Reusable sporting goods and striking implement sound reducer

Abstract

A reusable sound-absorbing pad for use with pickleball paddles comprises at least one layer of reusable adhesive, allowing the pad to stick to the paddle and be removed as desired. The reusable adhesive makes the pad reusable and transferable between objects without significant loss of adhesion. The pad also comprises a layer of sound-absorbing material, available in various materials. Embodiments include the pad providing sound-absorption, vibration dampening, kinetic energy dispersion, and aesthetic qualities. The pad can be adhered to multiple objects to provide these qualities when a striking implement contacts another object, with pickleball paddles being a primary example.

Description

REUSABLE SPORTING GOODS AND STRIKING IMPLEMENT SOUNDREDUCERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application claims the benefit of, and priority to, US provisional patent application #63 / 625,945, titled REUSABLE SPORTING GOODS AND STRIKING IMPLEMENT SOUND REDUCER and filed on January 27, 2024, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUNDField of the Art

[0001] The disclosure primarily relates to the field of sports equipment, and more particularly to the field of pickleball paddles.Discussion of the State of the Art

[0002] Pickleball, a sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has experienced rapid growth in popularity over the past decade. As of recent years, it is estimated that millions of people in the United States alone regularly play pickleball. This growth has, however, brought to light a significant and pervasive issue: noise pollution. The sharp, loud “pop” generated by the plastic ball striking the paddle is often compared to the sound of gunshots or fireworks. This distinct and piercing noise has created substantial noise pollution, disrupting the tranquility of neighborhoods and communities.

[0003] The noise problem associated with pickleball is not new. Since the sport's invention in the 1960s, players and residents near pickleball courts have been aware of the disturbing sound produced during play. The noise is a result of the materials used in traditional pickleball paddles, typically constructed from lightweight, hard surfaces such as graphite, fiberglass, or composite materials, which create a high decibel, high pitch sound upon impact with the plastic ball.

[0004] The impact of this noise extends beyond mere annoyance. Studies have shown that persistent exposure to high decibel levels can lead to elevated stress, anxiety, and other negative mental health outcomes for those living near pickleball courts. Additionally, the constant noise can affect property values and has even led to legal disputes between players and residents.

[0005] Despite the longstanding awareness of this problem, there has been inadequate innovation aimed at making existing paddles quieter. The only notable solution so far has been the development of newly engineered paddles designed with intrinsic sound-reducing qualities.These solutions are limited to new paddles, necessitating an entirely different solution for existing paddles.

[0006] What is needed is a device that can retrofit existing paddles, reducing noise without requiring players to replace their current equipment. This would address the noise issue in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner, preserving players' investments in their preferred paddles while mitigating the adverse effects of noise pollution.

[0007] References:1. United States Pickleball Association, (n.d.). History of Pickleball.2. Smith, J. (2020). Noise Pollution in Sports: The Pickleball Conundrum. Journal of Environmental Health.3. Johnson, L. (2018). The Impact of Noise Pollution on Property Values: A Case Study of Pickleball Courts. Real Estate Review.4. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). The Effects of Noise on Health.5. Anderson, R. (2019). Innovations in Sports Equipment: A Focus on Noise Reduction. Sports Technology Journal.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008] The inventor has developed a reusable sound-absorbing pad for application to sports paddles. The pad comprises a first layer formed from a high-performance sound-absorbing material. This material functions to attenuate acoustic energy generated during impact betweenthe paddle and a sporting projectile. The second layer utilizes a reusable adhesive composition known for its clean and easy removability from the paddle surface. The pad may be pre-cut to conform to the specific geometry of various commercially available paddle models or provided in sheet form for user customization with cutting tools. This configuration allows for adaptation to a wider range of applications for various sports equipment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating two exemplary silencer pads being applied to a pickleball paddle, according to an embodiment.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of an exemplary silencer pad, according to an embodiment.

[0011] Fig. 3 is diagram illustrating the removal of an exemplary silencer pad.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating two exemplary silencer pads with easy-to-peel tabs being applied to a pickleball paddle, according to an embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of an exemplary silencer pad comprising an easy-to-peel tab, according to an embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 6 is diagram illustrating the removal of an exemplary silencer pad comprising an easy-to-peel tab.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONDefinitions

[0015] The term “high coefficient of restitution (COR)” as used herein means a measure of the energy that is lost during impact. For example, balls with higher COR will be livelier in play or paddles made from material with lower COR will not return the ball with as much force as a paddle with a high COR.

[0016] The term “reusable” when used in conjunction with “adhesive, glue, cement, mucilage, or paste” as used herein means the adhesive has a fleeting or temporary characteristic. Reusableadhesive can be pressure sensitive, of a hot melt type, or of another type, which is typically known in the art to be reusable. Example types of reusable adhesives are gummy, snot, or booger glues. Due to its softness, the material peels and removes easily. Gummy glues are used to form temporary or semi-permanent bonds and are one example of reusable adhesives.

[0017] The terms “pad”, “silencer”, “silencer pad”, “acoustic pad”, and analogous synonyms used interchangeably herein refer to the device and its embodiments which adhere to the striking implement to give it sound-absorption, vibration dampening, kinetic energy dispersion, and aesthetic qualities.Detailed Description of Embodiments and Aspects

[0018] According to one embodiment, a silencer pad 100, as illustrated in Fig. 1, is applied to one or both sides of a pickleball paddle 110. A silencer pad 100 is comprised of two layers (201, 202) as shown in Fig. 2. A first layer 201, consists of a sound-absorbing material, such as felt, coupled with a second layer 202 of adhesive. Fig. 3 can be understood as either applying or removing the silencer pad 100 from a pickleball paddle 110. Considering the application of the silencer pad 100, the reusable adhesive side 202 is applied to the pickleball paddle 100 and the sound-absorption side 201 is facing outwards such that it is the side which the pickleball will strike. Now considering the removal of the silencer pad 100, a player would simply use their fingers or a tool to lift on the edge of the pad, overcoming the adhesion and freeing the silencer pad 100 from the pickleball paddle 110.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the reusable adhesive 202 properties allow the silencer pad 100 to be reused many times. An example adhesive comprises a double-coated polyester film with a total thickness of 4.5 mils. The film is .5 mils thick and is coated on both sides with an aggressive, rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, each side being 2 mils thick. A nonstick poly-coated lining may be provided to allow for storage between uses, wherein the nonstick lining temporarily couples with the reusable adhesive 202 to protect against dirt and debris collecting on the glue.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a sound-absorbing layer 201 consisting of felt between 2cm and 3 cm provides optimal sound-absorption qualities while retaining adequate pickleballrebounding. Coupled with the second layer of reusable adhesive 202, which is .0114 cm, the overall thickness of the silencer pad 100 is between 2.01cm and 3.01cm.

[0021] Other embodiments include using a differential adhesive system, wherein a doublecoated film uses a low tack adhesion on one side and a higher tack adhesion on the other. The higher tack side is being used for adhesion with the sound-absorption layer 201. Other embodiments may use adhesives which are silicon or acrylic.

[0022] It should be appreciated that the dimensions of the silencer pad 100 or its components 201, 202 are not limited to any one embodiment. Depending on the material used for sound absorption, it may be beneficial to use a thinner or thicker pad., as one example.

[0023] Fig. 4, Fig. 5, and Fig. 6 illustrate yet another alternative embodiment of a silencer pad 400. In this alternative embodiment, a silencer pad 400 also comprises a tab 420 which slightly protrudes from an edge of the first layer 501 and is not present on the adhesion layer 502. The tab 420 should be small enough so as not to interfere with the sport whilst also providing a small hold from which the player can more easily peel off the reusable silencer pad 400.

[0024] The above measurements and dimensions are exemplary. The silencer pad and its components may be configured to couple with various applications needing sound deadening qualities resulting from impacts with objects. Additionally, the first layer of sound absorbing material, or the first layer in combination with the second adhesive layer, may be configured to yield a specific range of rebounding energy, i.e., a coefficient of restitution, that is required or preferred by a person, regulatory entity, or manufacturer.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A apparatus, comprising: a first layer of sound-absorbing material; and a second layer of reusable adhesive coupled to the first layer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first layer comprises a tab.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first layer is made of felt4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first layer is between 2cm and 3cm thickness.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second layer is a double-coated film, and wherein the two coatings are comprised of an aggressive, rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesive.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second layer is a double-coated film, and wherein one of the two coatings is comparatively less tacky.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first layer, or the combination of the first layer and the second layer are configured to yield a specific coefficient of restitution.

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