Pickleball paddle with external suspension

Abstract

A paddle includes a frame, the frame including internal passageways extending from an inner wall to an outer wall and spaced along a periphery of the frame, a central body disposed within the periphery of the frame, the central body including an outer wall adjacent to and spaced apart from the inner wall of the frame, and the outer wall including couplings. A resilient line is disposed within the plurality of internal passageways of the frame and the plurality of couplings of the central body and is configured to resiliently couple the central body to the frame such that the central body can move independently from the frame. The paddle also includes a handle extending from a lower end portion of the frame.

Description

PICKLEBALL PADDLE WITH EXTERNAL SUSPENSIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 672,536 filed on July 17, 2024. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a paddle for playing pickleball.BACKGROUND

[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0004] Pickleball is a racquet sport played with paddles and a perforated plastic ball on a court. Existing pickleball paddles include a core, faceplates disposed on opposing sides of the core to form hitting surfaces, a handle extending from a lower portion of the core, and an edge guard disposed around a periphery of the core. The core of the paddle is rigidly coupled to the edge guard and the handle to form a unitary body. The materials and structure of the paddle are designed to balance deflection of the paddle to provide control, power, and spin. However, the deflection properties of existing pickleball paddles are limited by the unitary body design, among other design features such as core and faceplate materials.

[0005] The present disclosure addresses these and other issues associated with existing pickleball paddles.SUMMARY

[0006] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0007] In one form of the present disclosure, a paddle includes: a frame having an inner wall and an outer wall, the frame including a plurality of internal passageways extending from the inner wall to the outer wall and spaced along a periphery of the frame; a central body disposed within the periphery of the frame, the central body including an outer wall adjacent to and spaced apart from the inner wall of the frame, the outer wall including a plurality of couplings; at least one resilient line disposed within the plurality of internal passageways of the frame and the plurality ofcouplings of the central body and configured to resiliently couple the central body to the frame such that the central body can move independently from the frame; and a handle extending from a lower end portion of the frame.

[0008] In variations of this paddle, which may be implemented individually or in combination: the at least one resilient line includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end and the second end are adjustably secured to the frame; the plurality of couplings of the central body protrude from the outer wall of the central body; the plurality of internal passageways of the frame extend at an acute angle between the inner wall and the outer wall of the frame; each coupling of the plurality of couplings of the central body is positioned between two adjacent passageways of the plurality of internal passageways of the frame; each of the plurality of internal passageways of the frame include at least one radiused edge at the inner wall of the frame and at the outer wall of the frame; an edge ring secured to the outer wall of the central body; an edge guard coupled to the outer wall of the frame; the central body includes a core and opposed face sheets secured to opposed external surfaces of the core; the opposed face sheets include a carbon fiber reinforced material; the core includes a polypropylene material; the core defines a honeycomb structure; the at least one resilient line includes a material selected from the group consisting of nylon or polyester; the plurality of couplings are evenly spaced around the outer wall of the central body; and the plurality of couplings define collars.

[0009] In another form of the present disclosure, a paddle includes: a frame having an inner wall and an outer wall; a central body disposed within a periphery of the frame, the central body including an outer wall adjacent to and spaced apart from the inner wall of the frame, the central body further including opposed hitting surfaces; a suspension system disposed between the frame and the central body and configured to resiliently couple the central body to the frame such that the central body can move independently from the frame; and a handle extending from a lower end portion of the frame.

[0010] In variations of this paddle, which may be implemented individually or in combination: the suspension system is replaceable; the suspension system is adjustable; the suspension system includes a press-fit gasket; and the suspension system includes at least one resilient line. The outer wall of the central body has a curved body surface, the inner wall of the frame has a curved frame surface and the gasket comprises a pair of opposed curved surfaces that are configured tocooperate with the curved body surface and the curved frame surface to removably couple the gasket to the paddle. At least one of the pair of opposed curved surfaces includes a protrusion. The protrusion is configured to be received in a groove defined in a respective one of the curved body surface or the curved frame surface. The pair of opposed curved surfaces are each concave.

[0011] Further provided is a paddle that includes a frame having an inner wall and an outer wall. The paddle includes a central body disposed within a periphery of the frame. The central body includes an outer wall adjacent to and spaced apart from the inner wall of the frame, and the central body further includes opposed hitting surfaces. The paddle includes a suspension system removably disposed between the frame and the outer wall of the central body and configured to resiliently couple the central body to the frame such that the central body can move independently from the frame. The suspension system surrounds the central body. The paddle includes a handle extending from a lower end portion of the frame.

[0012] The suspension system comprises a press-fit gasket. The outer wall of the central body has a curved body surface, the inner wall of the frame has a curved frame surface, and the gasket comprises a pair of opposed curved surfaces that are configured to cooperate with the curved body surface and the curved frame surface to removably couple the gasket to the paddle. At least one of the pair of opposed curved surfaces includes a protrusion. The protrusion is configured to be received in a groove defined in a respective one of the curved body surface or the curved frame surface. The suspension system is composed of an elastomeric material.

[0013] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1A is a front view of a paddle according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 1 B is a front view of a paddle according to another form ofthe present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the paddle of FIG.1B;

[0018] FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the paddle of FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the paddle of FIG. 1 B;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a side portion of a paddle constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional view of the paddle taken from the perspective of line A-A of FIG. 1A according to one form of the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the paddle taken from the perspective of line A-A of FIG. 1A according to another form of the present disclosure.

[0023] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1A, a paddle 100 with an external suspension according to the teachings of the present disclosure includes a frame 102 having an inner wall 101 and an outer wall 103 that generally define a periphery of the frame 102, a central body 104, and a handle 108 extending from a lower end portion 107 of the frame 102. The central body 104 is disposed within a periphery of the inner wall 101 of the frame 102. The central body 104 includes an outer wall 105 adjacent to and spaced apart from the inner wall 101 of the frame 102. A suspension system 106a is disposed between the frame 102 and the central body 104 and resiliently couples the central body 104 to the frame 102 such that the central body 104 can move independently from the frame 102. As set forth in greater detail below, in one form, the suspension system 106a is replaceable and may also be adjustable. The suspension system 106a generally includes any resilient body / member such as, but not limited to,a press-fit gasket, springs, elastomeric bands, or at least one resilient line, as set forth in greater detail below.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 B and 2, another form of a paddle 100’ according to the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. Similar to the paddle 100 in FIG. 1A, the paddle 100’ includes a frame 102, a central body 104, and a handle 108 extending from a lower end portion 107 of the frame 102. The frame 102 includes an inner wall 101 and an outer wall 103, which generally define a periphery of the frame 102, surrounding the central body 104. As shown, the central body 104 is disposed within the periphery of the frame 102 and includes an outer wall 105, which is adjacent to the inner wall 101 of the frame 102. In this form, the outer wall 105 of the central body 104 is spaced apart from the inner wall 101 of the frame 102.

[0027] Referring also to FIG. 1 B, the central body 104 includes opposed face sheets 114, which generally form hitting surfaces of the paddle 100’. Generally, during use, a user aims to contact a ball (not shown) with the hitting surfaces, i.e., opposed face sheets 114, of the paddle 100’. The opposed face sheets 114 are secured to opposed external surfaces of a core 208 of the central body 104. The face sheets 114 may include any of a variety of materials, including by way of example, a fiber reinforced polymer (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced) or an unreinforced polymer, among others. In one form, the core 208 defines a honeycomb structure to provide lightweight and compressive strength, among other mechanical properties. In one variation, the core 208 is made from a polypropylene material. It should be understood, however, that a variety of materials and structural configurations for the core 208 may be employed while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] As further shown, the central body 104 further includes an edge ring 210 secured around the outer wall 105 of the central body 104 as shown. The edge ring 210 in one form is a foam material and is configured to provide resiliency to the central body 104 and absorb forces transmitted by the ball during play. In one form, the edge ring 210 is a high-density polyurethane foam, such as a polyolefin. With specific reference to FIG. 5, the edge ring 210 in one form includes a radiused edge with the outer wall 105 of the central body 104 and also includes an extension 211 into the core 208 as shown. The extension 211 provides an increased surface area of the edge ring 210 that is in contact with the core 208, thereby improving the ability of the edge ring 210 to absorb impact forces. The increased surface area also improves thestrength of the interface between the edge ring 210 and the core 208, which in one form is adhesively bonded.

[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 1 B through 3, the paddle 100’ further includes at least one resilient line 106b (i.e., one form of a suspension system) that resiliently couples the central body 104 to the frame 102 such that the central body 104 can move independently from the frame 102. The resilient line 106b may be any of a number of materials, including by way of example, nylon or polyester. In one form, the resilient line 106 may include conventional tennis strings. The frame 102 includes a plurality of internal passageways 200 extending from the inner wall 101 of the frame 102 to the outer wall 103 of the frame 102. The outer wall 105 of the central body 104 includes a corresponding plurality of couplings 300, which in this form also include internal passageways 301. The resilient line 106b is thus disposed within the internal passageways 200 of the frame 102 and the internal passageways 301 of the couplings 300 or is "threaded" through the internal passageways 200 / 301 , as shown. Additional features of this form of the couplings 300 is set forth in greater detail below. In another form, not shown, at least one of the frame 102 and the central body 104 may include a plurality of hooks protruding from the inner wall 101 of the frame 102 and the outer wall 105 of the central body 104 to retain the resilient line 106b.

[0030] Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the resilient line 106b includes a first end 110 and a second end 111 that are adjustably secured to the frame 102. In one form, the first end 110 and the second end 111 of the at least one resilient line 106b are each independently tied to form a knot that is larger than a diameter of the respective internal passageways 200 of the frame 102 such that the resilient line 106b is secured to the frame 102. In another form, the first end 110 and second end 111 of the at least one resilient line 106b may be tied together or coupled to another adjustment device such as a sliding cord fastener locks (not shown) to adjustably secure the at least one resilient line 106b to the frame 102. In yet another form, the first end 110 and the second end 111 may be adhesively bonded or otherwise secured to the frame 102 while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, one form of the couplings 300 defines collars 300', which include the internal passageways 301 as previously set forth. The collars 300' generally define a closed geometry as shown, i.e., a closed shape defining the internal passageways 301 through which the resilient line 106b passes / extends. The collars 300' may be formed with the outer wall 105 or be aseparate part that is secured (e.g., adhesively bonded) to the outer wall 105. It should be understood, however, that the geometry of the couplings 300 may take on any number of configurations (e.g., hooks, not shown) provided the couplings 300 function to guide and retain the resilient line 106b to the central body 104.

[0032] As set forth above, the resilient line 106b extends through the plurality of internal passageways 200 of the frame 102 and the internal passageways301 of the couplings 300 of the central body 104 to resiliently suspend the central body 104 within the periphery of the frame 102. In the form illustrated, the couplings 300 protrude from the outer wall 105 of the central body 104. However, in one variation (not shown) internal passageways 301 may be formed through the outer wall 105 of the central body 104, similar to the frame 102.

[0033] As shown, a plurality of couplings 300 are disposed around the outer wall 105 of the central body 104 and are generally evenly spaced apart. It should be understood that the number and spacing of couplings 300 (or other retention feature of the central body 104) may be varied according to performance specifications of the paddle 100’. Therefore, the specific number and spacing of couplings 300 may vary while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] Referring specifically to FIG. 3, in one form, each coupling 300 of the central body 104 is positioned between two adjacent internal passageways 200a, 200b of the frame 102. That is, for each coupling 300 of the plurality of couplings 300 of the central body 104 there are two corresponding adjacent internal passageways 200a, 200b of the plurality of internal passageways 200 of the frame 102. In this form, the plurality of internal passageways 200 of the frame 102 extend at an acute angle302 between the inner wall 101 and the outer wall 103 of the frame 102. It should be understood, however, that the angled adjacent internal passageways 200a, 200b are merely exemplary and thus the internal passageways 200 of the frame 102 can extend at any number of angles, including normal or perpendicular to the inner wall 101 and / or the outer wall 103 while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] Similar to the couplings 300, the internal passageways 200 are spaced around a periphery of the frame 102 as shown. In one form, the internal passageways 200 are apertures that extend from the inner wall 101 to the outer wall 103 of the frame 102. In another form, not shown, the frame 102 may include a plurality of couplings (similar to couplings 300 of the central body 104) protruding from the inner wall 101 of the frame 102.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, the inner wall 101 of the frame 102 in one form is radiused to correspond to a contour of the outer wall 105 of the central body 104 as shown . One or more of the internal passageways 200 of the frame 102 include a radiused edge 500 at the inner wall 101 of the frame 102 and at the outer wall 103 of the frame 102. The radiused edge 500 provides a smoother surface for the resilient line 106b to contact, thereby inhibiting unintended chafing as the resilient line 106b slides through the internal passageways 200.

[0037] As further shown, and with reference also to FIGS. 1B and 2, an edge guard 112 is coupled to at least a portion of the outer wall 103 of the frame 102 to protect the frame 102 from wear / damage during use. In one form, the edge guard 112 is a polymeric material, however, other wear-resistant materials may be used while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The edge guard 112 extends around the outer wall 103 of the frame 102 from one side of the handle 108 to the other. The handle 108 extends from the lower end portion 107 of the frame 102 and is configured to be gripped by a user (not shown). In one form, the handle 108 is integrally formed with the frame 102.

[0038] The edge guard 112 encases at least a portion of the outer wall 103 of the frame 102 and in one form includes apertures 502 that corresponds to, or aligns with, the passageways 200 extending through the outer wall 103 of the frame 102. The apertures 502 of the edge guard 112 may also include at least one radiused edge 504 to inhibit unintended chafing of the resilient line 106b as the resilient line 106b slides through the apertures 502. In another form, the edge guard 112 does not include any apertures and thus covers the resilient line 106b extending though the frame 102.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, examples of the suspension system 106a of the paddle 100 are shown. As discussed, the suspension system 106a is disposed between the frame 102 and the edge ring 210 of the central body 104, and in one example, the suspension system 106a extends around an entirety of the outer wall 105 of the central body 104 so as to surround the central body 104. It should be noted that in other forms, the suspension system 106a may extend along a portion of the outer wall 105 of the body, or may comprise multiple discrete sections, which are spaced apart about a perimeter of the outer wall 105. Thus, generally, the suspension system 106a is external to the central body 104. The suspension system 106a, may provide vibration dampening to reduce the vibration a user experiences uponcontacting the central body 104 with a ball. Additionally, the suspension system 106a may increase the dwell time, or the amount of time the ball remains in contact with the central body 104, which may provide for an energy return from the paddle 100 to the ball.

[0040] In one form, with reference to FIG. 6A, the suspension system 106a comprises a gasket 598, which is coupled between the frame 102 and the central body 104. The gasket 598 is generally composed of an elastomeric material, including, but not limited to rubber, and may be press-fit between the frame 102 and the central body 104. By being press-fit, the gasket 598 may be removable to be tuned for stiffness or replaceable by another gasket 598 for aesthetics, for example. It should be noted that other techniques may be used to couple the suspension system 106a to the frame 102 and the central body 104 such that the suspension system 106a is removable and replaceable.

[0041] In this example, the gasket 598 includes a pair of opposed curved surfaces or opposing curved side surfaces 600, 602 that correspond to or cooperate with a curved body surface 210a of the edge ring 210 and a curved frame surface 102a of the frame 102, respectively, to removably couple the gasket 598 to the frame102 and the central body 104. Each of the opposing curved side surfaces 600, 602 is concave, but the opposing curved side surfaces 600, 602 may have any shape to correspond with the curved frame surface 102a of the frame 102 and the curved body surface 210a of the edge ring 210. In this example, the curved surfaces 102a, 210a are convex to cooperate with the suspension system 106a, but in other examples, the curved surfaces 102a, 210a of the frame 102 and the edge ring 210 may have a concave curvature and the suspension system 106a may have a convex curvature.

[0042] The suspension system 106a may also include a first, top surface 604 opposite a second, bottom surface 606. The top surface 604 and the bottom surface 606 are substantially flat or planar. One or more of the side surfaces 600, 602, the top surface 604 and the bottom surface 606 may include a color, pattern, print or the like for aesthetics. Alternatively, an entirety of the suspension system 106a may have a color, pattern, print or the like. The edge guard 112 may encase the outer wall103 of the frame 102.

[0043] In anotherform, with reference to FIG. 6B, the suspension system 106a comprises a gasket 698, which is coupled between the frame 102 and the central body 104. The gasket 698 is generally composed of an elastomeric material including,but not limited to rubber, and may be press-fit between the frame 102 and the central body 104. Thus, the gasket 698 is also removable and replaceable. In this example, the gasket 698 includes a pair of opposed curved surfaces or opposing curved side surfaces 700, 702 that each include a respective side protrusion 704, 706. The curved side surfaces 700, 702 correspond to or cooperate with a curved body surface 210b of the edge ring 210 and a curved frame surface 102b of the frame 102, respectively, to removably couple the gasket 598 to the frame 102 and the central body 104. Each of the curved side surfaces 700, 702 is concave, but the curved side surfaces 700, 702 may have any shape to correspond with the curved frame surface 102b of the frame 102 and the curved body surface 210b of the edge ring 210. In this example, the curved surfaces 102b, 210b each has a curvature, which is convex, to cooperate with the suspension system 106a, but in other examples, the curved surfaces 102b, 210b of the frame 102 and the edge ring 210 may have a concave curvature and the suspension system 106a may have a convex curvature.

[0044] The side protrusions 704, 706 are generally bulbous, and opposite each other. The side protrusions 704, 706 extend outwardly from a respective one of the curved side surfaces 700, 702 to couple with the central body 104 and the frame 102, respectively. In this example, the curved frame surface 102b of the frame 102 and the curved body surface 210b of the edge ring 210 each define a respective groove 708, 710. The grooves 708, 710 receive a respective one of the side protrusions 704, 706 to further couple the suspension system 106a to the frame 102 and the central body 104. The side protrusions 704, 706 may impart additional stiffness to the coupling between the frame 102, the suspension system 106a and the central body 104.

[0045] The suspension system 106a may also include a top surface 712 opposite a bottom surface 714. The top surface 712 and the bottom surface 714 are substantially flat or planar. In this example, the side protrusions 704, 706 are defined so as to be substantially centered on the respective curved side surface 700, 702 so as to be substantially equally spaced between the top surface 712 and the bottom surface 714, however it should be noted that the side protrusions 704, 706 may be positioned offset from the center so as to be proximate the top surface 712 or the bottom surface 714. In addition, while the side protrusions 704, 706 are shown opposite each other, one of the side protrusions 704, 706 may be offset from the other. Further, while the gasket 698 is shown with two side protrusions 704, 706, the gasket698 may include a single one of the side protrusions 704, 706. One or more of the side surfaces 700, 702, the top surface 712 and the bottom surface 714 may include a color, pattern, print or the like for aesthetics. Alternatively, an entirety of the suspension system 106a may have a color, pattern, print or the like.

[0046] Advantageously, the present disclosure provides an innovative pickleball paddle 100, 100’ that provides flexible, or resilient, hitting surfaces with a "sprung" or floating face by way of the central body 104 that is resiliently coupled to the frame 102 via the suspension system 106a or the resilient line 106b. Accordingly, a ball may be hit / bounced back during play with additional energy due to the movement of the resiliently coupled central body 104. Notably, the central body 104 is resiliently coupled on its exterior-most edges, i.e., around the outer wall 105, thus providing an increased amount of energy that can be transferred to the ball during play.

[0047] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values indicating mechanical / thermal properties, compositional percentages, dimensions and / or tolerances, or other characteristics are to be understood as modified by the word “about” or "approximately" in describing the scope of the present disclosure. This modification is desired for various reasons including industrial practice, material, manufacturing, and assembly tolerances, and testing capability.

[0048] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0049] The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the substance of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A paddle comprising: a frame having an inner wall and an outer wall, the frame including a plurality of internal passageways extending from the inner wall to the outer wall and spaced along a periphery of the frame; a central body disposed within the periphery of the frame, the central body including an outer wall adjacent to and spaced apart from the inner wall of the frame, the outer wall comprising a plurality of couplings; at least one resilient line disposed within the plurality of internal passageways of the frame and the plurality of couplings of the central body and configured to resiliently couple the central body to the frame such that the central body can move independently from the frame; and a handle extending from a lower end portion of the frame.

2. The paddle according to Claim 1 , wherein the at least one resilient line includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end and the second end are adjustably secured to the frame.

3. The paddle according to Claim 1 , wherein the plurality of couplings of the central body protrude from the outer wall of the central body.

4. The paddle according to Claim 1, wherein the plurality of internal passageways of the frame extend at an acute angle between the inner wall and the outer wall of the frame.

5. The paddle according to Claim 1 , wherein each coupling of the plurality of couplings of the central body is positioned between two adjacent passageways of the plurality of internal passageways of the frame.

6. The paddle according to Claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of internal passageways of the frame include at least one radiused edge at the inner wall of the frame and at the outer wall of the frame.

7. The paddle according to Claim 1 , further comprising an edge ring secured to the outer wall of the central body.

8. The paddle according to Claim 1, further comprising an edge guard coupled to the outer wall of the frame.

9. The paddle according to Claim 1, wherein the central body comprises a core and opposed face sheets secured to opposed external surfaces of the core.

10. The paddle according to Claim 9, wherein the opposed face sheets comprise a carbon fiber reinforced material.

11. The paddle according to Claim 9, wherein the core comprises a polypropylene material.

12. The paddle according to Claim 9, wherein the core defines a honeycomb structure.

13. The paddle according to Claim 1 , wherein the at least one resilient line comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon or polyester.

14. The paddle according to Claim 1 , wherein the plurality of couplings are evenly spaced around the outer wall of the central body.

15. The paddle according to Claim 1 , wherein the plurality of couplings define collars.

16. A paddle comprising: a frame having an inner wall and an outer wall; a central body disposed within a periphery of the frame, the central body including an outer wall adjacent to and spaced apart from the inner wall of the frame, the central body further comprising opposed hitting surfaces; a suspension system disposed between the frame and the central bodyand configured to resiliently couple the central body to the frame such that the central body can move independently from the frame; and a handle extending from a lower end portion of the frame.

17. The paddle according to Claim 16, wherein the suspension system is replaceable.

18. The paddle according to Claim 16, wherein the suspension system is adjustable.

19. The paddle according to Claim 16, wherein the suspension system comprises at least one resilient line.

20. The paddle according to Claim 16, wherein the suspension system comprises a press-fit gasket.21 . The paddle according to Claim 20, wherein the outer wall of the central body has a curved body surface, the inner wall of the frame has a curved frame surface and the press-fit gasket comprises a pair of opposed curved surfaces that are configured to cooperate with the curved body surface and the curved frame surface to removably couple the press-fit gasket to the paddle.

22. The paddle according to Claim 21 , wherein at least one of the pair of opposed curved surfaces includes a protrusion.

23. The paddle according to Claim 22, wherein the protrusion is configured to be received in a groove defined in a respective one of the curved body surface or the curved frame surface.

24. The paddle according to Claim 21 , wherein the pair of opposed curved surfaces are each concave.

25. A paddle comprising:a frame having an inner wall and an outer wall; a central body disposed within a periphery of the frame, the central body including an outer wall adjacent to and spaced apart from the inner wall of the frame, and the central body further comprising opposed hitting surfaces; a suspension system removably disposed between the frame and the outer wall of the central body and configured to resiliency couple the central body to the frame such that the central body can move independently from the frame, the suspension system surrounding the central body; and a handle extending from a lower end portion of the frame.

26. The paddle according to Claim 25, wherein the suspension system comprises a press-fit gasket.

27. The paddle according to Claim 26, wherein the outer wall of the central body has a curved body surface, the inner wall of the frame has a curved frame surface and the press-fit gasket comprises a pair of opposed curved surfaces that are configured to cooperate with the curved body surface and the curved frame surface to removably couple the press-fit gasket to the paddle.

28. The paddle according to Claim 27, wherein at least one of the pair of opposed curved surfaces includes a protrusion.

29. The paddle according to Claim 28, wherein the protrusion is configured to be received in a groove defined in a respective one of the curved body surface or the curved frame surface.

30. The paddle according to Claim 25, wherein the suspension system is composed of an elastomeric material.

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