Intermeshing Paddles

Abstract

This invention relates to an improvement in a paddle game. Specifically, the pair of paddles used in the game are configured to mesh to form a convenient toting and storage configuration. The surface that comes in contact with the ball is tapered to control the response to the impact of a ball.

Description

There is a paddle ball game which comprises a paddle in the form of cylindrical disc, a tambourine and the like which is open on one end. A strap handle is attached to the cylindrical surface. The game is played by inserting the fingers through the strap and clutching the underside of the paddle. See FIG. 1. A ball is batted back and forth between two players. The ball impacts on the closed end of the paddle.

When the two drums are molded, the hitting surface generally deteriorates into a concave disc and adversely affects game control.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved paddle structure for controlling the response of the impact of the ball.

It is still another object of the invention to configure a pair of paddles so that they mesh together and provide an improved toting configuration forming a compartment for storing a ball.

The novel features that are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims; the invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description of a specific embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of how the paddles are held and the game is played;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a pair of meshed paddles with the improved paddle structure; and

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a pair of meshed paddles having an alternate meshing configuration.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a pair of plastic paddles 11 and 12, each formed in the form of a deep cylindrical disc, tambourine, or the like. The paddles are molded from styrene or other suitable molding compounds. The right cylindrical shape is preferred, though not mandatory. For example, the paddle may be a hexagon or octagon.

Each paddle 11 or 12 has a cylindrical side or skirt 14 and 16, respectively, that is closed at one end by cylindrical disc 18 and 20, respectively. The exterior surfaces 22 and 24 are flat and are impacted by the ball in play.

The interior surfaces of the cylindrical discs 18 and 20 are tapered inwardly so that the narrowest thickness is at the center of the disc. Normally, the disc is of a uniform thickness and about one-eighth of an inch thick. The tapered structure decreases the tendency of the hitting surface to disc. Play is thereby more controllable.

Depending from the discs 18 and 20 are cylindrical members 26 and 28, respectively, which are concentric with the skirts 14 and 16, respectively. A plurality of radial webs 30 and 32, respectively, fill the space between the skirts 14 and 16 and their respective cylinders 26 and 28. The webs 30 and 32 are somewhat shorter than the skirts 14 and 16 and the cylinders 26 and 28.

In this case, the paddles are not dimensionally identical. They are, however, dimensionally complementary so that the paddle 12 meshes with paddle 11. In this case paddle 12 is partially inserted within the paddle 11 as seen in FIG. 2, to form a compartment 34 for carrying a ball 36.

The paddles are dimensioned so that it is necessary to use some pressure to force the paddle 12 into the paddle 11 as the dimensions are such so that one or both of the skirts 16 and the cylinder 28 form a forced fit or holding contact with the skirt 14 and the cylinder 26, respectively. Handles 38 and 40 are provided on the exterior surfaces of the skirts 14 and 16, respectively. The handles 38 and 40 have a dual function. They are used during play and also may be used to carry the paddles and ball.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an alternate configuration for meshing a pair of paddles to form a convenient carrying and storage configuration.

There are two distinctive features between the paddles 42 and 44 and the paddles 11 and 12. In the first place, the cylindrical discs have a uniform thickness. Secondly, the paddles are identical structurally. The paddles 42 and 44 are meshed for carrying and storage purposes by extending a web 46 to provide a tab 48 extending beyond the skirt and cylinder. The second paddle 42 contains a complementary recess 50 formed by a shortened web 52. As seen in FIG. 3, the tab 48 fits into the recess 50 in a locking engagement. By alternating tabs and recesses on a paddle and providing an equal member of webs, it is possible to construct two identical paddles.

The various features and advantages of the invention are thought to be clear from the foregoing description. Various other features and advantages not specifically enumerated will undoubtedly occur to those versed in the art, as likewise will many variations and modifications of the preferred embodiment illustrated, all of which may be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims:

Claims

I claim:

1. A pair of paddles for a paddle game comprising:

a. a first paddle comprising a disc with a depending marginal skirt;

b. a second skirt depending from the interior surface of said disc;

c, a plurality of partially recessed webs bridging the gap between said marginal skirt and said second skirt;

d. a second paddle configured as the first except that it is dimensioned so that complementary oppositely disposed skirts and webs of said paddles mesh with said skirts and webs to form an easily-releaseable force fit, thereby forming a closed compartment; and

e. a handle affixed to the exterior surface of each marginal skirt.

2. A pair of paddles as defined in claim 1 in which the paddles are cylindrical.

3. A pair of paddles as defined in claim 1 where said webs are recessed so that the exterior surface of said marginal and second skirt of said second paddle is in contact with the interior surfaces of said marginal and said second skirt of said first paddle.

4. A pair of paddles as defined in claim 1 where said webs of said paddles contain alternating complementary recesses and tabs so that said tabs of said one paddle mesh with the recesses of the other to hold the paddles together.

5. A pair of paddles as defined in claim 1 where said disc has a tapered cross section with the narrowest portion at the center.

6. A pair of paddles as defined in claim 1 where one paddle fits inside the other so that at least one of the complementary skirt surfaces are in holding contact.