OPEN PALM PICKLEBALL PADDLE ADAPTER

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pickleball paddles and, more particularly, to an open palm pickleball paddle adapter.

Current paddles require the player to grip a handle (closing the fingers around a handle with varying position and tension). Different pickleball grips (the way the player holds the paddle) offer pros and cons for various playing strokes. Many players find it challenging to achieve a comfortable grip tension. In addition, players with hand and wrist issues have a difficult time holding the paddle.

As can be seen, there is a need for an easier way to comfortably grip a pickleball paddle, even with hand and wrist injuries or weakness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an open palm sports paddle adapter, comprises an adapter plate operative to fasten to a sports paddle and configured to accommodate a user's hand in an open position; and a means of securing the adapter plate to the user's hand, the means of securing being coupled to the adapter plate.

The adapter enables the player to control the paddle with an open palm, remedying concerns with grip and tension variability. Players with hand and wrist issues (e.g., carpal tunnel, etc.) may find the paddle easier to use in an open palm position. Unlike previous products that strap a paddle to the player's hand, the adapter disclosed herein leaves both surfaces of the paddle free so that it doesn't interfere with forehand or backhand play. Thus, a strong forehand and backhand can now be obtained with the same hand position (vs. tradeoff with grips).

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an open palm pickleball paddle according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 in an exploded view thereof; and

FIG. 4 is a section view thereof, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a device that securely attaches the player's open palm to a pickleball paddle.

The adapter plate disclosed herein may be attached to a pickleball paddle by fastening the plate to the pickleball handle by any known means, e.g., by way of screws, adhesives, clamps, etc. In some embodiments, the plate may be monolithically formed with the handle. The adapter plate may be any suitable size and shape that protects the player's hand in an open position and provides secure control of the paddle. For example, the plate may have a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the plate may have textures and/or other features that further enhance stability and comfort.

The adapter plate may be secured to the player's hand by any suitable mechanism, such as straps connected to the plate via slots.

The adapter plate may be manufactured by any suitable process, such as cut from a larger component, machined, molded, etc. The straps may be connected to the adapter plate via slots.

A pickleball player may attach straps to an adapter plate or obtain an adapter plate with attached straps. The player may place their palm against the adapter plate and secure the hand to the adapter plate with the straps. The game may be played as usual.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, FIG. 1 shows a paddle 10 with an adapter plate 12 having straps 14 securing the paddle 10 to a user's 18 hand. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the adapter plate 12 is secured to the paddle 10 with screws 16.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.