U.S. patent application number 12/805105 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-20 for agility training ball.
Invention is credited to Charles P. Forrest, SR..
Application Number | 20110015010 12/805105 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43465706 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110015010 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Forrest, SR.; Charles P. |
January 20, 2011 |
Agility training ball
Abstract
In an inflatable ball, a substance is conveyed within its inner
chamber which sticks to the inner surface subtending a small
portion of the entirety of that inner surface. A rubber based
catalyst is a particularly suitable substance because, when cured,
it remains soft and pliable, enhancing its ability to remain
adhered to the inner surface of an inflatable ball and to conform
to the shape of that surface whether or not the ball is inflated. A
heavy substance such as lead shot or stainless steel balls can be
embedded into the liquid material prior to curing to increase the
weight. Any substance embedded into the liquid material is
introduced through the valve and port of the inflatable ball. With
the center of gravity of the ball permanently altered, the ball has
a tendency to rest in a position with the weighted material
therewithin facing the ground surface on which the ball sits, and
the ball has a tendency to stay in that position or to return to
that position when an attempt is made to roll it in any direction
away from that position. If a user succeeds in rolling the ball to
a position where the portion of the inner surface engaging the
weighted material rises to the top of the ball as it is rolled,
when the ball is let go, it will move in an erratic way.
Inventors: |
Forrest, SR.; Charles P.;
(Spanish Fort, AL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
H. JAY SPIEGEL - H. JAY SPIEGEL & ASSOCIATES
P.O. BOX 11
MOUNT VERNON
VA
22121
US
|
Family ID: |
43465706 |
Appl. No.: |
12/805105 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61270650 |
Jul 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/594 ; 141/9;
473/596 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 41/00 20130101;
A63B 45/00 20130101; A63B 43/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/594 ;
473/596; 141/9 |
International
Class: |
A63B 43/04 20060101
A63B043/04; A63B 41/00 20060101 A63B041/00; A63B 45/00 20060101
A63B045/00 |
Claims
1. An improved training ball, comprising: a) an inflatable sphere
having an internal chamber defined by an inner surface, and an
outer surface; b) a substance adhered to a portion of said inner
surface and being non-movable with respect to said inner surface;
c) said substance moving a center of gravity of said ball from an
original central location thereof without said substance adhered
therein, to a location offset from said central location.
2. The ball of claim 1, further including an inflation valve
mounted on said sphere and permitting inflation of said ball
through introduction of gas into said internal chamber via said
valve.
3. The ball of claim 1, wherein said outer surface is
non-smooth.
4. The ball of claim 3, wherein said outer surface is ribbed.
5. The ball of claim 3, wherein said outer surface is
roughened.
6. The ball of claim 1, wherein said substance is chosen from the
group consisting of a rubber-based catalyst, plastic, rubber and
synthetic rubber.
7. The ball of claim 6, wherein said substance has embedded therein
a weighted material.
8. The ball of claim 7, wherein said weighted material is chosen
from the group consisting of grains of sand and BBs.
9. The ball of claim 6, wherein said substance is flexible.
10. The ball of claim 9, wherein said portion comprises less than
half said inner surface.
11. The ball of claim 9, wherein said outer surface is
non-smooth.
12. The ball of claim 2, wherein said substance is chosen from the
group consisting of a rubber-based catalyst, plastic, rubber and
synthetic rubber.
13. The ball of claim 12, wherein said substance is flexible.
14. A method of making a training ball including the steps of: a)
providing an inflatable sphere having an internal chamber defined
by an inner surface, and an outer surface; b) providing said sphere
with an inflation valve; c) inflating said sphere by introducing
gas into said internal chamber through said valve; d) introducing a
liquid into said internal chamber through said inflation valve; e)
hardening said liquid into a hardened substance within said
chamber, said hardened substance adhering to said inner
surface.
15. The method of claim 14, said substance being chosen from the
group consisting of a rubber-based catalyst, plastic, rubber and
synthetic rubber.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein said hardened substance adheres
to a portion of said inner surface.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said portion comprises less
than half said inner surface.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein, prior to said liquid
hardening, embedding a weighted material therein.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said weighted material is
chosen from the group consisting of grains of sand and BBs.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein said substance is flexible.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional
application Ser. No. 61/270,650, filed Jul. 13, 2009.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an agility training ball.
In the prior art, a variety of spherical objects have been used in
training athletes. In the game of football, it is important to
teach linemen agility skills so that they are able to perform the
techniques necessary to effectively block for running and passing
plays. During a football game, the unforeseen always occurs, and an
offensive lineman must be able to instantaneously adapt to changing
circumstances, such as when a defender is not in the predicted
position or when a pass rusher makes a move that requires an
adjustment to stance, angulation, body position and other
aspects.
[0003] In the prior art, there are examples of balls that include
objects contained therewithin that alter the center of gravity,
moving it from the center of the spherical ball. The following
prior art is known to Applicant:
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,737 to Farmer discloses an erratically
rollable game device consisting of a ball 14 having a second ball
24 contained within and which includes magnets 31 that occasionally
engage inserts 19 formed of a magnetic material on the inner
surface of the outer ball 14. As the hollow body is rolled, the
magnetic elements occasionally come into contact with one another
to momentarily secure the weight to the inner surface and thereby
alter the rolling characteristics of the body. The present
invention differs from the teachings of Farmer as contemplating a
hollow inflatable ball in which a substance is permanently affixed
at one location about the inner surface of the inner chamber to
cause the ball to have its center of gravity permanently altered to
a specific singular location.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,418 to McNeill discloses a surface
projectile and target game in which a hollow ball 10 has an inner
chamber in which is located a quantity of lead shot or other fluent
material such as mercury. One embodiment shown in FIG. 2 of McNeill
contemplates the combination of a moving substance 11 and a fixed
weight 14. The present invention differs from the teachings of
McNeill as solely contemplating a fixed weight mounted at a
particular location in the inner surface of the chamber of a hollow
ball.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,540 to Leslie discloses an erratically
movable inflated game ball having an inner chamber in which a
movable bladder 20 is provided which is filled with a liquid. The
present invention differs from the teachings of Leslie as
contemplating a weighted substance permanently affixed at a single
location on the inner surface of a chamber of an inflated ball.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,610 to Leslie arose from a divisional of the
application from which U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,540 arose. As such, the
disclosures are the same.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,622 to Chung discloses a ball with
unpredictable bounce. The Chung ball has a solid interior into
which a cavity is created with a second ball disposed therein to
move the center of gravity a distance "X." The present invention
differs from the teachings of Chung as contemplating a substance
affixed to the inner wall of a hollow inflated ball.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to an agility training ball.
The present invention includes the following interrelated objects,
aspects and features:
[0009] (1) In a first aspect of the present invention, what is
contemplated is a large inflated ball, perhaps up to 48 inches in
diameter. The inflated ball is filled with air to inflate it.
[0010] (2) Either before or after inflation, a substance is
conveyed within the inner chamber of the inflatable or inflated
ball. One example of such a substance is a rubber based catalyst.
The substance when inserted sticks to the inner surface of the ball
at one location about the inner surface thereof that subtends a
small portion of the entirety of that inner surface. The rubber
based catalyst is a particularly suitable substance because, when
cured, it remains soft and pliable, enhancing its ability to remain
adhered to the inner surface of an inflatable ball and to conform
to the shape of that surface whether or not the ball is
inflated.
[0011] (3) While a rubber based catalyst is identified as one
desired substance, any substance that will stick to the inner
surface of the inner chamber of an inflated or inflatable ball and
will conform to that inner surface under a variety of conditions is
suitable for use in association with the present invention. As
well, such a rubber based catalyst or other substance can be
introduced in liquid form into the inner chamber via the valve and
port thereof, whereupon it cures or otherwise solidifies stuck to
the inner wall of the inner chamber of the ball. If desired, a
heavy substance such as lead shot or stainless steel balls can be
embedded into the liquid material prior to curing to increase the
weight. Preferably, any substance embedded into the liquid material
is introduced through the valve and port of the inflatable
ball.
[0012] (4) Once the material inserted within the inner chamber of
the ball has solidified, cured or otherwise hardened, the inflated
ball is ready for use. With the weight distribution and center of
gravity of the ball permanently altered in one particular manner,
the ball has a tendency to rest in a position with the weighted
material therewithin facing the ground surface on which the ball
sits. Given the alteration of the center of gravity, the ball has a
tendency to stay in that position or to return to that position
when an attempt is made to roll it in any direction away from that
position. If a user succeeds in rolling the ball to a position
where the portion of the inner surface engaging the weighted
material rises to the top of the ball as it is rolled, when the
ball is let go, it will move in an erratic way.
[0013] (5) An offensive lineman using the inventive ball for
training purposes will find it difficult to roll the ball to a
position where the weighted substance is at the top and will learn
agility skills while trying to manipulate the ball on the
ground.
[0014] As such, it is a first object of the present invention to
provide an agility training ball.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a ball partially filled with a weighted substance to move the
center of gravity away from its center.
[0016] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide such a ball which is inflatable.
[0017] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide such a ball useful as a trainer for offensive football
linemen.
[0018] These and other objects, aspects and features of the present
invention will be better understood from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction
with the appended drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a ball in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention including schematically
depicting alternate surface textures.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view through the ball along
the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a ball or sphere suitable for
use in association with the present invention. The ball 1 has an
outer surface 2 that may be non-smooth, including ribbing 3 on the
surface or any other textured surface such as corrugations,
ribbing, a roughened surface 9 and the like to enhance the grip on
the surface by a lineman.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the ball 1 includes the port 6 connected
to the standard inflation valve 5 that facilitates admission of air
into the chamber 4.
[0023] As also seen in FIG. 2, a substance 7 is located in one
location on the inner wall 8 of the chamber 4. The substance 7
subtends a small fraction of the entirety of the surface 8 and
adheres at that location and is immovable. The substance 7 may
comprise any desired material that can be made to adhere at one
location on the inner surface 8 of the chamber 4 of the ball 1 and
is soft enough when cured to conform to the inner surface 8 whether
or not the ball is inflated. One example of such a substance is a
rubber based catalyst that may be conveyed into the chamber 4 via
the valve 5 and the port 6. By gravity, the substance 7, in its
uncured state, collects at one location where it hardens and sticks
to the wall 8. Any desired such substance is suitable for the
purposes of the present invention. It is, however, preferred that
the substance 7 be a substance that can be inserted into the
chamber 4 via the valve 5 and port 6. This makes it easier to
create the present invention since the ball can be assembled as it
normally is assembled and then the substance 7 can be subsequently
inserted. Otherwise, the substance would have to be inserted prior
to installation of the valve 5 and port 6.
[0024] Any suitable substance 7 may be employed for the purposes of
the present invention. The sole requirements are that the substance
be permanently affixed at one location on the surface 8 of the
ball, that the substance easily conform to the surface 8 of the
ball, and that the substance 7 alter the center of gravity of the
ball 1 so that it rolls irregularly and resists rolling from a
position with the substance 7 facing a ground surface on which the
ball 1 rests.
[0025] The ball 1 may be made of any suitable size allowing it to
be moved by an offensive lineman of a football team so that the
lineman can learn agility skills and enhance them. Preferably, the
ball is not less than 12 inches in diameter and may be up to 48
inches or more in diameter.
[0026] The present invention also contemplates the method of
manufacturing the inventive ball. That method includes the steps of
obtaining an inflatable ball having an inflated diameter of up to
or exceeding 48 inches, the ball including an inflation valve and a
port, selecting a substance to be introduced into the inner chamber
of the ball via the valve and port, which substance will conform to
a portion of the inner surface of the ball, the portion consisting
of a fraction of the entirety of the inner surface, introducing the
substance into the inner chamber of the ball via the valve and
port, allowing the substance to cure and harden, inflating the
ball, and using it for the purposes described hereinabove.
[0027] Materials from which the substance 7 may be made include
plastic, rubber, synthetic rubber, and may include such materials
with heavy materials embedded therein such as, for example, grains
of sand, small BBs, or other materials. Whatever material or
combination of materials is/are used, they fall within the
teachings of the present invention so long as once cured, hardened,
or otherwise permanently stabilized, they remain in a fixed
location on the inner surface 8 of the chamber 4 of the ball 1
subtending only a small fraction of the surface 8 thereof, and
remain pliable so that (1) they remain adhered to the surface 8,
and (2) they reduce the possibility of injury to a player using the
ball to train.
[0028] As such, an invention has been disclosed in terms of a
preferred embodiment thereof which fulfills each and every one of
the objects of the invention as set forth hereinabove, and provides
a new and useful agility training ball of great novelty and
utility.
[0029] Of course, various changes, modifications and alterations in
the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by those
skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit and
scope thereof.
[0030] As such, it is intended that the present invention only be
limited by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *