Pickleball Paddle with Vibration Dampening

Abstract

An example pickleball paddle includes a handle, and a striking blade comprising one or more openings where each of the openings is configured to hold a vibration reducing insert. In some examples, one or more vibration reducing inserts may each be affixed to a respective one of the one or more openings, wherein a vibration reducing insert of the one or more vibration reducing inserts comprises soft material attached to the inner wall of one opening of the one or more openings. In some examples. the one or more openings may comprise openings of two or more shapes. In some examples, an inner wall of each of the one or more openings is configured with a first attachment configuration for attaching with a corresponding second attachment configuration on a vibration reducing insert.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 683,224 filed Aug. 14, 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 an embodiment a pickleball paddle, comprising a handle, and a striking blade comprising one or more openings is provided. Each of the openings is configured to hold a vibration reducing insert.

[0006] The pickleball paddle may further comprise one or more vibration reducing inserts each affixed to a respective one of the one or more openings, wherein a vibration reducing insert of the one or more vibration reducing inserts comprises soft material attached to the inner wall of one opening of the one or more openings. The vibration reducing insert may be a strip of the soft material. The one opening and the strip of soft material affixed to the inner wall of the one opening may be configured to enable air passage through a part of the one opening. Alternatively, the vibration reducing insert may be a solid block of the soft material.

[0007] In some implementations, the one or more openings may comprise openings of two or more shapes. The one or more openings may comprise a first opening located in a throat area of the pickleball paddle and two or more second openings located near left and right edges of the striking blade. The first opening may be a first shape and the second openings may be a second shape different from the first shape.

[0008] In some implementations, a first vibration reducing insert in the first opening and a second vibration reducing insert in the second openings may be constructed from different soft materials. The one or more vibration reducing inserts may be each removably affixed to an opening.

[0009] The vibration reducing insert of the one or more vibration reducing inserts attached to the inner wall of one opening of the one or more openings and the one opening may be configured with corresponding attachment configurations. The corresponding attachment configurations may comprise one or more protrusions on one of the inner wall or outer surface of the vibration reducing insert and corresponding one or more receptacles on the other of the inner wall or outer surface of the vibration reducing insert, the corresponding attachment configurations may comprise a magnetic attachment configuration, or the corresponding attachment configurations may comprise screw holes and screws. The corresponding attachment configurations may comprise glue on one of the inner wall or outer surface of the vibration reducing insert and corresponding surface to attach with glue on the other of the inner wall or outer surface of the vibration reducing insert.

[0010] In some implementations, a vibration reducing insert of the one or more vibration reducing inserts may be configured to fit a plurality of shapes of said openings. The vibration reducing insert may be a strip of the soft material and may be adjustable to fit a plurality of sizes and / or shapes of said openings. The vibration reducing insert may be configured with corresponding attachment configurations at two ends of the vibration reducing insert such that a length of the vibration reducing insert is adjustable. The corresponding attachment configurations of the vibration reducing insert may be constructed with flexible plastic, or metal covered by rubber or plastic.

[0011] In some implementations, an inner wall of each of the one or more openings may be configured with a first attachment configuration for attaching with a corresponding second attachment configuration on a vibration reducing insert.

[0012] The first attachment configuration may comprise one or more protrusions on the inner wall of the opening and the corresponding second attachment configuration may comprise corresponding one or more receptacle on an outer surface of a vibration reducing insert, or the first attachment configuration may comprise one or more receptacles on the inner wall of the opening and the corresponding second attachment configuration may comprise corresponding one or more protrusions on an outer surface of the vibration reducing insert.

[0013] The first attachment configuration may comprise a magnetic attachment configuration, the first attachment configuration may comprise screw holes, or the first attachment configuration comprises glue on one of the inner wall.

[0014] In some implementations, the one or more vibration reducing inserts may be configured to adjust a weight of the pickleball paddle. The one or more vibration reducing inserts each may comprise a core layer configured for weight adjustment and an outer layer surrounding the core layer configured for dampening vibrations. The outer layer may comprise soft plastic and the core layer comprises metal or hard plastic.

[0015] According to another embodiment, a pickleball paddle comprising a handle, a striking blade connected to the handle, and a multi-layer edge guard attached to the striking blade on the outer perimeter of the striking blade is provided. An outer layer of the edge guard comprises a first material for weight adjustment and an inner layer the edge guard comprises a second material for vibration absorption.

[0016] The inner layer may comprise soft plastic, rubber, or gel for vibration dampening, and the outer layer comprises hard plastic or rubber for weight adjustment and / or paddle protection.

[0017] The edge guard may be permanently attached to the striking blade.

[0018] The edge guard may be removably attached to the striking blade.

[0019] In some implementations, an inner surface of the edge guard and the outer perimeter of the striking blade may be configured with corresponding attachment configurations, the corresponding attachment configurations may comprise one or more protrusions on one of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade, and corresponding one or more receptacles on the other of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade, the corresponding attachment configurations may comprise a magnetic attachment configuration, the corresponding attachment configurations may comprise a screw holes and screws, or the corresponding attachment configurations may comprise glue on one of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade and corresponding surface to attach with glue on the other of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade.

[0020] According to another embodiment, a pickleball paddle, comprising a handle, a striking blade, and a vibration reducing attachment removably attached to a throat area of the pickleball paddle is provided. The vibration reducing attachment may comprise a rubber collar fitted to a groove on the throat area of the pickleball paddle.

[0021] According to another embodiment, a pickleball paddle comprising a handle, a striking blade, and a magnetic vibration reducing attachment removably attached to a front and a back of the pickleball paddle, is provided. The magnetic vibration reducing attachment may comprise a pair of rubber coated magnets. In some implementations, the pair of rubber coated magnets are held in place by a magnetic force between the magnets.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] 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.

[0023] FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0024] FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

[0025] FIGS. 2A and 2B show examples of conventional pickleball paddles.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications according to the United States Pickleball Association.

[0027] FIG. 4A shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing inserts, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIGS. 4B and 4C show cross-sections of an example opening and an insert used in the pickleball paddle of FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5A shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing band inserts, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIGS. 5B-5D shows the pickleball paddle of FIG. 5A and corresponding cross-sections of an opening and vibration reducing band, according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing band inserts that are adjustable, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7A shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing and weight-adjusting inserts, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 7B shows an example insert that can be used in the pickleball paddle of FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 8A shows a pickleball paddle with a multi-layer weight-adjusting and vibration reducing edge guard, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIGS. 8B-8C show a cross-section of an edge guard such as the edge guard shown in FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 9 shows an example configuration for securely connecting the edge guard and the striking blade in a pickleball paddle such as that shown in FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 10 shows a pickleball paddle configured to be fitted with a vibration reducing attachment, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIGS. 11A and 11B show pickleball paddles with vibration reducing magnetic attachments, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11C shows a paired first magnet and a second magnet of a vibration reducing attachment according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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”.

[0045] 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.).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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. Thus, the degree of flex (e.g., the degree to which a portion of the paddle that is impacted by a ball bends) is a key aspect in controlling the dwell time.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The vibrations 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 are 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. For example, foam may be injected around the edges or into the honeycomb pattern of the core to reduce vibration and increase the sweet spot. Added foam does not substantially increase paddle weight unless to the foam is specifically designed to increase weight. Vibration dampening grips are used by some players. However, in some pickleball paddles and / or for the playing styles of some players, the vibration dampening provided by existing techniques is often found to be inadequate.

[0065] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide pickleball paddles with one or more openings in the striking blade with attached vibration dampening inserts that may be removable. In some embodiments the openings and the inserts are configured so that air passage is enabled in a part of each opening with the insert attached. Some of the inserts may be configured for, in addition to vibration reduction, to also adjust the weight of the paddle. Some other embodiments of the present disclosure provides a multi-layer edge guard that is configured for vibration absorption and weight adjustment. In some yet other embodiments, pickleball paddles with externally-attached removable vibration absorbing devices are provided. Thus, the present disclosure provides for vibration reduction techniques that can be used individually, or in combination to reduce vibrations in pickleball paddles.

[0066] FIG. 4A shows a pickleball paddle 400 with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing inserts (also referred to as vibration dampening inserts, vibration absorbing inserts, or vibration dampeners), according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 400 includes a striking blade 402 attached to a handle 404. The striking blade 402 has a plurality of openings (holes) 406-408 located on the striking blade 402 and configured to accommodate vibration reducing inserts 410-412. In the illustrated pickleball paddle 400 the striking blade 402 has one opening 406 in the throat area of the paddle and four openings 408 near the left and right edges of the striking blade 402. The openings 406-408 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center axis of the paddle so that the cutouts of striking blade material in the areas of the openings do not affect the balance (e.g., left-right or lateral balance) of the pickleball paddle 400.

[0067] Each opening is an opening that allows air passage from the front (top) side of the paddle to the back (bottom) side of the paddle and vice-versa. Thus, each opening may facilitate the reduction of air drag during play. In example embodiments, the openings, having striking blade construction materials absent within the openings, reduce the weight of the paddle relative to the weight of another paddle that is of the same construction material and size. The number of openings, the shapes and sizes of the openings, and the arrangement of the openings on the striking blade are not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a pickleball paddle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have one or more openings of any sizes and / or shapes arranged on the striking blade of the paddle such that all the openings are outside of the sweet spot of the paddle for the most common (e.g., most popular) playing styles.

[0068] In embodiments, each opening 406-408 is configured to accommodate a vibration reducing insert 410-412. Each vibration reducing insert is constructed from a vibration absorbing material such as, for example, a soft materials such as soft plastic, rubber, gel, foam, etc. Each insert (e.g., 410, 412) is configured to firmly and securely attach to a respective opening (e.g., 406, 408) such that movement of the paddle and shocks to the paddle during play would not result in the insert getting detached or loosened. Each insert may be solid object of vibration absorbing material that is configured to a size and shape that can snugly fit a respective one of the openings. In some embodiments, the inserts 410-412 have a flexible shape that can take the shape of the paddle opening, and firmly attach to the perimeter (inner wall) of the opening to dampen vibrations. Such inserts with flexible shapes can be made with flexible plastic, or metal covered by rubber or plastic.

[0069] Each paddle opening may be made with substantially vertical walls to better hold a vibration reducing insert. The paddles openings may be structurally enhanced to hold the vibration reducing inserts. The vibration reducing inserts may have edges, protrusions, grooves or the like to hold to the walls of the pickleball paddle openings. In some embodiments, the openings and the vibration absorbing inserts are configured with attachment configurations. In one implementation, the attachment configuration of an insert (e.g., such as 410 or 412) includes a protrusion (e.g., extension) on the outer side surface (perimeter side surface), and a corresponding opening (e.g., such as 406 or 408) includes a groove on its inner surface configured to accommodate the protrusion on the insert. For example, a protrusion (extension) made of a hard plastic or the like runs at the center of the side that forms the perimeter of the insert, and is sized to snugly / firmly fit a correspondingly sized groove that runs along the center of the inner wall of the opening. The protrusion and the groove can be shaped in any paired or corresponding manner (e.g., sharp edged protrusion, rectangular edge protrusion, rounded edge protrusion, etc., and correspondingly shaped grooves) that enables the protrusion to firmly and securely fit inside the groove. In some implementations the protrusion and groove may be continuous along the entire length of the perimeter, and in some other implementations the protrusion and groove may not be continuous. For example, the protrusion and corresponding groove may be in the form of two or more plugs arranged on the perimeter side along the length of the perimeter and corresponding receptacles on the inner wall of the openings, respectively, such that the plugs can be snapped into the receptacles to firmly hold the inserts in the openings during play. In some implementations, instead of the insert having the protrusion and the opening having the groove, the protrusion may be configured on the inner wall of the opening and the groove may be formed on the perimeter side of the insert. FIGS. 4B and 4C show cross-sections of the opening 406 (with a pointed-edge protrusion configured at the center of the inner wall of the opening) and of the insert 410 (with a groove on the perimeter side of the insert, shaped to receive a pointed-edge protrusion).

[0070] In another implementation, the attachment configuration of an insert comprises a magnet located on the perimeter side of the insert. One or more magnets are arranged on the perimeter side in a manner that when placed in the opening, the magnets pair with a corresponding magnet or metal located on the inner wall of the opening. In some implementations, the one or more magnets may be located on the inner wall of the opening and the corresponding magnets or metals are arranged on the perimeter side of the insert.

[0071] In another implementation, the perimeter side of the insert may include a glue and a removable tape such that when the tape is removed the insert can be firmly affixed to the inner wall of the opening with the glue.

[0072] FIG. 5A shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing band inserts, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 500 includes a striking blade 502 attached to a handle 504. The striking blade 502 has a plurality of openings (holes) 506-508 located on the striking blade 502 and configured to accommodate vibration reducing inserts 510-512. In the illustrated pickleball paddle 500 the striking blade 502 has one opening 506 in the throat area of the paddle and four openings 508 near the left and right edges of the striking blade 502. The openings 506-508 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center axis of the paddle so that the cutouts of striking blade material in the areas of the openings do not affect the balance (e.g., left-right or lateral balance) of the pickleball paddle 500.

[0073] Each opening is an opening that allows air passage from the front (top) side of the paddle to the back (bottom) side of the paddle and vice-versa. Thus, an opening may facilitate the reduction of air drag during play. In example embodiments, the openings, having striking blade construction materials absent within the openings, reduce the weight of the paddle relative to the weight of another paddle that is of the same construction material and size. The number of openings, the shapes and sizes of the openings, and the arrangement of the openings on the striking blade are not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a pickleball paddle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have one or more openings of any sizes and / or shapes arranged on the striking blade of the paddle such that all the openings are outside of the sweet spot of the paddle for the most common (e.g., most popular) playing styles.

[0074] In embodiments, each opening 506-508 is configured to accommodate a vibration reducing insert 510-512. The vibration inserts 510-512 are bands that can be affixed to the inner walls of the openings to reduce vibration, while also maintaining air passage capabilities of the openings. Each vibration reducing insert is constructed from a vibration absorbing material such as, for example, a soft materials like soft plastic, rubber, gel, foam, etc. Each insert (e.g., 510, 512) is configured to snugly and securely attach to a respective opening (e.g., 506, 508) such that movement of the paddle and the shocks to the paddle during play would not result in the insert getting detached or loosened.

[0075] Although in FIG. 5A, there appears to be a spacing between the outer surface of the vibration reducing bands 510-512 and the inner walls of the openings 506-508, it should be understood that the outer surface of each vibration reducing band snugly abuts the inner walls of the openings so that the bands can properly absorb the vibrations at the inner walls of the openings. As with openings 406-408 of paddle 400, each paddle opening 510-512 may be made with substantially vertical walls to better hold a vibration reducing insert. The paddles openings may be structurally enhanced to hold the vibration reducing inserts. The vibration reducing inserts may have edges or the like to hold to the walls of the pickleball paddle openings. In some embodiments, the openings 506-508 and the vibration reducing band inserts 510-512 are configured with any of the attachment configurations described in relation to pickleball paddle 400, its paddle openings 406-408 and inserts 410-412. In addition to the many attachment configurations described in relation to paddle 400, the band inserts 510-512 may alternatively be attached to paddle openings 504-506 by an attachment configuration that includes screw holes on the inner wall of the paddle openings and screws that can be tightened to hold the band inserts firmly and securely directly abutting the inner walls of the openings.

[0076] FIGS. 5B-5D shows the pickleball paddle of FIG. 5A and corresponding cross-sections of an opening and vibration reducing band, according to some embodiments. FIG. 5B shows locations at which the cross-section of the opening 506 shown in FIG. 5C is taken and the cross-section of the insert 510 shown in FIG. 5D is taken. FIGS. 5C and 5D show cross-sections of the opening 506 (with a pointed-edge protrusion configured at the center of the inner wall of the opening) and of the insert 510 (with a groove on the perimeter side of the insert, shaped to receive a pointed-edge protrusion).

[0077] FIG. 6 shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing band inserts that are adjustable, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 600 includes a striking blade 602 attached to a handle 604. The striking blade 602 has a plurality of openings (holes) 606-608 located on the striking blade 602 and configured to accommodate vibration reducing inserts 610-612. In the illustrated pickleball paddle 600 the striking blade 602 has one opening 606 in the throat area of the paddle and four openings 608 near the left and right edges of the striking blade 602. The openings 606-608 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center axis of the paddle so that the cutouts of striking blade material in the areas of the openings do not affect the balance (e.g., left-right or lateral balance) of the pickleball paddle 600.

[0078] Each opening is an opening that allows air passage from the front (top) side of the paddle to the back (bottom) side of the paddle and vice-versa. Thus, each opening may facilitate the reduction of air drag during play. In example embodiments, the openings, having striking blade construction materials absent within the openings, reduce the weight of the paddle relative to the weight of another paddle that is of the same construction material and size. The number of openings, the shapes and sizes of the openings, and the arrangement of the openings on the striking blade are not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a pickleball paddle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have one or more openings of any sizes and / or shapes arranged on the striking blade of the paddle such that all the openings are outside of the sweet spot of the paddle for the most common (e.g., most popular) playing styles.

[0079] In embodiments, each opening 606-608 is configured to accommodate a vibration reducing band insert 610-612. Different from the solid inserts 410-412 and band inserts 510-512, each of the vibration reducing band inserts 610-612 is a length adjustable band that can be attached to the inner wall of the openings of many shapes and / or sizes to reduce vibration, while also maintaining air passage capabilities of the openings. Each vibration reducing insert is constructed from a vibration absorbing material such as, for example, a soft materials such as soft plastic, rubber, gel, foam, etc. Each insert (e.g., 610, 612) is configured to firmly and securely attach to a respective opening (e.g., 606, 608) such that movement of the paddle and the shocks to the paddle during play would not result in the insert getting detached or loosened.

[0080] The illustrated length adjustable band 614 illustrates an example attachment configuration that has a first part 616 on the inner surface of the band 614 and a second part 618 on the outer surface band 614. Bands 610 and 612 may each be a band that has an attachment configuration such as that shown on band 614. The two ends of band 614 may be separated when not attached to the inner wall of a paddle opening. In order to install the band 614 in an opening 606-608, the band 614 is set against the inner wall of the opening and the two ends are connected. For example, the attachment configuration parts 616 and 618 at the two ends are connected so that the band 614 is in direct contact with substantially the entire length of the inner wall of the opening to which it is attached. The illustrated bands 610 and 612 are shown with each band's two ends connected to each other. As illustrated, the connection may be performed with one end of the band overlapping the other end so that attachment configuration parts at the two ends can face each other and engage / lock with each other.

[0081] Different bands 614 may have different types of attachment configurations for attaching to the walls of paddle openings, and / or locking configurations that provide for adjusting the length of the band 614 to different lengths. The locking configurations may provide for any of velcro-like locking engagements, plug-and-receptacle type of locking engagements, clasp-and-hook locking engagements, etc. In some embodiments, one of the first or second parts of the locking configuration may be located at one location on the band, and the other of the first or second parts of the locking configuration can be located at two or more locations along the length of the band. Then, to connect the band so that it has the longest length (e.g., longest length when a right end of the band is locked to a location at or close to the left end of the band so that the band is circular-connected), the first and second parts of the locking configuration located at the respective ends of the band are connected. To connect the band so that it properly attaches to a paddle opening's inner wall that has a shorter length than the maximum length of the band, the part of the first or second parts of the locking configuration that is located at only one location is connected to the other of the first or second parts of the locking configuration at a location other than an end of the band. In one implementation, band 614 may have Velcro locking configuration part 618 on the outer surface of the band 614 only at one location (i.e., at the end of the band 614), an instances of Velcro locking parts that are counterpart to the Velcro at 618 are located at 616 (at the other end of the band 614) and one or more other positions along the inside of the band 614. In another implementations, band 614 may have plug-and-receptacle locking configuration part 618 (e.g., receptacle) on the outer surface of the band 614 only at one location (i.e., at the end of the band 614), and instances of plug-and-receptacle attachments parts that are counterpart (e.g., plugs) to the receptacle at 618 are located at 616 (at the other end of the band 614) and one or more other positions along the inside of the band 614. To connect the band, at a shorter length than the maximum of the band, the receptacle is connected with one of the plugs on the inner surface of band 614. In another implementation in which a locking engagement is made by inserting the clasp part to a hook (holding) part, band 614 may have locking configuration part 618 (e.g., clasp) on the outer surface of the band 614 only at one location (i.e., at the end of the band 614), and instances of locking configuration parts that are counterpart (e.g., hooks) to the clasp at 618 are located at 616 (at the other end of the band 614) and one or more other positions along the inside of the band 614. To connect the band, at a shorter length than the maximum of the band, the clasp is connected / locked with one of the hooks on the inner surface of band 614.

[0082] The vibration reducing band 614 (also 610 and 612) can be arranged so that it firmly and securely abuts the inner wall of an opening by any one of the attachment configurations with which bands 510-512 attached to the inner wall of a paddle opening. In some embodiments, a pickleball paddle such as any one of the paddles 400, 500, and 600, can be used with any of the vibration reducing inserts 410-412, 510-512, or 610-612. For example, the inserts 410-412, 510-512, or 610-612 may be configured with the same attachment configuration on the outer surface, and each of the paddles 400, 500, and 600 may have the same corresponding attachment configuration on the inner walls of its openings.

[0083] FIG. 7A shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing and weight-adjusting inserts, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 700 is configured with one or more openings 706 arranged on the striking blade 702, where each of the openings 706 is configured to securely hold a vibration-reducing and weight-adjusting insert 708. FIG. 7B shows an example vibration-reducing and weight-adjusting insert 708 that can be used in the pickleball paddle of FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The vibration-reducing and weight-adjusting insert 708 is formed by surrounding a core of a hard material 712 (e.g., metal, hard plastic or hard rubber) by a layer 710 of soft material (e.g., gel, foam, soft plastic, soft rubber). When insert 708, is securely and firmly inserted into an opening 706, the core layer 712 of hard material in insert 708 provides added weight while the soft layers 710 provides vibration absorption.

[0084] The insert 708 may be securely and firmly inserted so that it abuts the inner wall of the opening 706 by an attachment configuration on the side perimeter of the insert and on the inner wall of the opening similar to the attachment configurations described in relation to paddle 400 shown in FIG. 4A.

[0085] In some embodiments, the paddle 700 may include a single opening 706 arranged in a throat area (e.g., center of the throat area) that is located between the top of the handle 704 and the sweet spot on the striking blade 702. In other embodiments, two or more openings 706 are arranged on the striking blade so that the openings are distributed symmetrically with respect to the vertical center of the paddle.

[0086] The layer of soft material 710 of the insert 708 provides the vibration reduction capability and the core material 712 provides added weight to provide the weight adjustment capability to the paddle.

[0087] In some embodiments, a pickleball paddle may include openings on the striking blade and the openings may include attachment configurations on inner walls so that any one of the openings can be used for attaching any of the inserts 400, 500, 600, and / or 700. Such a pickleball paddle enables a player to use the same paddle configured differently with respect to vibration reduction, weight and weight distribution, and air drag.

[0088] FIG. 8A shows a pickleball paddle with a multi-layer weight-adjusting and / or vibration reducing edge guard, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 800 comprises a striking blade 802 connected to a handle 804, and a vibration-reducing and weight adjusting two-layer (or more than two-layer) edge guard attached to the perimeter of the striking blade 802. FIG. 8B shows the two-layer (or more than two-layer) edge guard 806 separated from the striking blade 802, and FIG. 8C shows a cross-section showing the two separate layers 808 and 810 of the edge guard 806. Different from conventional edge guards that are constructed with a uniform material, the inner layer 810 of edge guard 806 is formed with a soft material that facilitates vibration absorption, and the outer layer 808 is formed with a hard material that provides weight adjustments and protection for the striking blade. For example, the internal layer may be a soft plastic, rubber, or gel for vibration dampening, and the outside layer may be a hard plastic or rubber for paddle protection and weight. In existing technologies, the edge guards are made of one material (e.g. rubber plastic) to provide protection and additional weight. When the edge guard 806 is attached to the striking blade 802, the soft material layer 810 of the edge guard 806 directly abuts the edge of the striking blade 802 and facilitates absorption of vibrations generated on the striking blade. The outer layer 808 of edge guard 806 provides protection and weight adjustments to the paddle.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiments, the edge guard 806 is one connected part that runs all around the perimeter of the striking blade. In another embodiment, the edge guard may be in the form of two or more disconnected portions that can each be attached separately to the striking blade. A player may tailor the number of, and specific parts of, the edge guard to attach to the striking blade in accordance with the player's preferences. For example, the weight of the paddle can be increased by attaching more separate portions of the edge guard to the striking blade, and the weight can be reduced by removing one or more separate portions of the edge guard. In another example, the player may choose to attach the part of the edge guard 806 only over the top end of the striking blade to add weight in the top direction of the paddle.

[0090] FIG. 9 shows an example configuration for securely connecting an edge guard 906, such as, for example, edge guard 806, and the striking blade 902 in a pickleball paddle such as that shown in FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. A protrusion 910 formed on the inner surface of the two-layer edge guard 906 is configured to snugly and securely attach to a correspondingly sized groove (receptable) 908 on the perimeter of the striking blade. In some embodiments, the edge guard 906 may also extend over the top and bottom (front and back) surfaces of the striking blade 902 to better secure the striking blade.

[0091] In some embodiments, a two-layer, triple-purpose (e.g., vibration reduction, weight adjustment, and striking blade protection) edge guard such as, for example, edge guard 806, can be attached to the striking blade using attachment configurations other than that shown in FIG. 9. For example, any of the attachment configurations described in relation to pickleball paddle 500 to attach vibration reducing bands 510-512 to the inner walls of paddle openings 506-508 can be used for attaching the edge guard 806 to striking blade 802. In one example, one of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with a protrusion and the other of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with a corresponding groove configured to firmly and securely hold the protrusion. In another example, one of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with two or more plugs and the other of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with a corresponding arrangement of receptacles configured to firmly and securely hold the two or more plugs. In another example, one of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with first magnets and the other of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with corresponding second magnets or metal configured to firmly and securely hold the first magnets. In another example, screws are driven through the edge guard and the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with screw holes to accommodate screws holding the edge guard firmly and securely abutting the striking blade. In another example, the inner surface of the edge guard is configured with a glue (e.g., semi-permanent glue) and the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured to firmly and securely hold the edge guard with the glue.

[0092] The above description of edge guard 806 describes a removable edge guard, that the player can attach and / or detach in parts in accordance with player preferences. It should be noted, however, that similar two-layer edge guards, configured for vibration reduction, weight adjustment, and paddle protection, can also be permanently attached to striking blades, although permanent attachments offering less configurability than the removable attachment.

[0093] FIG. 10 shows a pickleball paddle configured to be fitted with a vibration reducing attachment, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 1000 comprises a striking blade 1002 and a handle 1004 to which the striking blade 1002 is connected. The paddle 1000 is configured to accommodate a removably attached vibration reduction device 1008 such as a rubber collar. The vibration reduction device 1008 is firmly and securely held by a groove 1006 configured on the pickleball paddle. When firmly and securely attached to the striking blade or throat area along the groove 1006, the vibration reduction device 1008 can absorb a substantial portion of the vibrations generated on the striking blade 1002.

[0094] FIGS. 11A and 11B show a pickleball paddle 1101 with vibration reducing magnetic attachments, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 1101 comprises a striking blade 1102, and a handle 1104 connected to the striking blade. The paddle 1101 is configured to have vibration reduction attachment(s) 1110 and / or 1120 attached at a top 1106 of the handle 1104 and / or in selected areas on the striking blade.

[0095] FIG. 11A shows the magnetic vibration reduction attachment 1110 attached at the top 1106 of the handle. FIG. 11B shows paddle 1101 with another magnetic vibration reduction attachment 1120 attached to the bottom portion of the striking blade. In some embodiments, the vibration reducing attachment (e.g., 1110 or 1120) may comprise a paired first magnet and a second magnet (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11C) that have sufficient magnetic force when they are placed opposite each other on either side of the paddle (e.g., front and back of the paddle striking surface or top of handle) to firmly and securely attach to the paddle on the strength of magnetic forces flowing between them through the striking blade or top of the handle.

[0096] In some embodiments, the area 1106 and / or other areas on the striking blade at which the magnetic vibration reduction attachments 1110 or 1120 can be located may be configured with metal and / or magnets such that a magnetic vibration reduction attachment 1110 or 1120 can be attached on the front and / or back of the areas with sufficient firmness and secureness to facilitate vibration reduction and / or weight adjustments during play.

[0097] Thus, pickleball paddle 1101 enables the player to move one or more magnetic vibration reduction attachments between a plurality of locations on the paddle in accordance with player preferences for vibration reduction and / or weight distribution.

[0098] Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the sizes, numbers, shapes, and / or particular arrangements of the paddle openings and / or vibration reducing inserts shown in the figures, and some embodiments may include paddle openings and / or inserts that have different sizes, numbers, shapes, and / or particular arrangements than those specifically described or shown. Embodiments are also not limited to the arrangements of the multi-layer triple capability edge guard shown in the figures, and some embodiments may include similar multi-layer triple capability edge guards that are shaped and / or arranged differently than those specifically described or shown. It should also be understood that further embodiments may include combinations of features of embodiments that are shown in the figures.

[0099] 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

[0039]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.

[0040]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 / 683,224 filed Aug. 14, 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 an embodiment a pickleball paddle, comprising a handle, and a striking blade comprising one or more openings is provided. Each of the openings is configured to hold a vibration reducing insert.

[0006] The pickleball paddle may further comprise one or more vibration reducing inserts each affixed to a respective one of the one or more openings, wherein a vibration reducing insert of the one or more vibration reducing inserts comprises soft material attached to the inner wall of one opening of the one or more openings. The vibration reducing insert may be a strip of the soft material. The one opening and the strip of soft material affixed to the inner wall of the one opening may be configured to enable air passage through a part of the one opening. Alternatively, the vibration reducing insert may be a solid block of the soft material.

[0007] In some implementations, the one or more openings may comprise openings of two or more shapes. The one or more openings may comprise a first opening located in a throat area of the pickleball paddle and two or more second openings located near left and right edges of the striking blade. The first opening may be a first shape and the second openings may be a second shape different from the first shape.

[0008] In some implementations, a first vibration reducing insert in the first opening and a second vibration reducing insert in the second openings may be constructed from different soft materials. The one or more vibration reducing inserts may be each removably affixed to an opening.

[0009] The vibration reducing insert of the one or more vibration reducing inserts attached to the inner wall of one opening of the one or more openings and the one opening may be configured with corresponding attachment configurations. The corresponding attachment configurations may comprise one or more protrusions on one of the inner wall or outer surface of the vibration reducing insert and corresponding one or more receptacles on the other of the inner wall or outer surface of the vibration reducing insert, the corresponding attachment configurations may comprise a magnetic attachment configuration, or the corresponding attachment configurations may comprise screw holes and screws. The corresponding attachment configurations may comprise glue on one of the inner wall or outer surface of the vibration reducing insert and corresponding surface to attach with glue on the other of the inner wall or outer surface of the vibration reducing insert.

[0010] In some implementations, a vibration reducing insert of the one or more vibration reducing inserts may be configured to fit a plurality of shapes of said openings. The vibration reducing insert may be a strip of the soft material and may be adjustable to fit a plurality of sizes and / or shapes of said openings. The vibration reducing insert may be configured with corresponding attachment configurations at two ends of the vibration reducing insert such that a length of the vibration reducing insert is adjustable. The corresponding attachment configurations of the vibration reducing insert may be constructed with flexible plastic, or metal covered by rubber or plastic.

[0011] In some implementations, an inner wall of each of the one or more openings may be configured with a first attachment configuration for attaching with a corresponding second attachment configuration on a vibration reducing insert.

[0012] The first attachment configuration may comprise one or more protrusions on the inner wall of the opening and the corresponding second attachment configuration may comprise corresponding one or more receptacle on an outer surface of a vibration reducing insert, or the first attachment configuration may comprise one or more receptacles on the inner wall of the opening and the corresponding second attachment configuration may comprise corresponding one or more protrusions on an outer surface of the vibration reducing insert.

[0013] The first attachment configuration may comprise a magnetic attachment configuration, the first attachment configuration may comprise screw holes, or the first attachment configuration comprises glue on one of the inner wall.

[0014] In some implementations, the one or more vibration reducing inserts may be configured to adjust a weight of the pickleball paddle. The one or more vibration reducing inserts each may comprise a core layer configured for weight adjustment and an outer layer surrounding the core layer configured for dampening vibrations. The outer layer may comprise soft plastic and the core layer comprises metal or hard plastic.

[0015] According to another embodiment, a pickleball paddle comprising a handle, a striking blade connected to the handle, and a multi-layer edge guard attached to the striking blade on the outer perimeter of the striking blade is provided. An outer layer of the edge guard comprises a first material for weight adjustment and an inner layer the edge guard comprises a second material for vibration absorption.

[0016] The inner layer may comprise soft plastic, rubber, or gel for vibration dampening, and the outer layer comprises hard plastic or rubber for weight adjustment and / or paddle protection.

[0017] The edge guard may be permanently attached to the striking blade.

[0018] The edge guard may be removably attached to the striking blade.

[0019] In some implementations, an inner surface of the edge guard and the outer perimeter of the striking blade may be configured with corresponding attachment configurations, the corresponding attachment configurations may comprise one or more protrusions on one of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade, and corresponding one or more receptacles on the other of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade, the corresponding attachment configurations may comprise a magnetic attachment configuration, the corresponding attachment configurations may comprise a screw holes and screws, or the corresponding attachment configurations may comprise glue on one of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade and corresponding surface to attach with glue on the other of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade.

[0020] According to another embodiment, a pickleball paddle, comprising a handle, a striking blade, and a vibration reducing attachment removably attached to a throat area of the pickleball paddle is provided. The vibration reducing attachment may comprise a rubber collar fitted to a groove on the throat area of the pickleball paddle.

[0021] According to another embodiment, a pickleball paddle comprising a handle, a striking blade, and a magnetic vibration reducing attachment removably attached to a front and a back of the pickleball paddle, is provided. The magnetic vibration reducing attachment may comprise a pair of rubber coated magnets. In some implementations, the pair of rubber coated magnets are held in place by a magnetic force between the magnets.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] 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.

[0023] FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0024] FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

[0025] FIGS. 2A and 2B show examples of conventional pickleball paddles.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows example pickleball paddle specifications according to the United States Pickleball Association.

[0027] FIG. 4A shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing inserts, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIGS. 4B and 4C show cross-sections of an example opening and an insert used in the pickleball paddle of FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5A shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing band inserts, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIGS. 5B-5D shows the pickleball paddle of FIG. 5A and corresponding cross-sections of an opening and vibration reducing band, according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing band inserts that are adjustable, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7A shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing and weight-adjusting inserts, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 7B shows an example insert that can be used in the pickleball paddle of FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 8A shows a pickleball paddle with a multi-layer weight-adjusting and vibration reducing edge guard, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIGS. 8B-8C show a cross-section of an edge guard such as the edge guard shown in FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 9 shows an example configuration for securely connecting the edge guard and the striking blade in a pickleball paddle such as that shown in FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 10 shows a pickleball paddle configured to be fitted with a vibration reducing attachment, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIGS. 11A and 11B show pickleball paddles with vibration reducing magnetic attachments, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11C shows a paired first magnet and a second magnet of a vibration reducing attachment according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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”.

[0045] 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.).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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. Thus, the degree of flex (e.g., the degree to which a portion of the paddle that is impacted by a ball bends) is a key aspect in controlling the dwell time.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The vibrations 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 are 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. For example, foam may be injected around the edges or into the honeycomb pattern of the core to reduce vibration and increase the sweet spot. Added foam does not substantially increase paddle weight unless to the foam is specifically designed to increase weight. Vibration dampening grips are used by some players. However, in some pickleball paddles and / or for the playing styles of some players, the vibration dampening provided by existing techniques is often found to be inadequate.

[0065] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide pickleball paddles with one or more openings in the striking blade with attached vibration dampening inserts that may be removable. In some embodiments the openings and the inserts are configured so that air passage is enabled in a part of each opening with the insert attached. Some of the inserts may be configured for, in addition to vibration reduction, to also adjust the weight of the paddle. Some other embodiments of the present disclosure provides a multi-layer edge guard that is configured for vibration absorption and weight adjustment. In some yet other embodiments, pickleball paddles with externally-attached removable vibration absorbing devices are provided. Thus, the present disclosure provides for vibration reduction techniques that can be used individually, or in combination to reduce vibrations in pickleball paddles.

[0066] FIG. 4A shows a pickleball paddle 400 with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing inserts (also referred to as vibration dampening inserts, vibration absorbing inserts, or vibration dampeners), according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 400 includes a striking blade 402 attached to a handle 404. The striking blade 402 has a plurality of openings (holes) 406-408 located on the striking blade 402 and configured to accommodate vibration reducing inserts 410-412. In the illustrated pickleball paddle 400 the striking blade 402 has one opening 406 in the throat area of the paddle and four openings 408 near the left and right edges of the striking blade 402. The openings 406-408 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center axis of the paddle so that the cutouts of striking blade material in the areas of the openings do not affect the balance (e.g., left-right or lateral balance) of the pickleball paddle 400.

[0067] Each opening is an opening that allows air passage from the front (top) side of the paddle to the back (bottom) side of the paddle and vice-versa. Thus, each opening may facilitate the reduction of air drag during play. In example embodiments, the openings, having striking blade construction materials absent within the openings, reduce the weight of the paddle relative to the weight of another paddle that is of the same construction material and size. The number of openings, the shapes and sizes of the openings, and the arrangement of the openings on the striking blade are not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a pickleball paddle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have one or more openings of any sizes and / or shapes arranged on the striking blade of the paddle such that all the openings are outside of the sweet spot of the paddle for the most common (e.g., most popular) playing styles.

[0068] In embodiments, each opening 406-408 is configured to accommodate a vibration reducing insert 410-412. Each vibration reducing insert is constructed from a vibration absorbing material such as, for example, a soft materials such as soft plastic, rubber, gel, foam, etc. Each insert (e.g., 410, 412) is configured to firmly and securely attach to a respective opening (e.g., 406, 408) such that movement of the paddle and shocks to the paddle during play would not result in the insert getting detached or loosened. Each insert may be solid object of vibration absorbing material that is configured to a size and shape that can snugly fit a respective one of the openings. In some embodiments, the inserts 410-412 have a flexible shape that can take the shape of the paddle opening, and firmly attach to the perimeter (inner wall) of the opening to dampen vibrations. Such inserts with flexible shapes can be made with flexible plastic, or metal covered by rubber or plastic.

[0069] Each paddle opening may be made with substantially vertical walls to better hold a vibration reducing insert. The paddles openings may be structurally enhanced to hold the vibration reducing inserts. The vibration reducing inserts may have edges, protrusions, grooves or the like to hold to the walls of the pickleball paddle openings. In some embodiments, the openings and the vibration absorbing inserts are configured with attachment configurations. In one implementation, the attachment configuration of an insert (e.g., such as 410 or 412) includes a protrusion (e.g., extension) on the outer side surface (perimeter side surface), and a corresponding opening (e.g., such as 406 or 408) includes a groove on its inner surface configured to accommodate the protrusion on the insert. For example, a protrusion (extension) made of a hard plastic or the like runs at the center of the side that forms the perimeter of the insert, and is sized to snugly / firmly fit a correspondingly sized groove that runs along the center of the inner wall of the opening. The protrusion and the groove can be shaped in any paired or corresponding manner (e.g., sharp edged protrusion, rectangular edge protrusion, rounded edge protrusion, etc., and correspondingly shaped grooves) that enables the protrusion to firmly and securely fit inside the groove. In some implementations the protrusion and groove may be continuous along the entire length of the perimeter, and in some other implementations the protrusion and groove may not be continuous. For example, the protrusion and corresponding groove may be in the form of two or more plugs arranged on the perimeter side along the length of the perimeter and corresponding receptacles on the inner wall of the openings, respectively, such that the plugs can be snapped into the receptacles to firmly hold the inserts in the openings during play. In some implementations, instead of the insert having the protrusion and the opening having the groove, the protrusion may be configured on the inner wall of the opening and the groove may be formed on the perimeter side of the insert. FIGS. 4B and 4C show cross-sections of the opening 406 (with a pointed-edge protrusion configured at the center of the inner wall of the opening) and of the insert 410 (with a groove on the perimeter side of the insert, shaped to receive a pointed-edge protrusion).

[0070] In another implementation, the attachment configuration of an insert comprises a magnet located on the perimeter side of the insert. One or more magnets are arranged on the perimeter side in a manner that when placed in the opening, the magnets pair with a corresponding magnet or metal located on the inner wall of the opening. In some implementations, the one or more magnets may be located on the inner wall of the opening and the corresponding magnets or metals are arranged on the perimeter side of the insert.

[0071] In another implementation, the perimeter side of the insert may include a glue and a removable tape such that when the tape is removed the insert can be firmly affixed to the inner wall of the opening with the glue.

[0072] FIG. 5A shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing band inserts, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 500 includes a striking blade 502 attached to a handle 504. The striking blade 502 has a plurality of openings (holes) 506-508 located on the striking blade 502 and configured to accommodate vibration reducing inserts 510-512. In the illustrated pickleball paddle 500 the striking blade 502 has one opening 506 in the throat area of the paddle and four openings 508 near the left and right edges of the striking blade 502. The openings 506-508 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center axis of the paddle so that the cutouts of striking blade material in the areas of the openings do not affect the balance (e.g., left-right or lateral balance) of the pickleball paddle 500.

[0073] Each opening is an opening that allows air passage from the front (top) side of the paddle to the back (bottom) side of the paddle and vice-versa. Thus, an opening may facilitate the reduction of air drag during play. In example embodiments, the openings, having striking blade construction materials absent within the openings, reduce the weight of the paddle relative to the weight of another paddle that is of the same construction material and size. The number of openings, the shapes and sizes of the openings, and the arrangement of the openings on the striking blade are not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a pickleball paddle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have one or more openings of any sizes and / or shapes arranged on the striking blade of the paddle such that all the openings are outside of the sweet spot of the paddle for the most common (e.g., most popular) playing styles.

[0074] In embodiments, each opening 506-508 is configured to accommodate a vibration reducing insert 510-512. The vibration inserts 510-512 are bands that can be affixed to the inner walls of the openings to reduce vibration, while also maintaining air passage capabilities of the openings. Each vibration reducing insert is constructed from a vibration absorbing material such as, for example, a soft materials like soft plastic, rubber, gel, foam, etc. Each insert (e.g., 510, 512) is configured to snugly and securely attach to a respective opening (e.g., 506, 508) such that movement of the paddle and the shocks to the paddle during play would not result in the insert getting detached or loosened.

[0075] Although in FIG. 5A, there appears to be a spacing between the outer surface of the vibration reducing bands 510-512 and the inner walls of the openings 506-508, it should be understood that the outer surface of each vibration reducing band snugly abuts the inner walls of the openings so that the bands can properly absorb the vibrations at the inner walls of the openings. As with openings 406-408 of paddle 400, each paddle opening 510-512 may be made with substantially vertical walls to better hold a vibration reducing insert. The paddles openings may be structurally enhanced to hold the vibration reducing inserts. The vibration reducing inserts may have edges or the like to hold to the walls of the pickleball paddle openings. In some embodiments, the openings 506-508 and the vibration reducing band inserts 510-512 are configured with any of the attachment configurations described in relation to pickleball paddle 400, its paddle openings 406-408 and inserts 410-412. In addition to the many attachment configurations described in relation to paddle 400, the band inserts 510-512 may alternatively be attached to paddle openings 504-506 by an attachment configuration that includes screw holes on the inner wall of the paddle openings and screws that can be tightened to hold the band inserts firmly and securely directly abutting the inner walls of the openings.

[0076] FIGS. 5B-5D shows the pickleball paddle of FIG. 5A and corresponding cross-sections of an opening and vibration reducing band, according to some embodiments. FIG. 5B shows locations at which the cross-section of the opening 506 shown in FIG. 5C is taken and the cross-section of the insert 510 shown in FIG. 5D is taken. FIGS. 5C and 5D show cross-sections of the opening 506 (with a pointed-edge protrusion configured at the center of the inner wall of the opening) and of the insert 510 (with a groove on the perimeter side of the insert, shaped to receive a pointed-edge protrusion).

[0077] FIG. 6 shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing band inserts that are adjustable, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 600 includes a striking blade 602 attached to a handle 604. The striking blade 602 has a plurality of openings (holes) 606-608 located on the striking blade 602 and configured to accommodate vibration reducing inserts 610-612. In the illustrated pickleball paddle 600 the striking blade 602 has one opening 606 in the throat area of the paddle and four openings 608 near the left and right edges of the striking blade 602. The openings 606-608 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center axis of the paddle so that the cutouts of striking blade material in the areas of the openings do not affect the balance (e.g., left-right or lateral balance) of the pickleball paddle 600.

[0078] Each opening is an opening that allows air passage from the front (top) side of the paddle to the back (bottom) side of the paddle and vice-versa. Thus, each opening may facilitate the reduction of air drag during play. In example embodiments, the openings, having striking blade construction materials absent within the openings, reduce the weight of the paddle relative to the weight of another paddle that is of the same construction material and size. The number of openings, the shapes and sizes of the openings, and the arrangement of the openings on the striking blade are not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a pickleball paddle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have one or more openings of any sizes and / or shapes arranged on the striking blade of the paddle such that all the openings are outside of the sweet spot of the paddle for the most common (e.g., most popular) playing styles.

[0079] In embodiments, each opening 606-608 is configured to accommodate a vibration reducing band insert 610-612. Different from the solid inserts 410-412 and band inserts 510-512, each of the vibration reducing band inserts 610-612 is a length adjustable band that can be attached to the inner wall of the openings of many shapes and / or sizes to reduce vibration, while also maintaining air passage capabilities of the openings. Each vibration reducing insert is constructed from a vibration absorbing material such as, for example, a soft materials such as soft plastic, rubber, gel, foam, etc. Each insert (e.g., 610, 612) is configured to firmly and securely attach to a respective opening (e.g., 606, 608) such that movement of the paddle and the shocks to the paddle during play would not result in the insert getting detached or loosened.

[0080] The illustrated length adjustable band 614 illustrates an example attachment configuration that has a first part 616 on the inner surface of the band 614 and a second part 618 on the outer surface band 614. Bands 610 and 612 may each be a band that has an attachment configuration such as that shown on band 614. The two ends of band 614 may be separated when not attached to the inner wall of a paddle opening. In order to install the band 614 in an opening 606-608, the band 614 is set against the inner wall of the opening and the two ends are connected. For example, the attachment configuration parts 616 and 618 at the two ends are connected so that the band 614 is in direct contact with substantially the entire length of the inner wall of the opening to which it is attached. The illustrated bands 610 and 612 are shown with each band's two ends connected to each other. As illustrated, the connection may be performed with one end of the band overlapping the other end so that attachment configuration parts at the two ends can face each other and engage / lock with each other.

[0081] Different bands 614 may have different types of attachment configurations for attaching to the walls of paddle openings, and / or locking configurations that provide for adjusting the length of the band 614 to different lengths. The locking configurations may provide for any of velcro-like locking engagements, plug-and-receptacle type of locking engagements, clasp-and-hook locking engagements, etc. In some embodiments, one of the first or second parts of the locking configuration may be located at one location on the band, and the other of the first or second parts of the locking configuration can be located at two or more locations along the length of the band. Then, to connect the band so that it has the longest length (e.g., longest length when a right end of the band is locked to a location at or close to the left end of the band so that the band is circular-connected), the first and second parts of the locking configuration located at the respective ends of the band are connected. To connect the band so that it properly attaches to a paddle opening's inner wall that has a shorter length than the maximum length of the band, the part of the first or second parts of the locking configuration that is located at only one location is connected to the other of the first or second parts of the locking configuration at a location other than an end of the band. In one implementation, band 614 may have Velcro locking configuration part 618 on the outer surface of the band 614 only at one location (i.e., at the end of the band 614), an instances of Velcro locking parts that are counterpart to the Velcro at 618 are located at 616 (at the other end of the band 614) and one or more other positions along the inside of the band 614. In another implementations, band 614 may have plug-and-receptacle locking configuration part 618 (e.g., receptacle) on the outer surface of the band 614 only at one location (i.e., at the end of the band 614), and instances of plug-and-receptacle attachments parts that are counterpart (e.g., plugs) to the receptacle at 618 are located at 616 (at the other end of the band 614) and one or more other positions along the inside of the band 614. To connect the band, at a shorter length than the maximum of the band, the receptacle is connected with one of the plugs on the inner surface of band 614. In another implementation in which a locking engagement is made by inserting the clasp part to a hook (holding) part, band 614 may have locking configuration part 618 (e.g., clasp) on the outer surface of the band 614 only at one location (i.e., at the end of the band 614), and instances of locking configuration parts that are counterpart (e.g., hooks) to the clasp at 618 are located at 616 (at the other end of the band 614) and one or more other positions along the inside of the band 614. To connect the band, at a shorter length than the maximum of the band, the clasp is connected / locked with one of the hooks on the inner surface of band 614.

[0082] The vibration reducing band 614 (also 610 and 612) can be arranged so that it firmly and securely abuts the inner wall of an opening by any one of the attachment configurations with which bands 510-512 attached to the inner wall of a paddle opening. In some embodiments, a pickleball paddle such as any one of the paddles 400, 500, and 600, can be used with any of the vibration reducing inserts 410-412, 510-512, or 610-612. For example, the inserts 410-412, 510-512, or 610-612 may be configured with the same attachment configuration on the outer surface, and each of the paddles 400, 500, and 600 may have the same corresponding attachment configuration on the inner walls of its openings.

[0083] FIG. 7A shows a pickleball paddle with openings in the striking blade with fitted vibration reducing and weight-adjusting inserts, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 700 is configured with one or more openings 706 arranged on the striking blade 702, where each of the openings 706 is configured to securely hold a vibration-reducing and weight-adjusting insert 708. FIG. 7B shows an example vibration-reducing and weight-adjusting insert 708 that can be used in the pickleball paddle of FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The vibration-reducing and weight-adjusting insert 708 is formed by surrounding a core of a hard material 712 (e.g., metal, hard plastic or hard rubber) by a layer 710 of soft material (e.g., gel, foam, soft plastic, soft rubber). When insert 708, is securely and firmly inserted into an opening 706, the core layer 712 of hard material in insert 708 provides added weight while the soft layers 710 provides vibration absorption.

[0084] The insert 708 may be securely and firmly inserted so that it abuts the inner wall of the opening 706 by an attachment configuration on the side perimeter of the insert and on the inner wall of the opening similar to the attachment configurations described in relation to paddle 400 shown in FIG. 4A.

[0085] In some embodiments, the paddle 700 may include a single opening 706 arranged in a throat area (e.g., center of the throat area) that is located between the top of the handle 704 and the sweet spot on the striking blade 702. In other embodiments, two or more openings 706 are arranged on the striking blade so that the openings are distributed symmetrically with respect to the vertical center of the paddle.

[0086] The layer of soft material 710 of the insert 708 provides the vibration reduction capability and the core material 712 provides added weight to provide the weight adjustment capability to the paddle.

[0087] In some embodiments, a pickleball paddle may include openings on the striking blade and the openings may include attachment configurations on inner walls so that any one of the openings can be used for attaching any of the inserts 400, 500, 600, and / or 700. Such a pickleball paddle enables a player to use the same paddle configured differently with respect to vibration reduction, weight and weight distribution, and air drag.

[0088] FIG. 8A shows a pickleball paddle with a multi-layer weight-adjusting and / or vibration reducing edge guard, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 800 comprises a striking blade 802 connected to a handle 804, and a vibration-reducing and weight adjusting two-layer (or more than two-layer) edge guard attached to the perimeter of the striking blade 802. FIG. 8B shows the two-layer (or more than two-layer) edge guard 806 separated from the striking blade 802, and FIG. 8C shows a cross-section showing the two separate layers 808 and 810 of the edge guard 806. Different from conventional edge guards that are constructed with a uniform material, the inner layer 810 of edge guard 806 is formed with a soft material that facilitates vibration absorption, and the outer layer 808 is formed with a hard material that provides weight adjustments and protection for the striking blade. For example, the internal layer may be a soft plastic, rubber, or gel for vibration dampening, and the outside layer may be a hard plastic or rubber for paddle protection and weight. In existing technologies, the edge guards are made of one material (e.g. rubber plastic) to provide protection and additional weight. When the edge guard 806 is attached to the striking blade 802, the soft material layer 810 of the edge guard 806 directly abuts the edge of the striking blade 802 and facilitates absorption of vibrations generated on the striking blade. The outer layer 808 of edge guard 806 provides protection and weight adjustments to the paddle.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiments, the edge guard 806 is one connected part that runs all around the perimeter of the striking blade. In another embodiment, the edge guard may be in the form of two or more disconnected portions that can each be attached separately to the striking blade. A player may tailor the number of, and specific parts of, the edge guard to attach to the striking blade in accordance with the player's preferences. For example, the weight of the paddle can be increased by attaching more separate portions of the edge guard to the striking blade, and the weight can be reduced by removing one or more separate portions of the edge guard. In another example, the player may choose to attach the part of the edge guard 806 only over the top end of the striking blade to add weight in the top direction of the paddle.

[0090] FIG. 9 shows an example configuration for securely connecting an edge guard 906, such as, for example, edge guard 806, and the striking blade 902 in a pickleball paddle such as that shown in FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. A protrusion 910 formed on the inner surface of the two-layer edge guard 906 is configured to snugly and securely attach to a correspondingly sized groove (receptable) 908 on the perimeter of the striking blade. In some embodiments, the edge guard 906 may also extend over the top and bottom (front and back) surfaces of the striking blade 902 to better secure the striking blade.

[0091] In some embodiments, a two-layer, triple-purpose (e.g., vibration reduction, weight adjustment, and striking blade protection) edge guard such as, for example, edge guard 806, can be attached to the striking blade using attachment configurations other than that shown in FIG. 9. For example, any of the attachment configurations described in relation to pickleball paddle 500 to attach vibration reducing bands 510-512 to the inner walls of paddle openings 506-508 can be used for attaching the edge guard 806 to striking blade 802. In one example, one of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with a protrusion and the other of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with a corresponding groove configured to firmly and securely hold the protrusion. In another example, one of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with two or more plugs and the other of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with a corresponding arrangement of receptacles configured to firmly and securely hold the two or more plugs. In another example, one of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with first magnets and the other of the inner surface of the edge guard or the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with corresponding second magnets or metal configured to firmly and securely hold the first magnets. In another example, screws are driven through the edge guard and the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured with screw holes to accommodate screws holding the edge guard firmly and securely abutting the striking blade. In another example, the inner surface of the edge guard is configured with a glue (e.g., semi-permanent glue) and the outer perimeter of the striking blade is configured to firmly and securely hold the edge guard with the glue.

[0092] The above description of edge guard 806 describes a removable edge guard, that the player can attach and / or detach in parts in accordance with player preferences. It should be noted, however, that similar two-layer edge guards, configured for vibration reduction, weight adjustment, and paddle protection, can also be permanently attached to striking blades, although permanent attachments offering less configurability than the removable attachment.

[0093] FIG. 10 shows a pickleball paddle configured to be fitted with a vibration reducing attachment, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 1000 comprises a striking blade 1002 and a handle 1004 to which the striking blade 1002 is connected. The paddle 1000 is configured to accommodate a removably attached vibration reduction device 1008 such as a rubber collar. The vibration reduction device 1008 is firmly and securely held by a groove 1006 configured on the pickleball paddle. When firmly and securely attached to the striking blade or throat area along the groove 1006, the vibration reduction device 1008 can absorb a substantial portion of the vibrations generated on the striking blade 1002.

[0094] FIGS. 11A and 11B show a pickleball paddle 1101 with vibration reducing magnetic attachments, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pickleball paddle 1101 comprises a striking blade 1102, and a handle 1104 connected to the striking blade. The paddle 1101 is configured to have vibration reduction attachment(s) 1110 and / or 1120 attached at a top 1106 of the handle 1104 and / or in selected areas on the striking blade.

[0095] FIG. 11A shows the magnetic vibration reduction attachment 1110 attached at the top 1106 of the handle. FIG. 11B shows paddle 1101 with another magnetic vibration reduction attachment 1120 attached to the bottom portion of the striking blade. In some embodiments, the vibration reducing attachment (e.g., 1110 or 1120) may comprise a paired first magnet and a second magnet (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11C) that have sufficient magnetic force when they are placed opposite each other on either side of the paddle (e.g., front and back of the paddle striking surface or top of handle) to firmly and securely attach to the paddle on the strength of magnetic forces flowing between them through the striking blade or top of the handle.

[0096] In some embodiments, the area 1106 and / or other areas on the striking blade at which the magnetic vibration reduction attachments 1110 or 1120 can be located may be configured with metal and / or magnets such that a magnetic vibration reduction attachment 1110 or 1120 can be attached on the front and / or back of the areas with sufficient firmness and secureness to facilitate vibration reduction and / or weight adjustments during play.

[0097] Thus, pickleball paddle 1101 enables the player to move one or more magnetic vibration reduction attachments between a plurality of locations on the paddle in accordance with player preferences for vibration reduction and / or weight distribution.

[0098] Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the sizes, numbers, shapes, and / or particular arrangements of the paddle openings and / or vibration reducing inserts shown in the figures, and some embodiments may include paddle openings and / or inserts that have different sizes, numbers, shapes, and / or particular arrangements than those specifically described or shown. Embodiments are also not limited to the arrangements of the multi-layer triple capability edge guard shown in the figures, and some embodiments may include similar multi-layer triple capability edge guards that are shaped and / or arranged differently than those specifically described or shown. It should also be understood that further embodiments may include combinations of features of embodiments that are shown in the figures.

[0099] 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

[0039]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.

[0040]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; anda striking blade comprising one or more openings;wherein each of the openings is configured to hold a vibration reducing insert.

2. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, further comprising one or more vibration reducing inserts each affixed to a respective one of the one or more openings, wherein a vibration reducing insert of the one or more vibration reducing inserts comprises soft material attached to the inner wall of one opening of the one or more openings.

3. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein the vibration reducing insert is a strip of the soft material.

4. The pickleball paddle according to claim 3, wherein the one opening and the strip of soft material affixed to the inner wall of the one opening are configured to enable air passage through a part of the one opening.

5. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein the vibration reducing insert is a solid block of the soft material.

6. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein the one or more openings comprises openings of two or more shapes.

7. The pickleball paddle according to claim 6, wherein the one or more openings comprises a first opening located in a throat area of the pickleball paddle and two or more second openings located near left and right edges of the striking blade.

8. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein a first vibration reducing insert in the first opening and a second vibration reducing insert in the second openings are constructed from different soft materials.

9. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein the one or more vibration reducing inserts are each removably affixed to an opening.

10. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein a vibration reducing insert of the one or more vibration reducing inserts attached to the inner wall of one opening of the one or more openings and the one opening are configured with corresponding attachment configurations.

11. The pickleball paddle according to claim 10, wherein the corresponding attachment configurations comprises one or more protrusions on one of the inner wall or outer surface of the vibration reducing insert and corresponding one or more receptacles on the other of the inner wall or outer surface of the vibration reducing insert, wherein the corresponding attachment configurations comprise a magnetic attachment configuration, wherein the corresponding attachment configurations comprise screw holes and screws, or wherein the corresponding attachment configurations comprises glue on one of the inner wall or outer surface of the vibration reducing insert and corresponding surface to attach with glue on the other of the inner wall or outer surface of the vibration reducing insert.

12. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein a vibration reducing insert of the one or more vibration reducing inserts is configured to fit a plurality of shapes of said openings.

13. The pickleball paddle according to claim 1, wherein an inner wall of each of the one or more openings is configured with a first attachment configuration for attaching with a corresponding second attachment configuration on a vibration reducing insert.

14. The pickleball paddle according to claim 13, wherein the first attachment configuration comprises one or more protrusions on the inner wall of the opening and the corresponding second attachment configuration comprises corresponding one or more receptable on an outer surface of a vibration reducing insert, or the first attachment configuration comprises one or more receptacles on the inner wall of the opening and the corresponding second attachment configuration comprises corresponding one or more protrusions on an outer surface of the vibration reducing insert.

15. The pickleball paddle according to claim 13, wherein the first attachment configuration comprises a magnetic attachment configuration, wherein the first attachment configuration comprises screw holes, or wherein the first attachment configuration comprises glue on one of the inner wall.

16. The pickleball paddle according to claim 2, wherein the one or more vibration reducing inserts are configured to adjust a weight of the pickleball paddle.

17. The pickleball paddle according to claim 16, wherein the one or more vibration reducing inserts each comprises a core layer configured for weight adjustment and an outer layer surrounding the core layer configured for dampening vibrations.

18. A pickleball paddle comprising:a handle;a striking blade connected to the handle; anda multi-layer edge guard attached to the striking blade on the outer perimeter of the striking blade, wherein an outer layer of the edge guard comprises a first material for weight adjustment and an inner layer the edge guard comprises a second material for vibration absorption.

19. The pickleball paddle according to claim 18, wherein the inner layer comprises soft plastic, rubber, or gel for vibration dampening, and the outer layer comprises hard plastic or rubber for weight adjustment and / or paddle protection, wherein the edge guard is permanently attached to the striking blade, or wherein the edge guard is removably attached to the striking blade.

20. A pickleball paddle, comprising:a handle;a striking blade; anda vibration reducing attachment removably attached to a throat area of the pickleball paddle.

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