PICKLEBALL PADDLE HAVING IMPACT REFLECTIVE MATERIAL, AND METHOD OF SPORT TRAINING

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed as a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 19/328,677 filed on Sep. 15, 2025, with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. That application is titled “System and Method for Testing a Sports Paddle.”

The '677 application claimed the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 63/704,754 filed Oct. 8, 2024. That application was also titled “System and Method for Testing a Sports Paddle.”

This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 63/734,234 filed Dec. 16, 2024. That application is titled “Pickle Ball Paddle Having Impact Reflective Material, and Method of Sport Training.”

Each of these applications is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, which may be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of racquet sports. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to pickleball paddles. The present disclosure further relates to a paddle having an impact reflective material, and a method for training on the use of a sports paddle, such as a pickleball paddle.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Pickleball is a racquet sport that was invented in the State of Washington in the 1960's. The sport was developed as an alternative to tennis, which is a difficult sport to master. The game of pickleball offers a net that is lower than a tennis net, a court that is smaller than a tennis court, a paddle that is smaller than a tennis racquet, and a ball that moves through the air more slowly than a tennis ball.

The sport of pickleball has grown rapidly over the last ten years. Many racquet clubs and public parks have added pickleball courts and programs to their facilities. The appeal of pickleball over tennis, at least to some, is that it is easier to learn than tennis (primarily because the ball moves more slowly and bounces along a lower trajectory), requires little running (particularly for doubles) yet still offers players the experience of a racquet sport that demands good footwork, quick reflexes, and an understanding of angles on a court.

Unlike a tennis racquet, a pickleball paddle does not employ a string bed; rather, it offers a solid hitting surface similar to a ping pong paddle. According to Section 2.E.2 of the USA Pickleball Association (or “USAPA”) rules (as of October 2025), the paddle's hitting surface “shall not contain holes, indentations, rough texturing, or any objects or features that allow a player to impart excessive spin on the ball.” This is a marked departure from tennis which uses the string bed to impart different degrees of spin, depending on how the string is manufactured, the combination of main and cross-strings used, the tension of the strings, and how the ball is struck.

According to Section 2.E.2.a.1 of the USA Pickleball Equipment Standards Manual, surface roughness of a paddle is determined “using a Starrett SR160 Surface Roughness Tester (or equivalent).” “The allowable limits for roughness shall be no greater than 30 micrometers (μm) on the Rz reading (average maximum height, peak to valley) and no greater than 40 micrometers on the Rt reading (average maximum height, peak to valley).” All readings will be taken in six different directions.

In addition, there are size limitations to the pickleball paddle. According to Section 2.E.3 (as of January 2025), “[t]he combined length and width, including any edge guard and butt cap [of the paddle], shall not exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm). The paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). The rules do permit some variation in length to width ratio, and there is no restriction on paddle thickness.

The most common shape for a paddle is a “wide-body” that measures approximately 8 inches wide by 15¾ inches long (20.32 cm×40 cm). Widebody paddles are popular because they provide a larger sweet spot, making them more forgiving than elongated paddles. However, elongated paddles are often favored by pros to increase reach and, arguably, swing speed due to an increased arc in swing.

The latest USAPA rules do allow players to add an edge guard such as tape. However, the rules inhibit the player from generating artificial spin through the modification of the paddle surface. Here is a partial list of prohibited features:

• • Anti-skid paint or any paint textured with sand, rubber particles, or any material that causes additional spin.
  • Rubber and synthetic rubber.
  • Sandpaper characteristics.
  • Moving parts that can increase head momentum.

Despite these restrictions, or perhaps because of them, the manufacturers of pickleball paddles market their products as having more power, or more control, or a balance of power and control. This is typically done by providing different core materials below the outer surface, or skin, of the paddles.

According to the USAPA website, over 2,500 different paddles have been approved since the organization's inception. It is believed that the number has grown. Over 900 new paddles were submitted for approval by over 400 manufacturers in 2023 alone. Many of these paddles offer distinctive profiles and color combinations as part of their branding.

Manufacturers use one of several core materials in their paddles. These include fiberglass, aluminum, polymer (typically polypropylene), and synthetic fibers (such as Nomex® available from DuPont Safety & Construction, Inc. of Delaware, USA).

Most paddles today utilize a core formed in a honeycomb pattern. This is believed to provide a combination of strength and stability. When the core is fabricated from polymer, the cells in the honeycomb pattern will be larger. Polymer cores are said to provide more feel, more touch, and a quieter response to the ball. As an alternative, the core may be fabricated from aluminum or Nomex®. While being very different materials, aluminum and Nomex® are both touted as offering increased power and durability. In any instance, the core is fabricated from a continuous material.

Concerning the facing, pickleball paddles will typically use one of three materials—fiberglass, graphite, or carbon fiber. Fiberglass is common and is said to offer control, or feel. Graphite and carbon fiber are stronger and more durable, and are believed to provide power. In any event, the face is sometimes referred to as a skin.

Recently, some have proposed that there is a difference between a paddle's power, and the paddle's degree of “pop.” Power may be defined as the force generated by a player on the ball when the paddle is swung. In contrast, “pop” is the force generated by the paddle alone, that is, when the paddle hits a ball without being swung. An example of the latter might be a reflex volley.

In reality, almost every shot will involve a combination of power and pop applied to the ball. Some have said that it is possible for a paddle to have a high degree of pop but a lower degree of relative power. Either way, whether or not a paddle has power, pop, or a combination thereof has traditionally been a matter of opinion on the part of players, or marketing hype on the part of the manufacturers.

FIG. 1A is a plan view of an illustrative sports paddle 100. The paddle 100 is used to play the sport of pickleball. This is one of several paddles available from Selkirk Sport, LLC located in Coeur D′Alene, Idaho. This particular paddle 100 is sold under the SLK™ trademark. (Note that the surface graphics have been removed from the drawing.)

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the Selkirk® paddle 100 of FIG. 1A.

The paddle 100 presents a standard wide body profile. The paddle 100 is representative of almost every pickleball paddle used by players. Features of the paddle 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B together.

The paddle 100 has a first end 102 and a second opposing end 104. The first end 102 is located at a handle 110 of the paddle 100. The handle 110 is configured and dimensioned to be used by a player in holding the paddle 100. A synthetic or polymeric grip may be wrapped around the handle 110 to provide stability and comfort for the player.

The second end 104 is located at a so-called head 130 of the paddle 100. The head 130 defines a flat playing surface 132 on each side of the head 130. It is understood that the paddle 100 will actually have opposing playing surfaces 132, though only one is visible in any given view. The playing surfaces 132 are configured to strike a ball (not shown) during a game of pickleball.

Intermediate the handle 110 and the playing surfaces 132 is a transition section 120. The transition section 120 connects the handle 110 with the wider head 130. The head 130 and the transition section 120 are bounded by a so-called head guard 135. In all known pickleball paddles, the head guard 135 is fabricated from a pliable polymeric material. The head guard 135 protects a core material making up the head 130. Some players may add a protective layer of tape along the head guard 135. This is permitted by the USAPA rules.

The SLK™ paddle 100 is said to have a polymer core. The use of a polymer core is increasingly common among pickleball paddle manufacturers. The face (or skin 132) of the SLK™ paddle 100 is described by the manufacturer as a textured composite material.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of an illustrative sports paddle 200 in a second arrangement. This paddle 200 is also distributed by Selkirk Sport, LLC. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the paddle 200 of FIG. 2A. (Note again that surface graphics have been removed as being irrelevant to the current filing.) The paddle 200 will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B together.

The paddle 200 includes a first end 202 and a second opposing end 204, with the first end 202 being located at a handle 210 of the paddle 200, and the second end 204 being located at a head 230. As with head 130, the head 230 defines a flat playing surface 232 on each side of the head 230. The playing surfaces 232 are configured to strike a ball (not shown) during a game of pickleball.

Intermediate the handle 210 and the playing surfaces 232 is a transition section 220. The transition section connects the handle 210 with the wider head 230. A head guard 235 is again provided to protect the core material within the head 230.

Paddle 200 differs from paddle 100 primarily in the geometry of the head 230. In the head 230, a through-opening 225 is provided along the transition section 220. The concept of an “open throat” paddle was first developed in 2020 by Kitchen Pro LLC.

A need exists for a training device that can provide visual confirmation as to where a player is striking a playing surface of a sports paddle during play. A need further exists for a pickleball paddle having an impact reflective material for providing such visual confirmation. Still further, a need exists for a method of training a player by generating a 2-D plot showing where the player is striking the playing surface of a sports paddle. Such a plot may be referred to as a histogram, providing optical feedback for the player.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A sports paddle is provided. Preferably, the sports paddle is a pickleball paddle.

In one aspect, the sports paddle comprises:

• • a handle;
  • a head comprising opposing playing surfaces, wherein the opposing playing surfaces are configured to strike a sports ball during play; and
  • a transition section between the handle and the head.

The sports paddle also has an impact reflective material. The impact reflective material resides along each of the opposing playing surfaces.

In one aspect, each of the opposing playing surfaces comprises a face, with the impact reflective material being placed over each of the respective faces. The faces are typically referred to as a skin. The impact reflective material may be, for example, either carbon paper or carbonless paper placed over the skin.

In another aspect, the impact reflective material comprises a sheet of piezo-electric material. In this instance, each of the respective faces comprises a skin, with the piezo-electric sheets residing under the skin of each respective playing surface. The piezo-electric sheets are preferably designed to avoid enhancing power to the paddle during play.

In an alternate embodiment, the impact reflective material comprises a single layer of a substrate. A back surface of the substrate is adhered to a playing surface, or skin, of the sports paddle. At the same time, a front surface is used to strike a sports ball such as a pickle ball. The substrate, and particularly the front surface of the substrate, is configured to leave a visible mark upon striking the pickle ball. An example of such a substrate is the so-called “Golf Impact Tape” available from Seticek®. Upon information and belief, the Seticek® golf brand is owned by Shenzhen Yingsheng Trading Co., Ltd. of Shenzhen, China.

In a further embodiment, the impact reflective material comprises a capacitive sensing substrate configured to detect ball strikes through changes in capacitance at specific x-y coordinates on one or both of the playing surface. The capacitive sensing substrate operates on principles similar to touchscreen technology employed in smartphones and tablet computers. The substrate comprises a grid of conductive traces forming sensing nodes at their intersections, with each node corresponding to a specific coordinate location on the playing surface. When a pickle ball strikes the playing surface, the impact causes a measurable change in capacitance at one or more sensing nodes near the strike location. The capacitive sensing substrate is preferably positioned beneath the skin of each respective playing surface and is in electrical communication with a controller disposed within the handle of the sports paddle. The controller detects and records the x-y location of each ball strike, storing this data as 2-D data that can be accessed by a user for training analysis.

A method of sport training is also provided herein. In one aspect, the method first comprises providing a sports paddle. The sports paddle is arranged in accordance with any of the paddle embodiments described above.

The method further comprises striking a series of sports balls with one or both of the playing surfaces of the sports paddle. Preferably, the step of striking is conducted as part of live play. The method then includes analyzing a histogram indicative of where the sports ball was struck on the paddle during play. In this way, the player receives visual feedback as to where the sports ball is being struck on the respective playing surfaces.

As noted, the sports paddle is preferably a pickleball paddle, and the sports ball is a pickle ball. In this instance, each of the opposing playing surfaces comprises a face.

In one aspect, the impact reflective material comprises either carbon paper or carbonless paper, and is placed over each of the respective faces, or playing surfaces. The impact reflective material may comprise two layers, representing a base layer, and a marking layer residing over the base layer. The method may further comprise adhering the base layer of the impact reflective material onto the faces of each of the respective playing surfaces.

In this instance, the analyzing step includes inspecting the impact reflective material on the playing surfaces of the sports paddle. This may comprise removing the marking layer to expose the base layer on each of the respective playing surfaces, followed by determining where the sports ball is being struck on the respective playing surfaces by reviewing the base layer for ball strike markings.

In another aspect, the impact reflective material comprises a sheet of piezo-electric material. In this instance, the face of each of the respective playing surfaces comprises a skin, and the sheets of piezo-electric material reside beneath the respective skins. In addition, the sports paddle further comprises a memory device residing on or within the handle, wherein the memory device is in electrical communication with the sheets of piezo-electric material. The memory device is configured to store 2-D data in the form of strikes on the respective playing surfaces as a function of 2-D location.

In this embodiment, the method further comprises:

• • accessing the 2-D data using a computing system; and
  • optionally, transmitting the 2-D data from the computing system to a portable computing device.

Accessing the 2-D data may include removing the memory device from the handle and plugging it into the computing system. Alternatively, the sports paddle may have a transceiver that is configured to send 2-D data to the computing system. The transmitting step may be done through a wireless network, or through a so-called Bluetooth connection.

The computing system may be programmed to convert the 2-D data into a plot, or graphical histogram. Testing may be conducted on a number of different paddles for comparison. This data may be analyzed to determine if the player is striking the ball at a location on the playing surfaces that provides an optimum response for the sports ball, or strikes the ball at a more optimum location using some paddles more than others.

The optimum response might be a location that provides the greatest power, or the least amount of vibration. Preferably, software enables each histogram to be rotated so that different two-dimensional views can be seen.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the present disclosures can be better understood, certain illustrations, charts, and/or flow charts are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected embodiments of the present disclosures and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.

FIG. 1A is a plan view of a known sports paddle. The illustrative paddle is used for playing the sport of pickleball.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pickleball paddle of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is another plan view of a known sports paddle. Again, the illustrative paddle is used for playing the sport of pickleball.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the pickleball paddle of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a third sports paddle. Here, “x” and “y” coordinates are shown alongside a head of the paddle.

FIG. 4A is a plan view of a system used for testing a location at which a ball is struck on playing surfaces of a sports paddle, in a first embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a plan view of a system used for testing a location at which a ball is struck on playing surfaces of a sports paddle.

FIGS. 5A and 5B, together, present a single flow chart showing steps for performing a method of determining where a player is striking a sports ball using a sports paddle, in one embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an impact reflective material as may be used on a paddle, in a first embodiment. The impact reflective material represents a base layer, and a marking layer over the base layer.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an impact reflective material as may be used on a paddle, in a second embodiment. The impact reflective material is a piezoelectric substrate.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing steps for performing a method of testing ball response off of a sports paddle, in a second embodiment.

FIG. 8A is an illustrative histogram showing where along the x-y coordinates a ball was struck by the paddle on a first playing surface. This would be in connection with the use of the impact reflective material of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 8B is an illustrative histogram showing where along the x-y coordinates a ball was struck by the paddle on a second playing surface that is opposite the first playing surface shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a computing system that can be used to implement a method for testing ball response off of a sports paddle according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This would be in connection with the use of the impact reflective material of FIG. 6B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Detailed embodiments of selected embodiments are disclosed herein; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as their equivalents.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term or acronym herein, those in this section prevail unless stated otherwise.

Wherever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including,” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “an example,” “exemplary,” and the like are understood to be non-limiting.

The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited.

The term “about,” when used in connection with a numerical value, refers to the actual given value, and to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “involving” (and similarly “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” and “involves”), and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, et cetera. Thus, for example, “a device having components a, b, and c” means that the device includes at least components a, b, and c. Similarly, the phrase “a method involving steps a, b, and c” means that the method includes at least steps a, b, and c.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; in the sense of “including but not limited to.”

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “piezo-electric” refers to a material or substrate that exhibits the piezoelectric effect, whereby mechanical stress, pressure, or deformation applied to the material generates an electrical charge or voltage across the material. Piezo-electric materials may include, but are not limited to, crystalline materials, polymers, ceramics, or composite structures capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Novel features characteristic of embodiments provided in the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a third sports paddle 300. The paddle 300 functions like the paddle 100 in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In that respect, paddle 300 also includes a handle 310, a transition section 320, and a head 330. A head guard 335 is provided to protect the head 330.

The paddle 300 comprises playing surfaces 332 residing on opposing sides of the head 330. The playing surfaces 332 define a skin. As discussed above, the skin is typically fabricated from a non-textured layer of fiberglass, graphite, or carbon fiber. The skin comprises a thin layer of material placed over the core (not visible).

In FIG. 3, the sports paddle 300 generally has the profile of a pickleball paddle. However, the paddle 300 may also be representative of a padel paddle or a ping pong paddle.

It can be seen that “x” and “y” coordinates have been graphically superimposed alongside the head of the paddle 300. This enables the head 330 of the paddle 300 to be partitioned into identifiable “x” and “y” locations according to the Cartesian coordinate system. In one aspect, a center-line of the head 330 represents a value of “0” along the “x” coordinate. Points along the head 330 that are left of the center-line will have a negative value, while points along the head 330 that are to the right of the center-line will have a positive value.

The center of the playing surfaces 332 of the paddle 300 can be defined as x=0 and y=0 (0, 0). x is defined as the distance from the center parallel to the handle 310. Positive x is defined as to the right with the paddle 300 lying flat with the handle 310 toward the user. y is defined as the distance from the handle 310 perpendicular to the handle 310. Negative y is close to the handle 310, while Positive y is farther away from the handle 310.

FIG. 4A is a plan view of a system 450A used for testing a location at which a ball (not shown) is struck on playing surfaces 432 of a sports paddle 400 of the present disclosure, in a first embodiment. The paddle 400 functions like the paddle 100 in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In that respect, paddle 400 also includes a handle 410, a transition section 420, and a head 430. A head guard 435 is provided to protect the head 430.

The head 430 defines playing surfaces 432 on each side of the head 430. The playing surfaces 432 of the paddle 400 define substantially flat surfaces. Thus, opposing playing surfaces 432 are provided, each having an identical geometry. The playing surfaces 432 are configured to strike a ball, such as during a game of pickleball.

In the system 450A, an impact reflective material 440A has been placed over the playing surface 432. The material 440A represents carbon paper that has been adhered to one of the playing surfaces 432 of the paddle 400. Specifically, the material 440A has been overlayed and adhered to the original skin of the paddle 400. The carbon paper 440A comprises two layers, or substrates. One substrate is a lower substrate. The sheet of paper may be cut to generally conform to the surface area of the head 430. This sheet may be referred to as a base layer.

An upper substrate of the impact reflective material 440A represents paper, with the paper having a pigment along an under-surface. The upper substrate may be referred to herein as a marking layer. As the process of striking the ball is repeated, a two-dimensional histogram is formed along the outer surface of the lower substrate.

The pigment may represent carbon, or other materials. In lieu of carbon paper, a player may use wax-free graphite paper or other paper having a suitable pigment. In either instance, the player will need to peel away the upper substrate (shown at 610 in FIG. 6A) of the impact reflective material 440A to expose the lower substrate (shown at 620 in FIG. 6A) and the imprinted histogram.

As yet another option, the player may use a simple piece of paper cut to the dimensions of the playing surface 432 and adhered to the head 430. In this instance, the pickleball is lightly coated with a powder that leaves a residue on the paper when the ball is struck. The powder may be a calcium carbonate material or borax that has been mixed with a dye. Alternatively, the powder may be graphite or charcoal. In this embodiment, the impact reflective material need only comprise a single layer, or substrate.

FIG. 4B is a plan view of a system 450B used for testing a location at which a ball (not shown) is struck on the playing surfaces 432 of the sports paddle 400 of the present disclosure, in a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the impact reflective material 440B represents a sheet of piezo-electric material. Preferably, the piezo-electric material resides under the skin 432 of the paddle 400, though it may be used as the skin itself for testing purposes. A substrate comprised of piezo-electric material is shown at 660 and is described below in connection with FIG. 6B.

The piezo-electric material 440B converts mechanical energy into an electrical charge. Multiple separate nodes are placed along the sheet of the impact reflective material 440B, with each node being assigned a value of a location along an x-y coordinate. As the playing surfaces 432 of the paddle 400 strike the ball, signals are sent to a controller in the handle 410 of the paddle 400. Data may be collected from the controller as described further below.

In an alternate embodiment, the impact reflective material 440B may comprise a capacitive sensing substrate that detects ball strikes through changes in capacitance at specific x-y coordinates on one or both of the playing surfaces 432, operating on principles similar to smartphone touchscreen technology. Like the piezo-electric embodiment described above, the capacitive substrate is preferably positioned beneath the skin 432 of the paddle 400 and communicates strike location data to the controller in the handle 410 for storage as 2-D data.

As a related feature, data may be pre-loaded into a computing system for a plurality of pickleball paddles. These may be referred to as packets of information. Each packet may include:

• • the name of the manufacturer;
  • the model name or number of the paddle;
  • the manufacturer's website; and
  • a profile of where on the paddle the greatest level of power is located.

The latter information may be obtained through empirical testing of multiple paddles. As noted above, there are hundreds of paddles available to the recreational and the competitive pickleball player. Thus, there may be hundreds of packets of information. The operator of the testing system may communicate with the manufacturers to ensure that the paddles are fairly described and tested. The operator may also commercialize the testing system or method herein by selling advertising to pickleball manufacturers.

During testing, the software may compare where the player is primarily hitting the ball on a given paddle with the known location on the head where the greatest degree of power exists. The player can then be given an Efficiency Rating (“ER”) based on the tested paddle.

FIGS. 5A and 5B present a single flow chart 500 showing steps for performing a method 500 of determining where a player is striking a sports ball using a sports paddle, in one embodiment.

The method 500 first comprises providing a sports paddle. This is shown in Box 510. The sports paddle is preferably a pickleball paddle. The pickleball paddle may be in accordance with any of the paddles 100, 200, 300, or 400 described above. The paddle will have opposing playing surfaces, or faces.

The method 500 next includes providing a substrate having a marking layer. This is shown in Box 520. The substrate having the marking layer may also be referred to herein as an impact reflective material. The impact reflective material may be carbon paper or carbonless paper.

The method 500 further comprises optionally cutting the substrate to fit the opposing playing surfaces. This is seen in Box 530. The impact reflective material comprises a lower substrate (or base layer) that is adhered to the playing surface, and an upper substrate (or marking layer) that resides over the lower substrate. An under-surface of the upper substrate has a film that leaves a mark on the lower substrate when a pickleball comes into contact with the playing surface.

The method 500 also includes securing the substrates onto each of the opposing playing surfaces of the sports paddle. This is provided in Box 540.

Additionally, the method 500 comprises striking a playing ball using the opposing faces of the sports paddle. This is shown in Box 550 of FIG. 5A. Preferably, 10 to 15 strikes are made on each side of the head using forehands, backhands, and volleys.

The method 500 additionally includes removing the upper substrate (or marking layer) from the lower substrate (or base layer). This is seen in Box 560 of FIG. 5B. The step of Box 560 may be done by peeling the upper substrate away from the lower substrate, exposing strike marks made on the outward-facing surface of the lower substrate.

The method 500 also comprises examining the marks made on the lower substrate of the impact reflective material. This is indicated in Box 570. The method 500 then optionally includes determining if marks are being placed at optimal locations on the opposing playing surfaces. This is provided at Box 580. This may be done using software to calculate the ER.

To further demonstrate the impact reflective materials that may be used herein, FIGS. 6A and 6B are provided.

First, FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an impact reflective material 600A as may be used on a paddle 100, in a first embodiment. In the view of FIG. 6A, the impact reflective material 600A comprises an upper substrate 610 and a lower substrate 620. The upper substrate 610 is the marking layer, while the lower substrate 620 is the base layer.

In operation, the base layer 620 is adhered onto the face, or skin 132, of the paddle 100. Specifically, a back surface of the base layer 620 is adhered directly to the playing surface 432, or skin. As noted above, the skin 432 will be fabricated from fiberglass, graphite, or carbon fiber. The base layer 620 may be, for example, a sheet of fibrous material, e.g. pulpwood, that has been hammered, pressed, and glued to form a sheet of paper.

At the same time, a periphery 615 of the marking layer 610 is adhered onto the base layer 620. An undersurface of the marking layer 610 may have a pigment. The pigment may be a layer of carbon black (or soot) bound with wax. The pigment layer resides adjacent an upper surface of the lower substrate. Thus, as a player strikes a pickleball, the force of the strike will cause pigment from the pigment layer, that is, the underside of the upper substrate 610, to be transferred on to an outward-facing surface of the lower substrate 620. This causes a histogram to be formed, such as the histogram 450A of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an impact reflective material 600B as may be used on a paddle 100, in a second embodiment. In the view of FIG. 6B, the impact reflective material 600B comprises a piezo-electric substrate 660. Preferably, the piezo-electric substrate 660 resides between the head 130 of the paddle 100 and the skin 132.

As noted above, the substrate 660 comprises a plurality of separate nodes, with each node being assigned a value of a location along an x-y coordinate. As the playing surfaces 132 of the paddle 100 strike the ball, signals are sent to a controller in the handle 110 of the paddle 100.

The controller will be associated with a memory module. The player may download the data representing the histogram onto a portable memory device 665 such as a so-called thumb drive. The thumb drive 665 may then be removed from the handle 430 and inserted into a computing system. The computing system will operate with computer-readable instructions that can be executed by a processor, and that combines the number of hits, or strikes, by the paddle with two-dimensional location. The computing system can display the strikes as a histogram. In this way, the player can see location of the paddle on which balls are being struck. The data may be referred to as 2D-data.

In the view of FIG. 6B, the data may be collected from the controller by inserting a portable memory device 665 into a memory slot 160. The data may then be harvested by inserting the portable memory device 665 into a computer, and then viewing a histogram using suitable software.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing steps for performing a method 700 of testing ball response off of a sports paddle, in a second embodiment.

In one embodiment, the method 700 first comprises providing a sports paddle. This is shown in Box 710. The sports paddle is preferably a pickleball paddle having opposing playing surfaces, or faces.

The method 700 also includes providing a piezo-electric substrate. This is seen in Box 720. The piezo-electric substrate is placed below, or under, a skin of each of the opposing faces of the sports paddle.

The method 700 further comprises placing the piezo-electric substrate in electrical communication with a controller. This is indicated at Box 730. The controller resides on the sports paddle, and preferably within a handle of the sports paddle.

The method 700 additionally includes striking a playing ball using each of the opposing faces of the sports paddle. This is provided at Box 740. Striking both sides of the paddle ensures that responses are seen from both the forehand and the backhand of the player. In one aspect, one side of the paddle is denoted as the forehand side, while the other side is denoted as the backhand side.

Finally, the method 700 comprises collecting data generated from the step of Box 710 through Box 740. This is shown at Box 750. The data is then generated as a two-dimensional plot. More specifically, two-dimensional histograms are generated from each of the opposing faces.

It is impossible to hit every ball on an exact same spot on the paddle's face every time. Reaction time, footwork, hand-eye coordination, spin on the ball, and wind are all factors that lead to the player not striking the ball at or near the center of the paddle.

FIG. 8A is an illustrative histogram showing where along the x-y coordinates a ball was struck by a paddle 800 on a first playing surface 800A. FIG. 8B is an illustrative histogram showing where along the x-y coordinates a ball was struck by the paddle 800 on a second playing surface 800B that is opposite the first playing surface 800A.

FIG. 8A shows markings 810A indicative of where the ball was struck on the first playing surface 700A. Similarly, FIG. 8B shows markings 810B indicative of where the ball was struck on the second playing surface 800B. It can be seen that the ball was struck by each playing surface 800A, 800B between 10 and 15 times to provide a reliable sample size.

It is observed that the player (not shown) struck surface 800A primarily near a distal end of the paddle 800, meaning a location opposite the handle. Markings 810A are otherwise somewhat scattered. Of course, some scattering is to be expected. On the other hand, the player struck surface 800B more consistently near a center of the paddle 800, although some lateral scatting took place. It is believed that the more skilled a player is, the more likely the player is to strike the ball at the center of the paddle 800, or near coordinate (0, 0) as described above.

An average location of markings may be calculated using software. The average may represent an average “x” value and an average “y” value, which are then combined to represent an average location. The calculated average location may then be compared to an optimum location that has been pre-determined for the particular paddle 800 in play. The optimum location may represent a position on the paddle that generates the best impact response from testing. The best impact response may be a location on the paddle that is determined to have the most power, or to have the most pop, or to have the best combination of these parameters.

From there, the ER may be determined. In one aspect, a player may test multiple paddles, and then compare the ER for the multiple paddles. The player can then select the paddle with the highest ER as the paddle to play with or to purchase.

In one aspect, multiple 2-D histograms from multiple tests (either method 500 or method 700) may be collected from various players. This data may then be examined to see where players tend to strike the ball using different paddles. The data may be presented to manufacturers. In this way, the manufacturers can consider whether there is something innate in a particular frame geometry that causes players to strike the ball at a particular coordinate on the playing surfaces.

Alternatively still, the 2-D data may be presented to a player at a paddle sport tournament, or to a player that is considering which paddle to purchase.

Alternatively, manufacturers may determine that the sweet spot of a particular paddle should be moved to accommodate the location where players most frequently strike the paddle. Manufacturers want the sweet spot to be in the center of the paddle (0, 0), but this might not be the ideal location for the average player. For example, testing may show that for a particular paddle, beginners inevitably strike the ball near lateral edges of the paddle. Likewise, advanced players may strike the ball at the distal end of the paddle.

The present disclosure relates to the generation of histograms representing an accuracy of a user of a pickleball paddle upon being struck by a ball. As part of the data collection step of Box 750, the histograms, or 2-D data, may be sent from the handle of the paddle to a computing system. In one aspect, as 2-D data is gathered for different paddles or different players, a library of data can be created. In this aspect, a computer will store the data and send it to other computers in a network. In lieu of using the portable memory device 665 of FIG. 6B, this may be done wirelessly or, for example, through a local area network.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a computing system 900 that can be used to implement the step of Box 750, and in particular for delivering the 2-D data collected for different paddles to other users. The example system 900 includes a computing system 905 and a computing system 950 that are communicatively coupled over a network 945.

The computing system 905 can include one or more computing devices 910, but preferably represents a mobile computing device such as an iPhone® or an iPad® having a camera. The computing device(s) 910 of the computing system 905 includes a processor 915 and memory 920. The processor 915 can be any suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, a microprocessor, an ASIC, an FPGA, a controller, or a microcontroller) and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected. The memory 920 can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flash memory devices, and combinations thereof.

The memory 920 can store information that can be accessed by the processor 915. For instance, the memory 920 can include computer-readable instructions 925 that can be executed by the processor 915. The instructions 925 can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally, or alternatively, the instructions 925 can be executed in logically and/or virtually separate threads on the processor 915. For example, the memory 920 can store instructions 925 that when executed by the processor 915 cause the processor 915 to perform operations such as any of the operations and functions for which the computing systems 905, 950 are configured, as described herein.

The memory 920 can store data 930 that can be obtained, received, accessed, written, manipulated, created, and/or stored. The data 930 can include, for instance, the types of paddles tested, the specifications of the paddles tested, the dates of testing, ambient conditions in which paddle testing took place, and the 2-D data as described herein. In some implementations, the computing device 910 can obtain from and store data in one or more memory device(s) that are remote from the computing system 905 such as one or more memory devices of the computing system 950.

The computing device 910 can also include a communication interface 935 used to communicate with one or more other systems (e.g., computing system 950). The communication interface 935 can include any circuits, components, or software for communicating via one or more networks 945. In some implementations, the communication interface 935 can include one or more of a communications controller, receiver, transceiver, transmitter, software, and/or hardware for communicating data.

The computing system 950 can include one or more computing devices 955. The computing devices 955 can include one or more processors 960 and a memory 965. The processors 960 may be any suitable processing device such as a processor core, a microprocessor, an ASIC, an FPGA, a controller, or a microcontroller, and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected. The memory 965 can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flash memory devices, or combinations thereof.

The memory 965 can store information that can be accessed by the one or more processors 960. For instance, the memory 965 (e.g., one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, or memory devices) can store data 975 that can be obtained, received, accessed, written, manipulated, created, and/or stored. The data 975 can include the 2-D data generated in connection with the method 700. The computing system 950 may obtain data from one or more memory device(s) that are remote from the computing system 950.

The memory 965 can also store computer-readable instructions 970 that can be executed by the one or more processors 960. The instructions 970 can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally, or alternatively, the instructions 970 can be executed in logically and/or virtually separate threads on the processor 960. For example, the memory 965 can store instructions 970 that when executed by the processor 960 cause the processor 960 to perform any of the operations and/or functions described herein.

The computing device(s) 955 can also include a communication interface 980 used to communicate with one or more other systems. The communication interface 980 can include any circuits, components, or software for communicating via one or more networks (e.g., 945). In some implementations, the communication interface 980 can include one or more of a communications controller, receiver, transceiver, transmitter, port, conductors, software, and/or hardware for communicating data.

The network 945 can be any type of network or combination of networks that allows for communication between devices. In some embodiments, the network 945 can include one or more of a local area network, wide area network, the Internet, secure network, cellular network, mesh network, peer-to-peer communication link, and/or some combination thereof and can include any number of wired or wireless links.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings provided herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered and/or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present application. For example, the testing system may be used for testing padel paddles, racquetball paddles, squash racquets, or even tennis racquets.

In the claims which follow, the word “comprising” is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the features from being present. Each one of the individual features described herein may be used in one or more embodiments and are not, by virtue of only being described herein, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.