A silent pickleball designed to industry standards and available in various colors for regulation play.

Silent pickleball made to industry standards, available in different colours.

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Title: Stealth Ball (Silent Pickleball)

Inventor: Brian Todd Newman Stinson

Date: June 7, 2024

Background of the Invention:

The present invention relates to the field of sports equipment, specifically to an improved design for a pickleball that reduces the noise typically generated when the ball strikes the ground or the paddle. Traditional pickleballs, made from hard plastic, produce a loud noise upon impact. This noise can be disruptive, especially in residential areas or indoor facilities. The invention aims to provide a solution by utilizing materials and structural modifications to significantly dampen the noise.

Summary of the Invention:

The invention comprises a pickleball made from a soft, noise-dampening material, specifically polyurethane foam, similar to that used in Nerf footballs. The ball features a foam core with a thin outer layer to maintain durability and performance characteristics similar to standard pickleballs. The design ensures that the ball remains within official weight and size regulations while providing a quieter playing experience.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments:

1. Construction:

The silent pickleball consists of the following components:

Core Material: The core of the ball is constructed from a lightweight, dense polyurethane foam. This material is selected for its excellent noise-dampening properties and its ability to absorb impact.
Outer Layer: The core is encased in a thin, durable coating made from a more rigid plastic or a rubberized material. This layer serves to protect the foam core from wear and tear, maintain the ball’s shape, and enhance its durability.

2. Dimensions and Weight:

The ball is designed to conform to standard pickleball dimensions, with a diameter of approximately 2.874 inches (7.3 cm) and a weight range of 0.78 to 0.935 ounces (22 to 26.5 grams).

3. Surface Texture:

The surface of the outer layer features a slightly textured finish to provide a similar grip and feel to traditional pickleballs. This texture helps ensure that players can apply spin and control the ball effectively during play.

Claims:

A silent pickleball comprising:
- A core made from polyurethane foam, characterized by its noise-dampening properties and ability to absorb impact.
- A thin outer layer encasing the core, made from a durable material selected from the group consisting of rigid plastic and rubberized coatings.
- Wherein the pickleball has a diameter of approximately 2.874 inches and a weight between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces.
The silent pickleball of claim 1, wherein the outer layer has a slightly textured surface to provide grip and control.
The silent pickleball of claim 1, wherein the polyurethane foam core is designed to maintain the bounce and flight characteristics similar to those of a traditional pickleball.

Detailed Description of the Invention:

The silent pickleball is designed to reduce noise by using a soft polyurethane foam core, which absorbs the energy of impacts and thereby minimizes sound generation. The outer layer, although thin, adds necessary durability and protects the core. The textured surface of the outer layer ensures that the ball can be used in the same manner as traditional pickleballs, with players able to impart spin and maintain control during play.

This combination of materials and design features results in a pickleball that is significantly quieter than existing models, addressing noise concerns without compromising on performance.

Conclusion:

The silent pickleball provides a much-needed solution to the noise issues associated with traditional pickleballs. By utilizing a soft, noise-dampening core material and a protective outer layer, the invention offers a quieter alternative that maintains the necessary playability characteristics. This innovation is particularly beneficial for use in noise-sensitive environments, making pickleball more accessible and enjoyable for all players.