PICKLEBALL PADDLE DAMPENING INSERT

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/620,608, entitled Pickleball Paddle Dampening Insert, filed on Jan. 12, 2024, which application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a dampening insert is configured for insertion into an opening on the face of a paddle and comprises a weight body with a lip portion. The weight body may be rubber. In one embodiment, the weight body has a first edge, a second edge, and a center portion, and the first edge and the second edge may be wider than the center portion. The paddle may preferably be a pickleball paddle. The pickleball paddle may have at least one dampening insert inserted into an opening on the face of the paddle. The insert may be rubber. The insert may have a first edge, a second edge, and a center portion, and the first edge and the second edge may be wider than the center portion. The paddle, in another embodiment, may comprise at least a first opening and a second opening, and a first insert and a second insert, and the first insert may be inserted into the first opening and the second insert may be inserted into the second opening. The first insert and/or the second insert may be rubber. Preferably, the first insert and/or the second insert may have a first edge, a second edge, and a center portion, and the first edge and the second edge may be wider than the center portion. In another embodiment, the paddle may have a third opening and a third insert, wherein the third insert is inserted into the third opening. The third insert may preferably be rubber. The third insert may have a first edge, a second edge, and a center portion, and the first edge and the second edge may be wider than the center portion.

Also disclosed is a method of adding weight to a pickleball paddle by inserting a dampening insert as described above into one or more openings in the paddle. Also disclosed is a method of changing the feel of a pickleball paddle during use by inserting a dampening insert as described above into one or more openings in the paddle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/IMAGES

FIG. 1 is drawing of one embodiment of a paddle as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of an embodiment of the dampening insert in a paddle face.

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The pickleball paddle Faceweight a/k/a Dampener a/k/a Dampening Insert (“Faceweight”) is intended for use in pickleball paddles that have one or more holes or openings in the face of the paddle. A specially designed faceweight (with appropriate length, width and thickness designed specifically for the size of the opening in the paddle) is inserted into a hole in the face of a pickleball paddle. If there is more than one opening in the face of the paddle, multiple faceweights may be used and the weights may vary in weight.

The faceweight can be made of a variety of materials, firm enough to stay securely in the paddle but sufficiently flexible for a user to insert it and take it out. An embodiment may be made of rubber or a rubber-like material. A faceweight is shaped so as to fill the opening in the paddle face and it has a “lip” that ensures the faceweight stays secure in the paddle even when the paddle is being used to hit the ball. The edges on both sides of the faceweight are slightly wider than the faceweight measures in the middle. In the example in the attached drawing, the “lip” or rim of the faceweight is 6.2 mm.

The faceweight serves two functions. First, it allows the user of the paddle to add weight to the paddle and the varying faceweights allow users to vary how much weight they add by choosing which faceweights they use. When the paddle has multiple holes (as in the attached drawing), players can choose how to distribute the added weight depending on which holes they insert the faceweights into. The second function of the faceweight is that it changes the feel and sound of the paddle at contact and absorbs some of the shock or vibration when a player hits a pickleball. With the faceweights inserted, the paddle will feel more solid and players will not feel the “hollow” sensation they otherwise would if using a paddle with holes in the face of the paddle. Players will also notice that the sound of the paddle at contact is different with faceweights inserted.

Note that the attached drawings demonstrate specific measurements for faceweights to fit openings in the face of a paddle known as the ROKNE Aeroblade. The faceweight concept can be used in any pickleball paddle with at least one hole in the face of the paddle.

Certain features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.