RACQUET GAME SCORING ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A paddle game scoring arrangement includes a housing, a display arrangement, a plurality of labels, and an input arrangement. The display arrangement is designed to display the current score and service. The input arrangement is designed to permit a user to input and change score and service numbers to display the current score and service on the display arrangement. The housing is sufficiently small to fit on or in the butt end or neck portion of a paddle and not substantially interfere with use of the paddle in a paddle game including pickleball, tennis, paddleball, or similar game that utilizes paddles or similar devices.

Description

(b) CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

(c) STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

(d) THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

(e) INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM

Not Applicable

(f) STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

Not Applicable

(g) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates to game scoring devices and more particularly pertains to a new paddle game scoring arrangement that fits directly on or is integrally formed with a butt end or neck portion of the paddle in order to allow the user to quickly and easily keep track of game information, such as the score and service, while playing. In pickleball and similar paddle games, the game itself can move very quickly with frequent changes in score. Keeping track of the score can be challenging, especially in the midst of playing the game. An easily-accessible scoring device that could be used during play would help players minimize or avoid mental strain, confusion, and arguments relating to the game score.

(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

The prior art relates to game scoring devices. The prior art, as best understood, does not disclose a paddle game scoring arrangement that fits directly on or is integrally formed with a butt end or neck portion of the paddle in order to allow the user to quickly and easily keep track of game information, such as the score and service, while playing.

(h) BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above in a paddle game scoring arrangement generally comprising a housing, a display arrangement, a plurality of labels, and an input arrangement. The housing is in the form of a rectangular box having a thickness substantially smaller than a length and width thereof. The display arrangement is disposed in the housing and designed to display the current score and service on a front face of the housing. The display arrangement includes: two individual user score displays to show the score of the user or the user's team; two individual opponent score displays to show the score of the user's opponent or user's opponent's team; and a service number display to show current service information. The plurality of labels is disposed on the front face and includes: a first label is disposed adjacent and to mark the user score displays; a second label is disposed adjacent and to mark the opponent score displays; and a third label is disposed adjacent and to mark the service number display. The input arrangement is designed to permit a user to input and change score and service numbers to display the current score and service on the display arrangement. The housing is sufficiently small to fit on or in the butt end or neck portion of a paddle and not substantially interfere with use of the paddle in a paddle game including pickleball, tennis, paddleball, or similar game that utilizes paddles or similar devices.

By positioning the paddle game scoring arrangement on or in the butt end or the neck portion, the paddle game scoring arrangement is advantageously very close to a user's hand because a user usually holds a paddle with two hands, wherein one hand is positioned at the top of the handle adjacent the neck portion and the other hand is positioned at the bottom of the handle adjacent the butt end. The user can therefore quite easily and instinctively reach the paddle game scoring arrangement with either hand.

In accordance with at least one possible embodiment, the paddle game scoring arrangement may either be a standalone unit that can be attached by a user to an old paddle, or may be an integral part of a new paddle and sold as a complete unit, that is, with the paddle game scoring arrangement built into the butt end of the handle or the neck portion. In accordance with at least one possible embodiment, the paddle game scoring arrangement may be made quite small with height, length, and width dimensions of about one inch or less to allow the paddle game scoring arrangement to fit onto or into the butt end or the neck portion yet not substantially interfere with the playing of the game. It should be understood that while a paddle is specifically mentioned herein, the term paddle is meant to include paddles, racquets, or other such handheld game devices for striking a ball, shuttlecock, or other game object. In addition, while examples of the paddle game scoring arrangement shown in the drawings are for use in the game of pickleball, the paddle game scoring arrangement could easily be used or designed and/or customized for use in other paddle or racquet games, such as tennis, badminton, and paddleball.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

(i) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a paddle game scoring arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

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

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

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

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure in use.

FIG. 9 is a close-up view of an embodiment of the disclosure in use.

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

FIG. 11 is a close-up view of an embodiment of the disclosure in use.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

(j) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 13 thereof, a new paddle game scoring arrangement embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described. Before discussing the embodiments shown, it should be noted that the paddle game scoring arrangement 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 13 is an embodiment for use in the game of pickleball, wherein the scoring labels feature a “U” for “us,” that is, the user's team, a “T” for “them,” that is, the opponent's team, and an “S” for server or serve information. However, obvious variations could be made for other paddle or paddle games within the scope of the disclosure. In addition, for simplicity, not all identical parts or components are numbered in every figure.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 13, the paddle game scoring arrangement 10 is to be attached to a butt end 62 or neck portion 64 of a paddle 60 or similar device. The paddle game scoring arrangement 10 generally includes a housing 12, a display arrangement 14, a plurality of labels, and an input arrangement 32. The housing 12 is in the form of a rectangular box having a thickness substantially smaller than a length and width thereof. The display arrangement 14 is disposed in the housing 12 and designed to display the current score and service on a front face of the housing 12. The display arrangement 14 includes: two individual user score displays 34 to show the score of the user or the user's team; two individual opponent score displays 36 to show the score of the user's opponent or user's opponent's team; and a service number display 38 to show current service information. The plurality of labels is disposed on the front face and includes: a first label 26 is disposed adjacent and to mark the user score displays 34; a second label 28 is disposed adjacent and to mark the opponent score displays 36; and a third label 30 is disposed adjacent and to mark the service number display 38. The input arrangement 32 is designed to permit a user to input and change score and service numbers to display the current score and service on the display arrangement 14. The housing 12 is sufficiently small to fit on or in the butt end 62 or neck portion 64 of a paddle 60 and not substantially interfere with use of the paddle 60 in a paddle game including pickleball, tennis, paddleball, or similar game that utilizes paddles or similar devices.

In accordance with at least one possible embodiment, the paddle game scoring arrangement 10 further includes an adhesive layer 18 disposed on a back face of the housing 12 and designed to permit attachment of the housing 12 to a butt end 62 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) or neck portion 64 (see FIG. 10) of a paddle 60. In the case of attachment to the neck portion 64, while the paddle game scoring arrangement 10 is technically attached to the playing surface of the paddle 60, it is sufficiently small and close to the handle portion to not impede or interfere with the use of the paddle 60 to play pickleball.

In accordance with at least one possible embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the paddle game scoring arrangement 10 further includes an end cap 40 including an end face 42 surrounding and attached to the sides of the housing 12 and side walls 44 extending from the end face and designed to fit snugly onto a butt end 62 of a paddle 60. The end cap 40 can be installed on new or existing paddles 60.

In accordance with at least one possible embodiment, the paddle game scoring arrangement 10 is in combination with a pickleball paddle 60, wherein the paddle game scoring arrangement 10 is formed into a butt end 62 portion (see FIG. 11) or a neck portion 64 of the pickleball paddle 60 in a recessed, integral manner.

In accordance with at least one possible embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 7, the two individual user score displays 34 and the two individual opponent score displays 36 comprise four scoring rollers 20 disposed in the housing 12. Each of the scoring rollers 20 includes an endless belt 22 that is rotatable on two rollers 24 and has a set of numbers from zero to nine on the outer surface thereof. The housing 12 includes a rectangular aperture 48 in the front face to permit a user to view a portion of each of the scoring rollers 20. The input arrangement 32 includes four thumb dials 16 disposed at least partially in the housing 12 and in operative engagement with a corresponding one of the scoring rollers 20. Each of the thumb dials 16 is individually rotatable on a rotatable shaft 46. The housing 12 includes dial apertures in the front face to permit a portion of each of the thumb dials 16 to project therethrough to permit a user to engage the thumb dials 16 with a thumb or finger and rotate the thumb dials 16 to thereby rotate the scoring rollers 20 until a desired number is displayed in the center of the rectangular aperture 48.

In accordance with at least one possible embodiment, the service number display 38 includes a stationary plate 50 displaying a first server number thereon and a slidable cover 52 displaying a second server number thereon. The slidable cover 52 is designed and disposed to be slid into the housing 12 to reveal the first server number and conceal the second server number, and to be slid out of the housing 12, such as into a cover slot 58, to conceal the first server number and reveal the second server number to permit a user to track which team or individual has the service.

In accordance with at least one possible embodiment, the first label 26 and its corresponding scoring rollers 20 are a first color. The second label 28 and its corresponding scoring rollers 20 are a second color different from the first color. The third label 30 and the service number display 38 are a third color different from each of the first color and the second color. The housing 12 is a fourth color different from each of the first color, the second color, and the third color. In accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the first label 26 could be colored red, the second label 28 could be colored blue, the third label 30 could be colored yellow, and the housing 12 could be colored black. In addition, in accordance with at least one possible embodiment, the scoring rollers 14 could be colored a different color from all other components, such as a neutral color like white, and the numbers could be black or could be colored to match the color of the corresponding labels. For example, if the second label 28 relating to the opponent's score is colored blue, then the numbers on the two related scoring rollers 14 could also be colored blue. Alternatively, the scoring roller 14 itself could be colored and the numbers could be a neutral color like white or black. For example, if the second label 28 relating to the opponent's score is colored blue, then the two related scoring rollers 14 could also be colored blue with white or black numbers thereon. Essentially any color combination is possible that makes it easier for the user to keep score.

In accordance with at least one possible embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the two individual user score displays 34, the two individual opponent score displays 36, and the service number display 38 together comprise a digital screen 54 disposed in the housing 12 and designed to show five individual numbers. The rectangular aperture 48 permits a user to view the digital screen 54. The input arrangement 32 includes five buttons 56 disposed in the front face and designed to be pressed to change the value of a corresponding one of the five individual numbers.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to 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 an embodiment of the disclosure.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.

Claims

1. A paddle game scoring arrangement configured to be attached to or formed integrally into a butt end or neck portion of a paddle comprising:

a housing being in the form of a rectangular box having a thickness substantially smaller than a length and width thereof;

a display arrangement being disposed in said housing and configured to display the current score and service on a front face of said housing;

said display arrangement comprising: two individual user score displays to show the score of the user or the user's team; two individual opponent score displays to show the score of the user's opponent or user's opponent's team; and a service number display to show current service information;

a plurality of labels being disposed on said front face comprising: a first label being disposed adjacent and to mark said user score displays; a second label being disposed adjacent and to mark said opponent score displays; and a third label being disposed adjacent and to mark said service number display;

an input arrangement being configured to permit a user to input and change score and service numbers to display the current score and service on said display arrangement; and

said housing being sufficiently small to fit on or in the butt end or neck portion of a paddle and not substantially interfere with use of the paddle in a paddle game comprising pickleball, tennis, paddleball, or similar game that utilizes paddles or similar devices.

2. The paddle game scoring arrangement of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive layer disposed on a back face of said housing and configured to permit attachment of said housing to a butt end or neck portion of a paddle.

3. The paddle game scoring arrangement of claim 2, wherein:

said two individual user score displays and said two individual opponent score displays comprise four scoring rollers disposed in said housing;

each of said scoring rollers comprises an endless belt being rotatable on two rollers and having a set of numbers from zero to nine on the outer surface thereof;

said housing comprises a rectangular aperture in said front face to permit a user to view a portion of each of said scoring rollers;

said input arrangement comprises four thumb dials disposed at least partially in said housing and in operative engagement with a corresponding one of said scoring rollers;

each of said thumb dials is individually rotatable on a rotatable shaft; and

said housing comprises dial apertures in said front face to permit a portion of each of said thumb dials to project therethrough to permit a user to engage said thumb dials with a thumb or finger and rotate said thumb dials to thereby rotate said scoring rollers until a desired number is displayed in the center of said rectangular aperture.

4. The paddle game scoring arrangement of claim 3, wherein:

said service number display comprises a stationary plate displaying a first server number thereon and a slidable cover displaying a second server number thereon; and

said slidable cover is configured and disposed to be slid into said housing to reveal said first server number and conceal said second server number, and to be slid out of said housing to conceal said first server number and reveal said second server number to permit a user to track which team or individual has the service.

5. The paddle game scoring arrangement of claim 4, wherein:

said first label and its corresponding scoring rollers are a first color;

said second label and its corresponding scoring rollers are a second color different from said first color;

said third label and said service number display are a third color different from each of said first color and said second color; and

said housing is a fourth color different from each of said first color, said second color, and said third color.

6. The paddle game scoring arrangement of claim 2, wherein:

said two individual user score displays, said two individual opponent score displays, and said service number display together comprise a digital screen disposed in said housing and configured to show five individual numbers;

said housing comprises a rectangular aperture in said front face to permit a user to view said digital screen; and

said input arrangement comprises five buttons disposed in said front face and configured to be pressed to change the value of a corresponding one of said five individual numbers.

7. The paddle game scoring arrangement of claim 1, in combination with a pickleball paddle, wherein the paddle game scoring arrangement is formed into a butt end portion or a neck portion of said tennis paddle in a recessed, integral manner.

8. The paddle game scoring arrangement of claim 1, further comprising an end cap comprising an end face surrounding and attached to the sides of said housing and side walls extending from said end face and configured to fit snugly onto a butt end of a paddle.

9. The paddle game scoring arrangement of claim 8, wherein:

said two individual user score displays and said two individual opponent score displays comprise four scoring rollers disposed in said housing;

each of said scoring rollers comprises an endless belt being rotatable on two rollers and having a set of numbers from zero to nine on the outer surface thereof;

said housing comprises a rectangular aperture in said front face to permit a user to view a portion of each of said scoring rollers;

said input arrangement comprises four thumb dials disposed at least partially in said housing and in operative engagement with a corresponding one of said scoring rollers;

each of said thumb dials is individually rotatable on a rotatable shaft; and

said housing comprises dial apertures in said front face to permit a portion of each of said thumb dials to project therethrough to permit a user to engage said thumb dials with a thumb or finger and rotate said thumb dials to thereby rotate said scoring rollers until a desired number is displayed in the center of said rectangular aperture.

10. The paddle game scoring arrangement of claim 9, wherein:

said service number display comprises a stationary plate displaying a first server number thereon and a slidable cover displaying a second server number thereon; and

said slidable cover is configured and disposed to be slid into said housing to reveal said first server number and conceal said second server number, and to be slid out of said housing to conceal said first server number and reveal said second server number to permit a user to track which team or individual has the service.

11. The paddle game scoring arrangement of claim 10, wherein:

said first label and its corresponding scoring rollers are a first color;

said second label and its corresponding scoring rollers are a second color different from said first color;

said third label and said service number display are a third color different from each of said first color and said second color; and

said housing is a fourth color different from each of said first color, said second color, and said third color.

12. The paddle game scoring arrangement of claim 8, wherein:

said two individual user score displays, said two individual opponent score displays, and said service number display together comprise a digital screen disposed in said housing and configured to show five individual numbers;

said housing comprises a rectangular aperture in said front face to permit a user to view said digital screen; and

said input arrangement comprises five buttons disposed in said front face and configured to be pressed to change the value of a corresponding one of said five individual numbers.