Pickleball paddle

Abstract

A pickleball paddle comprising a handle defining the longitudinal direction of the pickleball paddle and a core (1) bounded between two parallel striking surfaces (9) and containing pillars (11, 21, 22) provided with at least a portion of rigid material in contact with and extending between the striking surfaces (9), the pillars (11, 21, 22) being arranged in at least one row (10, 20) the direction of which is parallel to the striking surfaces (9), the pillars (11, 21, 22) of a same row (10, 20) being in contact with each other, wherein at least one of every two adjacent pillars (11, 21, 22) of a same row (10, 20) is a centrally widened pillar (11, 21) and comprises a portion equidistant to both striking surfaces (9) whose width (W1, W2) in at least the direction of its row (10, 20) is greater than the rest of the centrally widened pillar (11, 21) itself, so that a pivot edge (111, 211, 212) is defined on at least one side of each centrally widened pillar in contact with another pillar (11, 21, 22).

Description

[0001] The present application concerns a pickleball paddle, in particular, of a type comprising a core consisting of a plurality of parts acting as pillars between the striking surfaces.State of the art

[0002] Known in the state of the art are pickleball paddles whose core is provided with several rigid pieces adjacent to each other, which maintain the thickness of the core when hitting a ball while giving it greater flexibility, with the intention of bouncing the ball faster and with greater spin when required.

[0003] For example, US2016193793A1 discloses a pickleball paddle whose core comprises a plurality of rectangular tubes extending between the striking surfaces and defining pillar-like ribs that support the striking surfaces relative to each other. This core configuration may provide some flexibility in the transverse direction of the rectangular tubes compared to single-component cores, but its greatest advantage is its high strength to weight ratio.

[0004] Document CN220404768U, on the other hand, discloses a pickleball paddle whose core comprises a plurality of impact pieces separated from each other in one or two directions and with sufficient margin to be able to pivot one piece with respect to the other. In particular, the core is provided with two or more impact portions separated from each other in a first direction by gaps, preferably filled with a separating piece made of a flexible material. In turn, each impact portion may be defined by a plurality of rigid components, whether in the form of a polygonal column, cylinder, semi-cylinder, arc or others, the plurality of components also being separated from each other in a second direction. However, the manufacturing process of the present preceding is slower and more costly than that of the preceding described above, due to the fact that the operator must leave corresponding gaps between the plurality of components separated from each other, either by eye or by placing separating pieces.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a pickleball paddle with greater flexibility in the hitting area and at the same time a quick and economical manufacturing process.Description of invention

[0006] A first object of the present application is a pickleball paddle with a high flexibility in the hitting area and that the manufacturing costs are not compromised.

[0007] With this in mind, a pickleball paddle has been developed comprising: a handle that defines the longitudinal direction of the pickleball paddle, and a core bounded between two parallel striking surfaces, which may consist of one or more layers of different materials.

[0008] Inside, the core contains pillars with at least one portion of rigid material in contact with and extending between the striking surfaces, and are thus configured to resist in a incompressible way the forces received in a transverse direction to the striking surfaces when striking a ball with the pickleball paddle. The pillars are arranged in at least one row whose direction is parallel to the striking surfaces, while the pillars of the same row are in contact with each other, and the pillars of different rows may also be in contact with each other, either parallel, transversally and / or obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the paddle. As they are in contact with each other, there are no additional components between the pillars or they do not have to be positioned by eye by the operator, which reduces the material and / or workforce required for the manufacture of the pickleball paddle.

[0009] Unlike those known on the market, the present pickleball paddle is characterized in that at least one of every two adjacent pillars of a same row is a centrally widened pillar, which comprises a portion equidistant to both striking surfaces whose width is greater than the rest of the centrally widened pillar itself in at least the direction of the same row. In other words, the half-height perimeter of the pillar protrudes with respect to the perimeter of the rest of the pillar itself on at least the side in contact with the adjacent pillar, the height of the pillar being understood as its dimension in the direction perpendicular to the striking surfaces. As this central portion is wider, it defines a pivot edge on at least one of the sides of the centrally widened pillar in contact with the corresponding adjacent pillar. This pivot edge determines an imaginary pivot axis equidistant and parallel to the striking surfaces around which the columns of at least one row can easily pivot without the need to separate the columns from each other.

[0010] While maintaining the thickness of the core, the centrally widened pillars allow the core of the present pickleball paddle to be very flexible in at least the direction transverse to the rows when receiving the impact of a ball. As a result, the hitting surfaces receive less resistance to deformation by the present core compared to cores with pillars whose walls do not allow them to pivot against each other. The fact that the core and hitting surfaces of this pickleball paddle are more deformable makes the collision with the ball more elastic and the ball bounces back with greater speed, while increasing the time during which the ball remains on the hitting surface, giving it greater control over the spin effect. On the other hand, the positioning of the pillars during the manufacture of the paddle is simpler and faster compared to cores whose pillars have a separation between them, as the present core does not need additional parts or very precise operators to ensure the correct distance between them in at least one direction.

[0011] Pillars are parts comprising supporting walls or columns configured to support the received transverse compression and to maintain the separation between the striking surfaces when striking a ball, so that the core thickness is not reduced when striking a ball, a condition that a pickleball paddle must meet to be accepted by the USPA. For example, pillars can be solid pieces or hollow pieces with rigid walls. In relation to the centrally widened pillars, for any embodiment of the pickleball paddle or core, at least one centrally widened pillar may be in the form of a column whose longitudinal direction extends transversely to the striking surfaces and whose central portion comprises one or more pivot edges. Viewed in a direction perpendicular to the striking surfaces, the column may have different cross-sections, such as polygonal, cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, oval, arch, cross and / or a combination or deformation of the previous shapes. Indistinctly, any centrally widened pillar may comprise a curved wall or rib on at least one side, the central portion of which includes said pivot edge. In more detail, the curved wall or rib may comprise two wall portions extending from the pivot edge to the respective upper and lower ends of the pillar itself, extending partially or wholly in an oblique direction to the striking surfaces, such that said portions of the curved wall or rib are located between one of the striking surfaces and the front plane of symmetry of the pickleball paddle.

[0012] Preferably, the core comprises more than one row of pillars, for example forming a pillar array, i.e. a plurality of pillars repeatedly distributed in at least two directions.

[0013] In a possible embodiment of the pickleball paddle, all the pillars of a single row are centrally widened pillars and comprise a pivot edge located adjacent to the subsequent centrally widened pillar of the same row, so that all the pillars are oriented in the same direction. In a first possible implementation of this embodiment, the core comprises more than one row and these are spaced apart, to provide flexibility in the transverse direction of the rows. When the rows are spaced apart, the spacing between the rows is preferably less than one inch, as the width of the test piece used to test core flexibility by the USA Pickleball Association is one inch in diameter. In a second implementation, the core comprises more than one row in contact with each other, but the core flexibility in the corresponding direction is lower because there may be pillars in contact with pillars in other rows without a pivot edge in between. In a third implementation, the core comprises more than one row in contact with each other and the pillars comprise an additional pivot edge in contact with the subsequent centrally widened pillar of another row.

[0014] In one possible embodiment of the core, each centrally widened pillar comprises at least two pivot edges, each pivot edge being in contact with an adjacent pillar, whether or not it is a centrally widened pillar. In a first possible implementation of this embodiment, the core comprises more than one row spaced apart and only one centrally widened pillar every two adjacent pillars of the same row. In this embodiment, each centrally widened pillar comprises a pivot edge on each side and in contact with the adjacent pillar of the same row. For example, one of each two adjacent pillars may be a cube or a rectangular tube that is not centrally widened and the other of each two adjacent pillars may be a centrally widened hexagonal, oval and / or cylindrical tube shaped pillar. In a second implementation, the core comprises more than one row in contact with each other and only one centrally widened pillar every two adjacent pillars, wherein the centrally widened pillars comprise a pivot edge on each side in contact with another pillar, either from the same row or from another row of the pillar array. For example, the array of pillars is defined in two transverse directions, i.e., in the form of a grid, and each centrally widened pillar comprises four pivot edges, one on each side. In this example, the centrally widened pillars preferably have a hexagonal cross-section in the two directions of the gridded pillar array. In another possible example, the pillar array is defined in three different directions from each other or in the form of a honeycomb, and each centrally widened pillar comprises six pivot edges, one on each different side. In this example, the centrally widened pillars preferably have a hexagonal cross-section in their three directions parallel to the striking surfaces.

[0015] In another possible embodiment, all core's pillars are centrally widened pillars and comprise two pivot edges located on opposite sides, as well as they are alternately oriented in non-parallel directions. For example, adjacent centrally widened pillars may be rotated 90° with respect to each other in squared arrays or 60° in arrays with a honeycomb pattern, so that every two or three positions the pillars are oriented in the same direction. These centrally widened pillars can have a hexagonal cross-section or a convex and rounded shape in at least one of their directions parallel to the striking surfaces.

[0016] Preferably, in any of the embodiments described above, the pillars are made of carbon fiber, although they may be composed of any other rigid material. Likewise, the interior of the pillars and / or any existing hollow core of the present pickleball paddle may be filled with flexible sound-absorbing material, to reduce noise when hitting a ball.

[0017] Preferably, all the pillars have the same length, the same height and the same width, at least when positioned in the core, the height being the dimension transverse to the striking surfaces, the length being the dimension parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the paddle and the width being the dimension transverse to the height and width. Also, preferably in any of the embodiments described above, the width and length of the pillars themselves are of the same magnitude. Also, preferably in any of the embodiments described above, the core comprises at least eight rows with at least eight pillars in each row.Brief description of the figures

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example pickleball paddle. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the core and one of the striking surfaces of a first example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. Figure 3 is a section view of a centrally widened pillar of the core shown in figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the core and one of the striking surfaces of a second example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. Figure 5 is a section view of a centrally widened pillar of the core shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the core and one of the striking surfaces of a third example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. Figure 7 is a plan view of a centrally widened pillar of the core shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the core and one of the striking surfaces of a fourth example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. Figure 9 is a plan view of a centrally widened pillar of the core shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the core and one of the striking surfaces of a fifth example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. Figure 11 is a side view of a centrally widened pillar of the core shown in figure 10. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the centrally widened pillar in the A-A direction of figure 11. Description of the preferred embodiments

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the subject matter of the present application is a pickleball paddle comprising: a handle that defines the longitudinal direction of the pickleball paddle, and a core (1) bounded between two striking surfaces (9) parallel to each other.

[0020] Figure 2 shows the core (1) and one of the striking surfaces (9) of a first example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. As can be seen, the core (1) of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of pillars oriented in the same direction and distributed in five rows (10), the rows (10) being spaced apart. In this embodiment, the direction of the rows (10) is parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the pickleball paddle, but they could be oriented in any other direction. Figure 3 shows the cross section of one of the pillars, which is a centrally widened pillar (11), comprising a central portion whose width (W1) is greater in the direction of the rows (10) than in the rest of the centrally widened pillar (11) itself, so that a pivot edge (111) is defined on the side in contact with the subsequent adjacent centrally widened pillar (11). In other words, the half-height perimeter of the centrally widened pillar (11) protrudes beyond the perimeter of the rest of the centrally widened pillar (11) itself on one of the sides in contact with the adjacent centrally widened pillars (11), the height (H1) being understood as the dimension of the centrally widened pillar (11) in the direction perpendicular to the striking surfaces (9). In this embodiment, the core of the pickleball paddle has a high flexibility in both directions, although the manufacturing cost is not as low as in other embodiments, because the rows (10) have to be spaced apart, either by eye or by means of additional flexible parts.

[0021] Both in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 and in the embodiments described below, the inside of the pillars (21, 22) and / or any gaps in the core (1) of the pickleball paddle, such as the gap between the rows (10), may be filled with flexible sound-absorbing material, although this is not shown in the figures for a better understanding of the figures.

[0022] Figure 4 shows a second example embodiment of the core (2), which is provided with a plurality of pillars (21, 22) distributed in five rows (20) spaced apart. In this embodiment, one of every two adjacent pillars (21, 22) in the direction of the same row (20) are centrally widened pillars (21), while the other pillars (22) are square tubes. Figure 3 shows the cross section of one of the centrally widened pillars (21), which comprises a central portion whose width (W2) is greater in the direction of the rows (20) than in the rest of the centrally widened pillar (21) itself, two pivot edges (211, 212) being defined in contact with two adjacent pillars (22) of the same row (20).

[0023] Figure 6 shows a third example embodiment of the core (3), which is provided with pillars (31, 32) distributed in a matrix of nine longitudinal rows (30), the rows (30) being in contact with each other. In this embodiment, one of every two adjacent pillars (31, 32) in both directions of the matrix are centrally widened pillars (31), while the other pillars (32) are square tubes. In this embodiment, the centrally widened pillars (31) are shaped like a column whose longitudinal direction extends transversely to the striking surfaces (9) and whose central portion comprises the pivot edges (311-314). Figure 7 shows the top view of one of the centrally widened pillars (31), showing that the centrally widened pillars (31) have a square-shaped cross-section and comprise four pivot edges (311, 312, 313, 314), each intended to be in contact with the corresponding contiguous pillar (32) of the matrix.

[0024] Figure 6 shows a third example embodiment of the core (3), which is provided with pillars (31, 32) distributed in a matrix of nine longitudinal rows (30), the rows (30) being in contact with each other. In this embodiment, one of every two adjacent pillars (31, 32) in both directions of the matrix are centrally widened pillars (31), while the other pillars (32) are square tubes. Figure 7 shows the top view of one of the centrally widened pillars (31), showing that the centrally widened pillars (31) of this embodiment comprise four pivot edges (311-314) intended to be in contact with the corresponding adjacent pillar (32) of the array. As can be expected, the centrally widened abutments (31) of this exemplary embodiment have a central hexagonal cross-section in both directions of the pillar array (31, 32).

[0025] Figure 8 shows a fourth example embodiment of the core (4), which is provided only with centrally widened pillars (41), which are arranged in a honeycomb pattern, with nine longitudinal rows (40) in contact with each other but longitudinally offset from each other. Figure 9 shows the top view of one of the centrally widened pillars (41), showing that the centrally widened pillars (41) of this embodiment comprise six pivot edges (411-416) intended to be in contact with six corresponding centrally widened pillars (41). As can be seen, the centrally widened pillars (41) of this exemplary embodiment are internally hollow, to reduce their weight, and have a central hexagonal cross-section in three of their directions.

[0026] Figure 10 shows a fifth example embodiment of the core (5), which is provided only with centrally widened pillars (51), which are arranged in a squared array with nine longitudinal rows (40) in contact with each other. Figure 11 shows the side view of one of the centrally widened pillars (51) and Figure 12 shows the cross section thereof in the direction A-A of Figure 11, wherein it can be seen that the centrally widened pillars (51) of this embodiment comprise two pivot edges (511, 512) intended to be in contact with two corresponding centrally widened pillars (51). It can also be appreciated that the centrally widened pillars of this embodiment comprise curved walls or ribs (510) on both sides, which include said pivot edges (511, 512). In more detail, the curved walls or ribs (510) comprise respective portions extending obliquely and in symmetrical directions from the respective pivot edges (511, 512) to the respective upper and lower ends of the centrally widened pillar (51) itself. These curved walls or ribs (510) support the received transverse compression and maintain the separation between the striking surfaces (9) when striking a ball. In this embodiment, the centrally widened pillars (51) are alternately oriented in orthogonal directions, whereby all centrally widened pillars (51) adjacent to each other are in contact with each other via a pivot edge (511, 512) in both directions. This makes the core (5) highly flexible in all directions parallel to the striking surfaces (9).

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0019]As shown in Figure 1, the subject matter of the present application is a pickleball paddle comprising:

a handle that defines the longitudinal direction of the pickleball paddle, and a core (1) bounded between two striking surfaces (9) parallel to each other.

[0020]Figure 2 shows the core (1) and one of the striking surfaces (9) of a first example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. As can be seen, the core (1) of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of pillars oriented in the same direction and distributed in five rows (10), the rows (10) being spaced apart. In this embodiment, the direction of the rows (10) is parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the pickleball paddle, but they could be oriented in any other direction. Figure 3 shows the cross section of one of the pillars, which is a centrally widened pillar (11), comprising a central portion whose width (W1) is greater in the direction of the rows (10) than in the rest of the centrally widened pillar (11) itse...

[0001] The present application concerns a pickleball paddle, in particular, of a type comprising a core consisting of a plurality of parts acting as pillars between the striking surfaces.State of the art

[0002] Known in the state of the art are pickleball paddles whose core is provided with several rigid pieces adjacent to each other, which maintain the thickness of the core when hitting a ball while giving it greater flexibility, with the intention of bouncing the ball faster and with greater spin when required.

[0003] For example, US2016193793A1 discloses a pickleball paddle whose core comprises a plurality of rectangular tubes extending between the striking surfaces and defining pillar-like ribs that support the striking surfaces relative to each other. This core configuration may provide some flexibility in the transverse direction of the rectangular tubes compared to single-component cores, but its greatest advantage is its high strength to weight ratio.

[0004] Document CN220404768U, on the other hand, discloses a pickleball paddle whose core comprises a plurality of impact pieces separated from each other in one or two directions and with sufficient margin to be able to pivot one piece with respect to the other. In particular, the core is provided with two or more impact portions separated from each other in a first direction by gaps, preferably filled with a separating piece made of a flexible material. In turn, each impact portion may be defined by a plurality of rigid components, whether in the form of a polygonal column, cylinder, semi-cylinder, arc or others, the plurality of components also being separated from each other in a second direction. However, the manufacturing process of the present preceding is slower and more costly than that of the preceding described above, due to the fact that the operator must leave corresponding gaps between the plurality of components separated from each other, either by eye or by placing separating pieces.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a pickleball paddle with greater flexibility in the hitting area and at the same time a quick and economical manufacturing process.Description of invention

[0006] A first object of the present application is a pickleball paddle with a high flexibility in the hitting area and that the manufacturing costs are not compromised.

[0007] With this in mind, a pickleball paddle has been developed comprising: a handle that defines the longitudinal direction of the pickleball paddle, and a core bounded between two parallel striking surfaces, which may consist of one or more layers of different materials.

[0008] Inside, the core contains pillars with at least one portion of rigid material in contact with and extending between the striking surfaces, and are thus configured to resist in a incompressible way the forces received in a transverse direction to the striking surfaces when striking a ball with the pickleball paddle. The pillars are arranged in at least one row whose direction is parallel to the striking surfaces, while the pillars of the same row are in contact with each other, and the pillars of different rows may also be in contact with each other, either parallel, transversally and / or obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the paddle. As they are in contact with each other, there are no additional components between the pillars or they do not have to be positioned by eye by the operator, which reduces the material and / or workforce required for the manufacture of the pickleball paddle.

[0009] Unlike those known on the market, the present pickleball paddle is characterized in that at least one of every two adjacent pillars of a same row is a centrally widened pillar, which comprises a portion equidistant to both striking surfaces whose width is greater than the rest of the centrally widened pillar itself in at least the direction of the same row. In other words, the half-height perimeter of the pillar protrudes with respect to the perimeter of the rest of the pillar itself on at least the side in contact with the adjacent pillar, the height of the pillar being understood as its dimension in the direction perpendicular to the striking surfaces. As this central portion is wider, it defines a pivot edge on at least one of the sides of the centrally widened pillar in contact with the corresponding adjacent pillar. This pivot edge determines an imaginary pivot axis equidistant and parallel to the striking surfaces around which the columns of at least one row can easily pivot without the need to separate the columns from each other.

[0010] While maintaining the thickness of the core, the centrally widened pillars allow the core of the present pickleball paddle to be very flexible in at least the direction transverse to the rows when receiving the impact of a ball. As a result, the hitting surfaces receive less resistance to deformation by the present core compared to cores with pillars whose walls do not allow them to pivot against each other. The fact that the core and hitting surfaces of this pickleball paddle are more deformable makes the collision with the ball more elastic and the ball bounces back with greater speed, while increasing the time during which the ball remains on the hitting surface, giving it greater control over the spin effect. On the other hand, the positioning of the pillars during the manufacture of the paddle is simpler and faster compared to cores whose pillars have a separation between them, as the present core does not need additional parts or very precise operators to ensure the correct distance between them in at least one direction.

[0011] Pillars are parts comprising supporting walls or columns configured to support the received transverse compression and to maintain the separation between the striking surfaces when striking a ball, so that the core thickness is not reduced when striking a ball, a condition that a pickleball paddle must meet to be accepted by the USPA. For example, pillars can be solid pieces or hollow pieces with rigid walls. In relation to the centrally widened pillars, for any embodiment of the pickleball paddle or core, at least one centrally widened pillar may be in the form of a column whose longitudinal direction extends transversely to the striking surfaces and whose central portion comprises one or more pivot edges. Viewed in a direction perpendicular to the striking surfaces, the column may have different cross-sections, such as polygonal, cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, oval, arch, cross and / or a combination or deformation of the previous shapes. Indistinctly, any centrally widened pillar may comprise a curved wall or rib on at least one side, the central portion of which includes said pivot edge. In more detail, the curved wall or rib may comprise two wall portions extending from the pivot edge to the respective upper and lower ends of the pillar itself, extending partially or wholly in an oblique direction to the striking surfaces, such that said portions of the curved wall or rib are located between one of the striking surfaces and the front plane of symmetry of the pickleball paddle.

[0012] Preferably, the core comprises more than one row of pillars, for example forming a pillar array, i.e. a plurality of pillars repeatedly distributed in at least two directions.

[0013] In a possible embodiment of the pickleball paddle, all the pillars of a single row are centrally widened pillars and comprise a pivot edge located adjacent to the subsequent centrally widened pillar of the same row, so that all the pillars are oriented in the same direction. In a first possible implementation of this embodiment, the core comprises more than one row and these are spaced apart, to provide flexibility in the transverse direction of the rows. When the rows are spaced apart, the spacing between the rows is preferably less than one inch, as the width of the test piece used to test core flexibility by the USA Pickleball Association is one inch in diameter. In a second implementation, the core comprises more than one row in contact with each other, but the core flexibility in the corresponding direction is lower because there may be pillars in contact with pillars in other rows without a pivot edge in between. In a third implementation, the core comprises more than one row in contact with each other and the pillars comprise an additional pivot edge in contact with the subsequent centrally widened pillar of another row.

[0014] In one possible embodiment of the core, each centrally widened pillar comprises at least two pivot edges, each pivot edge being in contact with an adjacent pillar, whether or not it is a centrally widened pillar. In a first possible implementation of this embodiment, the core comprises more than one row spaced apart and only one centrally widened pillar every two adjacent pillars of the same row. In this embodiment, each centrally widened pillar comprises a pivot edge on each side and in contact with the adjacent pillar of the same row. For example, one of each two adjacent pillars may be a cube or a rectangular tube that is not centrally widened and the other of each two adjacent pillars may be a centrally widened hexagonal, oval and / or cylindrical tube shaped pillar. In a second implementation, the core comprises more than one row in contact with each other and only one centrally widened pillar every two adjacent pillars, wherein the centrally widened pillars comprise a pivot edge on each side in contact with another pillar, either from the same row or from another row of the pillar array. For example, the array of pillars is defined in two transverse directions, i.e., in the form of a grid, and each centrally widened pillar comprises four pivot edges, one on each side. In this example, the centrally widened pillars preferably have a hexagonal cross-section in the two directions of the gridded pillar array. In another possible example, the pillar array is defined in three different directions from each other or in the form of a honeycomb, and each centrally widened pillar comprises six pivot edges, one on each different side. In this example, the centrally widened pillars preferably have a hexagonal cross-section in their three directions parallel to the striking surfaces.

[0015] In another possible embodiment, all core's pillars are centrally widened pillars and comprise two pivot edges located on opposite sides, as well as they are alternately oriented in non-parallel directions. For example, adjacent centrally widened pillars may be rotated 90° with respect to each other in squared arrays or 60° in arrays with a honeycomb pattern, so that every two or three positions the pillars are oriented in the same direction. These centrally widened pillars can have a hexagonal cross-section or a convex and rounded shape in at least one of their directions parallel to the striking surfaces.

[0016] Preferably, in any of the embodiments described above, the pillars are made of carbon fiber, although they may be composed of any other rigid material. Likewise, the interior of the pillars and / or any existing hollow core of the present pickleball paddle may be filled with flexible sound-absorbing material, to reduce noise when hitting a ball.

[0017] Preferably, all the pillars have the same length, the same height and the same width, at least when positioned in the core, the height being the dimension transverse to the striking surfaces, the length being the dimension parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the paddle and the width being the dimension transverse to the height and width. Also, preferably in any of the embodiments described above, the width and length of the pillars themselves are of the same magnitude. Also, preferably in any of the embodiments described above, the core comprises at least eight rows with at least eight pillars in each row.Brief description of the figures

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example pickleball paddle. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the core and one of the striking surfaces of a first example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. Figure 3 is a section view of a centrally widened pillar of the core shown in figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the core and one of the striking surfaces of a second example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. Figure 5 is a section view of a centrally widened pillar of the core shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the core and one of the striking surfaces of a third example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. Figure 7 is a plan view of a centrally widened pillar of the core shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the core and one of the striking surfaces of a fourth example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. Figure 9 is a plan view of a centrally widened pillar of the core shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the core and one of the striking surfaces of a fifth example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. Figure 11 is a side view of a centrally widened pillar of the core shown in figure 10. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the centrally widened pillar in the A-A direction of figure 11. Description of the preferred embodiments

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the subject matter of the present application is a pickleball paddle comprising: a handle that defines the longitudinal direction of the pickleball paddle, and a core (1) bounded between two striking surfaces (9) parallel to each other.

[0020] Figure 2 shows the core (1) and one of the striking surfaces (9) of a first example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. As can be seen, the core (1) of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of pillars oriented in the same direction and distributed in five rows (10), the rows (10) being spaced apart. In this embodiment, the direction of the rows (10) is parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the pickleball paddle, but they could be oriented in any other direction. Figure 3 shows the cross section of one of the pillars, which is a centrally widened pillar (11), comprising a central portion whose width (W1) is greater in the direction of the rows (10) than in the rest of the centrally widened pillar (11) itself, so that a pivot edge (111) is defined on the side in contact with the subsequent adjacent centrally widened pillar (11). In other words, the half-height perimeter of the centrally widened pillar (11) protrudes beyond the perimeter of the rest of the centrally widened pillar (11) itself on one of the sides in contact with the adjacent centrally widened pillars (11), the height (H1) being understood as the dimension of the centrally widened pillar (11) in the direction perpendicular to the striking surfaces (9). In this embodiment, the core of the pickleball paddle has a high flexibility in both directions, although the manufacturing cost is not as low as in other embodiments, because the rows (10) have to be spaced apart, either by eye or by means of additional flexible parts.

[0021] Both in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 and in the embodiments described below, the inside of the pillars (21, 22) and / or any gaps in the core (1) of the pickleball paddle, such as the gap between the rows (10), may be filled with flexible sound-absorbing material, although this is not shown in the figures for a better understanding of the figures.

[0022] Figure 4 shows a second example embodiment of the core (2), which is provided with a plurality of pillars (21, 22) distributed in five rows (20) spaced apart. In this embodiment, one of every two adjacent pillars (21, 22) in the direction of the same row (20) are centrally widened pillars (21), while the other pillars (22) are square tubes. Figure 3 shows the cross section of one of the centrally widened pillars (21), which comprises a central portion whose width (W2) is greater in the direction of the rows (20) than in the rest of the centrally widened pillar (21) itself, two pivot edges (211, 212) being defined in contact with two adjacent pillars (22) of the same row (20).

[0023] Figure 6 shows a third example embodiment of the core (3), which is provided with pillars (31, 32) distributed in a matrix of nine longitudinal rows (30), the rows (30) being in contact with each other. In this embodiment, one of every two adjacent pillars (31, 32) in both directions of the matrix are centrally widened pillars (31), while the other pillars (32) are square tubes. In this embodiment, the centrally widened pillars (31) are shaped like a column whose longitudinal direction extends transversely to the striking surfaces (9) and whose central portion comprises the pivot edges (311-314). Figure 7 shows the top view of one of the centrally widened pillars (31), showing that the centrally widened pillars (31) have a square-shaped cross-section and comprise four pivot edges (311, 312, 313, 314), each intended to be in contact with the corresponding contiguous pillar (32) of the matrix.

[0024] Figure 6 shows a third example embodiment of the core (3), which is provided with pillars (31, 32) distributed in a matrix of nine longitudinal rows (30), the rows (30) being in contact with each other. In this embodiment, one of every two adjacent pillars (31, 32) in both directions of the matrix are centrally widened pillars (31), while the other pillars (32) are square tubes. Figure 7 shows the top view of one of the centrally widened pillars (31), showing that the centrally widened pillars (31) of this embodiment comprise four pivot edges (311-314) intended to be in contact with the corresponding adjacent pillar (32) of the array. As can be expected, the centrally widened abutments (31) of this exemplary embodiment have a central hexagonal cross-section in both directions of the pillar array (31, 32).

[0025] Figure 8 shows a fourth example embodiment of the core (4), which is provided only with centrally widened pillars (41), which are arranged in a honeycomb pattern, with nine longitudinal rows (40) in contact with each other but longitudinally offset from each other. Figure 9 shows the top view of one of the centrally widened pillars (41), showing that the centrally widened pillars (41) of this embodiment comprise six pivot edges (411-416) intended to be in contact with six corresponding centrally widened pillars (41). As can be seen, the centrally widened pillars (41) of this exemplary embodiment are internally hollow, to reduce their weight, and have a central hexagonal cross-section in three of their directions.

[0026] Figure 10 shows a fifth example embodiment of the core (5), which is provided only with centrally widened pillars (51), which are arranged in a squared array with nine longitudinal rows (40) in contact with each other. Figure 11 shows the side view of one of the centrally widened pillars (51) and Figure 12 shows the cross section thereof in the direction A-A of Figure 11, wherein it can be seen that the centrally widened pillars (51) of this embodiment comprise two pivot edges (511, 512) intended to be in contact with two corresponding centrally widened pillars (51). It can also be appreciated that the centrally widened pillars of this embodiment comprise curved walls or ribs (510) on both sides, which include said pivot edges (511, 512). In more detail, the curved walls or ribs (510) comprise respective portions extending obliquely and in symmetrical directions from the respective pivot edges (511, 512) to the respective upper and lower ends of the centrally widened pillar (51) itself. These curved walls or ribs (510) support the received transverse compression and maintain the separation between the striking surfaces (9) when striking a ball. In this embodiment, the centrally widened pillars (51) are alternately oriented in orthogonal directions, whereby all centrally widened pillars (51) adjacent to each other are in contact with each other via a pivot edge (511, 512) in both directions. This makes the core (5) highly flexible in all directions parallel to the striking surfaces (9).

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0019]As shown in Figure 1, the subject matter of the present application is a pickleball paddle comprising:

a handle that defines the longitudinal direction of the pickleball paddle, and a core (1) bounded between two striking surfaces (9) parallel to each other.

[0020]Figure 2 shows the core (1) and one of the striking surfaces (9) of a first example embodiment of the pickleball paddle. As can be seen, the core (1) of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of pillars oriented in the same direction and distributed in five rows (10), the rows (10) being spaced apart. In this embodiment, the direction of the rows (10) is parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the pickleball paddle, but they could be oriented in any other direction. Figure 3 shows the cross section of one of the pillars, which is a centrally widened pillar (11), comprising a central portion whose width (W1) is greater in the direction of the rows (10) than in the rest of the centrally widened pillar (11) itse...

Claims

1. Pickleball paddle comprising: - a handle that defines the longitudinal direction of the pickleball paddle, and - a core (1) bounded between two parallel striking surfaces (9) and containing pillars (11, 21, 22) provided with at least one portion of rigid material in contact with and extending between the striking surfaces (9), the pillars (11, 21, 22) being arranged in at least one row (10, 20) the direction of which is parallel to the striking surfaces (9), the pillars (11, 21, 22) of a same row (10, 20) being in contact with each other, characterized in that at least one of every two adjacent pillars (11, 21, 22) of a same row (10, 20) is a centrally widened pillar (11, 21), which comprises a portion equidistant to both striking surfaces (9) whose width (W1, W2) in at least the direction of its row (10, 20) is larger than the rest of the centrally widened pillar (11, 21) itself, so that a pivot edge (111, 211, 212) is defined on at least one side of each centrally widened pillar (11, 21) in contact with another pillar (11, 21, 22).

2. Pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein all pillars of the same row (10) are centrally widened pillars (11) and comprise a pivot edge (111) in contact with the subsequent centrally widened pillar (11) of the same row (10).

3. Pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein at least two rows (10) are spaced apart.

4. Pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein each centrally widened pillar (21, 31, 41) comprises at least two pivot edges (211, 212, 311-314, 411-416), each pivot edge (211, 212, 311-314, 411-416) being located in contact with another pillar (22, 32, 41).

5. Pickleball paddle according to claim 4, wherein the core (2) comprises more than one row (20) and at least two rows (20) are spaced apart.

6. Pickleball paddle according to claim 4, wherein the core (3, 4) comprises more than one row (30, 40) in contact with each other and the centrally widened pillars (31, 41) comprise a pivot edge (311-314, 411-416) on each side in contact with another pillar (32, 41).

7. Pickleball paddle according to claim 6, wherein each centrally widened pillar (31) comprises four pivot edges (311-314) in contact with respective adjacent pillars (32).

8. Pickleball paddle according to claim 6, wherein each centrally widened pillar (41) comprises six pivot edges (411-416) in contact with respective adjacent pillars.

9. Pickleball paddle according to claim 6, wherein the centrally widened pillars (31, 41) have a hexagonal cross-section in at least one of their directions parallel to the striking surfaces (9).

10. Pickleball paddle according to claim 4, wherein all of the pillars are centrally widened pillars (51) and comprise two pivot edges (511, 512) located on opposite sides and are alternately oriented in non-parallel directions.

11. Pickleball paddle according to claim 10, wherein the centrally widened pillars (51) are rotated 90° with respect to the adjacent centrally widened pillars (51).

12. Pickleball paddle according to claim 10, wherein the centrally widened pillars (51) have a hexagonal cross-section in at least one of their directions parallel to the striking surfaces (9).

13. Pickleball paddle according to claim 10, wherein the centrally widened pillars have a convexly rounded cross-section in at least one of their directions parallel to the striking surfaces (9).

14. Pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein at least one centrally widened pillar (31) is shaped like a column whose longitudinal direction extends transversely to the striking surfaces (9) and whose central portion comprises said at least one pivot edge (311-314).

15. Pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein at least one centrally widened pillar (51) comprises a curved rib (510) on at least one side, which includes said pivot edge (511, 512).

Images