Pickleball Paddle with Vibration Reduction and / or Power Enhancements

Abstract

A pickleball paddle comprises a handle and a striking blade. In some aspects, a soft filler material is contained between the face sheets of the striking blade in an area of the striking blade near where the striking blade connects to the handle. The area of the striking blade comprises an area starting from bottom left edge of the striking blade and an area starting from bottom right edge of the striking blade. In another aspect, cells of a lattice structure contain a soft filler material in an area of the lattice structure in the handle and / or in an area of the lattice structure in a base area in which the striking blade connects to the handle. In another aspect, a lattice structure comprises a recess extending laterally from one side to the other side of the lattice structure on a surface of the lattice structure.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 676,392 filed Jul. 28, 2024, the entire content of which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to pickleball, and more particularly to pickleball paddles.BACKGROUND

[0003] Pickleball, being a rapidly growing sport, is played by players who span a wide range of skill levels, ages, and physical capacities. The vibration generated in the paddle upon the striking blade hitting a ball may be substantial, and may affect the shots. Over time and continued use of the paddle, such vibrations can also impact players hands. Therefore, paddle manufacturers attempt to dampen vibrations in the paddle. Paddle cores comprising a honeycomb structure is relied on by many pickleball paddle manufacturers, and honeycomb structured cores provide a good balance of paddle strength and lower vibration generation (depending on the material of construction). However, in some pickleball paddles and / or for the playing styles of some players, the vibration damping provided by existing techniques is often found to be inadequate.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to reduce the vibrations generated in pickleball paddles while not reducing the quality of performance of the paddle.SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0005] According to some embodiments, pickleball paddle comprises a handle, a striking blade connected to the handle, a front face sheet covering a first side of the striking blade, a back face sheet covering a second side of the striking blade, and at least one soft filler material is contained, between the front face sheet and the back face sheet, in an area of the blade near where the striking blade connects to the handle, and the area of the striking blade comprises a first area starting from bottom left edge of the striking blade and a second area starting from bottom right edge of the striking blade.

[0006] According to some embodiments, a pickleball paddle comprises a handle, a striking blade connected to the handle, and a lattice structure in the striking blade and the handle, wherein cells of the lattice structure contain a soft filler material in a first area of the lattice structure in the handle and / or in a second area of the lattice structure in a base area in which the striking blade connects to the handle.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a pickleball paddle comprises a handle, a striking blade connected to the handle, and a lattice structure in at least the striking blade, wherein the lattice structure comprises at least one recess extending laterally from or close from a first side of the lattice structure to or close to a second side of the lattice structure on a first surface of the lattice structure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] 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.

[0009] FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0010] FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

[0011] FIGS. 2A and 2B show examples of conventional pickleball paddles.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications according to the United States Pickleball Association.

[0013] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 each show a lattice structure with cells of a part of the lattice structure filled with a soft filler material to dampen vibrations, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7A shows a lattice structure with a plurality of laterally extending recesses in the lattice structure to enable the lattice structure to bend and provide additional flex to the paddle, and FIG. 7B shows the same plurality of recesses filled with a soft filler material, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 8 and 9 show further embodiments with laterally extending recesses in the lattice structure which may be filled with a soft filler material according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 show side views of lattice structures having laterally extending recesses in various arrangements, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 15 illustrates a lattice structure that includes areas with cells filled with a soft filler material for vibration absorption, and a laterally extending recess for added flex, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0018] 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 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, and components have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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”.

[0023] 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.).

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 two striking surfaces 203, a core sandwiched between the striking surfaces, and, optionally, a frame (also referred to as an edge) 208 surrounding the striking surfaces 203. A 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 ball. 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 or the back face of the striking blade (e.g., corresponding to the front and back of the pickleball paddle, respectively) for any shot. The core of the striking blade may be constructed from materials such as, for example, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber / plastic compound, polymer, aluminum, honeycomb composite, etc., The striking surface 203 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. The 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. The frame 208 may be integrated with or connected to the 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).

[0028] In a conventional pickleball paddle such as that shown in FIG. 2A, the entire paddle has the same center axis. That is, a center axis of the striking blade 202 and the center axis 212 of the handle 204 are parallel and are aligned with each other. Some pickleball paddles may include a butt cap 205 affixed to the bottom of the handle 204.

[0029] 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. Each example pickleball paddle 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.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications and standards according to USA Pickleball—the United States Pickleball Association. The current 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 may not 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.

[0031] In the specification, the handle is an extension of the paddle face and may not exceed 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length, and the handle must be an integral part of the paddle face. It should not have any separate components or extensions beyond the permitted length. The handle should have a smooth surface without any protrusions, attachments, or features that could cause injury to players or interfere with gameplay. The handle, like the rest of the paddle, must be constructed of approved materials. Common materials include wood, composite materials, or graphite.

[0032] Paddle construction plays a significant role in overall performance of a pickleball paddle and / or a player's experience on the court. As noted above, various materials are used to craft pickleball paddles. There are at least three main components to a pickleball paddle construction: the face, the core, and the handle. The face (also referred to as striking surface or face sheet) of a pickleball paddle is the hitting surface that comes into direct contact with the ball. Paddle faces may be made from a variety of materials, each offering different properties. The core (core layer) is the inner structure of the pickleball paddle that lies sandwiched between the two faces of the paddle. It provides the paddle with its structural integrity. In many examples, the core is the primary determinant of the paddle's structural integrity as other parts of the paddle such as face sheets, edge guard, and the handle are connected to the core. The core can be made from any of several construction materials, and each construction material may affect the paddle's weight, control, and / or power, etc., differently. The structure (structural design) of the core can also, in addition to the paddle's structural integrity, affect the paddle's characteristic such as, for example, weight, balance, control and / or power. An example core structure is the honeycomb pattern. The handle is the grip portion of the paddle, and it is where players hold the paddle during play. Handle construction may influence a player's grip comfort, maneuverability, and / or overall control. Paddles may be constructed with a grip size and handle length. A paddle may include an edge guard. An edge guard is a strip that may surround the perimeter of the paddle face. An edge guard may help protect the paddle from damage during rallies and / or scrapes on the court. A paddle may be edgeless. An edgeless paddle may provide a player with a bigger paddle face, and / or a larger sweet spot.

[0033] A honeycomb structure in the core may create a lightweight, sturdy base for the paddle. Paddle cores may vary by material and thickness. Thinner paddles (e.g., around 13 mm) may be designed for power and thicker paddles (e.g. around 16 mm) may be designed for control. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021 / 0252356A1 illustrates several example paddle core designs and construction materials. For example, various materials could be used to create a honeycomb structure for a paddle core, which may affect the paddle's performance. Some example paddle core materials include wood, foam, Nomex®, aluminum, carbon fiber, polymer, polypropylene, and / or the like. In an example, wood core paddles may offer a solid, lively feel. Wood may be a relatively heavy material compared with other alternatives. Wooden designs may be limited to shorter and thinner paddles which may produce relatively high speed and power. There are many different types of foam cores, for example, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), expanded polystyrene (EPS), or expanded polypropylene (EPP). Different types of foam may have different characteristics. Paddles with foam cores may offer a quieter playing experience. The foam may dampen impact by absorbing vibrations. Nomex® cores may be more durable compared with foam or honeycomb plastic. They may offer higher ball return power. Some players may lose some degree of control due to higher return speed of the ball off the paddle with Nomex and / or foam. Aluminum cores may be relatively lightweight and / or may offer good control. Carbon fiber may be used as a paddle core material. A carbon fiber core may offer good strength and stiffness. Polymer and / or polypropylene cores may offer a broad range of playing characteristics, from soft touch and control to power and spin. Other core structures (core construction technologies) including a combination of one or more of honeycomb plastic, carbon fiber, and / or foam, and other materials may be designed. In some examples, a paddle core may comprise of multiple layers.

[0034] In a pickleball paddle, the core may be sandwiched between two paddle face sheets. The face sheets may be constructed with composite materials that are built to withstand the repetitive striking of the ball on the paddle. There are varying materials used to create the face sheets. Carbon fiber faces may be lightweight and have a relatively high strength-to-weight ratio. Carbon fiber is a relatively durable material. Paddle faces (face sheets) may be built of fiberglass. Paddle faces may be built of graphite. Paddle faces may be built of Kevlar®. Kevlar is a relatively high-strength, lightweight material that is durable and resistant to abrasion. Alternatively, other materials may be used to build a paddle face sheet.

[0035] Carbon fiber is a relatively stiff, durable material that may offer a refined touch and feel due to the material absorbing a pickleball's energy at impact and more evenly distributing it across the face of the paddle. The result may be less deformation on contact, meaning greater control and / or shot precision. Carbon fiber face may be made of multiple layers to improve texture, strength, durability, vibration dampening, and / or other performance metrics. Fiberglass is a composite material that typically has less stiffness than carbon fiber, which may imply that paddles made with fiberglass may be more flexible on contact compared with paddles made with carbon fiber. Fiberglass may offer more rebound speed as the ball hits the paddle surface. The result may be a greater energy return to the ball resulting in a more powerful response. Fiberglass and / or carbon fiber face may be made of multiple layers to improve texture, strength, durability, vibration dampening, and / or other performance metrics.

[0036] Example carbon fiber surfaces include Carbon Friction Surface (CFS), Carbon Grip Surface (CGS), Carbon Touch Surface (CTS), and Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS). Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) may be a textured surface that uses a longer-lasting, durable Carbon Flex 5 material. It may provide a performance with access to high levels of spin, optimal feel, and raw power. Carbon Grip Surface (CGS) may be a surface constructed from a durable, long-lasting Carbon Flex3 material for a textured surface that offers ball grip, feel and spin production. Carbon Touch Surface (CTS) may be a relatively smooth surface that reduces the amount of friction coming off the paddle allowing for enhanced feel and maximum control and touch.

[0037] Example fiber glass surface include Fiberglass Abrasion Surface and Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS). An example Fiberglass Abrasion Surface may use a sand-blasted process that may create a fiberglass textured surface for enhanced spin. In an example, Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS) may use a multi-step, abrasion sand-blasted process that creates a unique, textured surface offering increased spin. CAS paddles may feature a bottom layer (back layer) of fiberglass with a layer of carbon as or on the top layer (front layer).

[0038] Example pickleball paddle performance metrics (performance characteristics) include, dwell time, deflection, coefficient of restitution (COR), stiffness, and / or the like. These performance metrics may affect how balls deflect from the paddle, and may impact ball control, power, and pop. Other performance metrics may be considered. Some performance metrics may impact how fast the ball spins in response to paddle movement.

[0039] In an example, power refers to the court penetration a shot has, e.g. a steady speed that the ball travels over time. In an example, pop refers to a speed at which a ball comes off the paddle face. For example, pop is how much the ball naturally rebounds off the paddle face. For example, a paddle with low pop may have high power or court penetration if it were weighted enough and used with proper technique. The extra mass in the paddle may make hitting the ball harder and farther easier, as a player is moving a heavier object through the air when striking the ball.

[0040] In an example, dwell time refers to how long the ball stays on the paddle face after making contact. The longer a ball stays on the surface of a paddle, the greater the potential for generating spin. A trampoline type face may result in a longer dwell time and so might a textured surface. In an example, deflection may be how quickly the ball leaves the paddle face. Deflection refers to how far the face of a paddle moves (or deflects) when downward pressure is applied to the face surface.

[0041] In an example, the coefficient of restitution (COR) is a measurement of the ratio of the ball's final velocity to its initial velocity after being struck by the paddle. It is a measure of how bouncy the paddle is, or how efficiently energy is transferred between the ball and paddle during a collision. In an example, a stiffness may be a measure of the paddle resistance to deformation, and / or may be determined by a flow of impact energy. The average non-EVA paddle face may have a bending stiffness of about 900 lbs / in. A paddle may have a face and throat stiffness of 900-1100 lbs / in for high power.

[0042] The vibration generated in the paddle upon the striking blade hitting a ball may be substantial, and may affect shots. Over time and continued use of the paddle, such vibrations can also impact players hands. Therefore, paddle manufacturers attempt to dampen vibrations in the paddle. Paddle cores comprising a honeycomb structure is relied on by many pickleball paddle manufacturers, and honeycomb structured cores provide a good balance of paddle strength and lower vibration generation (depending on the material of construction). In some instances, various forms of edge guards or frames that include soft materials, and / or insertion of one or more layers of soft material (e.g., injected foam) between the striking zone of the paddle and the frame are employed to dampen (reduce) vibrations. However, in some pickleball paddles and / or for the playing styles of some players, the vibration damping provided by existing techniques is often found to be inadequate.

[0043] Some example embodiments of this disclosure provide for reducing vibrations by filling the volume of cells of the honeycomb structure in a paddle with a vibration-absorbing soft filler material in selected areas of the honeycomb structure. Alternatively, or additionally, some example embodiments provide for changing the power and / or other performance parameters of a paddle by modifying the honeycomb structure to include one or more recesses (grooves) that extend laterally from one side of the striking blade to the other side on at least one side of the honeycomb structure.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a lattice structure that is in a pickleball paddle such as, for example, any of the paddles described in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The lattice structure 402 shown in FIG. 4 is a continuous cellular structure that extends from a first area 404 of the lattice structure in the striking blade of the paddle to a third area 408 of the lattice structure in the handle via the second area 406 of the lattice structure in a base of the striking blade where the striking blade connects to the handle. In some embodiments, the first area 404 of the lattice structure 402 may form the core layer of the paddle. Alternatively, the first area 404 may form part of the core of the paddle in some embodiments such as when, for example, the core includes one or more other layers of core materials overlaid on one or both sides of the lattice structure.

[0045] The lattice structure comprises one or more layers of interconnected unit cells. When the lattice structure comprises multiple layers of unit cells, a three-dimensional grid of unit cells may be formed. Respective lattice structures in embodiments may be made of unit cells of various shapes (e.g., cube-shaped, round, honeycomb, etc.), a range of sizes (e.g., cell height and width), a range of cell wall thickness, and / or a range of cell construction materials. Embodiments are not limited by cell shape, cell size, cell wall thickness, and / or cell construction material of the lattice structure. In example embodiments, one or more of cell shape, cell size, cell wall thickness, and / or cell construction material of the lattice structure may determine the strength of the lattice structure and the lattice structure's contribution to one or more performance characteristics of the paddle. In some embodiments, the lattice structure is a honeycomb (e.g., cells of hexagonal cell shape) structure.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the first area 404 of the lattice structure forms the core layer of the striking blade of a pickleball paddle and is sandwiched between a top (front) face sheet and a bottom (back) face sheet. The third area 408 is inserted in the handle structure of the paddle. The paddle may further include an edge guard or frame that holds the face-sheet and the core layer.

[0047] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the cells in the second area 406 and the third area 408 of the lattice structure 402 are filled with a soft filler material and the first area 404 except for the second area 406 is not filled with a soft filler material. In the illustration, the area 410 of cells in the lattice structure in which the cells contain the soft filler material is shown in a dark shading, and the area 412 of the lattice in which cells have no (or substantially lower) soft filler material is shown without shading. The area 410 of cells containing filler material extends over the entire handle area 408 and the base area 406. The soft filler material is a vibration-absorbing material, and thus paddles comprising a lattice structure 402 with cells in selected areas of the lattice structure being filled with a soft vibration-absorbing filler material are designed to have better vibration absorbing properties compared to paddles that have conventional honeycomb cores and rely on soft materials in the edge guard or in the perimeter of the honeycomb cores. In some examples (not shown in FIG. 4), parts of area 408 (handle and some part of paddle throat) may not include fillings of soft materials. In some examples (not shown in FIG. 4), area 408 (handle and some part of paddle throat) may not include a lattice structure and no fillings of soft materials. In some examples (not shown in FIG. 4), the area 408 (handle and maybe part of paddle throat) may not include a lattice structure and include a central part filled with soft materials to absorb paddle vibrations.

[0048] The soft filler material can be any of soft polymeric material, foamed polymer, foam, gel, rubber, and / or sponge. These materials dampen vibration, and do not substantially impact the sweet spot, stiffness, or power of the hitting areas.

[0049] In example embodiments, the area 410 in the lattice structure is below the sweet spot of the paddle and therefore, for a majority of shots, the point of contact on the striking blade for the ball is not directly impacted by the soft filler material in the cells in area 410. Therefore, the performance characteristics of the paddle as they relate to the striking the ball remain substantially unchanged from the performance characteristics of the lattice structure as initially designed.

[0050] Example embodiments may expand or contract the area 410 such that different proportions of the cells of the entire lattice structure, except in the sweet spot of the paddle, are filled with the soft filler material. The degree of vibration dampening increases with the increase in the proportion of cells in the lattice structure that are filled with the soft filler material.

[0051] FIG. 5 shows another lattice structure similar to that in FIG. 4, but have a differently shaped area 510 in which the cells of the lattice structure 502 are filled with a soft filler material, according to some embodiments. The area 510, compared to area 410 of FIG. 4, extends the soft filler material filled area from the base area on either side (left and right) between the perimeter of the lattice structure and the sweet spot thereby expanding the area of filled cells and consequently further improving the level of vibration absorption.

[0052] FIG. 6, in contrast to FIG. 5, contracts the area of filled cells compared to that of FIG. 4, according to another embodiment. As shown, in the lattice structure 602, the area 610 of soft filler material filled cells is limited to a portion of the paddle's handle. The portion of the handle may be selected based on the area most likely to be held by the player, so that paddle vibrations transmitted to the hand can be reduced while reducing any effect on the weight of the paddle. Area 610 being smaller than the area 410 of filled cells, provides less vibration absorption than area 410.

[0053] In some embodiments, more than one soft filler material may be used for filling cells in any one of the areas 410, 510 and 610. For example, a softer filler material may be used in regions closest to most likely ball impact points and a harder soft filler material may be used in regions further from the impact points and closer to the base area. The harder soft filler material can contribute to the structural strength of the lattice store while also providing vibration absorption. For example, the handle may be filled with softer materials to dampen vibration around the grip.

[0054] The shapes and / or extents of the soft filler material filled areas of the lattice structures are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 4-6 and may include any shape or size that excludes the sweet spot, or excludes at least a substantial portion of the sweet spot. In an example, for a pickleball paddle of given dimensions and shape, the sweet spot can be defined as the area on the paddle's striking blade in which at least a first predetermined threshold amount (e.g., 90%, 80%, etc.) of all shots are expected to make contact. This may be determined based on tests. Adopting a similar method of determining, an area that represents a substantial portion of the sweet spot to be excluded from filling with the soft filler material may be determined as the area in which a second predetermined threshold (e.g., 75%) of the shots that are in the sweet spot are expected to make contact. In some examples, the first and / or second thresholds may be determined for particular playing styles of players. Typically, the sweet spot, or area defined by the first predetermined threshold, is in the shape of an oval centered on the paddle surface.

[0055] FIG. 7A shows a lattice structure 702 in which a plurality of recesses (grooves) 710 extending laterally from or close to the left end to or close to the right end of the lattice in the striking blade. Each recess 710 may be formed by cutting, or by making a channel or groove by other means, through the cell walls in a straight or substantially straight line from a point on the left end to a point on the right end (from the left perimeter to the right perimeter) on the top or bottom surface of the lattice structure.

[0056] The paddle bends upon impact at one or more of the recesses 710 and this increases the ball contact time and ball return speed when the paddle hits the ball. The paddle acts somewhat like a diving board and returns the ball at a faster speed. In an example, if the ball is hit with low power, the paddle may not bend (or bend only slightly), and ball may be returned with a moderate power. Different cut patterns can be used to control power on each side of the pickleball paddle. The bending upon contact with the ball may be a few micro-meters to a few milli-meters and may or may not be visible with naked eyes.

[0057] Each recess 710 is designed to allow the lattice structure to bend to some degree along the line defined by the recess. In the lattice structure 702, 5 such recesses are shown arranged in parallel to each other and evenly spaced apart at the top surface of the striking blade. FIG. 7B illustrates the same lattice structure 702 with the recesses 710 shown as recesses filled with a soft filler material 714. The soft filler material strengthens the lattice structure at the recess and thereby softens the bending of the lattice structure in response to ball contact. The recesses 714 may also function as vibration-absorbing barriers.

[0058] The number of recesses 710 that are arranged in parallel to each other on a same surface increases the distinct locations of bending and thus may increase the degree of flex imposed upon a ball strike.

[0059] In the pattern of recesses in FIGS. 7A-7B, the bending occurs along lines that are orthogonal to the handle. Therefore, the flex imposed by the lattice structure of FIGS. 7A-7B upon a ball that strikes the striking blade orthogonally to the surface of the striking blade does not change the direction of return.

[0060] In embodiments that include recesses such as recesses 710, the striking blade portion of the lattice structure can be selectively cut across the two sides to provide more flexibility in controlling power and control of the pickleball paddle. The areas that are cut are filled with soft materials such as soft polymeric material, foamed polymer, foam, gel, and / or sponge. The soft filler materials that are used in embodiments of FIGS. 7-15 may be any of the soft filler materials described above in relation to the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 4-6, and the lattice structure that is used in embodiments of FIGS. 7-15 may be any of the lattice structures described above in relation to the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 4-6.

[0061] When the paddle hits the ball at more power, the cuts (corresponding recesses) enable the striking blade to bend and provide additional power to the ball. The power can be controlled by different patterns of cutting. The power can be asymmetric if the cuts are asymmetric on the two sides of the paddle, for example forehand site may provide more power to the ball than backhand side. Thus, example embodiments can provide an asymmetric paddle core. In the example embodiments, cuts (recesses) are shown. In an example, other modifications to the lattice structure may be applied instead of cuts (recesses). For example, a form of the lattice structure may be modified laterally from or close to the left end to or close to the right end to alter the way the lattice structure bends upon pressure. In an example, in some areas the lattice structure may be made differently or may use different thickness on the plastic to alter how the striking blade bends upon pressure.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows a lattice structure 802 in which a plurality of recesses 810 are arranged spaced apart and parallel to each other on a surface of the lattice structure, but non-orthogonal to the handle. The flex imposed by the lattice structure 802 upon a ball that strikes the striking blade orthogonally to the surface of the striking blade changes the direction of return in accordance with the angle (e.g., angle in relation to a lateral horizontal line that is perpendicular to the top of the handle) of the plurality of recesses 810. The angle can help some players more easily return shots over the net. Therefore, the angle of the plurality of recesses 810 can be selected in accordance with player preferences.

[0063] FIG. 9 illustrates a lattice structure 902 which has exactly one recess 910 that extends laterally from the left end of the lattice structure to the right end of the lattice structure arranged in the throat area (base area) in a manner that is orthogonal to the handle. The recess 910 is continuously connected (e.g., is devoid of obstructing barriers), at least to a predetermined partial depth from the surface, from the left end of the lattice structure to the right end of the lattice structure (e.g., from one end of the recess to the other end of the recess).

[0064] The number of the laterally extending recesses such as 910, 810, 710, etc., the size (e.g., width and depth) and shape of the recesses, and the type of soft filler material in the recesses affect the manner in, and the degree to, which the lattice structure bends upon being struck by a pickleball ball. In some embodiments, the amount of soft filler material added to the cells may only partially fill the respective cells. The level of vibration absorption, the level of structural support, the level of softening of the flex introduced by the recesses, may be increased to some extent by increasing the degree to which each cell is filled, or decreased to some extent by decreasing the degree to which each cell is filled.

[0065] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a lattice structure 1002 that has a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1010 arranged on the top (front) surface and a same number of identically dimensioned recesses 1012 arranged on the bottom (back) surface of the lattice structure. Each of recesses 1010 and 1012 is half sphere shaped and is filled with soft filler material. The depth of the recesses can vary, but the recesses on the top and the bottom do not extend into each other. In FIG. 11, line 1100 shows, for example, the manner in which the lattice structure 1002 bends when a pickleball ball strikes the top surface towards the top (towards the right end in the illustration) of the lattice structure 1002. The curve of line 1100 is indicative of the different degrees to which the lattice structure bends at each of the recesses 1010 and 1014.

[0066] FIG. 12 shows three example lattice structures 1202, 1222, and 1242. The lattice structure 1202, comprises a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1210 on the top surface of the lattice structure and no such recesses on the bottom surface. The recesses in the example lattice structures in FIG. 12 are half sphere shaped and are filled with a soft filler material. The lattice structure 1222, comprises a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1230 on the top surface of the lattice structure and the same number of such recesses 1232 on the bottom surface in a manner that is staggered with respect to the recesses on the top surface. The lattice structure 1242, comprises a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1250 on the top surface of the lattice structure and the same number of such recesses 1252 on the bottom surface in a manner that is staggered with respect to the recesses on the top surface. Each laterally extending recess (e.g., recesses 1010, 1012, 1210, 1230, 1232, 1250, 1252, etc.) may add to the lattice structure's amount of flex. The arrangement of recesses on the top and bottom surfaces in a manner that is staggered (e.g., 1222, 1242) may enable the lattice structure to bend at more points than when the recesses on the top and bottom surfaces in a manner that corresponds to each other (e.g., 1002).

[0067] FIG. 13 shows three example lattice structures 1302, 1322, and 1342. The lattice structure 1342, comprises a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1350 on the top surface of the lattice structure and no such recesses on the bottom surface. The recesses in the example lattice structures in FIG. 13 are triangular-shaped and are filled with a soft filler material. The lattice structure 1302, comprises a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1310 on the top surface of the lattice structure and the same number of such recesses 1312 on the bottom surface in a manner that co to the recesses on the top surface. The lattice structure 1322, comprises a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1330 on the top surface of the lattice structure and the same number of such recesses 1332 on the bottom surface in a manner that is staggered with respect to the recesses on the top surface. The sharper edges of the triangular recesses (for example, when compared to the sphere recesses in FIG. 12) facilitate the bending of the lattice structure and may provide a more immediate flex in response to ball impact.

[0068] FIG. 14 shows example lattice structures 1402, 1422, 1442, and 1462 with one laterally extending recess on only one of the surfaces of the lattice structure or with one laterally extending recess on each of the top surface and the bottom surface of the lattice structure. The one recess on one surface or on both the surfaces is arranged in the base area (throat area) of the paddle similarly to recess 910 in FIG. 9.

[0069] The lattice structure 1402 includes one laterally extending recess 1410 on the top surface and one laterally extending recess 1412 on the bottom surface. The lattice structure 1442 includes one laterally extending recess 1450 on the top surface and one laterally extending recess 1452 on the bottom surface. The lattice structure 1422 includes one laterally extending recess 1430 on the top surface and no laterally extending recess on the bottom surface. The lattice structure 1462 includes one laterally extending recess 1470 on the top surface.

[0070] FIG. 15 shows an example lattice structure 1502 according to some embodiments. The lattice structure 1502 includes an area 1510 of cells that are filled with a soft filler material, an area 1512 of cells that are not filled with a soft filler material in a similar manner to FIG. 5, and a laterally extending recess (groove) 1514 filler with the soft filler material in the base area in a similar manner to FIG. 9. The lattice structure 1502 with the filled area 1514 and the filled laterally extending recess 1510 provides the flex-capability facilitated by the laterally extending recess 1510 (e.g., similar to lattice structure 902) in combination with the vibration suppression capabilities provided by the filled area 1514 (e.g., similar to lattice structure 502).

[0071] Although the filled in areas and recesses are shown on the top side of the lattice structure in the lattice structures shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7A-7B, 8, 9, and 15, some embodiments may additionally include similar / corresponding filled in areas and recesses on the bottom side of such lattice structures.

[0072] Currently foams are injected around the honeycomb of pickleball paddles to control vibration. Injecting soft materials into the cells of the honeycomb or other lattice structures in the areas of paddle handle and / or paddle base further dampens vibration without substantially impacting the sweet spot. Example embodiments provide one or more of improved vibration suppression, improved power and / or control by increasing the level of flex of the paddle, for the paddle core to be designed with different performance between the two sides of the paddle, and / or separately controlling paddle performance metrics on each side using cuts (recesses) on the lattice structure (e.g., the pickleball paddle may provide more control on backhand side and more power on forehand side).

[0073] It should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to particular shapes of pickleball paddles or particular construction materials of the frame, core and / or face sheets. Although various embodiments have been shown and described in detail, the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment or example.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018]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 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, and components have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

[0019]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...

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 676,392 filed Jul. 28, 2024, the entire content of which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to pickleball, and more particularly to pickleball paddles.BACKGROUND

[0003] Pickleball, being a rapidly growing sport, is played by players who span a wide range of skill levels, ages, and physical capacities. The vibration generated in the paddle upon the striking blade hitting a ball may be substantial, and may affect the shots. Over time and continued use of the paddle, such vibrations can also impact players hands. Therefore, paddle manufacturers attempt to dampen vibrations in the paddle. Paddle cores comprising a honeycomb structure is relied on by many pickleball paddle manufacturers, and honeycomb structured cores provide a good balance of paddle strength and lower vibration generation (depending on the material of construction). However, in some pickleball paddles and / or for the playing styles of some players, the vibration damping provided by existing techniques is often found to be inadequate.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to reduce the vibrations generated in pickleball paddles while not reducing the quality of performance of the paddle.SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0005] According to some embodiments, pickleball paddle comprises a handle, a striking blade connected to the handle, a front face sheet covering a first side of the striking blade, a back face sheet covering a second side of the striking blade, and at least one soft filler material is contained, between the front face sheet and the back face sheet, in an area of the blade near where the striking blade connects to the handle, and the area of the striking blade comprises a first area starting from bottom left edge of the striking blade and a second area starting from bottom right edge of the striking blade.

[0006] According to some embodiments, a pickleball paddle comprises a handle, a striking blade connected to the handle, and a lattice structure in the striking blade and the handle, wherein cells of the lattice structure contain a soft filler material in a first area of the lattice structure in the handle and / or in a second area of the lattice structure in a base area in which the striking blade connects to the handle.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a pickleball paddle comprises a handle, a striking blade connected to the handle, and a lattice structure in at least the striking blade, wherein the lattice structure comprises at least one recess extending laterally from or close from a first side of the lattice structure to or close to a second side of the lattice structure on a first surface of the lattice structure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] 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.

[0009] FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0010] FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

[0011] FIGS. 2A and 2B show examples of conventional pickleball paddles.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications according to the United States Pickleball Association.

[0013] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 each show a lattice structure with cells of a part of the lattice structure filled with a soft filler material to dampen vibrations, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7A shows a lattice structure with a plurality of laterally extending recesses in the lattice structure to enable the lattice structure to bend and provide additional flex to the paddle, and FIG. 7B shows the same plurality of recesses filled with a soft filler material, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 8 and 9 show further embodiments with laterally extending recesses in the lattice structure which may be filled with a soft filler material according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 show side views of lattice structures having laterally extending recesses in various arrangements, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 15 illustrates a lattice structure that includes areas with cells filled with a soft filler material for vibration absorption, and a laterally extending recess for added flex, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0018] 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 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, and components have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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”.

[0023] 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.).

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 two striking surfaces 203, a core sandwiched between the striking surfaces, and, optionally, a frame (also referred to as an edge) 208 surrounding the striking surfaces 203. A 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 ball. 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 or the back face of the striking blade (e.g., corresponding to the front and back of the pickleball paddle, respectively) for any shot. The core of the striking blade may be constructed from materials such as, for example, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber / plastic compound, polymer, aluminum, honeycomb composite, etc., The striking surface 203 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. The 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. The frame 208 may be integrated with or connected to the 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).

[0028] In a conventional pickleball paddle such as that shown in FIG. 2A, the entire paddle has the same center axis. That is, a center axis of the striking blade 202 and the center axis 212 of the handle 204 are parallel and are aligned with each other. Some pickleball paddles may include a butt cap 205 affixed to the bottom of the handle 204.

[0029] 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. Each example pickleball paddle 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.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications and standards according to USA Pickleball—the United States Pickleball Association. The current 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 may not 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.

[0031] In the specification, the handle is an extension of the paddle face and may not exceed 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length, and the handle must be an integral part of the paddle face. It should not have any separate components or extensions beyond the permitted length. The handle should have a smooth surface without any protrusions, attachments, or features that could cause injury to players or interfere with gameplay. The handle, like the rest of the paddle, must be constructed of approved materials. Common materials include wood, composite materials, or graphite.

[0032] Paddle construction plays a significant role in overall performance of a pickleball paddle and / or a player's experience on the court. As noted above, various materials are used to craft pickleball paddles. There are at least three main components to a pickleball paddle construction: the face, the core, and the handle. The face (also referred to as striking surface or face sheet) of a pickleball paddle is the hitting surface that comes into direct contact with the ball. Paddle faces may be made from a variety of materials, each offering different properties. The core (core layer) is the inner structure of the pickleball paddle that lies sandwiched between the two faces of the paddle. It provides the paddle with its structural integrity. In many examples, the core is the primary determinant of the paddle's structural integrity as other parts of the paddle such as face sheets, edge guard, and the handle are connected to the core. The core can be made from any of several construction materials, and each construction material may affect the paddle's weight, control, and / or power, etc., differently. The structure (structural design) of the core can also, in addition to the paddle's structural integrity, affect the paddle's characteristic such as, for example, weight, balance, control and / or power. An example core structure is the honeycomb pattern. The handle is the grip portion of the paddle, and it is where players hold the paddle during play. Handle construction may influence a player's grip comfort, maneuverability, and / or overall control. Paddles may be constructed with a grip size and handle length. A paddle may include an edge guard. An edge guard is a strip that may surround the perimeter of the paddle face. An edge guard may help protect the paddle from damage during rallies and / or scrapes on the court. A paddle may be edgeless. An edgeless paddle may provide a player with a bigger paddle face, and / or a larger sweet spot.

[0033] A honeycomb structure in the core may create a lightweight, sturdy base for the paddle. Paddle cores may vary by material and thickness. Thinner paddles (e.g., around 13 mm) may be designed for power and thicker paddles (e.g. around 16 mm) may be designed for control. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021 / 0252356A1 illustrates several example paddle core designs and construction materials. For example, various materials could be used to create a honeycomb structure for a paddle core, which may affect the paddle's performance. Some example paddle core materials include wood, foam, Nomex®, aluminum, carbon fiber, polymer, polypropylene, and / or the like. In an example, wood core paddles may offer a solid, lively feel. Wood may be a relatively heavy material compared with other alternatives. Wooden designs may be limited to shorter and thinner paddles which may produce relatively high speed and power. There are many different types of foam cores, for example, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), expanded polystyrene (EPS), or expanded polypropylene (EPP). Different types of foam may have different characteristics. Paddles with foam cores may offer a quieter playing experience. The foam may dampen impact by absorbing vibrations. Nomex® cores may be more durable compared with foam or honeycomb plastic. They may offer higher ball return power. Some players may lose some degree of control due to higher return speed of the ball off the paddle with Nomex and / or foam. Aluminum cores may be relatively lightweight and / or may offer good control. Carbon fiber may be used as a paddle core material. A carbon fiber core may offer good strength and stiffness. Polymer and / or polypropylene cores may offer a broad range of playing characteristics, from soft touch and control to power and spin. Other core structures (core construction technologies) including a combination of one or more of honeycomb plastic, carbon fiber, and / or foam, and other materials may be designed. In some examples, a paddle core may comprise of multiple layers.

[0034] In a pickleball paddle, the core may be sandwiched between two paddle face sheets. The face sheets may be constructed with composite materials that are built to withstand the repetitive striking of the ball on the paddle. There are varying materials used to create the face sheets. Carbon fiber faces may be lightweight and have a relatively high strength-to-weight ratio. Carbon fiber is a relatively durable material. Paddle faces (face sheets) may be built of fiberglass. Paddle faces may be built of graphite. Paddle faces may be built of Kevlar®. Kevlar is a relatively high-strength, lightweight material that is durable and resistant to abrasion. Alternatively, other materials may be used to build a paddle face sheet.

[0035] Carbon fiber is a relatively stiff, durable material that may offer a refined touch and feel due to the material absorbing a pickleball's energy at impact and more evenly distributing it across the face of the paddle. The result may be less deformation on contact, meaning greater control and / or shot precision. Carbon fiber face may be made of multiple layers to improve texture, strength, durability, vibration dampening, and / or other performance metrics. Fiberglass is a composite material that typically has less stiffness than carbon fiber, which may imply that paddles made with fiberglass may be more flexible on contact compared with paddles made with carbon fiber. Fiberglass may offer more rebound speed as the ball hits the paddle surface. The result may be a greater energy return to the ball resulting in a more powerful response. Fiberglass and / or carbon fiber face may be made of multiple layers to improve texture, strength, durability, vibration dampening, and / or other performance metrics.

[0036] Example carbon fiber surfaces include Carbon Friction Surface (CFS), Carbon Grip Surface (CGS), Carbon Touch Surface (CTS), and Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS). Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) may be a textured surface that uses a longer-lasting, durable Carbon Flex 5 material. It may provide a performance with access to high levels of spin, optimal feel, and raw power. Carbon Grip Surface (CGS) may be a surface constructed from a durable, long-lasting Carbon Flex3 material for a textured surface that offers ball grip, feel and spin production. Carbon Touch Surface (CTS) may be a relatively smooth surface that reduces the amount of friction coming off the paddle allowing for enhanced feel and maximum control and touch.

[0037] Example fiber glass surface include Fiberglass Abrasion Surface and Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS). An example Fiberglass Abrasion Surface may use a sand-blasted process that may create a fiberglass textured surface for enhanced spin. In an example, Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS) may use a multi-step, abrasion sand-blasted process that creates a unique, textured surface offering increased spin. CAS paddles may feature a bottom layer (back layer) of fiberglass with a layer of carbon as or on the top layer (front layer).

[0038] Example pickleball paddle performance metrics (performance characteristics) include, dwell time, deflection, coefficient of restitution (COR), stiffness, and / or the like. These performance metrics may affect how balls deflect from the paddle, and may impact ball control, power, and pop. Other performance metrics may be considered. Some performance metrics may impact how fast the ball spins in response to paddle movement.

[0039] In an example, power refers to the court penetration a shot has, e.g. a steady speed that the ball travels over time. In an example, pop refers to a speed at which a ball comes off the paddle face. For example, pop is how much the ball naturally rebounds off the paddle face. For example, a paddle with low pop may have high power or court penetration if it were weighted enough and used with proper technique. The extra mass in the paddle may make hitting the ball harder and farther easier, as a player is moving a heavier object through the air when striking the ball.

[0040] In an example, dwell time refers to how long the ball stays on the paddle face after making contact. The longer a ball stays on the surface of a paddle, the greater the potential for generating spin. A trampoline type face may result in a longer dwell time and so might a textured surface. In an example, deflection may be how quickly the ball leaves the paddle face. Deflection refers to how far the face of a paddle moves (or deflects) when downward pressure is applied to the face surface.

[0041] In an example, the coefficient of restitution (COR) is a measurement of the ratio of the ball's final velocity to its initial velocity after being struck by the paddle. It is a measure of how bouncy the paddle is, or how efficiently energy is transferred between the ball and paddle during a collision. In an example, a stiffness may be a measure of the paddle resistance to deformation, and / or may be determined by a flow of impact energy. The average non-EVA paddle face may have a bending stiffness of about 900 lbs / in. A paddle may have a face and throat stiffness of 900-1100 lbs / in for high power.

[0042] The vibration generated in the paddle upon the striking blade hitting a ball may be substantial, and may affect shots. Over time and continued use of the paddle, such vibrations can also impact players hands. Therefore, paddle manufacturers attempt to dampen vibrations in the paddle. Paddle cores comprising a honeycomb structure is relied on by many pickleball paddle manufacturers, and honeycomb structured cores provide a good balance of paddle strength and lower vibration generation (depending on the material of construction). In some instances, various forms of edge guards or frames that include soft materials, and / or insertion of one or more layers of soft material (e.g., injected foam) between the striking zone of the paddle and the frame are employed to dampen (reduce) vibrations. However, in some pickleball paddles and / or for the playing styles of some players, the vibration damping provided by existing techniques is often found to be inadequate.

[0043] Some example embodiments of this disclosure provide for reducing vibrations by filling the volume of cells of the honeycomb structure in a paddle with a vibration-absorbing soft filler material in selected areas of the honeycomb structure. Alternatively, or additionally, some example embodiments provide for changing the power and / or other performance parameters of a paddle by modifying the honeycomb structure to include one or more recesses (grooves) that extend laterally from one side of the striking blade to the other side on at least one side of the honeycomb structure.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a lattice structure that is in a pickleball paddle such as, for example, any of the paddles described in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The lattice structure 402 shown in FIG. 4 is a continuous cellular structure that extends from a first area 404 of the lattice structure in the striking blade of the paddle to a third area 408 of the lattice structure in the handle via the second area 406 of the lattice structure in a base of the striking blade where the striking blade connects to the handle. In some embodiments, the first area 404 of the lattice structure 402 may form the core layer of the paddle. Alternatively, the first area 404 may form part of the core of the paddle in some embodiments such as when, for example, the core includes one or more other layers of core materials overlaid on one or both sides of the lattice structure.

[0045] The lattice structure comprises one or more layers of interconnected unit cells. When the lattice structure comprises multiple layers of unit cells, a three-dimensional grid of unit cells may be formed. Respective lattice structures in embodiments may be made of unit cells of various shapes (e.g., cube-shaped, round, honeycomb, etc.), a range of sizes (e.g., cell height and width), a range of cell wall thickness, and / or a range of cell construction materials. Embodiments are not limited by cell shape, cell size, cell wall thickness, and / or cell construction material of the lattice structure. In example embodiments, one or more of cell shape, cell size, cell wall thickness, and / or cell construction material of the lattice structure may determine the strength of the lattice structure and the lattice structure's contribution to one or more performance characteristics of the paddle. In some embodiments, the lattice structure is a honeycomb (e.g., cells of hexagonal cell shape) structure.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the first area 404 of the lattice structure forms the core layer of the striking blade of a pickleball paddle and is sandwiched between a top (front) face sheet and a bottom (back) face sheet. The third area 408 is inserted in the handle structure of the paddle. The paddle may further include an edge guard or frame that holds the face-sheet and the core layer.

[0047] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the cells in the second area 406 and the third area 408 of the lattice structure 402 are filled with a soft filler material and the first area 404 except for the second area 406 is not filled with a soft filler material. In the illustration, the area 410 of cells in the lattice structure in which the cells contain the soft filler material is shown in a dark shading, and the area 412 of the lattice in which cells have no (or substantially lower) soft filler material is shown without shading. The area 410 of cells containing filler material extends over the entire handle area 408 and the base area 406. The soft filler material is a vibration-absorbing material, and thus paddles comprising a lattice structure 402 with cells in selected areas of the lattice structure being filled with a soft vibration-absorbing filler material are designed to have better vibration absorbing properties compared to paddles that have conventional honeycomb cores and rely on soft materials in the edge guard or in the perimeter of the honeycomb cores. In some examples (not shown in FIG. 4), parts of area 408 (handle and some part of paddle throat) may not include fillings of soft materials. In some examples (not shown in FIG. 4), area 408 (handle and some part of paddle throat) may not include a lattice structure and no fillings of soft materials. In some examples (not shown in FIG. 4), the area 408 (handle and maybe part of paddle throat) may not include a lattice structure and include a central part filled with soft materials to absorb paddle vibrations.

[0048] The soft filler material can be any of soft polymeric material, foamed polymer, foam, gel, rubber, and / or sponge. These materials dampen vibration, and do not substantially impact the sweet spot, stiffness, or power of the hitting areas.

[0049] In example embodiments, the area 410 in the lattice structure is below the sweet spot of the paddle and therefore, for a majority of shots, the point of contact on the striking blade for the ball is not directly impacted by the soft filler material in the cells in area 410. Therefore, the performance characteristics of the paddle as they relate to the striking the ball remain substantially unchanged from the performance characteristics of the lattice structure as initially designed.

[0050] Example embodiments may expand or contract the area 410 such that different proportions of the cells of the entire lattice structure, except in the sweet spot of the paddle, are filled with the soft filler material. The degree of vibration dampening increases with the increase in the proportion of cells in the lattice structure that are filled with the soft filler material.

[0051] FIG. 5 shows another lattice structure similar to that in FIG. 4, but have a differently shaped area 510 in which the cells of the lattice structure 502 are filled with a soft filler material, according to some embodiments. The area 510, compared to area 410 of FIG. 4, extends the soft filler material filled area from the base area on either side (left and right) between the perimeter of the lattice structure and the sweet spot thereby expanding the area of filled cells and consequently further improving the level of vibration absorption.

[0052] FIG. 6, in contrast to FIG. 5, contracts the area of filled cells compared to that of FIG. 4, according to another embodiment. As shown, in the lattice structure 602, the area 610 of soft filler material filled cells is limited to a portion of the paddle's handle. The portion of the handle may be selected based on the area most likely to be held by the player, so that paddle vibrations transmitted to the hand can be reduced while reducing any effect on the weight of the paddle. Area 610 being smaller than the area 410 of filled cells, provides less vibration absorption than area 410.

[0053] In some embodiments, more than one soft filler material may be used for filling cells in any one of the areas 410, 510 and 610. For example, a softer filler material may be used in regions closest to most likely ball impact points and a harder soft filler material may be used in regions further from the impact points and closer to the base area. The harder soft filler material can contribute to the structural strength of the lattice store while also providing vibration absorption. For example, the handle may be filled with softer materials to dampen vibration around the grip.

[0054] The shapes and / or extents of the soft filler material filled areas of the lattice structures are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 4-6 and may include any shape or size that excludes the sweet spot, or excludes at least a substantial portion of the sweet spot. In an example, for a pickleball paddle of given dimensions and shape, the sweet spot can be defined as the area on the paddle's striking blade in which at least a first predetermined threshold amount (e.g., 90%, 80%, etc.) of all shots are expected to make contact. This may be determined based on tests. Adopting a similar method of determining, an area that represents a substantial portion of the sweet spot to be excluded from filling with the soft filler material may be determined as the area in which a second predetermined threshold (e.g., 75%) of the shots that are in the sweet spot are expected to make contact. In some examples, the first and / or second thresholds may be determined for particular playing styles of players. Typically, the sweet spot, or area defined by the first predetermined threshold, is in the shape of an oval centered on the paddle surface.

[0055] FIG. 7A shows a lattice structure 702 in which a plurality of recesses (grooves) 710 extending laterally from or close to the left end to or close to the right end of the lattice in the striking blade. Each recess 710 may be formed by cutting, or by making a channel or groove by other means, through the cell walls in a straight or substantially straight line from a point on the left end to a point on the right end (from the left perimeter to the right perimeter) on the top or bottom surface of the lattice structure.

[0056] The paddle bends upon impact at one or more of the recesses 710 and this increases the ball contact time and ball return speed when the paddle hits the ball. The paddle acts somewhat like a diving board and returns the ball at a faster speed. In an example, if the ball is hit with low power, the paddle may not bend (or bend only slightly), and ball may be returned with a moderate power. Different cut patterns can be used to control power on each side of the pickleball paddle. The bending upon contact with the ball may be a few micro-meters to a few milli-meters and may or may not be visible with naked eyes.

[0057] Each recess 710 is designed to allow the lattice structure to bend to some degree along the line defined by the recess. In the lattice structure 702, 5 such recesses are shown arranged in parallel to each other and evenly spaced apart at the top surface of the striking blade. FIG. 7B illustrates the same lattice structure 702 with the recesses 710 shown as recesses filled with a soft filler material 714. The soft filler material strengthens the lattice structure at the recess and thereby softens the bending of the lattice structure in response to ball contact. The recesses 714 may also function as vibration-absorbing barriers.

[0058] The number of recesses 710 that are arranged in parallel to each other on a same surface increases the distinct locations of bending and thus may increase the degree of flex imposed upon a ball strike.

[0059] In the pattern of recesses in FIGS. 7A-7B, the bending occurs along lines that are orthogonal to the handle. Therefore, the flex imposed by the lattice structure of FIGS. 7A-7B upon a ball that strikes the striking blade orthogonally to the surface of the striking blade does not change the direction of return.

[0060] In embodiments that include recesses such as recesses 710, the striking blade portion of the lattice structure can be selectively cut across the two sides to provide more flexibility in controlling power and control of the pickleball paddle. The areas that are cut are filled with soft materials such as soft polymeric material, foamed polymer, foam, gel, and / or sponge. The soft filler materials that are used in embodiments of FIGS. 7-15 may be any of the soft filler materials described above in relation to the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 4-6, and the lattice structure that is used in embodiments of FIGS. 7-15 may be any of the lattice structures described above in relation to the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 4-6.

[0061] When the paddle hits the ball at more power, the cuts (corresponding recesses) enable the striking blade to bend and provide additional power to the ball. The power can be controlled by different patterns of cutting. The power can be asymmetric if the cuts are asymmetric on the two sides of the paddle, for example forehand site may provide more power to the ball than backhand side. Thus, example embodiments can provide an asymmetric paddle core. In the example embodiments, cuts (recesses) are shown. In an example, other modifications to the lattice structure may be applied instead of cuts (recesses). For example, a form of the lattice structure may be modified laterally from or close to the left end to or close to the right end to alter the way the lattice structure bends upon pressure. In an example, in some areas the lattice structure may be made differently or may use different thickness on the plastic to alter how the striking blade bends upon pressure.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows a lattice structure 802 in which a plurality of recesses 810 are arranged spaced apart and parallel to each other on a surface of the lattice structure, but non-orthogonal to the handle. The flex imposed by the lattice structure 802 upon a ball that strikes the striking blade orthogonally to the surface of the striking blade changes the direction of return in accordance with the angle (e.g., angle in relation to a lateral horizontal line that is perpendicular to the top of the handle) of the plurality of recesses 810. The angle can help some players more easily return shots over the net. Therefore, the angle of the plurality of recesses 810 can be selected in accordance with player preferences.

[0063] FIG. 9 illustrates a lattice structure 902 which has exactly one recess 910 that extends laterally from the left end of the lattice structure to the right end of the lattice structure arranged in the throat area (base area) in a manner that is orthogonal to the handle. The recess 910 is continuously connected (e.g., is devoid of obstructing barriers), at least to a predetermined partial depth from the surface, from the left end of the lattice structure to the right end of the lattice structure (e.g., from one end of the recess to the other end of the recess).

[0064] The number of the laterally extending recesses such as 910, 810, 710, etc., the size (e.g., width and depth) and shape of the recesses, and the type of soft filler material in the recesses affect the manner in, and the degree to, which the lattice structure bends upon being struck by a pickleball ball. In some embodiments, the amount of soft filler material added to the cells may only partially fill the respective cells. The level of vibration absorption, the level of structural support, the level of softening of the flex introduced by the recesses, may be increased to some extent by increasing the degree to which each cell is filled, or decreased to some extent by decreasing the degree to which each cell is filled.

[0065] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a lattice structure 1002 that has a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1010 arranged on the top (front) surface and a same number of identically dimensioned recesses 1012 arranged on the bottom (back) surface of the lattice structure. Each of recesses 1010 and 1012 is half sphere shaped and is filled with soft filler material. The depth of the recesses can vary, but the recesses on the top and the bottom do not extend into each other. In FIG. 11, line 1100 shows, for example, the manner in which the lattice structure 1002 bends when a pickleball ball strikes the top surface towards the top (towards the right end in the illustration) of the lattice structure 1002. The curve of line 1100 is indicative of the different degrees to which the lattice structure bends at each of the recesses 1010 and 1014.

[0066] FIG. 12 shows three example lattice structures 1202, 1222, and 1242. The lattice structure 1202, comprises a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1210 on the top surface of the lattice structure and no such recesses on the bottom surface. The recesses in the example lattice structures in FIG. 12 are half sphere shaped and are filled with a soft filler material. The lattice structure 1222, comprises a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1230 on the top surface of the lattice structure and the same number of such recesses 1232 on the bottom surface in a manner that is staggered with respect to the recesses on the top surface. The lattice structure 1242, comprises a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1250 on the top surface of the lattice structure and the same number of such recesses 1252 on the bottom surface in a manner that is staggered with respect to the recesses on the top surface. Each laterally extending recess (e.g., recesses 1010, 1012, 1210, 1230, 1232, 1250, 1252, etc.) may add to the lattice structure's amount of flex. The arrangement of recesses on the top and bottom surfaces in a manner that is staggered (e.g., 1222, 1242) may enable the lattice structure to bend at more points than when the recesses on the top and bottom surfaces in a manner that corresponds to each other (e.g., 1002).

[0067] FIG. 13 shows three example lattice structures 1302, 1322, and 1342. The lattice structure 1342, comprises a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1350 on the top surface of the lattice structure and no such recesses on the bottom surface. The recesses in the example lattice structures in FIG. 13 are triangular-shaped and are filled with a soft filler material. The lattice structure 1302, comprises a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1310 on the top surface of the lattice structure and the same number of such recesses 1312 on the bottom surface in a manner that co to the recesses on the top surface. The lattice structure 1322, comprises a plurality of laterally extending recesses 1330 on the top surface of the lattice structure and the same number of such recesses 1332 on the bottom surface in a manner that is staggered with respect to the recesses on the top surface. The sharper edges of the triangular recesses (for example, when compared to the sphere recesses in FIG. 12) facilitate the bending of the lattice structure and may provide a more immediate flex in response to ball impact.

[0068] FIG. 14 shows example lattice structures 1402, 1422, 1442, and 1462 with one laterally extending recess on only one of the surfaces of the lattice structure or with one laterally extending recess on each of the top surface and the bottom surface of the lattice structure. The one recess on one surface or on both the surfaces is arranged in the base area (throat area) of the paddle similarly to recess 910 in FIG. 9.

[0069] The lattice structure 1402 includes one laterally extending recess 1410 on the top surface and one laterally extending recess 1412 on the bottom surface. The lattice structure 1442 includes one laterally extending recess 1450 on the top surface and one laterally extending recess 1452 on the bottom surface. The lattice structure 1422 includes one laterally extending recess 1430 on the top surface and no laterally extending recess on the bottom surface. The lattice structure 1462 includes one laterally extending recess 1470 on the top surface.

[0070] FIG. 15 shows an example lattice structure 1502 according to some embodiments. The lattice structure 1502 includes an area 1510 of cells that are filled with a soft filler material, an area 1512 of cells that are not filled with a soft filler material in a similar manner to FIG. 5, and a laterally extending recess (groove) 1514 filler with the soft filler material in the base area in a similar manner to FIG. 9. The lattice structure 1502 with the filled area 1514 and the filled laterally extending recess 1510 provides the flex-capability facilitated by the laterally extending recess 1510 (e.g., similar to lattice structure 902) in combination with the vibration suppression capabilities provided by the filled area 1514 (e.g., similar to lattice structure 502).

[0071] Although the filled in areas and recesses are shown on the top side of the lattice structure in the lattice structures shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7A-7B, 8, 9, and 15, some embodiments may additionally include similar / corresponding filled in areas and recesses on the bottom side of such lattice structures.

[0072] Currently foams are injected around the honeycomb of pickleball paddles to control vibration. Injecting soft materials into the cells of the honeycomb or other lattice structures in the areas of paddle handle and / or paddle base further dampens vibration without substantially impacting the sweet spot. Example embodiments provide one or more of improved vibration suppression, improved power and / or control by increasing the level of flex of the paddle, for the paddle core to be designed with different performance between the two sides of the paddle, and / or separately controlling paddle performance metrics on each side using cuts (recesses) on the lattice structure (e.g., the pickleball paddle may provide more control on backhand side and more power on forehand side).

[0073] It should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to particular shapes of pickleball paddles or particular construction materials of the frame, core and / or face sheets. Although various embodiments have been shown and described in detail, the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment or example.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018]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 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, and components have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

[0019]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...

Claims

1. A pickleball paddle, comprising:a handle;a striking blade connected to the handle;a front face sheet covering a first side of the striking blade; anda back face sheet covering a second side of the striking blade;wherein at least one soft filler material is contained, between the front face sheet and the back face sheet, in an area of the striking blade near where the striking blade connects to the handle, and the area of the striking blade comprises a first area starting from bottom left edge of the striking blade and a second area starting from bottom right edge of the striking blade.

2. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein a majority of a sweet spot of the striking blade are clear of the at least one soft filler material.

3. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein a majority of a top half area of the striking blade extending from an upper end of the striking blade to a center area of the striking blade are clear of the at least one soft filler material.

4. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the pickleball paddle comprises a lattice structure in the striking blade and the handle, the at least one soft filler material is contained in cells of the lattice structure in the first area and in cells of the lattice structure in the second area.

5. The pickleball paddle according to claim 4, wherein the at least one soft filler material is contained in cells of the lattice structure in the first area of the lattice structure in the handle and in one recess extending laterally from the first side of the lattice structure to a second side of the lattice structure on a first surface of the lattice structure in a base area in which the striking blade connects to the handle.

6. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the at least one soft filler material comprises soft polymeric material, foamed polymer, foam, gel, rubber, and / or sponge.

7. A pickleball paddle, comprising:a handle;a striking blade connected to the handle; anda lattice structure in the striking blade and the handle,wherein cells of the lattice structure contain a soft filler material in a first area of the lattice structure in the handle and / or in a second area of the lattice structure in a base area in which the striking blade connects to the handle.

8. The pickleball paddle according to claim 7, wherein cells of the lattice structure in a majority of a sweet spot of the striking blade are clear of soft filler materials.

9. The pickleball paddle according to claim 7, wherein cells of the lattice structure in a sweet spot of the striking blade are clear of soft filler materials.

10. The pickleball paddle according to claim 7, wherein cells of the lattice structure in an area extending from an upper end of the base area to an upper edge of the striking blade are clear of filler materials.

11. The pickleball paddle according to claim 7, wherein a thin layer of the cells extending along a perimeter of the striking blade are filled with the soft filler material.

12. The pickleball paddle according to claim 7, wherein a first group of the cells containing the soft filler material comprise a first type of the soft filler material and a second group of the cells containing the soft filler material comprise a second type of the soft filler material, and wherein the first group of the cells is in an area in the handle, and the second group of the cells is in an area in the striking blade.

13. A pickleball paddle, comprising:a handle;a striking blade connected to the handle; anda lattice structure in at least the striking blade,wherein the lattice structure comprises at least one recess extending laterally from or close from a first side of the lattice structure to or close to a second side of the lattice structure on a first surface of the lattice structure.

14. The pickleball paddle according to claim 13, wherein the at least one recess contains a soft filler material.

15. The pickleball paddle according to claim 13, wherein the at least one recess consists of one recess located below a sweet spot of the striking blade.

16. The pickleball paddle according to claim 13, wherein the at least one recess comprises a plurality of recesses arranged spaced-apart in parallel to each other.

17. The pickleball paddle according to claim 13, wherein the lattice structure further comprises a second at least one recess extending laterally from the first side of the lattice structure to the second side of the lattice structure on a second surface of the lattice structure.

18. The pickleball paddle according to claim 17, wherein the first at least one recess is shaped differently than the second at least one recess, or a number of recesses in the first at least one recess is different from a number of recesses in the second at least one recess.

19. The pickleball paddle according to claim 17, wherein locations of recesses in the first at least one recess overlap locations of recesses in the second at least one recess, or locations of recesses in the first at least one recess are staggered in relation to locations of recesses in the second at least one recess.

20. The pickleball paddle according to claim 17, wherein a number of recesses in the first at least one recess is different from a number of recesses in the second at least one recess.

Images