TABLE TENNIS PADDLE

Abstract

A table tennis paddle is provided. The paddle includes a blade having forehand and backhand playing surfaces and a handle joined to the blade at an angle from a vertical centerline of the blade. The handle has an ergonomic form having palm and finger engaging surfaces, an aperture in a neck of the handle, and finger recesses positioned on opposing sides of the handle, the combination of which forms a precision grip. A precision grip and a method of using the tennis table paddle are also disclosed.

Description

FIELD

The inventions herein relate to a table tennis paddle. More specifically, the inventions herein relate to a table tennis paddle having an improved handle and grip.

BACKGROUND

The game of table tennis or ping pong is well known throughout the world. As is known, the game involves the use of paddles or rackets or bats and a small light weight ball. Traditional table tennis paddles include a handle or grip for holding the paddle and a blade with a surface for striking the ball. The handle of traditional paddles is relatively narrow and of a simple shape. While attempts have been made to vary the handle, since the invention of the game of table tennis, the blade's grip has not deviated much from a power/club grip style.

As a result, as indicated above many options exist for gripping the paddle.

Traditional paddle handles involve various types of grip, such as forms of penhold and shakehand grip. Generally the common types of grip can be categorized in a few categories, such as a club grip or a power grip.

Due to the handle design and numerous options available to grip the paddle, the paddle often slips within the user's hand, making it difficult to maintain a consistent hold on the paddle and ultimately making it difficult to maintain a consistent level of play. For similar reasons, club grips and power grips also require a large amount of force or strength to maintain the hold on the paddle, leading to hand fatigue. Likewise, user's with poor hand strength may have difficulty with such paddles.

In both instances the paddle is also uncomfortable to hold during play. To compensate, many users will often hold the paddle with one or more fingers on the playing surface. As a result, the fingers often interfere with play as the ball hits the fingers, e.g., often on backhand strokes. Due to the awkward position of the hand, not only are the paddles uncomfortable to hold, but the nature of the grip limits the available power which can be placed by the user in a stroke. Traditional paddle grips also often cause difficulty in executing backhand strokes due to the awkward position of the hand and arm in relation to the blade. The user has limited mobility of the wrist made available as a result of the grip on the paddle.

Attempts have been made to solve this problem through specially designed paddles. For example, the paddle may be specially designed to be gripped with a thumb resting against a support surface on the upper edge of the forehand side, with which the index finger is held extended along the upper edge of the racket blade. Alternative handles and table tennis paddles have been developed in the form of a pistol grip. Unfortunately, these specially designed paddles sill limit the mobility of the wrist, particularly when executing a backhand stroke. Moreover, the ball will also contact the index finger during play.

A problem exists with existing table tennis paddle options. In these paddles only a portion of the playing surface is available for play. Moreover, user mobility and power are limited due to the available grip which is limited by the traditional paddle grip design. Therefore, what is needed is a table tennis paddle which provides a maximized playing surface while maximizing available power, a consistent hold and thus play, and comfort for the user, without limiting mobility.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a table tennis paddle is disclosed. The paddle has a blade having forehand and backhand playing surfaces, and a precision grip. The precision grip has an ergonomic form such that the blade extends outward as a natural extension of the arm when gripped.

A table tennis paddle is also disclosed including a blade having forehand and backhand playing surfaces and a handle joined to the blade at an angle from a vertical centerline of the blade. The handle has an ergonomic form having palm and finger engaging surfaces, an aperture in a neck of the handle, and finger recesses positioned on opposing sides of the handle, the combination of which forms a precision grip.

A precision grip for a table tennis paddle is also disclosed. The precision grip has an ergonomic form with palm and finger engaging surfaces for precision placement of the hand. The precision grip also has an aperture in a neck of the handle and finger recesses positioned on opposing sides of the handle for finger placement. The ergonomic form extends at an angle from a vertical centerline of a blade of the table tennis paddle. The precision grip accommodates a hand such that the entire hand is retained below playing surfaces of the table tennis paddle and the blade extends outward from the precision grip in a direction which forms a natural extension of the arm when gripped.

These and other features and advantages of devices, systems, and methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed descriptions of various examples of embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various examples of embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods according to this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table tennis paddle according to one or more examples of embodiments, showing a backhand side of a right-handed paddle.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the table tennis paddle of FIG. 1 taken from lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, showing a backhand side of the paddle according to one or more examples of embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the table tennis paddle of FIG. 1, taken from lines 3-3 of FIG. 1, showing a forehand side of a right-handed paddle.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a table tennis paddle of FIG. 1 according to one or more alternative examples of embodiments, showing a left-handed paddle.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the table tennis paddle of FIG. 4 taken from lines 5-5 of FIG. 4, showing a forehand side of the left-handed paddle according to one or more examples of embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the table tennis paddle of FIG. 1 taken from lines 6-6 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is an end elevation view of the table tennis paddle of FIG. 1 taken from lines 7-7 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the table tennis paddle of FIG. 1 grasped by the hand of a user.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A table tennis paddle or racket or bat is provided. The paddle has a blade having forehand and backhand playing surfaces and a precision grip. The precision grip has an ergonomic form such that the hand is positioned below the playing surfaces and the blade extends outward as a natural extension of the arm when gripped. As shown by comparison of FIGS. 1-3 and 4-5, the table tennis paddle 100 having the features provided may be formed or adapted for right-handed use (e.g., right-hand arrangement shown in FIG. 3) or left-handed use (e.g., left-hand arrangement shown in FIG. 4). For ease of discussion herein, the right-handed arrangement will be used for illustration and example. However, the description herein, features, and advantages of the right-handed arrangement may be equally applied or substituted for the left-handed arrangement.

Referring to the Figures, according to one or more examples of embodiments, the table tennis paddle 100 includes a blade 102. As shown, the blade 102 has first and second surfaces, or a forehand playing surface 104 and a backhand playing surface 106. The playing surfaces 104, 106 are generally planar surfaces which extend in parallel (see FIG. 6). The forehand and backhand playing surfaces 104, 106 are determined by the orientation of the hand gripping the paddle 100 and resulting direction of play. Forehand and backhand correspond to nomenclature commonly known for table tennis. The blade 102 and respective playing surfaces 104, 106 extend from an upper edge 108 of the handle 110 a distance to a top edge 112. The playing surfaces 104, 106 further extend between first and second side edges 114, 116. The playing surfaces 104, 106 have a shape and size suitable for table tennis play and may, in one or more examples of embodiments, have width, height, and shape dimensions in compliance with applicable table tennis rules. The side edges, and thus the blade 102, may have a thickness or width suitable to provide sufficient strength and durability to the paddle 100 and, in one or more embodiments, in compliance with applicable table tennis rules. The blade 102 may further include a surface layer 118 or sheet, such as a rubberized surface common to currently available table tennis paddles (shown for purposes of example in FIGS. 1-3), although variations thereon may also be acceptable for the purposes provided. The blade 102 has one or more rounded edges 120 such that it has a degree of curvature at least on portions of the top 122 and bottom 124 of the blade.

The blade 102 may be integral with the handle 110 or coupled thereto. For example, in one or more examples of embodiments, the blade 102 is an integral or unitary component with the handle 110 and thereby forming an extension from the handle 110. In the alternative, the handle 110 may be coupled to the blade 102 by any suitable mechanism, examples of which include, but are not limited to, adhesive(s) and/or fastener(s). To this end, the blade 102 may have an extension (not shown) which provides a surface or area suitable for attaching to the handle 110.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the handle 110 has an upper or proximal section 126 located proximate to the blade 102 and a distal section 128 forming a grip. Referring to FIGS. 6-7, the distal section 128 has an overall thickness which is greater than the thickness of the blade 102 and a width which is narrower than the width of the playing surface 104, 106. Referring to FIG. 6, the proximal section 126 has a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the distal section 128 and continuously reduces to a thickness slightly greater than or equal to the thickness of the blade 102 at a location proximate the blade 102, namely at its upper edge 108. The proximal section 126 may also increase in width from a narrow neck portion 130 to a wider blade portion 132. As can be seen in reference to FIG. 6, the proximal section 126 of the handle 110 is positioned symmetrically with the blade 102 such that its thickness extends equidistant on both the forehand and backhand sides of the paddle 100, and specifically, from the playing surface 104, 106.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the distal section 128 of the handle 110 has a portion which extends at an angle from the center line of the blade 102. In FIG. 2, the approximate center line (x) of the blade 102 and approximate center line (y) of the handle 110 are shown. These center lines (x) and (y) form angle (a) which is greater than ninety degrees (90°).

In one or more examples of embodiments, the grip on the handle 110 is a precision grip. The precision grip has an ergonomic form. The grip extends substantially across the palm of the user and has natural contours which fit within the palm, fingers, and thumb of the user. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-2 and 6-7, the grip has a plurality of depressions 134 and raised surfaces 136, or concave and convex areas. These areas are positioned and correspond with, and more specifically align with mating portions of a hand. To this end, the grip may have a palm engaging surface 138 as well as finger engaging surfaces 140 which are strategically placed so as to align with the corresponding positions of the hand. It is understood that a variety of arrangements and combinations of depressions 134, recesses, and raised surfaces 136 may be used, and the discussion herein is provided for purposes of example only.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 8, the handle 110 further includes an aperture 142 or opening extending through the handle 110 for receipt of a finger of the user. In one or more examples of embodiments, the aperture 142 is a centralized aperture positioned in an upper portion of the handle 110, but below the playing surface 104, 106 of the paddle 100, such as for example in the neck 130 of the handle 110. Preferably, the aperture 142 is arranged for receipt of the middle finger 154 of the user.

The handle 110 includes one or more recessed side surfaces 144, 146 which may form finger grips. The recessed side surfaces 144, 146 are positioned on first and second or opposing sides 148, 150 of the handle 110 adjacent to the aperture 142. In this regard, the recessed side surfaces 144, 146 form neck 130 on the handle 110. The recesses or recessed side surfaces 144, 146 provide surfaces or areas for receipt of the fingers of the user. Preferably, a pointer finger 158 is received in the first recess 144, while the ring finger 160 and at least a portion of the pinky finger 162 are received in the second recess 146.

The handle 110 and its corresponding elements are arranged for a precise and preset placement of the hand 152 when gripping the handle 110. For example, the contour of the grip will lead the user to grip the handle 110 in one specific way. Further, the aperture 142 and finger grips 144, 146 are positioned relative to the ergonomic form such that the hand 152 of the user may naturally rest in a fist or grip (see FIG. 8). As a result of the foregoing, and as a result of the position of the grip, aperture 142, and recessed side surfaces 144, 146, the handle 110 and grip position the user's entire hand below the playing surface 104, 106. In addition, the handle 110 is positioned and angled to orient the blade 102 of the paddle 100 such that it is a natural extension of the forearm and hand. As can be seen in FIG. 8, axis or centerline (z) extends naturally from the forearm 156, through the middle finger 154 of the hand 152, and through an approximate center of the paddle 100. As a result, the handle provides unrestricted movement of the wrist of the user.

The paddle 100 described herein may be formed of any suitable materials in a variety of suitable forms. For example, the paddle 100 may be formed of wood and may be solid or laminated wood or combinations thereof. Components may be formed as unified elements or may, for example, be adhesively attached. For example, eighty-five percent (85%) of the paddle 100 may be wood, including the handle 110. In the alternative, the paddle 100 may be formed of a plastic, a rubber, or other now known or future developed material(s) providing sufficient rigidity and durability to meet performance requirements of the paddle 100. The blade 102 and the handle 110 may be formed of the same material or different materials, or a combination thereof. Further, the paddle 100, blade 102, and/or handle 110 may have or be formed of a combination of materials. For instance, the paddle 100 may have an inner core, such as a wood core extending throughout the handle 110 and blade 102, but include a layer of material on its playing surfaces 104, 106 which differs, and/or an outer coating, such as a rubberized material, on the handle grip. The paddle 100, in one or more particular examples, may be formed of a material or combination of materials suitable for applicable table tennis rules or regulations, although such a material condition is not required.

In one or more examples of embodiments, the table tennis paddle 100 or racket may be of any size, shape or weight but the blade 102 is flat and rigid. In this example, at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the blade 102, by thickness, is formed of natural wood. The blade 102, any layer within the blade, and any layer of covering material 118 or adhesive on a side used for striking the ball is preferably continuous and of even thickness (e.g., see FIGS. 1-3). An adhesive layer within the blade 102, such as found in a laminated blade structure, may be reinforced with fibrous material such as carbon fiber, glass fiber or compressed paper, but may have a limited thickness, such as for example not thicker than seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of the total thickness.

A playing surface 104, 106, or side of the blade 102 used for striking the ball, may be covered or at least partially covered. According to table tennis rules, the covering material 118 (FIGS. 1-3) extends up to but not beyond the limits of the blade 102, except that the part nearest the handle 110 and gripped by the fingers may be left uncovered or covered with any material. Common coverings include ordinary pimpled rubber (e.g., with pimples outwards having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than for example 2 mm) and sandwich rubber (e.g., with pimples inwards or outwards, having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than for example 4 mm). Ordinary pimpled rubber is typically a single layer of non-cellular rubber, natural or synthetic, with pimples evenly distributed over its surface at a density of not less than for example 10 per sq. cm and not more than for example 30 per sq. cm. Sandwich rubber is typically a single layer of cellular rubber covered with a single outer layer of ordinary pimpled rubber, the thickness of the pimpled rubber not being more than for example 2 mm. As is common, in one particular example, the surface of the covering material 118 on a side of the blade 102, or of a side of the blade if it is left uncovered, may be provided in matt, bright red on one side and black on the other. However, any suitable color or texture may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is understood that the specific examples given herein are for purposes of example only and variations on designs and dimensions suitable for the intended purposes may be substituted in place thereof.

In view of the foregoing, the paddle 100 may be manufactured by any now known or future developed means. In one or more examples of embodiments, the method of manufacture will be based upon or determined by the materials chosen for the paddle 100 and various known methods for accomplishing same exist (e.g., cutting and shaping of wood, molding of plastic, adhesively securing layers, laminating, etc.).

A method of use of one or more examples of embodiments of the paddle 100 will now be described by way of illustration in reference to the Figures. A user may select a paddle 100 corresponding to a right or left hand. The user then grips the paddle 100 with the corresponding hand. To grip the paddle 100, the user places the precision grip of the handle 110 in the palm of the hand with the palm engaging surface of the ergonomic form in contact with the surface of the hand. The ergonomic form of the grip provides a preset placement of the grip in the hand. The user grasps the handle 110 by placing a middle finger through the aperture 142 in the handle 110 and placing a portion of the remaining fingers in the recessed side surfaces (see FIG. 8). The fingers of the hand are wrapped around the finger engaging surface of the grip and appropriate force or tension is applied to hold the grip of the paddle 100. In this arrangement, the hand does not interfere with the playing surface 104, 106 of the paddle 100. The user may then play the game by using the forehand and backhand playing surfaces 104, 106 to strike the ball.

Accordingly, a table tennis paddle 100 is provided and including a blade 102 having forehand and backhand playing surfaces 104, 106 and a handle 110 joined to the blade 102. The handle 110 has an ergonomic form having palm and finger engaging surfaces, an aperture 142 in a neck 130 of the handle 110, and finger recesses positioned on opposing sides of the handle 110, the combination of which forms a precision grip. The precision grip ergonomic form palm and finger engaging surfaces, as well as aperture 142 in the neck 130 of the handle 110 and finger recesses positioned on opposing sides of the handle 110 for finger placement, provide for precision placement of the hand. The handle 110 with the ergonomic form extends at an angle from a vertical centerline of a blade 102 of the table tennis paddle 100. As a result of the foregoing combination, the precision grip accommodates a hand such that the entire hand is retained below playing surfaces 104, 106 of the table tennis paddle 100 and the blade 102 extends outward from the precision grip in a direction which forms a natural extension of the arm when gripped.

The paddle as disclosed, described, and claimed herein provides various advantages over traditional table tennis paddles, such as paddles having a club grip and/or a power grip. For instance, the paddle arrangement which positions the user hand below the playing surfaces provides a maximized, if not one-hundred percent (100%), playable surface in that the fingers or other portions of the hand are not placed on the paddle in a manner that interferes with the playing surface as is common when using traditional paddles. The handle is also arranged such that the blade and playing surface are a natural extension of the arm. More specifically, the grip of the handle provides a natural hold on the paddle which allows for unrestricted motion of the wrist while playing. The ergonomic form and natural extension of the blade from the arm provide a fit and arrangement of the paddle which provides both stability and power. The paddle blade is centered on and extends directly outward from the middle finger of the hand. As a result, the user can maximize strength and power with direct impact focused on and centered on the paddle blade. The natural positioning of the blade also provides improved performance in forehand and backhand strokes, allowing the user to have more control. For instance, the arrangement of the handle and blade enables a forehand offensive stroke which is more effective than traditional paddles. The paddle also enables an effective and easy to execute backhand stroke. Furthermore, the grip is a precision grip with an ergonomic form. As a result, the grip provides for a preset placement in the hand of the user, and therefore, a consistent hold, unlike traditional paddles which provide numerous options in which to hold the paddle, thereby affecting and reducing the likelihood of consistent successive uses. Moreover, the precision grip naturally fits within the hand, and in this regard, a user does not need a large amount of hand strength to hold the paddle in place. To this end, the grip also reduces hand fatigue, as it requires less strength or force to hold the paddle. Moreover, unlike traditional paddles the paddle disclosed herein is unlikely to slip out of place during play due to the unique grip.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., “top” and “bottom”) in this description are merely used to identify various elements as are oriented in the Figures. It should be recognized that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending on the application in which they are used.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system, methods, and devices as shown in the various examples of embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, while a single finger aperture is disclosed, it is contemplated that more than one finger aperture may be provided without departing from the overall scope of the present invention. Likewise, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied (e.g. by variations in the number of engagement slots or size of the engagement slots or type of engagement). The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various examples of embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present inventions.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.

The technical effects and technical problems in the specification are exemplary and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.

Claims

1. A table tennis paddle comprising:

a blade having forehand and backhand playing surfaces; and

a handle having a proximal section and a distal section, the distal section arranged to engage a palm of a user and having an approximate center line which extends at an angle greater than ninety degrees from an approximate center line of the blade, wherein the handle forms a precision grip and the blade extends outward from the handle as a natural extension of the user's arm when gripped.

2. (canceled)

3. The table tennis paddle of claim 1, wherein the handle has palm and finger engaging surfaces for precision placement of a hand.

4. The table tennis paddle of claim 1, wherein the precision grip has an aperture in a neck of the handle which receives a finger.

5. The table tennis paddle of claim 1, wherein the precision grip has finger recesses positioned on opposing sides of the handle which receive fingers.

6. The table tennis paddle of claim 1, wherein the precision grip has an aperture in a neck of the handle and finger recesses positioned on opposing sides of the handle.

7. The table tennis paddle of claim 1, wherein the blade is at least partially formed of wood.

8. The table tennis paddle of claim 7, wherein the handle is at least partially formed of wood.

9. The table tennis paddle of claim 1, wherein a portion of the paddle is formed of a plastic material.

10. The table tennis paddle of claim 1, wherein a portion of the paddle is formed of a rubberized material.

11. The table tennis paddle of claim 1, wherein the precision grip accommodates a hand such that the entire hand is retained below the playing surfaces.

12. A table tennis paddle comprising:

a blade having forehand and backhand playing surfaces;

a handle having an approximate center line and joined to the blade at an angle from an approximate center line of the blade, the handle having an ergonomic form having palm and finger engaging surfaces, an aperture in a neck of the handle, and finger recesses positioned on opposing sides of the handle, the combination of which forms a precision grip.

13. The table tennis paddle of claim 12, wherein the blade is at least partially formed of wood.

14. The table tennis paddle of claim 13, wherein the handle is at least partially formed of wood.

15. The table tennis paddle of claim 12, wherein a portion of the paddle is formed of a plastic material.

16. The table tennis paddle of claim 12, wherein a portion of the paddle is formed of a rubberized material.

17. The table tennis paddle of claim 12, wherein the blade extends outward from the handle in a direction which forms a natural extension of the arm when gripped, and wherein the precision grip accommodates a hand such that the entire hand is retained below the playing surfaces.

18. (canceled)

19. A precision grip for a table tennis paddle, the precision grip comprising:

a handle having a proximal section and a distal section, the distal section comprising an ergonomic form having palm and finger engaging surfaces for precision placement of a hand, and the proximal section has an aperture in a neck of the handle and finger recesses positioned on opposing sides of the handle for finger placement, the distal section extending at an angle greater than ninety degrees from an approximate center line extending across the aperture, wherein the handle forms a precision grip;

wherein the precision grip accommodates the hand such that the entire hand is retained below playing surfaces of the table tennis paddle blade.

20. The precision grip of claim 19, wherein the grip is formed of multiple materials.

21. The table tennis paddle of claim 1, wherein the approximate center line of the blade extends through the user's forearm and middle finger when gripped.

22. The table tennis paddle of claim 12, wherein the angle between the approximate center line of the handle and the approximate center line of the blade is an angle greater than ninety degrees.