PICKLEBALL PADDLE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/738,324, filed on Dec. 23, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a pickleball paddle.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, there has been a growing rise in popularity of the sport of pickleball, with an increasing number of players having varying experience levels. Despite pickleball's rapid rise in popularity and corresponding growth, there has been little technical advancement in the sport in at least the last five years. Current pickleball paddles (also referred to as pickleball paddle designs) assume a player approaches the sport with at least a moderate level of skill, presumably gained from playing tennis and/or table tennis. In particular, current pickleball paddles require that a player have at least a moderate to advanced level of hand to eye coordination to accurately contact the “sweet spot” of the pickleball paddle with the pickleball ball. These expectations and assumptions form the basis for current rules and regulations in the sport, for example, maximum pickleball paddle dimensions as set forth by, for example, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA).

USAPA regulations specify that the combined length and width of the pickleball paddle may not exceed 24 inches, and it may only have a maximum length of 17 inches. Accordingly, conventional pickleball paddle in the art typically have a paddle face (also referred to as a “head”) for making contact with the pickleball ball in a range between 15.5 inches and 17 inches in length and in a range of between 7 inches to 8.5 inches in width. The thickness of a conventional paddle face is typically in a range between 12.5 mm and 38 mm. Additionally, conventional pickleball paddles typically have a handle in a range of 4 inches to 6 inches in length.

However, such conventional handle lengths (i.e., between 4 inches and 6 inches) may be unsuitable for players with certain preferences and/or techniques (e.g., a player having a larger hand), leading to reduced grip stability and shot control. Further, the conventional paddle head/face thickness (i.e., between 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches) may not be optimal for maneuvering the pickleball paddle.

SUMMARY

A need exists for an improved pickleball paddle having improved dimensions and/or thickness to provide enhanced leverage, better weight distribution, and improved shock absorption during a pickleball game, thereby improving player performance and reducing the risk of repetitive stress injuries associated with inadequate handle lengths.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pickleball paddle formed of (or made of) a novel combination of materials and/or that is dimensioned to provide optimum playability for players of different skill levels. The pickleball paddle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, is a ground-up design focusing on improving accessibility to players regardless of their background, if any, by implementing a novel paddle size to improve finding a “sweet spot” and/or implementing a novel combination of materials that improves weight and balance of the pickleball paddle.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a pickleball paddle that may include a face part having a thickness in a range of 11.0 millimeters to 13.0 millimeters and a handle part extending away from the face part and having a length in a range of 7.0 inches to 7.5 inches, and/or that may include a plurality of layers, including at least a first layer including fiberglass material, a second layer including Carbon fiber material, and a core layer including polymer material sequentially stacked on each other.

However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein. The above and other embodiments of the present disclosure (and aspects and features thereof) will become more apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains by referencing the detailed description of the present disclosure below.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a pickleball paddle (hereinafter referred to as a “paddle”) includes: a face part having a thickness in a range of about 11.0 millimeters to about 13.0 millimeters; and a handle part extending away from the face part and having a length in a range of about 7.0 inches to about 7.5 inches.

In an embodiment, the thickness of the face part may be less than that of the handle part.

In an embodiment, an edge of the face part may have a thickness greater than that of a portion of the handle part at a center thereof.

In an embodiment, the face part may include an additional part at an edge of the face part.

In an embodiment, the additional part of the face part may have a thickness greater than that of a portion of the handle part at a center thereof.

In an embodiment, the face part may include a throat part, the throat part being coupled to the handle part.

In an embodiment, the face part may have a width in a range of about 8.0 inches to about 9.0 inches.

In an embodiment, the face part may have a length in a range of about 9.0 inches to about 10.5 inches.

In an embodiment, the handle part may have a width in a range of about 1.0 inches to about 1.5 inches.

In an embodiment, the handle part may have a circumference in a range of about 4.0 inches to about 4.5 inches.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a paddle includes: a face part including a core layer and a plurality of layers sequentially stacked on the core layer. The plurality of layers includes: a first layer having a Young's modulus in a range of about 70 GPa to about 85 GPa; and a second layer having a Young's modulus in a range of about 230 GPa to about 600 GPa.

In an embodiment, the plurality of layers of the face part may further include: a third layer having a Young's modulus in a range of about 10 GPa to about 50 GPa; and a fourth layer having a Young's modulus in a range of about 60 GPa to about 120 GPa.

In an embodiment, the plurality of layers of the face part may further include: a fifth layer having a Young's modulus in a range of about 100 GPa to about 120 GPa.

In an embodiment, the core layer may include a polymer having a honeycomb arrangement.

In an embodiment, the first layer may include fiberglass.

In an embodiment, the second layer may include carbon fiber.

In an embodiment, the second layer may include titanium and carbon fiber composite.

In an embodiment, the third layer may include graphite.

In an embodiment, the fourth layer may include Kevlar.

In an embodiment, the fifth layer may include titanium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing, in detail, embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a pickleball paddle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a pickleball paddle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show comparisons between a pickleball paddle according to embodiments of the present disclosure and comparative pickleball paddles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

In the figures, dimensions of the various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals designate the same elements. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present invention relates to “one or more embodiments of the present invention.” Expressions, such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. Also, the term “exemplary” is intended to refer to an example or illustration. As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For instance, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Similarly, the second element could also be termed the first element.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” or “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting of the described example embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a paddle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a paddle 100 may include a face part 200 and a handle part 300, and the handle part 300 may extend in a first direction D1 (e.g., a y-direction) away from the face part 200. The face part 200 may be a portion of the paddle 100 that may contact a ball B (e.g., plastic ball used in pickleball), and the handle part 300 may be another portion of the paddle 100 that the user may grip to maneuver the paddle 100.

In one or more embodiments, the paddle 100 may have a total length TL (e.g., in the first direction) in a range of about 16.0 inches to about 18.0 inches. For example, in one embodiment, the total length TL of the paddle 100 may be equal to about 17.0 inches. The total length TL of the paddle 100 may include (or may be a sum of) a length of the face part 200 (e.g., a first length LE1 in FIG. 1) and a length of the handle part 300 (e.g., a second length LE2 in FIG. 1).

In one or more embodiments, the face part 200 may have a rectangular shape or the like having rounded corners or the like. It is understood that one skilled in the art may select a shape suitable for the face part 200 that is within the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, at least two sides of the face part 200 may be spaced apart from each other and may be substantially parallel to each other. The at least two parallel sides of the face part 200 may extend lengthwise in the first direction D1, that is, in the y-direction.

In one or more embodiments, at least one side of the face part 200 at an upper portion thereof may be interposed between the at least two parallel sides of the face part 200. The at least one upper side of the face part 200 may extend widthwise in a second direction D2 (e.g., an x-direction). The at least two parallel sides of the face part 200 may form upper edges having a radius of curvature (e.g., curved edges) with the at least one upper side of the face part 200 extending therebetween.

In one or more embodiments, at least two sides of the face part 200 at a lower portion thereof may form lower edges having another radius of curvature with the at least two parallel sides of the face part 200. For example, respective ends of the at least two lower sides of the face part 200 may form curved corners with respective ends of the at least two parallel sides of the face part 200. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the lower edges may be the same as the radius of curvature of the upper edges. In other embodiments, the radius of curvature of the lower edges may be different from the radius of curvature of the upper edges. It is understood that one skilled in the art may select any suitable radius of curvature of the upper edges and another radius of curvature of the lower edges may be selected that is within the spirit of the spirit of the present disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, other respective ends of the at least two lower sides of the face part 200 may be coupled to and/or formed with the handle part 300. In such an embodiment, the at least two lower sides of the face part 200 may extend in different directions from each other that cross the first and second directions such that a first one of the at least two lower sides extends in a third direction D3 crossing (e.g., intersecting) the first direction D1 and/or second direction D2, and a second one of the at least two lower sides extends in a fourth direction D4 crossing (e.g., intersecting) the first direction D1 and/or second direction D2.

In one or more embodiments, the face part 200 may have the first length LE1 in a range of about 9.0 inches to about 10.5 inches and a first width W1 in a range of about 8.0 inches to 9.0 inches. For example, the first length LE1 of the face part 200 may be equal to about 9.5 inches, and the first width W1 of the face part 200 may be equal to about 7.7 inches. The first length LE1 may include respective lengths of the at least two parallel sides and the at least two lower sides of the face part 200 in the first direction. The range corresponding to the first length LE1 and the range corresponding to the first width W1 allow for increased surface area to engage the ball B, thereby securing a broader range of contact points between the paddle 100 and the ball B, and providing improved control of the paddle 100 and of the ball B when engaged with the paddle 100.

In one or more embodiments, an area of a bottom portion of the face part 200 may gradually decrease as the bottom portion of the face part 200 approaches an upper portion of the handle part 300 to form a throat part 205. In such an embodiment, a first width W1 of the face part 200 may gradually decrease in a direction, for example, the first direction, to form the throat part 205. The first width W1 of the face part 200 may gradually decrease in the first direction as the face part 200 approaches the handle part 300. In some embodiments, the throat part 205 that may be coupled and/or integrally formed with the handle part 300.

In one or more embodiments, the face part 200 may have a total thickness T in a range of about 11.0 millimeters to about 13.0 millimeters. For example, in one embodiment, the total thickness T of the face part 200 may equal to about 13.0 millimeters. The range corresponding to the total thickness T is substantially less than a thickness of traditional comparative paddles (see, e.g., FIG. 6B). As such, the face part 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure provides a lower thickness than conventional pickleball paddles while providing improved strength and durability.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a face part of a paddle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to some embodiments, the face part 200 may include a core layer CL and a plurality of layers L overlapping the core layer CL. For example, the plurality of layers L may overlap a first side of the core layer CL, and a second side of the core layer CL opposite to the first side. The plurality of layers L may include at least one of a first layer L1 and a second layer L2 sequentially stacked on the first side and second side of the core layer CL. The first layer L1 may be disposed above the second layer L2 and the core layer CL such that the first layer L1 is exposed to an outside of the paddle 100. The second layer L2 may be disposed closer to the core layer CL than the first layer L1. The first layer L1, the second layer L2, and the core layer CL may be bonded to each other by, for example, a cold press manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the first layer L1, the second layer L2, and the core layer CL may be bonded to each other in a same manufacturing process, for example, by a cold press manufacturing process.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the face part 200 taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments.

According to some embodiments, the total thickness T of the face part 200 may include the respective thicknesses of the core layer CL and the plurality of layers L, for example, the first layer L1 and second layer L2. In some embodiments, the respective thicknesses of the core layer CL, the first layer L1, and/or the second layer L2 may be less than 13.0 millimeters. The core layer CL may have a thickness greater than that of the first layer L1 and/or the second layer L2 (individually or combined).

In one or more embodiments, the core layer CL of the face part 200 may include a thermoplastic polymer arranged in a honeycomb arrangement. However, it is understood that one skilled in the art may select any suitable arrangement for the thermoplastic polymer.

In one or more embodiments, the first layer L1 of the face part 200 may include a material having a Young's modulus in a range of about 70 GPa to about 85 GPa. For example, the first layer L1 may include a fiberglass material, which has a Young's modulus in a range of about 70 GPa to about 85 GPa. The Young's modulus and other properties of fiberglass material includes high elasticity and moderate impact resistance when in contact with the ball B. Thus, the inclusion of a fiberglass material within the first layer L1, that is exposed to the outside, may provide improved control of the ball B when contact is made with the face part 200 of the paddle 100. Further, the cost-effectiveness of including fiberglass material in the face part 200 improves affordability of the paddle 100.

In one or more embodiments, the second layer L2 may include a material having a Young's modulus in a range of about 230 GPa to about 600 GPa. For example, the second layer L2 may include a carbon fiber material, which has a Young's modulus in a range of about 230 GPa to about 600 GPa. Carbon fiber material may be included in the second layer L2 based on the physical properties thereof. The physical properties of carbon fiber material, including its high tensile strength and lower weight, provides improved performance for the paddle 100.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the face part 200 taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments.

According to some embodiments, the plurality of layers L of the face part 200 may further include at least one of a third layer L3 and a fourth layer L4. The third layer L3 and/or the fourth layer L4 may may overlap at least two surfaces of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. In embodiments in which the third layer L3 and the fourth layer L4 are included in the face part 200, the third layer L3 and fourth layer L4 may be sequentially stacked on the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. In some embodiments, the third layer L3 and/or the fourth layer L4 may be disposed between the core layer CL and the first layer L1. For example, the third layer L3 and/or the fourth layer L4 may be disposed closer to the core layer CL than either of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 is. The third layer L3 and/or the fourth layer L4 may be bonded with the first layer L1, second layer L2, and the core layer CL in a same manufacturing process, for example, by a cold press manufacturing process.

In one or more embodiments, the third layer L3 may include a material having a Young's modulus in a range of about 10 GPa to about 50 GPa. For example, the third layer L3 may include a graphite material, which has a Young's modulus in a range of about 10 GPa to about 50 GPa. The physical properties of graphite, including its high tensile strength and low weight, in combination with the materials of the first and second layers L1 and L2, provide improved performance results of the paddle 100.

In one or more embodiments, the fourth layer L4 may include a material having a Young's modulus in a range of about 60 GPa to about 120 GPa. For example, the fourth layer L4 may include Kevlar® (a registered trademark owned by DUPONT SAFETY & CONSTRUCTION, INC.), which has a Young's modulus in a range of about 60 GPa to about 120 GPa. The physical properties of Kevlar, including its high tensile strength and high impact resistance, in combination with the material of the first through third layers L1-L3, provide improved durability of the face part 200 without sacrificing any improved performance derived from the other layers L included in the face part 200.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the face part 200 taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments.

According to some embodiments, the plurality of layers L of the face part 200 may further include a fifth layer L5 overlapping the core layer CL and the remaining plurality of layers L. The fifth layer L5 may be disposed in between the core layer CL and the first layer L1. For example, the fifth layer L5 may be disposed closer to the core layer CL than the first layer L1 is. In some embodiments, the fifth layer L5 may be disposed adjacent to the second layer L2, for example, below the second layer L2. In other embodiments, the fifth layer L5 may be disposed above the second layer L2 with respect to the core layer CL.

In one or more embodiments, the fifth layer L5 may include a material having a Young's modulus in a range of about 100 GPa to about 120 GPa. For example, the fifth layer L5 may include titanium, which has a Young's modulus in a range of about 100 GPa to about 120 GPa. The physical properties of titanium, including its high tensile strength, low corrosion, and low weight, in combination with at least some of the other plurality of layers L, provide improved performance results of the paddle 100.

In one or more embodiments, the fifth layer L5 may be omitted, and instead, the second layer L2 may include a composite of titanium and a carbon fiber material, which together may have a Young's modulus in a range of about 350 GPa to about 600 GPa and incorporates the beneficial properties of both materials. Inclusion of the titanium/carbon fiber composite material in the second layer L2 may provide improved performance and durability of the face part 200 even after repeated use over an extended period of time.

According to some embodiments, the core layer and the plurality of layers L of the face part 200 may be bonded to each other in a same manufacturing process. For example, the core layer and at least two (or all) of the first through fifth layers L1-L5 may be bonded together in a same manufacturing process. In such an embodiment, a cold press manufacturing process may be used to bond the plurality of layers L to each other, and/or to the core layer. In a cold press manufacturing process, high pressure may be applied to at least one of the plurality of layers L, such as the first through fifth layers L1-L5, and/or the core layer CL. For example, high pressure may be applied to at least one of the first through fifth layers L1-L5, and the core layer CL, such that the at least one layer upon which pressure is applied may bond to the core layer CL, and any other layers disposed therebetween. In other embodiments, a combination of a hot press manufacturing process may be used in addition to, or in place of, the cold press manufacturing process to bond the plurality of layers L and/or the core layer CL to each other. In this way, the plurality of layers L and/or the core layer CL may be bonded to each other and/or integrally formed as a single unit.

The physical properties of certain materials to be respectively included in the first through fifth layers is represented as Table A below:

Referring to FIG. 2, according to some embodiments, the face part 200 may further include an additional part 210 configured to contact an edge of the face part 200. The additional material 210 may have a thickness in a range of about 11.0 millimeters to about 13.0 millimeters to ensure a lower thickness of the paddle face 200. The additional material 210 may surround the edge of the face part 200 and may increase the weight of the face part 200 with respect to a weight of the handle 300 to ensure improved control of the paddle 100.

In one or more embodiments, the additional part 210 may include a composite material, for example, a plastic foam material, that may be injected (e.g., insert injection molded) around a perimeter of the face part 200. The additional part 210 may be bonded with the face part 200 having the plurality of layers L and the core layer CL through a hot press manufacturing process. In some examples, the additional part 210 may have a thickness greater than that of a portion (e.g., a central portion of the face part 200). In such an embodiment, the plurality of layers L may be bonded to the first and second sides of the cover layer CL, and the additional part 210 may surround and/or be bonded to an edge of the plurality of layers L and cover layer CL that are bonded together (see, e.g., FIG. 2). For example, the additional part 210 may surround the perimeter of the bonded plurality of layers L and the core layer CL. The additional part 210 may be bonded to the edge of the bonded plurality of layers L and the core layer CL. The thickness of the additional part 210 may be selected such that the total thickness T of the face part 200 is in a range of about 11 millimeters to about 13 millimeters. Inclusion of the additional part 210 in the paddle 100 allows different combinations of the plurality of layers L to be included in the face part 200, while maintaining a reduced thickness of the face part 200. In this way, the paddle 100 may offer improved performance to players having different skill levels and performance needs.

In one or more embodiments, the handle part 300 may include a material similar to that of the face part 200. For example, the handle part 300 may include a same material as that of at least one of the core layer CL, the first layer L1, and/or the second layer L2. In other embodiments, the handle part 300 may include a material different than that included in the plurality of layers L and/or the core layer of the face part 200. For example, the handle part 300 may include a composite material including wood and/or plastic foams, for reducing an overall weight of the paddle 100.

In one or more embodiments, and referring to FIG. 1, the handle part 300 may [0073] have a second length LE2 in a range of about 7.0 inches to about 7.5 inches and a second width W2 in a range of about 1.0 inches to about 1.5 inches (corresponding to a circumference of the handle part 300 in a range of about 4.0 inches to 4.5 inches). For example, the second length LE2 of the handle part 300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may equal to about 7.5 inches. The second length LE2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be longer than that of a handle of a comparative paddle (see, e.g., FIG. 6A), thus allowing for improved maneuverability of the paddle 100 and reduced risk of injury during use of the paddle 100.

In concluding the detailed description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the present disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments of the disclosure are to be understood in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.