Modular Paddle

Abstract

A modular paddle with a plastic frame structure, composite insert unit, tension brace, coupling bolt and nut mechanism, molded handle insert, and rolled rubber grip.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent application 62/109,383 filed Jan. 29, 2015.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to sport paddles and to particular modular paddles and methods for making same.

BACKGROUND

Sport paddle, such as Pickle Ball paddles are typically made as a unit, with no selectability in the assembly process for custom features and materials.

DISCLOSURE

What is disclosed is method for building sport paddles, such as Pickle Ball paddles, and examples of such paddles are articles of manufacture, all with a high degree of selectability in the assembly process for custom features and material.

Basic elements of the disclosed modular paddle are:

• 1. Plastic “Frame” Structure
• 2. Composite “Insert Unit”
• 3. Tension Brace
• 4. Coupling Bolt and Nut mechanism
• 5. Molded Handle Insert
• 6. Rolled Rubber Grip (like a Golf Pride grip)

Basic Frame Structure Details:

The concept centers around an extruded plastic “Frame”, like the frame of a pair of glasses. It is rigid in design and consistency and has an internal groove that holds a rigid piece of material inside, like glasses hold the lens.

The frame is generally one piece with a special hole drilled at the base of the large top section to allow for a “coupling nut mechanism” to be placed, that is tightened to hold the upper material secure.

The bottom portion of the frame also has an internal groove to hold a molded plastic handle, designed with ridges to fit into the groove. Another hole and tension coupling nut run through the bottom of the frame to hold the handle shape secure and to tighten the frame. The frame has special holes to hold a screw mechanism to tighten the frame around the inside material and to tighten the frame around the handle shape.

Material “Inserts”:

Different types of material composite “inserts” are selectably interchangeable with the frame, giving the user different types of playing surfaces, weights and composite cores to use. The inserts are sold separately and work with any frame within the disclosed design.

The user can easily change out different inserts depending on the type of surface needed for indoor, outdoor, or for personal preference.

Without the handle portion being made of composite materials, the shape allows for more efficient use of materials from suppliers, reducing cost and increasing supply.

The surface material fits into the groves within the frame and is held tight with the tension coupling bolts.

Conventional paddle manufacturers include the handle as part of the composite shape. The disclosed method and design allows for more efficient use of materials.

Coupling Nut Mechanism:

The coupling nut mechanism provides tension to the structure of the frame to secure the surface material and handle securely to the frame.

A stabilization brace with deep internal groove fits securely inside the frame. The coupling nut mechanism allows for tension to be applied to the frame. Top coupling nut secures the brace to frame.

Plastic Handle:

The handle is made of extracted plastic with ridges to fit into the frame groves. A hole is drilled to coincide with the holes in the frame where the coupling bolts are placed.

The stabilization brace has a deep internal groove, and the handle core is made of extruded plastic and has corresponding ridges to fit into the grooves of the frame. It also has a hole drilled through corresponding with the frame “coupling bolt” mechanism. Rubber “Rolled” Grip:

The player is enabled to selectably choose from a variety of grips designed to fit perfectly over the extruded handle. The grip materials are generally conventional golf grip material that is available in a variety of surfaces, sizes and weights. The user is able to change grips easily and frequently. The rubber grip fits over the extruded plastic handle within the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded diagram of the disclosed paddle design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1, modular paddle 10 has plastic frame structure 1, composite insert unit 2, tension brace 3, coupling bolt and nut mechanism 4, molded handle insert 5, and rolled rubber grip 6.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the means and construction shown comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A modular paddle comprising:

plastic frame structure, composite insert unit, tension brace, coupling bolt and nut mechanism, molded handle insert, and rolled rubber grip.