Paddle core layouts

Abstract

A paddle may include a core. The core may include a plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core. A paddle may include a core, a layer coupled to the core, and a void defined from an edge of the core and parallel with the layer. A method of forming a paddle may include filling a mold with a foam to form a core, and forming a portion of the core to define a void in the core, the void being defined from an edge of the core.

Description

PADDLE CORE LAYOUTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 753,828, filed on February 4, 2025; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 789,303 filed on April 15, 2025; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 854,036 filed on July 30, 2025; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 884,736 filed on September 19, 2025; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 965,948 filed on January 22, 2026. The foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety7under 37 C.F.R. § 1.57.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to sporting equipment. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for manufacturing internal portions of a paddle including internal cores of pickleball paddles.BACKGROUND

[0003] Pickleball is an emerging sport around the world and is played using a paddle with two (singles) or four (doubles) players. The players hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball (e.g., a ball similar to a Wiffle® ball) with the paddles over a net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits an infraction. The paddles used in pickleball may be regulated in gameplay. For example, the paddle may be required to be subjected to size standards such as a combined length and width not to exceed 24 inches (0.61 meters (m)) and a length that does not exceed 17 inches (0.43 m). The paddles may7not, however, have requirements regarding thickness or weight. Further, under some regulations, the paddle must be made of a non-compressible material, and the surface of the paddle must be smooth. Therefore, these regulations allow for the paddles to be made of various materials, and many individuals ranging from novice players and professional competitors may desire specific qualities in their paddles that may fit them best or provide specific qualities such as an increase in spin rate that may be applied to the ball, an increase in the rebound of a ball off the paddle, and increase in durabilityI Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTincluding durability against wear during use and durability as to environmental conditions, among other qualities.

[0004] Some paddles may include materials and / or structures that may be relatively easily compromised or destroyed through use. For example, as the paddle is used to strike a ball (e.g., a pickleball ball), some paddles may be subjected to a compromise or destruction of the materials and / or structures that may result in a poorer performing paddle. For example, the materials and / or structures that make up a core of the paddle may be subjected to core deformation overtime resulting in unreliable play characteristics such as unexpected deflection angles of a pickleball ball off the face of the paddle, a dead spots where an unexpected decrease in deflection off of the paddle is experienced, or other detrimental play performance is experienced. Further, this compromise or destruction of the materials and / or structures within the core of the paddle may result in delamination or separation of other layers of materials within the pickleball such as outer layers that interact with the ball or intermediate layers between the outer layers and the core.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description is set forth below with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. The systems depicted in the accompanying figures are not to scale and components within the figures may be depicted not to scale with each other.

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a front isometric view of a paddle, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a back isometric view of a paddle, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of a paddle, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of a paddle, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of a paddle, according to an example of the principles described herein.2 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom plan view of a paddle, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation view of a core assembly of a paddle, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a side elevation view of a core assembly of a paddle, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0017] FIG. 12 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0018] FIG. 13 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0019] FIG. 14 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0020] FIG. 15 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0021] FIG. 16 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0022] FIG. 17 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0023] FIG. 18 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0024] FIG. 19 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0025] FIG. 20 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.3 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0026] FIG. 21 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0027] FIG. 22 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0028] FIG. 23 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0029] FIG. 24 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0030] FIG. 25 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0031] FIG. 26 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0032] FIG. 27 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0033] FIG. 28 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the pnnciples described herein.

[0034] FIG. 29 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0035] FIG. 30 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0036] FIG. 31 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0037] FIG. 32 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0038] FIG. 33 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0039] FIG. 34 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0040] FIG. 35 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.4 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0041] FIG. 36 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0042] FIG. 37 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0043] FIG. 38 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0044] FIG. 39 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0045] FIG. 40 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0046] FIG. 41 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0047] FIG. 42 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0048] FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0049] FIG. 44 illustrates a perspective view of the core of FIG. 43, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0050] FIG. 45 illustrates a bottom view of the core of FIG. 43, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0051] FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective, cutaway view of the core of FIG. 43 along line B, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0052] FIG. 47 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of the core of FIG. 43 along line B, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0053] FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0054] FIG. 49 illustrates a perspective view of the core of FIG. 48, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0055] FIG. 50 illustrates a perspective view of the core of FIG. 48. according to an example of the principles described herein.5 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0056] FIG. 51 illustrates a perspective, cutaway view of the core of FIG. 48 along line C, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0057] FIG. 52 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of the core of FIG. 48 along line C, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0058] FIG. 53 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0059] FIG. 54 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0060] FIG. 55 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0061] FIG. 56 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0062] FIG. 57 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0063] FIG. 58 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the pnnciples described herein.

[0064] FIG. 59 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0065] FIG. 60 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0066] FIG. 61 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0067] FIG. 62 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0068] FIG. 63 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0069] FIG. 64 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0070] FIG. 65 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.6 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0071] FIG. 66 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0072] FIG. 67 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0073] FIG. 68 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0074] FIG. 69 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0075] FIG. 70 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0076] FIG. 71 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0077] FIG. 72 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0078] FIG. 73 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the pnnciples described herein.

[0079] FIG. 74 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0080] FIG. 75 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0081] FIG. 76 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0082] FIG. 77 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein.7 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTDESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTSOVERVIEW

[0083] Paddles including pickleball paddles in the market often use a single core material throughout, limiting the ability to fine-tune mechanical properties including, for example, flexibility7, rigidity7, vibration dampening, acoustic characteristics, density7, coefficient of restitution (CoR), moment of inertia (Mol), dwell, deflection, kinetic responses, other characteristics, or a combination thereof of the paddle and in specific regions of the paddle. As a result, players may experience reduced ball control, inconsistent power, and a narrower performance range. There is a need to integrate multiple core materials within a single paddle design to create zones that enhance playability, handling, and performance while also allowing for customizable perimeter weighting, improved ball feel, and better vibration control.

[0084] This disclosure describes paddles featuring hybrid core layouts that arrange two or more (e.g. , a plurality of) different core materials in distinct zones or regions within a paddle. For example, foams, various elastomeric foams such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVCs), polyurethane (PUs), thermoplastic elastomer (TPEs), expanded polypropylene (EPPs), expanded polyethylene (EPEs), and ethylene vinyl acetates (EV As); honeycomb cores such as. for example, polypropylene (PP); thermoplastic cores such as, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPUs); composite cores such as, for example, aramid fibers and carbon fiber; and metallic honeycombs such as, for example, metals, metal alloys, steels, aluminum, and titanium can be combined into strategic regions. These regions may be arranged in multiple geometries, including concentric rings, halves, thirds, quarters, perimeter rings, and segmented shapes such as a throat area, sweet spot area, and perimeter areas.

[0085] By selectively choosing and placing specific core ty pes (with distinct densities, stiffnesses, and damping properties), the paddle can optimize ball control, power generation, vibration dampening, weight distribution, and other properties and / or characteristics in various areas. These core layouts are advantageous over other paddles by enabling more precise customization of playing characteristics without sacrificing structural integrity7. Moreover, the capacity to mix and match both flexible and rigid cores, as well as high- and low-density foams, caters to a broader range of player preferences and performance objectives.

[0086] Further, this disclosure describes paddles including a number of vias or voids formed or created in the core of the paddles that provide superior control and power when a8 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTball (e.g., a pickleball) is struck. In most cases, when designing and constructing a paddle, actions taken to increase the control or power of a paddle may come at the expense of a decrease in the other. For example, if a manufacturer desires to increase control in a paddle, such efforts may result in a decrease in the power that can be imparted to the ball. Similarly, if a manufacturer desires to increase power in a paddle, such efforts may result in a decrease in control that can be imparted to the ball, including the ability to create spin on the ball. The paddles described herein, including the voids or vias, provide for a less stiff paddle, allowing the ball to dwell more, enhancing the control without sacrificing power. Tn fact, in an overwhelming majority' of examples, the paddle provides for an increase in power.

[0087] The paddles that utilize the voids or vias formed in the core, as described herein, exemplify an increase in dwell. As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term '‘dwell,” ‘'dwell time,” or similar language is meant to be understood broadly as a duration of time that the ball sits on or otherwise interfaces or touches the face of the paddle. An increased dwell due to the vias or voids created in the core of the paddles allows the user to direct and add spin to the ball with more ease. Further, the voids or vias create a kinetic return effect, a rebound effect, an elastic response, a spring effect, or other dynamic response that assists in increasing power and resulting exit velocity of the ball off the face of the paddle. It is noted here that a flexing of the face of the paddles does not necessarily equate to an increase in dwell. Paddles that do not utilize the voids or vias are stiffer and do not provide the dwell increase described herein.

[0088] Still further, examples described herein may include a combination of paddles that include hybrid core layouts that arrange two or more different core materials in distinct zones or regions within the paddles, with examples described herein that include voids or vias. The inclusion of voids or vias in the hybrid core layouts, including a plurality of different core materials in distinct zones or regions within the paddles, provides for the ability to manufacture an extremely bespoke paddle that is capable of superior play' qualities, and which may' be developed for a specific user’s (e.g., player’s) play characteristics.

[0089] Even still further, this disclosure describes paddles and methods of manufacturing paddles that include cores having a plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core. Stated another way, the core of a paddle may be divided into a plurality of regions in which different materials are included. The different materials may include any9 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTnumber of different types of materials. The core of the paddle may be formed in or include any interior portion of the paddle, including internal portions of the head, the throat, and the handle.

[0090] The plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may include any material or combination of materials such as, for example, foams, various elastomeric foams such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVCs), polyurethane (PUs), thermoplastic elastomer (TPEs), expanded polypropylene (EPPs), expanded polyethylene (EPEs), and ethylene vinyl acetates (EV As); honeycomb cores such as, for example, polypropylene (PP); thermoplastic cores such as, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPUs); composite cores such as, for example, aramid fibers and carbon fiber; and metallic honeycombs such as, for example, metals, metal alloys, steels, aluminum, and titanium can be combined into strategic regions. These regions may be arranged in multiple geometries, including concentric rings, halves, thirds, quarters, perimeter rings, and segmented shapes such as a throat area, sweet spot area, and perimeter areas.

[0091] Among the different types of materials may be included no material at all. Stated another way, one or more of the plurality’ of different materials and / or plurality of different regions may include at least one void or a lack of material. In one example, the void(s) may include any gas, such as, for example, atmospheric air, nitrogen, oxygen, a noble gas, any inert gas, other gases, or a combination thereof. In one example, the void(s) may include a vacuum in which no element (solid, liquid, or gas) exists or where an insignificant amount of an element (solid, liquid, or gas) exists.

[0092] The foam core may include an open-cell or closed-cell foam made of a rubber and a plastic. More specifically, the foam of the foam core may include an elastomeric foam including a synthetic rubber such as, for example, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), or chloroprene rubber (CR), and combination thereof, combined with a plastic such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Further, in one example, the foam core may include a chemical foaming agent such as, for example, azodicarbonamide (ADC) to generate gas bubbles during a manufacturing process to create the mechanical structure of the foam. This composition gives the foam core flexibility and resilient properties. Specific compositions may be varied depending on desired applications and performance characteristics. In one example, the foam core may include Bonbon foam (model10 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTnumber B13-B9111) developed and distributed by Tri-Great International, Ltd. The polymer chains in the foam (e.g., an elastomeric foam) of the foam core may form polymer chains that are cross-linked through a vulcanization process, imparting elastic properties of the elastomeric foam.

[0093] Examples described herein provide a paddle including a core. The core may include a plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core. The plurality of different materials may include elastomeric foams, honeycomb cores, thermoplastic cores, metallic honeycombs, composites, voids defined in the core, or a combination thereof.

[0094] The elastomeric foams may include polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs), polyurethanes (PUs), thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). expanded polypropylenes (EPPs), expanded polyethylene (EPEs), and ethylene vinyl acetates (EV As). The honeycomb cores may include polypropylenes (PPs). The thermoplastic cores may include thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). The metallic honeycombs may include metals, metal alloys, steels, aluminum, and titanium.

[0095] The plurality of different materials, including the elastomeric foams, may include elastomeric foams having different densities. The composites may include aramid fibers, carbon fiber, and a combination thereof.

[0096] The discrete regions may be arranged in a plurality of geometric layouts, including, for example, concentric rings, thirds, quarters, perimeter rings, segmented shapes, different geometric shapes, or a combination thereof.

[0097] The plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may be selected based on a bespoke customization from a user. The plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may be selected based on user preference. The plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may be selected based on user performance. The plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may be selected based on the weight distribution throughout the core. The plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may be selected based on acoustic dampening throughout the core. The plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may be selected based on rigidity. The plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may11 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTbe selected based on mass. The plurality' of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may be selected based on mass distribution. The plurality’ of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may be selected based on density. The plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may be selected based on stiffness. The plurality' of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may be selected based on strength. The plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may be selected based on mechanical properties.

[0098] The plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core may be coupled via an adhesive compatible with two neighboring different materials.

[0099] The paddle may further include at least one layer coupled to the core. The at least one layer coupled to the core may be coupled to the core via hot-pressing, ultrasonic welding, or a combination thereof. The at least one layer and the core may be shaped into a final shape after coupling of the at least one layer to the core. The paddle may further include an edge guard coupled to the at least one layer and the core. The paddle may further include creating an edge to the at least one layer and the core.

[0100] Examples described herein also provide a method of forming a paddle, including coupling a plurality of different materials located at discrete regions along an area of a core of the paddle and coupling at least one layer to the core. The method may further include coupling the plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core via an adhesive compatible with two neighboring different materials. The method may further include coupling the at least one layer to the core via hot-pressing, ultrasonic welding, or a combination thereof. The at least one layer and the core may be shaped into a final shape after coupling of the at least one layer to the core. The method may further include coupling an edge guard to the at least one layer and the core. The method may further include creating an edge to the at least one layer and the core.

[0101] Examples described herein also provide a paddle including a core, a layer coupled to the core, and a void defined from an edge of the core and parallel with the layer. The void may be open to an edge of the core. The void may be open to an edge of the paddle. The void may extend throughout the entirety of the core. The void may extend through a portion of the core.12 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0102] The void may have a cylindrical cross-section. The void may have a square crosssection. The void may have a cross-sectional dimension less than 20% of a width of the core. The void may have a cross-sectional dimension less than 30% of a width of the core. The void may have a cross-sectional dimension less than 40% of a width of the core. The void may have a cross-sectional dimension less than 50% of a width of the core. The void may have a cross-sectional dimension less than 60% of a width of the core. The void may have a cross-sectional dimension less than 70% of a width of the core. The void may have a cross-sectional dimension less than 80% of a width of the core. The void may have a cross-sectional dimension less than 90% of a width of the core. The void may have a cross-sectional dimension less than 100% of a width of the core.

[0103] The void may include a plurality of voids. The plurality of voids may be formed at regular or irregular spacing with respect to one another along the core. The plurality of voids may have identical or non-identical dimensions. The plurality' of voids may intersect with one another. The voids may be formed at an angle relative to the edge of the core. The void(s) may be non-linear. The terminus of the void may include a baffle or valve to restrict fluid flow into and out of the void.

[0104] The void(s) may be formed as the core is formed. The void(s) may' be formed after the core is formed.

[0105] The core may be a foam. The core may be a closed-cell foam. The core may be an open-cell foam. The core may be an ultra-low-density foam. The core may be a low-density foam. The core may be a high-density foam. The core may be model number B13-B9111 foam developed and distributed by Tri-Great International, Ltd. and commonly referred to as BONBON foam.

[0106] The core may include an elastomeric foam. The elastomeric foam may include a polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), a polyurethane (PU), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), an expanded polypropylene (EPP), an expanded polyethylene (EPE), an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or a combination thereof. The elastomeric foam may include a rubber and a plastic. The rubber may include a synthetic rubber blend. The rubber may include nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), chloroprene rubber (CR), or a combination thereof. The plastic may include polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The elastomeric foam may further include a foaming agent.13 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0107] Examples described herein also provide a method of forming a paddle. The method may include forming a foam core within a mold. The mold may include a core insert. The method may further include removing the core insert to form a void in the core. The void may be defined from an edge of the core. The method may further include coupling a layer to the core. The void may be formed parallel to the layer. In one example, the formation of the void parallel to the layer may include locating the voids along a midpoint of the thickness of the paddle to ensure that the voids are equidistant from a first layer included on a first side of the core of the paddle and a second layer included on a second side of the core of the paddle. The core insert may be placed within the mold at an angle to form the void at an angle relative to an edge of the core. The core insert may include a slide injection pin selectively moved into the mold and out of the mold.

[0108] The foam may include an elastomeric foam. The elastomeric foam may include a polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), a polyurethane (PU), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), an expanded polypropylene (EPP), an expanded polyethylene (EPE), an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or a combination thereof.

[0109] Examples described herein also provide a method of forming a paddle, including filling a mold with a foam to form a core and removing a portion of the core to form a void. The void may be defined from an edge of the core and parallel with the layer.

[0110] The method may further include coupling a first layer to the core on a first side of the core and coupling a second layer to the core on a second side of the core. The void is formed parallel to the first layer and the second layer. The voids are formed in the core equidistant from the first layer and the second layer.[OHl] The method may further include allowing the foam core to cure. Removing the portion of the core to form the void may include a subtractive manufacturing process. The subtractive manufacturing process includes drilling, broaching, boring, countersinking, counterboring, heated rod, melting, punching, piercing, blanking, reaming, flow drilling, trepanning, tapping, threading, hand drilling, laser ablation, laser cutting, electrical discharge machining (EDM), hole-drilling EDM, wire EDM, water-j et cutting, plasma cutting, chemical etching, electromechanical machining (ECM), or a combination thereof.

[0112] Examples described herein also provide a method of forming a paddle, including forming a core via an additive manufacturing process. The additive manufacturing processes14 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTmay include forming a void. The void may be defined from an edge of the core and parallel with the widest face of the core. The additive manufacturing process may include three-dimensional (3D) printing manufacturing processes, material extrusion, binder jetting, sheet lamination, powder bed fusion (PBF), VAT polymerization, directed energy7deposition (DED), material jetting, fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), or a combination thereof.

[0113] Examples described herein also provide a method paddle according to any of the descriptions provided herein or a combination thereof.

[0114] By integrating multiple core materials in strategic arrangements, the paddle designs described herein address player demands for highly customizable performance in terms of power, control, vibration dampening, and weight distribution. Both the hybrid choice of materials and their distinctive ornamental layout contribute to a superior paddle.

[0115] The core layouts described herein may7be utilized to affect a number of play characteristics in a paddle incorporating those core layouts. As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term “‘play characteristics" or similar language is meant to be understood broadly as any number of elements and / or factors in a constructed paddle that imparts mechanical and / or performance attributes such as flexibility7, rigidity7, vibration dampening, acoustic characteristics, density7, coefficient of restitution (CoR), moment of inertia (Mol), dwell, deflection, kinetic responses, other characteristics, or a combination thereof. Play characteristics may also include any number of elements and / or factors in a constructed paddle that affect ball interaction and / or control, such as the ability to fine-tune ball control, power generation, exit velocity, and the amount of spin that can be applied to the ball, among other attributes of a paddle / ball interaction. Play characteristics may also include any number of elements and / or factors in a constructed paddle that affect dwell dynamics, including the duration that the ball (e.g., a pickleball) interfaces with or touches the face of the paddle. Play characteristics may also include any number of elements and / or factors in a constructed paddle that affect dynamic responses, such as a kinetic return effect, rebound effect, elastic response, and / or spring effect, assisting in power delivery. Play characteristics may also include any number of elements and / or factors in a constructed paddle that affect handling and stability, such as weight distribution, mass, resistance to torsional twist on off-center hits, and overall strength-to-weight ratio. Play characteristics may also include any number of elements and / or15 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTfactors in a constructed paddle that affect user feedback, including tactile feedback and the attenuation of harsh shock to the hand of the player.EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0116] Certain implementations and embodiments of the disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, in which various aspects are shown. However, the various aspects may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein. The disclosure encompasses variations of the embodiments, as described herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0117] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a paddle 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a paddle 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 3 illustrates a plan, front view' of a paddle 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 4 illustrates a plan, side view of a paddle 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 5 illustrates a plan, top view of a paddle 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 6 illustrates a plan, bottom view of a paddle 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. The paddle 100 of FIGS. 1 through 6 described herein may take any shape and size and may include features not described herein and / or features that are described herein based on a desired form or function of the paddle 100.

[0118] Throughout the figures, a Cartesian coordinate system or axis triad indicating mutually orthogonal x-, y-, and z-axes is included for reference. The x-direction may be referred to as a width direction of the example elements described herein. Further, the y-direction may be referred to as a height direction of the example elements described herein. Still further, the z-direction may be referred to as a depth or thickness direction of the example elements described herein. The use of the terms ‘'width,” “height,” “depth,” and “thickness,” as w ell as references to the x-, y-, and z-directions, is for convenience of description only and does not require any particular absolute orientation of the elements individually or collectively.

[0119] The paddle 100 may include a head portion 102 that a user (e.g., player) may use to effectively strike a ball (e g., a pickleball) during game play. The head portion 102 may include any construction that may be used to strike a ball. In one example, the head portion16 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT102 may have a deflection as defined by a governing body. For example, the head portion 102 may have a deflection of less than .0625 inches (in.) under a load of at least 42 pounds (lbs.). This and other types of requirements may result in the head portion 102 having a known or limited spring or “trampoline” effect when utilized during play that does not give an unfair advantage to the user.

[0120] The head portion 102 may include, for example, a number of layers of materials such as, for example, an exterior layer on each side of the paddle 100 that interacts directly with a ball (e.g., a pickleball) during play. Other layers of materials within the head portion 102 may include any number of intermediary layers between the exterior layer and the core of the paddle 100. Further, the core may be included at the center of the paddle 100. The number of layers of materials within the head portion 102 of the paddle 100 may extend into other portions of the paddle 100, including a throat portion 104 and a handle portion 106.

[0121] The paddle 100 may further include a handle portion 106 coupled to the head portion 102. In one example, the handle portion 106 may be monolithically formed with the head portion 102 or may be formed separately and coupled to the head portion 102 via any coupling device and / or means. The handle portion 106 may be used by an individual to handle and manipulate the paddle 100 during play. In one example, the handle portion 106 may include any cross-sectional profile, such as, for example, an octagonal cross-sectional profile, to assist the user in keeping the paddle 100 from twisting in their hand. Further, the octagonal cross-sectional profile may assist the user in knowing the orientation of the paddle 100 within their hand; whether that is, for example, an Eastern forehand grip, a semi-Westem grip, or a full-Westem grip, among other types of grips. Knowing the orientation of the paddle 100 with their hand via the octagonal cross-sectional profile allows the user to, on the fly, adjust the position of the paddle 100 within the hand and cause a pickleball to deflect from the surface of the paddle 100 at different angles, at a desired speed, and / or with a desired spin. In one example, the octagonal cross-sectional profile of the handle portion 106 may be achieved through the formation of the handle portion 106 in such a shape. In one example, the octagonal cross-sectional profile of the handle portion 106 may be achieved by application of a number of build-up elements that may be coupled to the handle portion 106 via, for example, an adhesive.17 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0122] The handle portion 106 may further include a but cap 116 coupled to an end of the handle portion 106. The but cap 116 may have any shape. In one example, the but cap 116 may have a shape to couple to the end of the octagonal cross-sectional profile of the handle portion 106 through, for example, an engineering fit (e.g., a loose running fit, a free running fit, a close running fit, a sliding fit, or a location fit). Further, in one example, the but cap 116 may be coupled to the handle portion 106 via an adhesive or other coupling means. In one example, the but cap 116 may have a relatively wider circumference than the rest of the elements of the handle portion 106 in order to cause the handle portion 106 to feel comfortable within the hand of the user and to keep the paddle 100 from slipping out of the hand of the user when the user swings the paddle 100. The but cap 116 may include a plastic seal at the base of the but cap 116, which may include a manufacturer logo, indicia indicating a grip size of the handle portion 106, or other informative indicia.

[0123] The handle portion 106 of the paddle 100 may further include one or more layers of grip 118. The grip 118 may include any outer cover applied to the handle portion 106 to create a more padded and comfortable surface for the user to grip onto and to provide a relatively higher coefficient of friction (CoF) to keep the paddle 100 from slipping out of the hand of the user when the user swings the paddle 100. In the examples described herein, the CoF may be defined as any quantity that describes a ratio of a force of friction between two surfaces to a normal force pressing the two surfaces together. In one example, the paddle 100 may include an "original grip" that serves as the grip 118 and may include a synthetic grip or a genuine leather grip. Further, in one example, the handle portion 106 may further include an overgrip to cover and protect the original grip and create an even more cushioned feel and / or an even higher CoF relative to the original grip.

[0124] The grip 118 may be secured to the handle portion 106 via grip tape 120. The grip tape 120 may include any tape or other layer used to secure a grip or overgrip in place on the handle portion 106. In one example, a rubber band element referred to as a grip collar may be used in addition to or in place of the grip tape 120.

[0125] The paddle 100 may further include a throat portion 104 as described above. The throat portion 104 may include any portions of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106, with the understanding that the region which may be considered a "throat” may vary among different paddles. Thus, the throat portion 104 may include any portion of the paddle18 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT100 between and / or including the head portion 102 and the handle portion 106. In one example, the throat portion 104 of the paddle 100 may include an “open throat” 112. The open throat 112 may include any void through an entirety of the paddle 100 within the throat portion 104, which may provide for a lighter paddle 100 that is relatively more flexible and more powerful. Further, the open throat 112 allows for a decrease in w ind resistance as a user swings the paddle 100 since air may flow through the open throat 112 unimpeded, reducing drag that the paddle 100 may create if the open throat 112 were not defined in the paddle 100. In the examples described herein, the paddle 100 may or may not include the open throat 112 defined in the throat portion 104. Further, the open throat 112 may include any shape and dimensions. In examples where the paddle 100 includes an open throat 112, an interior edge guard 114 may be added to the inside portions of the paddle formed by the open throat 112 to enclose any interior layers of the paddle 100 and to create a finished edge to the open throat 112 of the paddle 100.

[0126] The paddle 100 may further include an edge guard 110. Even though the paddle 100 is depicted with the edge guard 110, the paddle 100 may or may not include the edge guard 11 . In examples where the paddle 100 includes the edge guard 110, the edge guard 11 may include any protective strip applied to the outer edge of the paddle 100. In one example, the edge guard 110 may be coupled to the outer edge of the paddle 100 using adhesives, an engineering fit, welding, other coupling devices or means, or a combination thereof. In one example, the edge guard 110 may include a plastic that shields the edges of the paddle 100 from damage if and when a user causes the paddle 100 to come into contact with the court or other surface. In one example, the edge guard 110 may be made of metals, metal alloys, plastics, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), natural fibers, natural materials, other materials, or a combination thereof.

[0127] The paddle 100 may further include a first face 108-1 and a second face 108-2 positioned at least at the head portion 102 and may extend into the throat portion 104, the handle portion 106, or a combination thereof. The first face 108-1 and the second face 108-2 may be the portion of the paddle 100 that the user may utilize to strike the ball (e.g., a pickleball). Further, the first face 108-1 and the second face 108-2 may include an outer-most layer of the paddle 100, and the internal elements of the paddle 100 may include additional19 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTlayers of material between the first face 108-1 and the second face 108-2 including a core and / or other layers between the first face 108-1 and the second face 108-2 and the core.

[0128] Having described the paddle 100, the interior portion of the paddle 100 will now be described in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 illustrates a plan, front view of a core assembly 700 of apaddle 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG.8 illustrates a plan, side view of a core assembly 700 of a paddle 100, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core assembly 700 may include the first face 108-1. the second face 108-2, the core, and any intermediary layers included between the first face 108-1 and the second face 108-2, and the core. Further, in one example, the core may include a plurality of cores with one or more layers of material located between the plurality of cores, as will be described in more detail below.

[0129] The core assembly 700 may include a first set of outer layers 802-1 and a second set of outer layers 802-2. The first set of outer layers 802-1 and the second set of outer layers 802-2 may include the first face 108-1, the second face 108-2, and any additional layers as described herein. The additional layers may include, for example, noise-dampening layers, vibration-dampening layers, fabric layers, woven fabric layers, non-woven fabric layers, fiberglass layers, carbon fiber layers, rheological layers, elastoviscous layers, other types of layers, or a combination thereof.

[0130] The core assembly 700 may further include a core 804. The core 804 may include any material that fills the space between the first set of outer layers 802-1 and the second set of outer layers 802-2 to support the first set of outer layers 802-1 and the second set of outer layers 802-2. Further, the core 804 may provide a means by which a coefficient of restitution (CoR) of the paddle 100 may be tuned in concert with the first set of outer layers 802-1 and second set of outer layers 802-2 to obtain an acceptable CoR that is within any guidelines defined by a governing body and / or does not give an unfair advantage to the user. As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the terms “coefficient of restitution,” “CoR,” or similar language is meant to be understood broadly as a measure of an elasticity of a collision between two bodies, and may be further defined as a ratio of the relative velocity of separation after a two-body collision to the relative velocity of approach before the collision.

[0131] The core 804 may include any number of materials and / or a combination of materials. In one example, the core 804 may include a honeycomb structure. In one example,20 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTthe honeycomb structure may be made of any material, such as, for example, a thermoplastic, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), aluminum, Nomex produced and distributed by DuPont de Nemours, Inc., or other materials. In one example, the honeycomb structure may be made by extrusion that is processed via a block of extruded profdes or extruded tubes having a variety7of cell diameters, thicknesses, and densities from which honeycomb sheets may be sliced.

[0132] In one example, the core 804 may include a foam or a combination of foams. In one example, the foam(s) may include an open-cell or closed-cell foam made of a rubber and / or a plastic. More specifically, the foam may include an elastomeric foam including a synthetic rubber such as, for example, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), or chloroprene rubber (CR), or a combination thereof, combined with a plastic such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The elastomeric foam may include a polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), a polyurethane (PU), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), an expanded polypropylene (EPP), an expanded polyethylene (EPE), an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or a combination thereof. Further, in one example, the foam may include a chemical foaming agent such as, for example, azodicarbonamide (ADC) to generate gas bubbles during a manufacturing process to create the mechanical structure of the foam. This composition gives the foam flexibility' and resilient properties. Specific compositions may be varied depending on desired applications and performance characteristics. In one example, the foam may be an ultra-low-density foam, a low-density foam, a high-density foam, or a combination thereof. In one example, the foam may include any foam with a density of 120 kilograms per cubic meter (kg / m3) or less. In one example, the foam may include any foam with a density7of between 50 kg / m3and 120 kg / m3. The polymer chains in the foam (e.g., an elastomeric foam) may form polymer chains that are cross-linked through a vulcanization process, imparting elastic properties of the elastomeric foam.

[0133] In the example of FIG. 8, the core 804 may' include a plurality of cores that are divided by one or more internal layers 806. Examples of the internal layers may include, for example, noise-dampening layers, vibration-dampening layers, fabric layers, woven fabric layers, non-woven fabric layers, fiberglass layers, carbon fiber layers, rheological layers, elasto viscous layers, other types of layers, or a combination thereof.21 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0134] The first set of outer layers 802-1, the second set of outer layers 802-2, and the internal layers 806 may include, for example, noise-dampening layers, vibration-dampening layers, fabric layers, woven fabric layers, non-woven fabric layers, fiberglass layers, carbon fiber layers, rheological layers, elastoviscous layers, other types of layers, or a combination thereof. FIGS. 1 through 8 describe some elements included in a paddle 100 and may be used to describe one or more elements, characteristics, and properties of the weights described herein.

[0135] With the above understanding of the general construction of a pickleball paddle, systems and methods for efficient paddle core construction wi 11 now be described in connection with FIGS. 9 through 77. The elements and / or designs of the various examples described herein may be incorporated into any number of other examples described herein, including the variation of materials throughout the paddles and the inclusion of the voids as described in more detail below. Further, any iteration and / or combination of elements and / or designs is contemplated by the examples described herein.

[0136] With the above background, FIGS. 9 through 77 illustrate plan, cutaway views of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A. according to an example of the principles described herein. Thus, the cores 900 through 7700 include core layouts as viewed in a cutaway of, for example, the paddle 100 of FIG. 1. Each of the example cores 900 through 7700 includes a plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core 900 through 7700. The regions are designated by lines dividing portions of the cores 900 through 7700. Each of these discrete regions may include a plurality of different materials in any portion of the cores 900 through 7700, including the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106. The plurality of different materials may include elastomeric foams, honeycomb cores, thermoplastic cores, metallic honeycombs, composites, aerogels, voids defined in at least a portion of the core 900 through 7700, fluids, gases, or a combination thereof.

[0137] The elastomeric foams may include polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs), polyurethanes (PUs), thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), expanded polypropylenes (EPPs), expanded polyethylene (EPEs), ethylene vinyl acetates (EV As), or a combination thereof. The honeycomb cores may include polypropylenes (PPs). The thermoplastic cores may include thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). The metallic honeycombs may include metals, metal22 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTalloys, steels, aluminum, and titanium. The plurality of different materials, including the elastomeric foams, may include elastomeric foams having different densities. The composites may include aramid fibers, carbon fibers, or a combination thereof.

[0138] Specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 900 of the paddle 100 of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG. 9, the core 900 may include a plurality of regions 902, 904. 906, 908. As described herein, the regions 902. 904, 906, 908 may each be made of the same or different materials having the same or different material properties. For example, region 904 may include a relatively higher-density7foam compared to the densities of regions 902, 906, and / or 908. Further, region 904 may be made of a high-density foam, whereas regions 902, 906, and / or 908 may include a honeycomb structure, such as, for example, a honeycomb polypropylene (PP) structure. Any iteration or combination of materials and material properties described herein may be applied to the regions 902, 904, 906, 908, and any regions described herein in connection with the other examples described herein. Further, the regions described in the various examples herein may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the moment of inertia (Mol) of the paddle 100 as described herein. As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term “moment of inertia (Mol)” is meant to be understood broadly as a quantity7of the tendency of a body (e.g., the paddles described herein) to resist angular acceleration and includes the sum of the products of the mass of each particle in the body with the square of its distance from the axis of rotation of the body. The Mol may be defined as a quantity of the tendency of a body (e.g., a paddle) to resist angular acceleration and includes the sum of the products of the mass of each particle in the body with the square of its distance from the axis of rotation of the body. It is noted that the regions dispersed along the example paddles described herein may be of any size or position to adjust the Mol to a desired value for a user. Further, the handle portion 106 of the core 900 (along with other example paddles described herein) may include a handle region 908 to allow7for the w eight of the core 900 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein.

[0139] FIG. 10 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 1000 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.10, the core 1000 may include a plurality7of regions 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008. The regions 1002,23 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT1004, 1006, 1008 may be nested within one another to create a gradient of properties between the regions 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008.

[0140] The core 1000 may include a number of nesting regions where, for example, a first ring 1002 surrounds other regions, including a second ring 1004 and an interior region 1006 and sen es as an outer ring in the core 1000. A second ring 1004 may nest within the first ring 1002 and surround the interior region 1006. Further, the interior region 1006 may nest within the second ring 1004. The widths, sizes, shapes, arrangements, and other characteristics of the first ring 1002, the second ring 1004, and / or the interior region 1006 may be adjusted to achieve a desired play characteristic.

[0141] FIG. 11 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 1100 of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A. according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.11, the core 1100 may include a plurality of regions 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112, 1114, 1116. Regions 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112, 1114 may be surrounded by the outer region 1102, with regions 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112, 1114 being distributed and / or embedded throughout region 1102. Further, regions 1104, 1106. 1108, 1110, 1112, 1114 may have a rounded square as depicted in FIG. 11. However, regions 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112, 1114 may have any shape. Further, the regions 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112, 1114, 1116 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1100 as described herein.

[0142] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 1100 may include ahandle region 1116 to allow for the weight of the core 1100 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 1116 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 1116. Reducing the mass of the handle region 1116, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 1100 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 1100 overall and / or the Mol of the core 1100.

[0143] FIG. 12 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 1200 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.12, the core 1200 may include a plurality of regions 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210. The regions 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208 may be nested within one another to create a gradient of properties between the regions 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208 in a generally circular manner.24 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0144] For example, the regions may include region 1206. Region 1206 may include a circular internal shape. The core 1200 may further include region 1204 that surrounds the circular internal shape of region 1206 and may include a ring shape. The ring shape of region 1204 may be surrounded by region 1202 and region 1208, which serve as first and second outer portions and extend to the edge of the core 1200. In one example, the ring shape of region 1204 may extend to the sides of the core 1200. In one example, the ring shape of region 1204 may be surrounded by region 1202 and region 1208 such that region 1202 and region 1208 extend to the entirety of the edges of the core 1200 and fully surround region 1204. However, regions 1202, 1204, 1206 may have any arrangement. Further, regions 1202, 1204, 1206 may have any size or shape relative to one another in addition to the sizes and shapes depicted in FIG. 12.

[0145] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 1200 may include ahandle region 1210 to allow for the weight of the core 1200 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 1210 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 1210. Reducing the mass of the handle region 1210, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 1200 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 1200 overall and / or the Mol of the core 1200.

[0146] FIG. 13 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 1300 of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.13, the core 1300 may include a plurality of regions 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308. The regions 1302, 1304 may include a number of concentric layers, with region 1302 being included along an edge of the core 1300 and region 1304 being nested in region 1302. In this manner, the region 1302 may act as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending, and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102. The regions 1302, 1304 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1300 as described herein. For example, the region 1302 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 1300 and the paddle 100 in which the core 1300 is included. Further, the regions 1302, 1304 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1300 as described herein.25 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0147] Further, region 1306 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 1300 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. The region 1306 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 1300 and / or strikes a pickleball.

[0148] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 1300 may include a handle region 1308 to allow for the weight of the core 1300 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 1308 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 1308. Reducing the mass of the handle region 1308, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 1300 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 1300 overall and / or the Mol of the core 1300.

[0149] FIG. 14 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 1400 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.14, the core 1400 may include a plurality of regions 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408, 1410. The regions 1402, 1404, 1406 may include a number of concentric layers, with region 1402 being included along an edge of the core 1400, and region 1404 being an intermediary between region 1402 and 1406 and nesting within region 1402. Region 1406 may be nested in region 1404 and indirectly within region 1402. In this manner, the region 1402 may act as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending. Further, region 1402 may increase the overall strength of the head portion 102. Further, region 1404 may similarly serve to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending. Still further, region 1404 may increase the overall strength of the head portion 102 and may be provided as a transition region where the density and / or mass of region 1404 may be different from region 1402 and / or 1406. The regions 1402, 1404, 1406 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1400 as described herein. For example, the region 1402 and / or region 1404 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 1400 and the paddle 100 in which the core 1400 is included. Further, the regions 1402, 1404, 1406 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1400 as described herein.

[0150] Further, region 1408 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 1400 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion26 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT106. The region 1408 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 1400 and / or strikes a pickleball.

[0151] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 1400 may include a handle region 1410 to allow for the weight of the core 1400 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 1410 may be changed through the adj ustment of the density of the material of the handle region 1410. Reducing the mass of the handle region 1410, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 1400 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 1400 overall and / or the Mol of the core 1400.

[0152] FIG. 15 illustrates apian, cutaway view of acore 1500 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.15, the core 1500 may include a plurality of regions 1502, 1504, 1506, 1508. The regions 1502, 1504, 1506 may include a top portion in region 1502, a middle and central portion in region 1504, and a bottom portion in region 1506. Region 1502 and region 1506 may sen e to provide mass around the central portion of the core 1500 within region 1504. This may allow for the core 1500 to be balanced around region 1504 by adjusting the mass and / or density of region 1502 and region 1506. The regions 1502, 1504, 1506 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1500 as described herein. For example, the region 1502 and / or region 1506 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the top and / or bottom of the head portion 102 and affect the Mol of the core 1500 and the paddle 100 in which the core 1500 is included. Further, the regions 1502, 1504, 1506 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1500 as described herein.

[0153] Further, region 1506 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 1500 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. The region 1506 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 1500 and / or strikes a pickleball.

[0154] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 1500 may include ahandle region 1508 to allow for the weight of the core 1500 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 1508 may be changed through the adjustment of27 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTthe density of the material of the handle region 1508. Reducing the mass of the handle region 1508. for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 1500 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 1500 overall and / or the Mol of the core 1500.

[0155] FIG. 16 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core of the paddle of FIG. 1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG. 1 , the core 1600 may include a plurality of regions 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608, 1610. Further, a void 1612 may be defined in region 1608 to create an open throat in the core 1600 and in a paddle 100 incorporating the core 1600 as a result. This void 1612 may allow for air to move through the core 1600 and paddle 100, creating less drag as the user moves the paddle 100 through the air during play.

[0156] The regions 1602, 1604. 1606 may include a number of concentric layers, with the region 1602 being included along an edge of the core 1600, and region 1604 being an intermediary between region 1602 and 1606 and nesting within region 1602. Region 1606 may be nested in region 1604 and indirectly within region 1602. In this manner, the region 1602 may act as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending, and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102. Further, region 1604 may similarly serve to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending. Further, region 1604 may increase the overall strength of the head portion 102 and may be provided as a transition region where the density and / or mass of region 1604 may be different from region 1602 and / or 1606. The regions 1602, 1604, 1606 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1600 as described herein. For example, the region 1602 and / or region 1604 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 1600 and the paddle 100 in which the core 1600 is included. Further, the regions 1602, 1604, 1606 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1600 as described herein.

[0157] Further, region 1608 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 1600 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. Further, the core 1600 of FIG. 16 may include the open throat formed by defining the void 1612 in the region 1608. The region 1608 may be included in the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / orthe handle portion 106, and the void 1612 may also be defined in the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / orthe handle portion 106. The region 1608 may28 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTserve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 1600 and / or strikes a pickleball.

[0158] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 1600 may include ahandle region 1610 to allow for the weight of the core 1600 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 1610 may be changed through the adj ustment of the density of the material of the handle region 1610. Reducing the mass of the handle region 1610, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 1600 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 1600 overall and / or the Mol of the core 1600.

[0159] FIG. 17 illustrates apian, cutaway view of acore 1700 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.17, the core 1700 may include a plurality of regions 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710, 1712. Further, a void 1714 may be defined in region 1710 to create an open throat in the core 1700 and the resulting paddle 100. This void 1714 may allow for air to move through the core 1700 and paddle 100, creating less drag as the user moves the paddle 100 through the air during play.

[0160] The regions 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708 may include a number of concentric layers, with the region 1702 being included along an edge of the core 1700, and region 1704 being an intermediary between region 1702 and 1706 and nesting within region 1702. Further, region 1706 may be an intermediary between region 1704 and 1708 and nest within region 1704. Region 1708 may be nested in region 1706 and indirectly within region 1702 and region 1704. In this manner, the region 1702 may act as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending, and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102. In one example, region 1702 may extend around the entirety of the head portion 102 and / or the throat portion 104 and may serve to strengthen the transition between the head portion 102 and the throat portion 104. In one example, the region 1702 may extend into at least a portion of the handle portion 102 to similarly strengthen the transition between the throat portion 104 and the handle portion 106.

[0161] Further, region 1704 and region 1706 may similarly serve to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending. Further, region 1704 and region 1706 may increase the overall strength of the head portion 102 and may be provided as a transition region where the density and / or mass of region 1704 and / or region 1706 may be different from region 170229 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTand / or 1706. The regions 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1700 as described herein. For example, region 1702. region 1704, and / or region 1706 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 1700 and the paddle 100 in which the core 1700 is included. Further, the regions 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1700 as described herein.

[0162] Further, region 1710 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 1700 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. Further, the core 1700 of FIG. 17 may include the open throat formed by defining the void 1714 in the region 1710. The region 1710 may be included in the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106, and the void 1714 may also be defined in the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106. The region 1710 may sen e to provide rigidity7and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 1700 and / or stakes a pickleball.

[0163] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 1700 may include ahandle region 1712 to allow for the weight of the core 1700 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 1712 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 1712. Reducing the mass of the handle region 1712, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 1700 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 1700 overall and / or the Mol of the core 1700.

[0164] FIG. 18 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 1800 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.18, the core 1800 may include a plurality of regions 1802, 1804, 1806, 1808. Further, a void 1810 may be defined in region 1808 to create an open throat in the core 1800 and in a paddle 100 incorporating the core 1800 as a result. This void 1810 may allow for air to move through the core 1800 and paddle 100, creating less drag as the user moves the paddle 100 through the air during play.

[0165] The regions 1802, 1804, 1806 may include a number of concentric layers, with region 1802 being included along an edge of the core 1800, and region 1804 being an30 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTintermediary between region 1802 and 1806 and nesting within region 1802. Region 1806 may be nested in region 1804 and indirectly within region 1802. In this manner, the region 1802 may act as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102. Further, region 1804 may similarly serve to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending. Further, region 1804 may increase the overall strength of the head portion 102 and may be provided as a transition region where the density and / or mass of region 1804 may be different from region 1802 and / or 1806. The regions 1802, 1804, 1806 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1800 as described herein. For example, the region 1802 and / or region 1804 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 1800 and the paddle 100 in which the core 1800 is included. Further, the regions 1802, 1804, 1806 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1800 as described herein.

[0166] Further, region 1808 may be included in the throat portion 104 and / or the handle portion 106 of the core 1800 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102. Further, the core 1800 of FIG. 18 may include the open throat formed by defining the void 1810 in the region 1808. The region 1808 may be included in the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / orthe handle portion 106, and the void 1810 may also be defined in the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106. The region 1808 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 1800 and / or strikes a pickleball.

[0167] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 1800 may include region 1808 in contrast to the example of FIG. 16. This may allow for the weight of the core 1800 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein by changing the mass and / or density of the region 1808. In this example, the mass of region 1808 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the region 1808. Reducing the mass of the region 1808 may, for example, allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 1800 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 1800 overall and / or the Mol of the core 1800.

[0168] FIG. 19 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 1900 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.31 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT19, the core 1900 may include a plurality of regions 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910, 1912. The regions 1902, 1908, 1910 may include atop portion in region 1902, amiddle and central portion in region 1908, and a bottom portion in region 1910. Region 1902 and region 1910 may sen e to provide mass around the central portion of the core 1900 within region 1908. This may allow for the core 1900 to be balanced around region 1908 by adjusting the mass and / or density of region 1902 and region 1910.

[0169] Further, region 1904 and region 1906 may flank the sides of region 1908. In this manner, region 1908 may be at least partially nested within region 1904 and region 1906. Region 1904 and region 1906 may act as a partial frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending. Further, region 1904 and region 1906 may increase the overall strength of the head portion 102. Region 1904 and region 1906. like region 1902 and region 1910, may serve to provide mass around the central portion of the core 1900 within region 1908. This may allow for the core 1900 to be balanced around region 1908 by adjusting the mass and / or density of region 1904 and region 1906.

[0170] The regions 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908. 1910 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1900 and the paddle 100, in which the core 1900 is included as described herein. For example, region 1902, region 1904, region 1906, and / or region 1910 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 1900 and the paddle 100 in which the core 1900 is included. Further, region 1902, region 1904, region 1906, and / or region 1910 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 1900 of the paddle as described herein.

[0171] Further, region 1910 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 1900 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. The region 1910 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 1900 and / or strikes a pickleball.

[0172] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 1900 may include a handle region 1912 to allow for the weight of the core 1900 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 1912 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 1912. Reducing the mass of the handle region32 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT1912, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 1900 to adj ust the weight distribution of the core 1900 overall and / or the Mol of the core 1900.

[0173] FIG. 20 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 2000 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.20, the core 2000 may include a plurality7of regions 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016. The regions 2002, 2004, 2010, 2012, 2014 may include a first top portion in region 2002, a second top portion 2004. a middle and central portion in region 2010, a first bottom portion in region 2012, and a second bottom portion in 2014. Region 2002, region 2004, region 2012, and region 2014 may serve to provide mass around the central portion of the core 2000 within region 2010. This may allow for the core 2000 to be balanced around region 2010 by adjusting the mass and / or density of region 2002, region 2004, region 2012, and region 2014. Further, in one example, a gradient in mass, density, or other physical characteristics may be included between region 2002, region 2004, region 2010, region 2012, and / or region 2014 so that different play characteristics may be achieved in the core 2000. For example, region 2010 may have a first mass and / or density7, with region 2004 and 2012 having a second mass and / or density that is relatively higher than the first mass and / or density. Further, in this example, region 2002 and region 2014 may have a third mass and / or density that is higher than the first mass and / or density7and / or the second mass and / or density7. This creates a gradient of increasing mass and / or density of the materials from the center of the core 2000 to the outward edges of the core 2000, including the top and bottom.

[0174] Further, region 2006 and region 2008 may flank the sides of region 2010. In this manner, region 2010 may be at least partially nested within region 2006 and region 2008. Region 2006 and region 2008 may act as a partial frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending. Further, region 2006 and region 2008 may increase the overall strength of the head portion 102. Region 2006 and region 2008, like region 2002, region 2004, region 2012, and region 2014, may serve to provide mass around the central portion of the core 2000 within region 2010. This may allow for the core 2000 to be balanced around region 2010 by adjusting the mass and / or density of region 2004 and region 2006.

[0175] The regions 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008. 2010, 2012, 2014 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 2000 and the paddle 100, in which the core 2000 is included as described herein. For example, region 2002, region 2004, region 2006, region33 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT2008, region 2010, region 2012, and / or region 2014 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 2000 and the paddle 100 in which the core 2000 is included. Further, region 2002, region 2004, region 2006, region 2008, region 2010, region 2012, and / or region 2014 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 2000 of the paddle as described herein.

[0176] Further, region 2012 and region 2014 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 2000 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. Region 2012 and region 2014 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 2000 and / or strikes a pickleball.

[0177] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 2000 may include a handle region 2016 to allow for the weight of the core 2000 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 2016 may be changed through the adj ustment of the density of the matenal of the handle region 2016. Reducing the mass of the handle region 2016, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 2000 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 2000 overall and / or the Mol of the core 2000.

[0178] FIG. 21 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 2100 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.21, the core 2100 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include a head region 2102 that may serve as a main mass within the head portion 102 of the core 2100. Further, the regions may include a first shaped region 2104-1, a second shaped region 2104-2, a third shaped region 2104-3, a fourth shaped region 2104-4, a fifth shaped region 2104-5, a sixth shaped region 2104-6, a seventh shaped region 2104-7, an eight shaped region 2104-8, aninth shaped region 2104-9, a tenth shaped region 2104-10, an eleventh shaped region 2104-11, a twelfth shaped region 2104-12, athirteenth shaped region 2104-13, a fourteenth shaped region 2104-14, and a fifteenth shaped region 2104-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as shaped region(s) 2104 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The shaped regions 2104 may include hexagonal shapes dispersed throughout the head region 2102 of the core 2100. However, the shape of the shaped regions 2104 may have34 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTany shape, including, for example, circles, polygons, abstract shapes, any closed curve shape, other shapes, or a combination thereof, where the shaped regions 2104 do not share the same shape. Further, in one example, the shaped regions 2104 may have any size, layout, density, other arrangement, or combinations thereof.

[0179] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 2100 may include ahandle region 2106 to allow for the weight of the core 2100 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 2106 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 2106. Reducing the mass of the handle region 2106, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 2100 to adj ust the weight distribution of the core 2100 overall and / or the Mol of the core 2100.

[0180] FIG. 22 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 2200 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.22, the core 2200 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include a head region 2202 that may serve as a main mass within the head portion 102 of the core 2200. Further, the regions may include a first shaped region 2204-1, a second shaped region 2204-2, a third shaped region 2204-3, and a fourth shaped region 2204-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as shaped region(s) 2204 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). Although four-shaped regions are depicted in FIG. 22, any number of shaped regions 2204 may be included. The shaped regions 2204 may include elongated, rounded shapes dispersed at the sides of the core 2200, but may include any shape and any layout or arrangement of shapes. Further, in one example, the shaped regions 2204 may have any size, layout, density, other arrangement, or combinations thereof.

[0181] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 2200 may include a handle region 2206 to allow for the weight of the core 2200 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 2206 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 2206. Reducing the mass of the handle region 2206, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 2200 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 2200 overall and / or the Mol of the core 2200.

[0182] FIG. 23 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 2300 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.23, the core 2300 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include a head region35 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT2302 that may serve as a main mass within the head portion 102 of the core 2300. Further, the regions may include a first shaped region 2304-1, a second shaped region 2304-2, a third shaped region 2304-3, and a fourth shaped region 2304-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as shaped region(s) 2304 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). Although four-shaped regions are depicted in FIG. 23, any number of shaped regions 2304 may be included. The shaped regions 2304 may include portions at the comers or edges of the core 2300 to allow for different weights to be included at desired positions along the edges. This may allow for the Mol along the core 2300 to be adjusted. It is noted that the shaped regions 2304 dispersed along the comers or edges of the core 2300 may be of any size or position to adjust the Mol to a desired value for a user. Further, in one example, the shaped regions 2304 may have any size, layout, density, other arrangement, or combinations thereof.

[0183] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 2300 may include a handle region 2306 to allow for the weight of the core 2300 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 2306 may be changed through the adj ustment of the density of the matenal of the handle region 2306. Reducing the mass of the handle region 2306, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 2300 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 2300 overall and / or the Mol of the core 2300.

[0184] FIG. 24 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 2400 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.24, the core 2400 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include, for example, a ring region 2402 included along an edge of the core 2400. The ring region 2402 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the paddle 2400 as described herein. The core 2400 may further include an interior region 2404 where the ring region 2402 surrounds the interior region 2404 and is nested within the ring region 2402. The widths, sizes, shapes, arrangements, and other characteristics of the ring region 2402 and / or the interior region 2404 may be adjusted to achieve a desired play characteristic. Further, in the example of FIG. 24, the ring region 2402 may surround an entirety of the interior region 2404 and may abut the handle portion 106.

[0185] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 2400 may include a handle region 2406 to allow for the weight of the core 2400 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein.36 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTIn this example, the mass of the handle region 2406 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 2406. Reducing the mass of the handle region 2406, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 2400 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 2400 overall and / or the Mol of the core 2400.

[0186] FIG. 25 illustrates a plan, cutaway view7of a core 2500 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.25. the core 2500 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include, for example, a ring region 2502 included along an edge of the core 2500. The ring region 2502 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 2500 as described herein. The core 2500 may further include an interior region 2504 where the ring region 2502 surrounds the interior region 2504 and is nested within the ring region 2502. The widths, sizes, shapes, arrangements, and other characteristics of the ring region 2502 and / or the interior region 2504 may be adjusted to achieve a desired play characteristic. In this manner, the ring region 2502 may act as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending, and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102. The ring region 2502 and the interior region 2504 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 2500 as described herein. For example, the ring region 2502 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrow er in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 2500 and the paddle 100 in which the core 2500 is included. Further, the ring region 2502 and the interior region 2504 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 2500 as described herein.

[0187] Further, a throat region 2506 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 2500 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. The throat region 2506 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 2500 and / or strikes a pickleball. Further, a void 2510 may be defined in throat region 2506 to create an open throat in the core 2500 and in a paddle 100 incorporating the core 2500 as a result. This void 2510 may allow for air to move through the core 2500 and paddle 100, creating less drag as the user moves the paddle 100 through the air during play.37 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0188] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 2500 may include a handle region 2508 to allow for the weight of the core 2500 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 2508 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 2508. Reducing the mass of the handle region 2508, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 2500 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 2500 overall and / or the Mol of the core 2500.

[0189] FIG. 26 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 2600 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.26, the core 2600 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include a number of concentric rings, with a first ring region 2602 being included along an edge of the core 2600. A second ring region 2604 may be nested within the first ring region 2602 and may surround a third ring region 2606. Nested within the third ring region 2606 may be an internal region 2608. In one example, the first ring region 2602 may not completely surround an entirety of the second ring region 2604 and may, instead, extend into the handle portion 106. The first ring region 2602 may function as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending, and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102. Similarly, the second ring region 2604 and / or the third ring region 2606 may function as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending, and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102 in addition to the first ring region 2602.

[0190] The first ring region 2602, the second ring region 2604, the third ring region 2606, and the interior region 2604 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 2600 as described herein. For example, the first ring region 2602, the second ring region 2604, and the third ring region 2606 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 2600 and the paddle 100 in which the core 2600 is included. Further, the first ring region 2602, the second ring region 2604, the third ring region 2606, and the interior region 2608 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 2600 as described herein.

[0191] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 2600 may include a handle region 2610 to allow for the weight of the core 2600 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 2610 may be changed through the adjustment of38 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTthe density of the material of the handle region 2610. Reducing the mass of the handle region 2610. for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 2600 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 2600 overall and / or the Mol of the core 2600.

[0192] FIG. 27 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 2700 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.27, the core 2700 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include a first shaped region 2706-1. a second shaped region 2706-2, a third shaped region 2706-3, and a fourth shaped region 2706-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as shaped region(s) 2706 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). Although four shaped regions are depicted in FIG. 27, any number of shaped regions 2706 may be included. The shaped regions 2706 may include portions at the comers or edges of the core 2700 to allow for different weights to be included at desired positions along the edges. This may allow for the Mol along the core 2700 to be adjusted. It is noted that the shaped regions 2706 dispersed along the comers or edges of the core 2700 may be of any size or position to adjust the Mol to a desired value for a user. Further, in one example, the shaped regions 2706 may have any size, layout, density, other arrangement, or combinations thereof.

[0193] Further, the core 2700 may include a ring region 2702, with the ring region 2702 being included along an edge of the core 2700 (with the exception of the placement of the shaped regions 2706). The ring region 2702 and the shaped regions 2706 may have any width that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 2700 as described herein. Further, the ring region 2702, the shaped regions 2706, and an interior region 2704 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 2700 as described herein.

[0194] FIG. 28 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 2800 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.28, the core 2800 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include, for example, a top region 2802, a middle region 2804, and a bottom region 2806. The top region 2802 and the bottom region 2806 may serve to provide mass around the middle region 2804. This may allow for the core 2800 to be balanced around the middle region 2804 by adjusting the mass and / or density of the top region 2802 and the bottom region 2806. The top region 2802, the middle region 2804, and the bottom region 2806 may have any dimensions that may be used39 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTto adjust the Mol of the core 2800 as described herein. For example, the top region 2802 and / or the middle region 2804 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 2800 and the paddle 100 in which the core 2800 is included. Further, the top region 2802, the middle region 2804, and / or the bottom region 2806 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 2800 as described herein.

[0195] Further, the bottom region 2806 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 1 2 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 2800 and / or strikes a pickleball. Further, a void 2808 may be defined in throat region 2806 to create an open throat in the core 2800 and in a paddle 100 incorporating the core 2800 as a result. This void 2808 may allow for air to move through the core 2800 and paddle 100, creating less drag as the user moves the paddle 100 through the air during play.

[0196] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 2800 may include an extension of the bottom portion 2806 to allow for the weight of the core 2800 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the extension of the bottom portion 2806 into the handle portion 106 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the bottom portion 2806. Reducing the mass of the extension of the bottom portion 2806 into the handle portion 106, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 2800 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 2800 overall and / or the Mol of the core 2800.

[0197] FIG. 29 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 2900 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.29, the core 2900 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include a head region 2902 that may serve as a main mass within the head portion 102 of the core 2900. Further, the regions may include a first shaped region 2904-1, a second shaped region 2904-2, a third shaped region 2904-3, a fourth shaped region 2904-4, a fifth shaped region 2904-5, a sixth shaped region 2904-6, a seventh shaped region 2904-7, an eight shaped region 2904-8, a ninth shaped region 2904-9. and tenth shaped region 2904-10, an eleventh shaped region 2904-11, and a twelfth shaped region 2904-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as shaped region(s) 2904 unless specifically addressed40 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTotherwise)). The shaped regions 2904 may include hexagonal shapes dispersed throughout the core 2900, but may include any shape, including, for example, circles, polygons, abstract shapes, any closed curve shape, other shapes, or a combination thereof, where the shaped regions 2904 do not share the same shape. Further, in one example, the shaped regions 2904 may have any size, layout, density, other arrangement, or combinations thereof. The shaped regions 2904 may be dispersed along the edges of the core 2900 to allow for the Mol of the core 2900 to be adjusted as described herein. Further, the densities of the shaped regions 2904 may be identical or different to further adjust the Mol as described herein.

[0198] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 2900 may include a handle region 2906 to allow for the weight of the core 2900 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 2906 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 2906. Reducing the mass of the handle region 2906, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 2900 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 2900 overall and / or the Mol of the core 2900.

[0199] FIG. 30 illustrates apian, cutaway view of acore 3000 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.30, the core 3000 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include a number of concentric rings, with a ring region 3002 being included along an edge of the core 3000. In one example, the ring region 3002 may not completely surround an entirety of the remainder of the head portion 102 of the core 3000 and may, instead, extend into the throat portion 104 and / or handle portion 106. The ring region 3002 may function as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending, and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102.

[0200] The regions may further include a top region 3004, a middle region 3010, and a bottom region 3012. The top region 3004 and the bottom region 3012 may serve to provide mass around the central portion of the core 3000 within the middle region 3010. This may allow for the core 3000 to be balanced around the middle region 3010 by adjusting the mass and / or density of the top region 3004 and the bottom region 3012.

[0201] Further, a first side region 3006 and a second side region 3008 may flank the sides of the middle region 3010. In this manner, the middle region 3010 may be at least partially nested within the first side region 3006 and the second side region 3008. The first side region41 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT3006 and the second side region 3008 may act as a partial frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending. Further, the first side region 3006 and the second side region 3008 may increase the overall strength of the head portion 102. The first side region 3006 and the second side region 3008, like the top region 3004 and the bottom region 3012, may serve to provide mass around the central portion of the core 3000 within the middle region 3010. This may allow for the core 3000 to be balanced around the middle region 3010 by adjusting the mass and / or density of the first side region 3006 and the second side region 3008.

[0202] The ring region 3002, the top region 3004, the bottom region 3012, the first side region 3006, the second side region 3008, and the middle region 3010 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3000 and the paddle 100 in which the core 3000 is included as described herein. For example, the ring region 3002, the top region 3004, the bottom region 3012, the first side region 3006, the second side region 3008, and / or the middle region 3010 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 3000 and the paddle 100 in which the core 3000 is included. Further, the ring region 3002, the top region 3004, the bottom region 3012, the first side region 3006, the second side region 3008, and / or the middle region 3010 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3000 of the paddle as described herein.

[0203] Further, bottom region 3012 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 3000 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. The bottom region 3012 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 3000 and / or strikes a pickleball.

[0204] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 3000 may include a handle region 3014 to allow for the weight of the core 3000 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 3014 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 3014. Reducing the mass of the handle region 3014, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 3000 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 3000 overall and / or the Mol of the core 3000.42 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0205] FIG. 31 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 3100 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.31, the core 3100 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include a number of concentric rings, with a ring region 3102 being included along an edge of the core 3100. In one example, the ring region 3102 may not completely surround an entirety7of the remainder of the head portion 102 of the core 3100 and may, instead, extend into the throat portion 104 and the handle portion 106. In the example of FIG. 31 , the ring region 3102 may extend to the end of the handle portion 106. The ring region 3102 may function as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106, and resist torsional bending and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102.

[0206] The regions may further include a top region 3104, a middle region 3106, and a bottom region 3108. The top region 3104 and the bottom region 3108 may serve to provide mass around the central portion of the core 3100 within the middle region 3106. This may allow for the core 3100 to be balanced around the middle region 3106 by adjusting the mass and / or density of the top region 3104 and the bottom region 3108.

[0207] The ring region 3102, the top region 3104, the middle region 3106, and the bottom region 3108 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3100 and the paddle 100 in which the core 3100 is included as described herein. For example, the ring region 3102, the top region 3104, the middle region 3106, and / or the bottom region 3108 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 3100 and the paddle 100 in which the core 3100 is included. Further, the ring region 3102, the top region 3104, the middle region 3106, and / or the bottom region 3108 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3100 of the paddle as described herein.

[0208] Further, bottom region 3108 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 3100 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. The bottom region 3108 may serve to provide rigidity7and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 3100 and / or strikes a pickleball. Further, the bottom region 3108 may extend into the handle portion to43 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTprovide additional rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the throat portion 104.

[0209] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 3100 may include the bottom region 3108 to allow for the weight of the core 3100 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the bottom region 3108 may be changed through the adj ustment of the density of the material of the bottom region 3108. Reducing the mass of the bottom region 3108, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 3100 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 3100 overall and / or the Mol of the core 3100.

[0210] Further, the core 3100 of FIG. 31 may include a void 3110 defined in the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106. where no portion of the core 3100 is formed. The void 3110 may be defined in bottom region 3108 to create an open throat in the core 3100 and in a paddle 100 incorporating the core 3100 as a result. The void 3110 may allow air to move through the core 3100 and paddle 100, creating less drag as the user moves the paddle 100 through the air during play.

[0211] FIG. 32 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 3200 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.32, the core 3200 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include a number of concentric rings surrounding an internal region 3206, with a first ring region 3202 being included along an edge of the core 3200. In one example, the first ring region 3202 may not completely surround an entirety of the remainder of the head portion 102 of the core 3200 and may, instead, extend into the throat portion 104 and / or handle portion 106. The first ring region 3202 may function as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending, and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102.

[0212] A second ring region 3204 may be nested within the first ring region 3202 and may surround the internal region 3206. The second ring region 3204 may function as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending, and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102 in addition to the first ring region 2602.

[0213] The first ring region 3202, the second ring region 3204, and the interior region 3206 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3200 as described herein. For example, the first ring region 3202, the second ring region 3204, and / or the interior44 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTregion 3206 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 3200 and the paddle 100 in which the core 3200 is included. Further, the first ring region 3202, the second ring region 3204, and the interior region 3206 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3200 as described herein.

[0214] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 3200 may include a handle region 3208 to allow for the weight of the core 3200 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 3208 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 3208. Reducing the mass of the handle region 3208, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 3200 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 3200 overall and / or the Mol of the core 3200.

[0215] FIG. 33 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 3300 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.33, the core 3300 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include an interior region 3304 that may serve as a main mass within the head portion 102 of the core 3300.

[0216] The regions may further include a first shaped region 3306-1, a second shaped region 3306-2, a third shaped region 3306-3, and a fourth shaped region 3306-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as shaped region(s) 3306 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). Although four-shaped regions are depicted in FIG.33, any number of shaped regions 3306 may be included. The shaped regions 3306 may include portions at the comers or edges of the core 3300 to allow for different weights to be included at desired positions along the edges. This may allow for the Mol along the core 3300 to be adjusted. It is noted that the shaped regions 3306 dispersed along the comers or edges of the core 3300 may be of any size or position to adjust the Mol to a desired value for a user. Further, in one example, the shaped regions 3306 may have any size, layout, density, other arrangement, or combinations thereof.

[0217] Further, the core 3300 may include a ring region 3302, with the ring region 3302 being included along an edge of the core 3300 (with the exception of the placement of the shaped regions 3306). The ring region 3302 and the shaped regions 3306 may have any width that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3300 as described herein. Further, the ring region 3302, the shaped regions 3306, and the interior region 3304 may have any densities,45 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTincluding identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3300 as described herein.

[0218] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 3300 may include a handle region 3308 to allow for the weight of the core 3300 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 3308 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 3308. Reducing the mass of the handle region 3308, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 3300 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 3300 overall and / or the Mol of the core 3300.

[0219] FIG. 34 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 3400 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.34, the core 3400 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include an interior region 3404 that may serve as a main mass within the head portion 102 of the core 3400.

[0220] The regions may further include a first shaped region 3406-1, a second shaped region 3406-2, a third shaped region 3406-3, and a fourth shaped region 3406-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as shaped region(s) 3406 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). Although four-shaped regions are depicted in FIG.34, any number of shaped regions 3406 may be included. The shaped regions 3406 may include portions at the comers or edges of the core 3400 to allow for different weights to be included at desired positions along the edges. This may allow for the Mol along the core 3400 to be adjusted. It is noted that the shaped regions 3406 dispersed along the comers or edges of the core 3400 may be of any size or position to adjust the Mol to a desired value for a user. Further, in one example, the shaped regions 3406 may have any size, layout, density, other arrangement, or combinations thereof. The shaped regions 3406 of FIG. 34 are similar to the shaped regions 3306 of FIG. 33. but the shaped regions 3406 of FIG. 34 differ in size relative to the shaped regions 3306 of FIG. 33.

[0221] Further, the core 3400 may include a ring region 3402 where the ring region 3402 is included along an edge of the core 3400 (with the exception of the placement of the shaped regions 3406). The ring region 3402 and the shaped regions 3406 may have any width that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3400 as described herein. Further, the ring region 3402, the shaped regions 3406, and the interior region 3404 may have any densities, including46 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTidentical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3400 as described herein.

[0222] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 3400 may include a handle region 3408 to allow for the weight of the core 3400 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 3408 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 3408. Reducing the mass of the handle region 3408, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 3400 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 3400 overall and / or the MoT of the core 3400.

[0223] FIG. 35 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 3500 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.35, the core 3500 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include an interior region 3506 that may serve as a main mass within the head portion 102 of the core 3500.

[0224] The regions may further include a first shaped region 3508-1, a second shaped region 3508-2, a third shaped region 3508-3, and a fourth shaped region 3508-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as shaped region(s) 3508 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). Although four-shaped regions are depicted in FIG.35, any number of shaped regions 3508 may be included. The shaped regions 3508 may include portions at the comers or edges of the core 3500 to allow for different weights to be included at desired positions along the edges. This may allow for the Mol along the core 3500 to be adjusted. It is noted that the shaped regions 3508 dispersed along the comers or edges of the core 3500 may be of any size or position to adjust the Mol to a desired value for a user. Further, in one example, the shaped regions 3508 may have any size, layout, density, other arrangement, or combinations thereof. The shaped regions 3508 of FIG. 35 are similar to the shaped regions 3306 of FIG. 33 and the shaped regions 3406 of FIG. 34, but the shaped regions 3508 of FIG.35 differ in size relative to the shaped regions 3306 of FIG. 33 and the shaped regions 3406 of FIG. 34.

[0225] Further, the interior region 3506 may be nested within a second ring region 3504 that surrounds the interior region 3506. Still further, the second ring region 3504 may be nested within a first ring region 3502. The first ring region 3502 may be included along an edge of the core 3500 (with the exception of the placement of the shaped regions 3406). In one example, the first ring region 3502 may be relatively thicker or larger than the second ring47 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTregion 3504. However, the relative dimensions of the first ring region 3502 and the second ring region 3504 may be different than what is depicted in FIG. 35.

[0226] The first ring region 3502, the second ring region 3504, and the shaped regions 3508 may have any width that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3500 as described herein. Further, the first ring region 3502, the second ring region 3504, and the shaped regions 3508, and the interior region 3504 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3500 as described herein.

[0227] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 3500 may include a handle region 3510 to allow for the weight of the core 3500 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 3510 may be changed through the adj ustment of the density of the material of the handle region 3510. Reducing the mass of the handle region 3510, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 3500 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 3500 overall and / or the Mol of the core 3500.

[0228] FIG. 36 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 3600 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.36, the core 3600 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include a number of concentric rings, with a ring region 3602 being included along an edge of the core 3600. In one example, the ring region 3602 may not completely surround an entirety of the remainder of the head portion 102 of the core 3600 and may, instead, extend into the throat portion 104 and / or handle portion 106. The ring region 3602 may function as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending, and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102.

[0229] The regions may further include a top region 3604, a middle region 3614, and a bottom region 3616. The top region 3604 and the bottom region 3616 may serve to provide mass around the central portion of the core 3600 within the middle region 3614. This may allow for the core 3600 to be balanced around the middle region 3614 by adjusting the mass and / or density of the top region 3604 and the bottom region 3616.

[0230] Further, a first side region 3606, a second side region 3608, a third side region 3610, and a fourth side region 3612 may flank the sides of the middle region 3614. In this manner, the middle region 3614 may be at least partially nested within the second side region 3608 and the fourth side region 3612. Further, the second side region 3608 and the fourth side48 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTregion 3612 may be at least partially nested within the first side region 3606 and the third side region 3610. The first side region 3606, the second side region 3608, the third side region 3610, and the fourth side region 3612 may act as a partial frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending. Further, the first side region 3606, the second side region 3608, the third side region 3610, and the fourth side region 3612 may increase the overall strength of the head portion 102. The first side region 3606, the second side region 3608, the third side region 3610, and the fourth side region 3612, like the top region 3604 and the bottom region 3616, may serve to provide mass around the central portion of the core 3600 within the middle region 3614. This may allow for the core 3600 to be balanced around the middle region 3616 by adjusting the mass and / or density of the first side region 3606, the second side region 3608, the third side region 3610. and / or the fourth side region 3612.

[0231] The ring region 3602, the top region 3604, the bottom region 3616, the first side region 3606, the second side region 3608, the third side region 3610, the fourth side region 3612, and the middle region 3614 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3600 and the paddle 100 in which the core 3600 is included as described herein. For example, the ring region 3602, the top region 3604. the bottom region 3616, the first side region 3606, the second side region 3608, the third side region 3610, the fourth side region 3612, and / or the middle region 3614 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 3600 and the paddle 100 in which the core 3600 is included. Further, the ring region 3602, the top region 3604, the bottom region 3616, the first side region 3606, the second side region 3608, the third side region 3610, the fourth side region 3612, and / or the middle region 3614 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3600 of the paddle as described herein.

[0232] Further, bottom region 3616 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 3600 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. The bottom region 3616 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 3600 and / or strikes a pickleball.49 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0233] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 3600 may include a handle region 3618 to allow for the weight of the core 3600 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 3618 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 3618. Reducing the mass of the handle region 3618, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 3600 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 3600 overall and / or the Mol of the core 3600.

[0234] FIG. 37 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 3700 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.37, the core 3700 may include a plurality7of regions. The regions may include, for example, a ring region 3702 included along an edge of the core 3700. The ring region 3702 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the paddle 3700 as described herein. The core 3700 may further include an interior region 3706 where the ring region 3702 surrounds the interior region 3706 and is nested within the ring region 3702. Further, the core 3700 may include a top region 3704 and a bottom region 3708 that are included in the interior of the ring region 3702 and located at the top and bottom of the interior region 3706. Thus, the three separate center portions, including the top region 3704, the interior region 3706, and the bottom region 3708 may be nested within the ring region 3702. The widths, sizes, shapes, arrangements and other characteristics of the ring region 3702, the top region 3704, the bottom region 3708 and / or the interior region 3706 may be adjusted to achieve a desired play characteristic. Further, in the example of FIG. 37, the ring region 3702 may surround an entirety of the top region 3704, the bottom region 3708 and / or the interior region 3706 and may abut the handle portion 106.

[0235] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 3700 may include a handle region 3710 to allow for the weight of the core 3700 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 3710may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 3710. Reducing the mass of the handle region 3710, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 3700 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 3700 overall and / or the Mol of the core 3700.

[0236] FIG. 38 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 3800 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.38, the core 3800 may include a plurality7of regions. The regions may include a number of50 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTconcentric rings, with a first ring region 3802 being included along an edge of the core 3800. A second ring region 3804 may be nested within the first ring region 3802 and may surround a third ring region 3806. Nested within the third ring region 3806 may be an internal region 3808. In one example, the first ring region 3802 may not completely surround an entirety of the second ring region 3804 and may, instead, extend into the handle portion 106. The first ring region 3802 may function as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102. Similarly, the second ring region 3804 and / or the third ring region 3806 may function as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102 in addition to the first ring region 3802.

[0237] The first ring region 3802, the second ring region 3804, the third ring region 3806, and the interior region 3804 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3800 as described herein. For example, the first ring region 3802, the second ring region 3804, and the third ring region 3806 may be thicker or thinner or wider or narrower in order to increase or decrease mass at the perimeter and affect the Mol of the core 3800 and the paddle 100 in which the core 3800 is included. Further, the first ring region 3802, the second ring region 3804, the third ring region 3806, and the interior region 3808 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3800 as described herein.

[0238] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 3800 may include a first handle region 3810 and a second handle region 3812 to allow for the weight of the core 3800 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. The first handle region 3810 may be included adjacent to the first ring region 3802 that is located in the throat portion 104 and / or the head portion 102. The second handle region 3812 may be located adjacent to the first handle region 3810 and further down the handle portion 106. In this example, the individual or collective mass of the first handle region 3810 and the second handle region 3812 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the first handle region 3810 and / or the second handle region 3812. Reducing the mass of the first handle region 3810 and / or the second handle region 3812, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 3800 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 3800 overall and / or the Mol of the core 3800. Further, the mass, density, or other characteristic of the first handle51 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTregion 3810 as compared to the second handle region 3812 may be the same or may be different. For example, the mass, density, or other characteristic of the second handle region 3812 as compared to the first handle region 3810 may be relatively larger so as to make the end of the handle portion 106 more massive, have a particular Mol characteristic, or have other physical characteristics that may affect the performance of a paddle 100 in which the core 3800 is included.

[0239] FIG. 39 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 3900 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.39, the core 3900 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include a head region 3902 that may serve as a main mass within the head portion 102 of the core 3900. Further, the regions may include a number of shaped regions 3904-1. 3904-2, 3904-3. 3904-4, 3904-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as shaped region(s) 3904 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The shaped regions 3904 may be surrounded by the head region 3902 with the shaped regions 3904 being distributed and / or embedded throughout the head region 3902. Further, the shaped regions 3904 may have a diamond or square shape as depicted in FIG. 39. However, the shaped regions 3904 may have any shape. Further, the head region 3902 and the shaped regions 3904 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 3900 as described herein. Although only five shaped regions 3904 are called out in FIG. 39 for simplicity in description, the shaped regions 3904 may include between two and a hundred or more shaped regions 3904 dispersed throughout the head region 3902. Further, in one example, the shaped regions 3904 may have any size, layout, density, other arrangement, or combinations thereof.

[0240] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 3900 may include a handle region 3906 to allow for the weight of the core 3900 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 3906 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 3906. Reducing the mass of the handle region 3906, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 3900 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 3900 overall and / or the Mol of the core 3900.

[0241] FIG. 40 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 4000 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.52 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT40, the core 4000 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include a head region 4002 that may serve as a main mass within the head portion 102 of the core 4000. Further, the regions may include a number of shaped regions 4004-1, 4004-2, 4004-3, 4004-4, 4004-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as shaped region(s) 4004 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The shaped regions 4004 may be surrounded by the head region 4002, with the shaped regions 4004 being distributed and / or embedded throughout the head region 4002. Further, the shaped regions 4004 may have a diamond or square shape as depicted in FIG. 40. However, the shaped regions 4004 may have any shape. Further, the head region 4002 and the shaped regions 4004 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 4000 as described herein. Although only five shaped regions 4004 are called out in FIG. 40 for simplicity in, the shaped regions 4004 may include between two and a hundred or more shaped regions 4004 dispersed throughout the head region 4002. Further, in one example, the shaped regions 4004 may have any size, layout, density, other arrangement, or combinations thereof.

[0242] Further, a throat region 4006 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 4000 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. The throat region 4006 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 4000 and / or strikes a pickleball.

[0243] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 4000 may include a handle region 4008 to allow for the weight of the core 4000 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 4008 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 4008. Reducing the mass of the handle region 4008, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 4000 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 4000 overall and / or the Mol of the core 4000.

[0244] FIG. 41 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 4100 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.41, the core 4100 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include, for example, a ring region 4102 included along an edge of the core 4100. The ring region 4102 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the paddle 4100 as described herein. Further,53 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTthe ring region 4102 may function as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102.

[0245] The regions may further include a head region 4104 that may serve as a main mass within the head portion 102 of the core 4100. The head region 4104 may be nested within or at least partially surrounded by the ring region 4102. Further, the regions may include a number of shaped regions 4106-1, 4106-2, 4106-3, 4106-4, 4106-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as shaped region(s) 4106 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The shaped regions 4106 may be surrounded by the head region 4102, with the shaped regions 4104 being distributed and / or embedded throughout the head region 4104. Further, the shaped regions 4106 may have a diamond or square shape as depicted in FIG. 41. However, the shaped regions 4106 may have any shape. Further, the head region 4104 and the shaped regions 4106 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 4100 as described herein. Although only five shaped regions 4106 are called out in FIG. 41 for simplicity in description, the shaped regions 4106 may include between two and a hundred or more shaped regions 4106 dispersed throughout the head region 4104. Further, in one example, the shaped regions 4106 may have any size, layout, density, other arrangement, or combinations thereof.

[0246] Further, a first throat region 4108 and a second throat region 4110 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 4100 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. The first throat region 4108 and the second throat region 4110 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 4100 and / or strikes a pickleball. Further, the inclusion of the first throat region 4108 and the second throat region 4110 may be included to allow for the weight of the core 4100 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. The first throat region 4108 may be included adjacent to the ring region 4102 and the head portion 4104 that is located in the throat portion 104 and / or the head portion 102. The second throat region 4110 may be located adjacent to the first throat region 4108 and further down the throat portion 104. In this example, the individual or collective mass of the first throat region 4108 and the second throat region 4110 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the first throat region 4108 and / or the second throat region54 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT4110. Reducing the mass of the first throat region 4108 and / or the second throat region 4110, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 4100 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 4100 overall and / or the Mol of the core 4100. Further, the mass, density, or other characteristic of the first throat region 4108 as compared to the second throat region 4110 may be the same or may be different. For example, the mass, density, or other characteristic of the second throat region 4110 as compared to the first throat region 4108 may be relatively larger so as to make the end of the throat portion 104 more massive, have a particular Mol characteristic, or have other physical characteristics that may affect the performance of a paddle 100 in which the core 4100 is included.

[0247] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 4100 may include a handle region 4112 to allow for the weight of the core 4100 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 4112 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 4112. Reducing the mass of the handle region 4112, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 4100 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 4100 overall and / or the Mol of the core 4100.

[0248] FIG. 42 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 4200 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in FIG.42, the core 4200 may include a plurality of regions. The regions may include, for example, a ring region 4202 included along an edge of the core 4200. The ring region 4202 may have any dimensions that may be used to adjust the Mol of the paddle 4200 as described herein. Further, the ring region 4202 may function as a frame element to strengthen the head portion 102 and resist torsional bending and increase the overall strength of the head portion 102.

[0249] The regions may further include a head region 4204 that may serve as a main mass within the head portion 102 of the core 4200. The head region 4204 may be nested within or at least partially surrounded by the ring region 4202. Further, the regions may include a number of shaped regions 4206-1, 4206-2, 4206-3, 4206-4, 4206-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as shaped region(s) 4206 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The shaped regions 4206 may be surrounded by the head region 4202, with the shaped regions 4204 being distributed and / or embedded throughout the head region 4204. Further, the shaped regions 4206 may have a diamond or square shape as depicted in FIG. 42. However, the shaped regions 4206 may have any shape. Further, the head55 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTregion 4204 and the shaped regions 4206 may have any densities, including identical or different densities that may be used to adjust the Mol of the core 4200 as described herein. Although only five shaped regions 4206 are called out in FIG. 42 for simplicity in description, the shaped regions 4206 may include between two and a hundred or more shaped regions 4206 dispersed throughout the head region 4204. Further, in one example, the shaped regions 4206 may have any size, layout, density, other arrangement, or combinations thereof.

[0250] The regions of the core 4200 may further include an interior region 4208. The interior region 4208 may be at least partially surrounded by the head region 4204 and a first throat region 4210.

[0251] Further, the first throat region 4210 and a second throat region 4212 may be included in the throat portion 104 of the core 4200 and may also be included in at least a portion of the head portion 102 and / or the handle portion 106. The first throat region 4210 and the second throat region 4212 may serve to provide rigidity and support between the handle portion 106 and the head portion 102 in order to reduce or eliminate any flexure that may be detected by the user as the user swings a paddle incorporating the core 4200 and / or strikes a pickleball. Further, the inclusion of the first throat region 4210 and the second throat region 4212 may be included to allow for the weight of the core 4200 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. The first throat region 4210 may be included adjacent to the ring region 4202, the head portion 4204, and the interior region 4208 that is located in the throat portion 104 and / or the head portion 102. The second throat region 4212 may be located adjacent to the first throat region 4210 and further down the throat portion 104. In this example, the individual or collective mass of the first throat region 4210 and the second throat region 4212 may be changed through the adjustment of the density7of the material of the first throat region 4210 and / or the second throat region 4212. Reducing the mass of the first throat region 4210 and / or the second throat region 4212, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 4200 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 4200 overall and / or the Mol of the core 4200. Further, the mass, density7, or other characteristic of the first throat region 4210 as compared to the second throat region 4212 may be the same or may be different. For example, the mass, density, or other characteristic of the second throat region 4212 as compared to the first throat region 4210 may be relatively larger so as to make the end of the throat portion56 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT104 more massive, have a particular Mol characteristic, or have other physical characteristics that may affect the performance of a paddle 100 in which the core 4200 is included.

[0252] Still further, the handle portion 106 of the core 4200 may include a handle region 4214 to allow for the weight of the core 4200 and / or the Mol to be adjusted as described herein. In this example, the mass of the handle region 4214 may be changed through the adjustment of the density of the material of the handle region 4214. Reducing the mass of the handle region 4214, for example, may allow for additional mass to be added to other portions of the core 4200 to adjust the weight distribution of the core 4200 overall and / or the Mol of the core 4200.

[0253] The examples of FIGS. 9 through 42 generally include a core wherein the core includes a plurality of different materials located at discrete zones or regions throughout the core. The core may include any portions of the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and the handle portion 106. The different regions described in the above examples may have varying densities, sizes, shapes, may be made of different materials, and may otherwise include different characteristics and / or materials. Thus, the cores 900 through 3700 feature hybrid core layouts that arrange two or more (e g., a plurality’ of) different materials in distinct zones or regions within the core of the paddle 100. For example, various elastomeric foams such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVCs), polyurethane (PUs), thermoplastic elastomer (TPEs), expanded polypropylene (EPPs), expanded polyethylene (EPEs), and ethylene vinyl acetates (EV As); honeycomb cores such as, for example, polypropylene (PP); thermoplastic cores such as, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPUs); composite cores such as, for example, aramid fibers and carbon fiber; and metallic honeycombs such as, for example, metals, metal alloys, steels, aluminum, and titanium can be combined into strategic regions. These regions may be arranged in multiple geometries, including concentric rings, halves, thirds, quarters, perimeter rings, and segmented shapes such as a throat area, sweet spot area, and perimeter areas as descnbed above.

[0254] By selectively choosing and placing specific core types (with distinct densities, stiffnesses, and damping properties, etc.), a paddle 100, including any of the cores, may optimize ball control, power generation, vibration dampening, the weight distribution, and other properties in various areas. These core layouts are advantageous over other paddles by enabling more precise customization of playing characteristics without sacrificing structural integrity. Moreover, the capacity to mix and match both flexible and rigid cores, as well as57 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCThigh- and low-density foams, caters to a broader range of player preferences and performance objectives.

[0255] The examples of FIGS. 9 through 42, including paddles 100 through 3700, may be combined with the examples of FIGS. 43 through 77, which include a number of vias or voids formed or created in the core of the paddles in order to achieve superior control and power when a ball (e g., a pickleball) is struck. Indeed, any examples of cores described herein may be combined with any other examples of cores described herein.

[0256] FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view of a core 4300 of the paddle 100 of FIG. 1 , according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 44 illustrates a perspective view of the core 4300 of FIG. 43, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 45 illustrates a bottom view of the core 4300 of FIG. 43, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective, cutaway view of the core 4300 of FIG. 43 along line B, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 47 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of the core 4300 of FIG. 43 along line B, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0257] The core 4300 of FIGS. 43 through 47 may include a body portion 102, a throat portion 104, and a handle portion 106 that form the general shape and size of the paddle 100. The body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and the handle portion 106 may be formed as a single or monolithic element to ensure that the paddle 100 has no points along the paddle 100 at which stress may break the paddle 100 if the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and the handle portion 106 were formed separately and coupled together.

[0258] With reference to the axis triad depicted throughout the drawings presented herein, the paddle 100 may have a height as measured along the length of the y-axis. Further, the paddle 100 may have a width as measured along the length of the x-axis. Still further, the paddle 100 may have a thickness (e.g., depth) as measured along the length of the z-axis. Further, a first face 108-1 and a second face 108-2 of paddle 100 lie along the x,y plane and may lie parallel to one another and separated by a distance. Still further, a side 110 of the paddle 100 that wraps around the paddle 100 at the extents of the first face 108-1 and a second face 108-2 may lie along the z-plane. The length of the side 110 may define the distance at which the first face 108-1 and the second face 108-2 are separated. The first face 108-1, the58 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTsecond face 108-2, and the side 110 of the paddle 100 will be used to describe all the examples of paddles described herein.

[0259] The elements and / or designs of the various examples described herein may be incorporated into any number of other examples described herein, including the variation of materials throughout the paddles as described herein in connection with FIGS. 9 through 37. Further, any iteration and / or combination of elements and / or designs is contemplated by the examples described herein.

[0260] As depicted in FIGS. 43 through 47, a number of vias or voids 4302-1, 4302-2, 4302-3, 4302-4, 4302-5, 4302-6, 4302 -N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 4302 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) may be formed along a median plane through the side 110. The median plane is indicated by line B and may be defined as a plane that lies along an x-y plane equidistantly positioned between and parallel to the first face 108-1 and a second face 108-2. The reason for the inclusion of the voids 4302 at the median point, as indicated by line B, is to ensure that any play characteristics obtained from the voids 4302 are equally exemplified, irrespective of which side of the core 4300 the user utilizes to strike the ball (e.g., the pickleball). However, in one example, the voids 4302 may diverge from the median plane in order to obtain an intended paly characteristic in the core 4302. For example, a pair of voids 4302 may be formed in the paddle where a first void of the pair of voids arches through the core of the paddle beginning at the median line B on a first side of the paddle, extending away from the median plane, and exiting the core of the paddle at the median line B. The second void of the pair of voids, may arch through the core of the paddle beginning at the same point along the side as the first void and at median line B on a first side of the paddle, extending away from the median plane in an opposite direction as the first void, and exiting the core of the paddle at the median line B at the same point as the first void. Thus, in any examples described herein, the various voids 4302 may be formed along the median plane as defined by the median line B or may deviate from the median plane to obtain a desired play characteristic.

[0261] The example of FIGS. 43 through 47 include seven voids 4302. However, any number of voids 4302 may be formed in the core 4300. Further, the voids 4302 may be open to an edge of the core 4300 and / or a paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included, or may be closed off or isolated from an edge of the core 4300 and / or a paddle 100 in which the core 430059 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTis included. Further, in one example, the voids 4302 may be open to the edge of the core 4300 and / or a paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included, and may include a dam. a baffle, a valve, or other fluid restricting device. These fluid restricting devices may cause the compression of the fluids contained in the voids 4302 to be controlled and provide desired play characteristics. As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term “fluid’' or similar language is meant to be understood broadly as any substance that has no fixed shape and yields to pressures and may include a liquid, a gas. a mixture of gases, a mixture of liquids, or a combination thereof.

[0262] Further, in one example, the voids 4302 may be sealed and selectively pressurized to allow a user to select a pressure at which the voids 4302 are to be pressurized. In one example, a pump device may be provided or integrated into the core 4300 of the paddle 100 to allow the user to pressurize the voids 4302 to a desired pressure for play.

[0263] Further, the voids 4302 are depicted as being circular in cross-section. However, the voids 4302 may have any cross-sectional shape. In one example, the voids 4302 may extend from a first position along the edge of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included to a second position along the edge of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the voids 4302 may extend from a position along the edge of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included and may not exit the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In this example, the voids 4302 may terminate at an interior position within the core 4300. In one example, the voids 4302 may be entirely contained within the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included and not include any openings to the exterior of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the voids 4302 may¬ be entirely contained within the core 4300 and not include any openings to the exterior of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included, except for a fluid connection to a pump exterior to the voids 4302.

[0264] The voids 4302 may have a cross-sectional dimension, which is approximately l / 8thof an inch (in.), less than 3 / 16thof an in., or other dimensions. For example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 1% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 2% of the length of60 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTthe side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 3% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 4% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 5% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included.

[0265] In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 10% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 20% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 36% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 40% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 50% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 60% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 70% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 80% of the length of the side 110 ofthe core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 90% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension of the voids 4302 may extend to less than 100% of the length of the side 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. Thus, the voids 4302 may have any cross-sectional dimension.61 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0266] In one example, the voids 4302 may be formed at regular intervals or spacing along the edge 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the voids 4302 may be formed at irregular intervals or spacing along the edge 110 of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. Further, the voids 4302 may include identical or non-identical dimensions as compared to one another. In one example, the voids 4302 may be formed in the core 4300 such that the voids 4302 intersect one another at one or more points within the core 4300. In one example, the voids 4302 may be formed at an angle relative to the edge of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the voids 4302 may be formed at angles relative to the x- and / or y-planes such that diagonal voids 4302 are formed in the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. In one example, the voids 4302 may be formed as linear, substantially linear, or non-linear within the core 4300 to create curved or arched voids 4302 within the core 4300.

[0267] In one example, the voids 4302 may be formed as the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100, in which the core 4300 is included, are formed. In one example, the voids 4302 may be formed after the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included are formed.

[0268] In one example, the core 4300 may be made of a foam, including a closed-cell foam, and an open-cell foam, or a combination thereof. The foam of the core 4300 may include an ultra-low-density foam, a low-density foam, a high-density foam, other densities of foams, or a combination thereof. In one example, an ultra-low-density foam may include a foam with an average density of approximately 95.22 kilograms per cubic meter (kg / m3), a maximum density7of no more than approximately 103.41 kg / m3, and minimum density of no less than approximately 89.03 kg / m3with a tolerance range of plus or minus (±) 5 kg / m3(e.g., min: 90.25 kg / m3and max: 99.75 kg / m3). In one example, a low-density foam may include a foam with an average density of approximately 121.60 kg / m3, a maximum density of no more than approximately 135.21 kg / m3, and minimum density of no less than approximately 111.97 kg / m3with a tolerance range of plus or minus (±) 5 kg / m3(e.g., min: 114.00 kg / m3and max: 126.00 kg / m3). In one example, a high-density foam may include a foam with an average density of approximately 155.49 kg / m3. amaximum density ofno more than approximately 162.05 kg / m3, and minimum density of no less than approximately 150.92 kg / m3with a tolerance range of plus or minus (±) 5 kg / m3(e.g., min: 147.25 kg / m3and max: 162.75 kg / m3). In one example,62 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTthe core 4300 may include model number B13-B9111 foam developed and distributed by TriGreat International, Ltd. and commonly referred to as BONBON foam.

[0269] The core 4300 may include an elastomeric foam. In one example, the elastomeric foam may include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polyurethane (PU), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), an expanded polypropylene (EPP), an expanded polyethylene (EPE), an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or a combination thereof.

[0270] In one example, the elastomeric foam may include a rubber and a plastic. The rubber may include a synthetic rubber blend, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), chloroprene rubber (CR), or a combination thereof. In one example, the plastic may include PVC. In one example, the elastomeric foam may include a chemical foaming agent such as, for example, azodicarbonamide (ADC) to generate gas bubbles during a manufacturing process to create the mechanical structure of the foam. This composition gives the foam core flexibility7and resilient properties. Specific compositions may be varied depending on desired applications and performance characteristics.

[0271] A paddle 100 described herein, including the voids 4302 of the core 4300. such as, for example, the core 4300 described in FIGS. 43 through 47 may be formed or manufactured using a number of manufacturing processes, including subtractive manufacturing processes, additive manufacturing processes, or a combination thereof. In one example, the method of forming the paddles described herein may include forming a foam core within a mold or via other means. The mold may include a number of core inserts that may7create a negative space within the core as the core is formed. The material from which the core is made may be introduced into the mold to fill the internal areas of the mold and surround the core inserts. Once cured or otherwise complete, the core inserts may be removed from the mold to form the voids as the negative space filled by the core inserts. In one example, the voids may be defined from an edge of the core. Any number of layers may then be coupled to one or both sides of the core 4302 to form, for example, the first face 180-1 and the second face 108-2. The first face 180-1 and the second face 108-2 may, therefore, be parallel with the core 4302, and the voids formed in the core 4302 may be parallel with the first face 180-1 and the second face 108-2.

[0272] In one example, the core inserts may include a straw or similar sacrificial, cylindrical element or device. In this example, the straws may be inserted into the mold and63 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTmay be used to prevent the material introduced into the mold from filling those areas where the straws are located. This will allow for a less complex process that does not utilize core inserts that are to be removed from the molded product.

[0273] In one example, however, the voids 4302 may extend into portions of the core 4300 such that at least one portion of the voids 4302 is not parallel with the first face 180-1 and the second face 108-2 as described herein. In this example, the core inserts may be placed within the mold at an angle to form the voids 4302 at an angle relative to an edge of the core 4300 or any other plane. In one example, the core inserts may include slide injection pins that may be selectively moved into the mold and out of the mold.

[0274] In one example, the method of forming the paddle may include filling a mold with a foam to form the core 4300. The foam of the core 4300 may further be allowed to cure. Portions of the core 4300 may be removed to form the voids 4302. The voids 4302 may be defined from an edge of the core 4300. The method may further include coupling a first layer to the core 4300 on a first side of the core 4300 to form, for example, the first face 180-1. Similarly, a second layer may be coupled to the core 4300 on a second side of the core 4300 to form, for example, the second face 108-2. The voids 4302 may be formed parallel to the first layer and the second layer. In one example, the voids 4302 may be formed in the core 4300 equidistant from the first layer and the second layer.

[0275] Removing the portions from the core 4300 to form the voids 4302 may include any subtractive manufacturing process, including, for example, drilling, broaching, boring, countersinking, counterboring, heated rod, melting, punching, piercing, blanking, reaming, flow drilling, trepanning, tapping, threading, hand drilling, laser ablation, laser cutting, electrical discharge machining (EDM), hole-drilling EDM, wire EDM, water-jet cutting, plasma cutting, chemical etching, electromechanical machining (ECM), or a combination thereof. Further, the paddles 100 and / or cores 4300 of the paddles 100 descnbed herein may be formed through casting, molding, or injection molding, including pins or inserts to create the voids 4302 in the paddles 100 and / or the cores 4300 of the paddles 100.

[0276] In one example, the method of forming the paddle 100 may include an additive manufacturing process. For example, the method may include forming the core 4300 via an additive manufacturing process, where the additive manufacturing process includes adding material to form the core 4300, except portions where the voids 4302 are to be formed. As in64 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTother examples, the voids 4302 may be defined from an edge of the core 4300 and / or parallel with a widest face (e.g., the first face 180-1 and the second face 108-2) of the core 4300. However, because the additive manufacturing process is described in this example, the voids 4302 may not be defined as extending from an edge of the core 4300 and may, instead, be enclosed by the core 4300 on all sides. Further, as described herein in connection with nonlinear and non-parallel voids formed in the core 4300, the additive manufacturing process may include forming the voids 4302 non-linearly and / or non-parallel to the first side 108-1 and the second side 108-2.

[0277] The additive manufacturing processes that may be utilized in this example method may include, for example, three-dimensional printing manufacturing processes, material extrusion, binder jetting, sheet lamination, powder bed fusion (PBF), VAT polymerization, directed energy deposition (DED), material jetting, fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), or a combination thereof.

[0278] Turning again to FIGS. 43 through 47, the voids 4302 may be formed through the core 4300 along the y-axis and across the x-y plane. The voids 4302 may be formed through the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. Further, as depicted in FIGS. 43 through 47, the voids 4302 may extend from a top of the core 4300 to a bottom of the core 4300 such that the voids 4302 extend through an entirety of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. However, as depicted and described in connection with other examples paddles described herein, the voids 4302 may extend through less than an entirety of the core 4300 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4300 is included. Further, in the example depicted in FIGS. 43 through 47, the voids 4302 are linear or substantially linear. However, the voids 4302 may be non-linear along the x,y plane and / or along the z plane as described herein.

[0279] Further, the position of void 4302-N through the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106 of the core 4300 may result in a relatively more flexible core 4300 and allow for fluid to egress more easily through the handle portion 106 where no additional layering in the paddle may exist except for, for example, and end cap. Further, the position of void 4302-N through the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106 of the core 4300 may result in a lighter core 4300 and may be implemented to obtain a desired or regulated weight in the core 4300.65 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0280] FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view of a core 4800 of the paddle 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 49 illustrates a perspective view of the core 4800 of FIG. 48, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 50 illustrates a perspective view of the core 4800 of FIG. 48, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 51 illustrates a perspective, cutaway view of the core 4800 of FIG. 48 along line C, according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG.52 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of the core 4800 of FIG. 48 along line C, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 4800 of FIGS. 48 through 52 include voids 4802-1, 4802-2, 4802-3, 4802-4, 4802-5, 4802-6, 4802-7, 4802-8, 4802-9, 4802-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 4802 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). In comparison to the example core 4300 of FIGS.43 through 47, rather than the voids running along the y-axis, the voids 4802 of FIGS. 48 through 52 run along the x-axis. The voids 4802 may be formed through the core 4800 along the x-axis and across the x-y plane. The voids 4802 may be formed through the core 4800 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4800 is included. Further, as depicted in FIGS. 48 through 52, the voids 4802 may extend from a first side of the core 4800 to a second side of the core 4800 such that the voids 4802 extend through an entirety of the core 4800 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4800 is included. However, as depicted and described in connection with other examples paddles described herein, the voids 4802 may extend through less than an entirety of the core 4800 and / or the paddle 100 in which the core 4800 is included. Further, in the example depicted in FIGS. 48 through 52, the voids 4802 are linear or substantially linear. However, the voids 4802 may be non-linear along the x,y plane and / or along the z plane as described herein.

[0281] In the examples of FIGS. 48 through 52. as well as other examples described herein, the voids 4802 may have any diameter or may have any dimensions that increase desired play characteristic(s). Further, the spacing between the voids 4802 may be at regular intervals or may be at irregular intervals. For example, the number of voids 4802 in a specific region of the core 4800 may be higher relative to other regions of the core 4800. Thus, the voids 4802 may have any layout, arrangement, and / or number in the example cores described herein.

[0282] FIG. 53 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 5300 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. In the example of66 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTFIG. 53, the core 5300 may include a first set of voids 5302-1, 5302-2, 5302-3, 5302-4, 5302-5, 5302-6, 5302-7. 5302-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as first set of void(s) 5302 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). Further, the core 5300 may include a second set of voids 5304-1, 5304-2, 5304-M (where M is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as the second set of void(s) 5304 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The first set of voids 5302 may be formed along the x-axis of the core 5300, and the second set of voids 5304 may be formed along the y-axis of the core 5300, creating a grid layout of the voids 5302, 5304. Tn one example, the first set of voids 5302 and the second set of voids 5304 may intersect such that the internal portions of the first set of voids 5302 and the second set of voids 5304 interface with one another. However, in one example, the first set of voids 5302 and the second set of voids 5304 may not intersect but may be formed to extend along different x,y planes or deviate from the same x,y plane at a point at which the first set of voids 5302 and the second set of voids 5304 may potentially intersect.

[0283] In the example of FIG. 53, the first set of voids 5302 and the second set of voids 5304 do not extend into a lower portion of the core 5300 below, for example, void 5302-1. However, the first set of voids 5302 and the second set of voids 5304 may be included in any portion of the core 5300, including any portion of the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and the handle portion 106 of the core 5300.

[0284] FIG. 54 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 5400 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The example core 5400 of FIG. 54 may include voids 5402-1, 5402-2, 5402-2, 5402-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 5402 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The voids 5402 may extend into a portion of the body portion 102 and / or the throat portion 104 of the core 5400 and may terminate at a position within the body portion 102 and / or the throat portion 104 of the core 5400. With a single point of egress from the voids 5402 of any fluid. Thus, as the core 5400 (or any example of the paddles described herein) is struck (e g., a ball such as a pickleball strikes the first face 108-1 or the second face 108-2). compression of the core and / or the first face 108-1 or the second face 108-2 causes the pressure within the voids 5402 to increase. With examples where the voids have two points of egress, such as where the voids extend through an entirety of the paddle and create two holes67 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTin the paddle and / or the core of the paddle, the fluid inside the voids may more easily egress from the voids. However, in the example of FIG. 54, the core 5400 may include the voids 5402 that include a single point of egress that may cause the fluids within the voids 5402 to react to pressures differently by decreasing egress of the fluid as completely from the voids 5402, at a slower rate of egress from the voids 5402, or a combination thereof resulting in a more resilient reaction to the pressures and creating a stiffer feel in the play characteristics of the core 5400 in addition to other known or unknown play characteristics. In this manner, the number of voids that extend through the entirety7of the paddle and the voids 5402 that only partially extend through the core 5400 may be tuned to achieve desired play characteristic(s). Thus, in the examples described herein, the voids 5402 may be formed to terminate within the internal portions of the core 5400, formed through an entirety of the core 5400 to create two points of egress, or a combination thereof to achieve desired play characteristic(s). Further, varying the layout, arrangement, and / or number of voids 5402 that terminate within the internal portions of the core 5400 and those voids 5400 that are formed through an entirety7of the core 5400 may affect the dwell of a ball on the first face 108-1 and the second face 108-2 during play.

[0285] FIG. 55 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 5500 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. In contrast to the example core 5400 of FIG. 54, the voids 5502-1, 5502-2, 5502-3, 5502-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 5502 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) of FIG. 55 may extend from a top end of the core 5500 to a second end of the core 5500 to create two separate points of fluid egress within the voids 5502. In this example, core 5500, the fluid within the voids 5502 may egress from the voids 5502 faster and with less resistance to provide different play characteristic(s), including increased flex in the core 5500, a decrease in stiffness in the core 5500, and / or an increase in dwell, among other desired play charactenstic(s).

[0286] FIG. 56 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 5600 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 5600 may include a number of voids 5602-1, 5602-2, 5602-3, 5602 -N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 5602 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) formed at angles relative to the x-axis and / or the y-axis. This creates diagonally positioned voids 5602 along the core 5600. In one example, the voids 5602 may be formed to68 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTintersect one another at one or more points within the core 5600 and / or the core of the core 5600. However, in one example, the voids 5602 may not intersect but may be formed to extend along different x,y planes or deviate from the same x,y plane at a point at which the voids 5602 may potentially intersect.

[0287] FIG. 57 illustrates a plan, cutaway view7of a core 5700 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The example core 5700 of FIG. 5700 may include voids 5702-1. 5702-2, 5702-3, 5702-4, 5702-5. 5702-6, 5702-7, 5702-8, 5702-9, 5702-10, 5702-11, 5702-12, 5702-13, 5702-14, 5702-15, 5702-16, 5702-17, 5702-N (w here N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 5702 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) formed in the sides of the core 5700 and extending partially into the core 5700 without extending through an entirety of the core 5700. In this example, the decreased distance of extension of the voids 5702 into the core 5700 may result in a relatively more flexible core 5700 as compared to a paddle without the voids 5702, but may also provide a stiffer core 5700 as compared to other examples described herein since the voids 5702 are not included in a center portion of the core 5700, among other desired play characteristic(s).

[0288] FIG. 58 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 5800 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 5800 of FIG. 58 may include afirst set of voids 5802-1, 5802-2, 5802-3, 5802-4, 5802-5, 5802-6, 5802-7, 5802-8, 5802-9. 5802-10. 5802-11. 5802-12. 5802-13 , 5802-14, 5802-15 , 5802-16, 5802- 17, 5802-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as first set of void(s) 5802 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) formed in the sides of the core 5800 and extending partially into the core 5800 without extending through an entirety7of the core 5800 as similarly described above in connection with the example core 5700 of FIG.57. Further, the core 5800 of FIG. 58 may include a second set of voids 5804-1, 5804-M (where M is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as the second set of void(s) 5804 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) formed through an entirety of the core 5800. In this example, the decreased distance of extension of the first set of voids 5802 into the core 5800 may result in a relatively more flexible core 5800 as compared to a paddle without the first set of voids 5802, but may also provide a stiffer core 5800 as compared to other examples described herein, among other desired play characteristics. Further, the69 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTinclusion of the second set of voids 5804 may increase the flexibility of the core 5800 and increase the dwell (or dwell time) of the core 5800. Thus, in some examples described herein, a combination of voids such as the first set of voids 5802 extending partially into the core 5800 without extending through an entirety of the core 5800 and the second set of voids 5804 extending through an entirety of the core 5800 may provide play characteristic(s) of the core 5800 and may have a layout, arrangement, and / or number of the first set of voids 5802 and second set of voids 5804 that is tuned to create a specific set of play characteristic(s). Further, in this manner, a core 5800 may be formed with a layout, arrangement, and / or number of the first set of voids 5802 and second set of voids 5804 to form a bespoke core 5800 as requested by a specific user or group of users.

[0289] FIG. 59 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 5900 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 5900 may include voids 5902-1, 5902-2, 5902-3, 5902-4, 5902 -N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 5902 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) formed in the core 5900. In this example, one or more of the voids 5902 may intersect with another to create different fluid egress characteristics. For example, voids 5902-1, 5902-2 may intersect with void 5902-N such that these voids 5902-1, 5902-2, 5902-N collectively create a singular void with three points of fluid egress. Further, in one example, voids 5902-3, 5902-4 may or may not intersect with voids 5902-1, 5902-2. In an example where voids 5902-3, 5902-4 do intersect with voids 5902-1. 5902-2, the voids 5902-1, 5902-2, 5902-3, 5902-4, 5902-N may collectively create a singular void with five points of fluid egress. Thus, in addition to the change in characteristics of flex and stiffness that the voids 5902 may create, the voids 5902 may collectively create a situation where fluid egress is further tunable. Further, the position of void 5902-N through the throat portion 104 and / or the handle portion 106 of the core 5900 may result in a relatively more flexible core 5900 and allow for fluid to egress more easily through the handle portion 106, where no additional layering in the paddle may exist except for, for example, an end cap. Further, the position of void 5902-N through the throat portion 104 and / or the handle portion 106 of the core 5900 may result in a lighter core 5900 and may be implemented to obtain a desired or regulated weight in the core 5900.

[0290] FIG. 60 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 6000 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 6000 of70 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTFIG. 60 may include a number of voids 6002-1, 6002-2, 6002-3, 6002 -N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 6002 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) that are formed non-linearly within the core 6000. The non-linear voids 6002 may have any layout, arrangement, and / or number throughout the core 6000 to create a dynamic in the play characteristics of the core 6000, including flexibility7, stiffness, and dwell. In one example, the non-linear voids 6002 may be formed along the same x,y plane or may be formed on different x,y planes within the core 6000. In one example, the degree to which the non-linear voids 6002 extend into a center portion of the core 6000 may be adjusted to tune the play characteristic(s) of the core 6000, such as the flexibility7, stiffness, and dwell, among other play characteristic(s).

[0291] FIG. 61 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 6100 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 6100 of FIG. 61 may include a number of enclosed voids 6102-1, 6102-2, 6102-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 6102 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The enclosed voids 6102 may be formed using any manufacturing processes, including, for example, additive manufactunng that is capable of creating the voids 6102 as layers of materials are added to form the core 6102 and that allow s for the voids 6102 to be created through selective deposition of materials around the dimensions or extents of the voids 6102. To differentiate the voids 6102 from voids presented in other examples (e.g., examples of FIGS. 43 through 60). the voids 6102 may be fluidically isolated such that the benefits of less material in the core 6100 leading to a lighter- weight core 6100 are obtained, but the flexibility7, stiffness, and dwell, among other play characteristic(s), may also be obtained and tuned as desired. The layout, arrangement, and / or number of voids 6102 may be selected to achieve desired and / or bespoke play characteristic(s) as described herein.

[0292] FIG. 62 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 6200 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 6200 of FIG. 62 may include a number of enclosed voids 6202-1, 6202-2, , 6202-3, 6202-4, 6202-5, 6202-6, 6202-7, 6202-8, 6202-9, 6202-10. 6202-11. 6202-12, 6202-13, 6202-14, 6202-15, 6202-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 6202 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The enclosed voids 6202 may be71 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTformed using any manufacturing processes, including, for example, additive manufacturing that is capable of creating the voids 6202 as layers of materials are added to form the core 6202, and that allows for the voids to be created through selective deposition of materials around the dimensions or extents of the voids 6202. To differentiate the voids 6202 from voids presented in other examples (e.g., examples of FIGS. 43 through 60), the voids 6202 may be fluidically isolated such that the benefits of less material in the core 6200 leading to a lighter- weight core 5600 are obtained, but the flexibility’, stiffness, and dwell, among other play characteristic(s), may also be obtained and tuned as desired. The layout, arrangement, and / or number of voids 6200 may be selected to achieve desired and / or bespoke play characteristic(s) as described herein.

[0293] In one example, the voids 6102. 6202 of FIGS. 61 and 62, respectively, may be fluidically isolated or hermetically sealed from the exterior of the core 6100, 6200. However, in one example, the voids 6102, 6202 may be fluidically coupled to the exterior of the core 6100, 6200 via a fluid restriction device such as, for example, a dam, a baffle, a valve, or other fluid restriction device, including a fluid restriction device that may be adjusted to selectively adjust or regulate the manner in which fluid within the voids 6102, 6202 may egress from the voids 6102, 6202.

[0294] FIG. 63 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 6300 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 6300 of FIG. 63 includes voids 6302-1. 6302-2, 6302-3, 6302-4, 6302-5, 6302-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 6302 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). In comparison to the example paddles 4300, 4800 of FIGS. 43 through 52, the voids 6302 may include six voids 6302 formed through the core 6300 along the x-axis and across the x-y plane. The voids 6302 may be formed through the core 6300. Further, as depicted in FIG. 63, the voids 6302 may extend from a first side of the core 6300 to a second side of the core 6300 such that the voids 6302 extend through an entirety' of the core 6300. However, as depicted and described in connection with other examples paddles described herein, the voids 6302 may extend through less than an entirety' of the core 6300. Further, in the example depicted in FIG. 63, the voids 6302 are linear or substantially’ linear. However, the voids 6302 may be non-linear along the x,y plane and / or along the z plane as described herein.72 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0295] In the examples of FIG. 63, as well as other examples described herein, the voids 6302 may have any diameter or may have any dimensions that increase desired play characteristic(s). Further, the spacing between the voids 6302 may be at regular intervals or may be at irregular intervals. For example, the number of voids 6302 in a specific region of the core 6300 may be higher relative to other regions of the core 6300. Thus, the voids 6302 may have any layout, arrangement, and / or number in the example paddles described herein. In the example of FIG. 63, the six voids 6302 may have a diameter of approximately 3 / 16 in. with an approximately 1 in. spacing between the voids 6302.

[0296] FIG. 64 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 6400 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 6400 of FIG. 64 includes voids 6402-1, 6402-2, 6402-3, 6402-4, 6402-5, 6402-6, 6402-7, 6402-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 6402 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The voids 6402 may include eight voids 6402 formed through the core 6400 along the x-axis and across the x-y plane. The voids 6402 may be formed through the core 6400. Further, as depicted in FIG. 64, the voids 6402 may extend from a first side of the core 6400 to a second side of the core 6400 such that the voids 6402 extend through an entirety of the core 6400. However, as depicted and described in connection with other examples paddles described herein, the voids 6402 may extend through less than an entirety of the core 6400. Further, in the example depicted in FIG. 64, the voids 6402 are linear or substantially linear. However, the voids 6402 may be non-linear along the x,y plane and / or along the z plane as described herein.

[0297] In the examples of FIG. 64, as well as other examples described herein, the voids 6402 may have any diameter or may have any dimensions that increase desired play characteristic(s). Further, the spacing between the voids 6402 may be at regular intervals or may be at irregular intervals. For example, the number of voids 6402 in a specific region of the core 6400 may be higher relative to other regions of the core 6400. Thus, the voids 6402 may have any layout, arrangement, and / or number in the example paddles described herein. In the example of FIG. 64, the eight voids 6402 may have a diameter of approximately 3 / 16 in. with an approximately 0.75 in. spacing between the voids 6402.

[0298] FIG. 65 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 6500 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 6500 of73 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTFIG. 65 includes voids 6502-1, 6502-2, 6502-3, 6502-4, 6502-5, 6502-6, 6502-7, 6502-8, 6502-9, 6502-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 6502 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The voids 6502 may include ten voids 6502 formed through the core 6500 along the x-axis and across the x-y plane. The voids 6502 may be formed through the core 6500. Further, as depicted in FIG. 65, the voids 6502 may extend from a first side of the core 6500 to a second side of the core 6500 such that the voids 6502 extend through an entirety of the core 6500. However, as depicted and described in connection with other examples paddles described herein, the voids 6502 may extend through less than an entirety of the core 6500. Further, in the example depicted in FIG. 65, the voids 6502 are linear or substantially linear. However, the voids 6502 may be non-linear along the x,y plane and / or along the z plane as described herein.

[0299] In the examples of FIG. 65, as well as other examples described herein, the voids 6500 may have any diameter or may have any dimensions that increase desired play characteristic(s). Further, the spacing between the voids 6500 may be at regular intervals or may be at irregular intervals. For example, the number of voids 6500 in a specific region of the core 6500 may be higher relative to other regions of the core 6500. Thus, the voids 6502 may have any layout, arrangement, and / or number in the example paddles described herein. In the example of FIG. 65, the ten voids 6502 may have a diameter of approximately 3 / 16 in. with an approximately 0.6 in. spacing between the voids 6502.

[0300] FIG. 66 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 6600 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 6600 of FIG. 66 includes voids 6602-1, 6602-2, 6602-3, 6602-4, 6602-5, 6602-6, 6602-7, 6602-8, 6602-9, 6602-10, 6602-11, 6602 -N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 6602 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The voids 6602 may include twelve voids 6602 formed through the core 6600 along the x-axis and across the x-y plane. The voids 6602 may be formed through the core 6600. Further, as depicted in FIG.66, the voids 6602 may extend from a first side of the core 6600 to a second side of the core 6600 such that the voids 6602 extend through an entirety of the core 6600. However, as depicted and described in connection with other examples paddles described herein, the voids 6602 may extend through less than an entirety of the core. Further, in the example depicted in74 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTFIG. 66, the voids 6602 are linear or substantially linear. However, the voids 6602 may be non-linear along the x-y plane and / or along the z plane as described herein.

[0301] In the examples of FIG. 66, as well as other examples described herein, the voids may have any diameter or may have any dimensions that increase desired play characteristic(s). Further, the spacing between the voids may be at regular intervals or may be at irregular intervals. For example, the number of voids in a specific region of the core 6600 may be higher relative to other regions of the core 6600. Thus, the voids 6602 may have any layout, arrangement, and / or number in the example paddles described herein. In the example of FIG.66, the twelve voids 6602 may have a diameter of approximately 3 / 16 in. with an approximately 0.5 in. spacing between the voids 6602.

[0302] FIG. 67 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 6700 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 6700 of FIG. 67 includes voids 6702-1, 6702-2, 6702-3, 6702-4, 6702-5, 6702-6, 6702-7, 6702-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as void(s) 6702 unless specifically addressed otherwise)). The voids 6702 may include eight voids 6702 formed through the core 6700 along the x-axis and across the x-y plane. The voids 6702 may be formed through the core 6700. Further, as depicted in FIG. 67, the voids 6702 may extend from a first side of the core 6700 to a second side of the core 6700 such that the voids 6702 extend through an entirety of the core 6700. However, as depicted and described in connection with other examples paddles described herein, the voids 6702 may extend through less than an entirety of the core 6700. Further, in the example depicted in FIG. 67, the voids 6702 are linear or substantially linear. However, the voids 6702 may be non-linear along the x-y plane and / or along the z plane as described herein.

[0303] In the examples of FIG. 67, as well as other examples described herein, the voids 6702 may have any diameter or may have any dimensions that increase desired play characteristic(s). Further, the spacing between the voids 6702 may be at regular intervals or may be at irregular intervals. For example, the number of voids 6702 in a specific region of the core 6700 may be higher relative to other regions of the core 6700. Thus, the voids 6702 may have any layout, arrangement, and / or number in the example paddles described herein. In the example of FIG. 67, the eight voids 6702 may have a diameter of approximately 3 / 16 in. with an approximately 1.0 in. spacing between the voids 6702.75 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0304] With reference to the examples of FIGS. 43 through 67, the void(s) included in the paddles 4300 through 6700 may generally serve to reduce weight in the paddles 4300 through 6700. The reduction in weight may be used to obtain a desired weight or a regulated weight requirement. Further, a bespoke paddle may be created by the inclusion of one or more of the voids to reach a threshold weight and allow the user to apply weights, such as weighted tapes, to the exterior of the paddle as the user may desire.

[0305] FIG. 68 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 6800 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. In the example of FIG. 68, the core 6800 may include a frame portion 6802 and an inner portion 6804. The frame portion 6802 and the inner portion 6804 may be spatially separated by one or more channel voids 6806-1, 6806-2. 6806-3, 6806-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as channel void(s) 6806 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) defined within the core 6800.

[0306] Further, with the inclusion of the channel voids 6806, a number of bridge portions 6808-1, 6808-2, 6808-3, 6808-M (where M is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as bridge portion(s) 6808 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) may be formed to bridge the frame portion 6802 and the inner portion 6804. The bridge portions 6808 may be localized regions of material of the core 6800 that span between and mechanically couple the inner portion 6804 and the frame portion 6802, thereby interrupting and segmenting the channel voids 6806 around the perimeter.

[0307] The inclusion of the channel voids 6806, and the bridge portions 6808 may create a tunable central compliance and provide an increase in dwell time within a paddle incorporating the core 6800. Because the inner portion 6804 is largely uncoupled from the frame portion 6802 by the intervening channel voids 6806, the core 6800 may flex more under ball impact, increasing dwell time and enhancing touch or feel. The number, orientation, location, and dimensions of the channel voids 6806 and the bridge portions 6808 may define how much load transfers to the frame portion 6802 and may be used to tune the core 6800 to tune various touch or feel levels (e.g., a soft, medium, or crisp response level).

[0308] Further, the inclusion of the channel voids 6806 and the bridge portions 6808 may effectively expand the sweet spot of a paddle incorporating the core 6800. Localized compliance in the center (e.g., the inner portion 6804) paired with a stiffer, mass-efficient76 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTexterior (e.g., the frame portion 6802) may assist in maintaining rebound consistency over a wider area. This may result in the perimeter resisting torsional twist that off-center hits (e.g., hots outside the sweet spot) see while the inner portion remains lively, so performance dropoff toward the edges is reduced.

[0309] Still further, the inclusion of the channel voids 6806 and the bridge portions 6808 may provide a higher Mol and resistance to twist for the same or lower mass. Material removed to form the channel voids 6806 may reduce overall mass, while the remaining material may be concentrated farther from the center of the paddle in the frame portion 6802, passively boosting Mol and thus stability on off-center impacts of a pickleball. Thus, the different core layouts described herein may be based on a desired mass distribution through the core.

[0310] Even further, the inclusion of the channel voids 6806. and the bridge portions 6808 may provide for vibration and / or acoustic management within a paddle incorporating the core 6800. The discontinuity created by the channel voids 6806 may interrupt direct vibration paths. Further, the bridge portions 6808 may behave like discrete transmission nodes that may be dimensioned or constructed with a material that filters certain frequencies. This may dampen harsh shock to the hand of the user (e.g., player) and tailor the sound signature of the paddle.

[0311] Further, the channel voids 6806 and the bridge portions 6808 may impart increased spin and control to a paddle incorporating the core 6800. The longer dwell (or dwell time) in the isolated inner portion 6804 may allow the pickleball to stay in contact with the face relatively longer and may improve player-imparted spin when combined with texture features included on the faces of the paddle. This is useful in pickleball, where control shots and “dinks” are constantly used during play.

[0312] Still further, inclusion of the channel voids 6806 and the bridge portions 6808 may impact energy distribution and durability of a paddle that includes the core 6800. The bridge portions 6808 may meter load flow into the frame portion 6802 rather than distributing it uniformly through a continuous core. This may reduce shear stresses in face laminates and mitigate delamination or crushing at the high-load perimeter or edge-guard region. The channel voids 6806 may also serve as crush zones that absorb extreme impacts (e.g., ground strikes) that occur from time to time during play.77 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0313] Further, the core 6800, including the layout of the channel voids 6806, and the bridge portions 6808, may provide modular performance tuning across various product lines. By varying the number and location of the bridge portions 6808, the dimensions of the channel voids 6806, and / or the densities of and / or the density ratios of the inner portion 6804 and the frame portion 6802, flex, weight, balance point, Mol, and feel may be tuned without redesigning the entire paddle geometry which may be useful for offering multiple stop keeping units (SKUs) (e.g.. control and power models) from a common tooling set.

[0314] In one example, the channel voids 6806 may be left empty (e g., not filled with any other material) in order to maximize weight savings and compliance of the core 6800. However, in one example, one or more of the channel voids 6806 may be filled with a material such as, for example, an elastomer, a foam, a high-density insert, or other material. Filling the channel voids 6806 with a material may allow for mass to be added to the perimeter of the core 6800 and may dampen or even create rattle-free sound tuning post-molding.

[0315] In the example of FIG. 68, the channel voids 6806 may include four channel voids 6806 defined around the inner portion 6804. However, any number of channel voids 6806 may be defined in the core 6800. Examples described herein include different arrangements, layouts, dimensions, and numbers of the channel voids 6806. Therefore, the present description contemplates those and other arrangements, layouts, dimensions, and numbers of the channel voids 6806.

[0316] FIG. 69 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 6900 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. In the example of FIG. 69, the core 6900 may include a frame portion 6902 and an inner portion 6904. The frame portion 6902 and the inner portion 6904 may be spatially separated by one or more channel voids 6906-1, 6906-2. 6906-3, 6906-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as channel void(s) 6906 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) defined within the core 6900.

[0317] Further, with the inclusion of the channel voids 6906, a number of bridge portions 6908-1 , 6908-2, 6908-3, 6908-M (where M is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as bridge portion(s) 6908 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) may be formed to bridge the frame portion 6902 and the inner portion 6904. The bridge portions 6908 may be localized regions of material of the core 6900 that span between and mechanically78 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTcouple the inner portion 6904 and the frame portion 6902, thereby interrupting and segmenting the channel voids 6906 around the perimeter.

[0318] The channel voids 6906 of FIG. 69 are similar to the channel voids 6806 of FIG.68. However, the example of FIG. 69 includes a second channel void 6906-2 that is shorter in length than the second channel void 6806-2 of FIG. 68. Further, the relatively shorter second channel void 6906-2 of FIG. 69 results in a relatively larger second bridge portion 6908-2 and third bridge portion 6908-3 in contrast to the second bridge portion 6808-2 and third bridge portion 6808-3 of FIG. 68. The dimensions of the channel voids 6906 and the bridge portions 6908 of FIG. 69 may provide different but similar advantages as described above in connection with FIG. 68.

[0319] FIG. 70 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 7000 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. In the example of FIG. 70, the core 7000 may include a frame portion 7002 and an inner portion 7004. The frame portion 7002 and the inner portion 7004 may be spatially separated by one or more channel voids 7006-1, 7006-2. 7006-3, 7006-N (where N is any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as channel void(s) 7006 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) defined within the core 7000.

[0320] Further, with the inclusion of the channel voids 7006, a number of bridge portions 7008-1, 7008-2, 7008-3, 7008-M (where Mis any integer greater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as bridge portion(s) 7008 unless specifically addressed otherwise)) may be formed to bridge the frame portion 7002 and the inner portion 7004. The bridge portions 7008 may be localized regions of material of the core 7000 that span between and mechanically couple the inner portion 7004 and the frame portion 7002, thereby interrupting and segmenting the channel voids 7006 around the perimeter.

[0321] The channel voids 7006 of FIG. 70 are similar to the channel voids 6806, 6906 of FIGS. 68 and 69, respectively. However, the example of FIG. 70 includes a second channel void 7006-2 that is shorter in length than the second channel void 6806-2 of FIG. 68 and the second channel void 6906-2 of FIG. 69. Further, the relatively shorter second channel void 7006-2 of FIG. 70 results in a relatively larger second bridge portion 7008-2 and third bridge portion 7008-3 in contrast to the second bridge portion 6808-2, 6908-2 and third bridge portion 6808-3, 6908-4 of FIGS. 68 and 69, respectively. The dimensions of the channel voids 700679 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTand the bridge portions 7008 of FIG. 70 may provide different but similar advantages as described above in connection with FIGS. 68 and 69.

[0322] FIG. 71 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 7100 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. In the example of FIG. 71 , the core 7100 may include a frame portion 7102 and an inner portion 7104. The frame portion 7102 and the inner portion 7104 may be spatially separated by a channel void 7106 defined within the core 7100. In contrast to the examples of FIGS. 68 through 70, the single channel void 7106 may wrap around the top and two sides of the core 7100 without interruptions in continuity by bridge portions.

[0323] Further, with the inclusion of the channel void 7106 and instead of the bridge portions, the terminals of the channel void 7106 may form a first hinge portion 7108-1 and a second hinge portion 7108-2. The first hinge portion 7108-1 and a second hinge portion 7108- 2 may act as living hinges or integral hinges, where a thin flexible hinge that is a flexure bearing, and is made from the same material as the two rigid pieces it connects, namely, the frame portion 7102 and the inner portion 7104. The first hinge portion 7108-1 and the second hinge portion 7108-2 may permit controlled angular deflection of the inner portion 7104 relative to the surrounding frame portion 7102 about an axis parallel to the x-direction of the paddle, such as, for example, across the throat portion 104 or an area near the throat portion 104.

[0324] Impact forces from a pickleball experienced by a paddle incorporating the core 7100 may cause the inner portion 7104 to deflect. The first hinge portion 7108-1 and the second hinge portion 7108-2 may meter or regulate the load applied by the struck pickleball into the stiffer frame portion 7102, resulting in a limit of peak stresses within the paddle. After the pickleball has struck the paddle, the elastic first hinge portion 7108-1 and second hinge portion 7108-2 spring back or restore the core 7100 to its nominal or unstressed state. This restoration may contribute to rebound energy applied to the pickleball as the pickleball dwells on the face of the paddle. Further, by concentrating strain w ithin the core 7100 in the tw o small, compliant regions, the first hinge portion 7108-1 and second hinge portion 7108-2 may interrupt direct high-frequency vibration paths, resulting in an attenuation of any harsh shock before it reaches other portions of the paddle, such as, for example, the handle portion 106.80 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0325] FIG. 72 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 7200 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A. according to an example of the principles described herein. In the example of FIG. 72, the core 7200 may include a frame portion 7202 and an inner portion 7204. The frame portion 7202 and the inner portion 7204 may be spatially separated by a first channel void 7206-1 and a second channel void 7206-2 defined within the core 7200. In contrast to the examples of FIGS. 68 through 71, the first channel void 7206-1 may wrap around the top and two sides of the core 7200 without interruptions in continuity by bridge portions, and the second channel void 7206-2 may wrap around the bottom and two sides of the core 7200 without interruptions in continuity by bridge portions. In the example of FIG. 72, the second channel void 7206-2 may extend into and be defined within the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106.

[0326] Further, the inclusion of the first channel void 7206-1 and the second channel void 7206-2 creates a first bridge portion 7208-1 and a second bridge portion 7208-2 located between the first channel void 7206-1 and the second channel void 7206-2. In a manner similar to the example of FIG. 71, the terminals of the first channel void 7206-1 and the second channel void 7206-2 may cause the first bridge portion 7208-1 and a second bridge portion 7208-2 to function in a manner similar to the first hinge portion 7108-1 and a second hinge portion 7108- 2 of FIG. 71. The first bridge portion 7208-1 and a second bridge portion 7208-2 may act as living hinges or integral hinges, where a thin flexible hinge that is a flexure bearing, and is made from the same material as the two rigid pieces it connects, namely, the frame portion 7202 and the inner portion 7204. The first bridge portion 7208-1 and the second bridge portion 7208-2 may permit controlled angular deflection of the inner portion 7204 relative to the surrounding frame portion 7202 about an axis parallel to the x-direction of the paddle, such as, for example, across a median area of the body portion 102.

[0327] Impact forces from a pickleball experienced by a paddle incorporating the core 7200 may cause the inner portion 7204 to deflect about the axis formed in the x-direction by the first bridge portion 7208-1 and the second bridge portion 7208-2. The first bridge portion 7208-1 and the second bridge portion 7208-2 may meter or regulate the load applied by the struck pickleball into the stiffer frame portion 7202. resulting in a limit of peak stresses within the paddle. After the pickleball has struck the core 7200, the elastic first bridge portion 7208-1 and second bridge portion 7208-2 spring back or restore the core 7200 to its nominal or81 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTunstressed state. This restoration may contribute to rebound energy applied to the pickleball as the pickleball dwells on the face of the paddle. Further, by concentrating strain within the core 7200 in the two small, compliant regions, the first bridge portion 7208-1 and second bridge portion 7208-2 may interrupt direct high-frequency vibration paths, resulting in an attenuation of any harsh shock before it reaches other portions of the paddle, such as, for example, the handle portion 106.

[0328] FIG. 73 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 7300 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. The core 7300 may include a frame portion 7302 and an inner portion 7304 as similarly described in connection with FIGS. 68 through 72. The frame portion 7302 and the inner portion 7304 may be spatially separated to form a floating core, made up of the inner portion 7304 being separated from the frame portion 7302.

[0329] In one example, the inner portion 7304 may be separated from the frame portion 7302 such that a gap is present between the frame portion 7302 and the inner portion 7304, and other materials may be present in that gap. For example, the gap may be filled with an inner ring 7306 and an outer ring 7308. The inner ring 7306 may be made of, for example, a viscoelastic material. The outer ring 7308 may be made of, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The inner ring 7306 and the outer ring 7308 may be dimensioned to fit between the inner portion 7304 and the frame portion 7302. In one example, the frame portion 7302 may be made of, for example, TPE foam. TPU foam, EVA foam, or a combination thereof. However, the inner portion 7304, the inner ring 7306, the outer ring 7308, and the frame portion 7302 may be made of any materials that provide the advantages described herein. Further, in one example, the gap between the inner portion 7304 and the frame portion 7302 may be void of any material, including the inner ring 7306 and the outer ring 7308, such that the inner portion 7304 is a floating core.

[0330] In one example, the inner ring 7306 and the outer ring 7308 may wrap around the top, two sides, and bottom of the core 7300 without interruptions in continuity and may extend into the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106. However, in one example, the division between the frame portion 7302 and the inner portion 7304 may be interrupted with the inclusion of a bridge portion or a hinge portion as described above in connection with FIGS. 68 through 72.82 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0331] FIG. 74 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 7400 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. In a manner similar to the example of FIG. 73, the core 7400 may include a frame portion 7402 and an inner portion 7404 as similarly described in connection with FIGS. 68 through 73. The frame portion 7402 and the inner portion 7404 may be spatially separated to form a floating core, made up of the inner portion 7404 being separated from the frame portion 7402.

[0332] In one example, the inner portion 7404 may be separated from the frame portion 7402 such that a gap is present between the frame portion 7402 and the inner portion 7404, and other materials may be present in that gap. For example, the gap may be fdled with an inner ring 7406 and an outer ring 7408. The inner ring 7406 may be made of, for example, a viscoelastic material. The outer ring 7408 may be made of, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The inner ring 7406 and the outer ring 7408 may be dimensioned to fit between the inner portion 7404 and the frame portion 7402. In one example, the frame portion 7402 may be made of, for example, TPE foam, TPU foam, EVA foam, or a combination thereof.

[0333] However, the inner portion 7404, the inner ring 7406, the outer ring 7408, and the frame portion 7402 may be made of any materials that provide the advantages described herein. Further, in one example, the gap between the inner portion 7404 and the frame portion 7402 may be void of any material, including the inner ring 7406 and the outer ring 7408, such that the inner portion 7404 is a floating core.

[0334] In one example, the inner ring 7406 and the outer ring 7408 may wrap around the top, two sides, and bottom of the core 7400 without interruptions in continuity and may extend into the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106. However, in one example, the division between the frame portion 7402 and the inner portion 7404 may be interrupted with the inclusion of a bridge portion or a hinge portion as described above in connection with FIGS. 68 through 73.

[0335] In contrast to the example of FIG. 73, the example of FIG. 74 may include a first deviating section 7410-1 and a second deviating section 7410-2. Although only the first deviating section 7410-1 and the second deviating section 7410-2 are depicted in FIG. 74, the core 7400 may include any number of deviating sections. In one example, the first deviating section 7410-1 and the second deviating section 7410-2 may be continuous with the gap that83 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTincludes the inner ring 7406 and the outer ring 7408. Further, in one example, the first deviating section 7410-1 and the second deviating section 7410-2 may not be continuous with the gap that includes the inner ring 7406 and the outer ring 7408. Still further, in one example, the first deviating section 7410-1 and the second deviating section 7410-2 may or may not include the materials of the inner ring 7406 and the outer ring 7408.

[0336] The first deviating section 7410-1 and the second deviating section 7410-2 may serve to locally alter the mechanical and / or vibrational characteristics of the core 7400 by introducing targeted regions of compliance, isolation, and / or dampening. The first deviating section 7410-1 and the second deviating section 7410-2 may accommodate specific performance attributes such as tuned flexibility, improved shock absorption, or vibration redirection away from the handle portion 106. For example, when the core 7400 is impacted by a pickleball, the first deviating section 7410-1 and the second deviating section 7410-2 may function to reduce transmission of high-frequency vibrations to the hand of the user, thereby improving comfort and control. Moreover, the first deviating section 7410-1 and the second deviating section 7410-2 may aid in modifying the acoustic signature of the core 7400 and may enhance tactile feedback, leading to improved player performance and feel. Even still further, the first deviating section 7410-1 and the second deviating section 7410-2 may provide a relatively larger amount of the inner portion 7404 to extend further towards the edge of the core 7400 at or around a sweet spot of the core 7400. In one example, the inner portion 7404 may be denser and / or may have a greater mass relative to other portions of the core 7400. This may provide higher Mol and resistance to twist for off-center strikes of a pickleball, resulting in an increase in control.

[0337] FIG. 75 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 7500 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. In a manner similar to the example of FIG. 74, the core 7500 may include an outer ring 7502, a frame portion 7504, and an inner portion 7506 as similarly described in other examples herein. The outer ring 7502, the frame portion 7504, and the inner portion 7506 may be spatially separated to form floating portions that are not necessarily coupled to one another. However, in one example, the outer ring 7502, the frame portion 7504, and the inner portion 7506 may be secured to one another. The outer ring 7502, the frame portion 7504, and the inner portion 7506 may be made of any materials that provide the advantages described herein. In one example, the frame portion 750484 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTmay be separated from the inner portion 7506 such that a gap is present between the frame portion 7504 and the inner portion 7506, and other materials may be present in that gap.

[0338] The outer ring 7502 may be made of, for example, a carbon fiber encapsulated polyurethane expanding foam. Further, the frame portion 7504 may be made of, for example, an EPP foam with a density of approximately between 40 kg / m3and 60 kg / m3, or a density of approximately 50 kg / m3. Still further, the inner portion 7506 may be made of, for example, an EPP foam with a density’ of approximately between 80 kg / m3and 130 kg / m3, or a density’ of approximately 90 kg / m3.

[0339] In one example, the frame portion 7504 may wrap around the top, two sides, and bottom of the core 7500 without interruptions in continuity and may extend into the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106. However, in one example, the division between the frame portion 7502 and the inner portion 7506 may be interrupted with the inclusion of a bridge portion or a hinge portion as described above in connection with FIGS. 68 through 72.

[0340] FIG. 76 illustrates apian, cutaway view of acore 7600 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. In a manner similar to the examples described herein, the core 7600 may include a perimeter ring 7602, an outer ring 7604, a middle ring 7606, an inner portion 7608, and a handle material 7610 as similarly described in other examples herein. The perimeter ring 7602, the outer ring 7604, the middle ring 7606, and the inner portion 7608 may be spatially separated to form floating portions that are not necessarily coupled to one another. However, in one example, the perimeter ring 7602, the outer ring 7604, the middle ring 7606, and the inner portion 7608 may be secured to one another. The perimeter ring 7602, the outer ring 7604, the middle ring 7606, and the inner portion 7608 may be made of any materials that provide the advantages described herein. In one example, the outer ring 7604, the middle ring 7606, and / or the inner portion 7608 may be separated from one another such that a gap is present between the outer ring 7604, the middle ring 7606, and / or the inner portion 7608. Further, in one example, other materials may be present in any gaps that may be defined between the outer ring 7604, the middle ring 7606, and / or the inner portion 7608.

[0341] In one example, the perimeter ring 7602 may be made of, for example, a carbon fiber encapsulated polyurethane expanding foam. In one example, the perimeter ring 7602 may85 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTbe made of an unencapsulated polyurethane expanding foam with no carbon fiber tube. In one example, the perimeter ring 7602 may have a width of approximately between 1 and 3 mm, between 2.25 and 3.25 mm, or approximately 2.54 mm.

[0342] Further, in one example, the outer ring 7604 may be made of, for example, an EPP foam with a density of approximately betw een 40 kg / m3and 100 kg / m3, or a density of approximately between 70 kg / m3and 90 kg / m3,or a density of approximately between 70 kg / m3and 80 kg / m3. In one example, the outer ring 7604 may be made of. for example, a super ultra low-density foam with model number Bl 3-B9113 foam developed and distributed by TriGreat International, Ltd. and commonly referred to as BONBON foam. Further, in one example, the outer ring 7604 may have a width of betw een approximately 13 millimeters (mm) and 16 mm, or a width of approximately 15.75 mm. Other densities, shapes, materials, and widths of the outer ring 7604 are contemplated herein.

[0343] Further, in one example, the middle ring 7606 may be made of, for example, an EPP foam with a density of approximately betw een 40 kg / m3and 100 kg / m3, or a density of approximately between 70 kg / m3and 90 kg / m3,or a density of approximately between 70 kg / m3and 80 kg / m3. In one example, the middle ring 7606 may be made of, for example, a super ultra low-density foam with model number B13-B9113 foam developed and distributed by Tri-Great International, Ltd. and commonly referred to as BONBON foam. Further, in one example, the middle ring 7606 may have a width of between approximately 13 millimeters (mm) and 16 mm, or a width of approximately 15.75 mm. Other densities, shapes, materials, and widths of the middle ring 7606 are contemplated herein.

[0344] Still further, the inner portion 7608 may be made of, for example, an EPP foam with a density of approximately between 60 kg / m3and 120 kg / m3, or a density of approximately between 90 kg / m3and 1100 kg / m3’ or a density of approximately between 95 kg / m3and 105 kg / m3. In one example, the inner portion 7608 may be made of, for example, a low-density foam with model number B13-B919 foam developed and distributed by Tri-Great International, Ltd. and commonly referred to as BONBON foam. Further, in one example, the inner portion 7608 may have any width that includes the remainder of the width of the core 7600 minus the widths of the perimeter ring 7602, the outer ring 7604, and / or the middle ring 7606. Other densities, shapes, materials, and widths of the inner portion 7608 are contemplated herein.86 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0345] In one example, the perimeter ring 7602 may wrap around the top, two sides, and bottom of the core 7600 without interruptions in continuity and may extend into the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106 as depicted in FIG. 76. The outer ring 7604 may nest within the perimeter ring 7602 and may surround and / or enclose the middle ring 7606 and the inner portion 7608. Similarly, the middle ring 7606 may nest within the perimeter ring 7602 and the outer ring 7604 and may surround and / or enclose the inner portion 7608. Further, the inner portion 7608 may nest within the perimeter ring 7602, the outer ring 7604, and the middle ring 7606.

[0346] In one example, the handle material 7610 of the handle portion 106 may include a honeycomb material. In one example, the honeycomb material may include a polypropylene (PP) honeycomb material. In one example, the honeycomb material may be approximately between 14 mm and 17 mm in thickness or approximately 15.3 mm in thickness. The use of the honeycomb material as the handle material of the handle portion 106 allows for the mass of the core 7600 and a resulting paddle to be reduced and allow s for mass to be distributed through the body portion 102 and / or the throat portion 104 to provide a desired Mol, CoR, and other performance characteristics described herein.

[0347] FIG. 77 illustrates a plan, cutaway view of a core 7700 of the paddle 100 of FIG.1 along line A, according to an example of the principles described herein. In a manner similar to the example of FIG. 76, the core 7700 may include a perimeter ring 7702, an outer ring 7704, an inner portion 7706. and a handle material 7708 as similarly described in other examples herein. The perimeter ring 7702, the outer ring 7704, and the inner portion 7706 may be spatially separated to form floating portions that are not necessarily coupled to one another. However, in one example, the perimeter ring 7702, the outer ring 7704, and the inner portion 7706 may be secured to one another. The perimeter ring 7702, the outer ring 7704, and the inner portion 7706 may be made of any materials that provide the advantages described herein. In one example, the outer ring 7704 and the inner portion 7706 may be separated from one another such that a gap is present between the outer ring 7704 and the inner portion 7706. Further, in one example, other materials may be present in any gaps that may be defined between the outer ring 7704 and the inner portion 7706.

[0348] In one example, the perimeter ring 7702 may be made of, for example, a carbon fiber encapsulated polyurethane expanding foam. In one example, the perimeter ring 7702 may87 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTbe made of an unencapsulated polyurethane expanding foam with no carbon fiber tube. In one example, the perimeter ring 7702 may have a width of approximately between 1 and 3 mm, between 2.25 and 3.25 mm, or approximately 2.54 mm.

[0349] Further, in one example, the outer ring 7704 may be made of, for example, an EPP foam with a density of approximately betw een 40 kg / m3and 100 kg / m3, or a density of approximately between 70 kg / m3and 90 kg / m3,or a density of approximately between 70 kg / m3and 80 kg / m3. In one example, the outer ring 7704 may be made of. for example, a super ultra low-density foam with model number Bl 3-B9113 foam developed and distributed by TriGreat International, Ltd. and commonly referred to as BONBON foam. Further, in one example, the outer ring 7704 may have a width of betw een approximately 13 millimeters (mm) and 16 mm, or a width of approximately 15.75 mm. Other densities, shapes, materials, and widths of the outer ring 7704 are contemplated herein.

[0350] Further, the inner portion 7706 may be made of, for example, an EPP foam with a density of approximately betw een 60 kg / m3and 120 kg / m3, or a density of approximately between 90 kg / m3and 1100 kg / m3,or a density of approximately between 95 kg / m3and 105 kg / m3. In one example, the inner portion 7706 may be made of, for example, a low-density foam with model number B13-B919 foam developed and distributed by Tri-Great International, Ltd. and commonly referred to as BONBON foam. Further, in one example, the inner portion 7706 may have any width that includes the remainder of the width of the core 7702 minus the widths of the perimeter ring 7702 and / or the outer ring 7704. Other densities, shapes, materials, and widths of the inner portion 7706 are contemplated herein.

[0351] In one example, the perimeter ring 7702 may wrap around the top, two sides, and bottom of the core 7702 without interruptions in continuity and may extend into the body portion 102, the throat portion 104, and / or the handle portion 106 as depicted in FIG. 77. The outer ring 7704 may nest within the perimeter ring 7702 and may surround and / or enclose the inner portion 7706. Similarly, the inner portion 7706 may nest within the perimeter ring 7702 and the outer ring 7704.

[0352] In one example, the handle material 7708 of the handle portion 106 may include a honeycomb material. In one example, the honeycomb material may include a polypropylene (PP) honeycomb material. In one example, the honeycomb material may be approximately between 14 mm and 17 mm in thickness or approximately 15.3 mm in thickness. The use of88 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTthe honeycomb material as the handle material 7708 of the handle portion 106 allows for the mass of the core 7702 and a resulting paddle to be reduced and allows for mass to be distributed through the body portion 102 and / or the throat portion 104 to provide a desired Mol, CoR, and other performance characteristics described herein.

[0353] Further, all examples of the paddles described herein may be formed through additive manufacturing as described herein. Additive manufacturing (AM) is a process that builds objects layer by layer. Additive manufacturing as described herein may include any manufacturing process where an element is at least partially formed by adding a material to another and may include, for example, material extrusion in which a nozzle is utilized to heat and extrude a material into layers; binder jetting in which a liquid binding agent is used to bind powdered materials together in layers; sheet lamination in which sheets of material are bonded together to form an object; powder bed fusion (PBF) in which a powdered material is fused together layer by layer using a laser or electron beam; VAT polymerization in which a model is built layer by layer from a vat of liquid photopolymer resin; directed energy deposition (DED) in which a material is melted using a laser or electron beam and deposited around an object; material jetting, including nanoparticle jetting (NJP) in which a liquid is utilized to suspend a material with the liquid evaporating under high heat leaving the material in layers; other forms of AM, or a combination thereof. In one example, the voids may be printed or otherwise directly formed into the paddle and / or the core of the paddle and may further include post-processing (e.g., drilling, reaming, etc.) to increase desired tolerances.EXAMPLE CLAUSES

[0354] A: A paddle comprising: a core, wherein the core includes a plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core.

[0355] B: The paddle of paragraph A, wherein the plurality of different materials includes elastomeric foams, honeycomb cores, thermoplastic cores, metallic honeycombs, composites, aerogels, voids defined in the core, fluids, gases, or combinations thereof.

[0356] C: The paddle of any of paragraphs A-B, wherein the plurality of different materials includes elastomeric foams having different densities.89 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0357] D: The paddle of any of paragraphs A-C, wherein the discrete regions are arranged in a plurality of geometric layouts, including concentric rings, thirds, quarters, perimeter rings, segmented shapes, different geometric shapes, or combinations thereof.

[0358] E. The paddle of any of paragraphs A-D, wherein the plurality7of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core are selected based on a bespoke customization defined by a user, preference defined by the user, detected user performance, performance defined by the user, the weight distribution throughout the core, acoustic dampening throughout the core, rigidity7, mass, mass distribution, density, stiffness, strength, mechanical properties, or combinations thereof.

[0359] F: The paddle of any of paragraphs A-E, wherein the plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core are coupled via an adhesive compatible with two neighboring different materials.

[0360] G: A paddle comprising: a core; a layer coupled to the core; and a void defined from an edge of the core and parallel with the layer.

[0361] H: The paddle of paragraph G, wherein the void is open to an edge of the core, open to an edge of the paddle, extends through an entirety of the core, extends through a portion of the core, or combinations thereof.

[0362] I: The paddle of any of paragraphs G-H, wherein the void has a cylindrical cross section, a square cross section, a cross-sectional dimension less than 100% of a width of the core, or combinations thereof.

[0363] J: The paddle of any of paragraphs G-I, wherein the void includes a plurality of voids.

[0364] K: The paddle of any of paragraphs G-J, wherein the plurality of voids are formed at regular spacing with respect to one another along the core, are formed at irregular spacing with respect to one another along the core, include identical dimensions, include nonidentical dimensions, intersect with one another, are formed at an angle relative to the edge of the core, or combinations thereof.

[0365] L: The paddle of any of paragraphs G-K, wherein the void is non-linear.

[0366] M: The paddle of any of paragraphs G-L, wherein a terminus of the void includes a baffle or valve to restrict fluid flow into and out of the void.90 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

[0367] N: The paddle of any of paragraphs G-M, wherein the void is formed as the core is formed or after the core is formed.

[0368] O: The paddle of any of paragraphs G-N, wherein the core includes an opencell foam, an ultra-low-density' foam, a low-density foam, a high-density foam, an elastomeric foam, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polyurethane (PU), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), an expanded polypropylene (EPP), an expanded polyethylene (EPE). an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or combinations thereof.

[0369] P: A method of forming a paddle comprising: filling a mold with a foam to form a core; and forming a portion of the core to define a void in the core, the void being defined from an edge of the core.

[0370] Q: The method of paragraph P, wherein forming the portion of the core to define the void in the core includes: forming a foam core within a mold, the mold including a core insert; and removing the core insert to form a void in the core.

[0371] R: The method of any of paragraphs P-Q, wherein the core insert includes a slide injection pin selectively moved into the mold and out of the mold.

[0372] S: The method of any of paragraphs P-R, wherein forming the portion of the core to define a void in the core includes forming the void via a subtractive manufacturing process.

[0373] T: The method of any of paragraphs P-S, wherein forming the portion of the core to define a void in the core includes forming the void via an additive manufacturing process.CONCLUSION

[0374] The examples described herein provide paddles with hybrid core layouts that arrange two or more (e.g., a plurality of) different core matenals in distinct zones or regions within a paddle as well as paddles including a number of vias or voids formed or created in the core of the paddles that provide superior control and power. The various examples described herein may improve any number of play characteristics and may be tuned and implemented to obtain a bespoke paddle for a specific user or a group of people.

[0375] By selectively choosing and placing specific core types (with distinct densities, stiffnesses, and damping properties), the paddle can optimize ball control, powder generation,91 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTvibration dampening, the weight distribution, and other play characteristics or properties in various areas. These core layouts are advantageous over other paddles by enabling more precise customization of playing characteristics without sacrificing structural integrity. Moreover, the capacity to mix and match both flexible and rigid cores, as well as high- and low-density foams, caters to a broader range of player preferences and performance objectives.

[0376] Further, implementation of the voids as described herein provides for weight reduction through the removal of material, resulting in a significant reduction in weight of the paddle while maintaining the overall geometry and functionality of the paddle. This may be particularly important since weight savings directly improve performance and efficiency. Further, removing unnecessary' material from non-critical areas may ensure that only essential material remains, optimizing the structure for a strength-to-weight ratio. Still further, the voids improve stress distribution and load optimization by improving stress flow. The voids may assist in redistributing stresses more evenly and avoiding stress concentrations in desired or specific areas. Strategically placed voids may interrupt stress paths, preventing crack propagation or fatigue within the paddles. Even still further, the voids improve flexibility in load paths since the voids may create pathways for forces to redistribute, preventing areas of high stress and ensuring a more uniform load-bearing capability. Even still further, the voids improve vibration dampening and noise reduction. By altering the mass and stiffness of the structure, drilled holes can shift natural frequencies and reduce resonance within the paddles. Still further, the voids minimize noise transmission since the relatively lighter structure of the paddles may reduce the transmission of vibrations and noise through the material of the paddles.

[0377] The voids also improve the flexibility and compliance of the paddles. Specifically, the voids provide for controlled flexibility, where the voids are included at specific locations, which may make the structure more compliant, allowing it to bend or deform under certain loads without failing. Furthermore, the stiffness of the paddles may be tuned or tailored by removing material in targeted areas. This may be used to fine-tune the stiffness of any portion of the paddles, improving the mechanical response to dynamic forces within the paddles.

[0378] The voids may further improve fluid routing through the paddles. Still further, the voids may assist in improving buckling resistance in the paddles as they are compressed92 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTthrough play. In structures subject to compressive loads, such as the paddles, inclusion of the voids in areas that do not contribute significantly to buckling resistance may reduce weight while maintaining the load-carrying capacity.

[0379] Further, the voids may contribute to fatigue resistance, including fatigue crack growth. Strategically including voids may serve as crack arrestors, stopping fatigue cracks from forming or propagating further.

[0380] While the present systems and methods are described with respect to the specific examples, it is to be understood that the scope of the present systems and methods are not limited to these specific examples. Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present systems and methods are not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of the present systems and methods.

[0381] Although the application describes examples having specific structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are merely illustrative of some examples that fall within the scope of the claims of the application.93 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

Claims

1. CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A paddle comprising:a core,wherein the core includes a plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core.

2. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of different materials comprise elastomeric foams, honeycomb cores, thermoplastic cores, metallic honeycombs, composites, aerogels, voids defined in the core, fluids, gases, or combination thereof.

3. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of different materials comprise elastomeric foams having different densities.

4. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the discrete regions are arranged in a plurality of geometric layouts including concentric rings, thirds, quarters, perimeter rings, segmented shapes, different geometric shapes, or combinations thereof.

5. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core are selected based on a bespoke customization defined by a user, preference defined by the user, detected user performance, performance defined by the user, weight distribution throughout the core, acoustic dampening throughout the core, rigidity, mass, mass distribution, density, stiffness, strength, mechanical properties, or combinations thereof.

6. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of different materials located at discrete regions throughout the core are coupled via an adhesive compatible with two neighboring different materials.

7. A paddle comprising:94 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCTa core;a layer coupled to the core: anda void defined from an edge of the core and parallel with the layer.

8. The paddle of claim 7, wherein the void is open to an edge of the core, open to an edge of the paddle, extends through an entirety of the core, extends through a portion of the core, or combinations thereof.

9. The paddle of claim 7, wherein the void has a cylindrical cross section, a square cross section, a cross-sectional dimension less than 100% of a width of the core, or combinations thereof.

10. The paddle of claim 7, wherein the void includes a plurality of voids.

11. The paddle of claim 10, wherein the plurality of voids are formed at regular spacing with respect to one another along the core, are formed at irregular spacing with respect to one another along the core, include identical dimensions, include non-identical dimensions, intersect with one another, are formed at an angle relative to the edge of the core, or combinations thereof.

12. The paddle of claim 7, wherein the void is non-linear.

13. The paddle of claim 7, wherein a terminus of the void includes a baffle or valve to restrict fluid flow into and out of the void.

14. The paddle of claim 7, wherein the void is formed as the core is formed or after the core is formed.

15. The paddle of claim 7, wherein the core includes an open-cell foam, an ultra-low-density foam, a low-density foam, a high-density foam, an elastomeric foam, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polyurethane (PU), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), an expanded polypropylene95 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT(EPP), an expanded polyethylene (EPE), an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or combinations thereof.

16. A method of forming a paddle comprising:filling a mold with a foam to form a core; andforming a portion of the core to define a void in the core, the void being defined from an edge of the core.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the portion of the core to define the void in the core includes:forming a foam core within a mold, the mold including a core insert; and removing the core insert to form a void in the core.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the core insert includes a slide injection pin selectively moved into the mold and out of the mold.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the portion of the core to define a void in the core includes forming the void via a subtractive manufacturing process.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the portion of the core to define a void in the core includes forming the void via an additive manufacturing process.96 Atty Docket No. S419-6021PCT

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