PICKLEBALL DINK SHOT PRACTICE BOARD

The pickleball dink shot practice board is a training device. The pickleball dink shot practice board is configured for use with pickleball. The pickleball dink shot practice board is a portable backboard that is used to practice pickleball shots, both independently or with a partner. The dink shot is a shot that occurs when a ball is hit with a racquet (paddle) such that the ball is returned to a competitor with a backspin. The pickleball dink shot practice board comprises a backboard structure and a plurality of stanchion structures. The plurality of stanchion structures elevate the backboard structure above the ground. The backboard structure forms a backboard that deflects a pickleball back to the user of the pickleball dink shot practice board. Alternatively, the backboard structure acts as a divider if two players are practicing together.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of targets and goals with ball-returning means. (A63B2063/001)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The pickleball dink shot practice board is a training device. The pickleball dink shot practice board is configured for use with pickleball. The pickleball dink shot practice board is a portable backboard that is used to practice pickleball shots, both independently or with a partner. The dink shot is a shot that occurs when a ball is hit with a racquet (paddle) such that the ball is returned to a competitor with a backspin. The pickleball dink shot practice board comprises a backboard structure and a plurality of stanchion structures. The plurality of stanchion structures elevate the backboard structure above the ground. The backboard structure forms a backboard that deflects a pickleball back to the user of the pickleball dink shot practice board. Alternatively, the backboard structure acts as a divider if two players are practicing together.

It shall be noted that this concept may be used to practice other types of shots made with Pickleball.

It shall be noted that the ball can be returned with backspin, no spin, slice, topspin, at different angles, at different distances, forehand, or backhand side.

These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the pickleball dink shot practice board will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the pickleball dink shot practice board in detail, it is to be understood that the pickleball dink shot practice board is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the pickleball dink shot practice board.

It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the pickleball dink shot practice board. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is another in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure being used between two players.

FIG. 12 is another in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure being used between two players.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 12.

The pickleball dink shot practice board 100 (hereinafter invention) is a training device. The invention 100 is configured for use with pickleball. The invention 100 is a portable backboard that is used to practice a dink shot. The dink shot is a shot that occurs when a ball is hit with a racquet (paddle) such that the ball is returned to a competitor with a backspin. The invention 100 comprises a backboard structure 101 and a plurality of stanchion structures 102s. The plurality of stanchion structures 102 elevate the backboard structure 101 above the ground. The backboard structure 101 forms a backboard that deflects a pickleball back to the user 500 of the invention 100.

The pickleball is deflected back from the backboard structure 101 in a plurality of manners that are not to be limited herein. A list of different types of shots is included herein, and is not to be deemed limited, but merely examples:

    • Dinks—Short shots that arc over the net and fall in the kitchen/non-volley zone (close to the net).
    • Drop shots—a shot that barely clears the board and is designed to land in the kitchen (non-volley zone).
    • Drop shot volleys—a volley shot done to take speed off the ball and return it short near the net.
    • Drives—a forehand or backhand shot hit straight and low (to your opponent or against the board).
    • Lobs—a high shot designed to go over your opponent's head.
    • Overhead slams—hitting a smash or overhead spike to put the ball away.
    • Punch shots—quick, short volley shots with little back swing and short follow through.
    • Serves—(board will be up if practicing solo or down if practicing with a partner).
      • Volleys—hitting the ball in the air before the ball has a chance to bounce.
    • Around the post—“ATP” a shot that bounces and carries you outside the court, forcing you to hit a shot around the board.
    • Ernie—a shot where you jump or run around the non-volley line and return the ball just before you land out of bounds.

It shall be noted that the invention 100 is erected to form a playable height and a target height, which are designed to keep the backboard structure 101 or imposed net height at 36 inches.

The backboard structure 101 is a rigid structure. The backboard structure 101 is a disk shaped structure. The backboard structure 101 is a rectilinear structure. The backboard structure 101 has a rectangular block structure. The backboard structure 101 has a disk shape. The congruent ends of the disk structure of the backboard structure 101 are vertically aligned. A congruent end of the backboard structure 101 forms a Euclidean face that deflects balls that are hit into the backboard structure 101. The backboard structure 101 comprises a disk structure 111 and a plurality of handles 112. The plurality of handles 112 attaches to the lateral face of the disk structure 111.

The disk structure 111 is a rigid structure. The disk structure 111 is a disk shaped structure. The disk structure 111 is a rectilinear structure. The disk structure 111 has a rectangular block structure. The disk structure 111 has a disk shape. The disk structure 111 forms the deflecting surface of the backboard structure 101. The disk structure 111 is the structure of the backboard structure 101 that attaches to the plurality of stanchion structures 102. The disk structure 111 comprises a deflecting face 131 and a rear face 132.

The deflecting face 131 is a congruent end of the disk structure of the disk structure 111. The deflecting face 131 forms a rigid Euclidean surface. The deflecting face 131 forms the surface of the invention 100 that deflects the ball back to a user of the invention 100. The deflecting face 131 is the face of the disk structure 111 with the greatest surface area.

The rear face 132 is a congruent end of the disk structure of the disk structure 111. The rear face 132 forms a rigid Euclidean surface. The rear face 132 forms the congruent end of the disk structure 111 that is distal from the deflecting face 131. The rear face 132 forms the surface of the disk structure 111 that attaches to the plurality of stanchion structures 102.

Each handle selected from the plurality of handles 112 is a grip used to carry the backboard structure 101 during transport. Each selected plurality of handles 112 attaches to a lateral face of the disk structure of the disk structure 111. The plurality of handles 112 comprises a superior handle 141 and a lateral handle 142. The superior handle 141 is a handle that is selected from the plurality of handles 112. The superior handle 141 mounts on the superior lateral face of the disk structure 111. The lateral handle 142 is a handle that is selected from the plurality of handles 112. The lateral handle 142 mounts on a vertically oriented lateral face of the disk structure 111.

Each stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures 102 is a load bearing structure. Each selected stanchion structure is a rigid structure. Each stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures 102 forms a portion of the load path that transfers the load of the backboard structure 101 to the ground. Each selected stanchion structure attaches to the rear face 132 of the disk structure 111 of the backboard structure 101. Each stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures 102 is an adjustable structure. By adjustable is meant that the span of the length of the prism structure of each selected stanchion structure is adjustable.

Each stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures 102 is a telescopic structure. The telescopic nature of each selected stanchion structure allows the span of the length of each selected stanchion structure to be changed. The elevation of the backboard structure 101 above the ground is adjusted by adjusting each stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures 102. The span of the length of the center axis of each selected stanchion structure is locked into a fixed position by a detent after the adjustment.

The plurality of stanchion structures 102 comprises a first stanchion structure 121 and a second stanchion structure 122.

The first stanchion structure 121 is a stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures 102. The first stanchion structure 121 is a load bearing structure. The first stanchion structure 121 is a rigid structure. The first stanchion structure 121 forms a portion of the load path that transfers the load of the backboard structure 101 to the ground. The first stanchion structure 121 attaches to the rear face 132 of the disk structure 111 of the backboard structure 101. The first stanchion structure 121 comprises a first telescopic stanchion 151, a first slewing bearing 152, a first footing 153, and a first plurality of fastening devices 154. The first plurality of fastening devices 154 secures the first telescopic stanchion 151 to the backboard structure 101. The first slewing bearing 152 secures the first footing 153 to the first telescopic stanchion 151.

The first telescopic stanchion 151 is a load bearing structure. The first telescopic stanchion 151 is a rigid structure. The first telescopic stanchion 151 is a prism shaped structure. The first telescopic stanchion 151 forms a portion of the load path that transfers the load of the backboard structure 101 to the first footing 153. The first telescopic stanchion 151 attaches to the rear face 132 of the disk structure 111 of the backboard structure 101. The first telescopic stanchion 151 is an adjustable structure. By adjustable is meant that the span of the length of the prism structure of each first telescopic stanchion 151 is adjustable.

The first telescopic stanchion 151 is a telescopic structure. The telescopic nature of each first telescopic stanchion 151 allows the span of the length of each first telescopic stanchion 151 to be adjusted. The elevation of the backboard structure 101 above the ground is adjusted by adjusting the first telescopic stanchion 151. The span of the length of the center axis of each first telescopic stanchion 151 is locked into a fixed position by a detent after the adjustment.

The first slewing bearing 152 is a fastening device. The first slewing bearing 152 attaches the first footing 153 to the inferior congruent end of the prism structure of the first telescopic stanchion 151. The first slewing bearing 152 attaches the first footing 153 to the first telescopic stanchion 151 such that the first footing 153 rotates relative to the first telescopic stanchion 151. The first slewing bearing 152 attaches the first footing 153 to the first telescopic stanchion 151 such that the axes of rotation of the first slewing bearing 152 and the first footing 153 align with the center axis of the first telescopic stanchion 151. The first slewing bearing 152 is a locking bearing. The first slewing bearing 152 locks the first footing 153 into a fixed position relative to the first telescopic stanchion 151. The locked position of the first footing 153 relative to the first telescopic stanchion 151 is selected to provide the maximum stability of the invention 100 during use.

The first footing 153 is a load bearing structure. The first footing 153 forms the inferior structure of the first 8 stanchion structure 121. The first footing 153 forms the structure of the first stanchion structure 121 that transfers the load borne by the first stanchion structure 121 to the 11 ground.

Each fastening device selected from the first plurality of fastening devices 154 secures the first telescopic stanchion 151 to the rear face 132 of the disk structure 111. Each selected fastening device secures the lateral face of the prism structure of the first telescopic stanchion 151 to the rear face 132. Each selected fastening device is identical. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, each selected fastening device is a pipe clamp.

The second stanchion structure 122 is a stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures 102. The second stanchion structure 122 is a load bearing structure. The second stanchion structure 122 is a rigid structure. The second stanchion structure 122 forms the balance of the load path that transfers the load of the backboard structure 101 to the ground. The second stanchion structure 122 attaches to the rear face 132 of the disk structure 111 of the backboard structure 101. The second stanchion structure 122 comprises a second telescopic stanchion 161, a second slewing bearing 162, a second footing 163, and a second plurality of fastening devices 164. The second plurality of fastening devices 164 secures the second telescopic stanchion 161 to the backboard structure 101. The second slewing bearing 162 secures the second footing 163 to the second telescopic stanchion 161.

The second telescopic stanchion 161 is a load bearing structure. The second telescopic stanchion 161 is a rigid structure. The second telescopic stanchion 161 is a prism 14 shaped structure. The second telescopic stanchion 161 forms a portion of the load path that transfers the load of the backboard structure 101 to the second footing 163. The second telescopic stanchion 161 attaches to the rear face 132 of the disk structure 111 of the backboard structure 101. The second telescopic stanchion 161 is an adjustable structure. By adjustable is meant that the span of the length of the prism structure of each second telescopic stanchion 161 is adjustable.

The second telescopic stanchion 161 is a telescopic structure. The telescopic nature of each second telescopic stanchion 161 allows the span of the length of each second telescopic stanchion 161 to be adjusted. The elevation of the backboard structure 101 above the ground is adjusted by adjusting the second telescopic stanchion 161. The span of the length of the center axis of each second telescopic stanchion 161 is locked into a fixed position by a detent after the adjustment.

The second slewing bearing 162 is a fastening device. The second slewing bearing 162 attaches the second footing 163 to the inferior congruent end of the prism structure of the second telescopic stanchion 161. The second slewing bearing 162 attaches the second footing 163 to the second telescopic stanchion 161 such that the second footing 163 rotates relative to the second telescopic stanchion 161. The second slewing bearing 162 attaches the second footing 163 to the second telescopic stanchion 161 such that the axes of rotation of the second slewing bearing 162 and the second footing 163 align with the center axis of the second telescopic stanchion 161. The second slewing bearing 162 is a locking bearing. The second slewing bearing 162 locks the second footing 163 into a fixed position relative to the second telescopic stanchion 161. The locked position of the second footing 163 relative to the second telescopic stanchion 161 is selected to provide the maximum stability of the invention 100 during use.

The second footing 163 is a load bearing structure. The second footing 163 forms the inferior structure of the second stanchion structure 122. The second footing 163 forms the structure of the second stanchion structure 122 that transfers the load borne by the second stanchion structure 122 to the ground.

Each fastening device selected from the second plurality of fastening devices 164 secures the second telescopic stanchion 161 to the rear face 132 of the disk structure 111. Each selected fastening device secures the lateral face of the prism structure of the second telescopic stanchion 161 to the rear face 132. Each selected fastening device is identical. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, each selected fastening device is a pipe clamp.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the first telescopic stanchion 151 and the second telescopic stanchion 161 are positioned in a first cavity 181 and a second cavity 191, respectively. The first cavity 181 and the second cavity 191 are provided on a bottom surface 199 of the backboard structure 101. Spring-loaded buttons 200 are provided on the first telescopic stanchion 151 and the second telescopic stanchion 161. The spring-loaded buttons 200 interface with holes 201 provided on the backboard structure 101 in order to lock the first telescopic stanchion 151 and the second telescopic stanchion 161 at different heights with respect to the backboard structure 101.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, the invention 100 may be used as a device to practice dink shots by the end user, or as a practice wall that divides two players from one another.

The following definitions were used in this disclosure:

    • Align: As used in this disclosure, align refers to an arrangement of objects that are: 1) arranged in a straight plane or line; 2) arranged to give a directional sense of a plurality of parallel planes or lines; or, 3) a first line or curve is congruent to and overlaid on a second line or curve.
    • Backboard: As used in this disclosure, a backboard is a rigid vertically oriented planar surface. The backboard deflects the direction of motion of a ball that strikes it in a direction selected from the group consisting of: a) back towards which the ball originally traveled; b) back into the field of play of a game; or c) used with multiple players, the board is designed to simulate a net for play.
    • Ball: As used in this disclosure, a ball refers to an object with a spherical or nearly spherical shape.
    • Bearing: As used in this disclosure, a bearing is a mechanical device that: 1) guides and limits the motion of a moving component relative to a fixed component; and, 2) reduces the friction between the moving component and the fixed component. A locking bearing is a bearing that can be locked such that the rotation of movements secured into a fixed position until the locking bearing is subsequently unlocked. The use of bearings is well known and documented in the mechanical arts.
    • Cant: As used in this disclosure, a cant is an angular deviation from one or more reference lines (or planes) such as a vertical line (or plane) or a horizontal line (or plane).
    • Center: As used in this disclosure, a center is a point that is: 1) the point within a circle that is equidistant from all the points of the circumference; 2) the point within a regular polygon that is equidistant from all the vertices of the regular polygon; 3) the point on a line that is equidistant from the ends of the line; 4) the point, pivot, or axis around which something revolves; or, 5) the centroid or first moment of an area or structure. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the fifth option should be used in interpreting the specification.
    • Center Axis: As used in this disclosure, the center axis is the axis of a cylinder or a prism. The center axis of a prism is the line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a pyramid refers to a line formed through the apex of the pyramid that is perpendicular to the base of the pyramid. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures share the same line they are said to be aligned. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures do not share the same line they are said to be offset.
    • Center of Rotation: As used in this disclosure, the center of rotation is the point of a rotating plane that does not move with the rotation of the plane. A line within a rotating three-dimensional object that does not move with the rotation of the object is also referred to as an axis of rotation.
    • Composite Prism: As used in this disclosure, a composite prism refers to a structure that is formed from a plurality of structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure. The plurality of selected structures may or may not be truncated. The plurality of prism structures are joined together such that the center axes of each of the plurality of structures are aligned. The congruent ends of any two structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure need not be geometrically similar.
    • Congruent: As used in this disclosure, congruent is a term that compares a first object to a second object. Specifically, two objects are said to be congruent when: 1) they are geometrically similar; and, 2) the first object can superimpose over the second object such that the first object aligns, within manufacturing tolerances, with the second object.
    • Correspond: As used in this disclosure, the term correspond is used as a comparison between two or more objects wherein one or more properties shared by the two or more objects match, agree, or align within acceptable manufacturing tolerances.
    • Deflection: As used in this disclosure, deflection refers to the act of changing the direction of motion of an object or changing the direction of the flow of a fluid. The term deflection often implies the exchange of momentum between the moving object and a second object. The verb form of deflection is to deflect.
    • Detent: As used in this disclosure, a detent is a device for positioning and holding a first object relative to a second object such that the position of the first object relative to the second object is adjustable.
    • Disk: As used in this disclosure, a disk is a prism-shaped object that is flat in appearance. The disk is formed from two congruent ends that are attached by a lateral face. The sum of the surface areas of two congruent ends of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk is greater than the surface area of the lateral face of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk. In this disclosure, the congruent ends of the prism-shaped structure that forms the disk are referred to as the faces of the disk.
    • Elevation: As used in this disclosure, elevation refers to the span of the distance in the superior direction between a specified horizontal surface and a reference horizontal surface. Unless the context of the disclosure suggest otherwise, the specified horizontal surface is the supporting surface the potential embodiment of the disclosure rests on. The infinitive form of elevation is to elevate.
    • Exterior: As used in this disclosure, the exterior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is not contained within the boundary of a structure or a space.
    • Footing: As used in this disclosure, a footing refers to one of a plurality of small pedestals that combine to: a) raise an object above a supporting surface; and, b) transfer the load path of the object to the supporting surface.
    • Force of Gravity: As used in this disclosure, the force of gravity refers to a vector that indicates the direction of the pull of gravity on an object at or near the surface of the earth.
    • Form Factor: As used in this disclosure, the term form factor refers to the size and shape of an object.
    • Geometrically Similar: As used in this disclosure, geometrically similar is a term that compares a first object to a second object wherein: 1) the sides of the first object have a one to one correspondence to the sides of the second object; 2) wherein the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides are equal; 3) the angles formed by the first object have a one to one correspondence to the angles of the second object; and, 4) wherein the corresponding angles are equal. The term geometrically identical refers to a situation where the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides equals 1. By the term roughly geometrically similar is meant that the primary shapes of two objects are geometrically similar except that there are functional items (such as fastening devices) associated with the primary shape may not maintain the ratio for geometric similarity.
    • Grip: As used in this disclosure, a grip is an accommodation formed on or within an object that allows the object to be grasped or manipulated by a hand.
    • Ground: As used in this disclosure, the ground is a solid supporting surface formed by the Earth. The term level ground means that the supporting surface formed by the ground is roughly perpendicular to the force of gravity. The term underground refers to an object being underneath the superior surface of the ground.
    • Handle: As used in this disclosure, a handle is an object by which a tool, object, or door is held or manipulated with the hand.
    • Horizontal: As used in this disclosure, horizontal is a directional term that refers to a direction that is either: 1) parallel to the horizon; 2) perpendicular to the local force of gravity, or, 3) parallel to a supporting surface. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the horizontal direction is always perpendicular to the vertical direction.
    • Inferior: As used in this disclosure, the term inferior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the same direction as the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.
    • Interior: As used in this disclosure, the interior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is contained within the boundary of a structure or a space.
    • Lateral: As used in this disclosure, the term lateral refers to a direction that is perpendicular or roughly perpendicular to both the force of gravity and an axis that runs from the rear direction to the front direction. A lateral surface is often referred to as the side of an object. Movement along the lateral direction is often called sideways movement.
    • Load: As used in this disclosure, the term load refers to an object upon which a force is acting or which is otherwise absorbing energy in some fashion. Examples of a load in this sense include, but are not limited to, a mass that is being moved a distance or an electrical circuit element that draws energy. The term load is also commonly used to refer to the forces that are applied to a stationary structure.
    • Load Path: As used in this disclosure, a load path refers to a chain of one or more structures that transfers a load generated by a raised structure or object to a foundation, supporting surface, or the earth.
    • Lock: As used in this disclosure, a lock is a releasable fastening device that secures a rotating mechanical device into a fixed position.
    • Negative Space: As used in this disclosure, negative space is a method of defining an object through the use of open or empty space as the definition of the object itself, or, through the use of open or empty space to describe the boundaries of an object.
    • One to One: When used in this disclosure, a one to one relationship means that a first element selected from a first set is in some manner connected to only one element of a second set. A one to one correspondence means that the one to one relationship exists both from the first set to the second set and from the second set to the first set. A one to one fashion means that the one to one relationship exists in only one direction.
    • Pan: As used in this disclosure, a pan is a hollow and prism-shaped containment structure. The pan has a single open face. The open face of the pan is often, but not always, the superior face of the pan. The open face is a surface selected from the group consisting of: a) a congruent end of the prism structure that forms the pan; and, b) a lateral face of the prism structure that forms the pan. A semi-enclosed pan refers to a pan wherein the closed end of prism structure of the pan and/or a portion of the closed lateral faces of the pan are open.
    • Pedestal: As used in this disclosure, a pedestal is an intermediary load bearing structure that forms a load path between two objects or structures.
    • Perimeter: As used in this disclosure, a perimeter is one or more curved or straight lines that bounds an enclosed area on a plane or surface. The perimeter of a circle is commonly referred to as a circumference.
    • Pipe Clamp: As used in this disclosure, a pipe clamp is a strap like structure that is used to attach an object to a prism-shaped structure. The pipe clamp is a commercially available hardware item. A pipe clamp is commonly marketed as a conduit clamp and a pipe strap.
    • Pivot: As used in this disclosure, a pivot is a rod or shaft around which an object rotates or swings.
    • Portable: As used in this disclosure, the term portable refers to an object with a form factor and weight that allows an individual to physically carry or manually transport the object to its intended destination.
    • Primary Shape: As used in this disclosure, the primary shape refers to a description of the rough overall geometric shape of an object that is assembled from multiple components or surfaces. Use Roughly
    • Primary Structure: As used in this disclosure, a primary structure refers to the component of an object that the other components attach to. The primary structure is also called the base structure.
    • Prism: As used in this disclosure, a prism is a three-dimensional geometric structure wherein: 1) the form factor of two faces of the prism are congruent; and, 2) the two congruent faces are parallel to each other. The two congruent faces are also commonly referred to as the ends of the prism. The surfaces that connect the two congruent faces are called the lateral faces. In this disclosure, when further description is required a prism will be named for the geometric or descriptive name of the form factor of the two congruent faces. If the form factor of the two corresponding faces has no clearly established or well-known geometric or descriptive name, the term irregular prism will be used. The center axis of a prism is defined as a line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a prism is otherwise analogous to the center axis of a cylinder. A prism wherein the ends are circles is commonly referred to as a cylinder.
    • Racquet: As used in this disclosure, a racquet is a tool that is used to exchange momentum between an individual using the racquet and an object such as a ball. A racquet is used in games such as tennis, badminton, and squash. The racquet comprises a head and a handle. The handle is a grip used to carry and manipulate the head. The head is the working element of the tool formed by the racquet. The head forms a surface that transfers momentum from the individual using the racquet to the object. The racquet is typically a loop shaped structure. A plurality of cords are attached under tension (commonly referred to as “strung”) to the head such that plurality of cords forms the striking surface that transfers momentum from the individual using the racquet to the object. Alternately, the racquet can be a solid surface that transfers momentum from the individual using the racquet to the object. A racquet formed with a solid surface is often called a paddle.
    • Rectangle: As used in this disclosure, a rectangle is an enclosed four sided geometric structure. Each angle formed by the rectangle is a right angle. A non-Euclidean rectangle is a rectangle that is formed on a non-Euclidean plane.
    • Rectangular Block: As used in this disclosure, a rectangular block refers to a three-dimensional prism structure comprising six rectangular surfaces (commonly called faces) formed at right angles. Within this disclosure, a rectangular block may further comprise rounded edges and corners.
    • Rigid Structure: As used in this disclosure, a rigid structure is a solid structure formed from an inelastic material that resists changes in shape. A rigid structure will permanently deform as it fails under a force. See bimodal flexible structure.
    • Rotation: As used in this disclosure, rotation refers to the cyclic movement of an object around a fixed point or fixed axis. The verb of rotation is to rotate.
    • Slewing Bearing: As used in this disclosure, a slewing bearing is a bearing that is used to rotate an object around a vertically oriented axis of rotation. Slewing bearings are typically load bearing structures.
    • Stanchion: As used in this disclosure, a stanchion refers to a vertically oriented prism-shaped pole, post, or support.
    • Superior: As used in this disclosure, the term superior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the opposite direction of the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.
    • Supporting Surface: As used in this disclosure, a supporting surface is a horizontal surface upon which an object is placed and to which the load of the object is transferred. This disclosure assumes that an object placed on the supporting surface is in an orientation that is appropriate for the normal or anticipated use of the object.
    • Telescopic: As used in this disclosure, telescopic is an adjective that describes a composite prism structure made of hollow prism-shaped sections that fit or slide into each other such that the center axis of the composite prism structure can be made longer or shorter by adjusting the relative positions of the hollow prism-shaped sections.
    • Tool: As used in this disclosure, a tool is a device, an apparatus, or an instrument that is used to carry out an activity, operation, or procedure. A tool generally comprises a working element and a handle. The handle of a tool that forms a sub-component of a larger structure is referred to as a mount.
    • Vertical: As used in this disclosure, vertical refers to a direction that is either: 1) perpendicular to the horizontal direction; 2) parallel to the local force of gravity; or, 3) when referring to an individual object the direction from the designated top of the individual object to the designated bottom of the individual object. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the vertical direction is always perpendicular to the horizontal direction.
    • Working Element: As used in this disclosure, the working element of a tool is the physical element on the tool that performs the actual activity, operation, or procedure the tool is designed to perform. For example, the cutting edge of a blade is the working element of a knife.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in FIGS. 1 through 12 include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention.

It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will H readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A pickleball dink shot practice board comprising

a backboard structure and a plurality of stanchion structures;
wherein the plurality of stanchion structures elevate the backboard structure above the ground;
wherein the pickleball dink shot practice board is a portable backboard that is used to practice a dink shot.

2. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 1

wherein the pickleball dink shot practice board is a training device;
wherein the pickleball dink shot practice board is configured for use with pickleball;
wherein the dink shot is a shot that occurs when a ball is hit with a racquet (paddle) such that the ball is returned to a competitor with a backspin;
wherein the backboard structure forms a backboard that deflects a pickleball back to the user of the pickleball dink shot practice board or as a divider between two players.

3. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 2

wherein the backboard structure is a rigid structure;
wherein the backboard structure is a disk shaped structure;
wherein the backboard structure is a rectilinear structure;
wherein the backboard structure has a rectangular block structure;
wherein the backboard structure has a disk shape;
wherein the congruent ends of the disk shape of the backboard structure are vertically aligned;
wherein a congruent end of the backboard structure forms a Euclidean face that deflects balls that are hit into the backboard structure.

4. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 3

wherein each stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures is a load bearing structure;
wherein each selected stanchion structure is a rigid structure;
wherein each stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures forms a portion of the load path that transfers the load of the backboard structure to the ground;
wherein each selected stanchion structure attaches to the rear face of the disk structure of the backboard structure;
wherein each stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures is an adjustable structure;
wherein by adjustable is meant that the span of the length of the prism structure of each selected stanchion structure is adjustable;
wherein each stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures is a telescopic structure;
wherein the telescopic nature of each selected stanchion structure allows the span of the length of each selected stanchion structure to be changed;
wherein the elevation of the backboard structure above the ground is adjusted by adjusting each stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures;
wherein the span of the length of the center axis of each selected stanchion structure is locked into a fixed position by a detent after the adjustment.

5. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 4

wherein the backboard structure comprises a disk structure and a plurality of handles;
wherein the plurality of handles attaches to the lateral face of the disk structure.

6. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 5

wherein the plurality of stanchion structures comprises a first stanchion structure and a second stanchion structure;
wherein the second stanchion structure attaches to the rear face of the disk shape of the backboard structure.

7. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 6

wherein the disk structure is a rigid structure;
wherein the disk structure is a disk shaped structure;
wherein the disk structure is a rectilinear structure;
wherein the disk structure has a rectangular block structure;
wherein the disk structure has a disk shape;
wherein the disk structure forms the deflecting surface of the backboard structure;
wherein the disk structure is the structure of the backboard structure that attaches to the plurality of stanchion structures.

8. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 7

wherein the disk structure comprises a deflecting face and a rear face;
wherein the deflecting face is a congruent end of the disk structure of the disk structure;
wherein the deflecting face forms a rigid Euclidean surface;
wherein the deflecting face forms the surface of the pickleball dink shot practice board that deflects the ball back to a user of the pickleball dink shot practice board;
wherein the deflecting face is the face of the disk structure with the greatest surface area;
wherein the rear face is a congruent end of the disk structure of the disk structure;
wherein the rear face forms a rigid Euclidean surface;
wherein the rear face forms the congruent end of the disk structure that is distal from the deflecting face;
wherein the rear face forms the surface of the disk structure that attaches to the plurality of stanchion structures.

9. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 8

wherein each handle selected from the plurality of handles is a grip used to carry the backboard structure during transport;
wherein each selected plurality of handles attaches to a lateral face of the disk structure of the disk structure;
wherein the plurality of handles comprises a superior handle;
wherein the superior handle is a handle that is selected from the plurality of handles;
wherein the superior handle mounts on the superior lateral face of the disk structure.

10. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 8

wherein each handle selected from the plurality of handles is a grip used to carry the backboard structure during transport;
wherein each selected plurality of handles attaches to a lateral face of the disk structure of the disk structure;
wherein the plurality of handles comprises a lateral handle;
wherein the lateral handle mounts on a vertically oriented lateral face of the disk structure.

11. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 8

wherein each handle selected from the plurality of handles is a grip used to carry the backboard structure during transport;
wherein each selected plurality of handles attaches to a lateral face of the disk structure of the disk structure;
wherein the plurality of handles comprises a superior handle, and a lateral handle;
wherein the superior handle is a handle that is selected from the plurality of handles;
wherein the superior handle mounts on the superior lateral face of the disk structure;
wherein the lateral handle mounts on a vertically oriented lateral face of the disk structure.

12. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 8

wherein the first stanchion structure is a stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures;
wherein the first stanchion structure is a load bearing structure;
wherein the first stanchion structure is a rigid structure;
wherein the first stanchion structure forms a portion of the load path that transfers the load of the backboard structure to the ground.

13. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 12

wherein the second stanchion structure is a stanchion structure selected from the plurality of stanchion structures;
wherein the second stanchion structure is a load bearing structure;
wherein the second stanchion structure is a rigid structure;
wherein the second stanchion structure forms the balance of the load path that transfers the load of the backboard structure to the ground;
wherein the second stanchion structure attaches to the rear face of the disk structure of the backboard structure.

14. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 8

wherein the first stanchion structure comprises a first telescopic stanchion, a first slewing bearing, a first footing, and a first plurality of fastening devices;
wherein the first plurality of fastening devices secures the first telescopic stanchion to the backboard structure;
wherein the first slewing bearing secures the first footing to the first telescopic stanchion.

15. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 14

wherein the second stanchion structure comprises a second telescopic stanchion, a second slewing bearing, a second footing, and a second plurality of fastening devices;
wherein the second plurality of fastening devices secures the second telescopic stanchion to the backboard structure;
wherein the second slewing bearing secures the second footing to the second telescopic stanchion.

16. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 8

wherein the first stanchion structure comprises a first telescopic stanchion;
wherein the second stanchion structure comprises a second telescopic stanchion;
wherein the first telescopic stanchion and the second telescopic stanchion are positioned in a first cavity and a second cavity of the backboard structure, respectively.

17. The pickleball dink shot practice board according to claim 16

wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are provided on a bottom surface of the backboard structure;
wherein the first telescopic stanchion and the second telescopic stanchion each include spring-loaded buttons;
wherein the spring-loaded buttons interface with holes provided on the backboard structure in order to lock the first telescopic stanchion and the second telescopic stanchion at different heights with respect to the backboard structure.
Patent History
Publication number: 20240165478
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 22, 2022
Publication Date: May 23, 2024
Inventor: BRIAN DOUGLAS MILLER (Hickory, NC)
Application Number: 17/991,901
Classifications
International Classification: A63B 69/00 (20060101);