Pickle Pro LLC Announces Patent Pending Status For The Invention Of A New Pickleball Paddle

The BallBuster(TM) To Solve The Problems Of Delamination And Fragile Edge Treatments On Typical Pickleball Paddles

Naples, FL (MMD Newswire) November 4, 2014 – Pickle Pro LLC has received patent pending status for the unique construction of their soon to be released BallBuster(TM) pickleball paddle. In addition to receiving patent pending status, the name “BallBuster” has been trademarked by Pickle Pro LLC.

The new invention for the construction of pickleball paddles is applicable to paddles for a variety of sports, and in particular, pickleball paddles. Pickleball paddles are sometimes referred to as pickleball rackets or pickleball racquets.

Pickleball paddles were originally made from a solid sheet of wood or plywood, but the heavy weight, warping issues and poor quality appearance made an alternative material necessary. Although some paddles are still made from wood, most paddles are now made from a composite material that includes a skin and core.

The change from wood to a composite material has made pickleball paddles much more lightweight without decreasing rigidity. Although a big improvement from wooden paddles, composite pickleball paddles develop weak spots or soft spots, known as “dead spots” at locations where wear damage occurs, or where the adhesive fails, resulting in delamination of the face material from the core material.

An additional problem with the current design of pickleball paddles arises as a result of the edge treatment. Some manufacturers apply a u-channel or other type of molding to protect the edge and enclose the gap created by the core. This creates the problem of interference when striking the ball in this area of the paddle. Other manufacturers finish the edge with a composite material. This renders the edge of the paddle overly fragile, resulting in damage if the ground or a hard object is struck during play. All previous methods of finishing the edge of the paddle have created reliability issues, as the edge treatment tends to become loose and separate or fall off completely with age or stress.

Pickle Pro’s newest paddle, the BallBuster(TM) will solve both of these problems by fabricating a paddle in such a way as to eliminate the most common potential areas of the finished product’s failure, by eliminating the requirement to assemble dissimilar materials by means of a mechanical process. The invention in effect creates an integral piece, without the inherent weakness and increased manufacturing complexity inherent in a process in which multiple elements are assembled. The invention applies state-of-the-art materials and processes to an existing product type, thereby enhancing production efficiency, while at the same time improving product performance and eliminating the most common causes of product failure.

The BallBuster’s(TM) construction has a strong edge without the need for an edge treatment to be added. The new invention is substantially different in construction and approach from that of the prior athletic paddles or pickleball paddles. Application of the process and technology will result in a product that can be more efficiently produced, that is more aesthetically pleasing, that provides greater consistency of function, and is inherently more reliable than pickleball paddles constructed using other technologies.

The BallBuster(TM) is expected to be available in early 2015 and should retail for $199. All paddles and a variety of accessories are available in stores and online at www.picklepro.com

USAPA Approval:

Pickle Pro LLC has received written notification that the BallBuster(TM) paddles has passed USAPA testing and the test results will be added to usapa.org this month.

The USA Pickleball Association (usapa.org) is the governing agency for pickleball. Pickleball paddle manufacturers provide the USAPA with their paddles to test and approve them for use in tournaments. The USAPA requires pickleball paddles to be rigid (very little flex), flat, non-abrasive and within a particular size (height and width) range. The USAPA does not require or suggest any specific materials or manufacturing techniques.

Media Contact:
Todd Pree
Managing Member
Pickle Pro LLC
info@picklepro.com 
844-332-7069

###