KR-20260065868-A - Game paddle

Abstract

The present teaching generally includes game paddles, such as pickleball paddles. For example, the pickleball paddle disclosed herein may include a first surface, a second surface, and a core disposed between them, and the core defines a plurality of gaps capable of accommodating one or more fillers to provide, for example, vibration damping and/or otherwise affect performance, comfort, and enjoyment. In an exemplary aspect, the gaps are disposed on each side of the paddle near the neck portion, and a first filler is inserted into the gaps. The first filler is visible within such gaps, for example, an edge guard includes a window for viewing the first filler. The paddle according to the present teaching may have a frame (e.g., a frame accommodating one or more gaps) or may not have a frame. In some aspects, the frame may also include, or instead, fillers disposed within and/or adjacent to the frame.

Inventors

• 카치와자키, 파비오
• 킴, 어스틴
• 리, 리차드

Assignees

• 스포츠 스쿼드, 아이엔씨.

Dates

Publication Date

20260511

Application Date

20240815

Priority Date

20231113

Claims (20)

1. As a pickleball paddle, Front surface; A rear surface facing the aforementioned front surface; A core disposed between the above-mentioned front surface and the above-mentioned rear surface; A gap formed in at least a portion of the above core; A first filler disposed within at least a portion of the gap; A frame disposed around at least the head portion of the pickleball paddle along the edge portion - said frame is disposed at least partially between the front surface and the rear surface along the edge portion, and said frame defines a hollow internal portion - ; and A second filler disposed within at least a portion of the hollow inner part of the above frame A pickleball paddle including
2. In paragraph 1, A pickleball paddle in which at least one of the first filler and the second filler comprises a foamed material.
3. In paragraph 1 or 2, One or more of the first filler and the second filler comprises at least one of: a polymer, a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting material, a thermoplastic elastomer, an elastomer, rubber, and an inflatable material, in a pickleball paddle.
4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, A pickleball paddle in which at least one of the first filler and the second filler comprises pressurized air.
5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, A pickleball paddle in which the second filler and the first filler are the same material.
6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, A pickleball paddle in which the second filler and the first filler are different materials.
7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, The above gap is a pickleball paddle, at least partially disposed between the frame and the core.
8. In Paragraph 7, The above gap is a pickleball paddle that forms a boundary with the above frame.
9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, The above frame is a pickleball paddle that surrounds the entire pickleball paddle.
10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, The above frame is a pickleball paddle containing carbon fiber.
11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 10, The above frame is a pickleball paddle with a hollow rectangular structure.
12. In Paragraph 11, The above hollow rectangular structure is a pickleball paddle formed from a single piece of material.
13. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 12, A pickleball paddle, the above core comprising at least a honeycomb structure.
14. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 13, A pickleball paddle further comprising an edge guard covering at least a portion of the frame along at least a portion of the head portion of the pickleball paddle.
15. As a pickleball paddle, Front surface; A rear surface facing the aforementioned front surface; A core disposed between the above-mentioned front surface and the above-mentioned rear surface; A gap formed in at least a portion of the core along the throat portion of the pickleball paddle; and A first filler disposed within at least a portion of the gap. A pickleball paddle including
16. In paragraph 15, A pickleball paddle comprising a material that is structurally configured to absorb vibrations caused by striking a ball on one or more of the front surface and the rear surface of the pickleball paddle.
17. In paragraph 15 or 16, A pickleball paddle further comprising a frame disposed around at least a head portion of the pickleball paddle along an edge portion, wherein the frame is disposed at least partially between the front surface and the rear surface along the edge portion, and the frame defines a hollow internal portion fillable with a second filler.
18. As a method for manufacturing a pickleball paddle, the method is: A step of forming the core of a pickleball paddle having a head portion and a handle portion; A step of forming one or more gaps in the core of the pickleball paddle; A step of inserting a first filler into at least a portion of the one or more gaps; A step of wrapping a frame around the perimeter of the above core; and A step of attaching both the front surface and the rear surface to the core wrapped by the frame. A method including
19. In Paragraph 18, The above frame is a method for defining a hollow internal part.
20. In Paragraph 19, A method further comprising the step of inserting a second filler into at least a portion of the hollow inner part of the frame.

Description

Game paddle Cross-reference regarding related applications The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/535,565, filed on August 30, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/543,865, filed on October 12, 2023. The present application also claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18/389,174, filed on November 13, 2023, said application itself claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/535,565, filed on August 30, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/543,865, filed on October 12, 2023. Each of the foregoing applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technology field The present disclosure generally relates to game paddles, such as, for example, pickleball paddles, as well as methods for manufacturing and using the same. Paddles for paddle sports have been used for a long time. A paddle typically refers to a paddle that does not contain strings (like a tennis racket). Paddles are used to play games such as pickleball and paddleball. In particular, pickleball is a paddle sport that generally combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court similar in size to a badminton court, with a net separating the opposing sides. The game is played with solid paddles made of materials such as wood, graphite, and/or composites, and perforated plastic balls. Generally, a player uses their paddle to hit the ball over the net, aiming to land the ball within the boundaries of the opposing side of the court. Traditionally, paddles have consisted of a solid core material, such as wood, foam, or composite, interposed between two outer surfaces. While this design has proven effective, there has been a persistent desire to improve paddle performance, durability, and ergonomics. For instance, a key focus in paddle design has been weight distribution and balance. The weight distribution within the paddle can affect its maneuverability, power transfer, and the overall feel in the player's hands. Another consideration in paddle design is vibration damping. Impacts from balls or other objects onto the paddle surface can generate vibrations that are transmitted to the player's hands and arms. Excessive vibration can lead to discomfort and reduced control, potentially contributing to conditions such as tennis elbow. Durability is also a critical factor in paddle design. Paddles are subjected to repetitive impacts and various environmental conditions, which can lead to wear and tear over time. Maintaining performance characteristics while extending the paddle's lifespan remains an ongoing challenge. As the popularity of paddle sports, such as pickleball, continues to rise, there remains a need for improvements that can enhance player skill, comfort, and enjoyment. The present teaching generally comprises game paddles, such as pickleball paddles. For example, the pickleball paddle disclosed herein may comprise a first surface, a second surface, and a core disposed between them, and the core defines a plurality of gaps capable of accommodating one or more fillers to provide, for example, vibration damping and/or otherwise affect performance, comfort, and enjoyment. In an exemplary aspect, the gaps are disposed on each side of the paddle near the throat portion, and a first filler is inserted into the gaps. The first filler is visible within such gaps, and, for example, an edge guard includes a window for viewing the first filler. The paddle according to the present teaching may have a frame (e.g., a frame accommodating one or more gaps) or may not have a frame. In some aspects, the frame may also include, or instead, fillers disposed within and/or adjacent to the frame. In one aspect, the pickleball paddle disclosed herein may comprise: a front surface; a rear surface facing the front surface; a core disposed between the front surface and the rear surface; a gap formed in at least a portion of the core; a first filler disposed within at least a portion of the gap; a frame disposed around at least a head portion of the pickleball paddle along an edge portion—the frame is disposed at least partially between the front surface and the rear surface along the edge portion, and the frame defines a hollow internal portion—; and a second filler disposed within at least a portion of the hollow internal portion of the frame. The implementation may include one or more of the following features. One or more of the first filler and the second filler may include a foamed material. One or more of the first filler and the second filler may include at least one of: a polymer, a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting material, a thermoplastic elastomer, an elastomer, rubber, and an inflatable material. One or more of the first filler and the second filler may include pressurized air. The second filler and the first filler may be the same material. The second filler and the first filler may be different materials. A