Pickleball Paddle Striking Surfaces Of Non-Uniform Thickness

This applications claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/640,191 filed on Apr. 29, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

This disclosure related generally to pickleball paddles, and more particularly to pickleball striking blade surfaces with non-uniform thickness.

Pickleball is rapidly growing popular among players of many age groups and skill levels. Players at all different skill levels and having varying degrees of physical capabilities enjoy the game recreationally and/or in competition.

In the game of pickleball, the paddle, the ball, and the type of pickleball court may affect the pace of the game, and the how players continue playing depending on their physical abilities and skill levels. Pickleball paddles and balls are strictly regulated by the U.S. Pickleball Association for tournament play, and most paddles used in intermediate or recreational play are also constructed to adhere to the U.S. Pickleball Association's specifications.

Given that some segments of pickleball players desire pickleball paddles that are more customized to their particular capabilities, strengths and/or preferences, pickleball paddles that, while complying with the U.S. Pickleball Association paddle specifications, are designed according to various player capabilities, strengths, and/or preferences are desired.

An example embodiment provides a pickleball paddle comprising a striking blade and a handle connected to the striking blade, wherein the striking blade comprises a front striking surface on a first side of the striking blade and a back striking surface on a second side of the striking blade, and wherein at least one striking surface of the front striking surface and the back striking surface has non-uniform thickness.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosure, including structures, systems, and methods, may be practiced without these specific details. The description and representation herein are the common means used by those experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

This disclosure relates to “Pickleball,” a game that has in recent years seen a massive increase in popularity among all age groups of players, including among senior citizens. Pickleball is a game that can be described as combining aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a badminton-sized court, with paddles and a ball similar to a wiffle ball, but slightly smaller in size. The net used in pickleball is similar to a tennis net in some ways, but is lowered at the center.

Pickleball has recently become very popular and is played both indoors and outdoors, as either doubles or singles. The rules are relatively simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn. However, among skilled players, pickleball can develop into a quick, fast-paced, and competitive game.

shows an example pickleball courtthat includes a pickleball playing surfaceand a pickleball net. The playing surfacecomprises two left serve areasand, two right serve areasand, and two non-volley areasand, with one of the left serve areas, one of the right serve areas, and one of the non-volley areas being on each side of the pickleball net. The net is 36 inches tall at the edges, and lowered to 34 inches in the middle. The areas-are defined by baselinesandeach 20 feet, sidelinesandeach 44 feet, center linesandeach 15 feet, and non-volley linesandeach the same size as a baseline. Each of the lines may be 2 inches wide. The term “court line” is used in this disclosure to refer to any sideline, baseline, centerline or non-volley line on the pickleball court. Non-volley areasand, each extending 7 feet from the net, are also referred to as the “kitchen”.

The game of pickleball is played with a pickleball paddleand pickleball ball. The ballis typically made of plastic and has a 3-inch diameter. Similar to a wiffleball, the ballhas through holes throughout the surface. Different types (e.g., with different levels of hardness and different sizes of the through holes) may be used for playing the game on the various types of pickleball courts (e.g., indoor, outdoor, hard surface, soft surface etc.).

Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, and is most commonly played as doubles. Each point begins with an underarm serve. The serve is performed diagonally beginning at the right-hand service square. A valid serve sends the ball from one left serve area to the other left serve area or from one right serve area to the other right serve area. The serve must clear the non-volley-zone. The serve must bounce before being hit by the receiver. The return of serve must also bounce before being hit (this is known as the 2 bounce rule). After the serve and the return of the serve, the ball can land anywhere on the opposite side of the playing surface. Volleys can only be performed outside of the non-volley zone. Volleys, that is, hitting the ball in the air without first letting it bounce, can only be made after the 2 bounce rule has been followed. However, if the ball is hit from within the kitchen, then it cannot land in the kitchen on the other side of the net.

A fault is any action that stops play due to a rule violation. A fault by the receiving team results in the servers earning a point. A fault by the serving team results in the server's loss of service and/or side out. A fault is committed when the serve touches any part of the non-volley zone (including the line) or the ball is hit out of bounds.

Pickleball games are typically played without a referee and are self-judged. Each player makes the line calls as to whether the ball is in or out when the ball contacts the playing surface on that player's side. The game continues to at least 11 points and requires a 2-point difference for a win.shows another view of a pickleball court.

As noted above, pickleball is played by people of all ages and all skill levels. It is important that pickleball organizations provide as many options as possible to facilitate enjoyable play among, especially, groups of recreational players who may need (or prefer) pickleball paddles with larger surface to assist with improving their ability to return the ball and with arrangements of the striking surfaces that aid in keeping the ball in play (e.g., without going out of the court and/or without hitting the net).

A conventional pickleball paddle is shown in. In some example embodiments, as shown for example in, a pickleball paddlemay comprise a striking bladeand a handleconnected to the striking blade. A gripmay wrap around a portion of the handleand may comprise of a material that is more comfortable and/or provides better control of the paddle. The gripis the portion of the handle that is intended to be held by the player during play (e.g., to strike and return a ball during play). The striking bladecomprises a striking surface(on the front of the paddle and on the back of the paddle) and a frame (also referred to as an edge)surrounding the striking surface. The striking surfacemay also be referred to as a face of the striking bladeand is intended to be the portion of the striking bladewith which to strike the pickleball. During a pickleball game, based on the ball position and/or player position on the pickleball court, the player may use either the front face and the back face of the striking surface (e.g., corresponding to the front and back of the pickleball paddle, respectively) for any shot. The striking blademay comprise a core sandwiched between two striking surface material layers. The core may be constructed from materials such as, for example, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber/plastic compound, polymer, aluminum, honeycomb composite, etc. The striking surface material layers (e.g., padding layers) may comprise one or more layers of materials such as, for example, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber/plastic compound, fiberglass, carbon fiber, graphite, etc., that are conducive to striking/returning the pickleball ball and/or controlling the behavior of the ball. The striking surfacemay be configured with a particular hardness (e.g., using the same or different material or material combination as in the rest of the striking surface) in an area referred to as “sweet spot” intended to provide the primary area of contact with the pickleball. Framemay be constructed with a wood, plastic and/or hard rubber or compound thereof to encompass and provide support to the striking surface. Framemay be integrated with or connected to handleat a connection area (also referred to as a connection part or connection point). The handlemay be the lower portion of a part/member (e.g., constructed of the same or different material(s) as the handle) that extends to the top of the striking blade (e.g., to the frameat the top of the striking blade) or part way through the middle/core of the striking blade, and may be integrated/connected with the framein the connecting area (connecting part). Some pickleball paddles may include a butt capaffixed to the bottom of the handle.

shows two examples of commonly available pickleball paddles. The example pickleball paddle on the left side has a more elongated striking blade than the example paddle on the right side, providing a larger striking surface. Both example pickleball paddles in, similar to that in, has an edge that is of a concave shape on either side (left and right) of the handle and then curves upward before extending up in a straight line. In each example paddle shown inthe center axes (not shown in) of the striking blade and the handle are the same.

shows example pickleball paddle specifications and standards according to USA Pickleball—the United States Pickleball Association. The USA Pickleball specifications require that the combined length and width of a pickleball paddle cannot exceed 24 inches. The illustrated example paddle specification shows a paddle shape that can provide for a total length (handle and striking blade) of 15.5″-17″ inches and a width of 7″-8.25″. The paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). Not mandated by USA Pickleball, but illustrated infor an example pickleball paddle, are a thickness of 0.5″-0.625″ of the striking blade, a thickness of 1.25″ at the bottom of the handle, and a length of 4″-5.5″ of the handle. The side profile view at the bottom of the figure illustrates the profile view from the long side of the example paddle, and the side profile view shown on the right illustrates the profile view from the top-side of the paddle.

In each of the above identified example paddles, the striking blade comprises a core and a striking surface material (e.g., a padding) layer on either side of the core layer. As shown by the long-side profile view and the top-side profile view in, the core has uniform thickness throughout and the material layers on either side (i.e., front side and back side) of the core are of a same thickness as each other and provide, on each side, a same height of material throughout the striking surface on each side of the core.

The uniform thickness of the striking surface throughout on each side of the core provides the player with the opportunity to play shots using an even (uniform thickness) striking surface to make contact with the pickleball ball. The player may rely on the evenness of the striking surface to reliably and predictably strike the pickleball ball, regardless of the location of the striking blade at which the ball makes contact with the striking blade to have the ball returned (projected) in a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle. For example, by holding a conventional paddlehorizontally parallel to the court (e.g., hold the handle of paddlehorizontally parallel to the court, i.e., the held direction being horizontally parallel to the court), a player can expect a ball that strikes the paddle from a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle to be returned in the direction orthogonal to the held direction. It should be understood that, when the striking surface on the ball-facing side of the paddle is uniform (i.e., parallel to the held direction of paddle) at the point of contact, then the projected direction can be described as being orthogonal to the striking surface.

Players typically try to hit the pickleball around the center of a pickleball paddle during a game. Pickleballs that hit the edge of a pickleball paddle such as paddleare more likely to go out or hit the net. This may happen when the player is over extended, late to the ball, or on the move.

Example embodiments with uneven surface (variable or non-uniform thickness) of the striking blade can direct a pickleball more toward the center of the court when the pickleball hits the edges of the pickleball paddle. In the first illustrated embodiment, a curved surface is shown. Other shapes such as a sloping/tilted straight-line shape may also be used. In this example, a symmetric uneven surface is shown. Asymmetric surfaces may be used to optimize the likelihood of the pickleball staying in the court. The uneven surface may extend in width, length, and/or both direction of the striking blade. With uneven surface, deflection characteristics of the pickleball from different areas of the paddle can be optimized.

illustrate profile views from a long side of an example pickleball paddleof which the front striking surface and the back striking surface are elevated in accordance with some embodiments. The profile views are of paddleas seen from the right side. The pickleball paddlecomprises a striking bladeand a handle attached to the striking blade. The front and back striking surfaces of the striking bladeare each elevated at or near both top and bottom ends of the striking blade.

The striking bladecomprises a core, a front surface material layer, and a back surface material layer. The core may be constructed from a harder and/or more rigid material than the front surface material layer and/or the back surface material layer. The front striking surface material layer and the back striking surface material layer may be formed from the same material or may be formed from different materials.

The front striking surfaceand the back striking surfaceof the pickleball paddleare each elevated at the top end and the bottom end. In relation to the dashed horizontal line shown superimposed on the striking bladein, the front striking surfaceis the portion of the striking blade that is above the dashed line, and the back striking surfaceis the portion of the striking blade that is below the dashed line. As shown in the figure, the front striking surfaceis flat in the center area and gradually increases in thickness to the highest level of elevation at or near the top endand at or near the bottom end. The back striking surfaceis flat in the center area and gradually increases in thickness to the highest level of elevation at or near the top endand at or near the bottom end. It should be understood that the term “center area” is used in relation to pickleball paddles in this disclosure to identify an area that is centered at the center of the paddle but that, in paddles of various embodiments of this disclosure, may be of different sizes and/or shapes.

As shown in, the reaction of a pickleball when struck with different areas of the front striking surface may be different even while the player holds the paddle at the same angle relative to the incoming pickleball. The center area with its flat (uniform) thickness is intended to cause a ball that strikes the paddle from a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddleto project in a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle. The top end and the bottom end are each intended to project a ball that strikes the paddle from a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle, in a direction that, due to its gradually increasing elevation, causes the ball to project at an angle that is different from the direction that is orthogonal to the held direction after contact with the striking surface. The angle at which the ball projects is dependent on the rate of elevation of the striking surface at the point of contact.

In some embodiments, the highest elevations at/near the top end and the bottom end of the striking blade may be the same, and in some other embodiments the highest elevations may be different. In a similar manner, the rates of gradual increase of thickness from the center area to the top end and the bottom ends may be similar in some embodiments and different in others. Moreover, the size and/or shape of the center area that is of a uniform flat thickness may be different in respective paddles. Accordingly, respective paddles providing any one of a variety of ball reactions may be produced in accordance with different combinations of the highest levels of elevation at/near top and bottom ends, rates of gradual increase of thickness towards the top and bottom ends, and/or size/shape of the flat center area. In some example embodiments, the non-uniform surface may impact how the ball spins when the ball hits the striking blade. For example, the ball may spin faster or slower if it is hit at the non-flat surface of the striking blade compared to when the pickleball hits the flat surface of the striking blade. In some example embodiments, a non-uniform surface may cause the pickleball to return unpredictably and make it difficult for an opponent to return the pickleball. In the example figures, the thickness of the handle is less than the thickness of the edge of the striking blade of the paddle. In some example embodiments (not shown in the figures), the thickness of the handle may be slightly more than or may be substantially the same as the edge of the striking blade of the paddle. That may make it more convenient for the player to hold the paddle in some example scenarios. For example, when a player places one or more of fingers on the striking blade when striking a pickleball in a forehand or a backhand stroke.

illustrates a profile view from a long side of an example pickleball paddleof which the front striking surface and the back striking surface are elevated in accordance with some embodiments. The profile view is of paddleas seen from the right side. The pickleball paddlecomprises a striking bladeand a handle attached to the striking blade. The front and back striking surfaces of the striking bladeare each elevated at or near both top and bottom ends of the striking blade. For example, the front striking surface is flat in the center and elevated at or near the topof the striking bladeand at or near the bottomof the striking blade, and the back striking surface is flat in the center and elevated at or near the topof the striking bladeand at or near the bottomof the striking blade.

The striking bladecomprises a coresandwiched between a front surface material layerand a back surface material layer. In paddle, the corehas a front part (e.g., the top half of core) that is of non-uniform thickness and back part (e.g., a back half of core) that is of non-uniform thickness. The front surface material layerand the back surface material layerboth have uniform thickness.

illustrates a profile view from a long side of an example pickleball paddleof which the front striking surface and the back striking surface are elevated in accordance with some embodiments. The profile view is of paddleas seen from the right side. The pickleball paddlecomprises a striking bladeand a handle attached to the striking blade. The front and back striking surfaces of the striking bladeare each elevated at or near both top and bottom ends of the striking blade. For example, the front striking surface is flat in the center and elevated at or near the topof the striking bladeand at or near the bottomof the striking blade, and the back striking surface is flat in the center and elevated at or near the top endof the striking bladeand at or near the bottom endof the striking blade.

The striking bladecomprises a coresandwiched between a front surface material layerand a back surface material layer. In paddle, the corehas a front part (e.g., the top half of core) that is of uniform thickness and back part (e.g., a back half of core) that is of uniform thickness. The front surface material layerand the back surface material layerboth have non-uniform thicknesses.

illustrate profile views from a short side of an example pickleball paddle of which the front striking surface and the back striking surface are elevated on the long sides (e.g., left side and right side). The profile view is that of paddlewhen viewed from the top side.

The striking bladeof the pickleball paddlecomprises a front striking surface, and a back striking surface. The striking surfacecomprises a core, a front surface material layer and a back surface material layer. In relation to the dashed vertical line shown through the middle of the striking bladein, the front striking surfaceis the portion of the striking blade that is to the left of the dashed line and the back striking surfaceis the portion of the striking blade to the right of the dashed line.

The front striking surfaceand the back striking surfaceof the pickleball paddleare each elevated at or near the left end and the right end of the striking blade. As shown in the figure, the front striking surfaceis flat in the center area and gradually increases in thickness to the highest level of elevation at or near the left endand at or near the right end. The back striking surfaceis flat in the center area and gradually increases in thickness to the highest level of elevation at or near the left endand at or near the right end.

As shown in, the reaction of the pickleball when struck with the different areas of the front striking surface. The center area with its flat (uniform) thickness is intended to cause a ball, striking the paddle from a direction orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle, to project in a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle. The left end and the right end are each intended to project the ball in a direction that, due to its gradually increasing elevation, causes the ball to project at an angle to the held direction after contact with the striking surface. The angle at which the ball projects is dependent on the rate of elevation of the striking surface at the point of contact.

In some embodiments, the highest elevations at/near the left end and the right end may be the same, and in some other embodiments the highest elevations may be different. In a similar manner, the rates of gradual increase of thickness from the center area to the left end and the right end may be similar in some embodiments and different in others. Moreover, the size and/or shape of the center area that is of a uniform flat thickness may be different in respective paddles. Accordingly, respective paddles providing any one of a variety of ball reactions may be produced in accordance with different combinations of the highest levels of elevation at/near left and right ends, rates of gradual increase of thickness towards the left and right ends, and/or size/shape of the flat center area.

shows an example pickleball paddlewith both the frontand backstriking surfaces being elevated at or near the top end (,) but remaining unelevated at or near the bottom end, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The figure shows the profile view of paddlewhen viewed from the right side.

The striking surfacesandare formed on either side (front and back, respectively) of the striking blade. In some embodiments, the striking surfacesandmay be formed with materials as described in relation to.

The striking surfacesandof paddleare formed so that the bottom (i.e., in the direction of the handle) and the center areas have a uniform (flat) thickness, and the height of each striking surface gradually increases from a center area to the top of the striking surface in such a manner that the greatest height of the striking surfacesandoccur at or near the top ends,respectively of the striking surfaces.

As also illustrated in, the uniform flat striking surface in the bottom and center areas are expected to result in a struck ball, when the paddle is approached from a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle, being projected in a direction that is orthogonal to the held direction. A ball striking the paddle in an area where the thickness is gradually increasing is likely to be projected in a direction that is not orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle. In some instances, the direction in which the ball projects from an area of the striking surface that is gradually increasing in thickness improves the likelihood that the ball stays inside the court.

shows an example pickleball paddlewith both the frontand backstriking surfaces being elevated at the right long side, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The profile view from the top side of paddleis illustrated.

The striking surfacesandare formed on either side (front and back, respectively) of the striking blade. In some embodiments, the striking surfacesandmay be formed with materials as described in relation to.

The striking surfacesandof paddleare formed so that the area from the left long edge to the center areas have a uniform (flat) thickness, and the height of each striking surface gradually increases from a center area to the right long edge of the striking surface in such a manner that the greatest height of the striking surfacesandoccur at or near the right long edges,of the respective striking surfaces.

As also illustrated in, the uniform flat striking surface of the area from the left long edge to the center areas is expected to result in a struck ball being projected in a direction that is orthogonal to the striking surface. A ball striking the paddle in an area where the thickness is gradually increasing will be projected in a direction that is not orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle. In some instances, the direction in which the ball projects from an area of the striking surface that is gradually increasing improves the likelihood that the ball stays inside the court and/or avoids hitting the net.

The highest level of elevation and/or the rate of increase of thickness can be different in paddles in respective embodiments of this disclosure, in accordance with a paddle's desired ball return characteristics.

shows an example pickleball paddlewith both the frontand backstriking surfaces being elevated at the left long side, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The profile view from the top side of paddleis illustrated.

The striking surfacesandare formed on either side (front and back, respectively) of the striking blade. In some embodiments, the striking bladeand the striking surfacesandmay be formed with materials as described in relation to.

The striking surfacesandof paddleare formed so that the area from the right long edges to the center areas have a uniform (flat) thickness, and the height of each striking surface gradually increases from a center area to the left long edge of the striking surface in such a manner that the greatest height of the striking surfacesandoccur at or near the left long edges,of the respective striking surfaces.

As also illustrated in, the uniform flat striking surface of the area from the right long edges to the center areas is expected to result in a struck ball being projected in a direction that is orthogonal to the striking surface which, in this situation, is the same as the direction orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle. A ball striking the paddle in an area where the thickness is gradually increasing is likely to be projected in a direction that is not orthogonal to the held direction of the paddle. In some instances, the direction in which the ball projects from an area of the striking surface that is gradually increasing in thickness improves the likelihood that the ball stays inside the court and/or avoid hitting the net.