Patent Publication Number: US-2022233930-A1

Title: Receptacle assembly for a paddle-based ball game

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/199,778 filed Jan. 25, 2021 and entitled PADDLE BALL GAME SYSTEM AND METHOD, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present subject matter relates to paddle-based ball games and, more particularly, to a receptacle assembly for the paddle ball game where a ball is hit into the receptacle assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various prior arts related to a paddle-based ball games. But they tend to require a large playing area. The paddle-based ball games often require large nets or a wall that limit the ability of the average person to play. The paddle-based ball games often require a player to be physically fit to play the games. Other methods or objects used to play paddle ball games take large play areas and require physical exertion. Further, the paddle ball games require hard surface areas and large areas which limit the ability to play. 
     As can be seen, there is a need for an improved paddle-based ball game, as disclosed herein. 
     PRINCIPAL OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is a main object of the present invention to allow a paddle-based ball game to be played with limited space in an indoor and/or outdoor setting. 
     It is another object of the present invention to allow a player to be active while playing the paddle-based ball game but doesn&#39;t require significant physical exertion. 
     It is another object of the present invention to develop a receptacle assembly which can be easily assembled and disassembled. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure is about a receptacle assembly for a paddle-based ball game. The receptacle assembly comprises a support structure, an outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder. The outer cylinder is coupled to the support structure. Further, the inner cylinder is housed in the outer cylinder and coupled to the support structure. A first space is defined between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. The first space is configured to selectively receive a ball. Further, the inner cylinder defines a second space therewithin to selectively receive the ball. Further, the present disclosure also come up with method of playing a paddle-based ball game in less space and with minimum player effort. In one embodiment a set of rules for playing a paddle-based ball game is disclosed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a receptacle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a transparent perspective view of the receptacle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded-side view of support structure, outer cylinder, and inner cylinder of the receptacle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of a support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the outer cylinder with an interlocking arrangement along the edge of the outer cylinder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a plain view of the outer cylinder with the interlocking arrangement along the edge of the outer cylinder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the inner cylinder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a plain view of the inner cylinder with the interlocking arrangement along the edge of the inner cylinder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged view representing engagement of the inner cylinder with the support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged view representing engagement of the outer cylinder with the support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 14 a -14 c    is embodiment of the present invention in use, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a plain view of the outer cylinder with a set of slits, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a plain view of the inner cylinder with a set of slits, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the outer cylinder with the set of slits, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the inner cylinder with the set of slits, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a connector rod with an outer flange and an inner flange, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of the receptacle assembly with a set of connectors rods, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a method for playing the paddle-based ball game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 22  is a point system of the paddle-based ball game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the present 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 present invention, since the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a receptacle assembly for a paddle-based ball game. Further, the receptacle assembly comprises a support structure, an outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder. The outer cylinder is coupled to the support structure. Further, the inner cylinder housed in the outer cylinder and coupled to the support structure. Further, a first space is defined between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder being configured to selectively receive a pickle ball and the inner cylinder defines a second space therewithin to selectively receive the ball. 
     Embodiments of the present invention allow the paddle-based ball game to be played with limited space in an indoor and/or outdoor setting. The use of a double walled cylinder with varied game points for each cylinder is unique to all current paddle-based ball games, while taking less space to play. The design of the receptacle assembly for paddle-based ball game itself doesn&#39;t require large space taking items to play. Further, embodiments of the present invention allow a player to be active while playing but doesn&#39;t require significant physical exertion. The design allows a paddle-based ball game to be played in a competitive setting while being more accessible to play. All elements, unless otherwise noted, are required for the paddle-based ball game to be played as designed. However, appropriate modifications to the shapes/sizes would be apparent to those with skill in the art from the following disclosure. 
     Referring to the  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a perspective view and transparent perspective view of a receptacle assembly  1  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It can be understood that in the present invention the receptacle assembly  1  may be used for playing a paddle-based ball game. The receptacle assembly  1  for a paddle-based ball game comprises a support structure  10 , an outer cylinder  14 , and an inner cylinder  15 . The support structure  10  may comprises a circular base  10   a  or a set of connector rod  10   b . The receptacle assembly  1  assembled over the circular base  10   a  is illustrated with reference to  FIG. 3-13 . The circular base  10   a  may be made up of plastic material. Further, the receptacle assembly  1  assembled using the set of connector rod  10   b  is illustrated with reference to  FIG. 15-20 . 
     Referring to the  FIG. 3 , exploded view of the receptacle assembly  1  representing the circular base  10   a , the outer cylinder  14 , and the inner cylinder  15  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Each of the individual components in the receptacle assembly  1  are now explained in further details below. 
       FIG. 4-7  illustrates perspective view, top view, bottom view, and side view of the circular base  10   a , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The circular base  10   a  comprises an outer ring  11  and an inner ring  12 . Further, the outer cylinder  14  is coupled with the outer ring  11 . The inner cylinder  15  is coupled with the inner ring  12 . Further, a first space is defined between the outer cylinder  14  and the inner cylinder  15 . The first space is configured to selectively receive a ball. The inner cylinder  15  defines a second space therewithin to selectively receive the ball. 
     In one embodiment, the outer ring  11  may be enabled with a centered groove  11   a  on a top side of the outer ring  11 . The centered groove  11   a  secure the outer cylinder  14  vertically on top of the outer ring  11 . In one embodiment the diameter of the outer ring  11  may in the range of 20-24 inch. In a preferred embodiment the diameter of the outer ring  11  is 22 inches. The thickness of the outer ring  11  may in the range 0.5-2 inch. In a preferred embodiment the thickness of the outer ring  11  is 1 inch. The height of the outer ring  11  is in the range of 1-3 inch. In a preferred embodiment the height of the outer ring  11  is 2 inches. The thickness of the centered groove  11   a  is in the range of 2-4 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment the thickness of the centered groove  11   a  is 3 millimeters. The depth of the centered groove  11   a  is in the range of 0.5-2 inch. In a preferred embodiment the depth of the entered grove  11   a  is 2 inches. Further, the outer cylinder  14  may be configured to couple with the outer ring  11 . The outer cylinder  14  may seat at centered groove  11   a . In one embodiment the inner ring  12  is enabled with a centered groove  12   a  on a top side of the inner ring  12 . The centered groove  12   a  secure the inner cylinder  15  vertically on top of the inner ring  12 . 
     In one embodiment the diameter of the inner ring  12  may in the range of 6-8 inch. In a preferred embodiment the diameter of the inner ring  12  is 7 inches. The thickness of the inner ring  12  may in the range 0.5-2 inch. Further, in a preferred embodiment the thickness of the inner ring is 2 inches. The height of the inner ring  12  may in the range of 1-3 inch. In a preferred embodiment the height of the inner ring  12  is 2 inches. The thickness of the centered groove  12   a  may in the range of 2-4 millimeters. Further, in a preferred embodiment the thickness of the centered groove  12   a  is 3 millimeters. The depth of the centered groove  12   a  may in the range of 0.5-2 inch. Further, in a preferred embodiment the thickness of the centered groove  12   a  is 1 inch. Further, the inner cylinder  15  may configured to couple with the inner ring  12 . The inner cylinder  15  may seat at centered groove  12   a.    
     In one embodiment, the circular base  10   a  may be place horizontally on a flat surface. The circular base  10   a  may comprise angled connecting members  13  may connects the outer ring  11  with the inner ring  12 . The angled connecting members  13  may maintain a standard distance between the outer ring  11  and inner ring  12  and between the outer cylinders  14  and the inner cylinder  15  when installed. The angled connecting members  13  may be enabled with an opening  13   a . The opening  13   a  may be oval-shaped. Further, each connecting member  13  is tapered such that the connecting member  13  is wider on an outer side (i.e. towards outer ring  11 ) and thinner on an inner side (i.e. towards inner ring  12 ). 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a perspective view and plane view of the outer cylinder  14  in play and carry configuration is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment the outer cylinder  14  may be configured to couple with outer ring  11 . The diameter of the outer cylinder  14  may be in the range of 21-22 inch. In preferred embodiment the diameter of the outer cylinder  14  is 21.5 inch. The height of the outer cylinder  14  may be in the range of 22-26 inch. In a preferred embodiment the height of the outer cylinder  14  is 24 inches. The outer cylinder  14  may be convertible from a carry configuration to a play configuration. The carry configuration may be in a disassembled state as represented in  FIG. 9 . Further, the play configuration may be in an assembled state as represented in  FIG. 8 . For the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, the outer cylinder  14  may be removably transition from an unfolded (flat state) to a folded (ready to use state). The flat state helps in reducing the storage space. The outer cylinder may include at least one-tab  14   a  on a first vertical edge and may include at least one slot  14   b  on a second vertical edge. The tabs  14   a  on the first vertical edge can be inserted into the corresponding slots  14   b  on the second vertical edge to form a cylinder. When removably coupled together, the tabs  14   a  and slots  14   b  are on the opposite side of the outer cylinder  14 . In another embodiment the tabs  14   a  and slots  14   b  may be replaced with snaps, buttons and holes, clamps, hasps, plugs and holes, hooks and loops, or the like components to removably couple the edges of outer cylinder  14  together. In another embodiment, in some implementations the outer cylinder  14  is not foldable Instead, the outer cylinder  14  is an integrally formed cylinder. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the perspective view and plane view of the inner cylinder  15  in play and carry configuration is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment the inner cylinder  15  may be configured to couple with the inner ring  12 . The diameter of the inner cylinder  15  may in the range of 6-7 inch. In preferred embodiment the diameter of the inner cylinder  15  is 6.5 inch. The height of the inner cylinder  15  may in the range of 7-8 inch. In a preferred embodiment the height of the inner cylinder  15  is 7.5 inches. The inner cylinder  15  may be convertible from a carry configuration to a play configuration. The carry configuration may be in a disassembled state. Further, the play configuration may be in an assembled state. For the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, the inner cylinder  15  may be removably transitioned from an unfolded (flat state) to a folded (ready to use state). The flat state helps with shipping and storage. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 12 , the perspective view representing engagement of the inner cylinder with the circular base  10   a  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The outer cylinder  14  and the inner cylinder  15  are spaced apart from each other using spacers or rods. The first space is defined between the outer cylinder  14  and the inner cylinder  15  being configured to selectively receive a ball  17  and the inner cylinder  15  defines a second space therewithin to selectively receive the ball  17 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 13 , the perspective view representing engagement of the outer cylinder  14  with the circular base  10   a  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The outer cylinder  14  and the inner cylinder  15  are spaced apart from each other using spacers or rods. The first space is defined between the outer cylinder  14  and the inner cylinder  15  being configured to selectively receive a ball  17  and the inner cylinder  15  defines a second space therewithin to selectively receive the ball  17 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 14 a , 14 b , and 14 c    different embodiment of the present invention in use is illustrated according to the embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, a ball  17  is provided with multiple holes spaced out covering surface of ball  17 . The diameter of the ball  17  may in the range of 2-4 inch. In a preferred embodiment the diameter of the ball  17  is 3 inches. Alternatively, the ball  17  may be hollow without holes on out surface. A paddle  16  is provided for hitting or striking the ball  17  while aiming the ball  17  towards the receptacle assembly  1 . The paddle  16  comprises a handle having length in the range of 4-6 inch and a flat surface having diameter in the range of 8-12 inch. The game may be played with 4 players  19   a ,  19   b ,  20   a ,  20   b  in total, with 2 players on each team. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a plain view of the outer cylinder  14  and the inner cylinder  15  with a set of slits ( 14   c ,  15   c ) is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The outer cylinder  14  and the inner cylinder  15  may be enabled with a set of slits ( 14   c ,  15   c ) for engaging with the fasteners. Further, the height and width of each slit is such that the slit allows the outer flange ( 20   a ,  20   c ) to pass and restricts the inner flange ( 20   b ,  20   d ) from passing through the slit thereby engaging the set of connector rods  10   b  with the inner cylinder  15  and outer cylinder  14 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the perspective view of the outer cylinder  14  and the inner cylinder  15  with the set of slits is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The outer cylinder  14  and the inner cylinder  15  may be enabled with a set of slits ( 14   c ,  15   c ) for engaging with the fasteners, wherein height and width of each slit is such that the slit allows the outer flange ( 20   a ,  20   c ) to pass and restricts the inner flange ( 20   b ,  20   d ) from passing through the slit thereby engaging the set of connector rods  10   b  with the inner cylinder  15  and outer cylinder  14 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 19 , perspective view a connector rod with an outer flange and an inner flange is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Each connector rod, from the set of connector rods  10   b , comprise a fastener at both ends of each connector rod. Further, the fastener is a double flange structure. Further, the double flange structure comprises an inner flange ( 20   b ,  20   d ), an outer flange ( 20   a ,  20   c ) spaced apart from the inner flange ( 20   b ,  20   d ) to define a channel ( 20   e ,  20   f ). The height of the outer flange ( 20   a ,  20   c ) is less than the inner flange ( 20   b ,  20   d ). In one embodiment, the thickness of the channel may in the range of 2-4 millimeters. In preferred embodiment, the thickness of the channel is 3 millimeters. Further, the inner flange ( 20   b ,  20   d ) and the outer flange ( 20   a ,  20   c ) are movable on the connector rod, from the set of connector rod  10   b.    
     Now referring to  FIG. 20 , the top view of the receptacle assembly  1  with a set of connectors rods is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The outer cylinder  14  and the inner cylinder  15  may be enabled with a set of slits ( 14   c ,  15   c ). The height and width of each slit is such that the slit allows the outer flange ( 20   a ,  20   c ) to pass and restricts the inner flange ( 20   b ,  20   d ) from passing through the slit thereby engaging the set of connector rods  10   b  with the inner cylinder  15  and outer cylinder  14 . 
     Accordingly, the components defining implementations of the receptacle assembly  1  for a paddle-based ball game may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects having a variety of interior and exterior surface textures provided that the components selected are consistent with the intended operation of the receptacle assembly  1  for paddle-based ball game. For example, the components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide; Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like), thermosets (such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and/or the like), any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copper alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; any other suitable material; and/or any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment the circular base  10   a , ball  17  and paddles  16  may be made with plastic injection molds. Further, the outer cylinder  14  and the inner cylinder  15  are made up of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic. Furthermore, the set of connector rod  10   b  is made up of plastic. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 21 , a method for playing the paddle-based ball game is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. While the receptacle assembly  1  for the paddle-based ball has already been described herein, further method of playing the paddle-based ball game may comprise the following. 
     In one embodiment, at least two receptacle assemblies  1  may be provided. Each receptacle assembly  1  may comprise the inner cylinder  15  and the outer cylinder  14 . Further, the first space may be defined between the outer cylinder  14  and the inner cylinder  15 . The first space being configured to selectively receive the ball  17  and the inner cylinder  15  defines a second space therewithin to selectively receive the ball  17 . Further, at least two receptacle assemblies  1  may be spaced apart from each other. A first team member  19   a  may be standing near the first receptacle assembly  1  and a second team member  19   b  of the same team may be standing near the second receptacle assembly  1 , wherein the first team member  19   a  may hit the ball  17  with the first paddle  16  towards the second team member  19   b . Further, the second team member  19   b  may divert the ball  17  towards the second receptacle assembly  1  with the help of the second paddle  16 . Further, hitting the assembly with or without assistance of another teammate scores a first point value and getting the ball  17  directly into the first space with or without assistance of another teammate scores various listed point value. The game is continued with at least two teams playing alternately one team at a time until a predetermined number of points is reached. Furthermore, if number of points exceed the predetermined number, then number of points are reduced. 
     In step  201 , 2 Outer cylinders  14 , 2 Inner cylinders  15 , 4 Connector rods  10   b  OR 2 circular base  10   a,  2 Paddles  16 , 2 Balls  17  may be provided. 
     In step  202 , 2 receptacle assemblies  1  may be assembled. 
     In step  203 , 2 receptacle assemblies  1  may be kept 20 feet apart from each other. The distance between the 2 receptacle assemblies  1  may be vary based on the availability of space and skill level of players. 
     In step  204 , the paddle-based ball game may be played by forming at least two teams. Each team of the at least two team may have at least two teammates. The game may be played with 4 players  19   a ,  19   b ,  20   a ,  20   b  in total, with 2 players on each team. 
     In step  205 , the first serving team may be decided by tossing a coin. 
     In step  206 , the players from the first serving team may be stand behind the receptacle assemblies  1  which may be kept 20 feet apart. 
     In step  207 , the teammate at the adjacent cylinder has the option to tap the ball in the cylinder or take chance of ball being hit into the cylinder unassisted. Further, the teammate who is standing next to the first receptacle assembly  1  may hit the ball  17  with their paddle  16  toward the second receptacle assembly  1  which another teammate of the same team is standing next to. The ball  17  may hit the assembly with or without assistance of another teammate scores a first point value. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 22 , the point system of the paddle-based ball game is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The points may gain as per following rules. 
     1 point: The ball  17  hits any portion of the outer cylinder  14 , whether assisted or unassisted by a teammate. 
     2 points: The ball  17  enters in the outer cylinder  14  assisted by teammate. 
     3 points: The ball  17  enters in the outer cylinder  14  unassisted by teammate. 
     5 points: The ball  17  enters inner cylinder  15  assisted by teammate or ball  17  hits back of outer cylinder  14  or ground landing in inner cylinder  15  unassisted. 
     21 points: The ball  17  enters in the inner cylinder  15  unassisted by teammate. 
     Bonus points: The receiver of the team has the option once the ball  17  is served to them to hit ball back to server in an attempt to gain double the points to any points awarded that turn. 
     In another embodiment, the paddle-based ball game may be played to achieve 21 points and may have the following point system and rules. If the ball  17  hits any portion of the outer cylinder  14 , whether assisted or unassisted by teammate (standing adjacent the receptacle assembly) 1 point may be scored. Further, if the ball  17  misses the outer cylinder  14  that may not count in score. If the ball  17  enters the outer cylinder  14  assisted by teammate, 2 points may be scored. If the ball  17  enters outer cylinder  14  unassisted by teammates, 3 points may be scored. If the ball  17  enters inner cylinder  15  assisted by teammate or by striking outer cylinder  14  and bouncing into the inner cylinder  15 , 5 points may be scored. Furthermore, if the ball  17  enters inner cylinder  15  without assistance from teammate or hitting outer cylinder  14  first, 21 points may be counted. 
     In another embodiment the paddle-based ball game may be won when 21 points or with the first 11 points are unanswered by the opposing team. Further a team goes over the 21-point mark, they will drop down to 15 points. A team may only drop to 15 points one time and will may win if it happens a second time. If ball  17  goes in either outer cylinder  14  and inner cylinder  15  and bounces out, zero points are awarded. Further, if the ball  17  hits the body of your teammate, the ball  17  must be hit with the paddle next to be awarded points. Further, double taps may not be allowed. The points may not be awarded for bouncing the ball  17  into or at the receptacle assembly  1 . 
     The present invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments solely for the purpose of illustration. Persons skilled in the art will recognize from this description that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described.