Pickleball paddle dampening layer

Abstract

A peakball racket may include a core; a vibration damping layer connected to the core; and an outer layer connected to the vibration damping layer. A peakball racket may include a core assembly comprising a core; an outer layer; an intermediate layer located between the core and the outer layer; and a vibration damping layer connected to at least one of the core, the intermediate layer, and the outer layer. A peakball racket may include a core assembly comprising a core, an outer layer, and a vibration damping layer connected to at least one of the core and the outer layer.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application is an international phase application claiming priority to U.S. non-provisional application No. 19 / 079,055, filed March 13, 2025, entitled “PICKLEBALL PADDLE DAMPENING LAYERS,” which claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 566,015, filed March 15, 2024, entitled “PICKLEBALL PADDLE DAMPENING LAYERS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to sports equipment. Specifically, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for sound and / or vibration damping in pickle rackets. Background Technology

[0003] Participants engage in a wide range of sports for various reasons, including improving health, leisure and entertainment, as well as competitive or professional purposes and other reasons. One such sport that has rapidly gained popularity is pickleball. Pickleball is an indoor or outdoor racket sport in which two (singles) or four (doubles) players use rackets to hit a perforated hollow plastic ball over a 34-inch-high net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits a foul.

[0004] Hitting a pickle with a pickle racket can produce a loud, piercing crackling sound that can be quite bothersome. The constant noise during play has already caused conflict between pickle court owners and nearby residents, including homeowners. The noise, coupled with the rapid rise in popularity of pickle, has led to strong opposition to the sport in communities around the world. Some municipalities have even issued bans on playing pickle, citing reasons such as neighbors being unable to communicate properly in their homes, widespread discord in the neighborhood, and even alleged physical stress caused by the noise. Furthermore, in some cases, players themselves may find the continuous, piercing crackling sound from hitting the pickle with the racket annoying.

[0005] Furthermore, pickleball can be played in front of a large audience. These audience members may be watching multiple pickleball matches in a tournament or similar setting. Additionally, video of these tournaments may be captured for live broadcasting and / or later viewing. In these scenarios, the sharp popping sounds can interfere with the broadcasting or recording of tournaments and matches, and may make it difficult for both the live audience and those broadcasting or recording the video to properly enjoy the tournaments and matches.

[0006] Furthermore, when hitting a peak ball with a peak ball racket, the user's hand may vibrate. This vibration may, for example, cause the peak ball to bounce off the racket in unexpected ways and / or directions. Additionally, the vibration may cause irritation or pain in the user's hand, or may lead to distraction or distrust of the racket's effectiveness or elasticity. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The following detailed description is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the leftmost numeral of the reference numeral indicates the drawing in which that numeral first appears. The same reference numerals are used in different drawings to indicate similar or identical items. The systems depicted in the drawings are not scalable, and components within the drawings may be depicted as not being scalable from one another.

[0008] Figure 1 An isometric view of a racket is shown as an example of the principles described herein.

[0009] Figure 2 An isometric view of a racket is shown as an example of the principles described herein.

[0010] Figure 3 A planar front view of a racket is shown as an example of the principles described herein.

[0011] Figure 4 A planar side view of a racket is shown as an example of the principles described herein.

[0012] Figure 5 A plan view of a racket illustrating an example of the principles described herein is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 A plan view of a racket illustrating an example of the principles described herein is shown.

[0014] Figure 7 A planar front view of the core assembly of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein.

[0015] Figure 8 A planar side view of the core assembly of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein.

[0016] Figure 9 An isometric view of the core of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein.

[0017] Figure 10 An isometric view of the core of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein.

[0018] Figure 11 An exploded isometric view of the parts of the core assembly of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein.

[0019] Figure 12 An exploded isometric view of the parts of the core assembly of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein.

[0020] Figure 13 An exploded isometric view of the parts of the core assembly of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein.

[0021] Figure 14 An exploded isometric view of the parts of the core assembly of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein.

[0022] Figure 15 An exploded isometric view of the parts of the core assembly of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein.

[0023] Figure 16 An exploded isometric view of the parts of the core assembly of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein. Detailed Implementation Overview

[0024] This disclosure describes a pickle racket that, in addition to the core and outer layer, includes at least one layer that imparts noise damping and / or vibration damping qualities to the racket. As mentioned above, the sharp popping sound caused by striking a pickle with the racket can be a significant nuisance. Furthermore, the vibrations caused by striking a pickle with the racket can make the player uncomfortable or cause the pickle to bounce off the racket in unexpected ways and / or directions.

[0025] The example described herein provides a pickle racket including a core, fabric layers attached to the core, and an outer layer attached to the fabric layers. The core may include a honeycomb structure. The fabric layers may include a first fabric layer attached to a first side of the core and a second fabric layer attached to a second side of the core. The fabric layers may include woven fabric. The fabric layers may include nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, the outer layer may include a first outer layer attached to the side of the first fabric layer opposite to the core; and a second outer layer attached to the side of the second fabric layer opposite to the core. The outer layer may include glass fiber. The outer layer may include carbon fiber.

[0026] The examples described herein also provide a pickle racket including a core, an intermediate layer attached to the core, a fabric layer attached to the intermediate layer, and an outer layer attached to the fabric layer. The core may include a honeycomb structure. The intermediate layer may include a first intermediate layer attached to a first side of the core and a second intermediate layer attached to a second side of the core.

[0027] The fabric layer may include a first fabric layer bonded to a first intermediate layer opposite to the core; and a second fabric layer bonded to a second intermediate layer opposite to the core. The fabric layer may include a woven fabric. The fabric layer may also include a nonwoven fabric.

[0028] The outer layer may include a first outer layer bonded to the first fabric layer opposite to the first intermediate layer; and a second outer layer bonded to the second fabric layer opposite to the second intermediate layer. The outer layer may include glass fiber. The outer layer may include carbon fiber.

[0029] The examples described herein also provide a pickle racket including a first core; an elastic adhesive layer attached to the first core; and a second core attached to the elastic adhesive layer opposite to the first core. The pickle racket may also include a first outer layer attached to the first core opposite to the elastic adhesive layer; and a second outer layer attached to the second core opposite to the elastic adhesive layer. The first and second cores may include a honeycomb structure.

[0030] The elastic viscous material layer may include a constant viscosity elastic fluid, an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a non-Newtonian fluid, a rheopectic fluid, or a combination thereof. The first and second outer layers may include glass fibers. The first and second outer layers may also include carbon fibers.

[0031] The examples described herein also provide a pickle racket including a first core; an elastic adhesive layer attached to the first core; and a second core attached to the elastic adhesive layer opposite to the first core. The pickle racket may also include a first fabric layer attached to the first core opposite to the elastic adhesive layer; and a second fabric layer attached to the second core opposite to the elastic adhesive layer. The first and second fabric layers may comprise woven fabrics. The first and second fabric layers may comprise nonwoven fabrics.

[0032] The pickle racket may further include a first outer layer, which is coupled to a first fabric layer opposite to a first core; and a second outer layer, which is coupled to a second fabric layer opposite to a second core. The first and second outer layers may comprise glass fiber. The first and second outer layers may comprise carbon fiber. The first and second cores may comprise a honeycomb structure. The elastic adhesive layer may comprise a constant-viscosity elastic fluid, an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a non-Newtonian fluid, a thixotropic fluid, or a combination thereof.

[0033] The examples described herein also provide a pickle racket that may include a core; an intermediate layer attached to the core; an elastic adhesive layer attached to the intermediate layer opposite to the core; and an outer layer attached to the elastic adhesive layer opposite to the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer attached to the core may include a first intermediate layer attached to a first side of the core and a second intermediate layer attached to a second side of the core.

[0034] The elastic adhesive material layer may include a first elastic adhesive material layer bonded to a first intermediate layer opposite to the core; and a second elastic adhesive material layer bonded to a second intermediate layer opposite to the core. The outer layer may include a first outer layer bonded to the first elastic adhesive material layer opposite to the first intermediate layer; and a second outer layer bonded to the second elastic adhesive material layer opposite to the second intermediate layer. The core may include a honeycomb structure. The intermediate layer may include glass fiber. The intermediate layer may include carbon fiber.

[0035] The elastic viscous material layer may include a constant viscosity elastic fluid, adhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive, non-Newtonian fluid, thixotropic fluid, or combinations thereof. The outer layer may include glass fiber. The outer layer may also include carbon fiber.

[0036] Furthermore, the techniques described in this disclosure can be performed as a method and / or executed by a system having a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the techniques described above. Exemplary Implementation

[0037] Certain implementations and embodiments of this disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various aspects are illustrated. However, these aspects may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. This disclosure covers variations of the embodiments described herein. Similar numbers refer to similar elements.

[0038] Figure 1 An isometric view of a racket 100 illustrating an example of the principles described herein. Figure 2 An isometric view of a racket 100 illustrating an example of the principles described herein. Figure 3 An isometric view of a racket 100 illustrating an example of the principles described herein. Figure 4 A planar front view of a racket 100 is shown as an example of the principles described herein. Figure 5 A planar side view of a racket 100 illustrating an example of the principles described herein. Figure 6 A plan view of a racket 100 illustrating an example based on the principles described herein is shown. Figures 1 to 6 The racket 100 may take any shape and size and may include features not described herein and / or features based on the desired form or function of the racket 100 as described herein.

[0039] The racket 100 may include a head portion 102, which a user (e.g., a player) can use to effectively hit a ball (e.g., a pickle) during play. The head portion 102 may include any construction that can be used to hit the ball. In one example, the head portion 102 may have a deflection as defined by a regulatory authority. For example, the head portion 102 may have a deflection of less than .0625 inches (in.) under a load of at least 42 pounds (lbs.). This type and other types of requirements may result in the head portion 102 having a known or limited spring or "trampoline" effect when used during play, which does not give the user an unfair advantage.

[0040] The head portion 102 may include, for example, multiple layers of material, such as an outer layer on each side of the racket 100, which directly interacts with a ball (e.g., a pickle) during play. Other layers of material within the head portion 102 may include any number of intermediate layers between the outer layers and the core of the racket 100. Furthermore, the core may be located at the center of the racket 100. The multiple layers of material within the head portion 102 of the racket 100 may extend into other portions of the racket 100, including the throat portion 104 and the handle portion 106.

[0041] The racket 100 may also include a handle portion 106 attached to the head portion 102. In one example, the handle portion 106 may be integrally formed with the head portion 102, or it may be formed separately and attached to the head portion 102 via any connecting device and / or means. The handle portion 106 can be used by an individual during play to handle and manipulate the racket 100. In one example, the handle portion 106 may include any cross-sectional profile, such as, for example, an octagonal cross-sectional profile, to help the user keep the racket 100 from twisting in their hand. Furthermore, the octagonal cross-sectional profile can help the user perceive the orientation of the racket 100 in their hand; for example, whether it is an Eastern forehand grip, a semi-Western grip, or a full Western grip. Perceiving the orientation of the racket 100 in their hand via the octagonal cross-sectional profile allows the user to adjust the position of the racket 100 in their hand in real time and deflect the pickle from the surface of the racket 100 at different angles, at desired speeds, and / or with desired spin. In one example, the octagonal cross-sectional profile of the handle portion 106 can be achieved by forming the handle portion 106 into such a shape. In another example, the octagonal cross-sectional profile of the handle portion 106 can be achieved by applying a plurality of building elements that can be attached to the handle portion 106 via, for example, an adhesive.

[0042] The handle portion 106 may also include a mating cap 116 attached to an end of the handle portion 106. The mating cap 116 can have any shape. In one example, the mating cap 116 may have a shape that is attached to the end of an octagonal cross-sectional profile of the handle portion 106 by, for example, an engineered fit (e.g., a loose run fit, a free run fit, a tight run fit, a sliding fit, or a position fit). Furthermore, in one example, the mating cap 116 may be attached to the handle portion 106 via adhesive or other joining means. In one example, the mating cap 116 may have a relatively wider perimeter than the rest of the handle portion 106 to provide a comfortable grip for the user and prevent the racket 100 from slipping from the user's hand when the user swings the racket 100. The mating cap 116 may include a plastic seal at its base, which may include manufacturer markings, markings indicating the grip size of the handle portion 106, or other information markings.

[0043] The handle portion 106 of the racket 100 may also include one or more grips 118. The grips 118 may include any external covering applied to the handle portion 106 to create a more cushioned and comfortable surface for the user to grip, and to provide a relatively high coefficient of friction (CoF) to prevent the racket 100 from slipping from the user's hand when the user swings it. In one example, the racket 100 may include the “original grip” used as the grip 118, and may include a synthetic grip or a genuine leather grip. Furthermore, in one example, the handle portion 106 may also include an overgrip to cover and protect the original grip, and to produce an even more cushioned feel and / or even a higher CoF relative to the original grip.

[0044] The grip 118 can be secured to the handle portion 106 via a grip tape 120. The grip tape 120 may include any tape or other layer for securing the grip or outer grip rubber to the handle portion 106 at appropriate locations. In one example, a rubber band element referred to as a grip loop may be used in addition to or instead of the grip tape 120.

[0045] The racket 100 may also include a throat portion 104 as described above. The throat portion 104 may include any portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106, where it is understood that the area that might be considered the “throat” can vary between different rackets. Therefore, the throat portion 104 may include any portion of the racket 100 between and / or including the head portion 102 and the handle portion 106. In one example, the throat portion 104 of the racket 100 may include an “open throat” 112. The open throat 112 may include any gaps through the entire racket 100 within the throat portion 104, which can provide a relatively more flexible and powerful, lighter racket 100. Furthermore, the open throat 112 allows for reduced wind resistance when the user swings the racket 100, as air can flow unimpeded through the open throat 112, thereby reducing the drag that the racket 100 could generate if the open throat 112 were not defined in the racket 100. In the examples described herein, racket 100 may or may not include an open throat 112 defined in throat portion 104. In examples where racket 100 includes open throat 112, an inner edge guard 114 may be added to the inner portion of the racket formed by the open throat 112 to surround any inner layer of racket 100 and create a finished edge for the open throat 112 of racket 100.

[0046] The racket 100 may also include an edge protector 110. Even if the racket 100 is depicted as having an edge protector 110, the racket 100 may or may not include the edge protector 110. In examples where the racket 100 includes the edge protector 110, the edge protector 110 may include any protective strip applied to the outer edge of the racket 100. In one example, the edge protector 110 may be attached to the outer edge of the racket 100 using adhesives, engineering fits, welding, other joining means or combinations thereof. In one example, the edge protector 110 may include plastic that protects the edge of the racket 100 from damage if and when the user causes the racket 100 to come into contact with a court or other surface. In one example, the edge protector 110 may be made of metal, metal alloy, plastic, elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), natural fiber, natural material, other material, and combinations thereof.

[0047] The racket 100 may also include a first facet 108-1 and a second facet 108-2, which are at least positioned at the head portion 102 and may extend into the throat portion 104, the handle portion 106, and combinations thereof. The first facet 108-1 and the second facet 108-2 may be portions of the racket 100 that a user might use to hit a ball (e.g., a pickle). Furthermore, the first facet 108-1 and the second facet 108-2 may comprise the outermost layer of the racket 100, and the internal components of the racket 100 may include an additional layer of material between the first facet 108-1 and the second facet 108-2, including a core and / or other layers between the first facet 108-1 and the second facet 108-2 and the core.

[0048] The racket 100 has already been described; now it will be combined with... Figures 7 to 15 Describe the internal parts of racket 100. First, from... Figure 7 and 8 start, Figure 7 A plan view of the core assembly 700 of a racket 100, illustrating an example of the principles described herein. Figure 8 A planar side view of the core assembly 700 of a racket 100, illustrating an example according to the principles described herein, is shown. The core assembly 700 may include a first surface 108-1, a second surface 108-2, a core, and any intermediate layers included between the first surface 108-1 and the second surface 108-2 and the core. Furthermore, in one example, the core may include multiple cores, with one or more material layers located between the multiple cores, as will be described in more detail below.

[0049] Therefore, the core assembly 700 may include a first set of outer layers 802-1 and a second set of outer layers 802-2. The first set of outer layers 802-1 and the second set of outer layers 802-2 may include a first surface 108-1, a second surface 108-2, and any additional layers as described herein. Additional layers may include, for example, noise damping layers, vibration damping layers, fabric layers, woven fabric layers, nonwoven fabric layers, glass fiber layers, carbon fiber layers, rheological layers, elastic adhesive layers, other types of layers, and combinations thereof.

[0050] The core assembly 700 may also include a core 804. Core 804 may include any material used to fill the space between the first outer layer 802-1 and the second outer layer 802-2 to support them. Furthermore, core 804 may provide a means by which the coefficient of restitution (CoR) of the racket 100 can be coordinated with the first outer layer 802-1 and the second outer layer 802-2 to achieve an acceptable CoR that is within any guidelines defined by a regulatory body and / or does not give the user an unfair advantage. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms “coefficient of restitution,” “CoR,” or similar language are meant to be broadly understood as a measure of the elasticity of a collision between two objects, and may be further defined as the ratio of the relative separation velocity of the two objects after the collision to their relative approach velocity before the collision.

[0051] Core 804 can include any number of materials and combinations thereof. In one example, core 804 can include a honeycomb structure. In one example, the honeycomb structure can be made of any material, such as, for example, thermoplastic, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), aluminum, Nomex manufactured and distributed by DuPont de Nemours, Inc., or other materials. In one example, the honeycomb structure can be manufactured by extrusion, which is processed via an extrusion profile block or extrusion tube having various cell diameters, thicknesses, and densities, from which honeycomb sheets can be obtained by slicing.

[0052] In one example, core 804 may comprise a foam or a combination of foams. In one example, the foam may comprise an open-cell or closed-cell foam made of rubber and / or plastic. More specifically, the foam may comprise an elastomeric foam comprising synthetic rubbers, such as, for example, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), or chloroprene rubber (CR), and combinations thereof, combined with plastics such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Elastomeric foams may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polyethylene (EPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and combinations thereof. Furthermore, in one example, the foam may comprise a chemical blowing agent, such as, for example, azodicarbonamide (ADC), to generate bubbles during the manufacturing process to construct the mechanical structure of the foam. This composition imparts flexibility and elasticity to the foam. Specific compositions may vary depending on the desired application and performance characteristics. Additionally, the foam may be an ultra-low density foam, a low-density foam, a high-density foam, and combinations thereof. In one example, the foam may include Bonbon foam (models B13-B9111) developed and distributed by Tri-Great International, Ltd. The polymer chains in the foam (e.g., elastomer foam) may form polymer chains crosslinked through a vulcanization process that imparts elastic properties to the elastomer foam.

[0053] exist Figure 8 In the example, core 804 may include multiple cores divided by one or more inner layers 806. Examples of inner layers will be described in more detail below. However, inner layer 806 may include, for example, noise damping layers, vibration damping layers, fabric layers, woven fabric layers, nonwoven fabric layers, glass fiber layers, carbon fiber layers, rheological layers, elastomeric layers, other types of layers, and combinations thereof.

[0054] The first outer layer 802-1, the second outer layer 802-2, and the inner layer 806 may comprise any type of vibration damping layer. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "vibration damping layer" is intended to be broadly understood as any material included within a system that dampens oscillations about an equilibrium point.

[0055] In one example, a vibration damping layer can be used to dampen the mechanical vibrations that occur when a user hits a pickle with the racket. In this example, the vibration damping layer can be used to isolate vibrations from such hits by preventing the transmission of vibrations from the damping layer to other layers or components of the racket. By damping mechanical vibrations in these situations, the user can experience a relatively softer and less harsh response in the racket during play. This can lead to reduced fatigue in the user's hand and arm, as well as better control over the pickle's trajectory once hit, among other benefits.

[0056] In one example, a vibration damping layer can be used to dampen acoustic vibrations that may occur when a user hits a pickle with the racket. In this example, the vibration damping layer can be used to isolate pressure waves from such hits by preventing pressure waves from being transmitted from the vibration damping layer to other layers or components of the racket. By damping acoustic vibrations in these situations, users can experience a relatively quieter sound and less popping noise in the racket's response during play. This can lead to a reduction in both physical and mental fatigue, as well as a better ability to focus on the shot and control the ball's trajectory throughout the game, among other benefits. In one example, the vibration damping layer can be configured and used to dampen both mechanical and acoustic vibrations within the racket.

[0057] The vibration damping layers described herein may include, for example, noise damping layers, vibration damping layers, fabric layers, woven fabric layers, nonwoven fabric layers, glass fiber layers, carbon fiber layers, rheological layers, elastoviscous layers, other types of layers, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, vibration damping layers may be composed of constant-viscosity elastofluids, adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, non-Newtonian fluids, thixotropic fluids, and combinations thereof. This document describes further details regarding the types and materials of vibration damping layers.

[0058] Figure 9 An isometric view of the core 902 of a racket 100, illustrating an example of the principles described herein. Figure 9 The depicted core 902 may include foam as described herein. The foam of core 902 may have any of the properties or qualities, or combinations thereof, as described herein. Furthermore, Figure 9 The depicted core 902 can be included in any example of the core assembly described herein, including, for example, in combination with Figures 11 to 15 An exemplary core component is described.

[0059] Figure 10 An isometric view of the core 1002 of a racket 100, illustrating an example of the principles described herein. Figure 10 The depicted core 1002 may include a cellular structure as described herein. The cellular structure of core 1002 may have any characteristics or qualities, or combinations thereof, as described herein. Furthermore, Figure 10 The depicted core 1002 can be included in any example of the core assembly described herein, including, for example, in combination with Figures 11 to 15 An exemplary core component is described.

[0060] Even if the core of the racket described herein is described as including a foam or honeycomb structure, any type of core can be used. In one example, the core may be absent, where the first outer layer 802-1 and the second outer layer 802-2 provide the CoR property to the racket 100. In one example, the core may include other materials not described herein, such as, for example, aerogel, plastic, rubber, wood, metal, metal alloy, other materials, and combinations thereof.

[0061] Furthermore, the core can have any shape or structure that can be used to support the first set of outer layers 802-1, the second set of outer layers 802-2, and / or the inner layer 806. The shape and structure of the core can include multiple struts, supports, or other structures for supporting the first set of outer layers 802-1, the second set of outer layers 802-2, and / or the inner layer 806. In one example, the core can include discrete regions throughout the core, in which different materials can be located. A variety of different materials can include elastomeric foams, honeycomb cores, thermoplastic cores, metal honeycomb, composite materials, aerogels, plastics, rubber, wood, metals, metal alloys, voids defined in the core along the x-axis, y-axis, z-axis, and / or along the x,y plane as depicted throughout the accompanying drawings, and combinations thereof. In one example, the core can be manufactured using any manufacturing process, including additive manufacturing (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) printing), molding, thermoforming, subtractive manufacturing methods, and combinations thereof.

[0062] Figure 11 An exploded isometric view of the core assembly 1100 of a racket, illustrating an example of the principles described herein. Figure 11 The depicted racket core assembly 1100 may include a core 1102. In one example, and... Figures 11 to 15 In one example, core 1102 may include a honeycomb structure. In another example, the honeycomb structure may be made of any material, such as, for example, thermoplastic, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), aluminum, Nomex manufactured and distributed by DuPont de Nemours, Inc., or other materials. In one example, the honeycomb structure may be manufactured by extrusion, processed via an extrusion profile block or extrusion tube having various cell diameters, thicknesses, and densities, from which honeycomb sheets may be obtained by slicing.

[0063] In one example, core 1102 and Figures 11 to 15 Any core described in the examples can be made of foam or a combination of foams. In one example, Figures 11 to 15The core foam can include open-cell or closed-cell foam. Furthermore, the core can be made of foam comprising rubber and / or plastics. More specifically, the foam can include elastomeric foams comprising synthetic rubbers, such as, for example, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), or chloroprene rubber (CR), and combinations thereof, combined with plastics such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Elastomer foams can include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polyethylene (EPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and combinations thereof. Furthermore, in one example, Figures 11 to 15 The core foam may include chemical blowing agents, such as azodicarbonamide (ADC), to generate bubbles during the manufacturing process to create the mechanical structure of the foam. This composition imparts flexibility and elasticity to the foam. Specific compositions can vary depending on the desired application and performance characteristics. Furthermore, Figures 11 to 15 The core foam can be ultra-low density foam, low density foam, high density foam, or combinations thereof. In one example, the foam may include Bonbon foam (models B13-B9111) developed and distributed by Tri-Great International, Ltd. The polymer chains in the foam (e.g., elastomer foam) can form polymer chains crosslinked through a vulcanization process that imparts elastic properties to the elastomer foam.

[0064] Figure 11 The core assembly 1100 of the racket may include vibration damping layers, such as a first fabric layer 1104-1 and a second fabric layer 1104-2 (collectively referred to herein as fabric layer 1104 unless otherwise specifically stated). Fabric layer 1104 may be attached to core 1102. In one example, the first fabric layer 1104-1 may be attached to a first side of core 1102, and the second fabric layer 1104-2 may be attached to a second opposite side of core 1102.

[0065] The fabric layer 1104 described herein can be made of woven or nonwoven fabric and can impart a desired level of vibration damping (mechanical and / or acoustic vibration) to the core assembly 1100 of the racket. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "woven fabric" is intended to be broadly understood as any fabric constructed by weaving woven material at an angle (e.g., 90°), wherein vertical fibers are referred to as "warp" yarns and "weft" yarns are woven through the warp yarns along the horizontal width of the fabric. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "nonwoven fabric" is intended to be broadly understood as any fabric produced by a process of bonding fibers together, such as, for example, by chemical bonding, mechanical or thermal treatment, other forms of fiber bonding, and combinations thereof. Fabrics can be made of linen, silk, wool, cotton, chiffon, leather, polyester, satin, canvas, crepe, velvet, lace, rayon, spandex, bamboo fiber, cashmere, denim, linen, plain weave, other woven materials, and combinations thereof.

[0066] The fabric layer 1104 described herein can impede or mitigate the propagation of vibrations by absorbing the energy of mechanical waves and / or sound waves generated when the core assembly 1100 of the racket strikes the pickle. In one example, the fabric layer 1104 described herein can impart acoustic impedance and / or specific acoustic impedance characteristics. In one example, the fabric layer 1104 can employ aspects of acoustic impedance, including, for example, acoustic resistance, acoustic reactance, inductive acoustic reactance, capacitive acoustic reactance, acoustic admittance, acoustic conductance, and / or sonar. Furthermore, in one example, the fabric layer 1104 can employ aspects of specific acoustic impedance, including, for example, specific acoustic resistance, specific acoustic reactance, specific inductive acoustic reactance, specific capacitive acoustic reactance, specific acoustic admittance, specific acoustic conductance, and / or specific sonar.

[0067] Acoustic impedance and / or specific acoustic impedance can be defined as a measure of the resistance presented by the racket to the acoustic flow caused by the sound pressure applied to the racket. Regarding acoustic impedance, for a linear time-invariant system, the relationship between the sound pressure applied to the system (e.g., the racket) and the acoustic volumetric flow rate obtained at its point of application on a surface perpendicular to the direction of that pressure can be defined as: Formula 1 Or equivalently, by the following definition: Formula 2 in p It's sound pressure; Q It is acoustic volumetric flow rate; It is a convolution operator; R It is acoustic impedance in the time domain; and G=R -1 It is a time-domain acoustic guide ( R -1 yesR (inverse convolution).

[0068] Represented as Z The acoustic impedance is the Laplace transform, Fourier transform, or analytical representation of the time-domain acoustic impedance: Formula 3 Formula 4 and Formula 5 in It is the Laplace transform operator; It is the Fourier transform operator; subscript " a " is an analytic representation operator; and Q -1 yes Q The inverse of convolution.

[0069] Represented as R The acoustic impedance is expressed as X The acoustic reactances are the real and imaginary parts of the acoustic impedance, respectively: Formula 6 Formula 7 and Formula 8 in i It is the imaginary unit; according to the definition of analytic representation, in Z(s) middle, R(s) Not time-domain acoustic impedance R(t) Laplace's transformation, Z(s) That is; in Z(ω) middle, R(ω) Not time-domain acoustic impedance R(t) Fourier transform, Z(ω) That is; and in Z(t) middle, R(t) It is a time-domain acoustic impedance, and X(t) It is time-domain acoustic impedance R(t) The Hilbert transform.

[0070] Depend on X L The representation of sensory acoustic impedance and by X C The capacitive acoustic impedance represents the positive and negative parts of the acoustic impedance, respectively: Formula 9 Formula 100 and Formula 11

[0071] Depend on Y The acoustic admittance represented is the Laplace transform, Fourier transform, or analytical representation of the time-domain acoustic duct: Formula 12 Formula 13 and Formula 14 in Z -1 yes Z The inverse of the convolution; and p -1 yes p The inverse of convolution.

[0072] Represented as G The acoustic guide and representation are B The sonar data consists of the real and imaginary parts of the acoustic admittance. Formula 15 Formula 16 and Formula 17 Wherein, according to the definition of analytic representation, in Y(s) middle, G(s) Not a time-domain acoustic guide G(t) Laplace transform, Y (s) That is; in Y(ω) middle, G(ω) Not a time-domain acoustic guide G(t) Fourier transform, Y(ω) That is; and in Y(t) middle, G (t) It is a time-domain acoustic guide, and B(t) It is a time-domain acoustic guide G(t) The Hilbert transform.

[0073] Acoustic impedance represents the energy transfer of a sound wave. Pressure and motion are in phase, so work is done on the medium ahead of the wave. Acoustic reactance represents pressure that is out of phase with motion and does not cause average energy transfer.

[0074] Regarding specific acoustic impedance, for a linear time-invariant system, the relationship between the sound pressure applied to the system and the resulting particle velocity in the direction of that pressure at the point of application is given by the following equation: Formula 18 Formula 19 in p It's sound pressure; v It is the particle velocity; t It is the specific acoustic impedance in the time domain; and g = r -1 It is the ratio of acoustic conduction in the time domain ( r -1 yes r (inverse convolution).

[0075] The specific acoustic impedance, expressed as z, is the Laplace transform, Fourier transform, or analytical representation of the specific acoustic impedance in the time domain: Formula 110 Formula 21 and Formula 22 in v -1 yes v The inverse of convolution.

[0076] Represented as r The specific acoustic impedance is expressed as x The specific acoustic reactance represents the real and imaginary parts of the specific acoustic impedance, respectively. Formula 23 Formula 24 and Formula 25 Wherein, according to the definition of analytic representation, in z ( s )middle, r ( s It is not a time-domain ratio of acoustic impedance. r ( t The Laplace transform of ) z ( s ) is; in r ( ω )middle, r ( t It is not a time-domain ratio of acoustic impedance. z ( ω Fourier transform of ) z ( t ) is, and x ( t )middle, r ( t ) is the time-domain acoustic impedance, and It is the time-domain acoustic impedance The Hilbert transform.

[0077] Represented as x L The ratio of inductive acoustic impedance to is expressed as x C The specific capacitive acoustic reactance represents the positive and negative parts of the specific acoustic reactance, respectively: Formula 26 Formula 27 and Formula 28

[0078] Represented as y The ratio of acoustic admittance is the Laplace transform, Fourier transform, or analytical representation of the ratio of acoustic admittance in the time domain: Formula 29 Formula 120 and Formula 31 Among them is z -1 The inverse of the convolution; and is p -1 The inverse of convolution.

[0079] Represented as g The ratio of acoustic conduction and is expressed as b The specific sonar is the real part of the specific acoustic admittance and the imaginary part of the specific acoustic admittance: Formula 32 Formula 33 and Formula 34 Wherein, according to the definition of analytic representation, in y ( s )middle, g ( s (Not a time-domain acoustic guide) g ( t The Laplace transform of ) y ( s ) is; in g ( ω )middle, g ( t (Not a time-domain acoustic guide) y ( ω Fourier transform of ) y ( t ) is; and in b ( t )middle, g ( t It is a time-domain acoustic guide and It is a time-domain acoustic guide The Hilbert transform. Specific acoustic impedance z is an intensity property of a particular medium (e.g., it can be specified for air or water). z However, acoustic impedance Z is a broad property for a specific medium and geometry (e.g., it can be specified for a specific duct filled with air). Z ).

[0080] By using the mathematical definitions above and the fabric layers described in this paper, vibration damping characteristics can be imparted to the core assembly 1100 of the racket, or the vibration damping characteristics can be adjusted to a desired level.

[0081] In one example, fabric layer 1104 can employ aspects of damping vibration and / or vibration isolation. Vibration is damped when the energy of a vibrating system is gradually dissipated by friction and other resistances. The vibration gradually decreases, or changes in frequency or intensity, or stops, and the system comes to rest in its equilibrium position. In the core assembly 1100 of the racket, fabric layer 1104 may be included to dampen any vibrations caused by the hitting of the racket by a pick ball using the materials of the core assembly 1100 and fabric layer 1104, to gradually dissipate energy through resistance within and between the layers of the core assembly 1100. Furthermore, vibration isolation prevents vibration from being transmitted from one part of a system to other parts of the same system. Vibrations propagate via mechanical waves, and some mechanical links conduct vibrations more effectively than others. Passive vibration isolation utilizes materials and mechanical links that absorb and dampen these mechanical waves. The core assembly 1100 of the racket may include a fabric layer 1104 to isolate vibrations by preventing or reducing vibration transmission between the layers of the core assembly 1100, and to isolate vibrations caused by the hitting of the racket by the pick ball.

[0082] Vibrational motion can be understood from the perspective of energy conservation. In the example of the core assembly 1100 of the racket, the spring constants of the core 1102, fabric layer 1104, and / or the first outer layer 1106-1 and the second outer layer 1106-2 have been extended by the value of x, and therefore some potential energy ( The potential energy is stored in the core assembly 1100. Once released, the core assembly 1100 tends to return to its equilibrium state (which is the state of minimum potential energy), and in the process, it accelerates the mass of the layers comprising the core assembly 1100 and the mass of the pick ball impacting the core assembly 1100. At the point where the core assembly 1100 has reached its equilibrium state, all the potential energy provided by deforming the core assembly 1100 has been converted into kinetic energy. The core assembly 1100 and the mass of the pickle then begin to decelerate as it now compresses the core assembly 1100 and transfers kinetic energy back to potential energy. Therefore, the oscillation of the core assembly 1100 is equivalent to converting kinetic energy back and forth into potential energy. The mass could continue to oscillate at the same amplitude indefinitely, but because this is a real system, damping always dissipates energy, eventually bringing the core assembly 1100 to rest at equilibrium. In this way, the material within the core assembly 1100, including the fabric layer 1104, helps to dampen and / or isolate the mechanical vibrations exhibited within the racket when the core assembly 1100 of the racket is struck by the pickle.

[0083] Fabric layer 1104 can be adhered to core 1102 using any process and / or material. For example, fabric layer 1104 can be adhered to core 1102 via adhesive. Alternatively, fabric layer 1104 can be adhered to core 1102 by, for example, applying heat. In one example, fabric layer 1104 may not be adhered to core 1102, but alternatively, it can be held against core 1102 and retained within core assembly 1100 of the racket by pressure from other layers in the core assembly 1100 of the racket or by mechanical means such as butt cap 116 and / or edge guards 110 for holding the layers of core assembly 1100 of the racket together.

[0084] The racket's core assembly 1100 may also include a first outer layer 1106-1 and a second outer layer 1106-2 (collectively referred to herein as outer layer 1106 unless otherwise specifically stated). Outer layer 1106 may be attached to a corresponding fabric layer in fabric layer 1104 on the side of fabric layer 1104 opposite to core 1102. In one example, the first outer layer 1106-1 may be attached to a first side of the first fabric layer 1104-1, which faces a second side of the first fabric layer 1104-1 towards core 1102. In one example, the second outer layer 1106-2 may be attached to a first side of the second fabric layer 1104-2, which faces a second side of the second fabric layer 1104-2 towards core 1102.

[0085] The outer layer 1106 can be made of any material suitable for the sport of pickle. For example, the outer layer 1106 may include glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic, other materials, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the outer layer 1106 can be adhered to the fabric layer 1104 using any process and / or material. For example, the outer layer 1106 can be adhered to the fabric layer 1104 via an adhesive. Alternatively, the outer layer 1106 can be adhered to the fabric layer 1104 by, for example, applying heat. In one example, the outer layer 1106 may not be adhered to the fabric layer 1104, but alternatively, it can be held against the fabric layer 1104 and within the core assembly 1100 of the racket by pressure from other layers in the racket 1102 or by mechanical means such as a butt cap 116 and / or edge guards 110 for holding the layers of the core assembly 1100 of the racket together.

[0086] Figure 12 An exploded isometric view of the core assembly 1200 of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein. Figure 11 Compared to the 1100 core component of the racket, Figure 12 The core assembly 1200 of the racket may include additional material layers to increase the noise damping and / or vibration damping characteristics of the core assembly 1200 of the racket, or to adjust the noise damping and / or vibration damping characteristics to a desired level. Figure 12The core assembly 1200 of the racket may include a core 1202 as described herein. A first intermediate layer 1204-1 may be attached to a first side of the core 1202. The first intermediate layer 1204-1 may include glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic, other materials, and combinations thereof as described herein. Furthermore, a second intermediate layer 1204-2 may be attached to a second side of the core 1202 opposite to the first side. The second intermediate layer 1204-2 may include glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic, other materials, and combinations thereof as described herein. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the first intermediate layer 1204-1 and the second intermediate layer 1204-2 may be collectively referred to herein as intermediate layer 1204.

[0087] The third intermediate layer 1206-1 may be connected to the first intermediate layer 1204-1 opposite to the side of the first intermediate layer 1204-1 connected to the core 1202. Furthermore, the fourth intermediate layer 1206-2 may be connected to the second intermediate layer 1204-2 opposite to the side of the second intermediate layer 1204-2 connected to the core 1202. In one example, the third intermediate layer 1206-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1206-2 may be made of a vibration-damping material such as, for example, a woven or nonwoven fabric, and may impart a desired level of mechanical and / or acoustic vibration damping to the core assembly 1200 of the racket as described herein. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the third intermediate layer 1206-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1206-2 may be collectively referred to herein as intermediate layer 1206.

[0088] The core assembly 1200 of the racket may also include a first outer layer 1208-1, which is connected to the third intermediate layer 1206-1 on the side opposite to the first intermediate layer 1204-1. Furthermore, the core assembly 1200 may include a second outer layer 1208-2, which is connected to the fourth intermediate layer 1206-2 on the side opposite to the second intermediate layer 1204-2. The first outer layer 1208-1 and the second outer layer 1208-2 may be made of any material suitable for pickle ball sports. For example, the first outer layer 1208-1 and the second outer layer 1208-2 may include glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic, other materials, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the first outer layer 1208-1 and the second outer layer 1208-2 can be adhered to the third intermediate layer 1206-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1206-2, respectively, using any process and / or materials. For example, the first outer layer 1208-1 and the second outer layer 1208-2 can be adhered to the third intermediate layer 1206-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1206-2 via an adhesive. Alternatively, the first outer layer 1208-1 and the second outer layer 1208-2 can be adhered to the third intermediate layer 1206-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1206-2 by, for example, applying heat. In one example, the first outer layer 1208-1 and the second outer layer 1208-2 may not adhere to the third intermediate layer 1206-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1206-2. Alternatively, they may be held against the third intermediate layer 1206-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1206-2 and retained within the core assembly 1200 of the racket by pressure from other layers in the core assembly 1200 or by mechanical means such as a butt cap 116 and / or edge guards 110 for holding the layers of the core assembly 1200 together. Unless otherwise specified, the first outer layer 1208-1 and the second outer layer 1208-2 may be collectively referred to herein as outer layer 1204.

[0089] As described above, Figure 12 The racket core assembly 1200 can be different from the racket core assembly 1204-1 by including two additional layers including a first intermediate layer 1204-1 and a second intermediate layer 1204-2. Figure 10 The racket's core component 1100. Therefore, although Figure 11 The racket's core assembly 1100 includes a core 1102, a fabric layer 1104 surrounding the core 1102, and an outer layer 1106 for the outer side of the racket's core assembly 1100, but... Figure 12The racket's core assembly 1200 includes a core 1202 having two additional intermediate layers (e.g., a first intermediate layer 1204-1, a second intermediate layer 1204-2, a third intermediate layer 1206-1, and a fourth intermediate layer 1206-2) on each side of the core assembly 1200, wherein a first outer layer 1208-1 and a second outer layer 1208-2 are located on the outer surface of the core assembly 1200. Therefore, although the racket described herein includes a specific number of intermediate layers between the core and the outer layers, any number of intermediate layers can be included within the racket to achieve desired mechanical and / or acoustic damping characteristics.

[0090] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Exemplary core assemblies 1100, 1200 include fabric layers for achieving desired noise damping and / or vibration damping characteristics of the core assemblies 1100, 1200. Figure 13 An exploded isometric view of the core assembly 1300 of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein. Figure 13 The core component of the racket 1300 and Figure 11 and Figure 12 Compared to the core components 1100 and 1200, which utilize an elastic viscous material layer to achieve the desired mechanical and / or acoustic damping characteristics of the racket. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "elastic viscous," "viscoelastic," "rheological," or similar terms are intended to be broadly understood to mean exhibiting both elastic and viscous properties when deformed, being able to at least partially recover its initial shape after the removal of stress or force, undergoing energy dissipation as heat, and combinations thereof. Therefore, an "elastic viscous," "viscoelastic," or "rheological" material is any material exhibiting any of these properties and combinations thereof.

[0091] Figure 13 The racket's core assembly 1300 may include a first core 1304-1 and a second core 1304-2. The dual-core architecture of the core assembly 1300 allows an elastic adhesive material layer 1302 to be inserted between the first core 1304-1 and the second core 1304-2. In one example, the combined thickness of the first core 1304-1 and the second core 1304-2 may be approximately equal to, for example... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The thickness of one of the cores 1102 and 1202. The elastic adhesive material layer 1302 can be joined to the first core 1304-1 and the second core 1304-2 using any joining means or method, such as adhesives or by mechanical connection. In one example, the elastic adhesive material layer 1302 can be joined to the first core 1304-1 and the second core 1304-2 via material aspects of the elastic adhesive material layer 1302 itself, such as its adhesive properties.

[0092] The elastoviscous material layer 1302 may include, for example, a constant-viscosity elastoviscous fluid, an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a non-Newtonian fluid, a thixotropic fluid, and combinations thereof. An elastoviscous material may be defined as any material that exhibits both viscous and elastic properties when subjected to deformation, wherein the elasticity may be due to stretching along crystal planes in an ordered solid, while the viscosity is due to the diffusion of atoms or molecules within an amorphous material.

[0093] Pressure-sensitive adhesives can include any type of non-reactive adhesive that forms a bond when pressure is applied to allow the adhesive to adhere to a surface. In this example, a bond may form because the adhesive is soft enough to flow or wet the adhered objects. The bond of a pressure-sensitive adhesive can have strength because the adhesive is hard enough to resist flow when stress is applied to the bond, and because molecular interactions such as van der Waals forces involved in the bond contribute to the final bond strength.

[0094] Constant viscosity elastofluids can include any elastofluid with a constant viscosity, such as, for example, Boger fluids. Boger fluids may exhibit liquid-like flow while behaving like an elastic solid under tension. Unlike elastofluids that exhibit shear thinning, where viscosity decreases with the application of shear strain because they are solutions containing polymers, Boger fluids are highly diluted solutions, making shear thinning caused by the polymer negligible.

[0095] Compared to the pressure-sensitive adhesives described above, adhesives may include any adhesive that is cured via processes such as solvent evaporation, reaction with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, chemical reaction, cooling, or other curing processes.

[0096] Non-Newtonian fluids can include any fluid that does not obey Newton's law of viscosity and instead exhibits variable viscosity depending on the stress applied to it. In one example, the viscosity of a non-Newtonian fluid may change when subjected to stress. The viscosity of a non-Newtonian fluid (e.g., gradual deformation caused by shear or tensile stress) may depend on the shear rate or shear rate history. However, in one example, a non-Newtonian fluid with shear-independent viscosity may still exhibit normal stress difference or other non-Newtonian behaviors. The relationship between shear stress and shear rate is different in non-Newtonian fluids, where the fluid may even exhibit time-dependent viscosity. Therefore, a constant viscosity coefficient cannot be defined for non-Newtonian fluids.

[0097] Thick-condensable fluids exhibit some properties of non-Newtonian fluids, including a time-dependent increase in viscosity, where the viscosity increases the longer the fluid is subjected to shear forces. Thick-condensable fluids, such as some lubricants, thicken or solidify when shaken.

[0098] In addition to the elastic adhesive material layer 1302 inserted between the first core 1304-1 and the second core 1304-2, Figure 13 The core assembly 1300 of the racket may include a first outer layer 1306-1, which is connected to the first core 1304-1 opposite to the side of the elastic adhesive material layer 1302 that is connected to the first core 1304-1. Furthermore, the core assembly 1300 of the racket may include a second outer layer 1306-2, which is connected to the second core 1304-2 opposite to the side of the elastic adhesive material layer 1302 that is connected to the second core 1304-2. The first outer layer 1306-1 and the second outer layer 1306-2 may be made of any material suitable for the sport of pickle. For example, the first outer layer 1306-1 and the second outer layer 1306-2 may include glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic, other materials, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the first outer layer 1306-1 and the second outer layer 1306-2 can be adhered to the first core 1304-1 and the second core 1304-2, respectively, using any process and / or materials. For example, the first outer layer 1306-1 and the second outer layer 1306-2 can be adhered to the first core 1304-1 and the second core 1304-2 via an adhesive. Alternatively, the first outer layer 1306-1 and the second outer layer 1306-2 can be adhered to the first core 1304-1 and the second core 1304-2 by, for example, applying heat. In one example, the first outer layer 1306-1 and the second outer layer 1306-2 may not adhere to the first core 1304-1 and the second core 1304-2, but may instead be held against the first core 1304-1 and the second core 1304-2 and held within the core assembly 1300 of the racket by pressure from other layers in the core assembly 1300 of the racket or by mechanical means such as a butt cap 116 and / or an edge protector 110 for holding the layers of the core assembly 1300 of the racket together.

[0099] Figure 14 An exploded isometric view of the core assembly 1400 of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein. Figure 14 The racket's core component 1400 and Figure 13 The difference in the core components of the 1300 racket lies in Figure 14 The core assembly 1400 of the racket may include one or more intermediate layers. The one or more intermediate layers may include vibration damping layers, such as fabric layers as described herein.

[0100] Figure 14The racket's core assembly 1400 may include a first core 1404-1 and a second core 1404-2. The dual-core architecture of the racket's core assembly 1400 allows an elastic adhesive material layer 1402 to be inserted between the first core 1404-1 and the second core 1404-2. In one example, the combined thickness of the first core 1404-1 and the second core 1404-2 may be approximately equal to, for example... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The thickness of one of the cores 1102 and 1202. The elastic adhesive material layer 1402 can be joined to the first core 1404-1 and the second core 1404-2 using any joining means or method, such as adhesives or by mechanical connection. In one example, the elastic adhesive material layer 1402 can be joined to the first core 1404-1 and the second core 1404-2 via material aspects of the elastic adhesive material layer 1402 itself, such as its adhesive properties. The elastic adhesive material layer 1402 can be made of any elastic adhesive material as described herein.

[0101] Figure 14 The racket's core assembly 1400 may also include a first fabric layer 1406-1 and a second fabric layer 1406-2. Unless otherwise specified, the first fabric layer 1406-1 and the second fabric layer 1406-2 may be collectively referred to herein as fabric layer 1406. The first fabric layer 1406-1 may be attached to the first core 1404-1 on the side opposite to the side of the first core 1404-1 that is attached to the elastic adhesive layer 1402. Similarly, the second fabric layer 1406-2 may be attached to the second core 1404-2 on the side opposite to the side of the second core 1404-2 that is attached to the elastic adhesive layer 1402.

[0102] In one example, fabric layers 1406 can be adhered to their respective cores 1404 using any process and / or materials. For example, fabric layers 1404 can be adhered to cores 1402 via adhesive. Alternatively, fabric layers 1406 can be adhered to their respective cores 1404 by, for example, applying heat. In one example, fabric layers 1406 can be adhered to their respective cores 1404, but can alternatively be held against the cores 1404 and retained within the core assembly 1400 of the racket by pressure from other layers in the core assembly 1400 or by mechanical means such as mating caps 116 and / or edge guards 110 for holding the layers of the core assembly 1400 together.

[0103] The core assembly 1400 of the racket may also include a first outer layer 1408-1 and a second outer layer 1408-2. The outer layer 1408 may be attached to a corresponding fabric layer in the fabric layer 1406 on the side of the fabric layer 1406 opposite to its corresponding core 1404. In one example, the first outer layer 1408-1 may be attached to a first side of the first fabric layer 1406-1, which faces a second side of the first fabric layer 1406-1 facing the first core 1404-1. In one example, the second outer layer 1408-2 may be attached to a first side of the second fabric layer 1406-2, which faces a second side of the second fabric layer 1406-2 facing the second core 1404-2. The first outer layer 1408-1 and the second outer layer 1408-2 may be made of any material suitable for the sport of pickleball. For example, the first outer layer 1408-1 and the second outer layer 1408-2 may comprise glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic, other materials, and combinations thereof. In one example, the first outer layer 1408-1 and the second outer layer 1408-2 may be adhered to their respective fabric layers 1406 using any process and / or materials. For example, the first outer layer 1408-1 and the second outer layer 1408-2 may be adhered to their respective fabric layers 1406 via an adhesive. Furthermore, the first outer layer 1408-1 and the second outer layer 1408-2 may be adhered to their respective fabric layers 1406 by, for example, by applying heat. In one example, the first outer layer 1408-1 and the second outer layer 1408-2 may not be adhered to their respective fabric layers 1406, but may instead be held against the fabric layers 1406 and retained within the core assembly 1400 of the racket by pressure from other layers in the core assembly 1400 or by mechanical means such as a butt cap 116 and / or an edge protector 110 for holding the layers of the core assembly 1400 together. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the first outer layer 1408-1 and the second outer layer 1408-2 may be collectively referred to herein as outer layer 1408.

[0104] Figure 15 An exploded isometric view of a racket core assembly 1500 illustrating an example of the principles described herein. The core assembly 1500 can differ from other racket core assemblies by including a single core on each side and three layers of material. Figures 11 to 14 Core components.

[0105] Figure 15The racket's core assembly 1500 may include a core 1502 similar to that described herein. A first intermediate layer 1504-1 may be attached to a first side of the core 1502. Furthermore, a second intermediate layer 1504-2 may be attached to a second side of the core 1502, opposite to a side of the core 1502 to which the first intermediate layer 1504-1 is attached. The first intermediate layer 1504-1 and the second intermediate layer 1504-2 may include glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic, other materials, and combinations thereof, as described herein.

[0106] The third intermediate layer 1506-1 can be connected to the first intermediate layer 1504-1 opposite to the side of the connection to the core 1502 of the first intermediate layer 1504-1. Furthermore, the fourth intermediate layer 1506-2 can be connected to the second intermediate layer 1504-2 opposite to the side of the connection to the core 1502 of the second intermediate layer 1504-2. In one example, the third intermediate layer 1506-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1506-2 can be constructed as described herein. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The described elastic viscous material layer is made and can impart the required level of mechanical and / or acoustic vibration damping to the core assembly 1500 as described herein.

[0107] The core assembly 1500 of the racket may also include a first outer layer 1508-1, which is connected to the third intermediate layer 1506-1 on the side opposite to the first intermediate layer 1504-1. Furthermore, the core assembly 1500 may include a second outer layer 1508-2, which is connected to the fourth intermediate layer 1506-2 on the side opposite to the second intermediate layer 1504-2. The first outer layer 1508-1 and the second outer layer 1508-2 may be made of any material suitable for pickle ball sports. For example, the first outer layer 1508-1 and the second outer layer 1508-2 may include glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic, other materials, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the first outer layer 1508-1 and the second outer layer 1508-2 can be adhered to the third intermediate layer 1506-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1506-2, respectively, using any process and / or materials. For example, the first outer layer 1508-1 and the second outer layer 1508-2 can be adhered to the third intermediate layer 1506-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1506-2 via an adhesive. Alternatively, the first outer layer 1508-1 and the second outer layer 1508-2 can be adhered to the third intermediate layer 1506-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1506-2 by, for example, applying heat. In one example, the first outer layer 1508-1 and the second outer layer 1508-2 may not adhere to the third intermediate layer 1506-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1506-2, but may instead be held against the third intermediate layer 1506-1 and the fourth intermediate layer 1506-2 and held within the core assembly 1500 of the racket by pressure from other layers in the core assembly 1500 of the racket or by mechanical means such as a butt cap 116 and / or an edge protector 110 for holding the layers of the core assembly 1500 of the racket together.

[0108] Figure 16 An exploded isometric view of a portion of the core assembly 1600 of a racket, illustrating an example based on the principles described herein. Figure 16 The 1600 core component of the racket can be similar to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The core components are 1300 and 1400, because Figure 16 The 1600 core component includes a dual-core architecture. However, Figure 16 The core component of the racket 1600 can be different Figure 13 and Figure 14 The core components are 1300 and 1400, because Figure 16 The core assembly 1600 of the racket may include two or more intermediate layers. The two or more intermediate layers may include vibration damping layers, such as fabric layers as described herein.

[0109] Figure 16The racket's core assembly 1600 may include a first core 1604-1 and a second core 1604-2. The dual-core architecture of the racket's core assembly 1600 allows a layer of elastic adhesive material 1602 to be inserted between the first core 1604-1 and the second core 1604-2. In one example, the combined thickness of the first core 1604-1 and the second core 1604-2 may be approximately equal to, for example... Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 15 The thickness of one of cores 1102, 1202, and 1502. The elastic adhesive layer 1602 can be joined to the first core 1604-1 and the second core 1604-2 using any joining means or method, such as adhesives or by mechanical connection. In one example, the elastic adhesive layer 1602 can be joined to the first core 1604-1 and the second core 1604-2 via material aspects of the elastic adhesive layer 1602 itself, such as its adhesive properties. The elastic adhesive layer 1602 can be made of any elastic adhesive material as described herein.

[0110] Figure 16 The racket core assembly 1600 may further include a first intermediate layer 1606-1 and a second intermediate layer 1606-2. The first intermediate layer 1606-1 may be attached to the first core 1604-1 on the side opposite to the side of the first core 1604-1 that is attached to the elastic adhesive layer 1602. Similarly, the second intermediate layer 1606-2 may be attached to the second core 1604-2 on the side opposite to the side of the second core 1604-2 that is attached to the elastic adhesive layer 1602. The first intermediate layer 1606-1 and the second intermediate layer 1606-2 may include glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic, other materials, and combinations thereof, as described herein. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the first intermediate layer 1606-1 and the second intermediate layer 1606-2 may be collectively referred to herein as intermediate layer 1606.

[0111] Figure 16 The racket's core assembly 1600 may also include a first fabric layer 1608-1 and a second fabric layer 1608-2. Unless otherwise specified, the first fabric layer 1608-1 and the second fabric layer 1608-2 may be collectively referred to herein as fabric layer 1608. The first fabric layer 1608-1 may be attached to the first intermediate layer 1606-1 on the side opposite to the side of the first intermediate layer 1606-1 that is attached to the first core 1604-1. Similarly, the second fabric layer 1608-2 may be attached to the second intermediate layer 1606-2 on the side opposite to the side of the second intermediate layer 1606-2 that is attached to the second core 1604-2.

[0112] In one example, fabric layers 1608 can be adhered to their respective intermediate layers 1606 using any process and / or materials. For example, fabric layers 1608 can be adhered to intermediate layers 1606 via adhesive. Alternatively, fabric layers 1608 can be adhered to their respective intermediate layers 1606, for example, by applying heat. In one example, fabric layers 1608 can be adhered to their respective intermediate layers 1606, but alternatively, they can be held against the intermediate layers 1606 and retained within the core assembly 1600 of the racket by pressure from other layers in the core assembly 1600 or by mechanical means, such as butt caps 116 and / or edge guards 110, to hold the layers of the core assembly 1600 together.

[0113] The racket's core assembly 1600 may also include a first outer layer 1610-1 and a second outer layer 1610-2. Unless otherwise specified, the first outer layer 1610-1 and the second outer layer 1610-2 may be collectively referred to herein as outer layer 1610. Outer layer 1610 may be attached to a corresponding fabric layer in fabric layer 1608 on the side of fabric layer 1608 opposite to its corresponding intermediate layer 1604. In one example, the first outer layer 1610-1 may be attached to a first side of the first fabric layer 1608-1, which faces a second side of the first fabric layer 1608-1 facing the first intermediate layer 1606-1. In one example, the second outer layer 1610-2 may be attached to a first side of the second fabric layer 1608-2, which faces a second side of the second fabric layer 1608-2 facing the second intermediate layer 1606-2. The first outer layer 1610-1 and the second outer layer 1610-2 can be made of any material suitable for pickleball. For example, the first outer layer 1610-1 and the second outer layer 1610-2 can include glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic, other materials, and combinations thereof. In one example, the first outer layer 1610-1 and the second outer layer 1610-2 can be adhered to their respective fabric layers 1608 using any process and / or materials. For example, the first outer layer 1610-1 and the second outer layer 1610-2 can be adhered to their respective fabric layers 1608 via an adhesive. Furthermore, the first outer layer 1610-1 and the second outer layer 1610-2 can be adhered to their respective fabric layers 1608 by, for example, by applying heat. In one example, the first outer layer 1610-1 and the second outer layer 1610-2 may not adhere to their respective fabric layers 1608, but may instead be held against the fabric layers 1608 and retained within the core assembly 1600 of the racket by pressure from other layers in the core assembly 1600 of the racket or by mechanical means such as a butt cap 116 and / or an edge protector 110 for holding the layers of the core assembly 1600 of the racket together.

[0114] In one example Figure 16 The core assembly 1600 of the racket may also include, in addition to or replacing, a layer of elastic adhesive material other than or replacing the first fabric layer 1608-1 and the second fabric layer 1608-2. In this example, the elastic adhesive material layer may include any elastic adhesive material described herein. Furthermore, in the examples described herein, any number of intermediate layers may be included between the core and the outer layer, including any number of fabric layers, any number of elastic adhesive material layers, and combinations thereof.

[0115] This article describes various layers in conjunction with a racket, which can have different thicknesses to achieve desired noise damping and / or vibration damping characteristics. For example, fabric layers and / or elastic adhesive layers may be thicker or thinner than other layers in the racket, or otherwise have different thicknesses to achieve the desired noise damping and / or vibration damping characteristics. Exemplary terms

[0116] A: A peak ball racket, the peak ball racket comprising: a core; a vibration damping layer connected to the core; and an outer layer connected to the vibration damping layer.

[0117] B: According to the pickle described in paragraph A, the core includes a honeycomb structure, foam, or a combination thereof.

[0118] C: The racket according to any one of paragraphs A and B, wherein the vibration damping layer comprises fabric, elastic adhesive material, or a combination thereof.

[0119] D: According to any one of paragraphs A and C, the vibration damping layer comprises: a first vibration damping layer connected to a first side of the core; and a second vibration damping layer connected to a second side of the core.

[0120] E: The racket according to any one of paragraphs A and D, wherein the vibration damping layer comprises a fabric layer, the fabric layer comprising woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, or a combination thereof.

[0121] F: The racket according to any one of paragraphs AE, wherein the vibration damping layer comprises an elastic viscous material, the elastic viscous material comprising a constant viscosity elastic fluid, an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a non-Newtonian fluid, a thixotropic fluid, or a combination thereof.

[0122] G: A racket according to any one of paragraphs AF, wherein the core comprises: a first core; and a second core.

[0123] H: The racket according to any one of paragraphs AG further includes an elastic adhesive material layer located between the first core and the second core.

[0124] I: The racket according to any one of paragraphs A and H, wherein the elastic viscous material layer comprises a constant viscosity elastic fluid, an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a non-Newtonian fluid, a thixotropic fluid, or a combination thereof.

[0125] J: The racket according to any one of paragraphs A and B, wherein the core comprises foam, honeycomb structure or a combination thereof.

[0126] K: The pickball according to any one of paragraphs A and J further includes an intermediate layer connected to the core, the intermediate layer comprising glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic or a combination thereof.

[0127] L: The pickball according to any one of paragraphs AK, wherein the intermediate layer is placed between the core and the vibration damping layer, between the vibration damping layer and the outer layer, or a combination thereof.

[0128] M: A pickle racket comprising: a core assembly, the core assembly including: a core; an outer layer; an intermediate layer located between the core and the outer layer; and a vibration damping layer connected to at least one of the core, the intermediate layer and the outer layer.

[0129] N: The racket according to paragraph M, wherein the core comprises foam, honeycomb structure or a combination thereof.

[0130] O: A racket according to any one of paragraphs MN, wherein the core comprises: a first core; a second core; and the vibration damping layer connected between the first core and the second core.

[0131] P: According to any one of paragraphs MO, the racket of the Peak Ball, wherein the vibration damping layer comprises an elastic viscous material, the elastic viscous material comprising a constant viscosity elastic fluid, an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a non-Newtonian fluid, a thixotropic fluid, or a combination thereof.

[0132] Q: The racket according to any one of paragraphs MP, wherein the vibration damping layer is connected between the core and at least one of the intermediate layer and the outer layer.

[0133] R: A pickle racket comprising: a core assembly, the core assembly including: a core; an outer layer; and a vibration damping layer connected to at least one of the core and the outer layer.

[0134] S: The pickle according to paragraph R further includes: an intermediate layer located between the core and the outer layer, wherein the intermediate layer includes a vibration damping layer, a fabric layer, a woven fabric layer, a nonwoven fabric layer, a glass fiber layer, a carbon fiber layer, a rheological layer, an elastic viscous layer, a constant viscosity elastic fluid, an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a non-Newtonian fluid, a thixotropic fluid, or a combination thereof.

[0135] T: A racket according to any one of paragraphs RS, wherein the outer layer comprises glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic or a combination thereof. in conclusion

[0136] The examples described herein provide rackets that include fabric layers and / or elastic adhesive layers, which help reduce or eliminate noise and / or vibration in the racket. Specifically, fabric layers and / or elastic adhesive layers can help reduce or eliminate noise, such as the sharp cracking sound produced when a user hits a pickle with the racket. Typically, fabric layers and / or elastic adhesive layers can be used to achieve desired noise damping and / or vibration damping characteristics in the racket.

[0137] While the systems and methods of the present invention have been described with reference to specific examples, it should be understood that the scope of the systems and methods of the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. Since other modifications and alterations to suit specific operational requirements and environments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the systems and methods of the present invention are not to be considered limited to the examples chosen for purposes of disclosure, and encompass all variations and modifications that do not constitute a departure from the true spirit and scope of the systems and methods of the present invention.

[0138] Although this application describes examples with specific structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described. Rather, the specific features and actions are merely illustrative examples falling within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A pickle, comprising: core; A vibration damping layer, the vibration damping layer being connected to the core; as well as The outer layer is connected to the vibration damping layer.

2. The pickle according to claim 1, wherein, The core includes a honeycomb structure, foam, or a combination thereof.

3. The pickle according to claim 1, wherein, The vibration damping layer includes fabric, elastic adhesive material, or a combination thereof.

4. The pickle according to claim 3, wherein, The vibration damping layer includes: A first vibration damping layer, the first vibration damping layer being connected to a first side of the core; and A second vibration damping layer is attached to a second side of the core.

5. The pickle according to claim 1, wherein, The vibration damping layer includes a fabric layer, which includes woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, or a combination thereof.

6. The pickle according to claim 1, wherein, The vibration damping layer comprises an elastic viscous material, which includes a constant viscosity elastic fluid, an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a non-Newtonian fluid, a thixotropic fluid, or a combination thereof.

7. The pickle according to claim 1, wherein, The core includes: First core; and Second chip.

8. The pickle according to claim 7 further includes an elastic adhesive material layer, the elastic adhesive material layer being located between the first core and the second core.

9. The pickle according to claim 8, wherein, The elastic viscous material layer includes a constant viscosity elastic fluid, an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a non-Newtonian fluid, a thixotropic fluid, or a combination thereof.

10. The pickle according to claim 1, wherein, The core includes foam, honeycomb structure, or a combination thereof.

11. The pickle of claim 1, further comprising an intermediate layer connected to the core, the intermediate layer comprising glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic, or a combination thereof.

12. The pickle ball according to claim 11, wherein, The intermediate layer is placed between the core and the vibration damping layer, between the vibration damping layer and the outer layer, or a combination thereof.

13. A pickle, comprising: Core component, the core component comprising: core; Outer layer; Intermediate layer, the intermediate layer being located between the core and the outer layer; and A vibration damping layer, the vibration damping layer being connected to at least one of the core, the intermediate layer and the outer layer.

14. The pickle according to claim 13, wherein, The core includes foam, honeycomb structure, or a combination thereof.

15. The pickle according to claim 14, wherein, The core includes: First core; and Second core; and The vibration damping layer is connected between the first core and the second core.

16. The pickle according to claim 15, wherein, The vibration damping layer comprises an elastic viscous material, which includes a constant viscosity elastic fluid, an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a non-Newtonian fluid, a thixotropic fluid, or a combination thereof.

17. The pickle according to claim 13, wherein, The vibration damping layer is connected between the core and at least one of the intermediate layer and the outer layer.

18. A pickle, comprising: Core component, the core component comprising: core; outer layer; and A vibration damping layer, the vibration damping layer being connected to at least one of the core and the outer layer.

19. The pickle according to claim 18, further comprising: An intermediate layer, located between the core and the outer layer, The intermediate layer includes a vibration damping layer, a fabric layer, a woven fabric layer, a nonwoven fabric layer, a glass fiber layer, a carbon fiber layer, a rheological layer, an elastic viscous layer, a constant viscosity elastic fluid, an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a non-Newtonian fluid, a thixotropic fluid, or a combination thereof.

20. The pickle according to claim 18, wherein, The outer layer includes glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, plastic, or a combination thereof.

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