Racket technology

Abstract

Pick ball rackets having novel core characteristics and / or materials, as well as related systems, methods, and articles are provided.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 520,604, entitled “PADDLE TECHNOLOGY,” filed on August 18, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 637,812, entitled “PADDLE TECHNOLOGY,” filed on April 23, 2024, and the contents of those patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The subject matter described herein relates generally to improved rackets and paddles and similar devices and, more particularly, to rackets or racquets for activities such as pickleball and methods of making and using the rackets or racquets. Background Art

[0004] Rackets and rackets are used in a variety of activities and sports. In recent years, some sports, such as pickleball, have attracted more and more attention. The rackets used in such activities are made of a variety of materials (such as wood, fiberglass, graphite, carbon fiber, etc.). Summary of the invention

[0005] Described generally herein are new and improved components, parts, and complete rackets and paddles, and methods of making and using the same. The embodiments herein will be described in the context of pickleball rackets, but it should be understood that these materials, designs, components, parts, and concepts can be used in rackets and paddles (or articles for hitting a ball or other object) for other activities and sports.

[0006] As described herein, systems, methods, and articles for pickleball rackets are provided that, in some cases, incorporate materials that have not been used in such rackets before. The use of such designs and materials can provide different and / or improved characteristics for the rackets, such as durability, weight, and performance.

[0007] Currently, most pickleball rackets include a core and an outer portion surrounding the core. The outer portion generally includes the outer face or head of the racket, the sides, and the handle. The outer portion may also include a cushioning or wrapping that surrounds the perimeter or edges of the racket head or face. The common core of many rackets includes a lightweight honeycomb pattern material (e.g., see Figure 1 ), due to the honeycomb structure, this lightweight honeycomb pattern material provides lighter weight skeleton support while maintaining some structure and strength. Honeycombs are typically made of materials such as Nomex (a synthetic material developed by DuPont in the 1960s), polypropylene ("PP"), and carbon fiber. The honeycomb provides a "vertical" support structure between the two opposing faces of the racket or paddle.

[0008] In the disclosure herein, improved rackets are provided herein that include novel core materials and designs. For example, a core of a lightweight foam material is used. Such materials can include one or more materials. One or more materials can be used. Whether one or more materials are used, the materials can be configured to have different weight and / or density properties, so that the core can have a dual density or multiple density material.

[0009] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the specification and drawings, as well as from the claims. Although certain features of the subject matter currently disclosed are described for illustrative purposes, it should be readily understood that such features are not intended to be limiting. The claims appended to this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations.

[0011] Figure 1 An example of a conventional honeycomb core made of polypropylene is depicted.

[0012] Figure 2 Depicting an example pickleball paddle having a dual density core consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;

[0013] Figure 3 An example pickleball paddle having a dual density core consistent with implementations of the current subject matter is depicted;

[0014] Figure 4 Depicted is an example expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam material that may be used in a racquet core consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.

[0015] Figure 5 An example of a pickleball paddle having a first configuration for a frame consistent with implementations of the present subject matter is depicted.

[0016] Figure 6 An example of a pickleball paddle having a second configuration for the frame is depicted consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.

[0017] Figure 7 An example of a pickleball paddle having a third configuration for the frame is depicted consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.

[0018] Figure 8 An example of a pickleball paddle having a fourth configuration for a frame consistent with implementations of the present subject matter is depicted.

[0019] Fig. 9 An example of a pickleball paddle having a fifth configuration for the frame is depicted consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.

[0020] Fig.10 An example of a pickleball paddle having a sixth configuration for a frame consistent with implementations of the present subject matter is depicted.

[0021] Fig.11 An example of a pickleball paddle having a seventh configuration for the frame is depicted consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.

[0022] Fig.12 An example of a pickleball paddle having an eighth configuration for a frame consistent with implementations of the present subject matter is depicted.

[0023] Fig.13 An example of a pickleball paddle having a ninth configuration for the frame is depicted consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.

[0024] When applicable, like reference numerals indicate like structures, features, or elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Pickleball rackets can include contact surfaces made from a variety of materials, particularly including carbon fiber, and cores made from a variety of materials. Pickleball rackets must meet the certification standards of the United States Pickleball Association (USAPA) in order to be used in sanctioned competitions. USAPA certification standards for rackets include certain weight, size, deflection, and durability requirements. Pickleball rackets made from polymer foams, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, are lightweight but deflect, compress excessively, and are not durable. Pickleball rackets made from polypropylene or other dense polymers are strong and durable, however weight requirements preclude pickleball rackets with solid polypropylene cores. To reduce overall weight, a pickleball racket can be constructed with a polypropylene honeycomb core secured in the core of the racket, such as Figure 1 It should be understood that although the disclosure herein focuses on pickleball rackets or paddles, the improvements and methods involving the use of specific foams and / or dual density cores can be applied to other types of rackets or paddles that require rigidity and durability while meeting weight requirements, such as table tennis rackets, Rackets, bats, padel rackets, etc.

[0026] Consistent with implementations of the current subject matter, the racket cores described herein, including dual density core pickleball rackets, can result in improved performance characteristics, durability, and strength. The rackets can be specifically manufactured to be lightweight and durable while withstanding minimal compression and deflection.

[0027] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of a double density core 40 for a pickleball racket 10 consistent with implementations of the current subject matter is illustrated. The double density core 40 may include a frame 50 and a filler 60. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in , the frame 50 can be a skeleton frame design that can define cells or zones of different sizes and / or different geometric shapes, including squares, circles, arches, diamonds, hexagons, honeycombs, etc. The filler 60 can be located within some or all of the cells / zones of the frame 50 and fill some or all of the cells / zones of the frame 50. The frame 50 can be made of a variety of materials, such as expanded polypropylene (EPP) (foam), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, wood, polymers, other foams, etc. The material of the frame 50 can be a higher density than the material of the filler 60. For example, the material of the frame 50 can have a density ranging from 5.0 lbs. / ft. 3 Up to 20.0lbs. / ft 3 or any sub-range or sub-value therebetween to the nearest tenth place (e.g., 6.0 lbs. / ft 3 , 6.1lbs. / ft 3 , 6.2lbs. / ft 3 , 6.3lbs. / ft 3 , 6.4lbs. / ft 3 , 6.5lbs. / ft 3 , 6.6lbs. / ft 3 , 6.7lbs. / ft 3 , ……19.1lbs. / ft 3 , 19.2lbs. / ft 3 , 19.3lbs. / ft 3 , ……20.0lbs. / ft 3 ) density. The filler 60 can be made of various materials, such as EPP, EVA foam, other foams, etc. For example, the material of the filler 60 can have a density ranging from 0.5 lbs. / ft. 3 Up to 5.0lbs. / ft 3 or any sub-range or sub-value therebetween to the nearest tenth place (e.g., 1.3 lbs. / ft. 3 , 1.4lbs. / ft 3 , 1.5lbs. / ft3 , 1.6lbs. / ft 3 , 1.7lbs. / ft 3 , 1.8lbs. / ft 3 , 1.9lbs. / ft 3 , 2.0lbs. / ft 3 , 2.1lbs. / ft 3 , 2.2lbs. / ft 3 , 2.3lbs. / ft 3 , 2.4lbs. / ft 3 , 2.5lbs. / ft 3 , 2.6lbs. / ft 3 , 2.7lbs. / ft 3 , 2.8lbs. / ft 3 , 2.9lbs. / ft 3 , 3.0lbs. / ft 3 , ……4.1lbs. / ft 3 , 4.2lbs. / ft 3 , 4.3lbs. / ft 3 , ……5.0lbs. / ft 3 ) density. The cells of the frame 50 can be distributed across the racket 10 to change the center of mass of the racket 10. For example, smaller and / or fewer cells of the frame 50 (and therefore less filler 60) and more material can be located near the base of the racket 10, while larger and / or more cells of the frame 50 (and therefore more filler 60) and less material can be located near the top of the racket 10. Manipulation of weight distribution can also be achieved by leaving some cells of the frame 50 without filler 60. In an embodiment, the filler 60 can be air. The distribution of weight across the racket 10 can change the performance of the racket.

[0028] The framework 50 and / or filler 60 of core 40 can be made of high-density composite foam, such as expanded polypropylene (EPP), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polymer composite foam (NCP) containing nano-carbon and / or microporous polypropylene (MPP). High-density composite foam can be used in any combination thereof. For example, the parts of framework 50 and / or filler 60 can have foam materials of different densities. Alternatively, the parts of framework 50, filler 60 or core 40 can be made of high-density composite foam, such as elastomer, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyethylene oxide, polyacrylate, cellulose, ethylene-vinyl alcohol, polybutene, polycaprolactone, polycarbonate, polyketone, polyester, polylactic acid, polyvinyl chloride, polyphenylene and copolymer thereof.

[0029] The dual density core 40 of the racket 10 can be manufactured using a CNC milling process. The frame 50 can be formed by CNC milling the frame 50 material. The filler 60 can be formed by CNC milling the filler 60 material to form a block of filler 60 whose shape fits into the cells of the frame 50. The filler 60 can be inserted into the cells of the frame 50, and the filler 60 and frame 50 can be bonded together with epoxy resin. The bonded frame 50 and filler 60 can be planed to a uniform thickness to form the dual density core 40 for manufacturing the racket 10.

[0030] The dual density core 40 for the racket 10 can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process. The EPP beads can be injection thermoformed and can expand and solidify within the mold to form the frame 50. The density of the frame 50 can be any suitable density, for example, the EPP beads can be selected to produce a range of, for example, from 6.0 lbs. / ft. 3 Up to 20.0lbs. / ft 3 Or any subvalue or subrange of frame density therein to the nearest tenth place. Lower density EPP beads can be injection thermoformed into a mold sized for a unit of frame 50 to form a block of unit-shaped filler 60. Lower density EPP can be selected to produce a range from, for example, 1.0 lbs. / ft. 3 Up to 6.0lbs. / ft 3 Or any subvalue or subrange of fill density therein to the nearest tenth place. Alternatively, EPS foam, EVA foam, or other foam and filler materials may be selected to produce the desired fill density. Filler 60 may be press-fit into the cells of frame 50 and bonded with epoxy. The bonded frame 50 and filler 60 may be planed to a uniform thickness, forming a dual density core 40 for manufacturing racket 10.

[0031] Some embodiments relate to an article or device for hitting an object such as a ball. The article or device may be a bat or racket, such as, for example, a pickleball racket. Although applicable to any article, the following is discussed in the context of a pickleball racket, but should not be limited thereto.

[0032] The racket 10 may include a core 40 which may include, among other things, a material such as a foam-like expanded polypropylene (EPP). EPP is considered a very different material from the more rigid crystalline polypropylene used to form many honeycomb cores of many rackets. The EPP used may have any suitable density to obtain a racket having an overall desired structure and weight. The racket-like core 40 may include, for example, EPP having a density of approximately 0.5 lbs. / ft. 3 Up to 20lbs. / ft 3The core 40 may include a lower density material 60 to fill the space around and adjacent to the skeleton structure 50. The skeleton structure 50 may alternatively be referred to as an exo-skeleton, frame, or other name indicating a structure that provides support for the racket 10. For example, in most existing rackets, the support is provided by a honeycomb structure. Such a support structure provides vertical support between the faces of the racket. The EPP filler 60 that fills at least some of the non-skeleton space may have, for example, approximately 0.5 lbs. / ft. 3 With approximately 5.0lbs. / ft 3 Between, about 3.5lbs. / ft 3 Or any sub-range or density of sub-values ​​to the tenth place therebetween. In some embodiments, fill material 60 may fill substantially all of the non-skeletal space within core 40 of racquet 10 .

[0033] In some embodiments, racket 10 may include a higher density EPP that provides vertical support. Such EPP may have, for example, approximately 5.0 lbs. / ft. 3 With 20lbs. / ft 3 Any subrange or density of subvalues ​​between or to the nearest tenth value therebetween.

[0034] In some embodiments, racket 10 may include EPP having different densities. For example, racket 10 may have a frame 50 made of a higher density EPP and a filler 60 comprising a lower density EPP. Figures 2 to 3 , an example structure of a high density EPP and a low density EPP is depicted. These densities can be any density as described herein. Such a core 40 or racket 10 can be referred to as a dual density racket 10 or dual density core 40.

[0035] Figure 4 Depicted is a foam that may be used inside a pickleball paddle. It is contemplated that the shapes, sizes, or geometries of the examples shown are not meant to be limiting, but rather this figure is intended to depict examples of EPPs that may be configured and used.

[0036] Back to Figures 2 to 3In some embodiments, the skeleton 50 and the filler 60 can be different materials. The racket 10 or core 40 can have two or more materials, each material having a different density, and thus a dual-density core 40 or racket 10. For example, the skeleton 50 can be wood, carbon fiber, graphite, fiberglass, non-foam polypropylene, and EPP can be used as the filler material 60 around the skeleton 50. In other embodiments, the skeleton 50 can be EPP and one or more different foams and materials can be used for the filler material 60. Examples include EVA foam, polyethylene foam, polyurethane, etc. The foam can be an open-cell foam or a closed-cell foam. The foam can be beaded, expanded, cross-linked, or any other kind. In some embodiments, the skeleton 50 and the filler 60 can be non-EPP materials that provide sufficient support and result in appropriate weight and performance. For example, any of the above can be mixed and matched. In an embodiment, the filler 60 can be air.

[0037] In other embodiments, the total core weight is between about 2.0 ounces and 4.0 ounces, and any subvalue or subrange therebetween to the tenth digit. The total weight of the racket can be between about 5 ounces and 11 ounces, or any subvalue or subrange therebetween to the tenth digit. The racket 10 can also include face material, grips / handles, and optional peripheral wrappings or buffers / protective devices (e.g., optionally with foam beads thereunder to provide cushioning rubber or carbon fiber materials). The handle can be made of any suitable material. These can include wood or other materials described. The handle can be formed as a part of the skeleton. The handle can also include a grip tape for improved grip and comfort. The face is made of carbon fiber, graphite, fiberglass, or any other suitable material. These faces can further selectively include other coatings, graphics, etc.

[0038] The skeleton structure of the racket stick can include any shape, including but not limited to those shapes depicted and described herein. For example, the shape can be a shape as shown in the figure. It can be a honeycomb, including a honeycomb having a cell or pore diameter greater than 10.0 mm. In some embodiments, the cell diameter can be, for example, between about 15.0 mm and 30.0 mm, or any subvalue or subrange therebetween to the nearest tenth place. In some embodiments, the skeleton 50 can have a uniform structure and / or feature distribution, such as found in a honeycomb structure. Although other shapes are also contemplated. In other embodiments, the structure of the skeleton 50 can be non-uniform or partially uniform, such as shown in the figure. In some embodiments, for example, the volume of the skeleton 50 on the periphery of the racket 10 can be greater than the volume of the skeleton 50 in the middle and the filler 60 can fill the larger volume of space in the middle portion. In some embodiments, as Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1 , the volume of the skeleton 50 in the center or sweet spot of the racket 10 can be greater than the volume of the skeleton 50 on the perimeter and the filler 60 can fill the larger volume of space on the perimeter. In other embodiments, the volume distribution or ratio can be more or less uniform. Any distribution ratio is contemplated.

[0039] Figures 5 to 13 Various embodiments of rackets (such as pickleball rackets) constructed according to the methods described herein are illustrated. In particular, Figures 5 to 13 Various examples of pickleball paddles having varying configurations for the skeleton 50 having gaps filled with air or other material 60 are shown consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. Figures 5 to 13 , racket 10 may include a core 40, a frame 50, and a gap 60 with filler. In some embodiments, core 40 may be surrounded by a handle or grip 70. Handle 70 may provide a place for a user to hold the racket. Core 40 may be covered by an outer layer 80 on one or more sides. Outer layer 80 may be composed of carbon fiber, glass fiber, graphene, borene, and / or the like. Outer layer 80 may form a hitting surface for a ball, such as a pickleball.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the skeleton 50 can include a plurality of concentrically arranged gaps filled with a material such as foam 60. As described above, the arrangement of the gaps and fillers in the skeleton 50 can modify the center of gravity of the racket and provide different advantages or configurations of the racket when playing pickleball or the like. Figure 6 Provided that the handle or grip 70 and outer layer 80 are removed Figure 5 A second image of the embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0041] Figure 7 An illustration of an embodiment of a skeleton 50 is provided that includes two layers of concentrically oriented gaps filled with material 60. A row of four gaps, also filled, is positioned between the concentrically oriented gaps and the handle region. A larger no-gap region is formed in the center of the concentric gaps.

[0042] Figure 8 An illustration of an embodiment having a skeleton 50 containing concentrically oriented gaps having a substantially trapezoidal or rounded trapezoidal shape is provided. The gaps are oriented so as to form a gap-free central region offset from the center of the racket. A handle 70 is also shown.

[0043] Fig. 9 Provided Figure 8 The embodiment of FIG. 7 is shown without the handle 70. Figure 8 and Fig. 9As shown in FIG. 5 , the skeleton 50 may include gaps having various shapes including trapezoidal, curved trapezoidal, triangular, rectangular, and the like.

[0044] Fig.10 An illustration of an embodiment of a skeleton 50 having a plurality of gaps 90 is provided. The gaps 90 shown may be hollow and filled with air. The gaps may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to trapezoidal, curved trapezoidal, triangular, rectangular, and the like.

[0045] Fig.11 An illustration of an embodiment of a skeleton 50 having a plurality of gaps that are substantially circular and filled with a material 60 is provided.

[0046] Fig.12 An illustration of an embodiment of a frame 50 having a plurality of gaps that are substantially circular around a central area of ​​the racket 10 is provided. The circular gaps are surrounded by a plurality of rectangular gaps having different sizes. The gaps shown are shown filled with material 60.

[0047] Fig.13 An illustration of an embodiment of a skeleton 50 having a plurality of gaps is provided, the gaps being organized in a substantially circular shape in a substantially rectangular grid in a central region of the racket 10. The circular gaps are surrounded by a plurality of rectangular gaps of varying sizes forming a rounded square perimeter around the circular gaps. The gaps shown are shown filled with material 60.

[0048] In the disclosure herein, improved rackets are provided herein that include novel core materials and designs. For example, a core of a lightweight foam material is used. Such materials can include one or more materials. One or more materials can be used. Whether one or more materials are used, the materials can be configured to have different weight and / or density properties, so that the core can have a dual density or multiple density material.

[0049] Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the shape and / or feature distribution can affect the function of the racket 10. For example, when the racket is used, the placement of the skeleton 50 can affect performance, including spin (e.g., the amount of spin added to the ball), speed, weight, weight distribution, the location of the sweet spot, etc. The sweet spot can be defined as the center of mass of the racket, and can also be defined as the "center of impact" (cp). In some embodiments, the sweet spot can provide additional control or precision when hitting a ball that contacts the sweet spot. In some embodiments, the sweet spot can provide additional force when hitting a ball that contacts the sweet spot. In some embodiments, the sweet spot can provide a favorable combination of spin, speed and / or trajectory when hitting a ball that contacts the sweet spot.

[0050] Some embodiments are directed to a method of making and / or manufacturing a pickleball racket as claimed, shown, and / or described herein.

[0051] Some embodiments relate to methods of using or playing with the rackets or articles described herein. Such methods may include using the rackets or other articles described, claimed or shown herein to hit an object (such as a ball).

[0052] It is contemplated that embodiments of the present disclosure may include frames with various gap configurations. Within the same embodiment of a racket, the frame and / or gaps may be comprised of foams having different densities. For example, the frame may include areas filled with high-density foam and areas filled with low-density foam within the same racket. The high-density foam may provide weight, stability, and resistance to deflection to the user. However, foam density may be regulated by competitive sports associations. Low-density foam may be used to provide power and sound damping. Alternatively, gaps filled with air or forming void channels may be used for power and / or sound damping.

[0053] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include pickleball rackets having a specific stiffness. For example, a pickleball racket may be constructed to have a rigidity corresponding to a deflection of 5 thousandths of an inch or less at a test weight of 3kg. In some embodiments, a pickleball racket constructed according to the methods described herein may have a deflection of 10 thousandths of an inch or less at a test weight of 5kg. In some embodiments, the target deflection range of a pickleball racket may correspond to the requirements of a sports governing body such as United States Pickleball (USAP). In some embodiments, the deflection in inches per weight may indicate how fast a ball in contact with a pickleball racket leaves the racket face when in contact. In some embodiments, the racket's deflection test may be between approximately 0.003 inches and 0.005 inches.

[0054] Depending on the desired configuration, the subject matter described herein may be implemented in a system, device, method and / or article. The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are only some examples consistent with aspects related to the subject matter described. Although some changes have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are also possible. In particular, further features and / or changes may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above may be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, and / or combinations and subcombinations of several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the drawings and / or described herein do not necessarily require the specific order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired results. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the logic flow may include different and / or additional operations than those shown. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, one or more operations of the logic flow may be repeated and / or omitted. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.

[0055] When a feature or element is referred to herein as "on" another feature or element, the feature or element may be directly on another feature or element, or there may also be intermediate features and / or elements. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as "directly on another feature or element", there are no intermediate features or elements. It will also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as "connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element, the feature or element may be directly connected, attached or coupled to another feature or element, or there may be intermediate features or elements. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as "directly connected", "directly attached" or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements. Although described or shown for one embodiment, the features and elements described or shown in this way may be applied to other embodiments. References to structures or features provided by "adjacent" another feature may have overlapping or part located under adjacent features.

[0056] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used herein, such as, for example, "below ... ", "below", "lower", "above ... ", "on", etc., to describe the relationship between an element or feature and another (one or more) element or (one or more) feature shown in the figure. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, the element described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can cover both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations) and the spatial relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms "upward", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. are used herein only for the purpose of explanation.

[0057] As used in the specification and claims herein, including as used in the embodiments, and unless otherwise expressly stated, all numbers can be understood to begin with the word "about" or "approximately", even if the term does not appear explicitly. The phrase "about" or "approximately" can be used when describing the value and / or position to indicate that the value and / or position described are within the reasonable expected range of the value and / or position. For example, the numerical value can have a stated value (or range of values) of + / -0.1%, a stated value (or range of values) of + / -1%, a stated value (or range of values) of + / -2%, a stated value (or range of values) of + / -5%, a stated value (or range of values) of + / -10%, etc. Unless the context indicates otherwise, any numerical value given herein should also be understood to include approximately or approximately the value. For example, in some implementations, the phrase "approximately" can include + / -0.03mm, + / -0.05mm, etc.

Claims

1. A racket comprising a core, wherein the core comprises expanded polypropylene (EPP).

2. The racket of claim 1, wherein the EPP has a density of about 0.5 pounds per cubic foot to about 3.5 pounds per cubic foot.

3. The racket of claim 1 or 2, wherein the EPP has a density of about 3.5 pounds per cubic foot to about 20 pounds per cubic foot.

4. The racket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the core comprises EPP having at least two different densities.

5. The racket of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the core comprises a skeleton comprising EPP having a density between 3.5 pounds per cubic foot and approximately 20 pounds per cubic foot.

6. The racket of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the core comprises a skeleton and a relatively low density EPP of about 0.5 pounds per cubic foot to about 3.5 pounds per cubic foot.

7. The racket according to claim 6, wherein the lower density EPP is filled in one or more spaces around the skeleton or between the skeletons.

8. The racket of claim 7, wherein the lower density EPP is filled in non-skeleton spaces in the core.

9. The racket of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the core comprises EPP having a density between about 5 pounds per cubic foot and about 20 pounds per cubic foot.

10. The racket of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the core has a total weight of between 2 ounces and 4 ounces.

11. A racket according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a carbon fibre face, a grip and / or a perimeter wrap.

12. The racket of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the finished racket has a weight between approximately 5 ounces and 10 ounces.

13. The racket according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the core comprises a skeleton comprising a honeycomb structure.

14. The racket of claim 13, wherein the honeycomb structure comprises a honeycomb having a diameter greater than 10 mm.

15. The racket of claim 13, wherein the honeycomb structure comprises a honeycomb having a diameter of 15 mm to 30 mm.

16. The racket of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the core comprises a skeleton region and a non-skeletal region, and the skeleton provides vertical support between the faces of the racket.

17. The racket of claim 16, wherein the frame comprises a non-uniform shape.

18. The racket of claim 17, wherein a majority of the skeleton is located closer to the periphery of the core.

19. A core comprising: At least one high density composite foam.

20. The core of claim 19, wherein the core is formed in a pickleball racket.

21. A racket comprising a core, wherein the core comprises at least one high density composite foam.

22. The racket according to claim 21, wherein the at least one high-density composite foam comprises at least one of the following: expanded polypropylene (EPP), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), nano-carbon-containing polymer composite foam (NCP), or microporous polypropylene (MPP).

23. The racket of claim 21, wherein the at least one high-density foam comprises at least one of an elastomer, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene oxide, polyacrylate, cellulose, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polybutylene, polycaprolactone, polycarbonate, polyketone, polyester, polylactic acid, polyvinyl chloride, polyphenylene, and copolymers thereof.

24. The racket of claim 21, wherein the at least one high density composite foam has a density of about 0.5 pounds per cubic foot to about 3.5 pounds per cubic foot.

25. The racket of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the at least one high density composite foam has a density of about 3.5 pounds per cubic foot to about 20 pounds per cubic foot.

26. The racket of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the at least one high-density composite foam comprises a first high-density composite foam and a second high-density composite foam having at least two different densities.

27. The racket of any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the core comprises a skeleton comprising the at least one high density composite foam having a density between 3.5 pounds per cubic foot and approximately 20 pounds per cubic foot.

28. The racket of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the core comprises a skeleton comprising the at least one high density composite foam having a density from about 0.5 pounds per cubic foot to about 3.5 pounds per cubic foot.

29. The racket of any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the core further comprises a skeleton region and one or more non-skeletal regions, and the skeleton is configured to provide vertical support between faces of the racket.

30. The racket of claim 29, wherein the high density composite foam having a density of about 0.5 pounds per cubic foot to about 3.5 pounds per cubic foot fills one or more spaces around or between the skeletons.

31. The racket of claim 29, wherein the high density composite foam having a density of approximately 0.5 pounds per cubic foot to 3.5 pounds per cubic foot fills the non-skeletal space in the core.

32. The racket of claim 29, wherein the core includes one or more gaps filled with air.

33. The racket of any one of claims 21 to 32, wherein the core comprises EPP having a density between about 5 pounds per cubic foot and about 20 pounds per cubic foot.

34. The racket of any one of claims 21 to 33, wherein the core has a total weight of between 2 ounces and 4 ounces.

35. The racket of any one of claims 21 to 34, further comprising at least one of: a carbon fiber face, a grip, or a perimeter wrap.

36. The racket of any one of claims 21 to 35, wherein the racket has a weight of between approximately 5 ounces and 10 ounces.

37. A racket according to any one of claims 21 to 36, wherein the core comprises a skeleton comprising one or more geometric shapes.

38. The racket of claim 37, wherein the geometric shape comprises at least one of a honeycomb cell, a circle, a square, an oval, a trapezoid, a triangle, or any combination thereof.

39. The racket of claim 37, wherein the geometric shape comprises a honeycomb structure.

40. The racket of claim 37, wherein the geometric shape comprises an interlocking shape, wherein the shape comprises at least one of a honeycomb cell, a circle, a square, an oval, a trapezoid, a triangle, or any combination thereof.

41. The racket of claim 21, wherein the core comprises a skeleton spanning the perimeter of the racket and between approximately 20% and 75% of the surface area of ​​the racket.

42. The racket of claim 29, wherein the frame comprises a non-uniform shape.

43. The racket of claim 29, wherein a majority of the skeleton is located closer to the periphery of the core.

44. The racket of claim 21, wherein the racket comprises a deflection of less than 5 thousandths of an inch at a test weight of 3 kg.

45. The racket of claim 21, wherein the racket comprises a deflection of less than 10 thousandths of an inch at a test weight of 5 kg.

46. ​​A method of making and / or manufacturing a pickleball racket as herein claimed, shown and / or described.

47. A method of playing pickleball comprising using a racket as herein claimed or described.

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