Pickleball paddle and method

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include a pickleball paddle and method for making a pickleball paddle that produce a paddle that produces a lower audible sound when the paddle strikes a ball. The embodiment includes a core with a handle extending therefrom and first and second skins covering outer surfaces of the core. A sound reducing edge is secured to a circumferential core edge and the first and second skins are secured over the sound reducing edge. A transition between the core and the handle additionally adds to sound reduction.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A sports paddle that can hit a ball with a lower audible sound comprising:
 a core with first and second substantially parallel outer surfaces and a circumferential core edge;   a handle extension from the core   a first skin positioned on the first outer surface and a second skin positioned on the second outer surface;   a sound reducing edge positioned adjacent to the circumferential core edge; and   the first and second skins are secured over the sound reducing edge.   
     
     
         2 . The paddle of  claim 1  wherein the sound reducing edge includes a flat end. 
     
     
         3 . The paddle of  claim 1  wherein the sound reducing edge includes a convex end. 
     
     
         4 . The paddle of  claim 1  wherein the second reducing edge includes a concave end. 
     
     
         5 . The paddle of  claim 1  wherein the core including a transition section from which the handle extends that lowers the audible sound. 
     
     
         6 . The paddle of  claim 5  wherein the transition section is “V” shaped. 
     
     
         7 . The paddle of  claim 5  wherein the transition section is at least 25 percent the length of the core. 
     
     
         8 . The paddle of  claim 5  wherein the transition section is at least 40 percent of the length of the core. 
     
     
         9 . The paddle of  claim 7  wherein the transition section is “V” shaped. 
     
     
         10 . The paddle of  claim 8  wherein the transition section is “V” shaped. 
     
     
         11 . The paddle of  claim 1  wherein the first and second skins are comprised of two layers of cloth impregnated with epoxy resin. 
     
     
         12 . The sports paddle of  claim 1  wherein said sound reducing edge comprises rubber. 
     
     
         13 . The sports paddle of  claim 1  wherein said sound reducing edge comprises an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         14 . The sports paddle of  claim 1  wherein said sound reducing edge comprises a polymer. 
     
     
         15 . The sports paddle of  claim 1  wherein said sound reducing edge is secured to the circumferential core edge. 
     
     
         16 . The sports paddle of  claim 1  wherein the core has a thickness of about 0.3 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The paddle of  claim 1  including one or more layers added to stiffen the handle and a portion of a transition section adjacent to the handle. 
     
     
         18 . The paddle of  claim 5  including one or more layers added to stiffen the handle and a portion of the transition section adjacent to the handle. 
     
     
         19 . A sports paddle that can hit a ball with a lower audible sound comprising:
 a core with first and second substantially parallel outer surfaces and a circumferential core edge;   a handle extension from the core;   a first skin positioned on the first outer surface and a second skin positioned on the second outer surface;   a sound reducing edge positioned adjacent to the circumferential core edge;   wherein the sound reducing edge includes an end with recessed surfaces extending behind the end; and   the first and second skins are secured over recessed surfaces without covering the end of the sound reducing edge.   
     
     
         20 . A sports paddle that can hit a ball with a lower audible sound comprising:
 a core with first and second substantially parallel outer surfaces and a circumferential core edge;   a handle extension from the core;   wherein the core includes a transition section that joins the core and the handle;   a first skin positioned on the first outer surface and a second skin positioned on the second outer surface;   a sound reducing edge positioned adjacent to the circumferential core edge;   wherein the sound reducing edge includes an end with recessed surfaces extending behind the end; and   the first and second skins are secured over recessed surfaces without covering the end of the sound reducing edge.