APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR A QUIET PICKLEBALL

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application, entitled “Apparatus And Methods For A Quiet Pickleball,” filed on Apr. 24, 2024, and having application Ser. No. 63/638,310, the entirety of said application being incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to balls for sports. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus and methods for a quiet pickleball.

BACKGROUND

Pickleball typically is played on a badminton-sized court with a tennis-like net, using a perforated plastic hollow ball. These balls can be blow molded or injection molded and then seemed together. The ball is struck by players using pickleball paddles that resemble large table tennis paddles. Pickleball paddles generally are made of wood, graphite, aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass, composite materials, and other suitable materials. They often have a polypropylene or foam core.

Even though pickleball is a fun and growing sport, the noise it generates can be a drawback in some situations. In particular, the repeated sound of paddles hitting the ball, especially over long periods, can be disruptive and annoying to nearby residents. This can be particularly problematic if courts are located close to homes or in quiet neighborhoods. Studies have shown that pickleball noise can exceed noise ordinance limits set by many communities. The constant noise exposure may be a health concern, causing stress and affecting sleep quality. Further, the noise from pickleball courts can create tension between players and residents living nearby. This can ultimately lead to conflicts and negatively impact community spirit.

As such, while pickleball offers great exercise and social interaction, the noise it generates needs to be addressed to ensure everyone can enjoy their space peacefully. Therefore, a need exists for pickleballs that exhibit reduced levels of noise when hit by a paddle but perform as expected by players.

SUMMARY

An apparatus and methods are provided for a quiet pickleball. The quiet pickleball includes a spherical body comprising a sound dampening layer surrounding an inner plastic layer. Holes extend through the spherical body into a hollow interior. The sound dampening layer reduces the noise exhibited when the pickleball is hit with a paddle. The sound dampening layer can be attached to the exterior of a plastic pickleball or can be co-molded or injection molded during forming the pickleball. In one embodiment, the sound dampening layer is a felt pad adhesively attached to the exterior of the pickleball. A die enables cutting the felt pad to a shape that enables covering the exterior of the pickleball. A n indexing jig enables attaching the felt pad to the pickleball such that holes in the felt pad are aligned with holes in the pickleball.

In an exemplary embodiment, a quiet pickleball comprises: a spherical body comprising a sound dampening layer surrounding an inner plastic layer; and a multiplicity of holes extending through the spherical body into a hollow interior.

In another exemplary embodiment, the sound dampening layer is configured to reduce the noise exhibited when the pickleball is hit with a paddle. In another exemplary embodiment, the sound dampening layer comprises any material found to reduce the noise of hitting the pickleball with a paddle. In another exemplary embodiment, the sound dampening layer comprises a spring surface that may be applied to the exterior of the plastic layer. In another exemplary embodiment, the spring surface is coat molded onto the spherical body.

In another exemplary embodiment, the sound dampening layer comprises a felt layer that is attached to the exterior of the pickleball by way of a suitable adhesive. In another exemplary embodiment, the felt pad comprises an adhesive side that attaches to the pickleball. In another exemplary embodiment, the felt pad generally comprises a horseshoe shape having two rounded portions that share an intervening narrow portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, the horseshoe shape enables covering the exterior of the pickleball with two felt pads. In another exemplary embodiment, a die is configured to enable cutting the felt pad into the horseshoe shape. In another exemplary embodiment, an index mark is disposed on the die to enable aligning an index mark on the felt pad such that the horseshoe shape can be cut in a manner that aligns holes in the felt pad with holes in the pickleball. In another exemplary embodiment, at least one index mark is disposed on the surface of the pickleball to guide orienting the felt pad on the surface of the pickleball.

In another exemplary embodiment, an indexing jig is configured for installing the felt pad onto the exterior of the pickleball. In another exemplary embodiment, the indexing jig is configured to enable aligning the holes in the felt pad with the holes in the pickleball during attaching the felt pad onto the exterior of the pickleball. In another exemplary embodiment, the indexing jig comprises a plate and a multiplicity of pins. In another exemplary embodiment, the plate is configured to support the felt pad while the pins extend through the holes. In another exemplary embodiment, an index mark is disposed on the plate to guide positioning the felt pad on the indexing jig.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for a quiet pickleball comprises: cutting a felt pad into a horseshoe shape by way of a die; laying the felt pad flat on an indexing jig; aligning an index mark on a pickleball with index marks on the indexing jig and the felt pad; and rolling the pickleball to attach the felt bad to the exterior of the pickleball.

In another exemplary embodiment, cutting the felt pad includes aligning an index mark on the felt pad with an index mark on the die. In another exemplary embodiment, laying the felt pad includes aligning the index mark on the felt pad with an index mark on the indexing jig. These and other features of the concepts provided herein may be better understood with reference to the drawings, description, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings refer to embodiments of the present disclosure in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a quiet pickleball, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a quiet pickleball comprising an exterior felt layer that surrounds an inner plastic layer, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a felt pad that is configured to be attached to the exterior surface of a plastic pickleball, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an indexing jig for installing a felt pad onto an exterior of a plastic pickleball, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an exemplary-use environment wherein an indexing jig is being used to install a felt pad onto the exterior of a plastic pickleball, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary-use environment wherein a plurality of quiet pickleballs are roll heated after having felt pads installed, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a pair of hourglass shaped felt pads that can be installed onto an exterior of a plastic pickleball, in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a spherical segmented felt pad that can be installed onto an exterior of a plastic pickleball, according to the present disclosure.

While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the quiet pickleball and methods disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, specific numeric references such as “first pickleball,” may be made. However, the specific numeric reference should not be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpreted that the “first pickleball” is different than a “second pickleball.” Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component. Further, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

Pickleball is a fun and growing sport, but the noise it generates can be a drawback in some situations. The repeated sound of paddles hitting the ball can be particularly problematic if courts are located close to homes or in quiet neighborhoods. Studies have shown that pickleball noise can exceed noise ordinance limits set by many communities. The noise from pickleball courts can create tension between players and residents living nearby. This can ultimately lead to conflicts and negatively impact community spirit. As such, while pickleball offers great exercise and social interaction, the noise it generates needs to be addressed to ensure everyone can enjoy their space peacefully. Embodiments herein provide quiet pickleballs that exhibit reduced levels of noise when hit by a paddle but perform as expected by players.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a quiet pickleball 100, in accordance with the present disclosure. The quiet pickleball 100 includes a spherical body 104 having a multiplicity of holes 108 extending into a hollow interior 112 (see FIG. 2) of the spherical body 104. In some embodiments, the multiplicity of holes 108 ranges between 38 holes and 40 holes. As shown in FIG. 2, the spherical body 104 comprises an exterior sound dampening layer 116 that surrounds an inner plastic layer 120. In some embodiments, the plastic layer 120 may be similar to the exterior of a conventional pickleball.

The sound dampening layer 116 is configured to reduce the noise exhibited when the pickleball 100 is hit with a paddle. As such, the sound dampening layer 116 may comprise any material found to reduce the noise of hitting the pickleball 100 with a paddle. In some embodiments, the sound dampening layer 116 comprises a felt layer that is attached to the exterior of the pickleball 100 by way of a suitable adhesive, as described herein. In some embodiments, the sound dampening layer 116 comprises a spring surface that may be applied to the exterior of the plastic layer 120. In some embodiments, the spring surface can comprise rubber or any of various suitable polymers. Further, in some embodiments, the spring surface may be co-molded or insert molded onto the plastic layer 120 when the spherical body 104 is being molded.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a felt pad 124 that is configured to be attached to the exterior surface of a plastic pickleball 128. The felt pad 124 comprises an adhesive side that facilitates attaching the felt pad 124 to the pickleball 128. As shown in FIG. 3, the felt pad 124 generally comprises an hourglass shape having two rounded portions 132 that share an intervening narrow portion 136. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the hourglass shape enables covering the exterior of the pickleball 128 with a pair 196 of hourglass shaped felt pads 124, as shown in FIG. 7.

The hourglass shape of the felt pad 124 can be cut by way of a die 140, as shown in FIG. 3. An index mark 144 disposed on the felt pad 124 can be aligned with one or more index marks (not shown) on the die 140, such that the hourglass shape is cut in a manner that aligns holes 148 in the felt pad 124 with holes 152 in the plastic pickleball 128. Further, at least one index mark 156 can be disposed on the surface of the plastic pickleball 128. The index mark 156 can be aligned with the index mark to guide orienting the felt pad 124 on the surface of the plastic pickleball 128. In some embodiments, however, the holes 148 can index to the holes 152 in the pickleball 128, in lieu of the index mark 156.

It should be borne in mind that the felt pads 124 are not limited to the hourglass shape shown in FIG. 7. Rather, the felt pad can be fabricated in any shape that effectively covers the spherical shape of a pickleball, without limitation. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a spherical segmented felt pad 200 that can be installed onto an exterior of a plastic pickleball, according to the present disclosure. The felt pad 200 comprises a series of spherical segments 204 that are attached along an equator 208 of the spherical shape. As shown in FIG. 8, an index mark 208 can be disposed on the equator 208 of the spherical shape.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an indexing jig 160 for installing the felt pad 124 onto the exterior of the plastic pickleball 128. The indexing jig 160 enables aligning the holes 148 in the felt pad 124 with the holes 152 disposed in the pickleball 128 during attaching the felt pad 124 onto the exterior of the pickleball 1128. A s such, the indexing jig 160 comprises a plate 164 and a multiplicity of pins 168. The plate 164 provides a flat surface to support the felt pad 124 while the pins 168 extend through the holes 148. An index mark 172 is disposed on the plate 164 to guide positioning the felt pad 124 on the indexing jig 160, as described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an exemplary-use environment wherein the indexing jig 160 is being used for installing the felt pad 124 onto the exterior of the plastic pickleball 128. More specifically, the felt pad 124 is laying flat on the plate 164 with the pins 168 extending upwardly through the holes 148. A n adhesive back 176 comprising the felt pad 124 is facing away from the plate 164 so as to receive the exterior surface of the pickleball 1128. In some embodiments, an adhesive may be applied to the pickleball 128, in lieu of the adhesive back 176 comprising the felt pad 124. As shown in FIG. 5, the holes 152 in the pickleball 128 can be aligned with the pins 168, and thus also the holes 148 in the felt pad 124, by aligning all of the index mark 156 on the pickleball 128, the index mark 144 on the felt pad 124, and the index mark 172 on the plate 164. The pickleball 128 can be rolled along a direction of rotation 180 to attach the felt pad 124 to the exterior of the pickleball 128.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary-use environment wherein a plurality of quiet pickleballs 100 are roll heated after having felt pads 124 installed, as described herein. As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of quiet pickleballs 100 are placed between parallel heating plates 184. In the illustrated embodiment, a motor 188 is coupled with the top heating plate 184. It is contemplated that the motor 188 is configured to move the top heating plate 184 relative to the lower heating plate, and thus cause the quiet pickleballs 100 roll between the heating plates 184. As such, the quiet pickleballs can be roll heated to bond each pickleball's the two felt pads 124 and enhance the roundness of the quiet pickleballs.

It should be borne in mind that the quiet pickleball 100 of the present disclosure is not limited to being covered with previously formed felt pads 124, as described hereinabove. In some embodiments, an adhesive can be applied to a plastic pickleball, such as pickleball 128, and then a felt material can be sprayed (e.g., flocking) onto the pickleball until a suitably thick felt pad covers the plastic pickleball 128. The felt pad can then be drilled to open up holes, such as the holes 152 shown in FIG. 3. Further, in some embodiments, sound dampening material can be co-molded to the inner ball. It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, a separate sound dampening piece can be insert molded into the pickleball 128.

While the quiet pickleball and methods have been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the quiet pickleball is not limited to the variations or figures described. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the quiet pickleball. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process, when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. To the extent there are variations of the quiet pickleball, which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the quiet pickleball found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well. Therefore, the present disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by scope of the appended claims.