0063] An indent or slit 511 on the surface of the frame 506 may be configured such that, a force applied on the indent or slit 511, for example, with a flat head of a screwdriver, a pen tip, a pin, or the like, can disengage the securing hooks of the connector 508 from the point of attachment in the base portion 504 of the handle 501.

[0064] In another embodiment, instead of fully embedding the frame 506 in the base portion 504 of the handle, the frame may have a thin top portion that sits on the bottom edge of the base portion. The thin portion of the frame may not significantly affect the length of the handle, and may provide for more convenient detaching of the butt cap from the base portion.

[0065] FIG. 6 illustrates another pickleball racquet handle 602 with a customizable and changeable butt cap 605 in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure. The butt cap 605 provides for changing or replacing the nametag without detaching the butt cap from the handle.

[0066] The butt cap 605 includes a transparent surface 612 and a backplate 622 arranged so that a nametag 624 can be slipped in through an opening 625 to position the nametag 624 between the backplate 622 and the transparent surface 612. In some embodiments the backplate 622 and the transparent surface 612 are arranged in a frame in a manner similar to what is described in relation to FIG. 3B. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the butt cap 605 comprises the transparent surface 612 with it being connected to the backplate 622. The backplate 622 and/or the frame can be attached to one or more connectors that attach to the base 604 of the handle 602. The attaching to the handle may be in a manner that provides for detaching the butt cap, or in a permanent manner. In some embodiments the butt cap 605 is integrally formed with the base 604 of the handle 602 and cannot be detached. The opening 625 and the spacing between the backplate 622 and the transparent surface 612 are configured to enable the nametag 624, once inserted, to be held in place. The inserted nametag 624, however, may be retrieved and replaced, thus enabling the racket to be personalized to several owners over time, or for the same owner to change the written or typed identification on the nametag.

[0067] The material of construction of the butt cap 605 and its components may be the same or similar to that described in relation to FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates another pickleball racquet handle 702 with a customizable and changeable butt cap 705 in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure. The butt cap 705 provides for changing or replacing the nametag without detaching the butt cap from the handle.

[0069] The butt cap 705 includes a transparent surface 712 and a backplate 722 arranged so that a nametag 724 can be placed to position the nametag 724 between the backplate 722 and the transparent surface 712. The spacing between the backplate 722 and the transparent surface 712 is configured to enable the nametag 724, once placed, to be held in place. The nametag 724, however, may be retrieved and replaced, thus enabling the racket to be personalized to several owners over time, or for the same owner to change the written or typed identification on the nametag.

[0070] The transparent surface 712 may be connected to the backplate 722 or a frame (not shown in FIG. 7) by one or more hinges 726 and/or one or more magnets 727. The hinges 726 and/or magnets 727 may be arranged, in respective embodiments, to enable the transparent surface 712 to be opened and closed only on one side by using a hinge on one side and magnets to release or hold in place on the other side. Alternatively multiple magnets can be arranged so that the transparent surface 712 can be opened by separating it entirely from the rest of the butt cap 705 structure. The retrieval and replacement of the nametag 724 may be performed by a player by opening and closing the transparent surface.

[0071] In some embodiments the backplate 722 and the transparent surface 712 are arranged in a frame in a manner similar to what is described in relation to FIG. 3B. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the butt cap 705 comprises the transparent surface 712 with it being connected to the backplate 722. The backplate 722 and/or the frame can be attached to one or more connectors that attach to the base 704 of the handle 702. The attaching to the handle may be in a manner that provides for detaching the butt cap, or in a permanent manner. In some embodiments, the butt cap 705 may be partially detachable from the handle to In some embodiments the butt cap 705 is integrally formed with the base 704 of the handle 702 and cannot be detached.

[0072] The material of construction of the butt cap 705 and its components may be the same or similar to that described in relation to FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0073] The above described embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cost effective, durable, repeatedly customizable, personalization and identification solution for pickleball racquets. The butt cap's transparent surface/cover is constructed to provide the necessary durability and transparency. The nametag located below the transparent surface provides for numerous options of personalization. The capability provided to players to themselves detach the butt cap, or otherwise access the nametag, and change the nametag without damaging the nametag and without having to separately obtain components from various manufacturers provide a level of convenience and flexibility that is not available with the currently available solutions.

[0074] It should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the shapes, lengths or construction materials of the handles, strike blades, or butt caps. Although various embodiments have been shown and described in detail, the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment or example.