Sports equipment weight training system

Abstract

A training system for sports equipment may allow a training assembly to be customized and temporarily installed at selected locations to promote efficient training of an athlete. The training system may be utilized with a paddle, or racquet, that presents a handle and at least one contact surface. A training assembly may be attached to the sports equipment to locate at least one weight portion at a first selected position relative to the contact surface by a clip portion. The clip portion may apply consistent force onto the at least one weight portion to maintain the weight portion at the first selected position during, and after, movement of the sports equipment. The training assembly may be altered by articulating the clip portion to move the at least one weight portion to a second selected position relative to the contact surface.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTSPORTS EQUIPMENT WEIGHT TRAINING SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 749,828, filed on January 27, 2025, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to sports equipment training system and, more particularly, to a system for adding weights to a paddle to allow strength, agility, and speed training.BACKGROUND

[0003] Many sports played all around the world utilize sports equipment with a handle. A handled paddle, racquet, or club may allow a user to manipulate a playable surface in a variety of planes via movement and rotation of the user’s arm, wrist, hand, and body. The diversity of actions allowed through a user’s engagement of a handle of equipment may allow the user to participate in numerous different activities, events, and sports. However, the wide range of movements and actions possible with sports equipment providing a handle may present operational challenges, particularly during activities where precision, speed, and power are emphasized.

[0004] Training equipment, and techniques, may allow a user to increase an aspect of selected activity. For instance, a contoured grip may train a user to hold the handle of a paddle, racquet, or club with specific orientation and position to increase control of a playable surface. In another instance, a textured playable surface of sports equipment may train a user to more precisely make contact with a ball. While training equipment, and accessories, may allow a user to increase proficiency in some aspects of playing a sport, there is a continued goal of sports training equipment that concurrently increases proficiency in numerous different aspects of playing a sport, such as power, speed, precision, and dynamic movements.

[0005] Accordingly, various embodiments of a training system are generally directed to equipment that may allow for the simultaneous training of a variety of different aspects of playing a sport.Attorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTSUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with some embodiments, a training system may be utilized with sports equipment, such as a paddle or racquet, that presents a handle and at least one contact surface. The training system includes a training assembly configured to attach to sports equipment having a handle and a contact surface. The training assembly carries at least one weight portion configured to clip onto a first selected position adjacent to the contact surface, wherein the clip applies a consistent force to hold the weight portion in place during and after equipment movement, and wherein the weight portion is movable to a second selected position. The training assembly may include a plurality of weight portions attached via one or more clips on opposite sides of the sports equipment, and the training assembly may be configured for use on a paddle or a racquet — such as a pickleball racquet. Each weight portion has a shape defining a hitting region and a size smaller than the overall size of the contact surface. Other embodiments of a training system may present sports equipment that has a handle and a contact surface. A weight amount may be selected for incorporation onto the sports equipment at a chosen location. The selected weight amount may be provided by attaching at least one weight portion onto the sports equipment in the chosen location. With the installed weight portion in place, the sports equipment may be moved in a training exercise with the at least one weight portion maintained in the chosen location by a clip portion that is operable to apply consistent force onto the at least one weight portion to prevent movement of the at least weight portion in response to motion of the sports equipment. The chosen location of the at least one weight portion may be moved relative to the contact surface by articulating the clip portion.

[0007] In another embodiment, a wrap-style training assembly is disclosed. The wrap-style training assembly includes a sheath configured to cover portions of the sports equipment to generate tension, a mass portion positioned within the sheath at a selected location relative to the contact surface, and an attachment portion configured to secure the sheath and maintain tension to hold the mass portion in place. The sheath may be formed of fabric, rubber, polymer, or leather, and may leave one or more edges of the contact surface exposed to define a hitting area. The mass portion may be formed of metal, ceramic, rubber, polymer, or combinations thereof;Attorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTmay include friction-enhancing ridges, protrusions, grooves, or textures; may be partially or completely surrounded by the sheath; and is removably positionable at multiple locations within the sheath with a size and shape chosen to maintain position during movement, acceleration, and rotation of the equipment.These and other features which characterize various embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood in view of the following detailed discussion and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Other embodiments of a training system may present sports equipment that has a handle and a contact surface. A weight amount may be selected for incorporation onto the sports equipment at a chosen location. The selected weight amount may be provided by attaching at least one weight portion onto the sports equipment in the chosen location. With the installed weight portion in place, the sports equipment may be moved in a training exercise with the at least one weight portion maintained in the chosen location by a clip portion that is operable to apply consistent force onto the at least one weight portion to prevent movement of the at least weight portion in response to motion of the sports equipment. The chosen location of the at least one weight portion may be moved relative to the contact surface by articulating the clip portion.

[0009] These and other features which characterize various embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood in view of the following detailed discussion and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates portions of a sports environment in which assorted embodiments may be practiced.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates aspects of the sports environment of FIG. 1 operated in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.Attorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCT

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates portions of sports equipment that may be utilized in the sports environment of FIG. 1 in accordance with assorted embodiments of this disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates portions of a training system configured in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates portions of a training system arranged in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates portions of a training system that may be utilized in a sports environment in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates portions of a training system employed configured in accordance with assorted embodiments of this disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of operations carried out in various embodiments of a training system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Generally, embodiments of this disclosure are directed to a training system that may be attached to sports equipment having a handle, such as a paddle, racquet, or club, to allow training actions that increase a user’s proficiency in operating the sports equipment during sports activities.

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and / or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0021] It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used onlyAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0022] For many sports that rely on equipment with a handle, such as paddles, racquets, or clubs, repeated practice of assorted aspects, such as hitting a ball, may provide greater consistency in conducting certain actions. Yet, repeating various training activities may not increase a participant’s strength, power, and / or resiliency to injury. The addition of resistance to training exercises may improve the speed, power, and range of motion for a participant while decreasing risk of injury. However, introduction of components that allow for resistance training may be prone to reinforcement of improper technique or other bad habits. Hence, embodiments of a training system are designed to provide training components that may be efficiently installed and utilized to increase a user’s proficiency in conducting assorted aspects of a sport including, but not limited to, pickleball, tennis, table tennis, or badminton.

[0023] The present disclosure addresses these shortcomings by introducing a modular training system that integrates weight portions into sports equipment, such as paddles or racquets, in a customizable and secure manner. The system employs innovative attachment mechanisms, including clip portions and wrap-style assemblies, to ensure consistent weight placement and retention during vigorous movements, acceleration, and rotation. Unlike prior approaches, the described system allows athletes to adjust the weight amount and its location relative to the contact surface and handle, enabling tailored training exercises that target specific skills, such as paddle control, shot precision, and rotational strength. Furthermore, the modular design minimizes structural degradation over time, ensuring reliable performance and adaptability for various sports, including pickleball, tennis, and table tennis.

[0024] By leveraging specialized attachment features, such as spring-loaded clips, tensioned wraps, and friction-enhancing surfaces, the described system ensures that weights remain securely in place during training activities. This stability allows athletes to focus on refining their techniques without the risk of improper weight shifts or detachment. Additionally, the system’s flexibility in weight distribution and placement promotes efficient muscle development, enhanced hand-eye coordination, and improved stamina. Once the weights are removed, athletes experience heightened proficiency in movements and ease in applying force, spin, and precision during gameplay. This concept represents a significant advancement overAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTconventional training methods, offering a comprehensive solution for skill enhancement and physical conditioning in sports environments.

[0025] The training assembly is designed to securely attach a weight portion to sports equipment, such as a paddle or racquet, using a clip portion that applies consistent force. This arrangement ensures that the weight portion remains fixed at the selected position during dynamic movements, including acceleration, rotation, and impact with a ball. By maintaining the weight portion's position, the system prevents unintended shifts or detachment, which could disrupt training exercises or compromise the athlete's technique.

[0026] The ability to move the weight portion to a second selected position relative to the contact surface provides flexibility in customizing the training setup. This modularity allows athletes to target specific muscle groups or refine particular skills, such as rotational strength, shot precision, or paddle control. For example, positioning the weight closer to the handle may enhance wrist strength, while placing the weight near the periphery of the contact surface may improve control and accuracy during ball engagement.

[0027] Compared to conventional training systems, this design minimizes structural degradation over time, as the clip portion applies consistent force without overstressing the sports equipment. Additionally, the secure attachment mechanism reduces the risk of reinforcing improper techniques caused by inconsistent weight placement or unreliable attachment methods. Athletes can focus on developing muscle memory, coordination, and strength without distractions from equipment instability.

[0028] This system translates into practical applications by enabling tailored resistance training that enhances proficiency in movements, power application, and stamina. Once the weight portion is removed, athletes experience improved efficiency in their movements and greater ease in applying force and spin during gameplay, demonstrating the effectiveness of the training system in skill development.

[0029] A sports environment 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced is shown in FIG. 1 . Any number of athletes 110 may participate in a sport that uses one or more components 120. The athlete 110 may individually, concurrently, or sequentially utilize a head 112, torso 114, arm 116, or leg 118 toAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTengage, move, hit, catch, or articulate a sports component 120, such as a glove, paddle, racquet, bat, or club. It is noted that more than one athlete 110 may be present and engaging a sports component 120 simultaneously and / or sequentially as part of a sport, such as tennis, badminton, table tennis, pickleball, golf, baseball, or softball.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a line representation of aspects of the sports environment 100 employed in accordance with various embodiments. The non-limiting example sports component 120 in FIG. 2 is a paddle 210 that is held by the hand 212 of an athlete 110 and utilized to hit a pickleball 220 within a designated court (not shown). Through practice and experience, an athlete 110 may become proficient in a variety of skills associated with moving the paddle 210 with speed, control, and power that can be translated into locating the pickleball 220 in desired locations with amounts of spin and velocity.

[0031] The athlete 110 may develop a variety of proficiencies associated with body movement, paddle 210 movement, and translating force onto a pickleball 220. Yet, repeated paddle 210 movements alone may not provide sufficient physical feedback, or results over time, to improve an athlete’s control, precision, and / or power. That is, repeated movements with a paddle 210 alone may increase muscle memory and hand-eye coordination, but may not strengthen aspects of an athlete 110, such as muscles of the hand 212, forearm 214, arm 116, torso 114, and legs 118, to improve the physical capabilities of the athlete 110.

[0032] As such, various embodiments contemplate the addition of resistance, or weight, to the paddle 210. By positioning one or more weights on, or around, a paddle 210, an athlete’s proficiency in movements, precision in application of force, and stamina over time may be heightened. In comparison to a paddle 210 that does not have added weight, or resistance, paddle 210 accessories that position mass proximal the periphery of the paddle 210 may increase an athlete’s perception of the position and orientation of a contact surface of the paddle 210, strength in rotating the paddle 210, force applied to a pickleball 220, and resolution of paddle 210 location relative to a moving pickleball 220 due to the increase muscle exertion caused by the presence of added weight.

[0033] Once weight(s) are removed from a paddle 210 after training exercises, the athlete 110 may experience greater efficiency in movements and ease in applyingAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTforce, and spin, onto a pickleball 220. However, the placement of weights, or mass, on a paddle 210 may present challenges. For example, temporarily attaching mass to a paddle 210 in a manner that maintains during assorted actions that produce varying amounts of acceleration, velocity, application of force, and momentum may prove difficult.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a line representation of a front portion of a paddle 300 that may be employed in the sports environment 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In accordance with various embodiments, the paddle 300 is a piece of sports equipment that has a contact surface 310 extending from a handle 320. While not required or limiting, the handle 320 may transition to the contact surface 310 via a guard portion 330, which may have an increased thickness compared to parts of the handle 320. It is contemplated that the handle 320 may have a textured surface, such as provided by leather, tape, or other wrap, and may have a uniform, or varying, width, or diameter, along the length of the handle 320.

[0035] As shown, aspects of the contact surface 310 may be partially, or completely, contained within a cover portion 340. The non-limiting embodiment of the cover portion 340 shown in FIG. 3 conveys how a periphery of the contact surface 310 may be continuously engaged, and covered. It is contemplated that an aspect of the contact surface 310 is exposed while the cover portion 340 is in place while other embodiments of the cover portion 340 completely enclose the contact surface 310. The configuration of the cover portion 340 to surround a periphery of the contact surface 340, at least, may be supported and maintained by one or more attachment portions 342, such as a zipper, buttons, snaps, or ties, that allow for selective removal of the cover portion 340.

[0036] With the cover portion 340, any number, and type, of weights, mass, and features may be incorporated into the paddle 300 for any amount of time. For instance, the cover portion 340 may be constructed of a material that has a tangible amount of weight or may house one or more regions of increased weight, such as pockets or other containment regions for weighted materials, such as beads, ball bearings, or solid metal. It is contemplated that the cover may expose aspects of the contact surface 310, and / or periphery edge of the contact surface 310, for engagement with a ball while the cover portion 340 is attached to the paddle 300.Attorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCT

[0037] While the cover portion 340 may present an ability to add weight to various locations relative to the contact surface 310 and handle 320, the arrangement and structural configuration of the cover portion 340 may present training challenges. For instance, the material, and / or construction, of the cover portion 340 may not be stable over time, particularly after the material of the cover portion 340 stretches in response to movement, moisture, or both, which may be exacerbated by the presence of weights. The flexible nature of some materials used for the cover portion 340 may allow for snug installation, but may also promote loosening over time. Similarly, the attachment portion 342 may be prone to degradation and / or failure over time in response to cyclic installation and removal along with vigorous training motions.

[0038] As a result of the cover portion 340 structurally changing over time, it is possible that additional weight may not be properly held in a desired location relative to the contact surface 310. Such inability to isolate weight / resistance to a particular location relative to the contact surface 310 may complicate training movements, drills, and exercises, which may contribute to bad habits and imprecise muscle memory for an athlete. Accordingly, various embodiments provide training assemblies that are less prone to physical changes over time while providing modularity of weight selection and placement to customize training exercises to increase athlete proficiency in movements, skills, strength, and stamina.

[0039] FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively illustrate line representations of a paddle 400 configured in accordance with various embodiments to attach to a training assembly 410 to provide practical training of assorted movements, actions, and controls associated with playing a sport. It is initially noted that the paddle 400 is not restricted to a specific size, construction, or applicable sport. That is, the paddle 400 may be arranged for different sports, such as with strings to present a ball contact surface, while providing structure that allows the training assembly 410 to be securely, but selectively removably, attached.

[0040] The front view of the paddle 400 shown in FIG. 4 conveys how the contact surface 310 continuously extends from a handle 320 to form a symmetric shape about a longitudinal axis of the paddle / handle, as shown by the segmented line (L). The contact surface 310 may be constructed as a solid material, such as wood, polymer, or rubber, that presents a smooth, or textured, area to engage a ball during participation of a sport, such as pickleball or table tennis. Some embodiments of theAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTpaddle 400 position a frame, or support, around the periphery of the contact surface 310, but such arrangement is not required.

[0041] The training assembly 410, in accordance with various embodiments, positions a weight portion 412 proximal the contact surface 310. Although not required or limiting, the weight portion 412 may be constructed as a unitary piece of material, such as a metal, ceramic, rubber, of polymer, that continuously contacts less than all of the contact surface 310 of the paddle 400. That is, the weight portion 412 may have a size and shape that is less than the surface area of the contact surface 310 so that the weight portion 412 wholly fits within the areal extent of the contact surface 310. By configuring the weight portion 412 with a substantially “U” shape, as shown in FIG. 4, the training assembly 410 may allow particular regions of the contact surface 310 to be utilized to engage a ball, which may promote paddle 400 control and precision for an athlete 110.

[0042] With the unitary construction of the weight portion 412, a uniform distribution of mass may be experienced across selected aspects of the contact surface 310. However, some embodiments may configure the weight portion 412 with more than one component that present varying distribution of mass on the contact surface 310. For instance, the weight portion 412 may be configured with a variety of different materials and / or sizes across the contact surface 310 to convey a varying mass profile along the longitudinal (L), and / or transverse (T), axis of the paddle 400. That is, the weight portion 412 may be configured to provide symmetric or asymmetric mass locations on the contact surface 310 with respect to the longitudinal (L) and / or transverse (T) axis, which may provide customized training for specific muscles of an athlete, such as forearm or hand muscles, along with specific actions, such as paddle 400 rotation or inducing ball spin.

[0043] In the side view of the paddle 400 in FIG. 5, a secondary contact surface 312 is shown positioned on an opposite side from the primary contact surface 310. The secondary contact surface 312 may be arranged to physically match, or be dissimilar to, the primary contact surface 310. The availability of multiple, separate contact surfaces 310 / 312, an athlete may customize the training assembly 410 by incorporating additional mass in selected locations. The selection of the amount of weight, the contact surface 310 / 312, and the location of the weight on the selected contact surface 310 / 312 illustrates the modularity of the training assembly 410. As aAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTresult of such modularity, the training assembly 410 may be efficiently adjusted by an athlete to accommodate a diverse variety of training exercises, such as strength, control, stamina, and specific motions that produce sport-specific shots.

[0044] As a non-limiting example of the modularity of the training assembly 410, one or more weight portions 412 / 414 may be secured in selected positions on the contact surface(s) 310 / 312 with one or more clip portions 416. Various embodiments of the clip portion 416 may utilize one or more retention features to continuously apply force onto a weight portion 412 / 414 and contact surface 310 / 312. A retention feature is not limited to a particular component, or assembly, but may include springs, locking mechanisms, bands, pneumatic pistons, hydraulic pistons, dampers, cushions, and gripping members to apply sufficient force onto a weight portion 412 / 414 to maintain a selected position during, and after, movement and contact with a ball during training exercises and drills.

[0045] The retention feature, in some embodiments, may be reused in assorted different locations, types of weight portions 412 / 414, and types of sports equipment. For instance, a clip portion 416 may be articulated to release and allow subsequent installation and application of consistent force. In a non-limiting example, a spring, or piston, may act on one or more components of a clip portion 416 to contact a weight portion 412 / 414 and / or contact surface 310 / 312 to secure the position of a weight portion 412 / 414 during training exercises and drills. It is contemplated that the clip portion may have modular characteristics that allow for greater, or lesser, size, mass, and amount of continuously applied force. Such modularity may allow for a clip portion 416 to be utilized in a variety of positions and with different weight portion 412 / 414 configurations. For instance, an athlete may install a clip 416, or modify a component of a clip portion 416, to contact and engage a designated region of a weight portion 412 / 414, such as an aperture, ridge, groove, or insert.

[0046] Various embodiments of the training assembly 410 utilize a single clip portion 416 to physically secure one or more weight portions 412 / 414. However, any number of secondary clip portions 418, constructed with matching, or dissimilar, physical characteristics, may also be employed as part of the training assembly 410. For instance, but not limiting, secondary clip portions 418 may be positioned at various selected positions around the periphery of the contact surfaces 310 / 312 with physical configurations that provide different, or matching, sizes, weights, and position of massAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTrelative to the contact surfaces 310 / 312, which may provide customized physical feel, movement, and rotation that caters to efficient training of one or more sport skills through the execution of training exercises and / or drills.

[0047] The ability to utilize separate clip portions 416 / 418 may add additional, appreciable mass from the components of the respective clip portions 416 / 418. Such combination of the mass provided by the weight portions 412 / 414 with the mass provided by the clip portions 41 / 418 may provide a diverse variety of weight distribution configurations with respect to the contact surfaces 310 / 312 and the handle 320. Hence, an athlete may choose to configure the training assembly 410 with a weight distribution configuration that contributes to bias training during paddle 400 movement and / or rotation.

[0048] Through the modularity of the weight portions 412 / 414 and clip portions 416 / 418, the training assembly 410 may accommodate training activity that increases an athlete’s proficiency in paddle 400 movement and control as well as the application of force and stamina by adding mass in locations on the paddle 400 that promote accurate and efficient translation of training exercises and drills into sport-specific muscle memory and hand-eye coordination. While the clip portions 416 / 418 and weight portions 412 / 414 of the training assembly 410 may provide a wide variety of training configurations without damaging the underlying paddle size, weight, shape, or material, it is contemplated that the training assembly 410 may not provide capabilities some athletes may desire to conduct some training exercises.

[0049] In other embodiments, a sheath portion is employed. The sheath portion is physically arranged to cover selected portions of the sports equipment, generating tension that maintains the mass portion at a chosen location relative to the contact surface. This configuration allows the mass portion to be securely held in place during movement, acceleration, and rotation, preventing unwanted shifting or detachment. The attachment portion secures the sheath and maintains the applied tension, ensuring reliable retention of the mass portion throughout training exercises.

[0050] Flexible adjustment of the mass portion location within the sheath enables athletes to customize resistance placement for targeted skill development, such as improving control, balance, or strength in specific regions of the paddle or racquet. For example, the mass portion can be positioned near the edge of the contact surface toAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTtrain fine motor skills or closer to the handle to focus on wrist and forearm strength. The sheath’s material options, such as fabric, rubber, polymer, or leather, provide adaptability for different sports equipment shapes and user preferences.

[0051] This arrangement supports practical training applications by allowing quick installation, removal, and repositioning of the mass portion, facilitating varied training routines without permanent modification to the sports equipment. The system’s ability to maintain tension and mass position during dynamic actions ensures consistent feedback and effective resistance training, contributing to improved muscle memory, coordination, and overall athletic performance. Figures 6 and 8 illustrate the physical arrangement and operational steps for implementing the wrap-style training assembly.

[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view line representation of a paddle 600 that may be employed in a sports environment with a training assembly 610 arranged in accordance with various embodiments. The training assembly 610 provides different physical and operational characteristics than the training assembly 410 of FIGS. 4 and 5. It is noted that the training assembly 610 may be characterized as a wrap style training system that utilizes a continuous sheath portion 612 that covers at least portions of the periphery of the paddle’s contact surface 310.

[0053] The sheath portion 612, in some embodiments, is flexible to allow an athlete to manipulate the position of the sheath material, such as fabric, rubber, polymer, or leather, to desired locations on, and around, the contact surfaces 310 / 312 of the paddle. Although the configuration of the sheath portion 612 is not limited, some embodiments position the sheath portion 612 to continuously extend around the contact surface 310 from a single attachment portion 614, which may be tape, band, tie, clasp, or closure mechanism. By stretching a single, continuous strip of material from one or more attachment portions 614 to form a sheath portion 612, a predetermined amount of tension and force may be applied to the contact surface 310 / 312.

[0054] The sheath portion 612, in comparison to the cover portion 340 of FIG. 3, may allow any number, type, and location for mass portions 616 to be reliably positioned. That is, the material and configuration of the sheath portion 612, along with the attachment portion 614, allows for consistent tension that may maintain an application of force onto a mass portion 616 to hold the mass portion’s location whileAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTthe paddle 600 moves, accelerates, and rotates. In accordance with some embodiments, the sheath portion 612 may partially, or completely, surround a mass portion 616 to aid in retaining the mass portions 616 during paddle 600 motion.

[0055] The configuration of the sheath portion 612 may be complemented by the size and shape of the mass portion(s) 616 to promote maintenance of selected position of the mass portion 616 over time. For instance, a mass portion 616 may have ridges, protrusions, grooves, and textured surfaces that increase the mass portion’s coefficient of friction with the material of the contact surface 310 and / or the physical engagement with the sheath portion 612. Through the customized shape, size, and physical features of a mass portion 616 in combination with the sheath portion 612, an athlete may add weight to the paddle 600 with precision, particularly compared to the relatively large weight portions 412 / 414, that allows for fine-tuning of the athlete’s motor functions through training exercises with the paddle 600.

[0056] Some embodiments of the sheath portion 612 may present one or more exposed edges 618 of the contact surface 310 / 312. The availability of an exposed edge 618 may allow training movements and drills that involve bouncing a ball back and forth from the edge 618 to the hitting area 620 defined by the sheath portion 612. It is contemplated that the exposed edge 618 may further allow for balance and control training exercises, with or without a ball, that would not be efficiently conducted if the sheath portion 612 covered the edge 618.

[0057] With the ability to install, alter, and remove a variety of different training assemblies 410 / 610 onto a contact surface 310 / 312, an athlete may efficiently interchange training weight to practice relatively sophisticated training programs. As a non-limiting example, relatively heavy weights may be employed by installing the training assembly 410 onto a paddle and conducting training exercises for an amount of time to increase proficiency in strength and stamina before interchanging the training assembly 610 to practice, and increase, proficiency in contact surface 310 control and shot making skills.

[0058] In accordance with various embodiments, a paddle is not limited to fitment with a certain training assembly 410 / 610. As such, a training program may involve any number, and type, of training assembly, which may individually be customizable for weight amount and position. FIG. 7 illustrates another example training system 700Attorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTthat may be employed as part of a training program for an athlete alone, or in combination with other training assemblies 410 / 610. The training system 700 utilizes a training assembly 710 that continuously extends across one or more contact surfaces 310 to add weight / mass to selected locations relative to the contact surface 310.

[0059] The training assembly 710 has training components 712 / 714 that physically mate in a connection portion 716 to secure in place relative to the handle 320 and contact surfaces 310 / 312. The connection portion 716 may be any physically secure engagement that allows the respective training components 712 / 714 to unite to form a singular unit proximal one, or both, contact surfaces 310 / 312. For instance, each training component 712 / 714 may grooves, ridges, protrusions, fasteners, and / or mechanisms that mate to form a secure, yet selectively removable, attachment. A nonlimiting example of the connection portion 716 may have a series of opposing teeth, or ridges, that allow movement of the components 712 / 714 towards one another while preventing movement, when engaged, away from one another until selected, such as by articulating one component 712 relative to the other component 714 .

[0060] Some embodiments of the connection portion 716 employ one or more fasteners, such as a magnet, clip, clasp, screw, pin, or latch, to join the respective components 712 / 714 in place. Through the secure attachment of the connection portion 716, the training assembly 710 may remain in place during movement, acceleration, and applications of force, such as hitting a ball. The stationary configuration of the training assembly 710 after mating the training components 712 / 714 may allow for a hitting region 718 to be defined that provides enhanced training capabilities.

[0061] Embodiments of the hitting region 718 present a continuous aperture that exposes the underlying contact surface 310. Other embodiments of the hitting region 718 present a surface supplemental to the contact surface 310 that promotes greater proficiency and / or skill for an athlete, such as in control or application of force onto a ball. The hitting region 718 may be configured, in some embodiments, with a surface textured with ridges, grooves, and / or protrusions that are arranged to train an athlete particular skills, control, and actions. By configuring the hitting region 718 with physical features that are directed to training certain sport-specific skills, the training assemblyAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCT710 may be a productive part of a training program that may include any number of other training assemblies 410 / 610.

[0062] Although the training components 712 / 714 may be constructed, as shown, to cover less than all the surface area of the contact surface 310, various embodiments configure the training assembly 710 to occupy more of the contact surface 310, such as the entirety of the areal extent of the contact surface 310. It is contemplated that more than one pair of training components 712 / 714 may be concurrently mated proximal the contact surface 310 to supply one or more hitting regions 718. It is further contemplated that the training components 712 / 714 may be supplemented by one or more placement features, such as bands, ties, straps, clips, collars, or fasteners that aid in retaining the training assembly 710 in a selected location, and orientation, on the contact surface 310.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example training routine 800 that may be carried out in a sports environment with various embodiments of a training system from FIGS.2-7. The selection of a piece of sports equipment for training in step 802 allows a training program to begin. For instance, step 802 may present a tennis racquet, pickleball paddle, table tennis paddle, baseball bat, or golf club to train with one or more exercises designed to increase proficiency and / or strength of an athlete.

[0064] While the sports equipment selected in step 802 may be employed individually in any number, and type, of training exercise and drill for any amount of time. Decision 804 evaluates if a training assembly is to be incorporated into the sports equipment presented in step 802. The evaluation of decision 804 may consider any number, type, position, and progression of training assemblies as part of a training system that develops skills, muscle memory, and hand-eye coordination with the sports equipment through practice.

[0065] The non-limiting embodiments of the training routine 800 shown in FIG. 8 convey how decision 804 may assign a training assembly that employs one or more clips, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, or a sheath wrap, as shown in FIG. 6. It is noted that the term clip does not restrict the size, position, or type of attachment a training assembly may employ to secure to the equipment presented in step 802. As such, the training components 712 / 714 of FIG. 7 may be considered a clip just as the weightAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTportions 412 / 414 may be held in place in FIGS. 4 and 5 via one or more features that apply consistent force.

[0066] A determination, from decision 804, that a wrap style training assembly is to be utilized as part of a training system triggers step 806 to begin installing at least one sheath portion about the sports equipment by wrapping material about selected portions of a contact surface. An installed sheath portion may, in some embodiments, be utilized alone to reduce the available area of a contact region to engage a ball. However, other embodiments proceed in step 808 to choose a weight amount to incorporate into the sports equipment to provide customized skill and / or strength training.

[0067] The selection of a weight amount in step 808 may then allow step 810 to choose the location of weight relative to a handle, contact surface, or both. It is contemplated that step 810 chooses the number of weights to be included in the training assembly as well as the location of such weight. For instance, step 810 may choose, in one embodiment, a single, unitary weight to be positioned on a selected side of a contact surface or multiple, physically separate, weights to be positioned evenly across a periphery of the contact surface. Regardless of the chosen amount of weight, from step 808, and location(s) of weight(s) chosen in step 810, the sheath portion installed in step 806 provides consistent support for the weight to remain at the selected locations, as generally illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0068] In the event decision 804 chooses a clip style training assembly, decision 812 determines the configuration of the training assembly relative to the available contact surface(s) of the sports equipment presented in step 802. In some situations, a single contact surface may be available, such as a golf club or bat, while other situations present multiple, separate contact surfaces, such as paddles and racquets. A choice to position one or more weights proximal two opposing contact surfaces prompts step 814 to install a chosen amount, and number, of weights on both available contact surfaces, as generally shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, step 816 may install a selected amount of weight at selected location(s) atop a single contact surface.

[0069] It is noted that any number of clips, bands, ties, or training components may be installed in steps 814 and 816 to position any number, and type, of weights and mass at selected locations relative to the handle and contact surface(s) of theAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTsports equipment. In accordance with some embodiments, the structural aspects that attach weights on the sports equipment may itself present mass / weight in chosen locations to promote efficient training of skills, actions, and strength. Hence, multiple clips, or other aspects that promote secure physical attachment to a contact surface, may be employed to affix one or more weights, or components, at designated locations.

[0070] With the installation of weights as part of a training assembly arranged with a designated configuration that utilizes a wrap or at least one clip, a training system may be formed and subsequently employed to conduct any number, and type, of training actions, which may, or may not, involve contact with a ball. At any time after installation of a training assembly, decision 818 may determine if an alteration to the existing training assembly is to be carried out. If not, and at the conclusion of training activity, step 820 removes the existing training assembly from the sports equipment to return the sports equipment to an original configuration that may be employed in playing a sport, such as tennis, pickleball, table tennis, baseball, or golf.

[0071] A determination from decision 818 that some, or all, of a training assembly is to be altered, for any reason, returns to decision 804 as assorted available training assemblies are evaluated and subsequently installed on the sports equipment for use as a training system. It is contemplated that a choice of alteration of a training system may result in revisiting step 802 and replacing, or adding, sports equipment to be utilized in training actions as part of a training system. The modular capabilities of the assorted aspects of training assemblies may allow for a wide variety of different training system configurations that may be efficiently presented by changing, moving, adding, or removing clips, wraps, weights, mass, and components.

[0072] Through the diverse training assembly configurations, a training system may be utilized to promote athlete strength, coordination, and motion proficiency. The ability to incorporate mass / weight at selected locations relative to a contact surface in a variety of manners, such as clips, wraps, and mating components, may allow sports equipment to be customized for optimal training of sport-specific skills via one or more exercises, drills, and actions that employ the training system.

[0073] Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures isAttorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTinterchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0074] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCTWhat is claimed is:

1. A training system comprising:a training assembly configured to be attached to a sports equipment comprising a handle and a contact surface;wherein the training assembly comprises a weight portion configured to attach at a first selected position relative to the contact surface by a clip portion;wherein the clip portion is structurally configured to apply consistent force onto the weight portion to maintain the weight portion at the first selected position during, and after, movement of the sports equipment; andwherein the training assembly is operable to move the weight portion to a second selected position relative to the contact surface.

2. The training system of claim 1 , wherein the training assembly comprises a plurality of weight portions attached via the clip portion.

3. The training system of claim 1 , wherein the training assembly comprises a plurality of weight portions attached to the sports equipment via a plurality of clip portions.

4. The training system of claim 1 , wherein the training assembly comprises a plurality of weights attached to contact surfaces on opposite sides of the sports equipment.Attorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCT 5. The training system of claim 1 , wherein the sports equipment is a paddle, racquet, or club.

6. The training system of claim 1 , wherein the weight portion is sized to occupy only a portion of the contact surface.

7. The training system of claim 1 , wherein the weight portion has a shape defining a hitting region of the contact surface.

8. The training system of claim 1 , wherein the weight portion has a size smaller than an areal extent of the contact surface.

9. A wrap-style training assembly for sports equipment comprising:a sheath portion configured to cover portions of the sports equipment to provide tension;a mass portion positioned within the sheath portion at a selected location relative to a contact surface; andan attachment portion securing the sheath portion to the sports equipment and maintaining the tension to hold the mass portion at the selected location, wherein the sheath portion is configured to allow flexible adjustment of the mass portion location relative to the contact surface.

10. The wrap-style training assembly of claim 9, wherein the sheath portion comprises fabric, rubber, polymer, or leather.Attorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCT 11. The wrap-style training assembly of claim 9, wherein the sheath portion presents one or more exposed edges of the contact surface to define a hitting area.

12. The wrap-style training assembly of claim 9, wherein the mass portion comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal, ceramic, rubber, polymer, and combinations thereof.

13. The wrap-style training assembly of claim 9, wherein the mass portion includes at least one physical feature selected from the group consisting of ridges, protrusions, grooves, and textured surfaces to increase friction with the sheath portion or the contact surface.

14. The wrap-style training assembly of claim 9, wherein the mass portion is configured to be partially or completely surrounded by the sheath portion.

15. The wrap-style training assembly of claim 9, wherein the mass portion is removably positionable at a plurality of selected locations within the sheath portion.

16. The wrap-style training assembly of claim 9, wherein the mass portion has a size and shape selected to maintain the position of the mass portion during movement, acceleration, and rotation of the sports equipment.

17. A method comprising:presenting a sports equipment comprising a handle and a contact surface; selecting a weight amount to be incorporated onto the sports equipment;Attorney Docket No.: 0518.0001 -PCT choosing a location for the weight amount to be positioned on the sports equipment;attaching at least one weight portion onto the sports equipment in the chosen location, the at least one weight portion providing the selected weight amount;moving the sports equipment in a training exercise with the at least one weight portion maintained in the chosen location by a clip portion, the clip portion operable to apply consistent force onto the at least one weight portion to prevent movement of the at least weight portion in response to motion of the sports equipment; andaltering the chosen location of the at least one weight portion relative to the contact surface by articulating the clip portion.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising adding at least one weight portion onto the sports equipment with a secondary clip portion.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the chosen location is altered to a different contact surface of the sports equipment.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising adding a secondary clip portion to apply force onto the at least one weight portion.

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