PICKLEBALL PADDLE AND METHOD

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include a pickleball paddle and method for making a pickleball paddle that produce a paddle that produces a lower audible sound when the paddle strikes a ball. The embodiment includes a core with a handle extending therefrom and first and second skins covering outer surfaces of the core. A sound reducing edge is secured to a circumferential core edge and the first and second skins are secured over the sound reducing edge. A transition between the core and the handle additionally adds to sound reduction.

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention include a paddle wherein when a ball is struck by the paddle low audible sound is produced.

Embodiments of the invention are generally related to sports paddles.

BACKGROUND

There are more retirement communities adding pickleball courts along with their tennis courts, or getting rid of their tennis courts in favor of the pickleball courts. Pickleball has become the fastest growing sport in the United States. The sound level produced by playing pickleball has become a problem in a number of communities. Some communities have already outlawed some pickleball paddles that are deemed too loud.

The industry does not focus on the paddle/ball noise issue and basic USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) specifications do not control sound levels. The main areas that the specifications control include: A) The paddle size. The overall width of the paddle face plus the overall length must be less than 24 inches. B) The stiffness or the deflection in the center of the face under a 3 KG load is controlled to less than 0.005 thousands of an inch. Neither the thickness of the paddle or the weight is controlled.

The skins or paddle faces in this industry are generally made from graphite/carbon fiber laminates, fiberglass laminates, or aluminum sheet material. The core materials generally used are lightweight honeycomb materials as Nomex®, plasticor (polymer core), and aluminum.

A few paddles have come out recently with a hard plastic molded edge. Some of these edges are integral with the skins and some not, and these paddles make the loudest sounds. Most manufacturers use a soft plastic or rubber cap 2 that covers the exposed core 3, overlapping the faces by ⅛″ to ¼″ (see FIG. 1C showing Industry Standard). This, of course, reduces the usable playing area of the paddle. These edges are generally bonded to each outside top and bottom face, but not to the cores.

FIG. 5 depicts a plain view of a prior art pickleball paddle 4 with a core 5, and a handle 6. The handle 6 is essentially perpendicular to the circumferential or peripheral edge 7 of the core 5, which edge 7 comprises of a hard carbon fiber material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention include a paddle and in specific embodiments, a pickleball paddle, and methods for making a pickleball paddle that produce a paddle with a lower audible sound when the paddle strikes a ball.

An embodiment of the invention includes a sports paddle that can hit a ball with a lower audible sound comprising a core with first and second substantially parallel outer surfaces and a circumferential or peripheral core edge; a handle extension from the core, a first skin positioned on the first outer surface and a second skin positioned on the second outer surface; a sound reducing edge positioned adjacent to the circumferential core edge; and the first and second skins are secured over the sound reducing edge.

An embodiment of the invention includes the above paddle wherein the sound reducing edge includes a flat end.

An embodiment of the invention includes a paddle wherein the sound reducing edge includes a convex end.

An embodiment of the invention includes a paddle wherein the sound reducing edge includes a concave end.

An embodiment of the invention includes a paddle wherein the paddle includes a transition between the core and the handle that lowers the audible sound.

An embodiment of the invention includes a paddle wherein the transition section is “V” shaped.

An embodiment of the invention includes a paddle wherein the transition section is at least 25 percent the length of the core.

An embodiment of the invention includes a paddle wherein the transition section is at least 40 percent of the length of the core.

An embodiment of the invention includes a paddle wherein the first and second skins are comprised of one, two, or more layers of cloth impregnated with epoxy resin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a plain view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates a sectional view through section 1A-1A of an edge of an embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B illustrates an alternative sectional view through section 1A-1A of an embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1C illustrates a sectional view of an edge of a prior art pickleball paddle.

FIG. 1D illustrates an alternative sectional view through section 1A-1A of an embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of the rounded or convex edge or cap of an embodiment of the invention shown in the sectional view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate end view of the flat edge or cap of an embodiment of the invention shown in the sectional view of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternate end view of a concave edge or cap of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plain view of a prior art pickleball paddle.

FIG. 6 illustrates a chart showing sound level comparisons between embodiments of the invention and prior art paddles.

FIG. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is illustrated, by way of example and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” or “some” embodiment(s) in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

Embodiments of the invention include the pickleball paddle and method for making a pickleball paddle that produce a paddle with a lower audible sound when the paddle strikes a ball.

FIG. 1 illustrated a plain view of an embodiment of the invention. This embodiment includes a pickleball paddle 20. The paddle 20 comprises a core 22 with first and second outer surfaces or faces 24, 26, and a handle 28 extending from the core 22. Preferably the core 22 is of honeycomb construction. The core 22 includes a circumferential or peripheral core edge 30. The paddle 20 further includes a first skin 32 and a second skin 34 which are respectively secured or bonded or glued to the first and second outer surfaces 24, 26 respectively of the core 22. The handle can have a grip (not shown in FIG. 1) that is preferably wrapped around the handle to provide a comfortable way for a player to hold the paddle 20.

In a preferred embodiment the skins are comprised of one, two, or more layers of material or cloth impregnated with epoxy resin. The material or cloth can preferably include a graphite/carbon fiber material or cloth.

A sound reducing edge or cap 36 is positioned adjacent to the circumferential core edge 30. In preferred embodiment the sound reducing edge 36 is secured or bonded or glued to the circumferential core edge 30. In an alternative embodiment the sound reducing edge 36 may not be secured to the circumferential core edge 30. As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B the first and second skins 32, 34 are secured, bonded or glued over the sound reducing edge 36. In particular the first and second skins 32, 34 are bonded over the sound reducing edge 36 in areas 38, 40 of the first and second skins 32, 34. Preferably the skins do not cover the ends 42, 44, 46 of the sound reducing edge 36. This construction is a factor in providing the beneficial sound reducing feature of the pickleball paddle 20.

The sound reducing edge or cap 36 can include at least one of a rubber, an elastomeric material and a polymer material.

FIG. 1A illustrates a sectional view thorough section 1A-1A of an embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1. In FIG. 1A the sound reducing edge 36 has a rounded or convex end 42. FIG. 1B illustrates an alternative sectional view through section 1A-1A of an embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1. In FIG. 1B the sound reducing edge 36 has a flat end 44.

FIG. 2 illustrated an end view of the sound reducing edge 36, with the rounded or convex end 42, of an embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1A. This sound reducing edge 36 includes recessed surfaces 46, 48 to which the first and second skins 32, 34 are secured so that the skins 32, 34 overlap the sound reducing edge 36. The embodiment of FIG. 1D is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1B with the addition of ears or flanges 58, 60 which are bonded over the first and second skins 32, 34, respectively, in order to protect the skins 32, 34.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative of the sound reducing edge or cap 36, with the flat end 44, of an embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1B. As with the embodiment of FIG. 1A, this sound reducing edge 36 includes recessed surfaces 46, 48 to which the first and second skins 32, 34 are secured so that the skins 32, 34, overlap the sound reducing edge 36.

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative of the sound reducing edge or cap 36 with the concave or inwardly rounded end 50, of an embodiment of the invention. As with the embodiment of FIG. 1A, this sound reducing edge 36 includes recessed surfaces 46, 48 to which the first and second skins 32, 34 are secured so that the skins 32, 34, overlap the sound reducing edge 36.

As shown in FIG. 1, the core 22 includes a transition section 52 that is “V” shaped. This transition section 52 additionally aids in lowering the audible sound made by the paddle by providing more flexibility between the core 22 and the handle 28. In a preferred embodiment, the transition section 52 comprises about 25 percent of the length of the core 22. As shown in FIG. 1 the core length includes length 54 while the “V” shaped transition section includes length 56. In another preferred embodiment the transition section 52 comprises about 40 percent of the length of the core 22.

With respect to FIG. 6, sound level comparisons are presented between embodiments of the invention and prior art paddles. The first seven entries labeled “Your Pickleball Place” include embodiments of the current invention. For each test, five readings (1 through 5) were taken and then averaged. Additionally for each test of the five readings, the highest and lowest reading were discarded and then the remaining reading (A through C) were averaged. It is noted from the chart that the average sound level readings for the embodiment of the invention identified as Your Pickleball Place Attitude (Test 1) was approximately 11 db lower than the loudest prior art paddle that was tested.

As shown in FIG. 7, another way to change the paddle 20 resonance sound level is to add thickness to handle and the transition section located adjacent to the handle to stiffen that area. One or more additional layers 70 of the laminate can be added to that area and bonded in place. Single or multiple layers 70 can be added to each side of the handle and the portion of the transition section adjacent to the handle, which single or multiple layers are of the same laminate used on the outer surfaces or faces of the core. Thicker laminate or other appropriate materials can be used.

Embodiments of the invention for reducing the “paddle/ball strike” sound levels may apply to any skin or core materials include the following.

When the rubber edge is bonded to the paddle, it is mainly attached inside the top and bottom skins. The prior art paddle “cap” is generally bonded to the outside of the top and bottom skins (see FIG. 1C). The rubber edge, in an embodiment of the invention, provides a dampening effect. The edge maintains the edge flush with the “faces” or the outer surfaces of the paddle and protect the edges of the laminate “skins”. As shown above, the versions of the edge material can be modified in shape and still provide the vibration damping effect. A larger mass of edge material will provide more damping effect with an increase in weight. Weight should be considered; although, not specified by the USAPA.

The thickness of the core provides the “stiffness” or rigidity to the paddles. The thicker paddles are several times “stiffer” and therefore the natural frequency is higher. Higher natural frequency sounds are more audible to the human ear. The embodiment of the invention is about 0.3 inches thick (and more preferably about 0.312 inches thick) in comparison to the prior art paddle, which mainly run from about 0.415 inches thick to about 0.540 inches thick.

The construction method for the embodiment of the invention will work with various “skin” and core materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and honeycomb cores such as aluminum, Nomex® and/or hexcel polymers. Embodiments of the invention include laminates that are carbon fiber skin laminates that are made up of one, two, or more layers of cloth impregnated with epoxy resin.

The shape of the paddle where it narrows to the grip area is also a beneficial factor in the natural frequency of the paddle. The width of that transition area and the grip width can be modified to “tune” the natural frequency to a lower level for a quieter paddle. Embodiments of the invention preferably have about 25 percent narrower transition area width than prior art paddles. Too much reduction in this area can affect the “drive” or feel of the paddle.

Embodiments of the invention include the placement of the edge inside the skins, and bonding the edge to the inside of the skins, which provide a vibration damping mass. This provides a cleaner face for sticking of the ball than the prior art paddle shown in FIG. 1C with the end cap overlapping the core.

Other preexisting paddles have rubber edges mounted and bonded to the outer core surfaces (FIG. 1C) and there may be no rubber skins surface. Cores generally are smooth with no less that a 40 micro inch finish.

On the preexisting paddles, the edges can be glued over the outer skins and not to the core (as shown in FIG. 1C).

In another embodiment of the invention, sound reduction is due to the fact that the skin inner surfaces are bonded over the edge of the paddle as seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. As seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the exact profile of the edge or cap end can vary and can still provide for sound reduction.

In another embodiment of the invention, a different profile for the edge is used to minimize the amount of edge sticking out beyond the usable core area of the paddle. Most paddles try to maximize the playing surface. The flush edge design as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is generally more desirable.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art. The variations may include a combination of two or more features disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sports paddle that can hit a ball with a lower audible sound comprising: a core with first and second substantially parallel outer surfaces and a circumferential core edge;a handle extension from the corea first skin positioned on the first outer surface and a second skin positioned on the second outer surface;a sound reducing edge positioned adjacent to the circumferential core edge; andthe first and second skins are secured over the sound reducing edge.

2. The paddle of claim 1 wherein the sound reducing edge includes a flat end.

3. The paddle of claim 1 wherein the sound reducing edge includes a convex end.

4. The paddle of claim 1 wherein the second reducing edge includes a concave end.

5. The paddle of claim 1 wherein the core including a transition section from which the handle extends that lowers the audible sound.

6. The paddle of claim 5 wherein the transition section is “V” shaped.

7. The paddle of claim 5 wherein the transition section is at least 25 percent the length of the core.

8. The paddle of claim 5 wherein the transition section is at least 40 percent of the length of the core.

9. The paddle of claim 7 wherein the transition section is “V” shaped.

10. The paddle of claim 8 wherein the transition section is “V” shaped.

11. The paddle of claim 1 wherein the first and second skins are comprised of two layers of cloth impregnated with epoxy resin.

12. The sports paddle of claim 1 wherein said sound reducing edge comprises rubber.

13. The sports paddle of claim 1 wherein said sound reducing edge comprises an elastomeric material.

14. The sports paddle of claim 1 wherein said sound reducing edge comprises a polymer.

15. The sports paddle of claim 1 wherein said sound reducing edge is secured to the circumferential core edge.

16. The sports paddle of claim 1 wherein the core has a thickness of about 0.3 inches.

17. The paddle of claim 1 including one or more layers added to stiffen the handle and a portion of a transition section adjacent to the handle.

18. The paddle of claim 5 including one or more layers added to stiffen the handle and a portion of the transition section adjacent to the handle.

19. A sports paddle that can hit a ball with a lower audible sound comprising: a core with first and second substantially parallel outer surfaces and a circumferential core edge;a handle extension from the core;a first skin positioned on the first outer surface and a second skin positioned on the second outer surface;a sound reducing edge positioned adjacent to the circumferential core edge;wherein the sound reducing edge includes an end with recessed surfaces extending behind the end; andthe first and second skins are secured over recessed surfaces without covering the end of the sound reducing edge.

20. A sports paddle that can hit a ball with a lower audible sound comprising: a core with first and second substantially parallel outer surfaces and a circumferential core edge;a handle extension from the core;wherein the core includes a transition section that joins the core and the handle;a first skin positioned on the first outer surface and a second skin positioned on the second outer surface;a sound reducing edge positioned adjacent to the circumferential core edge;wherein the sound reducing edge includes an end with recessed surfaces extending behind the end; andthe first and second skins are secured over recessed surfaces without covering the end of the sound reducing edge.