Abstract: The ball is a thin-walled hollow sphere that includes an array of apertures with dimples in a pattern that are concentric to the aperture array. Dimples are provided on the exterior surface of the ball between the apertures with the pattern and dimensions of the dimples varying based on proximity to the apertures. Internal protuberances are provided on the interior surface of the hollow ball such that the interior surface also manages aerodynamic airflow through the ball. Channels are also provided around each of the apertures within the ball which may intersect proximate dimples or be spaced therefrom. The ball also includes apertures having converging and diverging sidewalls that form a venturi shape to increase inflow air into the apertures and outflow air out of the apertures. Finally, the ball also maintains a weight:diameter ratio within a fixed range.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 11, 2023
Date of Patent:
March 25, 2025
Assignee:
ZEpickleball Company LLC
Inventors:
Robert J. Franceschelli, John J. Anderson, Wouter Remmerie