Method of Assembling a Grip of a Sports Paddle

Abstract

A manufacturing method for a sports paddle, wherein the pallet cap is attached to the handle of a sports paddle using mechanical forces. The pallet cap may be of a unitary construction, or constructed of several separate pieces. The manufacturing method allows sports paddles to be manufactured without the use of equipment or tools. In some embodiments, the method allows the sports paddle to be manufactured without specialized equipment or tools. Further, the manufacturing process requires fewer steps to assemble the sports paddle.

Claims

1. A method of assembling a pickleball paddle comprising: providing a pickleball paddle with a head, at least one face, a throat, and a handle; providing a pallet cap; inserting the handle of the pickleball paddle into the pallet cap by moving the pallet cap coaxially towards the handle so that the pallet cap securely attaches to the handle.

2. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the pickleball paddle has an edge guard.

3. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the handle of the pickleball paddle has at least one handle coupling means.

4. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 3, wherein the pallet cap has at least one grip coupling means to secure with the handle of the pickleball paddle.

5. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the pallet cap has at least one grip coupling means to secure with the handle of the pickleball paddle.

6. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 3, wherein the pickleball paddle has an edge guard.

7. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 4, wherein the pickleball paddle has an edge guard.

8. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 5, wherein the pickleball paddle has an edge guard.

9. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the handle is lubricated prior to inserting the handle into the pallet cap.

10. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the pallet cap is lubricated prior to inserting the handle into the pallet cap.

11. A method of assembling a handle on a pickleball paddle comprising: providing a pickleball paddle with a head, at least one face, a throat, and a handle; providing at least two pallets and a cap; assembling the at least two pallets together to form a pallet grip; inserting the handle of the pickleball paddle onto the pallet grip by moving the pallet grip coaxially towards the handle so that the pallet grip securely attaches to the handle; inserting the cap onto the pallet grip.

12. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 11, wherein the pickleball paddle has an edge guard.

13. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 11, wherein the handle of the pickleball paddle has at least one handle coupling means.

14. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 13, wherein the pallet grip has at least one grip coupling means to secure with the handle of the pickleball paddle.

15. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 11, wherein the pallet grip has at least one grip coupling means to secure with the handle of the pickleball paddle.

16. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 13, wherein the pickleball paddle has an edge guard.

17. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 14, wherein the pickleball paddle has an edge guard.

18. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 15, wherein the sports pickleball paddle has an edge guard.

19. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 11, wherein the handle is lubricated prior to inserting the handle into the pallet grip.

20. The method of assembling a pickleball paddle according to claim 11, wherein the pallet cap is lubricated prior to inserting the handle into the pallet grip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a sports paddle.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a paddle cap.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a pallet cap with a grip coupling means.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective view of an embodiment of a pallet cap with a grip coupling means.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an edge guard.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a pallet cap and sports paddle during assembly.

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a pallet cap attached to a sports paddle after assembly.

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a sports paddle with a handle coupling means.

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a sports paddle with a handle coupling means and a pallet cap with a handle coupling means during assembly.

[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a sports paddle with a handle coupling means and a pallet cap with a handle coupling means after assembly.

[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of two pallets forming a pallet grip.

[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment assembling a cap to a pallet grip.

[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a sports paddle assembled with a pallet grip, cap, and edge guard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Note that the specific embodiments given in the drawings and following description do not limit the disclosure. On the contrary, they provide the foundation for one of ordinary skill to discern the alternative forms, equivalents, and modifications that are contemplated by the inventors and encompassed in the claim scope.

[0021] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, a and an each generally denotes at least one, but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, or denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, and denotes all of the items of the list.

[0022] Numerous alternative forms, equivalents, and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the claims be interpreted to embrace all such alternative forms, equivalents, and modifications where applicable.

[0023] The term attached, inserting, joined, assembled and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single body with one of the two members.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sports paddle can be a paddle used in pickleball, table tennis, ping pong, or other similar paddle sports. The sports paddle includes a head, a face for striking the ball during play, a throat, and a handle. In some embodiments, the pallet cap can be a structure that provides a grip for the paddle and an end cap. In some embodiments, the pallet cap can be constructed of more than one pallet and a separate cap portion. In some embodiments, the assembly of the pallets, pallet cap, pallet cap assembly, or pallet grip provide a gripping surface to the user.

[0025] In some embodiments, the pallet cap can be inserted onto the sports paddle handle. In some embodiments, the sports paddle handle can be inserted into the pallet cap. In some embodiments, the pallet cap and the sports paddle handle can be joined without the use of additional tools or apparatuses. In some embodiments, the pallet cap and the sports paddle handle can be joined using mechanical forces imparted by devices such as, but not limited to, a hydraulic press, a manual press, a pneumatic press, a pneumatic intensified press, an electric press, or a hammer.

[0026] In some embodiments, the sports paddle handle can be lubricated before assembly to the pallet cap. In some embodiments, the pallet cap can be lubricated before assembly to the sports paddle handle. In some embodiments, the sports paddle handle can be lubricated before assembly to the pallet grip. In some embodiments, the pallet grip can be lubricated before assembly to the sports paddle handle. In some embodiments, a lubricant can be applied during assembly, such as, but not limited to a dry lubricant, a solvent, or an oil based lubricant.

[0027] In some embodiments, the shape of the pallet can be selected based on grip preferences. In some embodiments, more than one shape for the pallets can be used. In some embodiments, the pallets can be customized to form a specialized pallet grip. In some embodiments, three pallets can be used to form a pallet grip. In some embodiments, four pallets can be used to form a pallet grip.

[0028] In some embodiments the handle coupling means on the handle of the sports paddle may be a hole for receiving a pin, screw, bolt, rod, fastener, or other coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the handle coupling means can be a tab, a protrusion, a threaded hole, or a groove. In some embodiments, the grip coupling means can be on the pallet cap or it can be on the pallets. In some embodiments, the grip coupling means can be a tab, a protrusion, a hole, a threaded hole, or a groove. In some embodiments, the grip coupling means may be a hole for receiving a pin, screw, bolt, rod, fastener, or other coupling mechanism.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a sports paddle 100. Sports paddle 100 has a head 101, a face 102, a throat 103, and a handle 104.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a pallet cap 200. Pallet cap 200 has a distal end 201 for receiving a handle of a sport paddle (not pictured), and a proximal end 202.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of pallet cap 200 a grip coupling means 300. Said grip coupling means 300 may allow for a pin, screw, bolt, rod, or other coupling mechanism to be received therein. Pallet cap 200 has distal end 201 for receiving a handle of a sport paddle (not pictured), and proximal end 202.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates another prospective view an embodiment of pallet cap 200 with a grip coupling means 300. Said grip coupling means 300 may allow for a pin, screw, bolt, rod, or other coupling mechanism to be received therein. Pallet cap 200 has a distal end 201 for receiving a handle of a sport paddle (not pictured), and a proximal end 202.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of an edge guard 500. Edge guard 500 is placed around the head of a sports paddle (not pictured).

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of pallet cap 200 and sports paddle 100 during the manufacturing process. Sports paddle 100 has head 101, face 102, throat 103, and handle 104. Pallet cap 200 has proximal end 201 for receiving a handle 104 of sport paddle 100, and distal end 202. The manufacturing process comprises the step of inserting handle 104 of sports paddle 100 into the distal end 201 of pallet cap 200. In some embodiments, the pallet cap 200 and the handle 104 can be joined without the use of additional tools or apparatuses. In some embodiments, the pallet cap 200 and the handle 104 can be joined using mechanical force imparted by other devices.

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of pallet cap 200 and sports paddle 100 after the manufacturing process. Sports paddle 100 has head 101, face 102, throat 103, and handle 104. Pallet cap 200 has distal end 202 and proximal end 201 which received handle 104 of sport paddle 100 wherein pallet cap 200 is secured to handle 104.

[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of sports paddle 100. Sports paddle 100 has head 101, face 102, throat 103, handle 104, and a handle coupling means 800.

[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the assembly process. Pallet cap 200 has grip coupling means 300 and sports paddle 100 has handle coupling means 800. Sports paddle 100 has head 101, face 102, throat 103, and handle 104. Pallet cap 200 has proximal end 201 for receiving a handle 104 of sport paddle 100, and distal end 202. The manufacturing process comprises the step of inserting handle 104 of sports paddle 100 into the distal end 201 of pallet cap 200. In some embodiments, the pallet cap 200 and the handle 104 can be joined without the use of additional tools or apparatuses. In some embodiments, the pallet cap 200 and the handle 104 can be joined using mechanical force imparted by other devices. During assembly, handle coupling means 800 and grip coupling means 300 align to allow for receiving either a pin, screw, bolt, rod, fastener, or other coupling mechanism (not pictured).

[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment after the assembly process. Pallet cap 200 has grip coupling means 300 and sports paddle 100 has handle coupling means (not pictured). Sports paddle 100 has head 101, face 102, throat 103, and handle 104. Pallet cap 200 has distal end 202 and proximal end 201 which received handle 104 of sport paddle 100 wherein pallet cap 200 is secured to handle 104. After assembly, handle coupling means (not pictured) and grip coupling means 300 are aligned and receive either a pin, screw, bolt, rod, fastener, or other coupling mechanism.

[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a forming a pallet grip using two pallets 1100a, 1100b. Pallets 1100a and 1100b each have at least one grip coupling means 300.

[0040] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a pallet grip 1200 formed from two pallets. Pallet grip 1200 has grip coupling means 300. A cap 1201 is place over the formed pallet grip 1200 during the assembly process.

[0041] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of sports paddle 100 after the assembly process. Sports paddle 100 has edge guard 500 around the perimeter of the head 101. Handle 104 was placed in the pallet grip 1200 attached to the cap 1201.

[0042] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which one of ordinary skill would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein, as understood by one of ordinary skill based on the contextual use of such term, differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by one of ordinary skill should prevail.