U.S. patent application number 15/238104 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-23 for impact dissipating ball.
The applicant listed for this patent is 2nd Skull, LLC. Invention is credited to Federico Olivares Velasco.
Application Number | 20170050089 15/238104 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56694053 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170050089 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olivares Velasco; Federico |
February 23, 2017 |
IMPACT DISSIPATING BALL
Abstract
Impact dissipating balls are described. The impact dissipating
balls, such as soccer balls, are constructed with one or more
layers, sections, or portions of impact absorbing, impact
dissipating materials, and/or impact dissipating
structures/geometries. The particular type and/or arrangement or
placement of padding can vary based on a variety of factors, such
as style of impact dissipating ball, size of the impact dissipating
ball, the manufacturing process of the impact dissipating ball,
expected levels of impact, quality of the impact dissipating ball,
and regulations with which the impact dissipating ball is intended
to comply.
Inventors: |
Olivares Velasco; Federico;
(Cranberry Township, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
2nd Skull, LLC |
Cranberry Township |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56694053 |
Appl. No.: |
15/238104 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62205830 |
Aug 17, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 45/00 20130101;
A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 2243/0025 20130101; A63B 41/02
20130101; A63B 41/08 20130101; A63B 2102/00 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 41/08 20060101
A63B041/08; A63B 41/02 20060101 A63B041/02 |
Claims
1. A soccer ball, comprising: a pressurizable airtight bladder; a
lining layer surrounding the pressurizable airtight bladder; a
padding layer surrounding the pressurizable airtight bladder,
wherein the padding layer comprises a low density foam having a
density within the range of about 5 pounds per cubic foot to about
35 pounds per cubic foot; and a cover surrounding the padding
layer, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of cover panels.
2. The soccer ball of claim 1, wherein the low density foam has a
density within the range of about 10 pounds per cubic foot to about
30 pounds per cubic foot.
3. The soccer ball of claim 2, wherein the low density foam has a
density within the range of about 15 pounds per cubic foot to about
25 pounds per cubic foot.
4. The soccer ball of claim 1, wherein the padding layer is
immediately adjacent to the cover.
5. The soccer ball of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the
padding layer is coupled to the adjacent to the cover.
6. The soccer ball of claim 1, wherein the padding layer is
immediately adjacent to the pressurizable airtight bladder.
7. The soccer ball of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the
padding layer is coupled to the adjacent to the pressurizable
airtight bladder.
8. The soccer ball of claim 1, wherein the padding layer comprises
a plurality of padding panels.
9. The soccer ball of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of
padding panels is generally aligned with a corresponding cover
panel of the cover.
10. The soccer ball of claim 8, wherein the total number of padding
panels is less than the total number of cover panels.
11. The soccer ball of claim 8, wherein the total number of padding
panels is equal to the total number of cover panels.
12. The soccer ball of claim 8, wherein the total number of padding
panels is greater than to the total number of cover panels.
13. The soccer ball of claim 1, wherein the padding layer defines a
plurality of deformable voids.
14. A soccer ball, comprising: a pressurizable airtight bladder; a
lining layer surrounding the pressurizable airtight bladder; a
padding layer surrounding the pressurizable airtight bladder,
wherein the padding layer defines a plurality of deformable voids;
and a cover surrounding the padding layer, wherein the cover
comprises a plurality of cover panels.
15. The soccer ball of claim 14, wherein the padding layer is
immediately adjacent to the cover.
16. The soccer ball of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the
padding layer is coupled to the adjacent to the cover.
17. The soccer ball of claim 14, wherein the padding layer is
immediately adjacent to the pressurizable airtight bladder.
18. The soccer ball of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the
padding layer is coupled to the adjacent to the pressurizable
airtight bladder.
19. The soccer ball of claim 14, wherein at least some of the
plurality of deformable voids are hemispherically-shaped.
20. The soccer ball of claim 14, wherein at least some of the
plurality of deformable voids are tubular-shaped.
21. The soccer ball of claim 14, wherein the padding layer is
visually concealed by the cover.
22. A soccer ball, comprising: a pressurizable airtight bladder; a
lining layer surrounding the pressurizable airtight bladder; a
padding layer surrounding the pressurizable airtight bladder,
wherein the padding layer comprises a plurality of padding panels;
and a cover surrounding the pressurizable airtight bladder, wherein
the cover comprises a plurality of cover panels.
23. The soccer ball of claim 22, wherein the total number of
padding panels is less than the total number of cover panels.
24. The soccer ball of claim 22, wherein the total number of
padding panels is equal to the total number of cover panels.
25. The soccer ball of claim 22, wherein the total number of
padding panels is greater than the total number of cover
panels.
26. The soccer ball of claim 22, wherein each of the plurality of
padding panels is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of
cover panels.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to the disclosure of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/205,830, entitled
"IMPACT DISSIPATING BALL," filed Aug. 17, 2015, the disclosure of
which is herein by incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Soccer is the world's most popular sport and the soccer ball
is the most important piece of equipment used in the game. Although
the color and designs on the outside of a soccer ball may be
different, the shape, size, and weight of regulation balls are
defined by international rules. During soccer games, a player can
impact the ball with their head, either intentionally or
inadvertently.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The present disclosure will be more readily understood from
a detailed description of some example embodiments taken in
conjunction with the following figures:
[0004] FIGS. 1-3 depict example partial cutaway views of soccer
balls to show various internal layers thereof.
[0005] FIGS. 4-6 depict example soccer balls having internally
positioned padding layers, which are shown in phantom for the
purposes of illustration.
[0006] FIGS. 7-14 depict non-limiting example arrangements of cover
panels and padding panels.
[0007] FIG. 15 depicts a cutaway view of an example soccer ball
illustrating an example arrangement of layers.
[0008] FIG. 16A depicts a cutaway view of another example soccer
ball illustrating an example arrangement of layers.
[0009] FIG. 16B depicts the soccer ball of FIG. 16A during the
application of an external force.
[0010] FIGS. 17-18 depict example padding layers having deformable
voids.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure
will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the
principles of the structure, function, and use of impact
dissipating balls disclosed herein. One or more examples of these
non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that
the balls and methods specifically described herein and illustrated
in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The
features illustrated or described in connection with one
non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other
non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are
intended to be included within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0012] The presently disclosed embodiments are generally directed
to impact dissipating balls, methods of using impact dissipating
balls, and methods of manufacturing impact dissipating balls. More
specifically, the presently disclosed embodiments are generally
directed to soccer balls that can be constructed with one or more
layers, sections, or portions of impact absorbing, impact
dissipating materials, or impact dissipating structures/geometries,
referred to generally herein as padding or a padding layer. The
particular type and/or arrangement or placement of padding can vary
based on a variety of factors, such as style of soccer ball, size
of soccer ball, the manufacturing process of the soccer ball,
expected levels of impact, quality of the soccer ball, regulations
with which the ball is intended to comply, and so forth. As
described in more detail below, in some embodiments, a soccer ball
can be manufactured from multiple layers wrapped or otherwise
formed around an airtight bladder or other type of core. In
accordance with the present disclosure, padding can be disposed on
the outer surface and/or in between various layers during the
manufacturing process. This padding can generally serve to
dissipate impact to a player when the player strikes the ball, such
as using their head. The padding can also serve to dissipate impact
when a player is inadvertently hit with the ball, such as in the
face or other parts of the head.
[0013] In some embodiments, soccer balls incorporating padding
satisfy appropriate regulations such as those promulgated by
Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). As such,
in some embodiments, soccer balls incorporating padding can be
spherical, made of leather or other suitable material, of a
circumference of not more than 70 cm and not less than 68 cm, not
more than 450 g in weight and not less than 410 g at the start of
the match, and a of a pressure equal to 0.6-1.1 atmosphere
(600-1100 g/cm.sup.2) at sea level. Soccer balls for youth games
can have smaller dimensions and weights. As is to be appreciated,
impact dissipating balls in accordance with the present disclosure
can be utilized for other sporting endeavors, such as sports in
which players typically impact the ball with their head. For such
sports, such as futsal, the impact dissipating balls can be
manufactured with padding while retaining relevant competition ball
requirements. With regard to futsal balls incorporating padding
during the manufacturing process, for example, the futsal ball can
be spherical, made of leather or other suitable material, of a
circumference of not less than 62 cm and not more than 64 cm, not
less than 400 grams nor more than 440 grams in weight at the start
of the match, and of a pressure equal to 0.4-0.6 atmosphere
(400-600 g/cm.sup.2) at sea level. To the extent that FIFA
regulations may vary, or the ball will be used for sports having
different requirements, impact dissipating balls can be
manufactured in accordance with the present disclosure to comply
with those regulations and/or requirements.
[0014] Reference throughout the specification to "various
embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "some example
embodiments," "one example embodiment," or "an embodiment" means
that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described
in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in various
embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," "some
example embodiments," "one example embodiment, or "in an
embodiment" in places throughout the specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0015] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, example partial cutaway views of
simplified soccer balls 100, 200, and 300 are depicted showing
various internal layers thereof. As is to be appreciated, soccer
balls 100, 200, and 300 can schematically represent relatively
inexpensive soccer balls, as may be designed for recreational or
some lower levels of competitive play. Soccer balls 100, 200, and
300 depicted in FIGS. 1-3 can also schematically represent high
quality, relatively expensive soccer balls designed for high levels
of competitive play. Highest quality soccer balls, for example, are
typically hand stitched with a 5-ply twisted polyester cord,
mid-priced balls are typically machine-stitched, and low end balls
are typically glued together. Nevertheless, soccer balls
manufactured in accordance with the present disclosure can
incorporate one or more impact dissipating padding layers.
[0016] Referring first to FIG. 1, a soccer ball 100 is shown having
a core 102. In some embodiments, the core 102 is an airtight
bladder which is filled with air to appropriately pressurize the
soccer ball 100 for gameplay. A padding layer 120 is in contact
with the core 102 and either partially or entirely surrounds the
core 102. As schematically depicted by lining layer 104, one or
more layers of lining can be placed between the padding layer 120
and the cover 106. The composition and number of lining layers 104
can vary. As compared to conventional balls, the number of layers
104 and/or the size of the core 102 can be reduced to accommodate
the thickness of the padding layer 120, as to maintain the total
outer dimension of the soccer ball 100 at the desired size. In some
embodiments, lining layer(s) 104 are polyester and/or cotton bonded
(laminated) together to give the ball strength, structure and
bounce. In some embodiments, the lining layer(s) 104 is a
fiber-reinforced composite. Professional soccer balls or other
higher end balls usually have four or more layers of lining.
Promotional or practice balls may be constructed with less layers
of lining.
[0017] The cover 106 can be made from, for example, synthetic
leather made from PU (polyurethane) and PVC (poly vinyl chloride).
As is to be appreciated, there are many variations of synthetic
leather that can be used for cover 106, such as AI-2000, Japanese
Teijin Cordley, Microfiber, English Porvair, Korean Ducksung,
Leather Art Pakistan Synthetic Leather, and PVC (poly vinyl
chloride). The highest quality soccer balls used in competition and
by professionals are typically produced by using AI-2000, Cordley,
Ducksung, Mircofiber or other types of PU synthetic leather.
Promotional soccer balls or practice balls are usually constructed
with Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC) or rubber (molded or stitched) covers.
For indoor soccer balls, the cover 106 can be made with a felt
material similar to what is used on a tennis ball.
[0018] The cover 106 can comprise of a plurality of panels, the
different segments that make up the outside covering of the ball,
having similar or different shapes. The number of panels can vary
for each design. A 32-panel ball is an example type of soccer ball,
which is essentially a Buckminster Ball consisting of 20 hexagonal
(six sided) and 12 pentagonal (five sided) surfaces. Panels of
cover 106 can be stitched, glued, or thermally molded, such that
when the soccer ball 100 is inflated, it is nearly a perfect
sphere. Other traditional designs are 18 and 26-panel
constructions, used in various professional leagues, including
Major League Soccer, Scottish and English leagues. Some designs use
less panels, such as 6 paneled soccer balls that are thermally
bonded and do not utilized stitching.
[0019] While FIG. 1, depicts the padding layer positioned between a
liner layer 104 and the core 102, other arrangements can be
utilized, some examples of which are depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
FIG. 2 depicts a soccer ball 200 having a cover 206, lining layer
204 and an inner core 202. These components can be similar, for
example, to the similar components in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, a
padding layer 220 is positioned between the cover 206 and the
lining layer 204. In other configurations, multiple padding layers
can utilized, such as a first padding layer positioned between the
cover 206 and the lining layer 204 and a second padding layer (not
shown) positioned between the lining layer 204 and the inner core
202. In some embodiments, the padding layer 220 can serve as one or
more of the lining layers 204, thereby eliminating the need for the
lining layer 204 or at least reducing the number of layers included
in the lining layer 204. FIG. 3 depicts a soccer ball 300 having
similar components to the soccer balls 100, 200 of FIGS. 1-2. In
this embodiment, however, the padding layer 320 is the outermost
layer of the soccer ball 300, such that the padding layer 320 will
be directly impacted by players during gameplay. The padding layer
320 can be separate from the cover 306 or laminated therewith. In
some configurations, the padding layer 320 is stitched, glued, or
thermally bonded to the cover 306 (which may serve as a part of the
lining layer). Additionally or alternatively, the soccer ball 300
can include the lining layer 304 and the padding layer 320 is
applied directly to the lining layer 304. As with other
embodiments, the inner core 302 can be positioned at the center of
the soccer ball 300. The padding layer 320 can be comprised of
multiple panels, as described above with regard to the cover
106.
[0020] While FIGS. 1-3 schematically depict soccer balls for the
purposes of illustration, it is to be appreciated other types of
multi-layer sports balls can be manufactured using similar
techniques to provide impact dissipating functionality. Such
functionality may be desirable for sports using balls that are
particularly hard (i.e., baseballs) and/or balls that travel at
high rates of speed (i.e., Jai alai). All such impact dissipating
sports balls are intended to be covered by the present
disclosure.
[0021] The padding layer utilized by soccer balls in accordance
with the present disclosure, such as padding layers 120, 220, and
320, and described in more detail below, can be comprised of any
suitable material that provides the desirable characteristics and
response to impact. For example, the padding layer can comprise one
or more of the following materials: thermoplastic polyurethane
(available, for example, from Skydex Technologies), military-grade
materials, impact absorbing silicone, D30.RTM. impact absorbing
material, impact gel, wovens, non-wovens, cotton, elastomers,
IMPAXX.RTM. energy-absorbing foam (available from Dow Automotive),
DEFLEXION shock absorbing material (available from Dow Corning),
styrofoam, polymer gels, general shock absorbing elastometers,
visco-elastic polymers, PORON.RTM. XRD impact protection (available
from Rogers Corporation), Sorbothane.RTM. (available from
Sorbothane Inc.), Neoprene (available from DuPont), Ethyl Vinyl
Acetate, impact-dispersing gels, foams, rubbers, and so forth. In
some embodiments, the padding material can be auxetic, such as
Armourgel S2.RTM. (available from Armourgel Limited). As such, the
padding material can include geometries that structurally define a
plurality of deformable voids between two layers of the soccer
ball. During impact, the padding material (and the voids defined
thereby) can deform proximate to the area of impact to dissipate
the impact. The deformable voids can be visually concealed from an
observer of the ball, such that the ball visually emulates a
conventional soccer ball. In some embodiments, the padding material
can also locally densify as the load rises.
[0022] The padding layer can be attached to one or more layers
(such as the core 202, the cover 206 and/or lining layer 204 of
FIG. 2, for example). In some embodiments, the padding layer 340
can be generally disconnected and "floating" between the layers. In
some embodiments, the padding layer is coupled (i.e., glued,
laminated, stitched, etc.) to one more components of the soccer
ball. In some embodiments, padding layers in accordance with the
present systems and methods can comprise a rate dependent material,
such as a rate dependent low density foam material. Examples of
suitable low density foams include polyester and polyether
polyurethane foams. In some embodiments, such foams to have a
density ranging from about 5 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) to about
35 pcf), more particularly from about 10 pcf to about 30 pcf, and
more particularly still from about 15 pcf to about 25 pcf.
PORON.RTM. and PORON XRD.RTM. are available from Rogers
Corporation, which are open cell, microcellular polyurethane foams,
is an example of one suitable rate dependent foam. However, in
order to provide impact resistance, the padding layer can be any
suitable energy absorbing or rate dependent materials. As such,
other rate dependent foams or other types of materials can be used
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIGS. 4-6 depict soccer balls having internally positioned
padding layers, which are shown in phantom for the purposes of
illustration. Referring first to FIG. 4, soccer ball 400 comprises
a plurality of cover panels 402 that are joined to collectively
form the outer cover. While FIG. 4 depicts a soccer ball having
hexagonal and pentagonal cover panels 402, it is to be readily
appreciated that the particular style of panels can vary without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In this
embodiment, the padding layer is comprised of a plurality of
padding panels 404 that are generally shaped commensurately with
the cover panels 402. FIG. 5 depicts an example soccer ball 500
having a plurality of cover panels 502. The padding panels 504 are
generally triangularly shaped and attached together to form a
sphere. FIG. 6 depicts an example soccer ball 600 having a
plurality of cover panels 602. In this embodiment, the various
padding panels 604 collective form a sphere, with each padding
panel 604 spanning a plurality of cover panels 602.
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 7-14, various non-limiting example
cover panel and padding panel arrangements are depicted. While the
cover panels and/or padding panels are pentagonal in the
illustrated embodiments, it is to be readily appreciated that a
variety of different shaped cover panels and/or padding panels can
be utilized without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment in which a padding panel
704 serves as the cover panel. A plurality of padding panels 704
can be joined to form the outer surface of a soccer ball, such as
the soccer ball 300 illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 depicts a cover
panel 802 that is coupled to a padding panel 804 that is
substantially the same shape (i.e., coextensive). Such arrangement
can be manufactured using a variety of suitable processes. For
example, a sheet of the material for the cover panel can be joined
to a sheet of padding material and then cut into the component as
shown in FIG. 8. Alternatively, the cover panel 802 can be formed
separately from the padding panel 804 and then subsequently coupled
using a suitable process, such as gluing, stitching, and so forth.
In FIG. 8, the cover panel 802 is positioned on the exterior of the
padding panel 804, such that the cover panel 802 forms the exterior
surface of a soccer ball. FIG. 9 depicts a similar arrangement as
FIG. 8, with the padding panel layer 904 being coextensive with the
cover panel layer 902. In this embodiment, however, the padding
panel 904 forms the exterior surface of a soccer ball. Referring
now to FIG. 10, a multi-layered arrangement is depicted. In this
embodiment, a padding panel 904 is positioned between a first cover
panel 902 and a second cover panel 906. In some embodiments, the
three layers are laminated to form a unitary panel that can be used
to form the outer covering of a soccer ball.
[0025] While FIGS. 7-10 depict padding panels as being generally
coextensive with cover panels, this disclosure is not so limited.
Referring to FIG. 11, for example, a padding panel 1104 is coupled
to a cover panel 1102 and the overall dimension of the padding
panel 1104 is less than the dimensions of the cover panel 1102. An
overhang is formed around the periphery of the cover panel 1102,
which can be utilized, for example, during the manufacturing
process. In one embodiment, the overhang is utilized when attaching
adjacent cover panels 1102 (i.e., to receive stitching and/or
glue). FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 11 in that an overhang is formed
on the cover panel 1202 due to the smaller size of the padding
panel 1204. In this embodiment, however, the padding panel 1204 is
positioned on the exterior side of the cover panel 1202.
[0026] FIGS. 13-14 depict example arrangements in which a padding
panel is coupled to multiple cover panels. Referring first to FIG.
13, a first cover panel 1302 and an adjacent cover pane 1306 are
both coupled to a surface of a padding layer 1304. FIG. 14 depicts
an embodiment in which the padding layer 1404 spans multiple cover
panels, shown as cover panels 1402, 1406.
[0027] FIG. 15 depicts a cutaway view of an example soccer ball
1500 illustrating an example arrangement of layers. The soccer ball
1500 has a cover 1506, a padding layer 1520, a lining layer 1504,
and a core wall 1502. The cover 1506 has an outer surface 1510
defining the outer surface of the soccer ball 1500 and the core
wall 1502 has an inner surface 1512 that defines an airtight
chamber. Outer surface 1510 can be textured to aid in the
aerodynamics of the soccer ball to provide consistent performance.
While FIG. 15 depicts the padding layer 1520 positioned between the
cover 1506 and the lining layer 1504, the padding layer 1520 can be
positioned in a variety of different locations within the soccer
ball 1500. In some embodiments, the padding layer 1520 can be the
core wall (when the core all forms a bladder) or can be the core
itself (when the soccer ball has a solid core). Further, while one
padding layer 1520 is illustrated, a plurality of padding layers
can be utilized. Each separate padding layer can be manufactured
from the same or different type of padding materials. For example,
the padding layer positioned closer to the exterior of the soccer
ball 1500 may be closed foam to reduce moisture absorption and
retention.
[0028] As depicted in FIG. 15, each layer can have a thickness,
with the thickness of the core wall 1506 shown as T1, the thickness
of the padding layer 1520 shown as T2, the thickness of the lining
layer 1504 shown as T3, and the thickness of the core wall 1502
shown as T4. In some embodiments, the thickness T1 is in the range
of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, the thickness T2 is in the range of
about 1 mm to about 50 mm, the thickness T3 is in the range of
about 1 mm to about 10 mm, and the thickness T4 is in the range of
about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of
the padding layer (or total thickness of a plurality of padding
layers) comprises at least 10% of the overall thickness of the
composite layers (e.g., T2/(T1+T2+T3+T4)*100). In some embodiments,
the thickness of the padding layer (or total thickness of a
plurality of padding layers) comprises at least 25% of the overall
thickness of the composite layers. In some embodiments, the
thickness of the padding layer (or total thickness of a plurality
of padding layers) comprises at least 50% of the overall thickness
of the composite layers. In some embodiments, the thickness of the
padding layer (or total thickness of a plurality of padding layers)
comprises at least 50% of the overall thickness of the composite
layers. In some embodiments, the thickness of the padding layer (or
total thickness of a plurality of padding layers) comprises at
least 75% of the overall thickness of the composite layers. In some
embodiments, the thickness of the padding layer comprises at least
90% of the overall thickness of the composite layers.
[0029] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, a padding layer of
a soccer ball in accordance with the present disclosure can in
include structures that define a plurality of deformable voids.
FIGS. 16A-16B depict a cutaway view of an example soccer ball 1600
illustrating an example arrangement of layers that includes a layer
defining a plurality of deformable voids. The soccer ball 1600 has
a cover 1606, a padding layer 1620, a lining layer 1604, and a core
wall 1602. The cover 1606 has an outer surface 1610 defining the
outer surface of the soccer ball 1600 and the core wall 1602 has an
inner surface 1612 that defines a pressurizable airtight chamber.
The outer surface 1610 can be textured to aid in the aerodynamics
of the soccer ball to provide consistent performance. While FIG. 16
depicts the padding layer 1620 positioned between the cover 1606
and the lining layer 1604, the padding layer 1620 can be positioned
in a variety of different locations within the soccer ball 1600. In
some embodiments, the padding layer 1620 can be the core wall (when
the core all forms a bladder) or can be the core itself (when the
soccer ball has a solid core). Further, while one padding layer
1620 is illustrated, a plurality of padding layers can be utilized.
Each separate padding layer can be manufactured from the same or
different type of padding materials. For example, the padding layer
positioned closer to the exterior of the soccer ball 1600 may be
closed foam to reduce moisture absorption and retention and the
inwardly positioned padding layers can include the structures
defining the deformable voids.
[0030] The padding layer 1620 is shown to include a webbing 1652
that defines a plurality of deformable voids 1650. In this
embodiment, the deformable voids 1650 are positioned between the
cover 1606 and the lining layer 1604, but this disclosure is not so
limited. In some embodiments, the webbing 1652 may define more than
1 deformable voids per square inch. In some embodiments, the
webbing 1652 may define more than 4 deformable voids per square
inch. In some embodiments, the webbing 1652 may define more than 8
deformable voids per square inch. In some embodiments, the webbing
1652 may define more than 15 deformable voids per square inch.
Further, while the deformable voids 1650 are shown as being
generally hemispherically shaped, any suitable shape can be used
without departing from the scope of the current disclosure. For
instance, in some embodiments, the deformable voids 1650 are
spherical and positioned completely internal to the padding layer
1620. In some embodiments, the deformable voids 1650 are
cylindrical/tubular and extend either partially or completely
through the padding layer 1620. As is to be appreciated, a wide
variety of deformable void shapes can be utilized. In any event,
the webbing 1652 can provide sufficient structural rigidity to
maintain the shape of the deformable voids 1650 while in a relaxed
state (shown in FIG. 16A) and allow deformation of the deformable
voids 1650 while an external force is applied to the outer surface
1610 of the soccer ball 1600.
[0031] As depicted in FIG. 16A, and similar to FIG. 15, each layer
can have a thickness, with the thickness of the core wall 1606
shown as T1, the thickness of the padding layer 1620 shown as T2,
the thickness of the lining layer 1604 shown as T3, and the
thickness of the core wall 1602 shown as T4. In some embodiments,
the thickness T1 is in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, the
thickness T2 is in the range of about 1 mm to about 50 mm, the
thickness T3 is in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, and the
thickness T4 is in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some
embodiments, the thickness of the padding layer (or total thickness
of a plurality of padding layers) comprises at least 10% of the
overall thickness of the composite layers. In some embodiments, the
thickness of the padding layer (or total thickness of a plurality
of padding layers) comprises at least 25% of the overall thickness
of the composite layers. In some embodiments, the thickness of the
padding layer (or total thickness of a plurality of padding layers)
comprises at least 50% of the overall thickness of the composite
layers. In some embodiments, the thickness of the padding layer (or
total thickness of a plurality of padding layers) comprises at
least 50% of the overall thickness of the composite layers. In some
embodiments, the thickness of the padding layer (or total thickness
of a plurality of padding layers) comprises at least 75% of the
overall thickness of the composite layers. In some embodiments, the
thickness of the padding layer comprises at least 90% of the
overall thickness of the composite layers.
[0032] FIG. 16B depicts the soccer ball 1600 with a force being
applied to the outer surface 1610, as indicated by arrow 1660. Such
force can be from a player's head, for instance. The thickness of
some of the layers of the soccer ball 1660 do not change, or do not
substantially change, under the application force. The thickness of
the padding layer 1620, however, reduces to a thickness of T2' at
the area of the soccer ball 1600 proximate to the application of
force 1660. The thickness of the padding payer 1620 can be changed
from T2 (FIG. 16A) to T2' (FIG. 16B) through the deformation of the
deformable voids 1650 as the webbing 1652 contorts based on the
force. In some embodiments, the thickness T2' proximate to the area
of the soccer ball 1600 to which the force is applied can be less
than about 80% of the thickness of T2. In some embodiments, the
thickness T2' proximate to the area of the soccer ball 1600 to
which the force is applied can be less than about 60% of the
thickness of T2. In some embodiments, the thickness T2' proximate
to the area of the soccer ball 1600 to which the force is applied
can be less than about 40% of the thickness of T2. In some
embodiments, the thickness T2' proximate to the area of the soccer
ball 1600 to which the force is applied can be less than about 25%
of the thickness of T2. The thickness of T2' can also depend on the
level of force applied to the outer surface 1610. Upon the removal
of the force 1660, the shape of the deformable voids 1650 can
return to the shape illustrated in FIG. 16A.
[0033] While the padding layer 1620 depicts one example arrangement
of deformable voids 1650 defined by the webbing 1620, a variety of
different types of padding layers can be utilized, some
non-limiting examples of which are depicted in FIGS. 17-18.
Referring first to FIG. 17, a padding layer 1720, shown in a planar
form for clarity, depicts one example type of padding layer that
can be incorporated in a soccer ball, or other type of ball. The
padding layer 1720 has a webbing 1752 that structurally defines a
plurality of deformable voids 1750. As shown, the deformable voids
1750 vary in size, shape, and depth. The thickness T2 of the
padding layer 1720 can be in the range of about 1 mm to about 50
mm. Referring now to FIG. 18, a padding layer 1820, which is also
shown in a planar form for clarity, depicts another example type of
padding layer that can be incorporated in a soccer ball, or other
type of sports ball. The padding layer 1820 has a webbing 1852 that
structurally defines a plurality of deformable voids 1850. As
shown, the deformable voids 1850 are generally uniform in shape,
having a tubular structure. Similar to the embodiments described
above, the padding layers 1720 and 1820 can each comprise a
plurality of padding panels.
[0034] In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component
may be replaced by multiple components and multiple components may
be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or
functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative,
such substitution is within the intended scope of the embodiments.
While various embodiments have been described herein, it should be
apparent that various modifications, alterations, and adaptations
to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with
attainment of at least some of the advantages. The disclosed
embodiments are therefore intended to include all such
modifications, alterations, and adaptations without departing from
the scope of the embodiments as set forth herein.
* * * * *