PICKLEBALL BALL STOP DEVICE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to pickleball equipment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices for securing pickleball balls and/or establishing boundaries for stopping errant pickleball balls.

BACKGROUND

Pickleball is a sport that has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past several years. Pickleball has long been found to be played on badminton courts and tennis courts. However, due to the increase of the popularity of pickleball, designated pickleball courts are being built for personal and community use. Pickleball may be played on a wide variety of surfaces. Pickleball may be played on lawns, driveways, parking lots, basketball courts, tennis courts, and even indoors (e.g., garages, basements, carpeted rooms, etc.). In this regard, pickleball may be played on a wide range of materials such as, for example, grass, clay, gravel, asphalt, acrylic, concrete, wood, floor coverings, or the like. Pickleball courts, as used herein, refer to all possible types of courts, surfaces, and/or materials, unless indicated otherwise.

Due to the increase in popularity of pickleball, pickleball courts are in demand. Pickleball tournaments have garnered increased attention. Accordingly, pickleball engagement and attendance have also increased. Large spaces (e.g., gymnasiums, arenas, parking lots, etc.) may be outfitted with numerous pickleball courts. The pickleball courts may be arranged in side-by-side and/or end-by-end configurations. The pickleball courts may be arranged near one another for the most efficient use of space. Basketball courts, tennis courts, or portions thereof may be modified for use as pickleball courts. In this regard, pickleball may be played alongside other activities such as, for example, basketball and tennis. This significant growth in popularity, however, comes with problems of accommodations, dangers, and risks.

The pickleball ball is a lightweight plastic ball. It is often compared to a ping-pong ball or wiffle ball, albeit of very different size and construction. Pickleball balls are made from a durable plastic that can withstand repeated strikes from a pickleball paddle. Pickleball balls are much lighter than a baseball, softball, racquetball or tennis ball. Because a pickleball is lightweight it may easily blow in the wind and, therefore, be blown or rolled across adjoining walkways and/or neighboring playing surfaces. By example, pickleball competitors may arrive to a competition with numerous pickleball balls in their possession. Pickleball balls that are not otherwise secured or in use at any given moment may inadvertently be kicked, blown, or rolled onto adjoining playing surfaces, regardless of whether a pickleball match or game (or other sport) is being play on the adjoining playing surface. Similarly, a pickleball ball in play may roll or traverse a playing surface and travel onto adjoining walkways and/or neighboring playing surfaces.

This occurs with such frequency that pickleball etiquette has been developed to address errant balls and is often identified in pickleball tournament guidelines. Pickleball etiquette recognizes that if a ball were to inadvertently travel onto the playing surface of another the competitor should immediately shout “ball,” “ball on,” or “ball on court.” It is also appropriate etiquette not to chase an errant ball that is traveling toward the playing surface of another. This avoids the unwanted or inadvertent stoppage of play in the heat of competition. Regardless of whether “ball,” “ball on,” or “ball on court” is yelled, errant pickleball balls present a hazard or obstacle to pickleball spectators and/or competitors that are in the adjoining walkways and/or on neighboring playing surfaces. Errant pickleball balls not only risk injury but could also result in undesirable match or game stoppage. Finally, errant pickleball balls also result in the unwanted loss of pickleball balls due to the misplacement of the errant pickleball balls.

In view of this, what is needed is a device for controlling or holding excess pickleball balls. What is also needed is a device which stops a pickleball from inadvertently exiting one playing surface and/or entering another playing surface. In this regard, what is needed is a device which reduces or ceases the travel of errant pickleball balls.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to devices for securing pickleball balls and/or establishing boundaries for stopping errant pickleball balls. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device which may be applied onto or adjacent to a pickleball playing surface. The pickleball ball stop device of the present disclosure solves the aforementioned problems and does not impede the play of a pickleball match.

A pickleball ball stop device of the present disclosure may comprise a resilient material comprising a front and a back. The back of the resilient material is secured to a pickleball boundary of a pickleball court and/or a pickleball outer court of a pickleball court. The front of the resilient material comprises an exposed adhesive surface. The exposed adhesive surface remains exposed and is for adhering a pickleball ball thereto. The back of the resilient material may be releasably secured to the pickleball boundary and/or the pickleball outer court.

A pickleball court comprises a pickleball inner court, a pickleball outer court, and a pickleball boundary separating the pickleball inner court from the pickleball outer court. As used herein, the inner court is the pickleball playing surface of a pickleball court and is inside of and framed by the boundary of the pickleball court. As used herein, the outer court is the out of bounds region outside the boundary of a pickleball court. The outer court (out of bounds region) surrounds the inner court (pickleball playing surface). The outer court may be a walkway between pickleball courts and/or a region of separation between other pickleball playing surfaces or inner courts. In some examples, the back of the resilient material may be secured directly to the pickleball boundary. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be the pickleball boundary between the inner court and the outer court. Additionally, or alternatively, the back of the resilient material may be secured in the outer court, outside of the inner court opposite the pickleball boundary. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may surround only a fraction of a perimeter of the inner court. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may surround a majority of the perimeter of the pickleball inner court, and even surround a full perimeter of the pickleball inner court.

In some example, the resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be continuous about the perimeter of the pickleball inner court. In other examples, the pickleball ball stop device may comprise multiple independent sections of resilient material. The multiple independent sections of the resilient material may be separate from one another. Accordingly, the resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be discontinuous about the perimeter of the pickleball inner court. In an example, the resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be secured about a perimeter of a pickleball inner court except for one or more lateral sides between a non-volley line of the pickleball inner court and a net of the pickleball court (or between opposing non-volley lines of the pickleball inner court). The one or more lateral sides are perpendicular to the net in a direction of the net extending across the pickleball court.

The back of the resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may also comprise an adhesive. The adhesive of the back of the resilient material secures the resilient material to the pickleball court. In some examples, the adhesive of the back of the resilient material is the same adhesive as the adhesive of the front of the resilient material. In some examples, the entire resilient material may be entirely covered by an adhesive. Additionally, or alternatively, the back of the resilient material may be secured to the pickleball court by friction between the back of the resilient material and the pickleball court.

The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a polymeric material. The resilient material may be a rubber material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a paper material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a cardboard material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a cork material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a fabric material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a foam material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a foil material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a flexible material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a may be rolled up into a roll when not secured to a pickleball court. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be unrolled onto the pickleball court such that it lays flat on the pickleball court when not rolled up into a roll and/or when being applied to the pickleball court. Alternatively, the resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a rigid material than cannot be rolled. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a rigid material that is maintained in a flat arrangement. By example, the resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a rigid material with low flexibility. In this regard, the resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may further comprise one or more joints for folding the resilient material upon itself.

The present disclosure also includes a pickleball court. The pickleball court of the present disclosures comprises a pickleball boundary. The pickleball boundary separates a pickleball inner court from a pickleball outer court. As noted above, the inner court is the pickleball playing surface of a pickleball court within the boundary of the pickleball court and the outer court is the out of bounds region of a pickleball court outside the boundary of the pickleball court. The pickleball outer court may, additionally, be a walkway between adjacent pickleball playing surfaces or may be a region of separation between pickleball playing surfaces. A resilient material of a pickleball ball stop device is secured to the pickleball court. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device comprises a front and a back. The back is secured to the pickleball court, and the front comprises an exposed adhesive surface for adhering a pickleball thereto. The resilient material is secured onto or adjacent to the pickleball boundary. The resilient material may be secured directly to the pickleball boundary. The resilient material may serve as the pickleball boundary. The resilient material may be secured to the pickleball court opposite the pickleball playing surface outside of the boundary. In other words, the resilient material may be secured in the outer court.

The present disclosure further describes a method of applying and using the above-mentioned pickleball ball stop. A method of applying a pickleball ball stop may comprise a step of placing or unrolling a length of the resilient material onto the pickleball court. In the instance of unrolling, the length of the resilient material may be unrolled from a roll of the resilient material. The method may further comprise positioning the length of the resilient material onto the pickleball court with the back facing the pickleball court and secured to a surface of the pickleball court wherein the front is exposed.

In some examples, the resilient material may further comprise a removable film covering. The removable film covering may be positioned over the front of the resilient material, covering the adhesive surface of the front of the resilient material. The method may further comprise removing the removable film covering the adhesive surface from the adhesive surface and exposing the adhesive surface. The back of the resilient material may additionally, or alternatively, comprise a removable film covering. The removable film covering of the back of the resilient material may be removed before placing the length of the resilient material onto the pickleball court and/or before positioning the length of the resilient material onto the pickleball court so the back may be secured to a surface of the pickleball court.

A length of the resilient material may be cut to a length corresponding to at least a part of the pickleball court that defines a boundary of the pickleball inner court. In this regard, one or more lengths of the resilient material may be placed or unrolled adjacent to one another onto the pickleball boundary or the pickleball outer court. One or more lengths of the resilient material may be placed or unrolled adjacent one another between inner courts of multiple pickleball courts.

The method of applying and using the pickleball ball stop may further comprise a step of adhering one or more pickleball balls to the adhesive surface of the front of the resilient material. The pickleball balls are removably adhered to the adhesive surface of the front of the resilient material. The method of applying and using the pickleball ball stop may additionally, or alternatively, comprise rolling one or more pickleball balls over or across the adhesive surface wherein the one or more pickleball balls are stopped by adhering the one or more pickleball balls to the adhesive surface of the front of the resilient material.

The method of applying and using the pickleball ball stop may further comprise a step of removing the resilient material from the pickleball court. The method may further comprise a step of rerolling the resilient material into a roll of the resilient material for subsequent reuse. In examples, the film covering(s) may be added or reapplied to the respective adhesive surface(s), thereby, covering the respective adhesive surface(s). The film covering(s) may be added or reapplied to the respective adhesive surface(s) before and/or during rerolling the resilient material into the roll of the resilient material.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the examples will be apparent from the following more detailed descriptions of particular examples as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers represent like parts of the examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which particular examples and further benefits of the examples are illustrated as described in more detail in the description below, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a pickleball ball stop device, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a resilient material of a pickleball ball stop device, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a resilient material of a pickleball ball stop device, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a back view of a resilient material of a pickleball ball stop device, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of pickleball courts with a pickleball ball stop device, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a pickleball ball stop device, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is for a pickleball ball stop device for securing pickleball balls and preventing pickleball balls from inadvertently traveling across pickleball courts. In other words, the pickleball ball stop device of the present disclosure holds pickleball balls or stops errant pickleball balls. More specifically, the pickleball ball stop device of the present disclosure may be applied onto a pickleball court such as, for example, adjacent to a pickleball inner court. In specific examples, the pickleball ball stop device of the present disclosure may be applied onto a pickleball boundary and/or a pickleball outer court. The pickleball ball stop device of the present disclosure holds or stops pickleball balls and prevents pickleball balls from impeding the play of a pickleball match.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of pickleball ball stop device 100 of the present disclosure. The pickleball ball stop device 100 of the present disclosure may comprise a resilient material 110. The resilient material 110 comprises a front 120 and a back 130. The back 130 of the resilient material 110 may be secured to a pickleball boundary 210 (as illustrated by FIG. 5) and/or a pickleball outer court 300 (as illustrated by FIG. 5) of a pickleball court 200. The front 120 of the resilient material 110 comprises an exposed adhesive surface 140. The exposed adhesive surface 140 remains exposed and is for adhering a pickleball ball 10 thereto. The back 130 of the resilient material 110 may be releasably secured to a pickleball court 200.

As used herein, a pickleball court 200 comprises a pickleball inner court 220 (as illustrated by FIG. 5), a pickleball outer court 300 (as illustrated by FIG. 5), and a pickleball boundary 210 (as illustrated by FIG. 5). The pickleball inner court 220 (as illustrated by FIG. 5) is the pickleball playing surface of a pickleball court 200. The pickleball inner court 220 (as illustrated by FIG. 5) is inside the boundary 210 (as illustrated by FIG. 5) of the pickleball court 200 and is framed by the boundary 210 (as illustrated by FIG. 5) of the pickleball court 220. The pickleball outer court 300 (as illustrated by FIG. 5) is the out of bounds region outside of the pickleball boundary 210 (as illustrated by FIG. 5) of a pickleball court 200.

FIG. 2 further illustrates a front perspective view of the resilient material 110 comprising a front 120 and a back 130. The resilient material 110 comprises a width W₁₁₀ and thickness T₁₁₀, both extending in a lengthwise direction Luo. The width W₁₁₀ may be the same as the width of the pickleball boundary 210 (as illustrated by FIG. 5). For example, the resilient material 110 may serve as the pickleball boundary 210 (as illustrated by FIG. 5). The width W₁₁₀ may be less than the width of the pickleball boundary 210 (as illustrated by FIG. 5). For example, the resilient material 110 may be positioned overtop the pickleball boundary 210 (as illustrated by FIG. 5) without entirely covering the pickleball boundary 210 (as illustrated by FIG. 5), or keeping a portion of the pickleball boundary 210 (as illustrated by FIG. 5) exposed. It is contemplated herein the width W₁₁₀ may be of any dimension based upon location of use (e.g., pickleball boundary, outer court, etc.), and may be more or less than that noted above, for use in the outer court such as, for example, within walkways. The thickness T₁₁₀ may be of any thickness necessary to give the resilient material 110 the desired flexibility or rigidity, as desired, or based upon the type of resilient material. This may vary greatly depending on the material of the resilient material. It is preferable the thickness T₁₁₀ be limited as much as possible to avoid producing a raised surface that otherwise becomes a tripping hazard during pickleball match play.

It is contemplated herein the resilient material may be crossed or stepped upon during pickleball match play by the participants. This is in contrast to a raised perimeter fence. While a perimeter fence might otherwise be utilized to prevent a pickleball ball from leaving a playing surface or from crossing a pickleball boundary, a raised perimeter fence is not as cost effective or as mobile as the resilient material of the present disclosure. Moreover, a perimeter fence may have a negative impact on the pickleball match play. By example, a raised perimeter fence that cannot be crossed or stepped on by participants might otherwise become an obstacle, or impediment, during pickleball match play. Such an obstacle (raised perimeter fence) impacts pickleball match play by slowing or changing a participant's momentum to avoid contacting the raised perimeter fence, such as when fielding a pickleball ball at the very perimeter of the playing surface. Accordingly, should a participant contact a raised perimeter fence the participant risks injury. In contrast, a participant may simply cross or step on the resilient material 110 of the present disclosure. It is further contemplated herein the pickleball ball stop device of the present disclosure may be used in combination with a fence, gate, or other structure. By example, a pickleball ball stop device may be relied on for areas a fence, gate, or other structure are absent. Additionally, or alternatively, a pickleball ball stop device may be limited to areas identified as high traffic ball areas. Moreover, a pickleball ball stop device may be utilized within a fully fenced pickleball court to further separate pickleball inner courts therein and/or to secure or prevent movement of excess pickleball balls.

The width W₁₁₀ and/or the thickness T₁₁₀ may also be adjusted to provide sufficient weight to the resilient material 110 so the resilient material 110 remains secured to the pickleball court under its own weight or by friction. FIG. 3 further illustrates a front view of the resilient material 110 with an adhesive surface 140 on the front. Comparatively, FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of the resilient material 110. As illustrated by FIG. 4, the back 130 may be textured 150 to provide friction between the resilient material 110 and a pickleball court (as illustrated by FIG. 1) for securing the back 130 to the pickleball court. Additionally, or alternatively, the back surface may comprise an adhesive surface. The adhesive of the back 130 of the resilient material 110 may secure the resilient material 110 to the pickleball court. In some examples, the adhesive of the back 130 of the resilient material 110 is the same adhesive as the adhesive of the front 120 of the resilient material 110. In some examples, the entire resilient material 110 may be entirely covered by an adhesive.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an arrangement of pickleball courts 200 is provided with four pickleball inner courts 220 arranged thereon. Each pickleball inner court 220 has a net 400 extending across the pickleball inner court 220. A pickleball court 200 comprises a pickleball boundary 210 that separates a pickleball inner court 220 from a pickleball outer court 300. The pickleball outer court 300 surrounds the pickleball inner court 220. The outer court 300 may be a walkway between pickleball inner courts 220 and/or a region of separation between pickleball inner courts 220. As noted above, the pickleball inner court 220 is the pickleball playing surface of a respective pickleball court 200. The pickleball inner court 220 is inside the pickleball boundary 210 of the respective pickleball court 200 and is framed by the boundary 210 of the respective pickleball court 200. The pickleball outer court 300 is the out of bounds region outside of the pickleball boundary 210 of a respective pickleball court 200.

As noted above, and as illustrated adjacent the bottom right inner court 220 of FIG. 5, the back of the resilient material 110 may be secured directly to the pickleball boundary 210. Additionally, or alternatively, the back of the resilient material 110 may be secured in the outer court 300, outside of the pickleball inner court 220, as illustrated adjacent the top right inner court 220 of FIG. 5 and adjacent to bottom left inner court 220 of FIG. 5.

In some examples, the resilient material 110 of the pickleball ball stop device 100 may extend an entire perimeter of the pickleball inner court 220. An example of this is illustrated adjacent the bottom right pickleball inner court 220 of FIG. 5. Accordingly, the resilient material 110 of the pickleball ball stop device 100 may be continuous about the perimeter of the pickleball inner court 220.

In some examples, the pickleball ball stop device 100 may comprise multiple independent sections of the resilient material 110. The pickleball ball stop device 100 adjacent the top right and bottom left pickleball inner courts 220 of FIG. 5 illustrate this. As illustrated adjacent the top right pickleball inner court 220 of FIG. 5, multiple independent sections of the resilient material 110 may be separated from one another about the inner court 220. In other words, the resilient material 110 of the pickleball ball stop device 100 may be discontinuous about the perimeter of the pickleball inner court 220. As illustrated adjacent the bottom left pickleball inner court 220 of FIG. 5, the resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be secured about a perimeter of a pickleball inner court with the exception of one or more lateral sides between a non-volley line 230 of the pickleball inner court 220 and a net 400 of the pickleball inner court 220 (or between opposing non-volley lines 230). The one or more lateral sides are perpendicular to the net 400 in a direction of the net 400 extending across the pickleball inner court 220. This provides an area for participants to enter and exit the pickleball inner court 220 without having to step on or cross the resilient material 110. This may be provided to decrease participant traffic across the resilient material 110. This may increase the longevity of the exposed adhesive surface of the front of the resilient material 110 by reducing debris that may cross or adhere to the exposed adhesive surface. Additionally, or alternatively, the resilient material 110 may be discontinuous for isolated sections of the resilient material 110. The isolated sections of the resilient material 110 may, therefore, be replaced upon excessive build-up of debris to the exposed adhesive surface.

The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a polymeric material. The resilient material may be a rubber material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a paper material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a cardboard material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a cork material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a fabric material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a foam material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a foil material. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a flexible material.

The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be rolled up into a roll when not secured to a pickleball court. Accordingly, the resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be unrolled onto the pickleball court such that it lays flat on the pickleball court when unrolled from a roll. Alternatively, the resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a material of increased rigidity, in a manner that it cannot be rolled. The resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a rigid material that is maintained in a flat arrangement. By example, the resilient material of the pickleball ball stop device may be a rigid material with low flexibility.

The present disclosure also includes a method of applying and using the above-mentioned pickleball ball stop device. A method of applying a pickleball ball stop device may comprise a step of placing or unrolling a length of the resilient material onto the pickleball court. In the instance of unrolling, the length of the resilient material may be unrolled from a roll of the resilient material. The method may further comprise positioning the length of the resilient material onto the pickleball court with the back facing the pickleball court and secured to a surface of the pickleball court, such that the front is exposed.

FIG. 6 illustrates a pickleball ball stop device 100 with a resilient material 110 in a roll. The resilient material 110 comprises a front 120 and a back 130. As illustrated by FIG. 6, the resilient material 110 may be rolled out onto a pickleball court 200 or may be rolled up from a pickleball court 200. In some examples, the resilient material 110 of the pickleball ball stop device 100 may further comprise a removable film covering 160. The removable film covering 160 may be positioned over the front 120 of the resilient material 110, covering the adhesive surface 140 of the front 120 of the resilient material 110.

The method may further comprise removing the removable film covering the adhesive surface from the adhesive surface to expose the adhesive surface. The back of the resilient material may additionally, or alternatively, comprise a removable film covering. The removable film covering of the back of the resilient material may be removed before placing the length of the resilient material onto the boundary and/or the outer court of the pickleball court. The removable film covering of the back of the resilient material may be removed before positioning the length of the resilient material onto the pickleball court so the back may be secured to a surface of the boundary and/or the outer court of the pickleball court.

A length of the resilient material may be cut to a length corresponding to at least a part of the pickleball court that defines a boundary of the pickleball inner court. In this regard, one or more lengths of the resilient material may be placed or unrolled adjacent to the pickleball inner court of the pickleball court and/or between pickleball inner courts, such as, for example, on the boundary and/or on the outer court between multiple pickleball courts.

The method of applying and using the pickleball ball stop device may further comprise a step of adhering one or more pickleball balls to the adhesive surface of the front of the resilient material. The pickleball balls are removably adhered to the adhesive surface of the front of the resilient material. The method of applying and using the pickleball ball stop device may additionally, or alternatively, comprise rolling one or more pickleball balls over or across the adhesive surface wherein the one or more pickleball balls are stopped by adhering the one or more pickleball balls to the adhesive surface of the front of the resilient material.

The method of applying and using the pickleball ball stop device may further comprise a step of removing the resilient material from the pickleball boundary and/or the pickleball outer court of the pickleball court. The method may further comprise a step of rerolling the resilient material into a roll of the resilient material for subsequent reuse. In examples, the film covering(s) may be added or reapplied to the respective adhesive surface(s), thereby, covering the respective adhesive surface(s). The film covering(s) may be added or reapplied to the respective adhesive surface(s) before and/or during rerolling the resilient material into the roll of the resilient material.

While this invention has been described with reference to examples thereof, it shall be understood that such description is by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed examples. Accordingly, the scope and content of the examples are to be defined only by the terms of the following claims. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of any example discussed herein may be combined with one or more features of any one or more examples otherwise discussed or contemplated herein unless otherwise stated.