U.S. patent application number 11/257375 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for game ball.
This patent application is currently assigned to Russell Asset Management, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ronald P. Laliberty, Michael W. Maziarz.
Application Number | 20070049434 11/257375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46325093 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070049434 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maziarz; Michael W. ; et
al. |
March 1, 2007 |
Game ball
Abstract
A game ball, such as a basketball, having 2 to 7 panels defined
by one or more non-intersecting channels is described herein.
Inventors: |
Maziarz; Michael W.;
(Wilbraham, MA) ; Laliberty; Ronald P.; (Dudley,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAY, SHARPE, FAGAN, MINNICH & MCKEE, LLP
1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE, SEVENTH FLOOR
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Assignee: |
Russell Asset Management,
Inc.
Wilmington
DE
SGG Patents LLC
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
46325093 |
Appl. No.: |
11/257375 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11214417 |
Aug 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
11257375 |
Oct 24, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/604 ;
473/603; 473/605; 473/607; 473/609 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 41/00 20130101;
A63B 2243/0037 20130101; A63B 39/06 20130101; A63B 39/00 20130101;
A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 41/08 20130101; A63B 43/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/604 ;
473/603; 473/605; 473/607; 473/609 |
International
Class: |
A63B 41/00 20060101
A63B041/00; A63B 39/06 20060101 A63B039/06; A63B 39/00 20060101
A63B039/00 |
Claims
1. An inflatable basketball comprising a surface, at least one
channel, and a plurality of panels; wherein no channel intersects
with another channel; and wherein the basketball has at least two
but not more than seven panels.
2. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein more than half of
the channels each form a closed loop extending between a right side
of the ball and a left side of the ball.
3. The inflatable basketball of claim 2, wherein each of the
channels forms a closed loop extending between the right side and
the left side.
4. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein a plurality of
panels extends from a right side of the ball to a left side of the
ball.
5. The inflatable basketball of claim 4, wherein a plurality of
panels extend from a right end of the ball to a left end of the
ball.
6. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein the basketball has
seven panels.
7. The inflatable basketball of claim 6, wherein one panel lies
wholly within a right end of the ball and one panel lies wholly
within a left end of the ball.
8. The inflatable basketball of claim 7, wherein a plurality of
panels extend from a right end of the ball to a left end of the
ball.
9. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein the basketball has
six panels.
10. The inflatable basketball of claim 8, wherein a plurality of
panels extend from a right end of the ball to a left end of the
ball and a plurality of panels extend from a right side of the ball
to a left side of the ball.
11. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein the basketball
has five panels.
12. The inflatable basketball of claim 11, wherein a plurality of
panels extend from a right side of the ball to a left side of the
ball.
13. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein the basketball
has four panels.
14. The inflatable basketball of claim 13, wherein one channel runs
along an equator of the ball.
15. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein the basketball
has three panels.
16. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein the basketball
has two panels.
17. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein a plurality of
panels have substantially the same shape and dimensions.
18. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein the panels are
uniformly placed on the surface of the ball.
19. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein one panel lies
wholly within a right end of the ball and one panel lies wholly
within a left end of the ball.
20. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein each panel
occupies a circumferential arc that is about a multiple of
45.degree. when viewed from a left side or a right side.
21. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein each panel
comprises a material selected from the group consisting of
polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, rubber, and a composite
material.
22. The inflatable basketball of claim 1, wherein each panel has a
pebbled texture.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates, in various exemplary
embodiments, to an improved game ball, especially a basketball.
More particularly, the disclosure is directed to an inflatable
sports ball or game ball, such as a basketball, which has at least
two, but no more than seven panels, and non-intersecting channels
or ribs.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Inflatable game balls can be produced by several different
processes. In particular, a basketball comprises a multi-layer
structure which includes a generally spherical interior air bladder
which is wound with monofilament strands to create a winding layer
overlying the air bladder. A carcass is then formed, or molded,
over the winding layer.
[0003] The carcass is of substantially uniform thickness defining a
spherical outer surface with a carcass circumference. Ribs project
outwardly from, and extend curvilinearly around, the carcass outer
surface. Typically, each rib is raised about 0.75-1.50 mm above the
surface of the carcass.
[0004] The ribs define a plurality of separated surface areas or
panels. Generally, the carcass is divided into eight panel surface
areas. Panels may be laminated onto the outer surface of the
carcass in the separated surface areas. The thickness of the panels
is typically greater than the thickness of the ribs, so that the
ribs, while projecting above the carcass surface, are slightly
recessed below the panel exterior surface. The edge portions of the
panels may be beveled or "skived" so that the panel edge will be
flush with the projecting carcass rib when laminated.
[0005] When finished, the laminated basketball has a spherical
shape, with each carcass rib and opposing skived panel edge
portions defining a channel or a seam. Typically, the channel or
seam is 4.75-9.52 mm wide. The exact size or shape of this area can
be varied, according to performance and aesthetic
considerations.
[0006] The construction of a basketball as described above
generally results in a ball exhibiting substantially uniform
characteristics such as grip, feel, hardness, abrasion resistance,
durability, resilience, compressibility, etc. In particular, the
channel on a basketball generally enhances the player's ability to
grip the ball. However, where channels intersect, there is a large
smooth spot which reduces the player's ability to grip the ball and
also affects the rebound of the ball. Basketballs known in the art
generally have three channels or ribs which intersect with each
other and eight panels.
[0007] A basketball generally has a circumference of 72 to 77
centimeters and a weight of 510 to 624 grams. It is inflated at
pressures of 7 to 9 psi. By way of comparison, a volleyball has a
circumference of 65 to 67 centimeters and a weight of 260 to 280
grams. It is inflated at pressures of 4.3 to 4.6 psi. Under NCAA
specifications, a volleyball must have 12 or more panels and at
least one-third of its surface must be white or light in color. A
water polo ball has a circumference of 65 to 71 centimeters and a
weight of 400 to 450 grams. It is inflated at pressures of 12 to 14
psi. Under NCAA specifications, a water polo ball must be yellow or
gold in color. The panels on a volleyball and water polo ball are
both defined by intersecting channels. A soccer ball has a
circumference of 68 to 71 centimeters and a weight of 397 to 475
grams. It is inflated at pressures of 8.8 to 16.2 psi. A soccer
ball typically has 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons. Separately, no
hexagon or pentagon will extend between a left end and a right end
of the ball. As a group, not all hexagons/pentagons will extend
between a right side and a left side of the ball.
[0008] A tennis ball is much smaller in size compared to a
basketball. Under International Tennis Federation rules, a tennis
ball has a diameter of 6.5 cm to 7.3 cm and a weight of 65.0 to 594
grams. The outer cover of a tennis ball is made of fabric and must
be yellow or white. Though containing an air bladder and inflated,
a tennis ball is not inflatable by the user. A baseball and
softball are also smaller in size compared to a basketball. Per
NCAA and MLB specifications, a baseball has a circumference of 22
to 24 centimeters and a weight of 141 to 149 grams. It is formed by
winding yarn around a small core, covering with two pieces of
horsehide or cowhide, and stitching 108 stitches across the seam.
Per NCAA specifications, a softball has a circumference of 30 to 31
centimeters and a weight of 177 to 199 grams. It is made in
generally the same way as a baseball. Baseballs and softballs are
also not inflatable.
[0009] There is a need for a game ball with improved grip, feel,
control, and performance, such as a basketball.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0010] Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are game balls
which have at least two, but no more than seven panels. In specific
embodiments, the game ball is a basketball. The basketball
comprises a spherical interior air bladder. A winding layer
overlies the air bladder. A carcass is then formed over the winding
layer. The outer surface of the carcass has one or more
non-intersecting ribs which define a plurality of panels. The
carcass thickness in the rib is greater than the carcass thickness
in the panels. A plurality of panels is provided and each panel is
placed in a panel area. The basketball has at least one right side
and at least one left side. The basketball also has one or more
non-intersecting channels. The basketball has at least two, but no
more than seven panels.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the basketball has seven panels.
In specific embodiments, one panel is located wholly within a right
end of the ball and one panel is located wholly within a left end
of the ball. In other specific embodiments, four panels are
uniformly placed around the surface of the ball.
[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, the basketball has six
panels. In specific embodiments, a plurality of panels extend from
a right end of the ball to a left end of the ball and a plurality
of panels extend from a right side of the ball to a left side of
the ball.
[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, the basketball has five
panels. In one embodiment, four panels are uniformly placed around
the surface of the ball. In another embodiment, each panel extends
across the surface of the ball from a right end of the ball to a
left end of the ball.
[0014] In another exemplary embodiment, the basketball has four
panels. In specific embodiments, one channel runs along an equator
of the basketball. In other embodiments, the panels are placed
uniformly around the basketball. In other embodiments, one panel is
located wholly within a right end of the ball and one panel is
located wholly within a left end of the ball. In other embodiments,
each panel extends across the surface of the ball from a right end
of the ball to a left end of the ball.
[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, the basketball has three
panels. In specific embodiments, two of the three panels have
substantially the same shape and dimensions. Each non-intersecting
channel may extend across the surface of the ball between a right
side and a left side of the ball.
[0016] In another exemplary embodiment, the basketball has two
panels. In specific embodiments, the two panels have substantially
the same shape and dimensions.
[0017] In other embodiments, the panels are skived and/or follow
the tapered surface of the channel, so that the skived panel edge
is substantially flush with the exterior face of the rib.
[0018] In still another embodiment, the panels comprise a material
selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride,
polyurethane, rubber, and a composite material. In other
embodiments, each panel has a pebbled texture which increases
grip.
[0019] Additional non-limiting features of the disclosure will be
described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the
claims appended hereto.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The following is a brief description of the drawings, which
are presented for the purposes of illustrating the exemplary
embodiments disclosed herein and not for the purposes of limiting
the same.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a prior art basketball.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front view of a prior art basketball.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a right side view of a prior art basketball.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a left side view of a first exemplary seven-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a front view of a first exemplary seven-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a right side view of a first exemplary seven-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a front right perspective view of a first
exemplary seven-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a left side view of a second exemplary seven-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a front view of a second exemplary seven-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a right side view of a second exemplary
seven-panel basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a front right perspective view of a second
exemplary seven-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a left side view of a first exemplary six-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a front view of a first exemplary six-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a top view of a first exemplary six-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 15 is a front right perspective view of a first
exemplary six-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 16 is a left side view of a second exemplary six-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 17 is a front view of a second exemplary six-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 18 is a top view of a second exemplary six-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 19 is a front right perspective view of a second
exemplary six-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 20 is a left side view of a first exemplary five-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 21 is a front view of a first exemplary five-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 22 is a right side view of a first exemplary five-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 23 is a front right perspective view of a first
exemplary five-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 24 is a left side view of a first exemplary five-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 25 is a front view of a first exemplary five-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 26 is a right side view of a first exemplary five-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 27 is a front right perspective view of a first
exemplary five-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 28 is a left side view of a first exemplary five-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 29 is a front view of a first exemplary five-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 30 is a right side view of a first exemplary five-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 31 is a front right perspective view of a first
exemplary five-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0052] FIG. 32 is a left side view of a first exemplary four-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0053] FIG. 33 is a front view of a first exemplary four-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0054] FIG. 34 is a right side view of a first exemplary four-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0055] FIG. 35 is a front right perspective view of a first
exemplary four-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0056] FIG. 36 is a left side view of a second exemplary four-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0057] FIG. 37 is a front view of a second exemplary four-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0058] FIG. 38 is a top view of a second exemplary four-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0059] FIG. 39 is a front right perspective view of a second
exemplary four-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0060] FIG. 40 is a left side view of a first exemplary three-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0061] FIG. 41 is a front view of a first exemplary three-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0062] FIG. 42 is a right side view of a first exemplary
three-panel basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0063] FIG. 43 is a front right perspective view of a first
exemplary three-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0064] FIG. 44 is a left side view of a second exemplary
three-panel basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0065] FIG. 45 is a front view of a second exemplary three-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0066] FIG. 46 is a top view of a second exemplary three-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0067] FIG. 47 is a front right perspective view of a second
exemplary three-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0068] FIG. 48 is a left side view of a first exemplary two-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0069] FIG. 49 is a front view of a first exemplary two-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0070] FIG. 50 is a right side view of a first exemplary two-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0071] FIG. 51 is a front left perspective view of a first
exemplary two-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0072] FIG. 52 is a front right perspective view of a first
exemplary two-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0073] FIG. 53 is a left side view of a second exemplary two-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0074] FIG. 54 is a front view of a second exemplary two-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0075] FIG. 55 is a right side view of a second exemplary two-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0076] FIG. 56 is a front right perspective view of a second
exemplary two-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0077] FIG. 57 is a left side view of a third exemplary two-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0078] FIG. 58 is a front view of a third exemplary two-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0079] FIG. 59 is a top view of a third exemplary two-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0080] FIG. 60 is a right side view of a third exemplary two-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0081] FIG. 61 is a rear view of a third exemplary two-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0082] FIG. 62 is a bottom view of a third exemplary two-panel
basketball according to the present disclosure.
[0083] FIG. 63 is a front right perspective view of a third
exemplary two-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure.
[0084] FIG. 64 is a left side view of an exemplary five-panel
basketball with text according to the present disclosure.
[0085] FIG. 65 is a front view of an exemplary five-panel
basketball with text according to the present disclosure.
[0086] FIG. 66 is a right side view of an exemplary five-panel
basketball with text according to the present disclosure.
[0087] FIG. 67 is a front right perspective view of an exemplary
five-panel basketball with text according to the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0088] A basketball having non-intersecting channels and at least
two but no more than seven panels is disclosed in various
embodiments.
[0089] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are more
particularly described below with reference to the drawings.
Although specific terms are used in the following description for
clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular
structure of the various embodiments selected for illustration in
the drawings and not to define or limit the scope of the
disclosure. The same reference numerals are used to identify the
same structure in different Figures unless specified otherwise. The
structures in the Figures are not drawn according to their relative
proportions and the drawings should not be interpreted as limiting
the disclosure in size or location.
[0090] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a typical prior art
basketball. The basketball 10 is generally spherical and has three
ribs or channels 12, 14, and 16. Channel 12 extends longitudinally
around an equator of the basketball, channel 16 extends laterally
around a second equator of the basketball, and channel 14 is a
serpentine channel which has a shape like that of a baseball seam.
Channel 14 intersects channel 12 at intersections 20 and 24, while
channels 12 and 16 intersect at intersection 22. Eight panels 30,
32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44 are defined by the three channels.
Other game balls known in the art have more channels and/or panels;
e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,732 discloses a basketball having nine to
twelve panels and/or five channels. Generally speaking, when two
channels intersect, they intersect at an angle that is not
substantially 180.degree.. For example, line segments 50 and 52
meet at intersection 22, but do so at an angle that is
substantially 180.degree.; therefore, they are considered the same
channel, not two different channels. In contrast, channels 12 and
16 meet at a 90.degree. angle at intersection 22; they are
considered two different channels. Channels may also be considered
as intersecting when they touch each other at some point along
their path. In particular, channels do not need to cross each other
in order to be considered as intersecting. A channel cannot
intersect itself, as for example in a FIG. 8 configuration; this
example should be considered as two channels intersecting at a
point.
[0091] FIG. 2 is a front view of the prior art basketball. In this
view, panels 40, 42, 44, and 30 are not visible; neither is channel
16. Here, channel 14 extends longitudinally across the surface of
the basketball from a left side to a right side and back again, or
in other words, it extends across the surface of the basketball
between the left side and the right side. Channel 14 extends across
the surface of the basketball a total of four times. Channel 12
also extends across the surface of the basketball between the left
side and the right side; it does so a total of two times.
[0092] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the prior art basketball.
Here, channel 14 intersects channel 16 at intersections 60 and 64,
while channels 12 and 16 intersect at intersection 62.
[0093] FIGS. 4-7 are four different views of a first exemplary
embodiment of a seven-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. This embodiment of a game ball has seven panels and six
non-intersecting channels. In specific embodiments, the game ball
is a basketball.
[0094] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the first exemplary embodiment
of a seven-panel basketball according to the present disclosure.
The game ball 80 has four channels 82, 84, 86, and 88. These four
channels are each a closed loop extending longitudinally across the
surface of the ball from a left side to a right side and back. Each
channel defines a panel inside the loop; for example, channel 82
defines panel 90. In FIGS. 4-7, these four panels have been shaded
differently in order to distinguish them: panel 90 is triangled;
panel 92 is crosshatched; panel 94 has vertical lines, and panel 96
has horizontal lines. Panel 91 is defined by channel 81; here,
panel 91 is located wholly within a left end of the ball. The area
outside the channels also defines a panel; here, panel 98 is
defined as the surface area not enclosed by the four channels and
is white in FIGS. 4-7. The channels do not intersect; i.e., no
channel intersects any other channel.
[0095] FIG. 5 is a front view of the first exemplary embodiment. In
this view, the entire closed loop of channels 82 and 84 can be
seen. In this embodiment, the rear view (not shown) is
substantially the same as the front view, except of course that
different channels and panels are seen. However, the front and rear
views do not need to be substantially the same; for example, if
there is an odd number of channels or the channels are not
symmetrically placed, the views may differ.
[0096] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the first exemplary
embodiment. It differs from FIG. 4 in that panel 93 is defined by
channel 83; here, panel 93 is located wholly within a right end of
the ball. Again, none of the channels intersect in this view. The
left side view and the right side view are essentially the same and
appear to be mirror images of each other. This occurs because in
this embodiment, the channels are uniformly placed on the surface
of the ball around the longitudinal axis of the ball and each panel
has substantially the same shape and dimensions. The present
disclosure also contemplates embodiments where the panels are not
uniformly placed, as later embodiments will show. However, in
specific embodiments, the channels are uniformly placed around the
surface of the ball.
[0097] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the front and the right
side of the first exemplary embodiment. None of the channels
intersect. Panels 90, 92, 94, and 96 have substantially the same
shape and dimensions. In specific embodiments, a plurality of
panels will have substantially the same shape and dimensions.
However, this does not mean all panels will; e.g., in this
embodiment, panel 98 differs in shape from the other six panels. In
other specific embodiments, all panels defined by the inside of the
closed loop of a channel will differ in shape and dimension.
[0098] FIGS. 8-11 are four different views of a second exemplary
embodiment of a seven-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. This second embodiment differs from the first
embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7 mainly in the size of the panels.
However, the differences in panel size give a very different
appearance to the basketball. Again, none of the channels intersect
each other. In FIG. 9, panel 98 is one panel though it may appear
to be two.
[0099] FIGS. 12-15 are four different views of a first exemplary
embodiment of a six-panel basketball to the present disclosure.
Here, channel 81 lies along an equator of the basketball. Each of
the six panels 90, 91, 92, 94, 96, and 98 extends from a right end
of the ball to a left end of the ball. Note that in this
embodiment, the front view, shown in FIG. 13, appears very similar
to that of FIG. 5. Also note that panel 91 is one panel, though it
may appear to be three. Again, none of the channels intersect each
other.
[0100] FIGS. 16-19 are four different views of a second exemplary
embodiment of a six-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. From the front view of FIG. 17, the panels appear to be
nestled within each other. As can be seen from the top view of FIG.
18, each panel extends from a left side to a right side of the
ball, but panels 90 and 95 do not extend to the same left side or
the same right side. In specific embodiments, a plurality of panels
will extend from a left side to a right side of the ball and a
plurality of panels will extend from a left end to a right end of
the ball. In more specific embodiments, the basketball has only one
right side, one left side, one right end, and one left end. The
right side does not necessarily completely overlap the right end,
though it may. Again, none of the channels intersect each
other.
[0101] FIGS. 20-23 are four different views of a first exemplary
embodiment of a five-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. Here, the four panels 90, 92, 94, and 96 are of
substantially the same shape and dimensions and are uniformly
placed across the surface of the ball.
[0102] FIGS. 24-27 are four different views of a second exemplary
embodiment of a five-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. Here, the five panels have been shaded differently in
order to distinguish them: panel 90 is triangled, panel 92 is
crosshatched, panel 94 has vertical lines, panel 96 has horizontal
lines, and panel 98 is white.
[0103] FIGS. 28-31 are four different views of a third exemplary
embodiment of a five-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. This third embodiment is similar to the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 8-11. Panel 94 lies wholly within the left end of
the ball and panel 96 lies wholly within the right end of the ball.
Panels 90, 92, and 98 each extend from a left end of the ball to a
right end of the ball.
[0104] FIGS. 32-35 are four different views of a first exemplary
embodiment of a four-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. Channel 84 lies along an equator of the ball. Only one
channel can lie along an equator, otherwise intersecting channels
will result.
[0105] FIGS. 36-39 are four different views of a second exemplary
embodiment of a four-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. Note here that the two panels 90 and 96 are not
uniformly placed across the surface of the ball in relation to
channel 84. This ball therefore does not have a uniform appearance,
as can be seen from the front in FIG. 37 and the top in FIG. 38.
However, a plane of symmetry can be drawn through this embodiment
by which mirror-image halves are obtained. Also, note that panels
90 and 96 have substantially the same shape and dimensions, as do
panels 92 and 94.
[0106] FIGS. 40-43 are four different views of a first exemplary
embodiment of a three-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. This embodiment has two non-intersecting channels. The
basketball 80 has two channels 82 and 84. Each channel is a closed
loop extending across the surface of the ball between a left side
and a right side of the ball. The shape of each channel is similar
to that of a baseball seam. Each channel defines a panel inside the
loop; for example, channel 82 defines panel 90. The area outside
the channels also defines a panel; here, panel 94 is defined as the
surface area not enclosed by the two channels. The two channels do
not intersect. From the front view of FIG. 41, panels 90 and 92 do
not appear the same, even though they have substantially the same
shape and dimensions. Note that in FIGS. 40 and 42, panel 94 may
appear to be two different panels, even though it is not.
[0107] FIGS. 44-47 are four different views of a first exemplary
embodiment of a three-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. Here, two panels 90 and 92 have substantially the same
shape and dimensions.
[0108] FIGS. 48-52 are five different views of a first exemplary
embodiment of a two-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. This embodiment of a game ball has only one channel and
therefore cannot intersect another channel.
[0109] FIG. 48 is a left side view of this first exemplary
embodiment. The basketball 80 has one serpentine channel 82 which
defines two panels 90 and 92. The two panels are offset from each
other by approximately 45.degree. and interlock. They also have
substantially the same shape and dimensions; however, in other
embodiments, the two panels have different shapes and
dimensions.
[0110] FIG. 49 is a front view of this first exemplary embodiment.
This view is very similar to the front view of FIG. 25; however,
note that here the channel continues down the left side, whereas in
FIG. 25 the two channels 82 and 84 are each seen to form a closed
loop.
[0111] FIG. 50 is a right side view of this first exemplary
embodiment. This view is rotated approximately 45.degree. compared
to the left side view of FIG. 48 and shows that there is only one
channel 82.
[0112] FIG. 51 is a left perspective view showing the front and the
left side of the third exemplary embodiment. FIG. 52 is a right
perspective view showing the front and the right side of the third
exemplary embodiment. The channel 82 extends longitudinally across
the surface between a right side and a left side of the ball eight
times. Overall, the game ball appears to have eight panels.
[0113] FIGS. 53-56 are four different views of a second exemplary
embodiment of a two-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. Here, channel 82 follows the same path as serpentine
channel 14 of the prior art basketball of FIGS. 1-3. While similar
to a baseball seam, one should keep in mind the clear differences
between a basketball and baseball.
[0114] FIGS. 57-63 are seven different views of a third exemplary
embodiment of a two-panel basketball according to the present
disclosure. Here, the channel 82 runs along nearly half of each of
three different equators.
[0115] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, each
channel on the basketball is a closed loop running from a left side
of the ball to a right side of the ball. In other words, each
channel extends across the surface of the ball between a right side
and a left side of the ball. The game ball has at least one right
side and at least one left side. A right side and left side of the
ball can be determined by intersecting a plane with the ball; the
plane will separate the ball into a left side and a right side. In
specific embodiments, the plane intersects the ball along an
equator of the ball. A channel will intersect the plane as many
times as it extends between the right and left sides defined by
that plane. For example, in the prior art basketball, with
reference to FIG. 1, say that the plane in which channel 12 lies
defines a right and left side of the ball. Channel 14 extends
between the right side and left side four times; it intersects
channel 12 at intersections 20, 24, 60, and 64. Similarly, channel
16 extends between the right side and left side only twice; it
intersects channel 12 at intersections 22 and 62. In the second
exemplary embodiment of a five-panel basketball, with reference to
FIG. 24, each channel extends between the right side and left side
twice. In the first exemplary embodiment of a three-panel
basketball, with reference to FIG. 40, each channel extends between
the right side and left side four times. In the first exemplary
embodiment of a two-panel basketball, with reference to FIG. 48,
the channel extends between the right side and left side eight
times. In specific embodiments, a basketball has only one right
side and one left side.
[0116] A right side and left side of the ball can also be
determined by intersecting two parallel planes with the ball. The
two planes will separate the ball into a right side, middle, and
left side. In specific embodiments, the right side of the
basketball is located substantially near an end of the ball and the
left side of the ball is located substantially near the opposite
end of the ball. In this case, the right side and left side are
referred to as a right end and a left end. For example, in FIGS.
4-7, panels 90, 92, 94, and 96 extend between a right end and a
left end. Panel 91 is located wholly within the left end and panel
93 is located wholly within the right end of the ball. In other
specific embodiments, a basketball has only one right end and one
left end.
[0117] Note that because a right end and left end are defined in
relation to an end of the ball, whereas a right side and left side
are defined in relation to an imaginary plane, a side and an end
are not the same thing and need not exactly or completely overlap.
In other words, a side and an end do not need to cover exactly the
same surface area of the ball.
[0118] In still another specific embodiment, a basketball has one
right side, one left side, one right end, and one left end. The
sides and ends are determined by intersecting three parallel planes
with the ball. The middle plane defines the right and left sides,
while the other two planes define the right end and left end. Note
that this means the right end is wholly on the right side of the
ball; it cannot be half on the right side and half on the left
side.
[0119] In several of the exemplary embodiments shown, each channel
is non-planar. However, in other embodiments, one channel may be
planar, i.e. it may be defined by the intersection of a plane with
the basketball. In more specific embodiments, the one channel lies
along an equator of the basketball.
[0120] When viewed from a left side or a right side, the
circumference of the basketball may be broken up into eight
45.degree. arcs. This corresponds generally to the panels and
channels of the traditional eight-panel basketball as seen in FIG.
1. In the exemplary embodiments shown, each panel, when viewed from
a left side or a right side, generally occupies at least one arc
which is similar to a multiple of 45.degree.. For example, in FIG.
4, each panel 90, 92, 94, or 96 occupies an arc of about 45.degree.
and panel 98 occupies four separate arcs of about 45.degree. each.
As another example, in FIG. 32, panels 90 and 96 each occupy an arc
of about 90.degree.. Panels 92 and 94 each occupy two separate arcs
of about 45.degree. each. In specific embodiments, each panel
occupies a circumferential arc that is about a multiple of
45.degree. when viewed from a left side or a right side.
[0121] As previously discussed, a game ball, such as a basketball,
is made from a carcass which has outwardly projecting ribs.
Generally speaking, a channel on a basketball corresponds to the
exterior surface of a rib and a panel on a basketball corresponds
to a panel area. Any discussion of a channel on the surface of a
game ball is directly applicable to a rib on the outer surface of a
carcass, any discussion of a panel is directly applicable to a
panel area on a carcass, and those discussions should be construed
as such. For example, the discussion of the exemplary embodiment in
FIGS. 4-7, which has six channels and seven panels on the surface
of a game ball, should be construed as applying equally to a
carcass having six ribs and seven panel areas on its surface.
Similarly, the carcass will have at least one right side and at
least one left side.
[0122] It should be noted that in the manufacture of a game ball
such as a basketball, what appears to be one panel may actually be
made from several smaller pieces. The above discussion of panels
and channels is intended to apply to the appearance of the final
product and should not be construed as a discussion of how the game
ball must be manufactured. For example, in the exemplary embodiment
shown in FIGS. 57-63, panels 90 and 92 would be very difficult to
manufacture from a flat piece of material. Instead, each of the
panels could be made from a flat piece of material by joining
appropriate edges of the flat piece together to form the
three-dimensional shape of the panel. Those joined edges are not
visible in the final product and should not be considered a
channel. As another example, FIGS. 64-67 show an exemplary
embodiment of a five-panel basketball similar to the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27, with the addition of text printed
in a circle on two ends of the basketball. This text can be seen
from the left side in FIG. 64 and from the right side in FIG. 65.
The exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 64-67 is most easily manufactured
by making panel 98 out of six smaller pieces: four pieces similar
in shape to that of the other four panels (e.g. panel 90) and two
circular pieces containing the circular text. These six pieces
would be laid in the same panel surface area defined by the ribs of
the basketball carcass; the four pieces would be laid to run from
the right side to the left side of the basketball and the circular
pieces would be laid in the right end and the left end of the
basketball. The six smaller pieces would then be joined together to
form one panel. Again, the joined edges of the six pieces are not
visible in the final product and would not be considered a channel.
Alternatively, one may realize that those joined edges do not
correspond to a rib on the exterior surface of a carcass and thus
should not be considered a channel either.
[0123] A game ball, such as a basketball, is made up generally of
four major components: an interior air bladder, a layer of
monofilament strands wound over the bladder, a carcass formed over
the wound layer defining panels, and panels secured in the
panels.
[0124] The bladder is formed spherically and adapted to be inflated
with air. The bladder, when properly inflated, provides the primary
resilience for the finished ball. Such air bladders are usually
formed of butyl rubber or butyl and natural rubber compounds and
are fitted with a valve for introducing air into the ball to
inflate and pressurize the structure. The bladder is usually made
from rubber.
[0125] Outwardly disposed of the interior air bladder is a layer
comprising monofilament polymeric strands, usually of nylon or
polyester. The strands are coated with an adhesive, such as a
rubber cement, to ensure retention of the strands on the bladder.
The winding layer adds dimensional stability to the bladder and
ball, restrains outward expansion when inflated, and also reduces
outward pressure on the carcass.
[0126] The next layer of the basketball is an elastomer carcass.
The carcass is usually fabricated from a polymer composition molded
over the wound bladder. Rubber (natural and/or synthetic) is also
used for improved rebound and durability. The carcass has a
substantially spherical outer surface defining a carcass
circumference. One or more ribs extend above the carcass
circumference.
[0127] The exterior face of the extending rib is above the
substantially spherical outer surface. The outwardly extending rib
also has lateral sides. It should be noted that while the carcass
and ribs are described separately for clarity, in practice the
carcass will be formed as an integral portion, including panel
areas and rib(s), around the wound layer. The carcass surface
between the rib(s) defines the plurality of panel areas.
[0128] The carcass has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 1.5
millimeters (mm) and usually a range of about 0.8 to 1.2 mm over
the majority of the panels. Each rib has a thickness in the range
of about 0.75 to 1.50 mm. The carcass may comprise an integral
cellular portion adjacent the winding layer.
[0129] The carcass is usually formed of two hemispheres separated
at an equator line, which are then molded over the winding layer.
The carcass is molded by placing rubber panels into a carcass mold.
The molding of the carcass hemispheres onto the winding layer forms
a unitary, seamless carcass comprising rib(s) and panels; it also
causes the carcass material to flow into and around the strands of
the winding layer for a secure mechanical bond.
[0130] The outermost surface of the ball is formed from discrete
panels. The panels are shaped to fit within the panel areas between
the rib(s). A panel is placed on the outer surface of the carcass
in a panel area and attached, usually with adhesive. The edges of
the panels may be skived and are generally adjacent to a rib side
and flush with the exterior face of the rib. The panels may be made
from any combination of materials and may also have a pebbled
texture to improve grip and handling of the ball. In specific
embodiments of the present disclosure, each panel or a plurality of
panels comprises a material selected from polyvinyl chloride,
polyurethane, rubber, or a composite material. In further
embodiments, each panel or a plurality of panels have a pebbled
texture.
[0131] The game ball of the present disclosure may be produced
largely in a conventional manner. Accordingly, the air bladder of
the ball would be inflated to an appropriate size and preferably
cooled to cause the material of the bladder to become somewhat
rigid. In this rigid condition, the air bladder is wound with
adhesive coated polymer threads. The air bladder with the overlying
layer of windings is then placed in a mold in which the carcass
hemispheres are arrayed. Rubber panels are placed within the mold
in order to mold the carcass. The mold is closed and sealed and
optionally the air bladder is inflated to help the bladder make
full contact with the carcass materials within the mold, and heat
and pressure are applied to cause the rubber of the carcass to cure
and vulcanize and become securely attached to the air bladder and
winding layer. The molding process further forms the structure of
the carcass, including rib(s) and panel areas.
[0132] Individual panels are formed to fit over the surface of the
carcass within the panel areas defined by the formed rib(s).
Decals, paint or other decorative or informative markings are
usually applied to the panels at this manufacturing stage. Each
panel is then applied to a panel area on the ball. The edge portion
of each panel is skived or tapered. When a skived panel edge is
correctly positioned abutting a rib, the panel edge will be
adjacent a rib side and substantially flush with the outwardly
projecting rib face.
[0133] Subsequently, the completed ball is taken from the mold and
flash from the molding process is trimmed from the ball.
[0134] It is to be understood that the game ball of the present
disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the description or illustrated in the drawings. The development is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed within are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0135] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
disclosure. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
* * * * *