PICKLEBALL PADDLE WITH AN ANGLED HANDLE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This Application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/659,769, filed Jun. 13, 2024, entitled “PICKELBALL PADDLE WITH AN ANGLED HANDLE, ENERGY ABSORBING COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND SOUND-DEADENING PADDLE FACE,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to and makes improvements on gameplay equipment and other game technologies, including pickleball.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

There is a long history of outdoor games people play for enjoyment and competition. Social games like tennis and badminton employ rackets and often involve players across a net volleying a ball or object back and forth. Indoor games like table tennis operate similarly. One recent primarily outdoor game has risen dramatically in popularity: pickleball.

Pickleball is a lower impact version of tennis and uses an oversized paddle to propel a light-weight pickleball across a net to another player, who then returns it. The game has particularly gathered support among older people, such as those who played tennis and racquetball but can no longer handle the intensity of the sport.

Also, with the game having relatively large paddles and being low impact, handicapped people can play. Pickleball, like golf, also allows considerable socialization among players, making this sport popular. With the rapid growth of pickleball sweeping the nation and the world, as well as the innate competitiveness of players, whether recreationally or professionally, advances in pickleball technology can translate into a competitive edge on the court.

As with any sport, any advances must be in accord with the established rules and regulations of the game, such as the size, weight and other parameters of the paddle, the pickleball, and more. As opposed to specific regulations on the game components, the rules of pickleball can vary dramatically, e.g., underhand serves, two-bounces rule (ball must bounce at least once before hitting it), non-volley rule (also known as “the kitchen”) where volleys are not allowed, and many other variations, increasingly the variability and interest in the game.

In particular, by improving the mechanics of play, aiding the player's hand/eye coordination, and decreasing the noise of play, the pickleball paddles of the instant invention are a great improvement over the pickleball paddles in current play.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an ergonomic paddle that helps the player extend their forearm and wrist naturally without hyper-extension, minimizing tennis elbow injuries, inflammation, wrist damage, and body misalignments.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an angled handle on the paddle, which allows the player to fully extend their arm for maximum reach, providing the greatest amount of hitting surface and better control of the ball.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a paddle with vibration and energy dampening capability, absorbing the energy instead of transferring it to the wrist, forearm or elbow of the player.

It is also an object of the instant invention to allow a player to personalize their paddle configuration by dynamically adjusting the handle for personal preference and improved gameplay.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a paddle that lessens the external noise of pickleball play.

These and other objectives are met by pickleball products that employ the improved paradigm of the present invention, which solves numerous problems posed by the existing technologies or paradigms of operation and satisfies existing unmet needs in the burgeoning pickleball community, as well as other game enthusiasts adopting the principles set forth herein into their gameplay.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

There is an increasing need for improvements in game technology, enabling players to perform better, smarter and safer.

The present invention is directed to a gameplay paddle with an ergonomic and angled handle. The angled game paddle handle allows for perfect straight-out extension of the forearm and wrist creating maximum reach and the greatest amount of hitting surface or better control of the ball. Although the invention is primarily directed to the game of pickleball, the principles herein are applicable to any other games employing paddles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While this Specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out embodiments and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following Description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, where like reference numerals designate like various mechanical elements, in which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C illustrate traditional pickleball paddle configurations;

FIG. 2 illustrates components within the traditional pickleball paddles, such as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C generally illustrate three exemplary configurations of paddles with angled handles practicing the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the usage of a honeycomb core and carbon fiber protective weave within the paddle construction of the instant invention such as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C;

FIG. 5 illustrates an angle adjuster apparatus, enabling a player to dynamically adjust the handle angle for play and personalizing use of the apparatus;

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are directed to a horn formed at an end of the handle, enabling players to engage kinesthetically during gameplay;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the interplay of the apparatus of the present invention with a player, showing the usefulness of the horn to orient the player; and

FIG. 8 depicts a paddle portion with insignia thereon, particularly etched or lasered patterns.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying DRAWINGS set forth herein, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. It is, of course, understood that this invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The principles of the present invention are directed to the development of improvements to the construction and configuration of a sports game paddle, particularly, but not exclusively, for pickleball play.

The United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA) governs the rules and regulations of pickleball. The official USAPA rulebook states the combined length and width, including any edge guard and end cap on the paddle, cannot exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm). The rulebook also states that the length of the paddle cannot exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). The USAPA does not place any restrictions on the thickness of pickleball paddles, but the majority of pickleball paddles are 0.4 to 0.6 inches (1.0-1.5 cm) thick.

With reference now to FIGS. 1A to 1C of the drawings, there are illustrated several conventional pickleball paddle configurations, generally designated by the reference numerals 110, 112 and 114, respectively.

Paddle 110 is a traditional pickleball configuration, with dimensions of 7 to 8.25 inches/17.78 to 20.96 cm in width and 15 to 16 inches/38.10 to 40.64 cm in length. Paddle 112 is a so-called hybrid version that is a little longer, up to 16.25 cm. Similarly, paddle 114, an elongated version, has dimensions and 6 to 8 inches/15.24 to 20.32 cm in width and 16 to 17 inches/40.64 to 43.18 cm in length. As is apparent, the paddles 110, 112 and 114 are aligned about a centerline, generally designated by the reference numeral 120. The paddles 110, 112 and 114 include a handle portion, generally designated by the reference numeral 130, and a paddle hitting surface, generally designated by the reference numeral 140, both of which are also bisected by the centerline 120, as shown in the figures.

The standard internal configuration of the aforementioned prior art pickleball paddles 110, 112 and 114 is shown in FIG. 2 of the DRAWINGS, generally designated by the reference numeral 200. As shown, a honeycomb core, generally designated by the reference numeral 250, in the shape of the paddle is covered on the top and bottom by respective protective sheets, generally designated by the reference numerals 252 and 254. For the handle portion, the prior art has two slats of wood at the top and bottom, generally designated by the reference numerals 256 and 258, perhaps tapering a bit, which are glued together. Then one can put a leather wrap or a fake leather wrap around the wooden handle to give it a comfortable gripping surface, as shown in more detail hereinbelow. Some wraps are quite soft and water absorbent that are meant to be replaced often.

As described hereinabove and further hereinbelow, the instant approach to the handle is much different than these rudimentary traditional or prior art methods shown. Indeed, the instant handle or grip in one embodiment is preferably an all-in-one unit, which looks like a fully formed handle but has a slot that goes down the center.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3C of the drawings, there are illustrated three exemplary embodiments of pickleball paddles constructed pursuant to the teachings of the present invention. With reference now to FIG. 3A, there is shown a paddle portion, generally designated by the reference numeral 310, with a handle 330 and paddle hitting surface 340 for engaging the ball in play.

As discussed, a centerline 120/320 runs through the paddle hitting surface 340, as with the prior art embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. However, the instant invention is distinguished from the aforementioned traditional paddles by the usage of an angled handle 330 with a different centerline therethrough, generally designated by the reference numeral 321, offset from the aforementioned centerline 320.

The degree of this angle offset, generally designated by the reference numeral 323, varies, with the degree 323 varying per the personal preferences of the pickleball user and adjustable, as discussed in more detail hereinbelow in connection with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

As set forth in FIGS. 3A-3C, there are shown three exemplary configurations of angular displacement 323 of the handle 330 from the paddle 310 centerline 320. In the FIG. 3A embodiment, the angle 323 is about 22.5 degrees. In the FIG. 3B embodiment, the angle 323 is about 40 degrees. In the FIG. 3C embodiment, the angle 323 is about 55 degrees.

It should, of course, be understood that this angular displacement 323 can be anywhere between about one degree and about 89 degrees, or preferably between about 5 degrees and about 55 degrees, or between about 10 degrees and about 45 degrees, or between about 15 degrees to about 30 degrees, or between about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees, or between about 21 degrees to about 23 degrees, or a currently preferable about 22.5 degrees. Again, the degree angle 323 is primarily the preference of the player, which in other embodiments, as set forth hereinbelow, can be dynamically adjusted.

With reference now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, there is illustrated an exemplary configuration of a construction for the instant invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 400. As shown, the handle 430 is bent or angled, as discussed, and showing the aforedescribed honeycomb or inner core 450 for the paddle 410 in the cutout portion. In construction, this paddle inner core 450, also called an inner blade, can be purchased in bulk sheets or be a 3D printed polymer of different types of plastics constructed with a honeycomb pattern and made of standard materials as is understood in the art. Some of these polymer materials include polypropylene and Nomex, a trademarked product made by DuPont. It should be understood that although this “honeycomb” could be any pattern, i. e, circles and polygons, the honeycomb or hexagonal configuration is the most rigid and lightweight kind of structure.

It should be understood that this honeycomb inner core 450 is throughout the apparatus or device, i.e., the pickleball paddle is a unitary construction, uniting the paddle portion 410/paddle hitting surface portion 440 and the handle portion 430, which makes the entire construct consistent and thus strong.

With further reference to FIG. 4, at the very edge of this paddle 410 and along the edges of the core honeycomb blade 405, there is an edge guard, generally designated by the reference numeral 460, which also forms a lip or brim, generally designated by the reference numeral 465, extending up between about 0.5 and about 1.0 mm so that when the carbon fiber weave is layered on, discussed hereinbelow, the aforesaid hitting surface 440 becomes flush between the polymer honeycomb core 450 and the carbon fiber weave layer thereon. It should, of course, be understood that the aforesaid lip 465 is optional, e.g., a carbon fiber weave, discussed further hereinbelow, may be employed, whether precisely cut for this additional area or other tape material employed to protect the sides of the honeycomb structure 450. If a lip 465 is employed, they are typically made of standard plastic edge guard material and glued onto the sides.

As also shown in FIG. 4, a carbon fiber weave, generally designated by the reference numeral 470, is applied across the entire surface of the aforementioned honeycomb 450 (and possibly along the sides as discussed hereinabove). The carbon fiber weave 470 preferably sits down within the aforementioned lip or brim 465 so there is no carbon fiber edge showing.

All that is then needed to finish the edge of the paddle 410 for play is to place a standard paddle protective tape over the handle portion 430, generally designated by the reference numeral 431, the tape generally extending from the base of the paddle portion 410 down the handle 430 to the grip end thereof, generally designated by the reference numeral 433. It should also be understood that bands, generally designated by the reference numeral 435, may also be employed.

The respective carbon fiber layers within the weave 470 are preferably attached with epoxy resin on both sides of the inner blade or core 450 of the paddle portion 410, e.g., on each surface of the core 450, top and bottom, a layer of woven pre-cured 3K or like carbon fiber 470, preferably approximately about 0.5 to about 1 mm in thickness is adhered onto the surfaces of the core 450 with epoxy resin, which preferably has the same shape as the core honeycomb blade to form fit. These two layers of carbon fiber 470, one on top, one on bottom, sandwiching the core 405, when cured with the epoxy resin, create a rigid total hitting surface 440 that can withstand the hard-hitting impacts it sustains during aggressive pickleball play.

It should be understood that by the time the carbon fiber layers 470 finish curing to the core material 450, the total thickness of the paddle hitting area 440 in this embodiment of the invention is about 8.5 millimeters or greater. Depending on the variation of the core blade 450, this thickness could go as high as about 16 mm. The standard thickness of pickleball paddles in the market today range from about eight to 16 millimeters. As discussed, there is no regulation on the maximum or minimum as far as thickness of the paddle, but, as discussed hereinabove, there are regulations vis-à-vis the total hitting surface size 440 of the paddle apparatus.

As discussed, the ergonomic angle of the handle 330/430 described hereinabove is meant to be a more natural extension of the arm. For example, if one imagines a line from the elbow through the wrist, straight through to the center of the paddle 310/410, this ergonomic angle allows for a great reach capability when moving to strike a pickleball with the paddle.

As opposed to a standard paddle, as shown and described in connection with FIGS. 1A-1C, where if one holds the paddle 110/112/114 in a natural way, that line goes from the elbow to the wrist, and then it suddenly angles up at about a 22-to-45 degree angle. Thus, when a player wants to hit a ball as far out as they possibly can on a reach, then the player must tweak or hyper-extend their wrist. This hyper-extension puts undo strain on that wrist joint and causes fatigue and potential damage to tissue.

As discussed, the ergonomic and other principles herein can apply in other contexts than pickleball, making the advances herein applicable in other sports as well.

The instant design is meant to ergonomically be more comfortable and natural to the normal linear line that goes from the elbow through the wrist to the end of the paddle. This also provides a more natural, comfortable feel on the paddle 310/410. Some prefer to compare this grip to how the handgrip on a pistol is positioned. Indeed, the instant paddles 310/410, as well as handguns, have a natural feel and angle downward to match the position of the hand and to absorb the shock of energy that gets transferred when firing. And in this case, the energy that gets transferred when striking the ball.

In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5 of the DRAWINGS, there is shown an alternate configuration, generally designated by the reference numeral 500, which shares many of the features of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 hereinabove. As illustrated, the paddle portion 510 in this embodiment has an angled handle portion 530.

Since the desired angle for the handle 530 may vary greatly among players, this embodiment of the invention provides an angle adjustment device, generally designated by the reference numeral 580 for dynamic control of the handle angle. As with FIG. 4, the carbon fiber weave 570 is the hitting surface 540, and the handle 530 may have tape 531 extending down to the end 533. The edge guard 560, as discussed, protects the aforementioned and more delicate honeycomb structures 450.

It should be understood that the angle adjuster 580 is adaptable to configure handle angles from about one degree to about 89 degrees. In operation, the player activates the angle adjuster 580, e.g., by unlatching a locking mechanism, generally designated by the reference numeral 585, whereby the player pivots the handle 530 to their desired position and locks the angle adjuster 580 in that angular configuration, e.g., by virtue of the locking switch or like mechanism 585, which holds the handle 530 to that orientation vis-à-vis the paddle portion.

It should also be understood that the player may select their desired angle for play by manipulating the angle adjuster 580, along various gradations of angles, e.g., at about 0.5 degrees to about 5 degrees increments, depending on the gradation scale employed in the device.

Thus, the handle 530 of the paddle 510 could be built in such a way to allow for adjustment of the angle by the user to be angled to the face of the paddle in increments of about 5 degrees, about 2.5 degrees, about 1 degree or perhaps as low as about 0.5 degrees. In a currently preferred embodiment, the gradation increment is about 2.5 degrees. In one embodiment of the present invention, this could be done by having an angle adjuster or adjustment wheel 580 where grooves in the round face on the paddle 510 and grooves on the round face of the handle 530 would lay in to each other and join snuggly, and then secured with a center bolt and nut mechanism, discussed hereinbelow.

This center adjustment wheel 580 could be made of lightweight aircraft grade aluminum, or other material that could sustain the torque and twist of the pivot point. It should be understood that in various embodiments the layering of the wheels 580 could be either a single wheel on the face, and a double “sandwich” wheel on the handle, a double wheel “sandwich” on the face and a single wheel on the handle, or a double wheel sandwich on both the handle 530 and the surface that slides into place. Either of these methods would then preferably be secured to the components with a bolt and nut, as discussed in more detail hereinbelow.

With reference now to FIGS. 6A-6C of the DRAWINGS, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention. In particular and as discussed, the handle portion 630 of the paddle in the instant invention is considerably different than these rudimentary traditional or prior art methods, as exemplified in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2. Indeed, unlike the handle 130 with the two wooden slats 256 and 258, the instant handle or grip 630 is preferably an all-in-one unit, as shown in FIG. 6A.

Shown in FIG. 6A, representing a front view of the handle 630, there is shown a finger touch control surface, or horn, generally designated by the reference numeral 690, extending out at one end thereof, opposite the other end 633 of the handle 630. The handle 630 also has a slot, generally designated by the reference numeral 632, partially visible here, that goes down the center of the handle portion 630 along a side thereof, and securement holes, generally designated by the reference numeral 634 to best secure the handle 630, as shown in more detail in FIG. 6B.

With reference now to FIG. 6B, there is shown a side view of the aforesaid handle portion 630 and horn 690, better illustrating the aforementioned slot 632 extending through the horn 690 and substantially along the length of the handle 630, whereby the horn 690 engages the paddle portion through said slot 632, as shown in more detail in FIG. 6C.

With reference now to FIG. 6C, there is shown a combined view of the aforesaid horn 690, such as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, now combined, using the aforesaid slot 632 therein, with the paddle portion of the paddle 610, showing the improved paddle configuration, generally designated by the reference numeral 600, pursuant to another embodiment of the present invention. The handle 630 now conjoined with the paddle portion 610 includes the new feature for gameplay, the horn 690, shown partially extended into the paddle portion 610 and paddle hitting surface 640. Also shown is the carbon fiber weave 670 and the edge guard 660, as described hereinabove.

It should be understood that the slot 632 allows for the aforementioned blade core 450, along with the bonded carbon fiber weave surfaces 670 thereon of the paddle portion to be inserted into the slot 632, and then secured to the paddle portion 610 with two set recessed screws or center bolt and locking nuts through respective recessed holes 634. This all-in-one design provides strength and rigidity throughout the paddle 600.

As also shown in FIG. 4, once the handle 630 is attached to the paddle portion, protective tape 631 or a soft leather like wrap and moisture absorbing wrap is preferably secured along the handle grip section 630 in a traditional fashion to provide better grip during play.

As discussed, the featured component of the handle 630 in this embodiment of the instant invention that is unique over the art is the finger touch control surface, or horn 690, that extends from the top of the handle 630 onto the paddle hitting area 640. The horn 690 allows the player to place one or more fingers along the periphery of the paddle hitting surface 640 for better control and angle adjustments during play. This raised horn 690 is unique and useful in many ways. For example, in addition to better control, the horn 690 is also designed as a rest for the player's finger(s) and has a better gripping capability. However, as a control or guiding technique, the horn 690 provides an entirely new way to kinesthetically feel the game, i.e., providing a new sensation of body movement and position.

The usefulness of the horn 690 is manifest for gameplay. In presently-preferred embodiments of the present invention, due to thickness concerns, horns 690 are only employed in “thin” paddles, i.e., 8 to 12 mm, and not employed in 16 mm and above embodiments due to present concerns of the apparatus being two thick or too heavy. Of course, Applicant's and the player's present preferences may change, but the principles of the invention set forth herein are applicable in various contexts, including the usage of the horn 690 for all paddles.

With reference now to FIG. 7 of the DRAWINGS, there is shown the aforedescribed paddle device of the instant invention in use. As shown, the player grips the device 700 using the handle 730, with one or two fingers splayed over the horn 790 and perhaps also extending into the periphery of the paddle hitting surface 740 (on one side). It is readily apparent that the player can adapt their grip and hand configuration in numerous ways, engaging the horn 790 and allowing better control and confidence during gameplay.

A player using the device 700 has much more control than players employing the standard apparatuses in the prior art, such as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, with the finger(s) extended onto the horn surface 690/790, more consistent angles can be played toward the oncoming ball and players will also develop a better feel for the game thereby. As mentioned, it is much easier to feel the angle of the paddle 700 before striking the oncoming ball. This horn 690/790 also helps alleviate unwanted twist in the paddle 700 upon impact.

It should be understood that the length and overall shape of the horn 690/790 might vary from about one inch to about two inches with various contours best suited for the placement of the fingers. The optimal length is currently around or about 65 mm from the centerline of the handle protruding down and into the paddle surface area 740. It should, of course, be understood that other lengths may be useful for other configurations.

It should also be understood that the design of the handle 730 allows for the addition of weight to create a better center of gravity balance that most players desire. Many players place weighted tape near the handle 730, along the side away from the paddle portion, so the paddle 700 is less top heavy and has a more close-to-the-handle center of gravity.

The instant handles 330/430/530/630/730 provide many variations of counter weighting to give the optimal feel for the needs of the players. In particular, there are many opportunities to give various weighted points along the handle structure.

As discussed, one of the additional features regarding the design and construction of the instant invention is an additional benefit: reducing the high pitch sound of a pickleball hitting a paddle, which annoys neighborhoods and Home Owners Associations (HOAs). With the current designs of the invention, particularly based on the aforedescribed core pattern structure 450 (and inserted dampening material), which absorbs the energy better, the instant invention in various designs could lower the frequency of these hits to the ball by deadening the sound.

Applicant has found that part of the reason for the sound deadening features of the present invention is the inclusion of small combinations of silicone or other types of rubberized material, e.g., pure silicone rubber, that would fill in spots throughout the paddle core 450, e.g., within the honeycomb cells of the core, which helps absorb energy and thus sound. Applicant in their research has found that current versions of the instant invention, when striking a pickleball ball, have a significantly lower frequency than the majority of the paddles on the market now, even rivaling that of the Owl paddle on the market, which states a 50% noise reduction. Applicant is continuing their research to explore this sound deadening feature.

As opposed to just leaving the natural surface of the carbon fiber to be the final surface that hits the pickleball, as shown in the prior art configurations in FIGS. 1A and 1B, another aspect or feature of the instant invention involves laser treating the paddle surfaces, particularly lasering specific patterns into the surface of the carbon fiber.

Most paddles on the market have a uniform surface throughout the paddle, either smooth, lightly gritty, high grit, etc., which is much like sandpaper grit numbers like 400, 800, etc. But there are no markings or guides upon the hitting surfaces. To create a better “sweet spot” consistency, and provide better operational control and directional assistance, Applicant discovered that laser-treating various patterns into the carbon fiber surface provides additional user control that translates into better gameplay.

With reference now to FIG. 8 of the DRAWINGS, there is illustrated an exemplary configuration of a paddle device, generally designated by the reference numeral 800, such as described hereinbefore, with a paddle portion 810 and angled handle portion 830. Onto the paddle portion 810, particularly the paddle hitting surface 840, an overall pattern, generally designated by the reference numeral 802, can be generated thereon, which provides a visual grid or pattern that can be employed by the user in gameplay, e.g., learning where to best hit the ball for various effects.

In preferred embodiments, this pattern 802 may also be overlaid with a bullseye-type pattern, generally designated by the reference numeral 804, which is superimposed across the midportion of the paddle hitting surface 840, concentric about a midpoint or sweet spot, generally designated by the reference numeral 805.

As shown, in this embodiment a crosshatch laser pattern 802 is etched or burned across the entire paddle portion 810, with also lasering a general circular pattern 804 thereon, beginning at the dead middle sweet spot of the paddle portion 810, then moving outward in tight patterns. It should be understood that this technique increases the sweet spot recognizability and helps correct hits that are off center. These combined patterns also provide maximum spin benefits when striking the ball for either side spin or top spin shots.

Thus, there could be a set of surface grooves or markings, using a laser or other manufacturing techniques that follow two distinct patterns on the face of the paddle, such as patterns 802 and 804 hereinabove. These grooves, in design and practicality, are meant to move or force the pickle ball in a more consistent trajectory for off center shots. It should also be understood that these grooves could be either a raised pattern or be burned in. Although at present burned is preferred, raised is also a possibility here. Also, as for the depth of the lasered patterns 802 and 804, the depth should be attuned to the player's preferences, e.g., forming a number of grooves or channels along the surface for gameplay, as described, or at least sufficient for visibility to the player, as is understood in the art.

In a preferred embodiment the first pattern 802, shown in FIG. 8, is a racetrack pattern that follows the outside design shape of the paddle and in very minute increments, graduated toward the center of the paddle portion 810. These increments could be anywhere from about 1/10 of a millimeter to about a full millimeter.

The second surface groove pattern 804 is preferably a circle pattern, starting in the dead center of the paddle face 810 (the aforementioned sweet spot) and then subsequent circles incrementally working outward until the edge of the paddle is met. These increments could also be anywhere from about 1/10 of a millimeter to about a full millimeter.

It should be understood that the ergonomic pickleball paddle configurations proposed herein offers various and considerable advantages over the known art in the field of gameplay.

It should also be understood that the above structural, compositional, methodological and surface treatment features each provide advantages over the known prior art in pickleball. It should be understood each such feature can be implemented alone or in combination and concert with the other advantages and features described herein to improve the game of pickleball by improving the implements for practicing the game.

Again, the advantages set forth herein can be adapted for use in other sports, providing structural, compositional, methodological and surface treatment enhancements there as well. These other sports could be tennis, racquetball, table tennis and other sports that do not employ rackets/paddles and nets. With the incredible growth of pickleball, there is a present and unmeet need for the gameplay improvements set forth herein among the various embodiments described and illustrated.

For definitional purposes and to prevent ambiguity, the term “paddle” herein refers to a generally flattened object with a small, consistent thickness, separating two generally planar surfaces. The paddle has a paddle portion and a handle portion attached to the paddle portion and configured for hand gripping and attached to the flattened structure. Examples of paddles, such as paddles are set forth throughout the Specification.

The term “paddle portion” generally includes the aforementioned paddle hitting surface 150 and the remaining non-handle portions of the apparatus. The term “handle portion” generally includes the aforedescribed handles, including the horn.

The previous descriptions are of preferred embodiments for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by these descriptions. It should be understood that various alternatives and equivalents are encompassed herein. The scope of the current invention is defined by the following claims.