PADDLE OR RACQUET WITH THERMOSET PERIPHERY

Abstract

A paddle or racquet contains a body for contact with a projectile such as a pickleball, the body having a first body side and a second body side, and an edge. A handle is connected to the body, for gripping by a user. A peripheral member is fixed about a periphery of the body, the peripheral member being formed from a polymer, and the peripheral member containing defining a sidewall fitted over the first body side and the second body side. Accordingly, the peripheral member is fixed about a periphery of the paddle or racquet, and an be a contiguous periphery about the body and the handle, wherein the polymeric thickness of various portions of the sidewalls may be tailored to affect performance characteristics of the paddle or racquet.

Claims

1. A paddle for playing a racquet sport, the paddle comprising: a paddle body having a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the first side and the second side are both generally planar, the paddle body further having an edge between the first and second sides and defining a perimeter of the paddle body; and a peripheral sidewall attached about the perimeter of the paddle body, the peripheral sidewall having an inner surface contacting the perimeter of the paddle body and an outer surface facing away from the paddle body; wherein the peripheral sidewall is made of a non-foam, polyurethane, thermoset material.

2. The paddle of claim 1, further comprising: a skin adhered to the first side, the second side, and the peripheral sidewall, and wherein the skin attaches the peripheral sidewall to the paddle body.

3. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the skin overlaps with a portion of the peripheral sidewall.

4. The paddle of claim 3, wherein the skin does not overlap with an outer edge of the peripheral member so as to expose at least a portion of the peripheral sidewall.

5. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the skin is a carbon fiber skin.

6. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the peripheral sidewall has a mass that is at least 20% of a mass of the paddle.

7. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the peripheral sidewall includes surface features configured to mate with corresponding cells of the paddle body.

8. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the peripheral sidewall is a single peripheral sidewall that extends about at least a majority of the perimeter of the paddle body.

9. A paddle for playing a racquet sport, the paddle comprising: a paddle body having a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the first side and the second side are both generally planar, the paddle body further having an edge between the first and second sides and defining a perimeter of the paddle body; a peripheral sidewall attached about the perimeter of the paddle body, the peripheral sidewall having an inner surface contacting the perimeter of the paddle body and an outer surface facing away from the paddle body, wherein the outer surface of the peripheral sidewall defines an outer perimeter of the peripheral sidewall; and a skin adhered to the first side, the second side, and the outer surface of the peripheral sidewall, wherein the skin has an outer perimeter that does not extend all the way to the outer perimeter of the peripheral sidewall such that a portion of the peripheral sidewall is exposed.

10. The paddle of claim 9, wherein the peripheral sidewall is made of a non-foam, polyurethane, thermoset material.

11. The paddle of claim 9, wherein the peripheral sidewall has a mass that is at least 20% of a mass of the paddle.

12. The paddle of claim 11, wherein the peripheral sidewall has a mass that is at least 40% of a mass of the paddle.

13. The paddle of claim 9, wherein the skin is adhered to the first side, the second side, and the outer surface of the peripheral sidewall via an adhesive.

14. The paddle of claim 9, wherein the peripheral sidewall is a single peripheral sidewall that extends about at least a majority of the perimeter of the paddle body.

15. The paddle of claim 9, wherein the peripheral sidewall includes a pair of sidewalls attached to different areas of the edge of the paddle body.

16. A paddle for playing a racquet sport, the paddle comprising: a paddle body having a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the first side and the second side are both generally planar, the paddle body further having an edge between the first and second sides and defining a perimeter of the paddle body; and a peripheral sidewall attached about the perimeter of the paddle body, the peripheral sidewall having an inner surface contacting the perimeter of the paddle body and an outer surface facing away from the paddle body; wherein the peripheral sidewall makes up at least 20% of a mass of the paddle.

17. The paddle of claim 16, wherein the peripheral sidewall makes up at least 40% of the mass of the paddle.

18. The paddle of claim 16, wherein the peripheral sidewall comprises a non-foam, polyurethane, thermoset material.

19. The paddle of claim 16, further comprising: a skin adhered to the first side, the second side, and the outer surface of the peripheral sidewall, wherein the skin has an outer perimeter that does not extend all the way to the outer perimeter of the peripheral sidewall such that a portion of the peripheral sidewall is exposed.

20. The paddle of claim 19, wherein the skin overlaps with a majority of a thickness of the peripheral sidewall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a first embodiment illustrating the body, core, skin, and peripheral member and sidewalls.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment containing a peripheral member and sidewalls.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a second embodiment illustrating relatively thicker bottom half portions on the sidewalls. sidewalls.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a third embodiment illustrating relatively thicker middle portions on the

[0016] FIG. 5 is a fourth embodiment illustrating relatively thicker top portions on the sidewalls.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a fifth embodiment illustrating relatively thicker middle protrusions on the sidewalls and into the body.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a paddle containing an exemplary honeycomb core and a monolithic peripheral member about the core.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the paddle of FIG. 7 covered with a laminate skin, wherein the skin extends over at least a portion of the peripheral member.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments can take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations.

[0022] A, an, and the as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, a skin covering a planar surface of a paddle would include one skin covering one planar surface, or multiple skins collectively covering multiple planar surfaces, etc.

[0023] References herein are made to a paddle. It should be understood that a paddle as used herein is, or includes, a racquet or paddle such as those used in the sports of paddleball, pickleball, tennis, badminton, table tennis, and the like. These are commonly referred to as racquet sports, and the paddles disclosed herein can be configured for any of these types of sports. While the paddle disclosed herein is described as being used in pickleball, the paddle of the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration or sports.

[0024] With reference to the Figures, a paddle or racket 10 is provided that includes a handle 12 for holding the paddle 10 during use thereof. A paddle body 14 is connected to the handle 12 and is used to contact a pickleball during a game. The handle 12 is used to wield the paddle 10 during return of the pickleball.

[0025] A peripheral member 16 is formed or preformed to fit about the general periphery 36 or perimeter of the paddle 10. The peripheral member 16 has a first sidewall 18 that may be fixed along a first side 20 of the paddle body 14, and a second sidewall 22 that may be fixed along a second side 24 of the paddle body 14, opposite to the first sidewall 18. The peripheral member 16 can have an inner surface configured to trace or otherwise match a corresponding outer surface of the paddle body 14, e.g., to wrap around at least a portion of the outer edges of the paddle body 14. For the sake of clarity, the first sidewall 18 and the second sidewall 22 may be formed as separate portions or sidewalls of the peripheral member 16, until they are joined about the periphery 28 of the paddle body 14. As such, the peripheral member 16 may be comprised of a plurality of portions, such as a first sidewall 18 and a second sidewall 22, that in the aggregate make up the entire peripheral member 16. Or, the peripheral member 16 may be monolithically formed and then sewn, adhesively applied, or otherwise fixed to the paddle body 14. In either case, the inner surface 40 of the peripheral member 16 can be custom formed to fit snugly about the periphery 28 of the paddle body 14. And, in either case, the peripheral member 16 can generally be referred to as a sidewall, or as having multiple sidewalls.

[0026] According to embodiments, the peripheral member 16 and the sidewalls 18 and 22 may be pre-formed before fitting over laminates aggregated to form the paddle body 14. As indicated above, the inner wall 40 of the peripheral member 16 may be custom formed to substantially match the periphery 28 of the paddle body 14. For example, a core 26 may be formed of composites, foam, wood, other known paddle materials, or various combinations thereof, and formed to mate with the peripheral member 16. In embodiments, the core 26 may be of a honeycomb structure having a plurality of cavities 38. The core 26 can define a first generally planar side (e.g., visible in FIG. 1) and a second, opposing generally planar side on the backside of the paddle; both sides of the paddle can be used to strike the ball. A skin 48 (e.g., formed from carbon fiber composite material, polyvinyl, leather, aramid (KEVLAR), carbon/kevlar, fiberglass, innegra, or other known skin material) may be laminated, sewn, or otherwise fixed on top of the surface of the core 26, for example on both flat, ball-striking surfaces of the paddle 10. Stated another way, and as further described below, the paddle 10 may be formed from a laminated and adhesively aggregated stack of constituents, with the paddle body 14/core 26 forming the inside of the paddle 10, a rigid thermoset peripheral member 16 fit about the periphery of the paddle body 14 or the core 26, and a skin 48 covering one or both flat, ball-striking surfaces of the paddle 10. The flat, ball-striking surface can also be referred to as planar surfaces (e.g., with one of the planar surfaces visible in FIG. 1 and the other planar surface being on the opposite site). When assembled, the skin 48 can extend to cover at least a portion of the peripheral member 16 so that the outermost edge of the peripheral member 16 is exposed, while some of the peripheral member 16 is hidden by the skin 48. In other embodiments, the skin 48 is wrapped to cover the entire peripheral member 16.

[0027] In embodiments, a first lower portion 18a of the first sidewall 18 and a second lower portion 22a of the second sidewall 22 may be formed or preformed to tailor the following paddle characteristics: sidewall thickness, sidewall protrusions, and sidewall contour. By tailoring the sidewalls, the center of gravity can be manipulated or moved within the length of the paddle 10 to alter or modify or tune the playing characteristics of the paddle. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a relatively thicker sidewall can be used on the lower portions 18a and 22a of the sidewalls 18, 22, which moves the center of gravity of the paddle 10 lower, closer to the handle/grip 12 area thereby reducing the amount of torque necessary to swing and rotate the paddle 10: this is otherwise understood to be the reduction of swing-weight, or, changing of the pitch of the paddle 10. In addition to being able to tailor the performance characteristics of the paddle 10, the peripheral member 16 also facilitates the ability to enlarge the hitting surface area than a paddle with a typical edge guard as known in the art.

[0028] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the peripheral member 16 can be thickened in a mid-region of the ball-striking surfaces of the paddle, for example at mid portions 18b, 22b of the sidewalls 18, 22. In yet other embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 5, the peripheral member 16 can be thickened in upper portions 18c, 22c of the sidewalls 18, 22 to move the center of gravity of the paddle higher. The nature of the thermoset material allows for customizing tuning of the paddle 10 that is unavailable in conventional methods.

[0029] In another embodiment, one or more weights, dampeners, and/or other performance accessories 30 may be added to the paddle 12, and inserted into the paddle body 14, prior to fixing the peripheral member 16 about the periphery 28 of the paddle body 14. Accordingly, a plurality of cavities may be formed contiguous with the paddle periphery, to seat and house the respective, weight, dampener, or other accessory therein. In this way, the paddle 10 can again be weighted, dampened, or more generally, tuned, by predetermined placement of the accessories, and/or, by predetermined thickening of various portions of the peripheral member 16 at one or more regions of the peripheral member 16.

[0030] The paddle body 14 may be generally made from any known material that is typically used for manufacturing pickleball paddles including, but not limited to, wood, foam, composite material, and other materials suitable for the particular sport. The paddle body 14 may also be made from laminated known materials such as core materials made from wood, foam, composite material and/or mixtures thereof, and an overlaying skin 48, laminated in a known way. The handle 12 may also be made from known materials including wood, composite material, and other known materials, and may be the same or different from the materials used to form the paddle body 14.

[0031] In embodiments, the peripheral member 16 may be monolithically formed by injection-molding or any other known technique in the general shape of the paddle 10, whereby the peripheral member 16 extends about the handle 12 and the paddle body 14. Or, as stated above, the various sidewalls 18 and 22, and any other possible portions of the peripheral member 16 may be separately formed by injection molding or any other known technique: these various portions may then be integrated and adhesively applied about the body 14 to form the peripheral member 16. The injection molding may also permit intrusion of the urethane or other thermoset polymer into the core or paddle body 14 by virtue of the fact that the contours of the inner wall 40 are formed to mate with the contours of the periphery 28 of the paddle body 14. See FIG. 6, for example. In embodiments, the inner wall 40 can have bumps, protrusions, dimples, projections, or the like (generally referred to as surface features) that are configured to engage with the voids in the core of the paddle body 14.

[0032] The peripheral member 16 may be formed from any thermoset polymer whereby the term thermoset may be defined as is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Thermosets or thermosetting plastics or polymers may, for example, be understood to be materials which remain in a permanent solid state after being cured one time. Polymers within the thermosetting material cross-link during the curing process to perform an unbreakable, irreversible bond. This indicates that thermosets, for example, will not melt even when exposed to extremely high temperatures. Nor will they warp or deform when exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Accordingly, thermosetting polymers/plastics provide a tougher polymer than thermoplastics. Common examples of thermoset plastics and polymers include epoxy, silicone, urethane (thermoset type), polyurethane, and phenolic. Urethane is a preferred thermoset polymer in accordance with the present invention. The urethane or other composition can be modified to provide relatively softer sidewalls 18 and 22 for added control of the paddle. Alternatively, the urethane or other composition may be modified to provide relatively harder sidewalls 18 and 22 for a faster paddle-ball contact rebound.

[0033] In embodiments, the peripheral member 16 is a thermoset material such as polyurethane that is solid and substantially without voids, as opposed to foam which has a substantial amount of voids. In embodiments, the peripheral member 16 is not a foam, e.g., a non-foam thermoset material. The density and weight of this material enables the ability to tune the mass and center of mass of the paddle 10, whereas foam would only insignificantly alter the mass and center of mass.

[0034] In embodiments, the thermoset peripheral member 16 has a significant density and mass, compared to other materials such as foam or carbon fiber. For example, the thermoset peripheral member can have a mass that is between 20-70% of the mass of the entire paddle 10. In embodiments, the thermoset peripheral member has a mass that is between 30-60% of the mass of the entire paddle 10. In embodiments, the thermoset peripheral member has a mass that is between 40-50% of the mass of the entire paddle. In embodiments, the thermoset peripheral member can have a mass that is at least 20% of the mass of the entire paddle 10. In these embodiments, the thermoset material is a significant amount of mass of the entire paddle, as opposed to utilizing a foam or carbon fiber at the periphery of the paddle 10.

[0035] The use of a thermoset peripheral member 16 with a significant density and mass, ranging from 20% to 70% of the total paddle mass, offers several performance benefits. This substantial mass allows for effective vibration dampening, reducing the impact shock felt by the player and enhancing comfort during play. The ability to tune the mass distribution also enables precise control over the paddle's center of mass. By adjusting the mass of the peripheral member, players can achieve a balance that suits their playing style, whether they prefer a head-heavy paddle for powerful shots or a more balanced paddle for maneuverability. This customization potential is not achievable with lighter materials like foam or carbon fiber, which do not significantly alter the paddle's mass or balance. As a result, the thermoset material enhances both the playability and adaptability of the paddle, catering to a wide range of player preferences and techniques.

[0036] In further embodiments, the peripheral member 16, composed of a non-foam thermoset material such as polyurethane, offers significant advantages in terms of durability and performance. The solid nature of this material, devoid of voids, provides enhanced structural integrity, making the paddle more resistant to impacts and wear. This robustness ensures a longer lifespan for the paddle, even under rigorous playing conditions. Additionally, the material's density allows for precise control over the paddle's mass distribution, enabling players to achieve optimal balance and swing dynamics. Unlike foam, which minimally affects the paddle's mass, the thermoset material can be strategically utilized to adjust the center of mass, enhancing maneuverability and power during play. This customization potential makes the paddle suitable for a wide range of playing styles and preferences.

[0037] By forming or preforming the peripheral member 16 as described above, the paddle 10 may be formed from simple vertical lamination, thereby eliminating the need to for an edge guard or a facing material to be wrapped around the side edge. Material costs and processing times are optimized, with a minimal associated tooling cost. Physical and performance advantages again include improved dampening characteristics of the paddle/ball interface, relatively larger paddle/ball contact area, and the ability to tailor the paddle handling characteristics.

[0038] In yet another aspect of the invention, a paddle or racquet 10 may be formed by the following steps: [0039] (1) Form a paddle body 14 from known materials, the paddle body 14 having a first predetermined contour and periphery 28, a first side, and a second side. [0040] (2) Optionally form cavities 38 within the periphery 28 of the paddle body 14, for housing and retaining weights, dampeners, and/or other accessories 30 of the paddle body 14. [0041] (3) Optionally seat and house weights, dampeners, and/or other accessories 30 within the cavities 38 for tuning of performance criteria and dynamics of the paddle 10. [0042] (4) Form a peripheral member 16 having a contour and inner wall 28 substantially similar to the contour and periphery 28 of the paddle body. [0043] (5) Optionally forming at least one or more regions such as regions 18a and 22a within the peripheral member 16, for tuning of performance criteria and dynamics of the paddle 10.f [0044] (6) Press fit or otherwise overlay and fix the peripheral member 16 over the panel body 14 to mate the peripheral member inner wall 38 with the body periphery 28. [0045] (7) Sew, adhesively apply, or otherwise fix a first skin 48 to the first side of the paddle body 14, whereby the first skin extends at least partially over the peripheral member 16. [0046] (8) Optionally sew, adhesively apply, or otherwise fix a second skin 48 to the second side of the paddle 14, whereby the skin extends at least partially over the peripheral member 16.

[0047] In yet another aspect of the invention, a paddle or racquet 19 is formed by the process including steps 1-8 above.

[0048] According to the teachings above, the paddle 10 can have three main components: the paddle body 14, the thermoset peripheral member 16, and a skin 48 (e.g., carbon fiber). The paddle body 14 can be formed separate from the peripheral member 16, and once the paddle body 14 is formed the peripheral member 16 can be wrapped around at least a portion of the perimeter of the paddle body. The connection between the paddle body 14 and the peripheral member 16 can be loose (until the skin is applied), or can be adhered together. Then, the skin 48 is adhered to both flat sides of the paddle 10. The skin 48 can cover the flat surfaces of the paddle body 14 (e.g., in the area where the ball would strike during play), and the edges of the skin 48 can cover or overlap a portion of the peripheral member. However, in embodiments, the skin 48 does not wrap around the peripheral member from one side of the paddle 10 to the other, leaving at least a portion of the peripheral member 16 (e.g., the outer edges) exposed. Thus, if a ball were to strike the paddle 10 on the edges, it would contact the peripheral member 16 directly. Horizontal lamination of the can adhere or bind the peripheral member 16, the paddle body 14, and the skin 48 together, with vertical lamination able to occur between the core material and the peripheral member 16.

[0049] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes can include, but are not limited to cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. As such, to the extent any embodiments are described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics, these embodiments are not outside the scope of the disclosure and can be desirable for particular applications.