Enhanced Pickleball Paddle Edge Guards

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/693,157 filed Sep. 10, 2024, the entire content of which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to pickleball, and more particularly to pickleball paddles.

BACKGROUND

Pickleball, being a rapidly growing sport, is played by players who span a wide range of skill levels, ages, and physical capacities. The vibration generated in the paddle upon the striking blade hitting a ball may be substantial, and may affect the shots. Over time and continued use of the paddle, such vibrations can also impact players hands. Therefore, paddle manufacturers attempt to dampen vibrations in the paddle. Paddle cores comprising a honeycomb structure is relied on by many pickleball paddle manufacturers, and honeycomb structured cores provide a good balance of paddle strength and lower vibration generation (depending on the material of construction). However, in some pickleball paddles and/or for the playing styles of some players, the vibration damping provided by existing techniques is often found to be inadequate.

Therefore, there is a need to reduce the vibrations generated in pickleball paddles while not reducing the quality of performance of the paddle.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

According to an embodiment, a pickleball paddle comprising a handle, a striking blade, and an edge guard along the perimeter of the striking blade. The edge guard comprises a front edge configured to partially extend over a front of the striking blade, a back edge configured to partially extend over a back of the striking blade, and a body connecting the front edge and the back edge and comprising at least one of a structural support component extending in a direction of the striking blade or an exterior protection component extending in a direction opposite to the direction of the striking blade.

The body may comprise the structural support component, wherein the structural support component extends further than the front edge and/or the back edge in the direction of the striking blade. The structural support component may comprise a plurality of extensions in the direction of the striking blade, wherein each of the extensions extends further than the front edge and/or the back edge in the direction of the striking blade.

The body may comprise the exterior protection component, wherein the exterior protection component extends out from the body in a direction away from the striking blade. The exterior protection component comprises a plurality of extensions in the direction away from the striking blade.

The body may comprise the structural support component and the exterior protection component. The structural support component extends further than the front edge and/or back edge in the direction of the striking blade, and wherein the exterior protection component extends out from the body in a direction away from the striking surface. The structural component may comprise a plurality of extensions in the direction of the striking blade, and wherein the exterior protection component comprises a plurality of extensions in the direction away from the striking blade. The at least one of the extensions may be in a same lateral position on the body as one of the extensions in the direction of the striking blade, or at least one of the extensions in the direction away from the striking blade may be located in between two of the extensions in the direction of the striking blade along the body.

The structural support component and the external protection component may be made of a same material as the body, the front edge and the back edge. The exterior protection component may comprise a soft extension component, wherein a material of the soft extension component is softer than a material of the body.

The exterior protection component may extend over entire length of the body. The exterior protection component may extend out from the body in a direction away from the striking blade. The exterior protection component may comprise a plurality of extensions in the direction away from the striking blade.

The body may comprise the structural support component and the exterior protection component. The structural support component may extend further than the front edge and/or back edge in the direction of the striking blade, and wherein the exterior protection component extends out from the body in a direction away from the striking surface. The structural component may comprise a plurality of extensions in the direction of the striking blade, and wherein the exterior protection component may comprise a plurality of extensions in the direction away from the striking blade.

The at least one of the extensions may be in a same lateral position on the body as one of the extensions in the direction of the striking blade. The at least one of the extensions in the direction away from the striking blade may be located in between two of the extensions in the direction of the striking blade along the body.

The structural support component and the external protection component amay be made of a same material as the body, the front edge and the back edge.

The exterior protection component may comprise a soft extension component, wherein a material of the soft extension component is softer than a material of the body. The exterior protection component may extend over entire length of the body. The exterior extension component may comprise a plurality of spaced-apart extensions.

The exterior extension component may comprise at least one material painted or coated over the body, wherein the body is made of a second material different from the at least one material. The at least one material painted or coated over the body may be permanently attached to the body during a manufacturing process of the pickleball paddle, the at least one material painted or coated over the body may comprise a plurality of spaced-apart extensions, or the at least one material painted or coated over the body may have a thickness of less than 1 milli-meter.

The plurality of spaced-apart extensions may be differently shaped. The plurality of spaced-apart extensions may be rectangular-shaped, rounded-shaped or cone-shaped. The edge guard may extend over left side, top, and right side of the striking blade, and the plurality of extensions are arranged over entire length of the edge guard.

The exterior extension component may extend partially over part of the length of the body. The exterior extension component may be rectangular-shaped or is cone-shaped.

The structural support component may be shaped to firmly fit a recess structure on the perimeter of the striking blade. The exterior extension component may be permanently attached to the body during a manufacturing process of the pickleball paddle. The structural support component may be permanently attached to the body during a manufacturing process of the pickleball paddle.

According to an embodiment, an edge guard for a pickleball paddle comprises a front edge configured to partially extend over a front of a striking blade of the pickleball paddle, a back edge configured to partially extend over a back of the striking blade, a body connecting the front edge and the back edge, and a soft extension component connecting to the body and extending in a direction opposite to the direction of the striking blade, wherein a material of the soft extension component is softer than a material of the body.

According to an embodiment, an edge guard for a pickleball paddle comprises a front edge configured to partially extend over a front of a striking blade of the pickleball paddle, a back edge configured to partially extend over a back of the striking blade, and a body connecting the front edge and the back edge. The body comprises at least one of a structural support component extending in a direction of the striking blade or an exterior protection component extending in a direction opposite to the direction of the striking blade.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some features are shown by way of example, and not by limitation, in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like numerals may reference similar elements.

FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show examples of conventional pickleball paddles.

FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications according to the United States Pickleball Association.

FIG. 4A shows an example pickleball paddle location at which edge guard cross-sections in the following figures are illustrated.

FIG. 4B shows a conventional edge guard of a pickleball paddle.

FIG. 4C shows a cross-section of the striking blade of an enhanced pickleball paddle with one additional structural support component, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 4D shows an enhanced pickleball paddle with two additional structural support components, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an enhanced edge guard with an external extension for protecting the edge guard and for vibration absorption, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows an enhanced edge guard that includes structural support components as described in relation to FIG. 4D and also an external extension component as described in relation to FIG. 5, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 7A shows an enhanced edge guard that includes an outer protection layer of a material different than the rest of the edge guard, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 7B shows an enhanced edge guard that includes outer protection extensions of a material different than the rest of the edge guard, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 7C shows an enhanced edge guard that includes an outer protection extensions of a material different than the rest of the edge guard, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 8A shows an enhanced edge guard that includes outer protection extensions of a material different than the rest of the edge guard, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 8B shows an enhanced edge guard that includes an outer protection extensions of a material different than the rest of the edge guard, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 8C shows a front view of a pickleball paddle that includes an enhanced edge guard with an outer protection extensions of a material different than the rest of the edge guard similar to FIG. 8B, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 8D shows a side view of the pickleball paddle shown in FIG. 8C.

FIG. 9A shows a front view of a pickleball paddle that includes an enhanced edge guard with rectangle shaped outer protection extensions of a material different than the rest of the edge guard, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 9B shows a side view of the pickleball paddle shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section view of an enhanced edge guard with pyramid or cone shaped outer protection extensions of a material different than the rest of the edge guard and a structural support component, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-section view of an enhanced edge guard with a continuous layer of outer protection extension of a material different than the rest of the edge guard and a structural support component, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. The description and representation herein are the common means used by those experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

This disclosure relates to “Pickleball,” a game that has in recent years seen a massive increase in popularity among all age groups of players, including among senior citizens.

Pickleball is a game that can be described as combining aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a badminton-sized court, with paddles and a ball similar to a wiffle ball, but slightly smaller in size. The net used in pickleball is similar to a tennis net in some ways, but is lowered at the center.

Pickleball has recently become very popular and is played both indoors and outdoors, as either doubles or singles. The rules are relatively simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn. However, among skilled players, pickleball can develop into a quick, fast-paced, and competitive game.

FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court 100 that includes a pickleball playing surface 130 and a pickleball net 132. The playing surface 130 comprises two left serve areas 102 and 108, two right serve areas 104 and 106, and two non-volley areas 110 and 112, with one of the left serve areas, one of the right serve areas, and one of the non-volley areas being on each side of the pickleball net 132. The net is 36 inches tall at the edges, and lowered to 34 inches in the middle. The areas 102-112 are defined by baselines 118 and 120 each 20 feet, sidelines 114 and 116 each 44 feet, center lines 122 and 124 each 15 feet, and non-volley lines 126 and 128 each the same size as a baseline. Each of the lines may be 2 inches wide. The term “court line” is used in this disclosure to refer to any sideline, baseline, centerline or non-volley line on the pickleball court. Non-volley areas 110 and 112, each extending 7 feet from the net, are also referred to as the “kitchen”.

The game of pickleball is played with a pickleball paddle 134 and pickleball ball 136. The ball 136 is typically made of plastic and has a 3-inch diameter. Similar to a wiffleball, the ball 136 has through holes throughout the surface. Different types (e.g., with different levels of hardness and different sizes of the through holes) may be used for playing the game on the various types of pickleball courts (e.g., indoor, outdoor, hard surface, soft surface etc.).

Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, and is most commonly played as doubles. Each point begins with an underarm serve. The serve is performed diagonally beginning at the right-hand service square. A valid serve sends the ball from one left serve area to the other left serve area or from one right serve area to the other right serve area. The serve must clear the non-volley-zone. The serve must bounce before being hit by the receiver. The return of serve must also bounce before being hit (this is known as the 2 bounce rule). After the serve and the return of the serve, the ball can land anywhere on the opposite side of the playing surface 130. Volleys can only be performed outside of the non-volley zone. Volleys, that is, hitting the ball in the air without first letting it bounce, can only be made after the 2 bounce rule has been followed. However, if the ball is hit from within the kitchen, then it cannot land in the kitchen on the other side of the net.

A fault is any action that stops play due to a rule violation. A fault by the receiving team results in the servers earning a point. A fault by the serving team results in the server's loss of service and/or side out. A fault is committed when the serve touches any part of the non-volley zone (including the line) or the ball is hit out of bounds.

Pickleball games are typically played without a referee and are self-judged. Each player makes the line calls as to whether the ball is in or out when the ball contacts the playing surface on that player's side. The game continues to at least 11 points and requires a 2-point difference for a win. FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

A conventional pickleball paddle is shown in FIG. 2A. In some example embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 2A, a pickleball paddle 200 may comprise a striking blade 202 and a handle 204 connected to the striking blade. A grip 206 may wrap around a portion of the handle 204 and may comprise of a material that is more comfortable and/or provides better control of the paddle. The grip 206 is the portion of the handle that is intended to be held by the player during play (e.g., to strike and return a ball during play). The striking blade 202 comprises two striking surfaces 203, a core sandwiched between the striking surfaces, and, optionally, a frame (also referred to as an edge) 208 surrounding the striking surfaces 203. A striking surface 203 may also be referred to as a face of the striking blade 202 and is intended to be the portion of the striking blade 202 with which to strike the pickleball ball. During a pickleball game, based on the ball position and/or player position on the pickleball court, the player may use either the front face or the back face of the striking blade (e.g., corresponding to the front and back of the pickleball paddle, respectively) for any shot. The core of the striking blade may be constructed from materials such as, for example, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber/plastic compound, polymer, aluminum, honeycomb composite, etc., The striking surface 203 may comprise one or more layers of materials such as, for example, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber/plastic compound, fiberglass, carbon fiber, graphite, etc., that are conducive to striking/returning the pickleball ball and/or controlling the behavior of the ball. The striking surface 203 may be configured with a particular hardness (e.g., using the same or different material or material combination as in the rest of the striking surface) in an area referred to as “sweet spot” intended to provide the primary area of contact with the pickleball. The frame 208 may be constructed with a wood, plastic and/or hard rubber or compound thereof to encompass and provide support to the striking surface. The frame 208 may be integrated with or connected to the handle 204 at a connection area (also referred to as a connection part or connection point). The handle 204 may be the lower portion of a part/member (e.g., constructed of the same or different material(s) as the handle 204) that extends to the top of the striking blade (e.g., to the frame 208 at the top of the striking blade) or part way through the middle/core of the striking blade, and may be integrated/connected with the frame 208 in the connecting area (connecting part).

In a conventional pickleball paddle such as that shown in FIG. 2A, the entire paddle has the same center axis. That is, a center axis of the striking blade 202 and the center axis 212 of the handle 204 are parallel and are aligned with each other. Some pickleball paddles may include a butt cap 205 affixed to the bottom of the handle 204.

FIG. 2B shows two examples of commonly available pickleball paddles. The example pickleball paddle on the left side has a more elongated striking blade than the example paddle on the right side, providing a larger striking surface. Each example pickleball paddle in FIG. 2B, similar to that in FIG. 2A, has an edge that is of a concave shape on either side (left and right) of the handle and then curves upward before extending up in a straight line. In each example paddle shown in FIG. 2B the center axes (not shown in FIG. 2B) of the striking blade and the handle are the same.

FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications and standards according to USA Pickleball—the United States Pickleball Association. The current USA Pickleball specifications require that the combined length and width of a pickleball paddle cannot exceed 24 inches. The illustrated example paddle specification shows a paddle shape that can provide for a total length (handle and striking blade) of 15.5″-17″ inches and a width of 7″ 8.25″. The paddle length may not exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). Not mandated by USA Pickleball, but illustrated in FIG. 3 for an example pickleball paddle, are a thickness of 0.5″-0.625″ of the striking blade, a thickness of 1.25″ at the bottom of the handle, and a length of 4″-5.5″ of the handle. The side profile view at the bottom of the figure illustrates the profile view from the long side of the example paddle, and the side profile view shown on the right illustrates the profile view from the top-side of the paddle.

In the specification, the handle is an extension of the paddle face and may not exceed 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length, and the handle must be an integral part of the paddle face. It should not have any separate components or extensions beyond the permitted length. The handle should have a smooth surface without any protrusions, attachments, or features that could cause injury to players or interfere with gameplay. The handle, like the rest of the paddle, must be constructed of approved materials. Common materials include wood, composite materials, or graphite.

Paddle construction plays a significant role in overall performance of a pickleball paddle and/or a player's experience on the court. As noted above, various materials are used to craft pickleball paddles. There are at least three main components to a pickleball paddle construction: the face, the core, and the handle. The face (also referred to as striking surface or face sheet) of a pickleball paddle is the hitting surface that comes into direct contact with the ball. Paddle faces may be made from a variety of materials, each offering different properties. The core (core layer) is the inner structure of the pickleball paddle that lies sandwiched between the two faces of the paddle. It provides the paddle with its structural integrity. In many examples, the core is the primary determinant of the paddle's structural integrity as other parts of the paddle such as face sheets, edge guard, and the handle are connected to the core. The core can be made from any of several construction materials, and each construction material may affect the paddle's weight, control, and/or power, etc., differently. The structure (structural design) of the core can also, in addition to the paddle's structural integrity, affect the paddle's characteristic such as, for example, weight, balance, control and/or power. An example core structure is the honeycomb pattern. The handle is the grip portion of the paddle, and it is where players hold the paddle during play. Handle construction may influence a player's grip comfort, maneuverability, and/or overall control. Paddles may be constructed with a grip size and handle length. A paddle may include an edge guard. An edge guard is a strip that may surround the perimeter of the paddle face. An edge guard may help protect the paddle from damage during rallies and/or scrapes on the court. A paddle may be edgeless. An edgeless paddle may provide a player with a bigger paddle face, and/or a larger sweet spot.

A honeycomb structure in the core may create a lightweight, sturdy base for the paddle. Paddle cores may vary by material and thickness. Thinner paddles (e.g., around 13 mm) may be designed for power and thicker paddles (e.g. around 16 mm) may be designed for control. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021/0252356A1 illustrates several example paddle core designs and construction materials. For example, various materials could be used to create a honeycomb structure for a paddle core, which may affect the paddle's performance. Some example paddle core materials include wood, foam, Nomex®, aluminum, carbon fiber, polymer, polypropylene, and/or the like. In an example, wood core paddles may offer a solid, lively feel. Wood may be a relatively heavy material compared with other alternatives. Wooden designs may be limited to shorter and thinner paddles which may produce relatively high speed and power. There are many different types of foam cores, for example, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), expanded polystyrene (EPS), or expanded polypropylene (EPP). Different types of foam may have different characteristics. Paddles with foam cores may offer a quieter playing experience. The foam may dampen impact by absorbing vibrations. Nomex® cores may be more durable compared with foam or honeycomb plastic. They may offer higher ball return power. Some players may lose some degree of control due to higher return speed of the ball off the paddle with Nomex and/or foam. Aluminum cores may be relatively lightweight and/or may offer good control. Carbon fiber may be used as a paddle core material. A carbon fiber core may offer good strength and stiffness. Polymer and/or polypropylene cores may offer a broad range of playing characteristics, from soft touch and control to power and spin. Other core structures (core construction technologies) including a combination of one or more of honeycomb plastic, carbon fiber, and/or foam, and other materials may be designed. In some examples, a paddle core may comprise of multiple layers.

In a pickleball paddle, the core may be sandwiched between two paddle face sheets. The face sheets may be constructed with composite materials that are built to withstand the repetitive striking of the ball on the paddle. There are varying materials used to create the face sheets. Carbon fiber faces may be lightweight and have a relatively high strength-to-weight ratio. Carbon fiber is a relatively durable material. Paddle faces (face sheets) may be built of fiberglass. Paddle faces may be built of graphite. Paddle faces may be built of Kevlar®. Kevlar is a relatively high-strength, lightweight material that is durable and resistant to abrasion. Alternatively, other materials may be used to build a paddle face sheet.

Carbon fiber is a relatively stiff, durable material that may offer a refined touch and feel due to the material absorbing a pickleball's energy at impact and more evenly distributing it across the face of the paddle. The result may be less deformation on contact, meaning greater control and/or shot precision. Carbon fiber face may be made of multiple layers to improve texture, strength, durability, vibration dampening, and/or other performance metrics. Fiberglass is a composite material that typically has less stiffness than carbon fiber, which may imply that paddles made with fiberglass may be more flexible on contact compared with paddles made with carbon fiber. Fiberglass may offer more rebound speed as the ball hits the paddle surface. The result may be a greater energy return to the ball resulting in a more powerful response. Fiberglass and/or carbon fiber face may be made of multiple layers to improve texture, strength, durability, vibration dampening, and/or other performance metrics.

Example carbon fiber surfaces include Carbon Friction Surface (CFS), Carbon Grip Surface (CGS), Carbon Touch Surface (CTS), and Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS). Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) may be a textured surface that uses a longer-lasting, durable Carbon Flex 5 material. It may provide a performance with access to high levels of spin, optimal feel, and raw power. Carbon Grip Surface (CGS) may be a surface constructed from a durable, long-lasting Carbon Flex3 material for a textured surface that offers ball grip, feel and spin production. Carbon Touch Surface (CTS) may be a relatively smooth surface that reduces the amount of friction coming off the paddle allowing for enhanced feel and maximum control and touch.

Example fiber glass surface include Fiberglass Abrasion Surface and Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS). An example Fiberglass Abrasion Surface may use a sand-blasted process that may create a fiberglass textured surface for enhanced spin. In an example, Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS) may use a multi-step, abrasion sand-blasted process that creates a unique, textured surface offering increased spin. CAS paddles may feature a bottom layer (back layer) of fiberglass with a layer of carbon as or on the top layer (front layer).

Example pickleball paddle performance metrics (performance characteristics) include, dwell time, deflection, coefficient of restitution (COR), stiffness, and/or the like. These performance metrics may affect how balls deflect from the paddle, and may impact ball control, power, and pop. Other performance metrics may be considered. Some performance metrics may impact how fast the ball spins in response to paddle movement.

In an example, power refers to the court penetration a shot has, e.g. a steady speed that the ball travels over time. In an example, pop refers to a speed at which a ball comes off the paddle face. For example, pop is how much the ball naturally rebounds off the paddle face. For example, a paddle with low pop may have high power or court penetration if it were weighted enough and used with proper technique. The extra mass in the paddle may make hitting the ball harder and farther easier, as a player is moving a heavier object through the air when striking the ball.

In an example, dwell time refers to how long the ball stays on the paddle face after making contact. The longer a ball stays on the surface of a paddle, the greater the potential for generating spin. A trampoline type face may result in a longer dwell time and so might a textured surface. In an example, deflection may be how quickly the ball leaves the paddle face. Deflection refers to how far the face of a paddle moves (or deflects) when downward pressure is applied to the face surface. Thus, the degree of flex (e.g., the degree to which a portion of the paddle that is impacted by a ball bends) is a key aspect in controlling the dwell time.

In an example, the coefficient of restitution (COR) is a measurement of the ratio of the ball's final velocity to its initial velocity after being struck by the paddle. It is a measure of how bouncy the paddle is, or how efficiently energy is transferred between the ball and paddle during a collision. In an example, a stiffness may be a measure of the paddle resistance to deformation, and/or may be determined by a flow of impact energy. The average non-EVA paddle face may have a bending stiffness of about 900 lbs/in. A paddle may have a face and throat stiffness of 900-1100 lbs/in for high power.

Edge guards are designed to protect pickleball paddles. Some existing edge guards are a simple piece of plastic or rubber protecting the paddle edge from impact and firmly connecting the face sheets to the honeycomb or other types of core. FIG. 4A illustrates a pickleball paddle location at which edge guard cross sections shown in some of the following figures are taken. FIG. 4B shows a cross-section of a conventional edge guard of a pickleball paddle. The edge guard cross-section shown in FIG. 4B is from the location shown in FIG. 4A. As shown in FIG. 4B, conventionally the edge guard is designed to attach to the paddle striking blade perimeter to provide protection to the sides of the striking blade, and it may also provide support for holding the striking blade core and the face sheets (front face sheet and the back face sheet) on the front and back of the striking blade core. For example, the edge guard shown in FIG. 4B may be a simple piece of plastic or rubber protecting the paddle edge from impact and firmly connecting the face sheets to the honeycomb or other types of core. In some cases, edge tapes are added to protect the edge guards. However, edge tape is inconvenient and not very effective.

Edge guards get damaged often due to frequent impact. Some edge guards may also not provide sufficient protection from pickleball paddles getting damaged due to paddle tapping during and at the end of the game. Edge guards may get damaged as it is hit to the court surface quite often and is in frequent contact with other surfaces. The repetitive scraping, collisions, and accidental impacts may lead to chips, scratches, and even cracks on the edge guards and the paddle surface. Conventional edge guards do not effectively mitigate the negative effects of impacts.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide enhanced edge guards that include additional structures for providing additional structural support to the edge guard and/or to the striking blade. The additional structures for structural support can be made from rubber and/or plastic. In addition to providing structural support to the striking blade, the additional structures also provide improved absorption of vibrations generated by impacts (e.g., due to ball strikes) on the striking blade. Improved vibration absorption by the edge guard can lead to longer lasting paddles and also reduce the negative effects of paddle vibration on player health.

Some embodiments provide enhanced edge guards that have extension components to absorb external impacts. External impacts are absorbed by such enhanced edge guards as its one or more extension components have a firmer structure. Enhanced edge guards protect the face sheet and paddle core more effectively.

FIG. 4C shows a cross-section of the striking blade of an enhanced pickleball paddle with one additional structural support component, according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The shown cross-section may be from a pickleball paddle such as, for example, that shown in FIG. 4A.

A core 402 of the striking blade of a pickleball paddle may be sandwiched between a front face sheet 404 and a back face sheet 406. The enhanced edge guard 407 comprises the body of the edge guard 408, a first edge 410 and a second edge 412. The first edge 410 and the second edge 412 each extends a short distance, in the direction of the striking blade, from the body 408. The first edge 410 compresses the front (e.g., front face sheet) to the top surface of the core 402, and the second edge 412 compresses the back (e.g., back face sheet) to the bottom surface of the core 402. The core 402 may be a honeycomb type core or another type of core described above. The body and edges of the edge guard may be constructed with plastic and/or rubber.

Additionally, the enhanced edge guard 407 includes an internal structural support bump 414 (structural support component 414) that extends from the internal surface of the body 408 of the edge guard in the direction of the striking blade. The structural support component 414 is configured to provide additional structural support to the striking blade and to absorb vibrations generated on the striking blade by ball strikes.

The perimeter of the core 402 is shaped to accommodate the structural support component 414 by having an indented/grooved strip between (e.g., halfway between) the front face sheet 404 and the back face sheet 406 along the entire perimeter. The indent/groove is sized to firmly fit the additional structural component 414 and thereby provide for more surface area of the enhanced edge guard to be in direct contact with the striking blade (or core of the striking blade). The increase in the area of direct contact between the edge guard and the striking blade improves the enhanced edge guard's capability to absorb vibrations generated on the striking blade. In addition to the structural support provided by the first edge 410 and the second edge 412 to support the striking blade to counteract the pressure of repeated ball impacts on the back face sheet, the step structure provided by the structural support component 414 provides further support to counteract the forces of repeated ball strikes on the striking blade. For example, the pressure on the striking blade imposed by ball impact on the front of the striking blade can, in addition to being counteracted by the second edge 412, also be counteracted by the step structure provided by the structural support component 414.

In some embodiments, the structural support component 414 is constructed from a rubber or plastic material that can absorb vibrations and that can also provide additional structural support to the striking blade. In some embodiments, the structural support component 414 is constructed from the same material as the rest of the enhanced edge guard (e.g., body, first edge and second edge). In some other embodiments, the structural support component may be made from a different material than the rest of the enhanced edge guard. For example, the structural support component may be constructed with a harder plastic material while the rest of the enhanced edge guard is made with a softer plastic material. This can be helpful for the edge guard to withstand the force of ball strikes because the harder structural support component is subjected to pressure from ball strikes on the front and back of the striking blade and the softer edges are subjected to most pressure from strikes on the opposite surface of the striking blade (e.g., the first/top edge is mostly subjected to pressure from strikes on the back of the striking blade). Moreover, the softer plastic of the first and second edges is less likely to affect shots when ball strikes occur on them, whereas the structural support component's harder plastic does not directly affect ball behavior because it is not directly struck by the ball. The enhanced edge guard, including the structural support component 414, may be constructed as one integral unit. In some embodiments however the structural component 414 may be separately constructed and fixedly attached to the rest of the edge guard.

In embodiments, the distance to which the structural support component 414 extends (i.e., the height of the structural support component 414) in the direction of the striking blade may be less, the same, or more, than the distance to which the first and second edges extend over the front and back face sheets. The level of additional structural support and the level of vibration absorption provided by the structural support component 414 increase with the distance to which it extends in the direction of the striking blade. However, in order to maintain a sufficient level of integrity and strength of the core, in many embodiments the first and second edges and the structural component have the same distance of extension in the direction of the striking blade. Some example embodiments provide a width of the structural support component between 0.2-0.5 inches.

The length of the structural support component in the direction from the first end 410 to the second edge 412 (i.e., the width of the structural support component 414) may be varied based on the strength of the material of the structural support component 414, and is not limited in example embodiments. Higher widths of the structural support component 414 may provide for better vibration absorption by increasing the area of direct contact between the enhanced edge guard and the striking blade. Some example embodiments provide a width of the structural support component between 0.125-0.3 of the total width the striking blade core.

FIG. 4D shows an enhanced pickleball paddle with two structural support components, according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The shown cross section may be from a pickleball paddle such as, for example, that shown in FIG. 4A.

A core 422 of the striking blade of a pickleball paddle may be sandwiched between a front face sheet 424 and a back face sheet 426. The enhanced edge guard 427 comprises the body of the edge guard 428, a first edge 430 and a second edge 432. The first edge 430 and the second edge 432 each extends a short distance, in the direction of the striking blade, from the body 428 of the enhanced edge guard. The first edge 430 compresses the front (e.g., front face sheet) to the top surface of the core 422, and the second edge 432 compresses the back (e.g., back face sheet) to the bottom surface of the core 422. The core 422 may be a honeycomb type core or another type of core described above. The body and edges of the edge guard may be constructed with plastic and/or rubber.

The enhanced edge guard 427 includes, instead of the single structural support component of edge guard 407, two structural support components 434 and 436 that extend from the internal surface of the body of the edge guard 427 in the direction of the striking blade. The structural support components 434 and 436 provide structural support and absorption of vibrations generated on the striking blade. The core 422 is shaped to accommodate the structural support components 434 and 436 by having two indented/grooved strips along the perimeter of core 422 between the front face sheet 424 and the back face sheet 426. The indents/grooves are sized to firmly fit the structural support components 434 and 436 and to thereby provide for more surface area of the enhanced edge guard to be in direct contact with the striking blade (or the core of the striking blade). The increase in the area of direct contact between the edge guard and the striking blade improves the enhanced edge guard's absorption of vibrations generated on the striking blade (e.g., due to ball strikes). In addition to the structural support provided by the first edge 430 and the second edge 432 to support the striking blade to counteract the forces of repeated ball impact on the back face sheet, the step structure provided by the additional structural support components 434 and 436 provide further support to counteract the forces of repeated ball strikes on the striking blade.

In some embodiments, the structural support components 434 and 436 are constructed from a rubber or plastic material that can absorb vibrations and that can also provide additional structural support to the striking blade. In some embodiments, the structural support components 434 and 436 are constructed from the same material as the rest of the enhanced edge guard (e.g., body, first edge and second edge). In some other embodiments, the structural support component may be made from a different material than the rest of the enhanced edge guard. For example, the structural support components may be constructed with a harder plastic material while the rest of the enhanced edge guard is made with a softer plastic material. This can be helpful for the edge guard to withstand the force of ball strikes because the harder structural support components are subjected to pressure from ball strikes on the front and back of the striking blade and the softer edges are subjected to most pressure from strikes on the opposite surface of the striking blade (e.g., the first/top edge is mostly subjected to pressure from strikes on the back of the striking blade). Moreover, the softer plastic of the first and second edges is less likely to affect shots when ball strikes occur on them, whereas the structural support component's harder plastic does not directly affect ball behavior because it is not directly struck by the ball. The enhanced edge guard 427, including the structural support components 434 and 436, may be constructed as one integral unit. In some embodiments, however, the structural components 434 and 436 may be separately constructed and fixedly attached to the rest of the edge guard.

In embodiments, the distance to which the structural support components 434 and 436 extend (i.e., the height of the structural support components) in the direction of the striking blade may be less, the same, or more, than the distance to which the first and second edges extend over the front and back face sheets. The level of additional structural support and the level of vibration absorption provided by the structural support components 434 and 436 increase with the distance by which they extend in the direction of the striking blade. However, in order to maintain a sufficient level of integrity and strength of the core, in many embodiments the first and second edges and the structural component have the same distance of extension in the direction of the striking blade. Some example embodiments, provide a width of the structural support component between 0.25-0.5 inches.

The length of the structural support components in the direction from the first end 430 to the second edge 432 (i.e., the width of the structural support component 434) may be varied based on the strength of the material of the structural support components 434 and 436, and is not limited in example embodiments. Higher widths of the structural support components 434 and 436 may provide for better vibration absorption by increasing the area of direct contact between the enhanced edge guard and the striking blade. Some example embodiments provide a width of the structural support components, in sum, to be between 0.2-0.4 of the total width the striking blade core width.

Embodiments are not limited to having only one (e.g., edge guard 407) or two (e.g., edge guard 427) of structural support components as shown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D. Some embodiments may provide enhanced edge guards that have more than two structural support components. Increasing the number, the height and/or the sum width of structural support components can provide increased structural support and vibration absorption for the core of the striking blade. Increasing the number, the height and/or the sum width of structural support components may also reduce the amount of flex and/or increase the power that the striking blade imparts on the ball. However, construction of cores adapted for multiple structural support components can be complex. For example, it may be difficult to maintain the appropriate levels of strength and integrity in honeycomb cores as the number, the height and/or the sum width of structural support components. Thus, the number, the height and/or the sum width of structural support components may require to be adapted in accordance with the type of core, the construction material of the structural support component, the desired level of flex and/or power of the striking blade.

FIG. 5 shows an enhanced edge guard with an external extension for protecting the edge guard and for vibration absorption, according to some embodiments. The shown cross section may be from a pickleball paddle such as, for example, that shown in FIG. 4A.

A core 502 of the striking blade of a pickleball paddle may be sandwiched between a front face sheet 504 and a back face sheet 506. The enhanced edge guard 507 comprises the body of the edge guard 508, a first edge 510 and a second edge 512. The first edge 510 and the second edge 512 each extends a short distance, in the direction of the striking blade, from the body 508. The first edge 510 compresses the front (e.g., front face sheet) to the top surface of the core 502, and the second edge 512 compresses the back (e.g., back face sheet) to the bottom surface of the core 502. The core 502 may be a honeycomb type core or another type of core described above. The body and edges of the edge guard may be constructed with plastic and/or rubber.

Additionally, the enhanced edge guard 507 includes an external bump 518 (external extension component 518) that extends from the outer surface of the body 508 of the edge guard in the direction opposite to the direction of the striking blade. The external extension component 518 is configured to absorb external impacts to the edge and to absorb vibrations generated on the striking blade by ball strikes. Since the external extension component extends from the outer surface of the edge guard body rather than from the inner surface of the edge guard, the perimeter of the core 502 does not require configurations specialized to accommodate the external extension component.

In some embodiments, the external extension component 518 is constructed from a rubber or plastic material that can absorb vibrations and that can also provide protection for the edge guard from external impacts. In some embodiments, the external extension component 518 is constructed from the same material as the rest of the enhanced edge guard (e.g., body, first edge and second edge). In some other embodiments, the external extension component may be made from a different material than the rest of the enhanced edge guard. For example, the external extension component may be constructed with a harder plastic material while the rest of the enhanced edge guard is made with a softer plastic material. This can be helpful for the edge guard to withstand the force of external impacts such as the paddle striking the surface of the pickleball court. The enhanced edge guard, including the external extension component 518, may be constructed as one integral unit. In some embodiments, however, the external extension component 518 may be separately constructed and fixedly attached to the rest of the edge guard.

In embodiments, the distance to which the external extension component 518 extends (i.e., the height of the external extension component 518) in the direction opposite to the direction of the striking blade may be less, the same, or more, than the distance to which the first and second edges extend over the front and back face sheets. Some embodiments have an external extension component of 0.2-0.5 inch height. Some embodiments have an external extension component that is painted or coated on body of edge guard with minimal height, for example, less than 1 milli-meter or less than 2 milli-meters. The level of protection from external impacts and the level of vibration absorption provided by external extension component 518 increase with the distance by which it extends. The length of external extension component 518 along the length of the edge guards 507 (i.e., the width of external extension component 518) may be varied, and the longer lengths can provide protection for larger portions of the edge guard. However, an external extension component may affect the weight, balance and/or aerodynamics of the paddle and as such, these aspects should be considered in combination with the construction material of the external extension component 518 when designing the external extension component 518.

FIG. 6 shows an enhanced edge guard that includes structural support components as described in relation to FIG. 4D and also an external extension component as described in relation to FIG. 5, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

A core 602 of the striking blade of a pickleball paddle may be sandwiched between a front face sheet 604 and a back face sheet 606. The enhanced edge guard 607 comprises the body of the edge guard 608, a first edge 610 and a second edge 612. The first edge 610 and the second edge 612 each extends a short distance, in the direction of the striking blade, from the body 608. The first edge 610 compresses the front (e.g., front face sheet) to the top surface of the core 602, and the second edge 612 compresses the back (e.g., back face sheet) to the bottom surface of the core 602. The core 402 may be a honeycomb type core or another type of core described above. The body and edges of the edge guard may be constructed with plastic and/or rubber.

The enhanced edge guard comprises two structural support components 614 and 616 extending in the direction of the striking blade and an external extension component 618 extending in the direction opposite to the direction of the striking blade. The structural support components 614 and 616 may be of the same or similar configuration as the structural support components 434 and 436 described in relation to FIG. 4D. The external extension component 618 may be of the same or similar configuration as the external extension component 518 described in relation to FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, the external support component 618 may be configured on the external surface of the body of the enhanced edge guard, in between the structural support components 614 and 616 that are configured on the internal surface of the body of the enhanced edge guard. However, embodiments are not limited to this configuration and may have any number of structural support components and any number of external extension components. For example, one or more structural support components may be configured along the length of the inner surface between the first edge and the second edge in a spaced-apart manner, and a same number of external extension components may be configured on the external surface of the body of the enhanced edge guard with each structural support component being laterally aligned with one external extension component, a smaller or larger number of external extension components with at least one of the external extension components being laterally aligned with a structural support component, or a smaller or larger number of external extension components with at least one of the external extension components being laterally aligned with a structural support component. The core would require corresponding configuration to accommodate the structural support components of the enhanced edge guard.

Enhanced edge guards that have both one or more structural components and one or more external extension components, such as that shown, for example, in FIG. 6, can provide improved structural support for the striking blade, improved protection on the edge guard from external impacts, and improved absorption of vibrations.

FIG. 7A shows an enhanced edge guard that includes an outer protection layer of a material different than the rest of the edge guard, according to some embodiments. The shown cross section may be from a pickleball paddle such as, for example, that shown in FIG. 4A.

A core 702 of the striking blade of a pickleball paddle may be sandwiched between a front face sheet 704 and a back face sheet 706. The enhanced edge guard 707 comprises the body of the edge guard 708, a first edge 710 and a second edge 712. The first edge 710 and the second edge 712 each extends a short distance, in the direction of the striking blade, from the body 708. The first edge 710 compresses the front (e.g., front face sheet) to the top surface of the core 702, and the second edge 712 compresses the back (e.g., back face sheet) to the bottom surface of the core 702. The core 702 may be a honeycomb type core or another type of core described above. The body and edges of the edge guard may be constructed with plastic and/or rubber.

Additionally, the enhanced edge guard 707 includes an external protection layer 720 that is added to the exterior of edge guards. The external protection layer is made of softer materials, such as, for example, softer plastic, softer rubber, foam, gel, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the external protection layer is a layer of coating on the edge guard protects the rubber when the edge guard is scrapped on court surface. In some embodiments, the external protection layer covers the entire, or almost the entire, edge guard and provides protection for the entire external surface of the edge guard. The external protection layer configured to be a soft layer can reduce impact on every direction

FIG. 7B shows an enhanced edge guard that includes outer protection extensions of a material different than the rest of the edge guard, according to some embodiments. The shown cross section may be from a pickleball paddle such as, for example, that shown in FIG. 4A.

A core 732 of the striking blade of a pickleball paddle may be sandwiched between a front face sheet 734 and a back face sheet 736. The enhanced edge guard 737 comprises the body of the edge guard 738, a first edge 740 and a second edge 742. The first edge 740 and the second edge 742 each extends a short distance, in the direction of the striking blade, from the body 738. The first edge 740 compresses the front (e.g., front face sheet) to the top surface of the core 732, and the second edge 742 compresses the back (e.g., back face sheet) to the bottom surface of the core 732. The core 732 may be a honeycomb type core or another type of core described above. The body and edges of the edge guard may be constructed with plastic and/or rubber.

Additionally, the enhanced edge guard 737 includes external protection bumps 750 and 752 (external protection components 750 and 752) that extend to the exterior of edge guard 737. The external protection components are made of softer materials, such as, softer plastic, softer rubber, foam, gel, and/or the like. The soft bumps may not cover the entire pickleball edge. It may be strategically placed in areas that are most effective and/or receives the most impact. This implementation can reduce the weight of the edge guard compared with covering the entire edge.

One or more external soft bumps (external protection components) create a softer impact when the edge guard is hit on other objects. Two external protection bumps provide better protection than one bump as it protects the edge guard when the edge guard is hit on sides.

FIG. 7C shows an enhanced edge guard that includes external protection components of a material different than the rest of the edge guard, according to some embodiments.

The core 762 may be the same or similar to core 732 described above, and the enhanced edge guard 767 may be the same or similar to enhanced edge guard 737 except that the external protection components 780 and 782 extending from the outer surface of enhanced edge guard 767 are differently shaped than the external protection components 750 and 752. The round edges of bumps 750 and 752 may lower the impact of an external force from various directions and may be more aerodynamic than rectangular extensions.

FIG. 8A shows an enhanced edge guard that includes outer protection extensions of a material different than the rest of the edge guard, according to some embodiments. The core 802 may be the same or similar to core 732 described above, and the enhanced edge guard 807 may be the same or similar to enhanced edge guard 737 except that the external protection components 820 extending from the outer surface of enhanced edge guard 807 are different than the external protection components 750 and 752. The extensions in this embodiment are implemented as rectangular bumps 820.

FIG. 8B shows an enhanced edge guard that includes an outer protection extensions of a material different than the rest of the edge guard, according to some embodiments. The core 832 may be the same or similar to core 732 described above, and the enhanced edge guard 837 may be the same or similar to enhanced edge guard 737 except that the external protection components 850 extending from enhanced edge guard 837 are different than the external protection components 750 and 752. The extensions in this embodiment are implemented as pyramid or cone shaped bumps 850.

FIG. 8C shows a front view of a pickleball paddle that includes an enhanced edge guard with outer protection extensions of a material different than the rest of the edge guard similar to FIG. 8B, according to some embodiments. FIG. 8D shows a side view of the pickleball paddle shown in FIG. 8C, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the external protection bumps can be spaced apart strategically in order to protect either the parts of the edge guard that are most prone to damage, or to protect the entire edge guard. Not having the bumps extend continuously over the entire edge guard may reduce the effects of the additional weight of the bumps.

FIG. 9A shows a front view of a pickleball paddle that includes an enhanced edge guard with rectangle shaped outer protection extensions 918 of a material different than the rest of the edge guard, according to some embodiments. FIG. 9B shows a side view of the pickleball paddle shown in FIG. 9A, according to some embodiments. This shape of the bumps may more clearly show wear and tear of the external surface of the edge guard.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section view of an enhanced edge guard with pyramid (or cone) shaped outer protection extensions of a material different than the rest of the edge guard and a structural support component, according to some embodiments.

A core 1002 of the striking blade of a pickleball paddle may be sandwiched between a front face sheet 1004 and a back face sheet 1006. The enhanced edge guard 1007 comprises the body of the edge guard 1008, a first edge 1010 and a second edge 1012. The first edge 1010 and the second edge 1012 each extends a short distance, in the direction of the striking blade, from the body 1008. The first edge 1010 compresses the front (e.g., front face sheet) to the top surface of the core 1002, and the second edge 1012 compresses the back (e.g., back face sheet) to the bottom surface of the core 1002. The core 1002 may be a honeycomb type core or another type of core described above. The body and edges of the edge guard may be constructed with plastic and/or rubber.

Additionally, the enhanced edge guard 1007 includes a structural support component 1014 extending in the direction of the striking blade and an external protection component 1018 extending in the direction opposite to the striking blade. The external protection component 1018 is pyramid or cone shaped. The edge guard 1007 benefits from both interior structural support and external soft bump to lower impact.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-section view of an enhanced edge guard with a continuous layer of outer protection extension of a material different than the rest of the edge guard and a structural support component, according to some embodiments.

A core 1102 of the striking blade of a pickleball paddle may be sandwiched between a front face sheet 1104 and a back face sheet 1106. The enhanced edge guard 1107 comprises the body of the edge guard 1108, a first edge 1110 and a second edge 1112. The first edge 1110 and the second edge 1112 each extends a short distance, in the direction of the striking blade, from the body 1108. The first edge 1110 compresses the front (e.g., front face sheet) to the top surface of the core 1102, and the second edge 1112 compresses the back (e.g., back face sheet) to the bottom surface of the core 1102. The core 1102 may be a honeycomb type core or another type of core described above. The body and edges of the edge guard may be constructed with plastic and/or rubber.

Additionally, the enhanced edge guard 1107 includes a structural support component 1114 extending in the direction of the striking blade and an external protection layer 1118 extending in the direction opposite to the striking blade. The external protection layer 1118 is a layer of soft material.

In some embodiments, the exterior extension component comprises at least one material painted or coated over the body. The body is made of a material different from the at least one material. The at least one material painted or coated over the body may be permanently attached to the body during a manufacturing process of the pickleball paddle. In some embodiments, the at least one material painted or coated over the body comprises a plurality of spaced-apart extensions. In some embodiments, the at least one material painted or coated over the body has a thickness of less than 1 milli-meter.

Enhanced edge guards according to embodiments of this disclosure are designed to increase the life span of pickleball paddles. In some embodiments, the structural support component and/or the exterior extension component may be formed during the manufacturing process of the paddle. In some embodiments, the structural support component and/or the exterior extension component may be attached after the manufacturing process. Example embodiments may provide advantages such as, for example, improved structural support lowering the negative effects of the vibrations from ball strikes and external impacts on paddle core and face sheets, soft exterior surface protecting the paddle edge guard, paddle tapping causing less damage to the paddle, accidental paddle hits to another person causing less painful impact, etc.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the sizes, numbers, shapes, and/or particular arrangements of internal extensions and external extensions of the edge guards shown in the figures, and some embodiments may include enhanced edge guards that have internal and/or external extensions that are differently sized, differently shaped, or differently combined with each other than those specifically described or shown. It should also be understood that further embodiments may include combinations of features of embodiments that are shown in the figures.

It should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to particular shapes of pickleball paddles or particular construction materials of the frame, core and/or face sheets. Although various embodiments have been shown and described in detail, the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment or example.