ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 6 -- United States Patent no. 12,458,848, issued on Nov. 4.
"Pickleball having noise dampening characteristics" was invented by Paul Finch (Brighton, Mich.).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A noise-dampening ball for use in the game of pickleball is disclosed. The ball includes a novel layering arrangement which reduces noise generated during play without the need for a player to utilize an alternative paddle while falling within the size and weight standards established by the official body which oversees the sport. The ball demonstrates standard bounce characteristics while allowing the play to be undertaken without the level of noise currently experienced by pickleball p...