Pickleball Paddle Striking Surfaces Of Non-Uniform Thickness

Abstract

An example pickleball paddle comprises a striking blade and a handle connected to the striking blade. The striking blade comprises a front striking surface on a first side of the striking blade and a back striking surface on a second side of the striking blade, and at least one striking surface of the front striking surface and the back striking surface has non-uniform thickness.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This applications claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 640,191 filed on Apr. 29, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure related generally to pickleball paddles, and more particularly to pickleball striking blade surfaces with non-uniform thickness.BACKGROUND

[0003] Pickleball is rapidly growing popular among players of many age groups and skill levels. Players at all different skill levels and having varying degrees of physical capabilities enjoy the game recreationally and / or in competition.

[0004] In the game of pickleball, the paddle, the ball, and the type of pickleball court may affect the pace of the game, and the how players continue playing depending on their physical abilities and skill levels. Pickleball paddles and balls are strictly regulated by the U.S. Pickleball Association for tournament play, and most paddles used in intermediate or recreational play are also constructed to adhere to the U.S. Pickleball Association's specifications.

[0005] Given that some segments of pickleball players desire pickleball paddles that are more customized to their particular capabilities, strengths and / or preferences, pickleball paddles that, while complying with the U.S. Pickleball Association paddle specifications, are designed according to various player capabilities, strengths, and / or preferences are desired.SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0006] An example embodiment provides a pickleball paddle comprising a striking blade and a handle connected to the striking blade, wherein the striking blade comprises a front striking surface on a first side of the striking blade and a back striking surface on a second side of the striking blade, and wherein at least one striking surface of the front striking surface and the back striking surface has non-uniform thickness.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Some features are shown by way of example, and not by limitation, in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like numerals may reference similar elements.

[0008] FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0009] FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

[0010] FIGS. 2A and 2B show examples of conventional pickleball paddles.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications according to the United States Pickleball Association.

[0012] FIG. 4A shows an example pickleball paddle with both front and back striking surfaces being elevated at the top and bottom of the striking blade, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4B shows an example pickleball paddle with both front and back striking surfaces being elevated at the long sides of the striking blade, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4C illustrates a profile view from a long side of an example pickleball paddle of which the front striking surface and the back striking surface are elevated in accordance with some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 4D illustrates a profile view from a long side of an example pickleball paddle of which the front striking surface and the back striking surface are elevated in accordance with some embodiments.

[0016] FIGS. 4E and 4F illustrate profile views from a short side of an example pickleball paddle of which the front striking surface and the back striking surface are elevated on the long sides (e.g., left side and right side), in accordance with some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 5A shows an example pickleball paddle with both the front and back striking surfaces being elevated at the top of the striking blade, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5B shows an example pickleball paddle with both the front and back striking surfaces being elevated at the right long side of the striking blade, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5C shows an example pickleball paddle with both the front and back striking

[0020] surfaces being elevated at the left long side of the striking blade, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6A shows an example pickleball paddle with only the front striking surface being elevated at the top and bottom of the striking blade, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 6B shows an example pickleball paddle with only the back striking surface being elevated at the top and bottom of the striking blade, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7 shows an example pickleball paddle with a striking surface elevated at all sides and an oval-shaped sweet spot in the center of the striking blade, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 8 shows some example ball reactions to pickleball paddles with elevated striking surface areas constructed according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosure, including structures, systems, and methods, may be practiced without these specific details. The description and representation herein are the common means used by those experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

[0026] References in the specification to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,”“an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0027] This disclosure relates to “Pickleball,” a game that has in recent years seen a massive increase in popularity among all age groups of players, including among senior citizens. Pickleball is a game that can be described as combining aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a badminton-sized court, with paddles and a ball similar to a wiffle ball, but slightly smaller in size. The net used in pickleball is similar to a tennis net in some ways, but is lowered at the center.

[0028] Pickleball has recently become very popular and is played both indoors and outdoors, as either doubles or singles. The rules are relatively simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn. However, among skilled players, pickleball can develop into a quick, fast-paced, and competitive game.

[0029] FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court 100 that includes a pickleball playing surface 130 and a pickleball net 132. The playing surface 130 comprises two left serve areas 102 and 108, two right serve areas 104 and 106, and two non-volley areas 110 and 112, with one of the left serve areas, one of the right serve areas, and one of the non-volley areas being on each side of the pickleball net 132. The net is 36 inches tall at the edges, and lowered to 34 inches in the middle. The areas 102-112 are defined by baselines 118 and 120 each 20 feet, sidelines 114 and 116 each 44 feet, center lines 122 and 124 each 15 feet, and non-volley lines 126 and 128 each the same size as a baseline. Each of the lines may be 2 inches wide. The term “court line” is used in this disclosure to refer to any sideline, baseline, centerline or non-volley line on the pickleball court. Non-volley areas 110 and 112, each extending 7 feet from the net, are also referred to as the “kitchen”.

[0030] The game of pickleball is played with a pickleball paddle 134 and pickleball ball 136. The ball 136 is typically made of plastic and has a 3-inch diameter. Similar to a wiffleball, the ball 136 has through holes throughout the surface. Different types (e.g., with different levels of hardness and different sizes of the through holes) may be used for playing the game on the various types of pickleball courts (e.g., indoor, outdoor, hard surface, soft surface etc.).

[0031] Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, and is most commonly played as doubles. Each point begins with an underarm serve. The serve is performed diagonally beginning at the right-hand service square. A valid serve sends the ball from one left serve area to the other left serve area or from one right serve area to the other right serve area. The serve must clear the non-volley-zone. The serve must bounce before being hit by the receiver. The return of serve must also bounce before being hit (this is known as the 2 bounce rule). After the serve and the return of the serve, the ball can land anywhere on the opposite side of the playing surface 130. Volleys can only be performed outside of the non-volley zone. Volleys, that is, hitting the ball in the air without first letting it bounce, can only be made after the 2 bounce rule has been followed. However, if the ball is hit from within the kitchen, then it cannot land in the kitchen on the other side of the net.

[0032] A fault is any action that stops play due to a rule violation. A fault by the receiving team results in the servers earning a point. A fault by the serving team results in the server's loss of service and / or side out. A fault is committed when the serve touches any part of the non-volley zone (including the line) or the ball is hit out of bounds.

[0033] Pickleball games are typically played without a referee and are self-judged. Each player makes the line calls as to whether the ball is in or out when the ball contacts the playing surface on that player's side. The game continues to at least 11 points and requires a 2-point difference for a win. FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

[0034] As noted above, pickleball is played by people of all ages and all skill levels. It is important that pickleball organizations provide as many options as possible to facilitate enjoyable play among, especially, groups of recreational players who may need (or prefer) pickleball paddles with larger surface to assist with improving their ability to return the ball and with arrangements of the striking surfaces that aid in keeping the ball in play (e.g., without going out of the court and / or without hitting the net).

[0035] A conventional pickleball paddle is shown in FIG. 2A. In some example embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 2A, a pickleball paddle 200 may comprise a striking blade 202 and a handle 204 connected to the striking blade. A grip 206 may wrap around a portion of the handle 204 and may comprise of a material that is more comfortable and / or provides better control of the paddle. The grip 206 is the portion of the handle that is intended to be held by the player during play (e.g., to strike and return a ball during play). The striking blade 202 comprises a striking surface 203 (on the front of the paddle and on the back of the paddle) and a frame (also referred to as an edge) 208 surrounding the striking surface 203. The striking surface 203 may also be referred to as a face of the striking blade 202 and is intended to be the portion of the striking blade 202 with which to strike the pickleball. During a pickleball game, based on the ball position and / or player position on the pickleball court, the player may use either the front face and the back face of the striking surface (e.g., corresponding to the front and back of the pickleball paddle, respectively) for any shot. The striking blade 202 may comprise a core sandwiched between two striking surface material layers. The core may be constructed from materials such as, for example, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber / plastic compound, polymer, aluminum, honeycomb composite, etc. The striking surface material layers (e.g., padding layers) may comprise one or more layers of materials such as, for example, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber / plastic compound, fiberglass, carbon fiber, graphite, etc., that are conducive to striking / returning the pickleball ball and / or controlling the behavior of the ball. The striking surface 203 may be configured with a particular hardness (e.g., using the same or different material or material combination as in the rest of the striking surface) in an area referred to as “sweet spot” intended to provide the primary area of contact with the pickleball. Frame 208 may be constructed with a wood, plastic and / or hard rubber or compound thereof to encompass and provide support to the striking surface 203. Frame 208 may be integrated with or connected to handle 204 at a connection area (also referred to as a connection part or connection point). The handle 204 may be the lower portion of a part / member (e.g., constructed of the same or different material(s) as the handle 204) that extends to the top of the striking blade (e.g., to the frame 208 at the top of the striking blade) or part way through the middle / core of the striking blade, and may be integrated / connected with the frame 208 in the connecting area (connecting part). Some pickleball paddles may include a butt cap 205 affixed to the bottom of the handle 204.

[0036] FIG. 2B shows two examples of commonly available pickleball paddles. The example pickleball paddle on the left side has a more elongated striking blade than the example paddle on the right side, providing a larger striking surface. Both example pickleball paddles in FIG. 2B, similar to that in FIG. 2A, has an edge that is of a concave shape on either side (left and right) of the handle and then curves upward before extending up in a straight line. In each example paddle shown in FIG. 2B the center axes (not shown in FIG. 2B) of the striking blade and the handle are the same.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications and standards according to USA Pickleball—the United States Pickleball Association. The USA Pickleball specifications require that the combined length and width of a pickleball paddle cannot exceed 24 inches. The illustrated example paddle specification shows a paddle shape that can provide for a total length (handle and striking blade) of 15.5″-17″ inches and a width of 7″-8.25″. The paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). Not mandated by USA Pickleball, but illustrated in FIG. 3 for an example pickleball paddle, are a thickness of 0.5″-0.625″ of the striking blade, a thickness of 1.25″ at the bottom of the handle, and a length of 4″-5.5″ of the handle. The side profile view at the bottom of the figure illustrates the profile view from the long side of the example paddle, and the side profile view shown on the right illustrates the profile view from the top-side of the paddle.

[0038] In each of the above identified example paddles, the striking blade comprises a core and a striking surface material (e.g., a padding) layer on either side of the core layer. As shown by the long-side profile view and the top-side profile view in FIG. 3, the core has uniform thickness throughout and the material layers on either side (i.e., front side and back side) of the core are of a same thickness as each other and provide, on each side, a same height of material throughout the striking surface on each side of the core.

[0039] The uniform thickness of the striking surface throughout on each side of the core provides the player with the opportunity to play shots using an even (uniform thickness) striking surface to make contact with the pickleball ball. The player may rely on the evenness of the striking surface to reliably and predictably strike the pickleball ball, regardless of the location of the striking blade at which the ball makes contact with the striking blade to have the ball returned (projected) in a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle. For example, by holding a conventional paddle 200 horizontally parallel to the court (e.g., hold the handle of paddle 200 horizontally parallel to the court, i.e., the held direction being horizontally parallel to the court), a player can expect a ball that strikes the paddle from a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle to be returned in the direction orthogonal to the held direction. It should be understood that, when the striking surface on the ball-facing side of the paddle is uniform (i.e., parallel to the held direction of paddle 200) at the point of contact, then the projected direction can be described as being orthogonal to the striking surface.

[0040] Players typically try to hit the pickleball around the center of a pickleball paddle during a game. Pickleballs that hit the edge of a pickleball paddle such as paddle 200 are more likely to go out or hit the net. This may happen when the player is over extended, late to the ball, or on the move.

[0041] Example embodiments with uneven surface (variable or non-uniform thickness) of the striking blade can direct a pickleball more toward the center of the court when the pickleball hits the edges of the pickleball paddle. In the first illustrated embodiment, a curved surface is shown. Other shapes such as a sloping / tilted straight-line shape may also be used. In this example, a symmetric uneven surface is shown. Asymmetric surfaces may be used to optimize the likelihood of the pickleball staying in the court. The uneven surface may extend in width, length, and / or both direction of the striking blade. With uneven surface, deflection characteristics of the pickleball from different areas of the paddle can be optimized.

[0042] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate profile views from a long side of an example pickleball paddle 402 of which the front striking surface and the back striking surface are elevated in accordance with some embodiments. The profile views are of paddle 402 as seen from the right side. The pickleball paddle 402 comprises a striking blade 404 and a handle attached to the striking blade 404. The front and back striking surfaces of the striking blade 404 are each elevated at or near both top and bottom ends of the striking blade 404.

[0043] The striking blade 404 comprises a core, a front surface material layer, and a back surface material layer. The core may be constructed from a harder and / or more rigid material than the front surface material layer and / or the back surface material layer. The front striking surface material layer and the back striking surface material layer may be formed from the same material or may be formed from different materials.

[0044] The front striking surface 406 and the back striking surface 408 of the pickleball paddle 402 are each elevated at the top end and the bottom end. In relation to the dashed horizontal line shown superimposed on the striking blade 404 in FIG. 4A, the front striking surface 406 is the portion of the striking blade that is above the dashed line, and the back striking surface 408 is the portion of the striking blade that is below the dashed line. As shown in the figure, the front striking surface 406 is flat in the center area and gradually increases in thickness to the highest level of elevation at or near the top end 414 and at or near the bottom end 410. The back striking surface 408 is flat in the center area and gradually increases in thickness to the highest level of elevation at or near the top end 416 and at or near the bottom end 412. It should be understood that the term “center area” is used in relation to pickleball paddles in this disclosure to identify an area that is centered at the center of the paddle but that, in paddles of various embodiments of this disclosure, may be of different sizes and / or shapes.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4B, the reaction of a pickleball when struck with different areas of the front striking surface may be different even while the player holds the paddle at the same angle relative to the incoming pickleball. The center area with its flat (uniform) thickness is intended to cause a ball that strikes the paddle from a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle 402 to project in a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle 402. The top end and the bottom end are each intended to project a ball that strikes the paddle from a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle, in a direction that, due to its gradually increasing elevation, causes the ball to project at an angle that is different from the direction that is orthogonal to the held direction after contact with the striking surface. The angle at which the ball projects is dependent on the rate of elevation of the striking surface at the point of contact.

[0046] In some embodiments, the highest elevations at / near the top end and the bottom end of the striking blade may be the same, and in some other embodiments the highest elevations may be different. In a similar manner, the rates of gradual increase of thickness from the center area to the top end and the bottom ends may be similar in some embodiments and different in others. Moreover, the size and / or shape of the center area that is of a uniform flat thickness may be different in respective paddles. Accordingly, respective paddles providing any one of a variety of ball reactions may be produced in accordance with different combinations of the highest levels of elevation at / near top and bottom ends, rates of gradual increase of thickness towards the top and bottom ends, and / or size / shape of the flat center area. In some example embodiments, the non-uniform surface may impact how the ball spins when the ball hits the striking blade. For example, the ball may spin faster or slower if it is hit at the non-flat surface of the striking blade compared to when the pickleball hits the flat surface of the striking blade. In some example embodiments, a non-uniform surface may cause the pickleball to return unpredictably and make it difficult for an opponent to return the pickleball. In the example figures, the thickness of the handle is less than the thickness of the edge of the striking blade of the paddle. In some example embodiments (not shown in the figures), the thickness of the handle may be slightly more than or may be substantially the same as the edge of the striking blade of the paddle. That may make it more convenient for the player to hold the paddle in some example scenarios. For example, when a player places one or more of fingers on the striking blade when striking a pickleball in a forehand or a backhand stroke.

[0047] FIG. 4C illustrates a profile view from a long side of an example pickleball paddle 422 of which the front striking surface and the back striking surface are elevated in accordance with some embodiments. The profile view is of paddle 422 as seen from the right side. The pickleball paddle 422 comprises a striking blade 424 and a handle attached to the striking blade 424. The front and back striking surfaces of the striking blade 424 are each elevated at or near both top and bottom ends of the striking blade 404. For example, the front striking surface is flat in the center and elevated at or near the top 434 of the striking blade 424 and at or near the bottom 430 of the striking blade 424, and the back striking surface is flat in the center and elevated at or near the top 436 of the striking blade 424 and at or near the bottom 432 of the striking blade 424.

[0048] The striking blade 424 comprises a core 425 sandwiched between a front surface material layer 426 and a back surface material layer 428. In paddle 422, the core 425 has a front part (e.g., the top half of core 425) that is of non-uniform thickness and back part (e.g., a back half of core 425) that is of non-uniform thickness. The front surface material layer 426 and the back surface material layer 428 both have uniform thickness.

[0049] FIG. 4D illustrates a profile view from a long side of an example pickleball paddle 442 of which the front striking surface and the back striking surface are elevated in accordance with some embodiments. The profile view is of paddle 442 as seen from the right side. The pickleball paddle 442 comprises a striking blade 444 and a handle attached to the striking blade 444. The front and back striking surfaces of the striking blade 444 are each elevated at or near both top and bottom ends of the striking blade 444. For example, the front striking surface is flat in the center and elevated at or near the top 454 of the striking blade 444 and at or near the bottom 450 of the striking blade 444, and the back striking surface is flat in the center and elevated at or near the top end 456 of the striking blade 444 and at or near the bottom end 452 of the striking blade 444.

[0050] The striking blade 444 comprises a core 445 sandwiched between a front surface material layer 446 and a back surface material layer 448. In paddle 442, the core 445 has a front part (e.g., the top half of core 445) that is of uniform thickness and back part (e.g., a back half of core 445) that is of uniform thickness. The front surface material layer 446 and the back surface material layer 448 both have non-uniform thicknesses.

[0051] FIGS. 4E and 4F illustrate profile views from a short side of an example pickleball paddle of which the front striking surface and the back striking surface are elevated on the long sides (e.g., left side and right side). The profile view is that of paddle 462 when viewed from the top side.

[0052] The striking blade 464 of the pickleball paddle 462 comprises a front striking surface 466, and a back striking surface 468. The striking surface 464 comprises a core, a front surface material layer and a back surface material layer. In relation to the dashed vertical line shown through the middle of the striking blade 464 in FIG. 4E, the front striking surface 406 is the portion of the striking blade that is to the left of the dashed line and the back striking surface 408 is the portion of the striking blade to the right of the dashed line.

[0053] The front striking surface 466 and the back striking surface 468 of the pickleball paddle 462 are each elevated at or near the left end and the right end of the striking blade 464. As shown in the figure, the front striking surface 466 is flat in the center area and gradually increases in thickness to the highest level of elevation at or near the left end 474 and at or near the right end 470. The back striking surface 468 is flat in the center area and gradually increases in thickness to the highest level of elevation at or near the left end 476 and at or near the right end 472.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4D, the reaction of the pickleball when struck with the different areas of the front striking surface. The center area with its flat (uniform) thickness is intended to cause a ball, striking the paddle from a direction orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle, to project in a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle. The left end and the right end are each intended to project the ball in a direction that, due to its gradually increasing elevation, causes the ball to project at an angle to the held direction after contact with the striking surface. The angle at which the ball projects is dependent on the rate of elevation of the striking surface at the point of contact.

[0055] In some embodiments, the highest elevations at / near the left end and the right end may be the same, and in some other embodiments the highest elevations may be different. In a similar manner, the rates of gradual increase of thickness from the center area to the left end and the right end may be similar in some embodiments and different in others. Moreover, the size and / or shape of the center area that is of a uniform flat thickness may be different in respective paddles. Accordingly, respective paddles providing any one of a variety of ball reactions may be produced in accordance with different combinations of the highest levels of elevation at / near left and right ends, rates of gradual increase of thickness towards the left and right ends, and / or size / shape of the flat center area.

[0056] FIG. 5A shows an example pickleball paddle 502 with both the front 506 and back 508 striking surfaces being elevated at or near the top end (514, 516) but remaining unelevated at or near the bottom end, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The figure shows the profile view of paddle 502 when viewed from the right side.

[0057] The striking surfaces 506 and 508 are formed on either side (front and back, respectively) of the striking blade 504. In some embodiments, the striking surfaces 506 and 508 may be formed with materials as described in relation to FIG. 4A.

[0058] The striking surfaces 506 and 508 of paddle 502 are formed so that the bottom (i.e., in the direction of the handle) and the center areas have a uniform (flat) thickness, and the height of each striking surface gradually increases from a center area to the top of the striking surface in such a manner that the greatest height of the striking surfaces 506 and 508 occur at or near the top ends 514, 516 respectively of the striking surfaces.

[0059] As also illustrated in FIG. 5A, the uniform flat striking surface in the bottom and center areas are expected to result in a struck ball, when the paddle is approached from a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle, being projected in a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction. A ball striking the paddle in an area where the thickness is gradually increasing is likely to be projected in a direction that is not orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle 502. In some instances, the direction in which the ball projects from an area of the striking surface that is gradually increasing in thickness improves the likelihood that the ball stays inside the court.

[0060] FIG. 5B shows an example pickleball paddle 522 with both the front 526 and back 528 striking surfaces being elevated at the right long side, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The profile view from the top side of paddle 522 is illustrated.

[0061] The striking surfaces 526 and 528 are formed on either side (front and back, respectively) of the striking blade 524. In some embodiments, the striking surfaces 526 and 528 may be formed with materials as described in relation to FIG. 4A.

[0062] The striking surfaces 526 and 528 of paddle 522 are formed so that the area from the left long edge to the center areas have a uniform (flat) thickness, and the height of each striking surface gradually increases from a center area to the right long edge of the striking surface in such a manner that the greatest height of the striking surfaces 526 and 528 occur at or near the right long edges 530, 532 of the respective striking surfaces.

[0063] As also illustrated in FIG. 5B, the uniform flat striking surface of the area from the left long edge to the center areas is expected to result in a struck ball being projected in a direction that is orthogonal to the striking surface. A ball striking the paddle in an area where the thickness is gradually increasing will be projected in a direction that is not orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle 522. In some instances, the direction in which the ball projects from an area of the striking surface that is gradually increasing improves the likelihood that the ball stays inside the court and / or avoids hitting the net.

[0064] The highest level of elevation and / or the rate of increase of thickness can be different in paddles in respective embodiments of this disclosure, in accordance with a paddle's desired ball return characteristics.

[0065] FIG. 5C shows an example pickleball paddle 542 with both the front 546 and back 548 striking surfaces being elevated at the left long side, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The profile view from the top side of paddle 542 is illustrated.

[0066] The striking surfaces 546 and 548 are formed on either side (front and back, respectively) of the striking blade 544. In some embodiments, the striking blade 544 and the striking surfaces 546 and 548 may be formed with materials as described in relation to FIG. 4A.

[0067] The striking surfaces 546 and 548 of paddle 542 are formed so that the area from the right long edges to the center areas have a uniform (flat) thickness, and the height of each striking surface gradually increases from a center area to the left long edge of the striking surface in such a manner that the greatest height of the striking surfaces 546 and 548 occur at or near the left long edges 544, 546 of the respective striking surfaces.

[0068] As also illustrated in FIG. 5C, the uniform flat striking surface of the area from the right long edges to the center areas is expected to result in a struck ball being projected in a direction that is orthogonal to the striking surface which, in this situation, is the same as the direction orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle 542. A ball striking the paddle in an area where the thickness is gradually increasing is likely to be projected in a direction that is not orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle 542. In some instances, the direction in which the ball projects from an area of the striking surface that is gradually increasing in thickness improves the likelihood that the ball stays inside the court and / or avoid hitting the net.

[0069] The highest level of elevation and / or the rate of increase of thickness can be different in respective embodiments, in accordance with a paddle's desired ball return characteristics.

[0070] FIG. 6A shows an example pickleball paddle 602 with only the front striking surface 606 being elevated at or near the top 614 and bottom 610 edges, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The back striking surface 608 has a uniform thickness throughout.

[0071] In some embodiments, the striking surfaces 606 and 608 may be formed with materials as described in relation to FIG. 4A. The highest level of elevation and / or the rate of increase of thickness can be different in respective embodiments, in accordance with the paddle's desired ball return characteristics.

[0072] FIG. 6B shows an example pickleball paddle 622 with only the back striking surface 628 being elevated at the top 634 and bottom 632, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The front striking surface 626 has a uniform thickness throughout.

[0073] In some embodiments, the striking surfaces 626 and 628 may be formed with materials as described in relation to FIG. 4A. The highest level of elevation and / or the rate of increase of thickness can be different in respective embodiments, in accordance with a paddle's desired ball return characteristics.

[0074] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the handles, type of materials used for one or both the front and back striking surfaces, and / or player preferences may dictate whether the forehand shots or backhand shots are likely to be made with the striking surface of non-uniform thickness.

[0075] FIG. 7 shows an example pickleball paddle 702 with a striking surface elevated towards the ends on all sides 706 surrounding an oval-shaped sweet spot 704 in the center, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The sweet spot 704 may be constructed with the particular material and / or hardness to facilitate an optimal level for striking a pickleball. The particular material and / or hardness of the sweet spot 704 may be the same or different from that of the outer areas 706 in different embodiments. Moreover, respective paddles 702 may have different sizes of sweet spots to provide for player preferences.

[0076] In embodiments, one or both the striking surfaces (front and back striking surfaces) may be configured as shown in FIG. 7. The highest elevation in the surrounding area may be the same at or near all ends or may be different at or near some of the ends. Moreover, in some embodiments, the shape of the sweet spot may be different in some directions. For example, some players may prefer the sweet spot extending more towards the top end of the paddle that towards one or more of the other ends.

[0077] FIG. 8 shows some example ball reactions to pickleball paddles with elevated striking surface areas constructed according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, paddles 802 and 804 may have an elevated front and / or back striking surface with which a ball is struck. The dashed lines illustrate possible paths for the balls if they are struck with a flat area of the striking surface when the paddle is held orthogonally to the incoming ball, and the solid lines illustrate the possible paths when struck with the areas of gradual incline. As shown, the areas of gradual incline towards the top of paddles 802 and 804 may be helpful in enabling the ball to be kept in bounds the pickleball court for shots that may otherwise (i.e., if hit with a flat area) have been out of bounds. In a similar manner, the gradual incline to the left side edge of paddle 806 can be used to strike the ball such that the ball leaves the paddle 806 at an upward angle that would get it above the net, whereas striking the ball with a flat area would have caused the ball to strike the net. In some example embodiments, the non-uniform surface may impact how the ball spins when the ball hits the striking blade. For example, the ball may spin faster or slower if it is hit at the non-flat surface of the striking blade compared it when the pickleball hits the flat surface of the striking blade. The rotation speed of the ball and direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) of the spin may also impact the trajectory of the ball. In some example embodiments, a non-uniform surface may cause the pickleball to return unpredictably and make it difficult for an opponent to return the pickleball.

[0078] The above described embodiments provide pickleball paddles having striking surfaces of non-uniform thickness. Paddle striking surface thickness characteristics may impact the deflection power and / or deflection direction. The direction of the pickleball and pickleball paddle positions in existing games can be analyzed in detail as an input data to optimize the thickness of the paddle at different location on the surface of a striking blade. Variations in the thickness of the paddle could be curved, straight-line, or in any arbitrary shape / pattern. Embodiments may increase the likelihood of a pickleball getting in the opponent's court during a game. Embodiments provide advantages to the player, as it becomes harder for an opponent to predict the direction of the pickleball hit with a paddle of non-uniform thickness and reduces the chance of an opponent returning the pickleball successfully. Embodiments are compatible with USA pickleball paddle specifications as described in relation to FIG. 3. In embodiments, the thickness of the striking blade at different point is considered as a variable that can be used to optimize the deflection characteristics (e.g. power, direction, spin) of a pickleball when it hits a striking blade.

[0079] It should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the shapes, lengths or construction materials of the handles, strike blades, or butt caps of the pickleball paddles. Although various embodiments have been shown and described in detail, the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment or example.

Claims

1. A pickleball paddle comprising a striking blade and a handle connected to the striking blade, wherein the striking blade comprises a front striking surface on a first side of the striking blade and a back striking surface on a second side of the striking blade, and wherein at least one striking surface of the front striking surface and the back striking surface has non-uniform thickness.

2. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the at least one striking surface is, in relation to a center of the at least one striking surface, elevated in an area between the center of the at least one striking surface and the handle.

3. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein the at least one striking surface has a uniform thickness in all areas other than the elevated area between the center of the at least one striking surface and the handle.

4. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein a height of the at least one striking surface in the elevated area between the between the center of the at least one striking surface and the handle gradually increases from the center of the at least one striking surface towards the handle.

5. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the at least one striking surface is, in relation to a center of the at least one striking surface, elevated in an area between the center of the at least one striking surface and a top of the pickleball paddle.

6. The pickleball paddle according to claim 5, wherein the at least one striking surface has a uniform thickness in all areas other than the elevated area between the center of the at least one striking surface and the top of the pickleball paddle.

7. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the at least one surface is elevated in an area between a center of the at least one striking surface and the handle and in an area between the center of the at least one striking surface and a top of the pickleball paddle.

8. The pickleball paddle according to claim 7, wherein a height of the striking surface gradually increases from the center of the at least one striking surface towards the handle and towards the top of the pickleball paddle.

9. The pickleball paddle according to claim 8, wherein the height of the striking surface gradually increases from the center of the at least one striking surface towards the handle and towards the top of the pickleball paddle at a same rate of increase.

10. The pickleball paddle according to claim 8, wherein the height of the striking surface gradually increases from the center of the at least one striking surface towards the handle and towards the top of the pickleball paddle at different rates of increase.

11. The pickleball paddle according to claim 10, wherein the rate of increase in the elevated area between the center of the at least one striking surface and the handle is higher than the rate of increase in the elevated area between the center of the et least one striking surface and the top of the pickleball paddle.

12. The pickleball paddle according to claim 10, wherein the rate of increase in the elevated area between the center of the at least one striking surface and the top of the pickleball paddle is higher than the rate of increase in the elevated area between the center of the et least one striking surface and the handle.

13. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the front striking surface and the back striking surface each has non-uniform thickness.

14. The pickleball paddle according to claim 13, wherein a highest elevation in the front striking surface and a highest elevation in the back striking surface are different.

15. The pickleball paddle according to claim 14, wherein a rate of increase of a height in the front striking surface is configured for a forehand shot and a rate of increase of a height in the back striking surface is configured for a backhand shot.

16. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein a center area of the at least one striking surface has a first thickness and an area surrounding the center area has a second thickness, wherein the second thickness gradually increases from the center area outwards.

17. The pickleball paddle according to claim 16, wherein a maximum height of the surrounding area is non-uniform.

18. The pickleball paddle according to claim 16, wherein a rate of increase of height of the surrounding area is uniform.

19. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the front striking surface comprises a first part of a striking blade core and a front surface padding layer arranged over the first part of the striking blade core, wherein the back striking surface comprises a second part of the striking blade core and a back surface padding layer arranged over the second part of the striking blade core, and wherein the front surface padding layer and the back surface padding layer each has uniform thickness.

20. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the front striking surface comprises a first part of a striking blade core and a front surface padding layer arranged over the first part of the striking blade core, wherein the back striking surface comprises a second part of the striking blade core and a back surface padding layer arranged over the second part of the striking blade core, and wherein the first part of the striking blade core and the second part of the striking blade core each has uniform thickness.

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