PICKLEBALL TRAINING EQUIPMENT

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/702,955, filed Oct. 3, 2024, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). The entire contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to training devices. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing a pickleball training device that increases a trainee's skill in pickleball or other racquet sports.

BACKGROUND

Different types of sports are widely embraced by participants for diverse purposes, including enhancing health, leisure, enjoyment, and competitive or professional pursuits, among other purposes. Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity as a sport. Pickleball is an indoor or outdoor paddle sport wherein two players (singles) or four players (doubles) use paddles to engage in hitting a perforated, hollow, plastic ball over a 34-inch-high net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits an infraction.

Pickleball, along with other racquet sports, may require a participant to learn proper form and technique in order to effectively play pickleball and, in turn, enjoy the sport. A participant may utilize a personal trainer or engage in forms or types of individual or group lessons. In these situations, a trainer may assist the participant in understanding the rules of the game, strategies, and consistent and effective form and technique. However, these lessons may be expensive and may not provide a participant with enough practice time or enough repetition. Therefore, a training device may assist a user in learning proper form and technique in playing pickleball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth below with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. The systems depicted in the accompanying figures are not to scale and components within the figures may be depicted not to scale with each other.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a pickleball training device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of a pickleball training device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a pickleball training device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a telescoping portion of a pickleball training device in an extended state, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a telescoping portion of a pickleball training device in a non-extended state, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a pickleball training device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a bracket including a retention spindle of a pickleball training device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of a retention spindle of a pickleball training device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of a retention spindle of a pickleball training device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of an arm and attached pickleball of a pickleball training device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of a spindle drum assembly, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of a spindle drum assembly, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of a mounting plate of a spindle drum assembly, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a base plate and a spindle plate of a spindle drum assembly, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a retention spindle of a pickleball training device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 16 illustrates a first side view of a pickleball training device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Overview

This disclosure describes a pickleball training device. Although described in connection with pickleball, the training device described herein may be used in connection with other sports including other racquet sports. The training device may assist a participant in learning correct form and technique of pickleball play. The training device may include a plurality of retention spindles that may be coupled to a horizontal bar. The retention spindles may include a spring-biased arm extending from a housing. The arm may secure a pickleball or other target to an end of the arm that a user may strike during a training instance. The retention spindles may be coupled to the horizontal bar far away from one another to allow the user to transition horizontally along the surface of the training area to strike different pickleballs coupled to the plurality of retention spindles. Through use of the training device in this manner, the user may move laterally left and right and learn to use proper and effective footwork. Further, this type of training improves the user's quickness, reaction time, and movement to a pickleball struck by an opponent into the user's side of the court.

The pickleballs coupled to the respective arms of the retention spindles may spin about a portion of the arm such that when the user strikes the pickleball, the pickleball rotates about the portion of the arm to indicate whether the user has applied a specified spin on the pickleball that translates into a different flight and deflection of the pickleball in practical gameplay. In this manner, the user may learn topspin or backspin techniques while moving between two or more of the retention spindles or by standing in front of a single retention spindle. When using a forehand topspin or a backhand topspin, the pickleball coupled to the arm may spin forward. Similarly, when using a forehand backspin or a backhand backspin, the pickleball coupled to the arm may spin backward. This may assist a user in effectively learning how to apply a rotational effect to the pickleball that may cause a pickleball in practical gameplay to move in a non-Euclidian manner and or bounce off a surface (e.g., a playing surface or a paddle of an opponent) in an unexpected or irregular manner.

The training device described herein may assist a user in improving their ability to play pickleball competitively by developing effective footwork and hitting a pickleball in a controlled and intended manner while in a hurried state. Further, the training device may also assist a user in learning topspin and backspin on both a forehand and backhand stroke and improve shot selection and placement of the pickleball.

Examples described herein provide a training device including a horizontal bar. and a retention spindle coupled to the horizontal bar. The retention spindle may include a spring, an arm extending from the spring, and a ball coupled to the arm. The retention spindle may include a first retention spindle and a second retention spindle. The first retention spindle may be coupled to the horizontal bar at a first location away from a second location of the second retention spindle at a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance may include a distance at which a user is required to move horizontally along a length of the horizontal bar.

The location of the retention spindle may be adjustable along the length of the horizontal bar. At least a portion of the horizontal bar may include a telescoping arm. The training device may further include an additional retention spindle coupled to the telescoping arm.

The training device may further include an adjustable ring coupled around the horizontal bar, a clamp coupled to the adjustable ring, and a stanchion extending from the retention spindle and couplable to the clamp. The clamp may include a bracket configured to engage with the stanchion of the retention spindle, and a set screw extending through a side of the bracket to engage with the stanchion inside the bracket. The adjustable ring may be rotationally adjustable about the horizontal bar to change an angle of the arm extending from the spring and a position of the ball coupled to the arm.

The training device may further include a plurality of legs coupled to the horizontal bar. The plurality of legs may be collapsible with respect to the horizontal bar such that the plurality of legs are substantially parallel to the horizontal bar. The plurality of legs may be telescopically extendable to adjust a height of the training device.

The retention spindle may be movable along a length of the horizontal bar. Further, the retention spindle may be movable around a circumference of the horizontal bar.

Examples described herein also provide a training device including a plurality of retention spindles. Each of the retention spindles may include a base plate, a spindle plate rotatably coupled to the base plate, a mounting plate rotatably coupled to the base plate, a stanchion extending from the mounting plate, an arm extending from the spindle plate, and a ball coupled to the arm. The ball may be rotatably coupled to the arm.

The training device may further include a fastening device to retain the ball on the arm, the fastening device being selectively adjustable to allow the ball to be separated from the arm. The training device may further include an adjustable ring and a clamp coupled to the adjustable ring. The stanchion may be couplable to the clamp. The clamp may include a bracket configured to engage with the stanchion and a set screw extending through a side of the bracket to engage with the stanchion inside the bracket. The adjustable ring may be rotationally adjustable about a horizontal bar to change an angle of the arm extending from the spindle plate and a position of the ball coupled to the arm.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Certain implementations and embodiments of the disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, in which various aspects are shown. However, the various aspects may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein. The disclosure encompasses variations of the embodiments, as described herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of a pickleball training device 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a pickleball training device 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a pickleball training device 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. The pickleball training device 100 may be built or assembled in the manner depicted in FIGS. 1 through 3. The pickleball training device 100 may include a horizontal bar 102.

A plurality of legs 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as leg(s) 104 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) may be coupled to and extend from the horizontal bar 102. The legs 104 may support the horizontal bar 102 when assembled. In one example, the legs 104 may be made of a sufficiently rigid and massive material to ensure that when the pickleballs of the retention spindles are struck, the pickleball training device 100 does not move from an original position. In one example, the legs 104 may be made of solid metal to provide the rigidity and the massiveness for this purpose. Further, as described in more detail herein, the legs 104 may be removable or collapsible with respect to the horizontal bar 102 to allow for the pickleball training device 100 to be fit into, for example, a bag or other container. In this manner, the pickleball training device 100 may be easily assembled or disassembled and may be moved from different locations and stored when not in use.

The pickleball training device 100 may further include a number of retention spindles 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as retention spindle(s) 106 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The retention spindles 106 will be described in more detail herein. However, the retention spindles 106 may include a spring imparting a spring bias to a state depicted in FIGS. 1 through 3. The retention spindles 106 may further include an arm extending from the spring and a ball (e.g., a pickleball) coupled to the arm. When a user strikes the ball, the spring bias of the spring may be overcome, causing the arm to deflect from a first position at rest to a second position when the spring is under tension. Thereafter, the spring bias may overcome the force applied to the ball by the strike of the ball with, for example, a paddle, by the user, and return the arm to the first position. In this manner, the position of the ball may be biased towards the first position, allowing the user to strike the ball any number of times throughout a practice instance.

The pickleball training device 100 may further include a first telescoping arm 108-1 and a second telescoping arm 108-2 extending from the two ends of the horizontal bar 102. In one example, the horizontal bar 102 may include a pipe or other cylindrical element, and the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 may include a nesting portion of pipe or other element that fits inside the horizontal bar. However, any telescoping technology may be utilized to allow for the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 to selectively collapse into and extend from the horizontal bar 102. The first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 may allow for additional retention spindles 106 to be added to the length of the horizontal bar 102. The collapsible nature of the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 also allows for the pickleball training device 100 to be contained within the above-mentioned bag or other container so that the pickleball training device 100 may be easily moved from location to location and easily assembled and disassembled, and contained.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the horizontal bar 102 may have a length of, for example, 54 inches (in.). However, the horizontal bar 102 may have any length including lengths longer and shorter than 54 in. The first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 may each have a length of, for example, 27 in. However, the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 may each have any length including lengths longer and shorter than 27 in. As depicted in FIG. 3, the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 may be long enough to allow for a portion of the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 to remain within the interior of the horizontal bar 102. For example, approximately 9 in. of the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 may remain within the interior of the horizontal bar 102. This may ensure that neither the horizontal bar 102 nor the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 are at risk of a shear failure, plastic deformation failure, etc. Further, ensuring that the horizontal bar 102 and the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 have sufficient overlap when engaged with one another assist in preventing any type of binding between these elements. In one example, the overlap between the horizontal bar 102 and the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 may be between 10% and 35% of the length of the horizontal bar 102 and/or the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2. In the example of FIG. 3, the overlap between the horizontal bar 102 and the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 may be approximately 33% (e.g., 9 in. of the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 overlapping into the horizontal bar 102 when the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 are fully extended).

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a telescoping portion (e.g., the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2) of the pickleball training device 100 in an extended state, according to an example of the principles described herein. Further, FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a telescoping portion (e.g., the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2) of a pickleball training device 100 in a non-extended state, according to an example of the principles described herein. With reference to FIGS. 1 through 5, in one example, the horizontal bar 102 and the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 may include a setting and/or locking mechanism that allows for the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 to be set at a desired and/or maximum length as telescoping from the horizontal bar 102. In one example, the setting and/or locking mechanism may include internal twist-action locking systems where twisting of the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 with respect to the horizontal bar 102 causes the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 to be locked in place at a particular extended length with the horizontal bar 102. In one example, the setting and/or locking mechanism may include lever action tube locks that decrease a diameter of the horizontal bar 102 around the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 causing the horizontal bar 102 to pinch the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 at a particular length with respect to the horizontal bar 102. In one example, the setting and/or locking mechanism may include a setting pin or a setting fastener that extends through the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 and engages with the horizontal bar 102.

In one example, the setting and/or locking mechanism may include spring-actuated push button tube locking pin systems where one or more holes are defined in the horizontal bar 102. A spring clip with a protruding pin may be coupled to the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 that are able to engage with the one or more holes defined in the horizontal bar 102 such that the extension of the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 may be configured at discrete positions along the length of the horizontal bar 102 as defined by the one or more holes.

Further, in one example, the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 and/or the horizontal bar 102 may include stops defined at ends thereof to ensure that the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2 are not able to be fully removed from the interior of the horizontal bar 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5 as well, FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a pickleball training device 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. The legs 104 depicted in FIGS. 1 through 6 may support the horizontal bar 102 when assembled as mentioned above. In one example, the legs 104 may be adjusted from the position depicted in FIGS. 1 through 6 to allow the pickleball training device 100 to be collapsible. The collapsibility of the pickleball training device 100 allows for the pickleball training device 100 to be placed into a bag or other container and moved from place to place at the convenience of a user when engaging in training using the pickleball training device 100.

In one example, the legs 104 may be rotationally coupled to the horizontal bar 102. In this example, the legs may rotate about a pivot such as a fastener or pin such that the legs 104 may lie substantially parallel to the horizontal bar 102 when not engaged, and substantially perpendicular to the horizontal bar 102 when engaged. In this example, the interface between the horizontal bar 102 and the legs 104 may include spring-actuated push button locking pin systems where the legs engaged with a spring-actuated push button when extended to the engaged, substantially perpendicular state with respect to the horizontal bar 102. Disengagement of the legs 104 from this state may include application of force on the push button of the push button locking pin systems and rotation of the legs about the pivot to a disengaged state where the legs 104 are substantially parallel to the horizontal bar 102.

In one example, the legs 104 may include telescoping elements that may be extended from the horizontal bar 102 in a manner similarly described above in connection with the first telescoping arm 108-1 and the second telescoping arm 108-2.

In one example, as depicted in FIG. 6, the interface between the legs 104 and the horizontal bar 102 may include a bracket 604 secured to the horizontal bar 102 that includes fitting recesses 606 with which the legs 104 may engage. In one example, the legs 104 may engage with the fitting recesses via an engineering fit where the legs 104 are dimensioned to form an engineering fit within the fitting recesses. As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term “engineering fit” is meant to be understood broadly as any engineering fit such as, for example, a clearance fit (e.g., one of a loose running fit, a free running fit, a close running fit, a sliding fit, and a location fit), a transition fit (e.g., one of a similar fit, and a fixed fit), and an interference fit (e.g., one of a press fit, a driving fit, and a forced fit). In one example, the bracket 604 and/or the fitting recesses 606 may include magnets or may be imbued with ferromagnetic properties such that the legs 104 (made of metal) may be secured within the fitting recesses 606 of the bracket 604 via the magnetic attraction between the legs 104 and the bracket 604.

In one example, the legs 104 may be coupled to the horizontal bar 102 via the use of an elongated elastic cord disposed within the hollow interiors of the legs 104 and the horizontal bar 102. In this example, the elastic cord may extend continuously between distal ends of the legs 104 and a hollow interior of the horizontal bar 102. The elastic cord may be maintained in a state of tension so as to bias the legs 104 toward the horizontal bar 102 and into the fitting recesses 606 of the bracket 604. In this manner, the elastic cords may facilitate retention, alignment, and assembly of the legs 104 with the horizontal bar 102. Further, the elastic cord may ensure that the legs 104 are retained with the horizontal bar 102 and not lost.

In one example, the legs 104 may be unequal in length. As depicted in, for example, FIG. 6, the legs 104 located at the front of the pickleball training device 100 including leg 104-1 and 104-3 may be shorter relative to the legs 104 located at the back of the pickleball training device 100 including leg 104-2 and 104-N. This difference in lengths of the legs 104 may provide for added stability for the pickleball training device 100 as a user applies force to the pickleball training device 100 through striking the retention spindles 106 from the front side of the pickleball training device 100.

In one example, the legs 104 may include feet 602 as depicted in FIG. 6. The feet 602 may include a material that has a relatively higher coefficient of friction than that of the legs 104 and/or a playing surface on which the pickleball training device 100 is installed. This relatively higher coefficient of friction may reduce or eliminate any movement of the pickleball training device 100 relative to the playing surface. In one example, the feet 602 may further include texturing, spikes, or other gripping features that increase the friction between the feet 602 and the playing surface. In one example, the feet 602 may further include fasteners that extend through and/or from the feet 602 to allow the feet 602 to be coupled to the playing surface. This may include, for example, holes defined in the feet through which stakes may be inserted and driven into the playing surface (e.g., ground) or a coupling device that may directly or indirectly interface with a mating coupling device coupled to the playing surface. For example, one or more of the feet 602 of the pickleball training device 100 may be directly or indirectly coupled to a stanchion of the net in a pickleball court, a post of a fence, or other infrastructure elements.

In order to secure the retention spindles 106 to the horizontal bar 102, the pickleball training device 100 may further include brackets 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as brackets(s) 110 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The brackets 110 may include an adjustable ring coupled around the horizontal bar 102 and a clamp coupled to the adjustable ring to secure a stanchion extending from the retention spindles 106 to the adjustable ring and the horizontal bar 102. More regarding the brackets 110 are provided herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a bracket 110 including a retention spindle 106 of a pickleball training device 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. As mentioned above, the bracket 110 may include an adjustable ring 702 and a clamp 704. In one example, the adjustable ring 702 may include a two-piece shaft collar including a first half 706-1 and a second half 706-2 that are coupled around the horizontal bar 102 and coupled to one another via, for example, a set of bolts. In one example, the adjustable ring 702 may include a one-piece shaft collar such as a clamping shaft collar or a set-screw collar. Although the bracket 110 is described herein utilizing the adjustable ring 702, any type of device that couples the clamp 704 to the horizontal bar 102 may be utilized.

Further, the bracket 110 may include the clamp 704. The clamp 704 may include a mounting channel 708 coupled to the adjustable ring 702. The mounting channel 708 may be coupled to the adjustable ring 702 via welding, fasteners, adhesives, and other coupling devices and means. Further, the mounting channel 708 may be dimensioned to fit a stanchion 712 of a retention spindle 106 therein in order to support the retention spindle 106 with respect to the bracket 110 and the horizontal bar 102. Further, the clamp 704 may include a set screw 710 to secure the stanchion 712 of the retention spindle 106 within the mounting channel 708. The set screw 710 may extend through a portion of the mounting channel 708 and apply pressure and/or friction to the stanchion 712 such that the stanchion 712 does not move when seated within the mounting channel 708.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of a retention spindle 106 of a pickleball training device 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of the retention spindle 106 of the pickleball training device 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of an arm 804 and attached pickleball 816 of the pickleball training device 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. The retention spindles 106 may be attached to the horizontal bar 102 as described herein. Any number of retention spindles 106 may be coupled to the horizontal bar 102, such as, for example, four retention spindles 106 as depicted throughout the figures. However, fewer or more than four retention spindles 106 may be coupled to the horizontal bar 102.

A retention spindle 106 may include a spindle drum assembly 802 and an arm 804 extending from the spindle drum assembly 802. The stanchion 712 may also extend from the spindle drum assembly 802 on a side of the spindle drum assembly 802 opposite the side of the spindle drum assembly 802 from which the arm 804 extends. The spindle drum assembly 802 is described in more detail herein.

The arm 804 may include a first portion 806, a transition portion 808, a second portion 810, and a third portion 812. The first portion 806, the transition portion 808, the second portion 810, and the third portion 812 may be formed from a monolithic length of material, such as a metal bar or rod that is bent to include the first portion 806, the transition portion 808, the second portion 810, and the third portion 812. The first portion 806 may be directly coupled to the spindle drum assembly 802. The transition portion 808 of the arm 804 may be formed to provide clearance of the pickleball 816 with respect to the remainder of the arm 804 and to allow for the pickleball 816 to freely spin. The second portion 810, along with the transition portion 808, assists in providing for the clearance of the pickleball 816 with respect to the remainder of the arm 804. The individual lengths and/or collective length of the first portion 806, the transition portion 808, and the second portion 810 may be based on a desired distance of the pickleball 816 from the spindle drum assembly 802 and/or from or past the horizontal bar 102.

The arm 804 may further include the third portion 812 extending from the second portion 810. The third portion 812 may include a degree of bending with respect to the second portion 810 at approximately 90 degrees (°). However, the third portion 812 may include any degree of bending with respect to the second portion 810 that allows for the pickleball 816 to spin freely and about a desired axis that is most beneficial for use in training a player. In one example, the interface between the second portion 810 and the third portion 812 may include a pivot joint that allows for the third portion 812 to move in essentially 360° with respect to the second portion 810 to, consequently, allow for the pickleball 816 coupled to the third portion 812 to be positioned at any angle with respect to the retention spindle 106 and the horizontal bar 102. In one example, the pivot joint may include a ball and socket joint, a condyloid joint, an ellipsoid joint, a saddle joint, a hinge joint, or any other form or type of pivot joint. In one example, the pivot joint may include a set screw or similar mechanism that allows for the pivot joint to be secured at a particular or discrete position.

In one example, the pickleball 816 coupled to the third portion 812 may include any pickleball. In one example, the pickleball 816 may be manufactured with a first aperture 818 and a second aperture 820 defined in locations along the surface of the pickleball 816 that are aligned with a center axis of the pickleball. The center axis of the pickleball may be defined as a line through the pickleball 816 that passes directly through the center of the spherical shape of the pickleball 816. This center axis creates a line about which the pickleball may rotate without allowing for an unbalanced spin of the pickleball 816 about the third portion 812 of the arm 804. Stated another way, the third portion 812 may serve as the center axis of the pickleball 816 about which the pickleball 816 spins. Further, in one example, the pickleball 816 may include additional apertures to simulate play with a pickleball that is not coupled to the present pickleball training device 100.

The pickleball 816 may be selectively removed and coupled to the third portion 812 of the arm 804 via a fastener 814. In one example, the fastener 81 may include a retention ring that engages with a groove defined at an end of the third portion 812, a cotter pin that engages with an aperture defined in the end of the third portion 812, a nut that engages with threads defined in the end of the third portion 812, a shaft collar including a set screw that engages with the third portion 812, and other fasteners that retain the pickleball 816 on the third portion 812 while allowing for the pickleball 816 to spin freely about the third portion 812.

The stanchion 712 may provide support for the spindle drum assembly 802 and the arm 804 and may include any extension of material from the spindle drum assembly 802 that may be coupled to the mounting channel 708 of the clamp 704 and/or be secured within the mounting channel 708 via the set screw 710. In one example, the stanchion 712 may be made of a rigid or hard enough material to withstand any force applied to the pickleball 816, the arm 804, the spindle drum assembly 802, and/or the retention spindle 106 as a whole. This force may include, for example, forces applied to a user as the user trains with the training device by striking the pickleball 816.

The spindle drum assembly 802 of the retention spindle 106 is described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 11 through 14. FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of a spindle drum assembly 802, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of a spindle drum assembly 802, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of a mounting plate 1202 of a spindle drum assembly 802, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a base plate 1102 and a spindle plate 1104 of a spindle drum assembly 802, according to an example of the principles described herein. The spindle drum assembly 802 may include the mounting plate 1202, the base plate 1102, and the spindle plate 1104. The mounting plate 1202, the base plate 1102, and the spindle plate 1104 may be coupled together about a common axis defined by a common channel 1106. Further, the mounting plate 1202, the base plate 1102, and the spindle plate 1104 may be coupled together via a fastener 1208 such as a nut and bolt, a rivet system, or other fastener extending through the common channel 1106 that allows for the mounting plate 1202, the base plate 1102, and the spindle plate 1104 to be rotated about the fastener 1208 inserted into the common channel 1106 defined in the mounting plate 1202, the base plate 1102, and the spindle plate 1104 and formed along the common axis.

In one example, a washer 1210 or other spacer may be inserted between the mounting plate 1202 and the base plate 1102. The washer 1210 may serve as a vibration dampener and as a bearing as the mounting plate 1202 and the base plate 1102 are rotated about one another. As depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13, the mounting plate 1202 may include a setting pin 1212 coupled to a setting channel 1214 defined in the mounting plate 1202. Further, in one example, a least one setting recess 1216-1, 1216-2, 1216-3, 1216-4, 1216-5, 1216-6, 1216-7, 1216-8, 1216-9, 1216-10, 1216-11, 1216-12, 1216-13, 1216-14, 1216-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as setting recess(es) 1216 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) may be defined in the base plate 1102 into which an end of the setting pin 1212 may be inserted. In one example, the setting pin 1212 may be coupled to and within the setting channel 1214 with a biasing spring that forces the setting pin towards the base plate 1102 such that the setting pin 1212 is biased to engage with one of the setting recesses 1216. In this manner, the setting pin 1212 may be disengaged from any one of the setting recesses 1216, and the mounting plate 1202 may be rotated about the fastener 1208 relative to the base plate 1102. The setting pin 1212 may then be engaged with another one of the setting recesses 1216 to cause the spindle drum assembly 802 to be rotated such that the angle at which the spindle drum assembly 802 and the retention spindle 106 as a whole is adjustable with respect to the horizontal bar 102. This may allow a user to interact with the pickleball 816 at different heights and depths as the user practices using the pickleball training device 100.

The base plate 1102, as depicted in FIGS. 11, 12, and 14 may include a first post 1114 coupled to the base plate 1102. A second post 1116 may be coupled to the spindle plate 1104. Further, a spring 1120 may be coupled between the first post 1114 of the base plate 1102 and the second post 1116 of the spindle plate 1104. The spring 1120 may include, for example, any elastic material that may return to a shape or length after being extended. Thus, the spring 1120 may include, for example, a rubber band, a rubber gasket, a metal spring, or any other device that is able to maintain a minimum distance between the first post 1114 and the second post 1116 via a spring bias of the spring 1120.

Further, in relation to the first post 1114, the second post 1116, and the spring 1120, a stop block 1112 may be formed on the base plate 1102 to stop over-rotation of the spindle plate 1104 past a desired angular rotation with respect to the base plate 1102. The stop block 1112 may be placed at any position along the surface of the base plate 1102 that may be effective in retaining engagement of the spring 1120 with the first post 1114 and the second post 1116 so that the spring 1120 remains in a minimum expanded state while being able to expand further in instances where the pickleball 816 is struck causing the spindle plate 1104 to rotate with respect to the base plate 1102 in the direction of arrow 1122. Further, in a static state of the spindle drum assembly 802, the stop block 1112 may abut a stop face 1126 formed on the spindle plate 1104. In the examples depicted in the figures, the spindle plate 1104 may have a shape similar to a sector of a circle to allow for the stop block 1112 and the stop face 1126 to interact as described above. However, in one example, the spindle plate 1104 may have a circular cross-section while including a stop face 1126 that protrudes out of the spindle plate 1104 towards the base plate 1102, such that a stop face 1126 is formed on the spindle plate 1104 such as depicted in, for example, FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9.

In one example, the spindle plate 1104 may include an arced recess 1118 defined in at least a portion of the circumference of the spindle plate 1104. The arced recess 1118 may serve as a seating position for the spring 1120.

Once the pickleball 816 is struck by a user, the spindle plate 1104 rotates with respect to the base plate 1102 about the fastener 1208. In this state, the first post 1114 moves further away from the second post 1116 along the arc length of the base plate 1102 and the spindle plate 1104. Further, the stop face 1126 moves away from the stop block 1112. Still further, the spring 1120 becomes relatively more extended against its spring bias. In this state, the spring 1120, based on its spring bias to a contracted state, creates a force such that the first post 1114 is forced closer to the second post 1116.

Thus, once the force applied by a user hitting the pickleball 816 is removed, the spring 1120 causes the spindle plate 1104 to rotate in the direction of arrow 1124. In this state, the first post 1114 moves closer toward the second post 1116 along the arc length of the base plate 1102 and the spindle plate 1104. Further, the stop face 1126 moves closer to the stop block 1112. Still further, the spring 1120 becomes relatively less extended as it continues to contract based on its spring bias. Eventually, the spring 1120 causes the spindle drum assembly 802 to return to its static state wherein the stop block 1112 once again abuts the stop face 1126 formed on the spindle plate 1104. The movement of the spindle plate 1104 relative to the base plate 1102 may be accomplished any number of times the pickleball 816 is struck.

In one example, the spindle drum assembly 802 may include a torsion spring, a coil spring, an arc spring, a balance spring, or other spring that may be coupled between the base plate 1102 and the spindle plate 1104 in addition to or in replacement of the spring system created by the first post 1114, the second post 1116, and the spring 1120.

As depicted in FIGS. 11 through 13, the stanchion 712 may be coupled to the mounting plate 1202. In one example, the stanchion 712 may be coupled to the mounting plate 1202 using a mounting fastener 1110. However, the stanchion 712 may be coupled to the mounting plate 1202 using any coupling means, such as, for example, mechanical fasteners, rivets, screws, bolts, adhesives, and other coupling means.

Further, as depicted in FIGS. 11 through 13, the first portion 806 of the arm 804 may be coupled to the spindle plate 1104. In one example, the first portion 806 of the arm 804 may be inserted into a spindle plate aperture 1108 and seated therein. In one example, the first portion 806 of the arm 804 may be secured within the spindle plate aperture 1108 using an adhesive. However, the first portion 806 of the arm 804 may be secured within the spindle plate aperture 1108 using any coupling means, such as, for example, mechanical fasteners, rivets, screws, bolts, adhesives, and other coupling means.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the base plate 1102 may include a recessed portion 1204 defined therein around the common channel 1106. Further, a bearing 1206 may be inserted into the recessed portion 1204 defined in the base plate 1102. The bearing 1206 may cause the spindle plate 1104 to rotate about the fastener 1208 and with respect to the base plate 1102 in a free manner so that when a user actuates the spindle drum assembly 802 (e.g., strikes the pickleball 816 coupled to the arm 804), the spindle plate 1104 does not induce any resistance such as resistance through friction between the base plate 1102 and the spindle plate 1104. Thus, although the spring 1120 will force the spindle plate 1104 in the direction of arrow 1124 as described above, there may be no other resistance between the base plate 1102 and the spindle plate 1104 because of the inclusion of the bearing 1206.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a retention spindle 1500 of a pickleball training device 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. Aspects of the retention spindle 1500 are also depicted in FIG. 6. The retention spindle 1500 of FIG. 15 may include a number of elements as described above in connection with the examples described above in connection with FIGS. 1 through 14. The example of the retention spindle 1500 depicted in FIG. 15 may include an adjustable ring 1502 that secures the retention spindle 1500 to the horizontal bar 102. In one example, the adjustable ring 1502 may include features and elements of the adjustable ring 702 of, for example, FIG. 7 including, for example, the first half 706-1 and the second half 706-2 that are coupled around the horizontal bar 102 and coupled to one another via, for example, a set of bolts. In one example, the adjustable ring 1502 may include a one-piece shaft collar, such as a clamping shaft collar or a set-screw collar.

Further, the retention spindle 1500 may include a mounting body 1504 that is coupled between the adjustable ring 1502 and the mounting plate 1202 of the spindle drum assembly 802. In one example, the mounting body 1504 may be monolithically formed with the adjustable ring 1502 and/or the mounting plate 1202 such that the adjustable ring 1502, the mounting body 1504, and the mounting plate 1202 are formed from a single piece of material. This example of the retention spindle 1500 of FIG. 15 may provide for a relatively more robust and strong retention spindle and may reduce complexity within setup and utilization of the pickleball training device 100 for the user.

FIG. 16 illustrates a first side view of a pickleball training device 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. In the example of the pickleball training device 100 of FIG. 16, may include a spindle drum assembly 802 that is directly coupled the horizontal bar 102. In this example, the spindle drum assembly 802 may be coupled to a portion of the horizontal bar 102 at any position along the length of the horizontal bar 102. In one example, the mounting plate 1202 or other portion of the spindle drum assembly 802 may be coupled to the horizontal bar 102 via an adjustable ring 702 in which the adjustable ring 702 is coupled to a side of the mounting plate 1202 or other portion of the spindle drum assembly 802. In one example, the spindle drum assembly 802 may be integrated into the horizontal bar 102 at any location along the length of the horizontal bar 102. The direct coupling of the spindle drum assembly 802 to the horizontal bar 102 rather than via the use of an intermediary element such as the stanchion 712 or the mounting body 1504 may provide for a relatively more robust and strong retention spindle and may reduce complexity within setup and utilization of the pickleball training device 100 for the user.

CONCLUSION

The examples described herein provide a pickleball training device that may be utilized by a user to improve quickness, reaction time, and movement to a pickleball struck by an opponent into the user's side of the court. Through use of the training device, the user may move laterally left and right and learn to use proper and effective footwork. The many adjustable features of the pickleball training device allow for the practice of several different play scenarios and situations. The pickleball training device may improve a user's pickleball game play by developing improved footwork and hitting of the pickleball in a controlled manner while in a hurried state. Further, the pickleball training device may assist in training a user how to strike the pickleball in order to create topspin in both a forehand and a backhand stroke to improve both shot selection techniques and placement of the pickleball in an opposite court.

While the present systems and methods are described with respect to the specific examples, it is to be understood that the scope of the present systems and methods are not limited to these specific examples. Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present systems and methods are not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of the present systems and methods.

Although the application describes examples having specific structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are merely illustrative of some examples that fall within the scope of the claims of the application.