Non-Grip Pickleball Paddles

Abstract

An example embodiment provides a pickleball paddle comprises a striking blade and a paddle holding part. The paddle holding part is configured to have a hand inserted therein and/or to have the hand temporarily attached thereto.

Claims

1. A pickleball paddle comprising a striking blade and a paddle holding part, wherein the paddle holding part is configured to have a hand inserted therein and/or to have the hand temporarily attached thereto.

2. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the paddle holding part is configured to have the hand inserted therein.

3. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein two or more fingers of the inserted hand are spread.

4. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein fingers of the inserted hand are together and the thumb is separated from the fingers.

5. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein the paddle holding part comprises a rigid outer structure affixed to and surrounding a flexible insertion-space shaped to snugly fit an inserted hand.

6. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein the paddle holding part extends into an area of the striking blade.

7. The pickleball paddle according to claim 6, wherein a part of the paddle holding part extends into an area of a sweet spot of a striking surface of the striking blade.

8. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the paddle holding part is configured to have the hand temporarily attached thereto.

9. The pickleball paddle according to claim 8, wherein the hand is temporarily attached with a plurality of straps.

10. The pickleball paddle according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the plurality of straps is configured to hold one finger of the hand.

11. The pickleball paddle according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of straps comprises a first strap for fingers and a second strap for the thumb.

12. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the paddle holding part is configured to accommodate the hand thereon and to have the hand temporarily attached thereto.

13. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the striking blade and the paddle holding part are made of a rigid material or different rigid materials.

14. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein a striking surface of the striking blade is separated from the paddle holding part.

15. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the hand does not grip any part of the pickleball paddle.

16. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the paddle holding part is configured to have a hand inserted therein and to have the hand temporarily attached thereto.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] 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.

[0008] FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0009] FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

[0010] FIGS. 2A and 2B show examples of conventional pickleball paddles.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications according to the United States Pickleball Association.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a first no-grip pickleball paddle in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a second no-grip pickleball paddle in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a third no-grip pickleball paddle in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth no-grip pickleball paddle in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a no-grip pickleball paddle in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.).

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 two striking surfaces 203, a core sandwiched between the striking surfaces, and, optionally, a frame (also referred to as an edge) 208 surrounding the striking surfaces 203. A 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 ball. 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 or the back face of the striking blade (e.g., corresponding to the front and back of the pickleball paddle, respectively) for any shot. The core of the striking blade may be constructed from materials such as, for example, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber/plastic compound, polymer, aluminum, honeycomb composite, etc., The striking surface 203 may comprise one or more layers of materials such as, for example, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber/plastic compound, fiberglass, carbon fiber, graphite, etc., that are conducive to striking/returning the pickleball ball and/or controlling the behavior of the ball. 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). 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).

[0028] In a conventional pickleball paddle such as that shown in FIG. 2A, the entire paddle has the same center axis. That is, a center axis 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.

[0029] 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. Both 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.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications and standards according to USA Pickleballthe United States Pickleball Association. The current 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 may not 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. The side profile view at the bottom of the figure illustrates the profile view from the long side of the example paddle, and the side profile view shown on the right illustrates the profile view from the top-side of the paddle.

[0031] The handle must be an extension of the paddle face and may not exceed 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length. The handle must be an integral part of the paddle face. It should not have any separate components or extensions beyond the permitted length. The handle should have a smooth surface without any protrusions, attachments, or features that could cause injury to players or interfere with gameplay. The handle, like the rest of the paddle, must be constructed of approved materials. Common materials include wood, composite materials, or graphite.

[0032] In each of the above identified example pickleball paddles, the paddle comprises a striking blade and a handle, and the handle is designed to be gripped by the player by, for example, wrapping fingers (e.g., palm and fingers) around the handle. For example, FIG. 2A shows grip 206, in which typically a no-slip material (e.g., tape) is wrapped to provide a better, stronger and/or more comfortable contact for the player's fingers (and palm and/or thumb) to hold the paddle.

[0033] With pickleball getting popular among all types of varied age groups and player physical capabilities, some players may find it difficult to properly grip pickleball paddles such as those shown in FIGS. 2A-3. For example, some players may not have sufficient hand strength and/or dexterity to securely grip a handle of a pickleball paddle. Some players may have medical conditions such as arthritis or carpel tunnel syndrome that can make it difficult to hold a pickleball paddle by gripping its handle.

[0034] Maintaining a grip on the handle can make the wrist, elbow and arm tight. Depending on the shot type, the players should be able to have loose or tight grip. When a pickleball handle is held with a grip, that uses muscles in the fingers, wrist, and elbow, arm, and even shoulder. When the handle is held with a grip, elbow and arm muscles are activated to hold the paddle, and this reduces speed and accuracy in shots. As muscles perform two functions in existing paddles: grip the handle, and move the paddle to perform the shot. The looser the grip, the faster and more accurate the arm and wrist movement are. Traditional grip causes hand to sweat, which makes the grip inconvenient.

[0035] Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide pickleball paddles that can be held and used by the players without a gripping action on a handle. This may be helpful to, and/or may be found preferable by, players who find it difficult and/or impossible to grip a conventional pickleball paddle by a handle such as handle 204 (shown in FIG. 2A). This may also be helpful to professional pickleball players to increase the speed, power and accuracy of their shots. The example embodiments may improve a player's performance as the paddle is designed to be more ergonomic. The movement of the paddle requires more natural body movements and that enables players at almost all levels with various playing styles to play better.

[0036] The gripless pickleball paddles of example embodiments perform like extensions of the hand. Players can wear the paddle like a mitten or glove to hold the paddle. Players can wear the paddle by attaching their palm to the paddle holding part using straps or other materials. No gripping around the handle is required and example embodiments activates minimal muscle from finger, wrist, elbow, arm and shoulder to hold the paddle. The wrist, elbow, arm and shoulder muscles may be used toward the shot.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a no-grip pickleball paddle 400 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 400 comprises a striking blade 402 and a paddle holding part 404 connected to the striking blade.

[0038] The paddle holding part 404 is configured for the player's hand 411 to be inserted therein. An opening 410 is provided through which the hand may be inserted. In some embodiments, the hand may be inserted so that the area up to the wrist is inside the paddle holding part 404. The paddle holding part 404 is configured so that the hand 411 is located inside the paddle holding part, but the player still has the full capability of movement to rotate/move the hand at the wrist.

[0039] The paddle holding part 404 may include a rigid shell constructed from a plastic, hard rubber composite, fiberglass and/or wood material(s). The paddle holding part 404, in the internal space enclosed by its shell structure, may include an insertion structure 408 which accommodates the players hand and provides for the paddle to be held with sufficient sturdiness to enable repeatedly striking the pickleball ball during a game. The sufficient sturdiness may require a level of sturdiness as provided by the player gripping the handle 204 of the pickleball paddle 200 shown in FIG. 2.

[0040] In some embodiments, the insertion structure 408 may be molded to snugly fit the hand so that the amount of free movement of the inserted part of the hand 411 within the insertion structure 408 is minimal or non-existent. The molded insertion structure may be formed of a plastic and/or rubber composite material. The insertion structure 408 and/or the opening 410 may include a flexible, elastic material that can be pushed or forced to make space by inserting the hand, and that, after the hand is inserted in place, expands to more snugly hold the hand in place. When the hand is snugly fit in the insertion structure, there is little or no free movement of the hand within the insertion structure.

[0041] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the insertion structure 408 is configured to accommodate the hand with its fingers spread out (set apart from each other).

[0042] The striking blade 402 may include a front striking surface and a back striking surface and a core that is sandwiched between the front and back striking surfaces. The paddle holding part 404 may be seamlessly attached to the striking blade 402. For example, a frame surrounding the striking surfaces and the core of the striking blade, and/or the core of the striking blade, may seamlessly be attached with the paddle holding part 404. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the insertion structure is entirely contained within the confines of the paddle holding part 404.

[0043] The paddle holding part 404 with the built-in insertion structure 408 enables the player to move the paddle 400 by moving his/her arm to strike the pickleball ball. The ability to strike the ball with back and forth movements of the arm while the fingers and palm are stretched out (straightened fingers), instead of being in a tight grip as is required with conventional paddles, may enable players that have difficulty with maintaining tight grips on objects such as handles of pickleball paddles. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4, enables the player to hit both forehand and backhand shots with similar movements of the arm, and provides for the full range of shots as enabled by the conventional pickleball paddles.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a no-grip pickleball paddle 500 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 500 comprises a striking blade 502 and a paddle holding part 504 connected to the striking blade.

[0045] Pickleball paddle 500 is similar to pickleball paddle 400 and thus, striking blade 502, paddle holding part 504, and striking surface 506 may be constructed in a form and manner similar to striking blade 402, paddle holding part 404, and striking surface 406 described in relation to FIG. 4.

[0046] One difference of paddle 500 in relation to paddle 400 is that the insertion structure 508, in contrast to insertion structure 408 of paddle 400, provides for the fingers to be together. In a similar manner to insertion structure 408, however, insertion structure 508 may be molded to snugly fit the hand so that the amount of free movement of the inserted part of the hand within the insertion structure 508 is minimal or non-existent. The molded insertion structure may be formed of a plastic and/or rubber composite material. The insertion structure 508 and/or the opening 510 may include a flexible, elastic material that can be pushed or forced to make space by inserting the hand, and that, after the hand is inserted in place, expands to more snugly hold the hand in place. When the hand is snugly fit in the insertion structure, there is little or no free movement of the hand within the insertion structure.

[0047] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show two example embodiments. Other implementations of the disclosure can be implemented to achieve a no grip pickleball paddle. In some example embodiments (not shown in the figure), one or more fingers may be inserted into the paddle. In an example, four fingers not including the thumb, or four fingers not including the pinky, or three fingers may be used to hold the paddle. Other alternatives could be implemented. In example embodiments, a handle is not hold by holding a grip around the handle as with traditional pickleball paddles. In some example embodiments, the surface of the handle may be used for hitting the ball in forehand and/or backhand strikes.

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a no-grip pickleball paddle 600 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 600 comprises a striking blade 602 and a paddle holding part 604 connected to the striking blade.

[0049] The striking blade 602 may be as the same form and construction as the striking blades 402 and 502 described above.

[0050] The paddle holding part 604 is, in contrast to paddle holding parts 404 and 504 which were configured to accommodate the players hand within the shell structure of the respective paddle holding parts, configured to have the hand of the player attached thereto. In one embodiment, a plurality of straps 612, 614, 616 and 618 may be attached to one side (i.e., front or back) of the paddle holding part 604 so that that the hand can be slipped-in between the straps and the shell structure of the paddle holding part 604. The hand 611, when inserted through the several attached straps is firmly held against the outside of the shell structure in a manner that enables the player to move the paddle 600 by moving his/her arm.

[0051] Of the plurality of straps attached on the side of the shell structure of the paddle holding part 604 where the hand is to be located, one or more strips 612 may be configured to hold fingers, one or more strips 614 to hold the thumb, and at least two 616 and 618 to hold the open palm. In some embodiments, the strips 612-618 may be formed with cloth, an elastic and/or Velcro material. In some embodiments, the strips 612-618 are constructed with a plastic and/or hard rubber composite material. Embodiments are not limited by the construction materials and/or number of strips 612-618.

[0052] In some embodiments, instead of individual and separate strips, the hand 611 may be held by a glove-like hand insertion structure (not shown) formed on one side of the paddle holding structure. Such a glove-like structure may be constructed from a plastic and/or hard rubber composite material.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the strips and/or glove structure is configured to have the palm open and the fingers spread out (e.g., straightened).

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates a no-grip pickleball paddle 700 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 700 comprises a striking blade 702 and a paddle holding part 704 connected to the striking blade.

[0055] The striking blade 702 may be as the same form and construction as the striking blades 402 and 502 described above.

[0056] Pickleball paddle 700 is similar to pickleball paddle 600 and thus, striking blade 702, paddle holding part 704, and striking surface 706 may be constructed in a form and manner similar to striking blade 602, paddle holding part 604, and striking surface 606 described in relation to FIG. 6.

[0057] One difference of paddle 700 in relation to paddle 600 is that the plurality of strips 712-718, in contrast to the plurality of strips 612-618 of paddle 600, provides for the fingers to be together.

[0058] In example FIG. 4 and/or FIG. 7 the palm of the hand may be facing the paddle. In an example, the back of the palm may be facing the paddle. In some example embodiments, some implementation features in FIGS. 6 through 7 may be combined. For example, in example implementation as shown in FIG. 4, straps may be used to further tightly connect the hand and/or fingers to the paddle. In that case, the palm and/or fingers are inserted into the handle, and the straps may be inside the handle. The straps may be used to tightly hold the paddle to the hand. The straps may be pulled from the side (e.g. 404, 504) to tighten or loosen the straps from the hand.

[0059] FIG. 8 illustrates a no-grip pickleball paddle 800 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 800 comprises a striking blade 802 integrated with a paddle holding structure.

[0060] For example, the proximal end to the player includes an opening 810 through which the player inserts his/hand with open palm and stretched out/straightened fingers into the paddle holding structure such that the hand is accommodate in an insertion structure 808 between the front side and back side of the striking blade 802.

[0061] In the embodiment illustrated, the insertion structure 808 is entirely located in the area of the under the striking surface 806. More specifically, the insertion structure 808 is located in between the front striking surface 806 and the back striking surface of paddle 800. In some embodiments, the insertion structure 808 extends partially into the sweet spot area 803 of paddle 800.

[0062] In some embodiments, paddle 800 may have a core that, in its lower part, accommodates the insertion structure 808. For example, in the top part of the striking blade 802 the core may extend fully between the front striking surface 806 and the back striking surface. Towards the lower part of the striking blade 802, or more specifically in the part that accommodates the paddle holding part and the insertion structure 808, the insertion structure 808 may be sandwiched between two core layers under respective striking surface layers.

[0063] Paddle 800 may have a larger striking surface area because, in contrast to paddles 400, 500, 600 and 700, the striking surface 806 extends to the bottom of the insertion structure 808. When the player's hand 811 is inserted in the insertion structure the entire hand upwards of the wrist may be in the (under the surface of the) area of the striking surface 806.

[0064] Some players may find paddle 800 more comfortable and effective due to its larger area of striking surface. As with paddles 400, 500, 600 and 700, paddle 800 can also be used for forehand and backhand shots using similar arm movements, and does not limit the range or variety of shots that can be executed by the player.

[0065] The paddles according to embodiments of this disclosure can provide more power and accuracy to shots. No muscle is activated to grip the handle. It is more natural, as the user sees the paddle as an extension of its hands. This paddle provides more striking surface. As described in relation to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the handle itself can be an extension of the striking surface. Example embodiments also reduce tennis elbow injuries as the arm movement is more natural.

[0066] It should be understood that embodiments are not limited to particular shapes and/or constructions of insertion structures. Example embodiments provide for the player to hold the pickleball paddle by inserting a hand in a paddle holding part that is attached to the striking blade or that is integrated into the striking blade. In some embodiments, the hand is attached to the surface of a paddle holding part.

[0067] The above described embodiments provide no-grip pickleball paddles. It should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the shapes, lengths or construction materials of the paddle holding parts, 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.