U.S. patent application number 13/162379 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-13 for round ball, such as a soccer ball, having a pattern of fins to resist rolling.
Invention is credited to Stephen Pye, Victor Charles Walling.
Application Number | 20110250997 13/162379 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43649594 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110250997 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walling; Victor Charles ; et
al. |
October 13, 2011 |
Round Ball, Such as a Soccer Ball, Having a Pattern of Fins to
Resist Rolling
Abstract
A ball, such as a soccer ball, comprises a sphere having a
surface, a plurality of smooth portions on the surface of the
sphere, and a plurality of flexible fin-like projections protruding
from the surface. The fin-like projections may have a height of
about 7-10 mm in the may be made from flexible and crushable
rubbery material with a Shore A durometer reading of about 50-60.
One effect is that the ball tends to fly a shorter distance and to
stop rolling more quickly than the same ball without the fin-like
projections.
Inventors: |
Walling; Victor Charles;
(San Jose, CA) ; Pye; Stephen; (San Jose,
CA) |
Family ID: |
43649594 |
Appl. No.: |
13/162379 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US10/46974 |
Aug 27, 2010 |
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13162379 |
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61238803 |
Sep 1, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/613 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 43/00 20130101;
A63B 41/00 20130101; A63B 2043/001 20130101; A63B 2243/0025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/613 |
International
Class: |
A63B 43/00 20060101
A63B043/00 |
Claims
1. A ball comprising: a sphere having a surface; a plurality of
smooth portions on the surface of the sphere; and a plurality of
flexible fin-like projections protruding from the surface.
2. The ball according to claim 1 wherein the material used to make
the plurality of fin-like projections has a coefficient of friction
higher than that of the smooth portions of the surface of the
sphere.
3. The ball according to claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of
fin-like projections has thickness between 0.2 mm and 4.0 mm.
4. The ball according to claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of
fin-like projections has a thickness of about 0.8 mm.
5. The ball according to claim 1 wherein the fin-like projections
separate the smooth portions from one another.
6. The ball according to claim 1 wherein the fin-like projections
have outer edges such that a straight line drawn between the outer
edges of any two fin-like projections that surround a smooth
portion on the surface of the sphere will not touch the smooth
surface except when that line is tangent to the smooth surface.
7. The ball according to claim 1 wherein a fin-like projection is
connected to at least four other fin-like projections to form a
pattern of shapes about the surface of the sphere.
8. The ball according to claim 1 wherein the fin-like projections
have heights that range from 2.0 mm to 20.0 mm.
9. The ball according to claim 1 wherein the ball is a soccer ball
and the fin-like projections have a height of about 7-10 mm.
10. The ball according to claim 1 wherein the ball is a size four
or size five soccer ball and the fin-like projections have a height
of about 8-10 mm.
11. The ball according to claim 1 wherein a ball is a size three
soccer ball and the fin-like projections have a height of about 7-9
mm.
12. The ball according to claim 1 wherein the fin-like projections
are made flexible and crushable rubbery material with a Shore A
durometer reading of about 50-60.
13. A soccer ball comprising: a sphere having a surface; a
plurality of smooth portions on the surface of the sphere and the
separating the smooth portions from one another; a plurality of
flexible fin-like projections protruding from the surface; the
fin-like projections having a height of about 7-10 mm; the
plurality of fin-like projections having a coefficient of friction
higher than that of the smooth portions of the surface of the
sphere; and the fin-like projections being made of flexible and
crushable rubbery material with a Shore A durometer reading of
about 50-60.
14. The soccer ball according to claim 13 wherein each of the
plurality of fin-like projections has a thickness of about 0.8
mm.
15. The soccer ball according to claim 13 wherein the fin-like
projections have outer edges such that a straight line drawn
between the outer edges of any two fin-like projections that
surround a smooth portion on the surface of the sphere will not
touch the smooth surface except when that line is tangent to the
smooth surface.
16. The soccer ball according to claim 13 wherein the ball is a
size four or size five soccer ball and the fin-like projections
have a height of about 8-10 mm.
17. The soccer ball according to claim 13 wherein a ball is a size
three soccer ball and the fin-like projections have a height of
about 7-9 mm.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of international
patent application PCT/US10/046974, filed 27 Aug. 2010, which
claims the benefit of US provisional patent application 61/238,803,
filed Sep. 1, 2009.
[0002] This application is related to Design Patent application
29/364,674, filed Jun. 23, 2010 and to US patent application number
12/849,196, filed 29 Oct. 2010.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to the performance of round
balls directly touched by players on a field of play such as
basketballs, baseballs and in particular to the performance of
soccer balls. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
ball, such as a soccer ball, having a lattice pattern protruding
from the surface in a predetermined pattern. Soccer balls have been
produced since the mid 1800's. Prior to this invention, balls in
general and soccer balls in particular that are intended for the
field of play have been made as smooth and round as possible to
minimize aerodynamic drag. The result is that existing balls travel
very fast through the air and roll easily on the slightest
incline.
[0006] This invention addresses the need for a ball that feels and
generally behaves like traditional balls on the field of play but
when struck with maximum force travel much less distance and which
resist rolling especially on hard, flat or slightly inclined
surfaces.
[0007] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0008] Ball players have long recognized that the more smooth the
surface of a ball, the better its aerodynamics for swerving.
Concerning soccer balls in particular, in the 20 th century with
the rise of indoor soccer and street soccer, some effort has been
spent to develop a ball that wears better on hard surfaces such as
streets, that has a deadened bounce and is difficult to loft.
[0009] No prior innovation has attached an additional element
deliberately intended to protrude from the surface of a ball in
order to change the behavior of the ball in the manner here in
described. No invention has deliberately intended to increase
aerodynamic drag and slow the way a field ball rolls without
significantly altering the rolling direction and without
substantial altering the other performance features of the ball
such as its ability to bounce.
[0010] The soccer ball is the preferred embodiment of this
invention. The most commonly recognized soccer ball, as readily
accepted by the consuming public, is spherical and made with a
polygon pattern consisting of 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons. Many
soccer balls now break this tradition, however none of these have
added elements that stick out from the ball. Indeed most of these
new balls seek to be even smoother and more round than traditional
balls.
[0011] Although the prior art has set forth variations for
materials used to make and shape the surface of a soccer ball,
there remains a need for a soccer ball having a surface that
maximizes aerodynamic drag and minimizes the extent that the ball
will continue to roll once it stops bouncing, yet leave the ball's
other performance including its bounce largely intact.
[0012] Patents with spherical balls with patterns on the surface
include: USD095034, USD395690, USD405486, USD478367, USD501520,
USD563495, USD585644, USD595367, USD599966, and USD609290.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is able to provide a soccer ball that
meets FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association
(International Federation of Association Football)), specification
for size and weight and at the same time reduces the distance the
ball can be kicked compared to a normal soccer ball struck with the
same force. The present invention reduces the amount that the ball
will roll whether on flat and somewhat inclined surfaces. The
present invention is able to accomplish this by providing the ball
with a lattice pattern of fins protruding from the surface of an
otherwise normal ball sphere.
[0014] One aspect of the present invention is a soccer ball with an
inner sphere having a surface and a plurality of fin-like
projections disposed on the sphere surface. The plurality of
fin-like projections is interconnected to form a predetermined
pattern on the surface. Each of the projections extends a similar
amount from the surface that ranges from 2 mm to 30 mm outward from
the inner sphere surface depending on the size of the soccer ball
(official FIFA number sizes for soccer balls range from 3 to 5.) or
the degree of effects sought. These fins may be attached in any of
variety of ways including sewing or gluing. They may also be molded
onto the surface of the ball.
[0015] Experimentation has shown that in the instance of a soccer
ball, a fin height of about 8 to 10 millimeters for a size five or
size four ball, yields the best tradeoff between (a) the
combination of increasing drag in air and minimizing role on an
inclined surface and the normal feel and (b) normal soccer ball
reaction when the ball is kicked or headed. For the size three
ball, the optimal fin height is about 7 to 9 millimeters.
[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is a soccer ball
having a lattice of fin-like elements with a coefficient of
friction that is deliberately much higher than the coefficient of
friction for the surface material of most balls. This higher
coefficient of friction provides increased friction (or "grip")
between the ball and other surfaces including the player.
[0017] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a ball with
fin-like lattice elements having flexibility. These elements
collapse under pressure thereby absorbing energy.
[0018] Experimentation has shown that, in the instance of a soccer
ball, by using a flexible and crushable rubbery material with a
Shore A durometer reading of about 50 to 60 and a thickness of
about 1/32 inches or 0.8 millimeters, the air drag can be
maximized, the roll on an incline minimized yet the normal feel and
reaction of the soccer ball when kicked or headed is preserved.
[0019] Having briefly described the present invention, the above
and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be
recognized by those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 view of the ball showing the sphere, the distinct
smooth areas and a pattern of fins separating the smooth areas in a
traditional 32 panel soccer ball pattern.
[0021] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are views of alternative fin
profiles suitable to cause a ball made according to the invention
to have the desired performance.
[0022] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are views of alternative
cross-sectional shapes of the fin protrusions that are suitable to
cause a ball made according to the invention to have the desired
performance.
[0023] FIGS. 4A and 4B are views of sewn seam cross-sections
showing two alternative patterns for sewing the fins into the ball.
FIG. 4A shows the seam turned to the center of the ball in the
traditional way a soccer ball is sewn. FIG. 4B shows the seam sewn
to the outside of the ball. Either pattern can be used to achieve
the desired performance.
[0024] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a set of the fins of FIG. 1
showing the connection of one fin to four other fins, two at each
end.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, a soccer ball (100) is generally
designated as the preferred embodiment.
[0026] The soccer ball may be a traditional 32 piece sewn ball, or
any of the newer pieced or laminated balls. The core and cover of
the soccer ball may be any suitable material. Typically butyl
bladders and vinyl-coated fabric are used for many soccer balls
today. Rubber bladders are common in lower quality balls. Wound
bladders are often used in higher quality balls. However, those
skilled in the art will recognize that other core and cover
materials may be utilized without departing from the scope and
spirit of the present invention.
[0027] Extending outward from the surface (FIG. 1) are a plurality
of fin like projections (FIG. 1, 104). In a preferred embodiment,
these projections (104) may have any of many top profiles with a
base shaped to suit the attachment strategy. In the case of sewing
in the projections a square straight line base is appropriate (FIG.
2A.) However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
projections may have other similar shapes (FIGS. 2B, 2C, 2D). The
projections (104) are connected to each other to form a lattice
structure on the surface of the sphere. See FIGS. 1 and 5. The
interconnected projections form a plurality of enclosed areas
encompassing discrete areas (102) of the surface of the sphere.
When the invention is embodied in a traditional sewn soccer ball,
there are 20 hexagonal areas and 12 pentagonal bounded areas (FIG.
1, 102). In the preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of
projections (102) is connected to at least four other projections
(FIG. 5), two at each end. In the preferred embodiment, each of the
projections (FIG. 1, 104) meets two other projections at a vertex
meeting point of a combination of polygons.
[0028] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are views of alternative fin cross
sections (310) of the fin protrusions (304) that are suitable to
cause a ball made according to the invention to have the desired
performance. The outer edges (312) of fin protrusions (304) are
shown to have different shapes. Each of the plurality of fin
protrusions has thickness between 0.2 mm and 4.0 mm and is
flexible. Experimentation has shown that, in the instance of a
soccer ball, by using a flexible and crushable rubbery material
with a Shore A durometer reading of about 50 to 60 and a thickness
of about 1/32 inches or 0.8 millimeters, the air drag can be
maximized, the roll on an incline minimized yet the normal feel and
reaction of the soccer ball when kicked or headed is preserved.
[0029] FIGS. 4A and 4B are views of sewn seam cross-sections (406)
showing two alternative patterns for sewing the fins (404) into the
ball between discrete areas (402). FIG. 4A shows the seam turned to
the center of the ball in the traditional way a soccer ball is
sewn. FIG. 4B shows the seam sewn to the outside of the ball.
Either pattern can be used to achieve the desired performance.
[0030] Unlike traditional soccer balls that attempt to make the
surface as smooth as possible, the preferred embodiment of the
present invention employs the fin-like protrusions (FIG. 1, 104)
such that whichever direction the ball rolls, it must roll over one
of these fin-like protrusions to keep on rolling. Moreover the
height of the protrusions in the preferred embodiment is such that
any line drawn to connect any two points on the outside edge of the
fin-like protrusions surrounding any one of the enclosed areas will
lie above the surface of the sphere or be tangent to the sphere.
The height of the protrusions ranges between 2.0 mm and 20.0 mm
depending on the degree of effect sought and the size of the
underlying ball. Experimentation has shown that in the instance of
a soccer ball, a fin height of about 8 to 10 millimeters for a size
five or size four ball, yields the best tradeoff between (a) the
combination of increasing drag in air and minimizing role on an
inclined surface and the normal feel and (b) normal soccer ball
reaction when the ball is kicked or headed. For the size three
ball, the optimal fin height is about 7 to 9 millimeters.
[0031] Traditional soccer balls are designed to maximize the
roundness and smoothness of the surface to maximize aerodynamic
performance. The ball of the present invention has a flexible high
friction lattice structure to (1) reduce tendency to continue to
roll (2) change the aerodynamics so the ball will be dead in the
air, that is, will not fly as far or as fast as a normal soccer
ball struck with the same force and (3) provide better grip between
the player and the ball.
[0032] Some examples of the invention provides a ball with higher
aerodynamic drag that a conventional ball without the fins and with
the ability to rapidly come to a stop when rolling on a flat or a
slight inclined surface. In some examples the ball has an
arrangement of fins sewn, glued or molded to its surface. In some
examples the fins of a ball are the same height while in other
examples the fins of a ball may be of differing heights. The fins
may be of various heights, such as from 2.0 mm to 20.0 mm,
depending on the degree of the effects sought. In some examples the
lattice of fins are such that to continue to roll, the ball must
roll over a fin. The fundamental tradeoff in this invention is
between the degree of normal behavior of the ball when struck and
when bouncing, and the reduced duration of flight and reduced
distance to stop rolling. In a preferred embodiment the fins are
sewn into the seams of an otherwise conventionally constructed,
sewn soccer ball. The effect gained is a ball that behaves like a
normal soccer ball in most ways but flies a shorter distance and
stops rolling more quickly.
[0033] From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the
art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention
and will readily understand that while the present invention has
been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof,
and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
still other numerous changes, modifications and substitutions of
equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by
the foregoing.
* * * * *