Pickleball paddle having head geometry to enlarge sweet spot area

Abstract

The invention relates to a pickleball paddle having an enlarged head resulting in an enlarged sweet spot area. The enlarged head includes a perimeter edge defined by a top edge and left and right curved side edges that extend from the top edge to a base end. A horizontal axis line extends through the left and right curved side edges to define the maximum width of the head. A sweet spot area is located approximately two thirds the height of the head from the base end, and the horizontal axis line is positioned to extend through the sweet spot area. An edge guard extends over the perimeter of the head and avoids the creation of any overlap segment or bulge to preserve usable handle length. The invention also relates to an edge treatment for dampening vibrations and adding weight to the pickleball paddle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to racquet sports and particularly paddles for use in playing the sport of pickleball.

[0002] Pickleball is a racquet sport played with paddles and a perforated plastic ball on a court that is similar to a tennis court. Players hit the ball over a net placed on the ground, similar to tennis, with the goal of hitting the ball so the opposing player cannot return the shot.

[0003] Generally speaking, a pickleball paddle includes a head and a handle. The head is generally rectangular in shape, including front and rear faces, and can be made of any suitable material such as a metal, a plastic, a carbon fiber, or a foam. Typically, the head includes a top edge and left and right side edges that together define a ball-hitting portion of the head. The left and right side edges taper to a reduced portion or throat extending below the ball-hitting portion. The handle, which may be integrally formed with the head or joined to the head, extends downwardly from the throat of the head. The handle may be made of the same material as the head or of a similar material. The handle may include foam inserts to enlarge the cross-sectional size of the handle to provide the handle with a comfortable and ergonomic feel in hand. For example, the handle may include a hexagonal cross-section. Grip tape may be perimetrically wrapped around the handle with the foam inserts attached thereto to improve gripping the handle. The handle may include a butt cap disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the handle.

[0004] The International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) and USA Pickleball endorse rules of pickleball for tournament play and international competitions. The rules include equipment requirements that specify allowable paddle characteristics. A pickleball paddle must be constructed from a relatively rigid, non-compressible material. The hitting surface of the paddle cannot include holes or indentations. The hitting surface may be formed of a textured or roughened material to apply additional spin to the ball.

[0005] The IFP rules also specify size requirements. The combined length and width of a paddle cannot exceed 24 inches. These measurements include any additional length or width added by an edge guard or a butt cap added to a proximal end of the handle. There are no restrictions on the weight of the paddle or the thickness of the paddle.

[0006] The sweet spot is the area of the pickleball paddle that delivers the greatest power and consistency. The sweet spot is located just above the center of the head of the paddle. When players hit the ball at the sweet spot, they maximize accuracy and power on the shot and feel almost no vibration during impact. A paddle with a large sweet spot opens up a variety of possibilities for players. A larger sweet spot provides a more forgiving playing experience, allowing players to enjoy improved shot consistency even when they don't hit the ball dead center on the paddle. This forgiving nature of a large sweet spot can be especially beneficial for beginners or players looking to refine their skills without the constant worry of precision. Additionally, hitting the ball on or near the sweet spot can help reduce vibration felt through the paddle, which over time may prevent injury.

[0007] Conversely, a small sweet spot may compromise the player's ability to consistently execute powerful and controlled shots. As a result, players might find it difficult to maintain a competitive edge on the court unless they adapt their playing style to accommodate the limitations of the paddle.

[0008] How much the size of the sweet spot can be increased depends on several factors including head size and head shape. Generally, a larger head size means a larger sweet spot. However, when increasing head size, it may become necessary to shorten the handle length to remain within the IFP size requirements, i.e., combined length and width of a paddle cannot exceed 24 inches. Sacrificing handle length can have a detrimental effect upon a player's ability to execute certain shots such as a two-handed backhand. Thus, it is critical to maximize the handle length that is available.

[0009] It is common for commercial pickleball paddles to have an edge guard that extends about the perimeter of the head and gently bends to extend over a segment of the handle where it is wrapped with grip tape to secure it to the paddle. This segment where the edge guard overlaps the handle can be ¼ to ⅜ inches in length, or even greater. This overlap segment is unusable because the edge guard adds thickness to the handle often resulting in a bulge making it difficult for the player to grasp the handle in that segment.

[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved pickleball paddle that provides an increased sweet spot size and preserves usable handle length while remaining within IFP size requirements.SUMMARY

[0011] The invention pertains generally to the field of paddles used for racquet sports such as pickleball and particularly to pickleball paddles and a method for manufacturing such paddles.

[0012] More specifically, the pickleball paddle of the present invention includes an enlarged head resulting in an enlarged sweet spot area for striking a ball. The inventive pickleball paddle includes a handle having a top end extending from a base end of the head. The handle includes a grip portion designed to be grasped by the hand of a user. A center of gravity is located approximately two-thirds of the height of the head from the base end thereof to define a sweet spot area. The head includes a perimeter defined by a top edge, a left side edge, and a right side edge. The left and right side edges curve outwardly and away from each other as they extend downwardly from opposite ends of the top edge to reach a maximum width of the head defined by a horizontal axis line. Thereafter, the left and right side edges curve inwardly and towards each other as they extend towards the base end of the head. The horizontal axis line is positioned such that it extends through the sweet spot area.

[0013] An edge guard extends over the perimeter of the head and includes a construction that avoids the creation of any overlap segment or bulge to preserve the usable length of the handle. The edge guard is provided with legs that extend over the handle that can be secured by gluing to the handle to avoid the creation of any bulge. In this manner, the paddle is provided with an enlarged sweet spot area while preserving handle length for use during play and remaining within IFP size requirements.

[0014] The pickleball paddle is provided with a vibration dampener for dampening vibrations when striking a ball during play. The vibration dampener is a layer of material applied to the core of the paddle along the perimeter of the head during construction. The vibration dampener may be applied along the entire perimeter of the head, or along segments of the perimeter. The core may be formed of a plurality of honeycomb cells. The vibration dampener may be formed of a metal / gel compound.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures wherein like numerals denote like elements.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a prior art sports paddle illustrating the shape and location of a sweet spot;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sports paddle according to a first embodiment of the present invention illustrating the shape and location of a sweet spot;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view of the first embodiment sports paddle of FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of the first embodiment sports paddle of FIG. 2;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a top view of the first embodiment sports paddle of FIG. 2;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the first embodiment sports paddle of FIG. 2;

[0022] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a sports paddle according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a sports paddle according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 9A is perspective view illustrating the application of a grip tape over a handle and prior art edge guard of the prior art sports paddle;

[0025] FIG. 9B is perspective view illustrating the grip tape having been applied over a handle and prior art edge guard of the prior art sports paddle to create an overlap segment resulting in an unusable bulge;

[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an edge guard of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the exemplary edge guard of FIG. 10 applied to a sports paddle;

[0028] FIG. 11B is another perspective view of the exemplary edge guard of FIG. 10 applied to a sports paddle and overwrapped with grip tape;

[0029] FIG. 12 is an elevational view illustrating application of an exemplary vibration dampener to segments of the head of a sports paddle; and,

[0030] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating application of the exemplary vibration dampener of FIG. 12 to the head of a sports paddle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The ensuing detailed description provides preferred exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuing detailed description of the preferred exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

[0032] To aid in describing the invention, directional terms are used in the specification and claims to describe portions of the present invention (e.g., upper, lower, left, right, etc.). These directional definitions are merely intended to assist in describing and claiming the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. In addition, reference numerals that are introduced in the specification in association with a drawing figure may be repeated in one or more subsequent figures without additional description in the specification in order to provide context for other features.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional pickleball paddle. The paddle 10 includes a head 14 with which a ball is to be hit during play, and a handle 18 extending from the head 14 for holding during play. The head 14 comprises a core (not shown) having opposed outer surfaces. The core may be formed of any suitable material, e.g., polypropylene foam, aluminum, or Nomex. The head 14 further includes a first playing surface 26 and an opposing second playing surface 30 for contacting the ball to make shots. The playing surfaces 26, 30 are parallel to one another and substantially planar. Only the first playing surface 26 is shown in FIG. 1. The first and second playing surfaces 26, 30 are respectively secured or bonded or glued to the outer surface of the core. The head 14 is generally rectangular in shape and includes an outer perimeter 42 formed of a straight top edge 54, a straight left side edge 62, a straight right side edge 66, and a base end 22 (or throat) where the head 14 transitions to the handle 18. The head 14 can be made of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or carbon fiber. The handle 18 may include foam inserts enlarge the cross-sectional size of the handle to provide the handle with a comfortable and ergonomic feel in hand. For example, the handle 18 may include a hexagonal cross-section. Grip tape 46 may be wound around the handle 18 to provide a comfortable way for a player to hold the paddle 10. The handle 18 may include a butt cap 20 disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the handle 18. The butt cap 20 may be adhesively bonded, thermally bonded, mechanically fastened, or otherwise directly attached to the proximal end of the handle 18 or may be integral with the handle 18 at the proximal end thereof.

[0034] The head 14 may be surrounded at the perimeter 42 by an edge guard 38 bonded or glued to the perimeter 42 of the head 14. The edge guard 38 may be comprised of at least one material to absorb impact. The primary purpose of edge guard 38 is to safeguard the perimeter 42 of the paddle 10, which is particularly vulnerable to wear and tear, often coming into contact with the ground, walls, or nets during intense play. The edge guard 38 absorbs impacts and minimizes damage to the paddle 10.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows that as a result of the generally rectangular shape of the head 14, the sweet spot 70 is a long, narrow, oval shape. Without the handle 18, the sweet spot 70 of the head 14 would be located at its center. However, with the handle 18 extending from the head 14, the added mass of the handle 18 relocates the sweet spot 70 from the center of the head 14 to the upper third of the head 14 as indicated at 70 in FIG. 1.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, there is shown a first embodiment paddle 100 of the present invention, which may be used as a pickleball paddle. The paddle 100 includes a head 114 for hitting a ball during play, and a handle 118 extending from the head 114 for holding the paddle 100 during play. The portion of the head 114 at which the head 114 transitions to the handle 118 may be considered a base end 122 (or throat), which is considered part of the head 114. The head 114 may be defined by a first playing surface 126 that is oriented to face opposite a second playing surface 130 (FIGS. 4-6), the playing surfaces 126, 130 being planar and parallel to one another. The playing surfaces 126, 130 are devoid of any holes or indentations, and sandwich a core 134 (FIG. 13) therebetween which is viewable during construction of the paddle 100 but hidden once construction is completed. The first and second playing surfaces 126, 130 may be respectively secured, bonded, or glued to the outer surface of the core 134. The first and second playing surfaces 126, 130 may be separated by a space having a predetermined distance which is maintained in part due to the density of the core 134.

[0037] The first playing surface 126, the second playing surface 130, and the core 134 may be surrounded by an edge guard 138 which may be glued or bonded thereto and made of polyurethane or any other material that is suitable for protecting the perimeter of the paddle 100.

[0038] The core 134 between the first playing surface 126 and the second playing surface 130 may be formed in various manners depending upon the characteristics desired. Preferably, the core 134 can be of a honeycomb construction, a foam construction, or a construction combining honeycomb and foam. The head 114 and handle 118 may be cut as a single piece from a sheet of carbon fiber with a polypropylene core. As best shown in FIG. 11A, the handle 118 includes a first face 119, an opposing second face (not shown), a first side 118a, and an opposing second side 118b. As the handle 118 may have the same thickness as the head 114, foam inserts 124 may be attached to the first face 119 and the opposing second face of the handle 118 to enlarge the overall cross-sectional size of the handle 118 to provide the handle 118 with a comfortable and ergonomic feel in hand. For example, with the addition of the inserts 124, the handle 118 may include a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. Optionally, grip tape 146 (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) may be wound over the handle 118 and inserts 124 to provide a comfortable way for a player to hold the paddle 100. As mentioned above, with the handle 118 extending from the head 114, the mass added by the handle 118 relocates the sweet spot 170 to the upper third of the head 114 between the base end 122 and a top edge 154.

[0039] Under the first embodiment, the head 114 includes a perimeter 142 defined by the top edge 154, a left side edge 162, a right side edge 166, and a base end 122. The top edge 154 may be straight along its length. However, the left side edge 162 and the right side edge 166 curve outwardly and away from each other as they extend downwardly from opposite ends of the top edge 154 to reach a maximum width of the head 114. This maximum width is represented by a horizontal axis line 168 extending across the head 114 from the left side edge 162 to the right side edge 166 at the widest portion of the head 114. The maximum width of the head 114 (and the horizontal axis line 168) are located to extend through approximately the center of the sweet spot 170. In this manner, the head geometry of the first embodiment 100 is widest at the sweet spot 170, and due to the widened head geometry, the sweet spot 170 is stretched horizontally effectively increasing its size and reshaping the sweet spot 170 to a circular configuration when compared with the oval-shaped sweet spot 70 of the prior art paddle 10. The enlarged sweet spot 170 provides increased stability and forgiveness. Thereafter, the left side edge 162 and the right side edge 166 curve inwardly and towards each other as they extend from the horizontal axis line 168 towards the base end 122 of the head 114. The paddle 100 also includes a butt cap 120 disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the handle 118. The butt cap 120 may be adhesively bonded, thermally bonded, mechanically fastened, or otherwise directly attached to the proximal end of the handle 118. In some examples, the butt cap 120 may be made integral with the handle 118 at the proximal end of the handle 118.

[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there are shown second and third embodiments 200, 300 of the pickleball paddle of the present invention. The second and third embodiments 200, 300 have head geometries that differ in shape from each other and from the first embodiment 100. However, like the first embodiment 100, the second and third embodiments 200, 300 include head geometries that are widest at a horizontal axis line corresponding with approximately the center of the sweet spot. In the second and third embodiments 200, 300, the maximum width of the head 214, 314 is represented by a horizontal axis line 268, 368 extending across the head 214, 314 from the left side edge 262, 362 to the right side edge 266, 366. The maximum width of the head 214, 314 extends through approximately the center of the sweet spot 270, 370. In this manner, the head geometry of the second and third embodiments 200, 300 is widest at the sweet spot 270, 370 to provide the sweet spot 270, 370 with a generally circular configuration when compared with the oval-shaped sweet spot 70 of the rectangular head geometry of the prior art paddle 10.

[0041] FIG. 9A is an enlarged view illustrating application of a prior art edge guard 38 to the conventional paddle 10. As shown in this figure, the prior art edge guard 38 extends about the perimeter 42 of the head 14 and gently bends at 74 to extend over a segment of the handle 18 where it is wrapped with grip tape 46 to secure it to the handle 18. This segment where the edge guard 38 overlaps the handle can be ¼ to ⅜ inches in length, or even greater. FIG. 9B is an enlarged view illustrating the grip tape 46 having been applied over the prior art edge guard 38 creating an unusable bulge 78 where the edge guard 38 overlaps the handle 18. This bulge 78 is unusable because the edge guard 38 adds thickness to the handle 18 making it difficult for the player to grasp the handle 18 in this area.

[0042] FIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B show an edge guard 174 of the present invention that restores usability to this segment of the handle 118 by eliminating any bulge 78. The inventive edge guard 174 is configured to be peripherally disposed about the head 114 of the paddle 100 and includes a central body 178 and rails 182 that extend laterally from opposite sides of the central body 178. Together, the central body 178 and rails 182 form a lip that extends over the perimeter 142 of the head 114. FIGS. 10 and 11A show that at opposite ends of the edge guard 174, legs 186 are provided that extend from the rails 182 beyond the central body 178 to form U-shaped cutouts 184, 185. FIG. 11A shows that with the edge guard 174 applied over the perimeter 142 of the head 114, a first U-shaped cutout 184 located at a first end of the central body 178 is sized to fit snugly around the first side 118a of the handle 118 such that the central body 178 terminates at the first side 118a of the handle 118 and only the legs 186 extend over the handle 188. Similarly, FIG. 11A shows a second U-shaped cutout 185 located at the opposite end of the central body 178 and sized to fit snugly around a second side 118b of the handle 118 in a similar manner. The legs 186 are secured to the first face 119 and the second face (not shown) of the handle 118 by any suitable means, e.g., gluing. FIG. 11B shows once the legs 186 are secured to the handle 118, grip tape 146 may be wrapped over the handle 118. As only the legs 186 are extending onto the handle 118, a bulge is avoided where the grip tape 146 wraps over the legs 186 at 173. In this manner, useful length, e.g., ¼ to ⅜ inches, is restored to the handle 118. By restoring this useful length, the head 114 and sweet spot 170 can be enlarged as described above while remaining within IFP size requirements.

[0043] Often players want the benefit of added weight and will add lead tape or metal strips to the exterior of the paddle to reduce vibration and paddle twist when a ball is hit off-center during play. The vibration dampener 400 of the present invention provides these same benefits and is installed into the perimeter of head during construction of the paddle 100, rather than being a component added to the paddle exterior after construction.

[0044] FIG. 13 shows the paddle 100 during construction as including a core 134 disposed between first and second playing surfaces 126, 130. The playing surfaces 126, 130 may be secured to the core 134 by bonding or glue. The core 134 may be formed of a lightweight material, such as foam, a polymeric core, aluminum honeycomb cells, or polymeric honeycomb cells. The core 134 must be rigid enough such that the pickleball paddle 100 meets the requirements of the IFP. The vibration dampener 400 is shown applied to the core 134 over a segment of the perimeter 142 during paddle construction. When applied at the perimeter, the depth of penetration of the vibration dampener 400 below the perimeter is limited by the core's structure. For example, if the core 134 is formed of a honeycomb construction, the depth of penetration of the vibration dampener 400 will depend upon how the paddle 100 is cut, e.g., a depth of penetration of no greater than 4 mm. Once the vibration dampener 400 has been applied, the edge guard 174 (not shown in FIG. 13) may be applied as described above to complete construction of the paddle 100.

[0045] The vibration dampener 400 may be applied over the entire perimeter 142 or as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be applied to one or more segments of the perimeter 142. In particular, FIG. 12 shows the vibration dampener 400 being applied to a first segment 400a which extends from an approximately 1 o'clock position to an approximately 4 o'clock position, a second segment 400b which extends from an approximately 5 o'clock position to an approximately 6 o'clock position, a third segment 400c which extends from the approximately 6 o'clock position to a 7 o'clock position, and a fourth segment 400d which extends from an approximately 9 o'clock position to an 11 o'clock position.

[0046] In an embodiment, the vibration dampener 400 may be a layer of material formed of a metal doped gel, or a metal / gel compound. Particular metal powders that may be preferred for the metal component of the metal / gel compound include steel, tungsten, lead, copper, nickel, and / or iron. Particular gels that may be preferred for the gel component of the metal / gel compound include an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a polyurethane, and / or a rubber. Particular rubbers that may be preferred include latex, silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer, neoprene, Viton, and nitril. The amount, type, and placement of the metal powders and the gels can be adjusted to achieve desired weights and centers of gravity for the paddle assembly 100.

[0047] In this manner, the weight of the paddle 100 can be increased by design over the weight of a normal or typical paddle by manufacturing the paddle 100 to include the vibration dampener 400 embedded along at least a portion of the perimeter 142. The material may be any material that is practical for giving the paddle 100 a desired weight.

[0048] While the principles of the invention have been described above in connection with preferred embodiments, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of the invention.

[0049] * * *

Claims

1. A pickleball paddle having an enlarged sweet spot area, comprising:a. a head for striking a ball, the head having a base end and a height;b. a handle extending from the base end of the head and including a grip portion designed to be grasped by the hand of a user;c. a center of gravity located approximately two thirds of the height of the head from thebase end thereof to define a sweet spot area;d. the head including perimeter edge defined by a top edge, a left side edge, and a right side edge, the left and right side edges curving outwardly and away from each other as they extend downwardly from opposite ends of the top edge to reach a maximum width of the head defined by a horizontal axis line, and thereafter the left and right side edges curving inwardly and towards each other as they extend towards the base end of the head; and,e. wherein the horizontal axis line is positioned such that it extends through the sweet spot area.

2. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, wherein the head includes a first face having a planar surface and an opposing second face having a planar surface for striking a ball.

3. The pickleball paddle of claim 2, wherein the first and second faces are devoid of holes or indentations.

4. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, wherein the head includes a centrally located vertical axis perpendicular to and intersecting the horizontal axis line at a center point, wherein the sweet spot area is located at the center point.

5. The pickleball paddle of claim 4, wherein the sweet spot area is generally circular in shape.

6. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, additionally comprising a core layer residing between the first face and the second face.

7. The pickleball paddle of claim 6, wherein the core layer is formed of a cellular material.

8. The pickleball paddle of claim 6, wherein the handle, the core layer, the first face, and the second face are integrally formed as a single unitary body.

9. The pickleball paddle of claim 2, wherein the first and second faces are formed of a fiberglass or carbon fiber material.

10. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, wherein the top edge is a straight edge.

11. A pickleball paddle for dampening vibrations when striking a ball, comprising:a. a head having a perimeter and including a core residing between first and second faces having planar surfaces for striking the ball, the core extending along the perimeter of the head;b. a handle extending from the head, the handle including a grip portion designed to be grasped by the hand of a user; and,c. a vibration dampener comprising a layer of material applied to at least a segment of the core extending along the perimeter of the head during paddle construction, wherein the vibration dampener is formed of a metal / gel compound.

12. The pickleball paddle of claim 11, wherein the core is formed of a plurality of honeycomb cells.

13. The pickleball paddle of claim 11, wherein the metal component of the compound is selected from the group consisting of steel, tungsten, lead, copper, nickel, and iron.

14. The pickleball paddle of claim 11, wherein the gel component of the compound is selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-vinyl acetate, a polyurethane, and a rubber.

15. The pickleball paddle of claim 14, wherein the rubber is selected from the group consisting of latex, silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer, neoprene, Viton, and nitril.

16. The pickleball paddle of claim 11, wherein the perimeter is divided into a plurality of segments including a top segment extending from an approximately 11 o'clock position to an approximately 1 o'clock position, a upper right segment extending from the approximately 1 o'clock position to an approximately 4 o'clock position, a lower right segment extending from the approximately 4 o'clock position to an approximately 5 o'clock position, a bottom segment extending from the approximately 5 o'clock position to an approximately 7 o'clock position, a lower left segment extending from the approximately 7 o'clock position to an 8 o'clock position, and an upper left segment extending from the approximately 8 o'clock position to the 11 o'clock position, and wherein the vibration dampener is applied to the core only at the upper right segment, the bottom segment, and the upper left segment of the perimeter, wherein the remaining segments are free of the vibration dampener.

17. A pickleball paddle having an edge guard that maximizes usable handle length, comprising:a. a head;b. a handle extending from the head, the handle including a first face and an opposing second face, a first side, and an opposing second side;c. wherein the head includes a perimeter extending from the handle first side to the opposing second side;d. an edge guard formed of a central body and rails to form a lip over the perimeter of the head, the central body extending from a first end terminating at the first side of the handle to a second end terminating at the second side of the handle, the rails including legs that extend beyond the first and second ends of the central body and onto the first face and opposing second face of the handle.

18. The pickleball paddle of claim 17, wherein the edge guard is bonded to the perimeter edge.

19. The pickleball paddle of claim 17, additionally comprising inserts arranged for mounting to the first face and opposing second face of the handle to provide the handle with a hexagonal cross section arranged to be grasped by the hand of a user.

20. The pickleball paddle of claim 17, wherein the legs are secured to the first face and opposing second face of the handle by gluing.

21. The pickleball paddle of claim 17, wherein the lip includes a c-shaped cross-section.

22. The pickleball paddle of claim 17, wherein the central body and the legs form U-shaped configurations at the first and second ends of the central body.

23. The pickleball paddle of claim 17, wherein the edge guard is comprised of at least one impact force absorbing material.

24. The pickleball paddle of claim 17, wherein the edge guard is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic, vinyl, silicone, acrylic base resins, silicon base resins, and polyurethane.

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