Abstract
An example pickleball paddle comprises a striking blade and a handle connected to the striking blade at a connecting part. A bottom edge of the striking blade, located on one or both of a left side and a right side of the handle, is orthogonal to a center axis of the striking blade at the connecting part and the handle, or extends below the connecting part. The center axis of the striking blade may be different from a center axis of the handle. In another example pickleball paddle, the center axis of the striking blade is different from the center axis of the handle, and, either the bottom edge of the striking blade is orthogonal to the center axis of the striking blade at the connecting part and the handle, or extends below the connecting part.
Claims
1. A pickleball paddle comprising a striking blade and a handle connected to the striking blade at a connecting part, wherein at least one of: a bottom edge of the striking blade, located on one or both of a left side and a right side of the handle, is orthogonal to a center axis of the striking blade at the connecting part and the handle, or extends below the connecting part; or the center axis of the striking blade is different from a center axis of the handle.
2. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the bottom edge of the striking blade, located on one or both of the left side and the right side of the handle, is orthogonal to the center axis of the striking blade at the connecting part and the handle, or extends below the connecting part.
3. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein a striking surface of the striking blade is symmetric on the left side and the right side with respect to the center axis of the striking blade and the handle.
4. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein a striking surface of the striking blade is asymmetric on the left side and the right side with respect to the center axis of the striking blade and the handle.
5. The pickleball paddle according to claim 4, wherein the striking blade extends below the connecting part at different lengths on the left and the right side of the handle.
6. The pickleball paddle according to claim 4, wherein the edge of the striking blade is curved on the left side and the right side of the handle at the connecting part.
7. The pickleball paddle according to claim 6, the striking blade is shaped to extend below a grip point on the handle.
8. The pickleball paddle according to claim 7, wherein a bottom edge of the striking blade is parallel to a bottom of the handle.
9. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein a striking surface of the striking blade comprises a same material composition on an entirety of a front face of the striking blade.
10. The pickleball paddle according to claim 9, wherein the striking surface of the striking blade comprises a same material composition on an entirety of a back face of the striking blade.
11. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein a sum of a length from a top of the striking blade to a bottom of the handle and a largest width of the striking blade is less than or equal to a maximum paddle size standard.
12. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein the bottom edge of the striking blade located on one or both of a left side and a right side of the handle, is orthogonal to the center axis at the connecting part of the striking blade and the handle.
13. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein the bottom edge of the striking blade, located on one or both of a left side and a right side of the handle, extends below the connecting part.
14. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein a center axis of the striking blade is different from a center axis of the handle.
15. The pickleball paddle according to claim 14, wherein the center axis of the striking blade meets the center axis of the handle at the connecting part.
16. The pickleball paddle according to claim 15, wherein the center axis of the striking blade forms an angle with the center axis of the handle, wherein the angle is not 180 degrees.
17. The pickleball paddle according to claim 16, wherein the center axis of the striking blade forms an angle with the center axis of the handle.
18. A pickleball paddle comprising a striking blade and a handle connected to the striking blade at a connecting part, wherein: a bottom edge of the striking blade, located on one or both of a left side and a right side of the handle, is orthogonal to the center axis of the striking blade at the connecting part and the handle, or extends below the connecting part; and the center axis of the striking blade is different from a center axis of the handle.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] 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.
[0007] FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.
[0008] FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.
[0009] FIGS. 2A and 2B show examples of conventional pickleball paddles.
[0010] FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications according to the United States Pickleball Association.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows an example pickleball paddle with a sweet spot.
[0012] FIGS. 5A-5D show examples of pickleball paddles having extended bottom/lower edges according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 6A-6C show examples of pickleball paddles having angled handles in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 7A-7D show examples of pickleball paddles having angled handles and extended bottom edges in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.).
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] As noted above, pickleball is played by people of all ages and all skill levels. It is important that pickleball organizations provide as many options as possible to facilitate enjoyable play among, especially, groups of recreational players who may need (or prefer) pickleball paddles with larger surface to assist with improving their ability to return the ball and with arrangements of the striking surface and/or handle of the paddles to provide a more comfortable grip and/or ability to make contact with the ball.
[0025] A conventional pickleball paddle is shown in FIG. 2A. In some example embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 2A, a pickleball paddle 200 may comprise a striking blade 202 and a handle 204 connected to the striking blade. A grip 206 may wrap around a portion of the handle 204 and may comprise of a material that is more comfortable and/or provides better control of the paddle. The grip 206 is the portion of the handle that is intended to be held by the player during play (e.g., to strike and return a ball during play). The striking blade 202 comprises a striking surface 203 and a frame (also referred to as an edge) 208 surrounding the striking surface 203. The striking surface 203 may also be referred to as a face of the striking blade 202 and is intended to be the portion of the striking blade 202 with which to strike the pickleball. During a pickleball game, based on the ball position and/or player position on the pickleball court, the player may use either the front face and the back face of the striking surface (e.g., corresponding to the front and back of the pickleball paddle, respectively) for any shot. The striking surface 203 may comprise one or more materials such as hardened rubber, plastic, and/or rubber/plastic compound that is conducive to striking/returning the pickleball. The striking surface 203 may be configured with a particular hardness (e.g., using the same or different material or material combination as in the rest of the striking surface) in an area referred to as sweet spot intended to provide the primary area of contact with the pickleball. The frame 208 may be constructed with a wood, plastic and/or hard rubber or compound thereof to encompass and provide support to the striking surface. The frame 208 may be integrated with or connected to the handle 204 at a connection area (also referred to as a connection part or connection point) 209. The connection area 209 may include the area immediately adjacent to the dotted line indicated across the handle in the figure. The handle 204 may be the lower portion of a part/member (e.g., constructed of the same or different material(s) as the handle 204) that extends to the top of the striking blade (e.g., to the frame 208 at the top of the striking blade) or part way through the middle/core of the striking blade, and may be integrated/connected with the frame 208 in the connecting area (connecting part) 209.
[0026] In a conventional pickleball paddle such as that shown in FIG. 2A, the entire paddle has the same center axis. That is, the center axis 211 of the striking blade 202 and the center axis 212 of the handle 204 are parallel and are aligned with each other. Some pickleball paddles may include a butt cap 205 affixed to the bottom of the handle 204.
[0027] FIG. 2B shows two examples of commonly available pickleball paddles. The example pickleball paddle on the left side has a more elongated striking blade than the example paddle on the right side, providing a larger striking surface. Each of the example pickleball paddles in FIG. 2B, similar to that in FIG. 2A, has an edge that is of a concave shape on either side (left and right) of the handle and then curves upward before extending up in a straight line. In each example paddle shown in FIG. 2B the center axes (not shown in FIG. 2B) of the striking blade and the handle are the same.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications and standards according to USA Pickleball-the United States Pickleball Association. The USA Pickleball specifications require that the combined length and width of a pickleball paddle cannot exceed 24 inches. The illustrated example paddle specification shows a paddle shape that can provide for a total length (handle and striking blade) of 15.5-17 inches and a width of 7-8.25. The paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). Not mandated by USA Pickleball, but illustrated in FIG. 3 for an example pickleball paddle, are a thickness of 0.5-0.625 of the striking blade, a thickness of 1.25 at the bottom of the handle, and a length of 4-5.5 of the handle.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows an example pickleball paddle 400 of similar shape to those of FIGS. 2A-2B with an example sweet spot indicated thereon in an oval shape at the center of the striking surface. As noted above, the sweet spot 402 may be constructed with the particular material and/or hardness to facilitate an optimal level of striking a pickleball. The particular material and/or hardness of the sweet spot 402 may be the same or different from that of the outer areas 404 in various embodiments.
[0030] FIGS. 5A-5D show examples of pickleball paddles having extended bottom/lower edges according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In each of 5A-5D the dashed lines show the location of the bottom (or lower) edges of the striking blade in example conventional pickleball paddles such as those shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the portions extending below the dashed lines are extended areas of the striking surface in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] The example embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D provide extended surface areas on one or both sides (left and/or right) of the handle, such that the center axis of the striking blade and the center axis of the handle are the same (i.e., are parallel and are aligned to each other). In example embodiments, the extended areas may form a unitary area with the rest of the striking surface and may be made of the same material as other parts of the striking face. The extended surface areas may be referred to herein as wings.
[0032] FIG. 5A illustrates a pickleball paddle 502 in which the center axis of the striking blade 504 is the same as the center axis of the handle 503, according to an embodiment. The striking blade 504 includes the bottom/lower edge of the striking surface 504 being horizontal at a right angle (e.g., perpendicular) to the center axis of the striking blade at a connection area between the striking blade 504 and the handle 503. The extension in this manner increases the area of the striking surface of the striking blade and thereby may improve the likelihood of the player being able to hit the pickleball on an attempt. The extension of the striking surface provided in the embodiment eliminates or reduces the opening (i.e., area without a striking surface) that exists between the top of the handle (e.g., area between the connecting area between the striking blade and the handle and the grip on the handle) and the concave shaped areas of the edge of the striking blade to the left and right of the handle in conventional pickleball paddle shapes (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2B) by replacing at least a portion of the opening with the extended striking surface area on both left and right sides of the handle.
[0033] In respective embodiments, the lowest portion of the edge of the extended striking surface may be located at various distances from the connection area.
[0034] In some embodiments, only one of the sides (i.e., either left side or the right side of the handle) is extended. A player may select a paddle having one particular side extended with the horizontal, right-angled, lower edge of the striking surface in accordance with the preferred area or positioning of extra or extended striking surface area desired by the player.
[0035] FIG. 5B illustrates a pickleball paddle 506 in which the center axis of the striking blade 508 is the same as the center axis of the handle 507, according to another embodiment. The striking blade 508 includes the bottom/lower edge of the striking surface 508 sloping down from the center axis of the striking blade to the left and to the right so that the lower edges of the striking blade are at a level below the connection area of between the handle and the striking blade.
[0036] The extension in this manner increases the area of the striking surface of the striking blade and thereby may improve the likelihood of the player being able to hit the pickleball on an attempt. The extension of the striking surface provided in the embodiment eliminates or reduces the opening (i.e., area without a striking surface) that occurs between the top of the handle 507 (e.g., area between the connecting area between the striking blade and the handle and the grip on the handle) and the concave shaped areas of the edge of the striking blade 508 to the left and right of the handle, by replacing at least a portion of the opening with the extended striking surface area on both left and right sides of the handle. Additionally, the extension in FIG. 5B, since it extends further downward sloping to the left and right from the level of the connecting area includes more added-on striking surface than the extension shown in FIG. 5A.
[0037] In respective embodiments, the lowest portion of the edge of the extended striking surface may be located at various distances from the connection area.
[0038] In some embodiments, only one of the sides (i.e., either left side or the right side of the handle) is extended. A player may select a paddle having one particular side extended with the horizontal, right-angled, lower edge of the striking surface in accordance with the preferred area or positioning of extra or extended striking surface area desired by the player.
[0039] FIG. 5C illustrates a pickleball paddle 510 in which the center axis of the striking blade 512 is the same as the center axis of the handle 511, according to another embodiment. The striking blade 512 includes the bottom/lower edge of the striking surface 512 sloping down from the center axis of the striking blade to the left and to the right so that the lower edges of the striking blade are at a level below the connection area between the handle and the striking blade.
[0040] The extension in this manner increases the area of the striking surface of the striking blade and thereby may improve the likelihood of the player being able to hit the pickleball on an attempt. The extension of the striking surface provided in the embodiment eliminates or reduces the opening (i.e., area without a striking surface) that occurs between the top of the handle 511 (e.g., area between the connecting area between the striking blade and the handle and the grip on the handle) and the concave shaped areas of the edge of the striking blade 512 to the left and right of the handle, by replacing the opening with the extended striking surface area on both left and right sides of the handle. Additionally, the extension in FIG. 5C, since it extends further downward sloping to the left and right from the level of the connecting area includes more added-on striking surface than the extension shown in FIG. 5A.
[0041] In respective embodiments, the lowest portion of the edge of the extended striking surface may be located at various distances from the connection area.
[0042] In some embodiments, only one of the sides (i.e., either left side or the right side of the handle) is extended. A player may select a paddle having one particular side extended with the horizontal, right-angled, lower edge of the striking surface in accordance with the preferred area or positioning of extra or extended striking surface area desired by the player.
[0043] FIG. 5D illustrates a pickleball paddle 514 in which the center axis of the striking blade 516 is the same as the center axis of the handle 515, according to another embodiment. The striking blade 516 includes the bottom/lower edge of the striking surface 504 sloping down from the center axis of the striking blade as two curved wings to the left and to the right so that the lower edges of the striking blade are at a level below the connection area of between the handle and the striking blade.
[0044] The extension in this manner increases the area of the striking surface of the striking blade and thereby may improve the likelihood of the player being able to hit the pickleball on an attempt. The extension of the striking surface provided in the embodiment eliminates or reduces the opening (i.e., area without a striking surface) that occurs between the top of the handle 515 (e.g., area between the connecting area between the striking blade and the handle and the grip on the handle) and the concave shaped areas of the edge of the striking blade 516 to the left and right of the handle, and replaces the eliminated or reduced opening with the extended striking surface area on both left and right sides of the handle. Additionally, the extension in FIG. 5D, since it extends further downward sloping to the left and right from the level of the connecting area includes more added-on striking surface than the extension shown in FIG. 5A.
[0045] In various embodiments, the lowest portion of the edge of the extended striking surface may be located at various distances from the connection area.
[0046] In some embodiments, only one of the sides (i.e., either left side or the right side of the handle) is extended. A player may select a paddle having one particular side extended with the horizontal, right-angled, lower edge of the striking surface in accordance with the preferred area or positioning of extra or extended striking surface area desired by the player.
[0047] In example embodiments. the extended surface areas shown in any of FIGS. 5A-5D may be at the same or different heights on the left and right sides. In some embodiments, the extensions are symmetric with respect to the center axis of the striking blade, and in some embodiments, the extensions are asymmetric.
[0048] FIG. 6A-6C show examples of pickleball paddles having angled handles in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 6A illustrates a pickleball paddle 602 having a striking blade 604 and an angled handle 605. As can be seen in FIG. 6A, the center axis of the angled handle 605 is different from the center axis of the striking blade 604. The angled handle 605 enables a player to hold the pickleball paddle 602 in a comfortable manner in order to position the striking surface in a particular manner preferred by that player. For example, the striking blade 604 can be positioned so that the long direction of the striking blade is positioned horizontally at a low height from the court surface to return certain incoming balls without unduly stretching the arms of the player.
[0050] FIG. 6B illustrates a pickleball paddle 606 having a striking blade 608 and an angled handle 609. As can be seen in FIG. 6B, the center axis of the angled handle 609 is different from the center axis of the striking blade 608. The angled handle 609 enables a player to hold the pickleball paddle 606 in a comfortable manner in order to position the striking surface in a particular manner preferred by that player. For example, the striking blade 608 can be positioned so that the long direction of the striking blade is positioned horizontally at a low height from the court surface to return certain incoming balls without unduly stretching the arms of the player.
[0051] FIG. 6C illustrates a pickleball paddle 610 having a striking blade 612 and an angled handle 613. Whereas the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 6A-6B have the angled in a fixed angle, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C enables the handle's angle to be adjusted. For example, in some embodiments, an adjusting mechanism 614 is provided that enables the handle 613 to be moved to one of a predetermined number of positions corresponding to respectively different angles (i.e., respectively different angles between the center axis of the striking blade 612 and the center axis of the handle 613). The adjusting mechanism 614 may be located at the connection area (e.g., see 209 in FIG. 2) between the striking blade and the handle.
[0052] In some embodiments, the adjusting mechanism 614 enables the handle to be adjusted to be at any angle, within a continuous range of angle values, with respect to the center axis of the striking blade. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 614 may have a predetermined number of choices for the handle's angles. A handle position in which the handle's center axis is aligned with that of the striking blade may be one of the adjustable options. The adjustment mechanism 614 may include a locking mechanism to temporarily lock the handle after it has been adjusted.
[0053] FIG. 7A-7D show examples of pickleball paddles having angled handles and extended bottom edges in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0054] The pickleball paddle 702 shown in FIG. 7A may be formed as a combination of the extended striking blade of FIG. 5A and the angled handle of FIG. 6B. For example, striking blade 704 includes the bottom/lower edge of the striking surface 704 being horizontal at right angle (e.g., perpendicular) to the center axis of the striking blade at a connection area between the striking blade 704 and the angled handle 703. As described in relation to FIG. 5A, the extension in this manner increases the area of the striking surface of the striking blade and thereby may improve the likelihood of the player being able to hit the pickleball on an attempt. The extension of the striking surface provided in the embodiment eliminates or reduces the opening (i.e., area without a striking surface) that occurs between the top of the handle 703 (e.g., area between the connecting area between the striking blade and the handle and the grip on the handle) and the concave shaped areas of the edge of the striking blade 704 to the left and right of the handle, and replaces the eliminated or reduced opening with the extended striking surface area on both left and right sides of the handle.
[0055] As can be seen in FIG. 7A, in pickleball paddle 702, the center axis of the angled handle 703 is different from the center axis of the striking blade 704. The angled handle 703 enables a player to hold the pickleball paddle 702 in a comfortable manner in order to position the striking surface in a particular manner preferred by that player. For example, the striking blade 704 can be positioned so that the long direction of the striking blade is positioned horizontally at a low height from the court surface to return certain incoming balls without causing the player to unduly stretch arms to make contact with a ball.
[0056] In respective embodiments, the lowest portion of the edge of the extended striking surface may be located at various distances from the connection area.
[0057] In some embodiments, only one of the sides (i.e., either left side or the right side of the handle) is extended. A player may select a paddle having one particular side extended with the horizontal, right-angled, lower edge of the striking surface in accordance with the preferred area or positioning of extra or extended striking surface area desired by the player.
[0058] The pickleball paddle 706 shown in FIG. 7B may be formed as a combination of the extended striking blade of FIG. 5B and the angled handle of FIG. 6B. For example, striking blade 708 includes the bottom/lower edge of the striking surface 708 sloping down from the center axis of the striking blade to the left and to the right so that the lower edges of the striking blade are at a level below the connection area of between the handle and the striking blade.
[0059] As described in relation to FIG. 5B, the extension in this manner increases the area of the striking surface of the striking blade and thereby may improve the likelihood of the player being able to hit the pickleball on an attempt. The extension of the striking surface provided in the embodiment eliminates or reduces the opening (i.e., area without a striking surface) that occurs between the top of the handle 707 and the concave shaped areas of the edge of the striking blade 708 to the left and right of the handle, and replaces the eliminated or reduced opening with the extended striking surface area on both left and right sides of the handle. Additionally, the extension in FIG. 7B, since it extends further downward sloping to the left and right from the level of the connecting area includes more added-on striking surface than the extension shown in FIG. 7A.
[0060] As can be seen in FIG. 7B, the center axis of the angled handle 707 is different from the center axis of the striking blade 708. The angled handle 707 enables a player to hold the pickleball paddle 706 in a comfortable manner in order to position the striking surface in a particular manner preferred by that player. For example, the striking blade 708 can be positioned so that the long direction of the striking blade is positioned horizontally at a low height from the court surface to return certain incoming balls without unduly stretching the arms of the player.
[0061] In various embodiments, the lowest portion of the edge of the extended striking surface may be located at various distances from the connection area.
[0062] In some embodiments, only one of the sides (i.e., either left side or the right side of the handle) is extended. A player may select a paddle having one particular side extended with the horizontal, right-angled, lower edge of the striking surface in accordance with the preferred area or positioning of extra or extended striking surface area desired by the player.
[0063] The pickleball paddle 710 shown in FIG. 7C may be formed as a combination of the extended striking blade of FIG. 5C and the angled handle of FIG. 6B. For example, striking blade 712 includes the bottom/lower edge of the striking surface 712 sloping down from the center axis of the striking blade to the left and to the right so that the lower edges of the striking blade are at a level below the connection area of between the handle and the striking blade.
[0064] As described in relation to FIG. 5C, the extension in this manner increases the area of the striking surface of the striking blade and thereby may improve the likelihood of the player being able to hit the pickleball on an attempt. The extension of the striking surface provided in the embodiment eliminates or reduces the opening (i.e., area without a striking surface) that occurs between the top of the handle 711 and the concave shaped areas of the edge of the striking blade 712 to the left and right of the handle, and replaces the eliminated or reduced opening with the extended striking surface area on both left and right sides of the handle. Additionally, the extension in FIG. 7C, since it extends further downward sloping to the left and right from the level of the connecting area includes more added-on striking surface than the extension shown in FIG. 7A.
[0065] As can be seen in FIG. 7C, the center axis of the angled handle 711 is different from the center axis of the striking blade 712. The angled handle 711 enables a player to hold the pickleball paddle 710 in a comfortable manner in order to position the striking surface in a particular manner preferred by that player. For example, the striking blade 712 can be positioned so that the long direction of the striking blade is positioned horizontally at a low height from the court surface to return certain incoming balls without unduly stretching the arms of the player.
[0066] In various embodiments, the lowest portion of the edge of the extended striking surface may be located at various distances from the connection area.
[0067] In some embodiments, only one of the sides (i.e., either left side or the right side of the handle) is extended. A player may select a paddle having one particular side extended with the horizontal, right-angled, lower edge of the striking surface in accordance with the preferred area or positioning of extra or extended striking surface area desired by the player.
[0068] The pickleball paddle 714 shown in FIG. 7D may be formed as a combination of the extended striking blade of FIG. 5D and the angled handle of FIG. 6B. For example, striking blade 716 includes the bottom/lower edge of the striking surface 704 sloping down from the center axis of the striking blade as two curved wings to the left and to the right so that the lower edges of the striking blade are at a level below the connection area of between the handle and the striking blade.
[0069] As described in relation to FIG. 5D, the extension in this manner increases the area of the striking surface of the striking blade and thereby may improve the likelihood of the player being able to hit the pickleball on an attempt. The extension of the striking surface provided in the embodiment eliminates or reduces the opening (i.e., area without a striking surface) that occurs between the top of the handle 715 and the concave shaped areas of the edge of the striking blade 716 to the left and right of the handle, and replaces the eliminated or reduced opening with the extended striking surface area on both left and right sides of the handle. Additionally, the extension in FIG. 7D, since it extends further downward sloping to the left and right from the level of the connecting area includes more added-on striking surface than the extension shown in FIG. 7A.
[0070] As can be seen in FIG. 7D, the center axis of the angled handle 715 is different from the center axis of the striking blade 716. The angled handle 715 enables a player to hold the pickleball paddle 714 in a comfortable manner in order to position the striking surface in a particular manner preferred by that player. For example, the striking blade 716 can be positioned so that the long direction of the striking blade is positioned horizontally at a low height from the court surface to return certain incoming balls without unduly stretching the arms of the player.
[0071] In various embodiments, the lowest portion of the edge of the extended striking surface may be located at various distances from the connection area.
[0072] In some embodiments, only one of the sides (i.e., either left side or the right side of the handle) is extended. A player may select a paddle having one particular side extended with the horizontal, right-angled, lower edge of the striking surface in accordance with the preferred area or positioning of extra or extended striking surface area desired by the player.
[0073] Embodiments may use one extension wing on one side of the pickleball paddle, or two wings (each on a side of the handle). The two bottom wings may or may not be of the same shape or size. The one or more wings are a part of the striking blade surface and may be seamlessly connected to the surface of the striking blade. A layer of the striking blade may be cut in a way that the entire layer is one piece including the bottom wings. Additional re-enforcement may be used so that a pickleball deflects effectively when it hits the wings.
[0074] Embodiments increase the size of the striking blade, while maintaining the length and the width of the pickleball paddle. Embodiments may provide an advantage to the player as the likelihood of missing the pickleball is lower. Embodiments also provide a unique shape for a pickleball paddle, so that it is easily distinguishable from legacy pickleball paddles.
[0075] Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 5A-7D. Additional embodiments may be formed by combining into any one of the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 5A-7D, one or more features from any of the other embodiments.
[0076] The above described embodiments provide improved pickleball paddles with extended surfaces and/or angled handles. 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 of the pickleball paddles. Although various embodiments have been shown and described in detail, the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment or example.
