APPARATUS FOR PADDLE SPORT TRAINING

Abstract

An apparatus for paddle training. The training teaches the student to limit their wrist motion while swinging their paddle. The paddle training apparatus with a wrist cuff that surrounds the wrist and forearm of the student, a connecting member with a cuff attachment element. The cuff attachment element is removably attachable to the wrist cuff and the cuff attachment element removably receives the connecting member. A paddle attachment element fixedly attached to the other end of the connecting member and the paddle attachment element facilitates removable attachment of the connecting member to the paddle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/402,156 entitled “Apparatus for Paddle Sport Training” filed Aug. 30, 2022.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of training, and in particular, to paddle sport training.

BACKGROUND

Pickleball is an indoor/outdoor paddle sport where two players, or four players, hit a perforated hollow polymer ball over a net that is 36-inchs high at each post and 34 inches high in the middle using solid face paddles. Players on both sides of the net hit the ball over the net until one of the players breaks one or more pickleball rules.

Like most paddle sports, the way a player holds their paddle when they hit the ball, and in particular the position of their wrist, affects how well the player plays. As a result, one technique players use to improve the way they play is to learn how to position their wrist when hitting the ball. However, learning how to position your wrist when hitting a ball isn't easy and as a result, some players use training devices to learn how to control their wrist position. Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus that at least partially addresses one or more limitations of the prior art so that the player can learn how to maintain their wrist in a desired position when hitting a ball.

This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for paddle sport training. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus implemented to teach a player how to hold the paddle properly by limiting their wrist motion. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a paddle having a handle, a head with a first face, a second face and an outer perimeter. The apparatus has a wrist cuff that surrounds the forearm of the person holding the paddle, a connecting member, a cuff attachment element and a paddle attachment element. The cuff attachment element is removably attached to the wrist cuff and the cuff attachment element is configured to removably receive one end of the connecting member. The paddle attachment element is fixedly attached to the other end of the connecting member and the paddle attachment element is configured to facilitate removable attachment of the connecting member to the paddle.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a paddle training device with a connecting member, a paddle, a wrist cuff and a cuff attachment element. The paddle includes a channel passing through the paddle and the channel is configured to removably receive one end of the connecting member. The wrist cuff surrounds the wrist and forearm of the person using the paddle. The cuff attachment element is removably attached to the wrist cuff and the cuff attachment element removably receives the other end of the connecting member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a paddle training device for use with a paddle. The paddle has a handle, and a head with a first face and a second face. The paddle training having a gripping member configured to be gripped by a person using the paddle training device and an attachment member fixedly, attached to an end of the gripping member. The attachment member removably attaches the gripping member to the paddle.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a paddle training device for a paddle. The paddle training device having a connecting member with a first end and a second end. The paddle training device having an engagement member located at the first end of the connecting member. The engagement member being configured to receive a forearm of a person using the paddle and also configured to receive the second end of the connecting member. The paddle attachment member located at the second end of the connecting member, the attachment member being configured to removably surround the handle of the grip of the paddle and to removably receive the second end of the connecting member.

Embodiments have been described above in conjunction with aspects of the present disclosure upon which they can be implemented. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in conjunction with the aspect with which they are described but may also be implemented with other embodiments of that aspect. When embodiments are mutually exclusive, or are otherwise incompatible with each other, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Some embodiments may be described in relation to one aspect, but may also be applicable to other aspects, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a paddle training apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an alternate paddle training apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a paddle training apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a paddle training apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5a illustrates a partial side view of the paddle training apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5b illustrates a partial view of the detail of a paddle attachment element of the paddle training apparatus of FIG. 5a according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5c illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a cuff attachment element of the paddle training apparatus of FIG. 5a according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a paddle training apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a paddle training apparats according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8a illustrates a side view of a paddle training apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8b illustrates a detailed view of a connecting member of the apparatus of FIG. 8a in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9a illustrates a side view of a paddle training apparatus of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9b illustrates a detailed side view of the connecting member of the apparatus of FIG. 9b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a paddle training apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11a illustrates a side view of a paddle training apparatus of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11b illustrates a detailed side view of the connecting member of the apparatus of FIG. 11a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12a illustrates a side view of a paddle training apparatus of embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12b illustrates a detailed side view of the connecting member of the apparatus of FIG. 12a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

People who play pickleball have found that they can play the game better when they can control the position of their wrist and as a result control the angle of contact between their paddle and the ball. However, it can be difficult for a player to place their wrist in a specific position when they play. As a result, players are looking for a training device and/or method that they can use to learn how to position their wrist when playing the game.

Embodiments of this disclosure describe a paddle training apparatus that players can use to team to position their wrist when playing the game. In some embodiments, this paddle training apparatus can be attached to a paddle that the player already uses to play pickleball. In other embodiments the paddle training apparatus can be attached to a paddle used only for training.

The paddle training apparatus described in this disclosure can be used to teach a player how to position their wrist correctly by limiting a player's wrist to a pre-determined range of motion when the player swings a paddle attached to the paddle training apparatus and the paddle training apparatus is also attached to the wrist and forearm of the player. After repeatedly swinging the paddle while the wrist motion of the player is limited by the paddle training apparatus, the player can learn how to position their wrist to control the paddle while hitting a ball. After learning how to position their wrist correctly through repeated practice, the player can remove the paddle training apparatus from their paddle and use what they learned to position their wrist as they play the game.

FIG. 1 illustrates a paddle training apparatus of this disclosure that can be used to limit the wrist motion by a pre-determined amount of a player holding paddle 105 with hand 110 where paddle 105 is attached to the paddle training apparatus. Paddle 105 has a handle, and a paddle head having a first face and a second face and also an outer perimeter. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the first face is one side of the paddle used to hit a ball and the second face is the opposite side of the paddle used to hit a ball. The paddle training apparatus includes wrist cuff 120, cuff attachment element 145, connecting member 125, and paddle attachment element 140. Wrist cuff 120 is configured to surround the wrist and forearm 115 of the person holding paddle 105. Connecting member 125 can optionally include supports 130 and 135 to reinforce connecting member 125. Cuff attachment element 145 can be removably attached to wrist cuff 120 and cuff attachment element 145 can be configured to removably receive a first end of connecting member 125. Paddle attachment element 140 can be fixedly or removably attached to the second end of connecting member 125. Non-limiting examples of a removable paddle attachment element 140 include a suction cup, tape, magnets, and a hook and loop material.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the player can hold paddle 105 using either their right hand or left hand while using the paddle training device.

In some embodiments, in addition to the wrist motion limitation provided by connecting member 125, cuff attachment element 145 can further comprise one or more rigid inserts that can additionally limit the mist motion of the player.

In some embodiments, several cuff attachment elements 145 can be provided where each cuff attachment element 145 has a different rigidity and as a result can be used to limit wrist motion by a different amount. As a result, by experimenting with different rigidities, the player can learn different wrist positioning and the effect of wrist positioning on how the player hits the ball.

The wrist cuff 120 of the paddle training device can be positioned on the wrist and forearm 115 of the player so that connecting member 125 can be attached either to the first face or second face of paddle 105.

In one embodiment, one or more straps 155 can be used to removably secure wrist cuff 120 around the wrist and forearm 115 of the player.

Embodiments of the paddle training apparatus can include a hook and loop material on the wrist cuff that can be used to secure wrist cuff 220 around the wrist and forearm 115 of the person when the hook material is in contact with the loop material.

FIG. 2 illustrates wrist cuff 220 that can accommodate more than one removably attachable supports 230. The player can add one or more attachable supports 230 to allow the player to additionally limit their wrist motion. It should be appreciated that the rigidity provided by attachable support 230 can be different than the rigidity provided by cuff attachment element 145 and as a result, use of both attachable support(s) 230 and cuff attachment element 145 can allow the player to have more rigidity than other embodiments.

Some embodiments of the paddle training device, such as depicted in FIG. 3, include cuff attachment element 145 of wrist cuff 310 receiving the first end of connecting member 125 as connecting member 125 is rotated and threads 157 are screwed into and received by nut 150 of cuff attachment element 145.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment where connecting element 430 is telescopic and can include extendable element 435 and top element 440. Connecting element 430 can include support element 465 to strengthen connecting element 430.

Wrist cuff 410 of FIG. 4 can also include a hook and loop material that can be used to secure wrist cuff 410 around the wrist and forearm 115 of the person when the hook material is in contact with the loop material.

FIGS. 5a-c illustrate an embodiment where cuff attachment element 520 includes channel 560 which can removably receive element 595 which can slide within channel 560. Additionally, element 595 can be rotatably attached to connecting element 430. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that since element 595 can be in one of multiple locations within channel 560, connecting element 430 can be telescopic to allow paddle attachment element 550 to attach to paddle 105 at the desired position at either the first face or second face of the paddle despite the location of element 595 within channel 560.

FIG. 5c further illustrates a plurality of holding mechanisms 525 where one of the holding mechanisms 525 can maintain element 595 in position (and as a result can maintain one end of connecting element 430 in this position) when holding mechanism 525 is fully depressed. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that resilient cushion 570 can be compressed by holding mechanism 525 when holding mechanism 525 is pushed down by element 595.

FIG. 5b also illustrates attachment element 535 of receiving element 550 that receives element 530 of connecting element 435 to facilitate removable attachment of connecting element 435 to paddle 105 in accordance with one embodiment, Element 530 can be held within attachment element 535 when attachment element 535 fully depresses holding element 580, Resilient cushion 555 can be compressed by holding element 580 when holding element 580 is depressed by element 530. As illustrated by FIG. 5b, attachment element 535 can be attached to receiving element 550 and element 550 can also be attached to u-shape bracket 540 which can be attached to either the first face or second face of paddle 105 by attachment element 565. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that knob 590 can be used to adjust the pressure attachment element 565 applies to paddle 105 to ensure attachment of attachment element 565 to paddle 105.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus where a second connecting member 610 can be used to additionally limit the mist motion of the player in a direction that is opposite to the motion that connecting member 125 limits. Further, in this embodiment, this opposing limitation requires attaching the opposite end of connecting member 610 to a second cuff attachment element 645 via nut 650 when cuff attachment element 645 is attached to wrist cuff 620.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment where paddle 730 includes a channel 720 that passes though the paddle and the channel 720 can removably receive a first end 725 of connecting member 710.

FIG. 7 also illustrates wrist cuff 310 that can be placed around the wrist and forearm of the person using the paddle. Cuff attachment element 145 can removably attach to the wrist cuff 310 so that the wrist cuff attachment element 145 can be configured to removably receive a second end of connecting member 710. In this embodiment, the first end 725 of connecting member 710 is threaded so that nut 715 can be threaded onto the first end of connecting member 710 to secure nut 715 against the first face of paddle 730 when nut 740 is also threaded onto the first end 725 of connecting member 710 and nut 740 is tightened to secure nut 740 against a second face of paddle 730.

Some embodiments can include one or more additional holes that pass through the paddle. These holes can removably receive a second end of connecting member 710 or a training apparatus not disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, one or more of these additional holes may not extend completely through the paddle and may include a magnet (not shown). The second end of connecting member 710 or anther training apparatus can attach to the paddle using this magnet.

FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate an embodiment where paddle attachment element 850 can be used to removably attach connecting member 835 to the end of the handle of paddle 105. In some embodiments paddle attachment element 850 includes a suction cup. In other embodiments paddle attachment element 850 includes a magnet to magnetically attach to a magnet attached to the end of the handle. In still other embodiments paddle attachment element 850 includes a screw to thread into the handle.

Also illustrated by FIG. 8a is wrist cuff 810 that can attach to connecting member 835 using bolt 830, where bolt 830 is passed though opening 820 of connecting member 835 and screwed into cuff attachment element 815.

FIGS. 9a and 9h illustrate an embodiment where one or more connecting members 935 can attach to the outer perimeter of paddle 105. Connecting members 935 can attach to the perimeter of paddle 105 via attachment element 970 by adjusting screw 965, where screw 965 passes through bracket 960 of each connecting member 935 so that attachment element 970 can removably attach to paddle 105 by applying pressure to paddle 105, Connecting members 935 can attach to cuff attachment element 915 of cuff 910 using screw 925, where nut 925 has head 930 and nut 925 passes through slot 920. As illustrated by FIG. 9a, one or more connecting members 935 can attach to either side of the perimeter of paddle 105.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a paddle training device of this disclosure that can include gripping member 1015 and attachment member 1020. Attachment member 1020 can fixedly attach to a first end of gripping member 1015 and can removably attach to a face of paddle 1010. As a result of these attachments, gripping member 1015 can be removably attached, via attachment element 1020, to a face of the paddle and extend perpendicularly from said face so that the person using the paddle training device can use gripping member 1015 to control the position of paddle 1010.

Attachment member 1020 can be comprised of a magnet or a suction cup. In some embodiments, the paddle may also include a magnet fixedly attached to the paddle and in some embodiments the magnet can be embedded within the paddle. This magnet can be used to removably and magnetically attach the paddle to attachment member 1020 when attachment member 1020 also includes a magnet. However, embodiments where the paddle includes a magnet do not preclude the use of an attachment member 1020, which comprises a suction cup, from being used to attach attachment member 1020 to the paddle.

A person skilled in the art will realize that FIG. 10 illustrates that gripping member 1015 can be removably attached, via attachment element 1020, to either a first face of paddle 1010 or a second face of paddle 1010.

FIGS. 11a and 11b illustrate an embodiment of a paddle training device of this disclosure that includes paddle attachment member 1105, connecting member 1110 and wrist engagement member 1115. This paddle training device can be used by a person learning the techniques of serving and hitting a pickle ball by providing physical feedback of what the swing mechanics of the person should be. Paddle attachment member 1105 can be removably attached to surround the base of the grip of the handle of paddle 105. Screw 1120 is used to allow paddle attachment member 1105 to open so that paddle attachment member 1105 can be removed from paddle 105. Screw 1120 also can be used to allow paddle attachment member 1105 to close so that it is securely attached to the base of the grip of the handle of paddle 105. Additionally, screw 1120 also allows the angle of the connecting member 1110 to be adjusted so that engagement member 1115 can be positioned on the forearm of the person holding paddle 105.

FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate an embodiment of a paddle training device of this disclosure that includes paddle attachment member 1205, connecting members 1210 and 1215 and wrist engagement member 1230. This paddle training device can be used by a person learning the techniques of serving and hitting a pickle ball by providing physical feedback of what the swing mechanics of the person should be. Paddle attachment member 1205 can be removably attached to the bottom end of the handle of paddle 105. Toggle 1235 is operated to allow paddle attachment member 1205 to be securely attached to the bottom end of the handle of paddle 105 and also to be removed from paddle 105. Additionally, toggle 1235 also allows connecting member 1210 to be rotated so that engagement member 1230 can be positioned on the forearm of the person holding paddle 105. Screw 1220 allows connecting member 1215 to be extended and retracted so that engagement member 1230 can be placed at different locations on the forearm. Screw 1225 allows engagement member 1230 to be rotated for additional adjustment of placement of engagement member 1230 on the forearm.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof it is evident that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the disclosure. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded simply as an illustration of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims, and are contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A paddle training apparatus configured to limit the wrist motion of a person using a paddle, the paddle having a handle, a paddle head having a first face and a second face and an outer perimeter, the paddle training apparatus comprising:

a wrist cuff configured to surround the wrist and forearm of the person using the paddle;

a connecting member having a first end and a second end;

a cuff attachment element removably attachable to the wrist cuff wherein the cuff attachment element is configured to removably receive the first end of the connecting member; and

a paddle attachment element fixedly attachable to the second end of the connecting member wherein the paddle attachment element is configured to facilitate removable attachment of the connecting member to the paddle.

2. The paddle training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the paddle attachment element is configured to facilitate removable attachment of the connecting member to the first face of the paddle or the second face of the paddle.

3. The paddle training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cuff attachment element is configured to receive the first end of the connecting member as the connecting member is rotated into position.

4. The paddle training apparatus of claim 1 further comprises a second connecting member wherein a first end of the second connecting member is configured to be removably receivable by a cuff attachment element on the wrist cuff and a paddle attachment element configured to be fixedly attachable to a second end of the second connecting member wherein the paddle attachment element is configured to facilitate removable attachment of the second connecting member to the paddle.

5. The paddle training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the paddle attachment element is configured to facilitate removable attachment of the connecting member to a bottom end of the handle.

6. The paddle training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the wrist cuff further comprises one or more removably attachable supports configured to provide additional rigidity.

7. The paddle training apparatus of claim 6 wherein the removably attachable support is configured to limit of the wrist motion of the person differently from the configured limit of the wrist motion by the cuff attachment element.

8. The paddle training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cuff attachment element comprises a channel configured to removably receive the connecting member and the channel is further configured to allow the connecting member to slide within the channel.

9. The paddle training apparatus of claim 8 wherein the channel further comprises a plurality of holding mechanisms wherein one of the plurality of holding mechanisms maintains the first end of the connecting member in a removably fixed position when the one of the plurality of holding mechanisms is fully depressed by the first end of the connecting member.

10. The paddle training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connecting member is telescopic.

11. The paddle training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second attachment element is configured for removable attachment to the connecting member to the outer perimeter of the paddle.

12. A paddle training apparatus comprising:

a connecting member with a first end and a second end;

a paddle, the paddle including a channel passing through the paddle wherein the channel is configured to removably receive the first end of the connecting member;

a wrist cuff configured to surround the wrist and forearm of the person using the paddle; and

a cuff attachment element removably attachable to the wrist cuff wherein the cuff attachment element is configured to removably receive the second end of the connecting member.

13. The paddle training apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first end of the connecting member is threaded.

14. The paddle training apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a first nut and a second nut wherein the first nut is threaded onto the first end of the connecting member to secure the first nut against a first face of the paddle when the second nut is threaded onto the first end of the connecting member to secure the second nut against a second face of the paddle.

15. A paddle training apparatus for use with a paddle, the paddle having a handle, a paddle head having a first face and a second face, the paddle training device comprising:

a gripping member configured to be gripped by a person using the paddle training device; and

an attachment member fixedly attachable to a first end of the gripping member wherein the attachment member is configured to removably attach the gripping member to the paddle.

16. The paddle training apparatus of claim 15 wherein the gripping member is configured to extend perpendicularly from the face of the paddle.

17. The paddle training apparatus of claim 16 wherein the attachment member is configured to removably attach the gripping member to the first face of the paddle or the second face of the paddle.

18. The paddle training apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a magnet fixedly attached to the paddle.

19. The paddle training apparatus of claim 18 wherein the gripping member includes a magnet configured to removably attach said gripping member magnetically to the magnet fixedly attached to the paddle.

20. A paddle training apparatus comprising:

a connecting member with a first end and a second end;

an engagement member located at the first end of the connecting member, the engagement member being configured to receive a forearm of a person using the paddle and receive the second end of the connecting member; and

a paddle attachment member located at the second end of the connecting member, the attachment member being configured to removably surround the handle of the grip of the paddle and to removably receive the second end of the connecting member.