APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING THE GAME SCORE AND SERVICE IN PICKLEBALL

Abstract

A score tracking apparatus for pickleball, wherein the score tracking apparatus is configured to attach to a peripheral edge of the pickleball paddle, thereby affording a method of improving a pickleball paddle as well as a system for enabling one-handed tracking of the score of a pickleball game, whereby players do not have to use their smart phones during a pickleball game.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/331,066, filed 14 Apr. 2022, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pickleball accessories and, more particularly, to a score tracking apparatus for pickleball, wherein the score tracking apparatus is configured to attach to a peripheral edge of the pickleball paddle, thereby affording a method of improving a pickleball paddle as well as a system for enabling one-handed tracking of the score of a pickleball game.

During a game of pickleball, the score is routinely forgotten or disputed. The problem with the existing phone application solutions is that players typically do not carry their phones while playing. And even if they did, they would have to let loose their grip on the handle of their pickleball paddle to simultaneously hold their phone and manipulate its user interface to keep score.

As can be seen, there is a need for a score tracking apparatus for pickleball, wherein the score tracking apparatus is configured to attach to a peripheral edge of the pickleball paddle, thereby affording a method of improving a pickleball paddle as well as a system for enabling one-handed tracking of the score of a pickleball game, whereby players do not have to use their smart phones during a pickleball game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention embodies a mechanical device that is affixed to the side of a pre-existing pickleball paddle, making this retrofit system very convenient to use.

The device provides a mechanical method for tracking the score of a pickleball game through adhering a pickleball score tracking apparatus to a peripheral edge of a pickleball paddle.

The score tracking apparatus of the present invention is retrofitted to a pickleball paddle, wherein the score tracking apparatus provides two point sliders, one for each player, each point slider being movable along a respective track, and wherein a slidable button is operatively associated with its own track for tracking which player is to serve.

In one aspect of the present invention an apparatus for tracking score of a pickleball game, the apparatus includes the following: a frame defining two point tracks; and for each point track, a point slider operatively associated so as to be fixed during play of a pickleball game and selectively slidable along the point track for keeping tracking of points of the pickleball game.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes the following: a service track defined by the frame; and a service slider operatively associated with the service track so as to be fixed during play of the pickleball game and selectively slidable along the service track, wherein the service track is oriented approximately perpendicular to the two point tracks, wherein the service track is oriented widthwise of an elongated frame, which has a length distance at least four times a width distance, wherein the width distance is less than a distance of a peripheral edge of a regulation pickleball paddle; further including an adhesive along a rear surface of the frame opposite the two point tracks, wherein each point track defines a T-shape cavity having two opposing pockets, each pocket defined in a part by a flange, and wherein each point slider has one or more grooves for riding along said opposing flanges.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of improving a pickleball paddle includes the following: adhering the adhesive of the above-mentioned apparatus along only a peripheral edge of the pickleball paddle; and selectively sliding at least one of the two point sliders and the service slider during the pickleball game.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in use.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a method of adhering the present invention to a pickleball paddle 10.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of an exemplary embodiment of a score tracking apparatus 12 of the present invention, illustrating movement of the point slider to keep track of each player's point total.

FIG. 6 is a detailed section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3, illustrating how the point sliders 16 and 18 operatively associate with the track elements 30 and 32 of the score tracker 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a score tracking apparatus for pickleball, wherein the score tracking apparatus is configured to attach to a peripheral edge of the pickleball paddle, thereby affording a method of improving a pickleball paddle as well as a system for enabling one-handed tracking of the score of a pickleball game, whereby players do not have to use their smart phones during a pickleball game.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, the present invention may include a score tracking apparatus 12 for improving a pickleball paddle 10 and the flow of a pickleball game flow. An adhesive substrate 20 may be connected to track elements 30 and 32. Specifically, a central tracking element 30 is disposed between two opposing lateral track elements 32, which are spaced apart from the central tracking element 30 to define two tracks: a first track 41 and a second track 42, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

Each track 41 and 42 may define a T-shape cavity. The arrangement of the central tracking element 30 and each lateral track element 32 defines the sidewalls of the track 41/42, wherein the rear surface of the track 41/41 may be (a non-adhesive) surface of the adhesive substrate 20 or, alternatively, a base of a frame of the score tracking apparatus 12 (The latter is shown in the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 6.) A lateral flange or lip 34 of a lateral track element 32 defines a lateral pocket 35, while a central flange or lip 36 of the central track element 30 defines a central pocket 37. The score tracking apparatus 12 may be made from durable material—e.g., plastic, metal, or any material suitable for injection molding or additive manufacturing.

Point sliders 16 and 18 may be dimensioned and adapted to slide along the first track 41 and the second track 42, respectively. The point sliders 16 and 18 each may have one or more grooves 50 for receiving opposing flanges 34 and 36. The fit between the groove(s) and the opposing flanges 34 and 36 may be snug engagement, frictionally engaged sufficiently so that the point slider does not move when the pickleball paddle 10 is being used for pickleball, but not so snug that a user may urge the point slide along its track to keep score by moving the point slider until it is adjacent a one point marking of plurality point markings that are along an outer surface of the score tracking apparatus 12.

Like the first and second tracks 41 and 42 and the point sliders 16 and 18, there may be a server slider 14 operatively associated in a server track having service indicators on opposing sides thereof. The server track may be oriented perpendicular relative to the first and second tracks 41 and 42. The score tracking apparatus frame 12 and the server and point sliders 14, 16, and 18 may be integral.

The score tracking apparatus 12 is affixed to the side of the paddle 10 along its peripheral edge by way of the adhesive substrate 20. In some embodiments, there is no adhesive substrate 20 but rather glue, epoxy, tape, or the like is used to attach a rear surface of the score tracking apparatus 12 frame to the paddle 10. The score tracking apparatus 12 is dimensioned and adapted to fit between the opposing surface of a peripheral edge of a regulation pickleball paddle 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and 4.

A method of using the present invention may include the following. The score tracking apparatus 12 disclosed herein may be provided. A user 22 would affix the score tracking apparatus 12 to the side/peripheral edge of their pickleball paddle 10. Then, while playing a game, the user 22 would, while keeping one hand on the handle of the paddle 10, move one or more of the three server and point sliders 14, 16, and 18 to keep track of the score and whose serve it is.

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. And the term “substantially” refers to up to 80% or more of an entirety. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object from side to side. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “above” generally means superjacent, substantially superjacent, or higher than another object although not directly overlying the object. Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “mechanical communication” generally refers to components being in direct physical contact with each other or being in indirect physical contact with each other where movement of one component affect the position of the other.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments or the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms unless specifically stated to the contrary.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for tracking score of a pickleball game, the apparatus comprising:

a frame defining two point tracks, the frame is elongated having a width distance less than sixteen millimeters; and

for each point track, a point slider operatively associated so as to be fixed during play of a pickleball game and selectively slidable along the point track for keeping tracking of points of the pickleball game.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a service track defined by the frame; and

a service slider operatively associated with the service track so as to be fixed during play of the pickleball game and selectively slidable along the service track.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the service track is oriented approximately perpendicular to the two point tracks.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the service track is oriented widthwise of the elongated frame, which has a length distance at least four times the width distance.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the width distance is less than a distance of a peripheral edge of a regulation pickleball paddle.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising an adhesive along a rear surface of the frame opposite the two point tracks.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each point track defines a T-shape cavity having two opposing pockets, each pocket defined in a part by a flange.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each point slider has one or more grooves for riding along said opposing flanges.

9. A method of improving a pickleball paddle, the method comprising:

adhering the adhesive of the apparatus of claim 6 along only a peripheral edge of the pickleball paddle; and

selectively sliding at least one of the two point sliders and the service slider during the pickleball game.