Abstract: Cushioned baseball bats comprising a semi-rigid support structure and a resilient cushion portion surrounding at least a portion of the support structure are provided. The bats of this invention are of substantial enough weight and rigidity that they can be used in a game substantially similar to conventional baseball or softball, but the bats of this invention are less likely than conventional baseball bats (or bats designed to replace conventional bats) to cause serious injury when they strike a person. The bats of this invention are preferably used with lighter and softer balls so that a game that is substantially similar to conventional baseball or softball may be played with a reduced danger of serious injury.

Abstract: Soccer balls comprised of (1) a generally spherically shaped center portion or core prepared from a piece(s) of material, such as cotton batting, (2) multistrand yarn at least partially covering this center portion, (3) tape at least partially covering the yarn covered center portion, (4) a synthetic cloth cover (preferably a doubleknit polyester). The cover is preferably formed of two cloth pieces which have patterns imprinted thereon by, e.g., silk screening, designed so that, when the cover is secured over the wrapped center portion, the ball has the appearance of a conventional soccer ball. The balls of this invention have substantially the same size, shape and performance characteristics (particularly the aerodynamic characteristics) of the balls they are meant to replace, i.e.

Abstract: A ball having the general appearance, shape and aerodynamic characteristics of a conventional football when thrown or kicked; but which is softer and lighter allowing for its use in congested areas--it does not travel as far when thrown or kicked--and by younger children who are more susceptible to injury with a conventional football. The ball is comprised of a waste acrylic yarn interior or center having a wool or felt batting inner cover and a four-piece polyester double-knit outer cover. The ball preferably has a simulated lacing along an intermediate portion of one of the seams to resemble a conventional football in this sense and overlapping panel edges where the simulated lacing is present provide an elevated or raised ridge for gripping the ball thereby enhancing its throwing characteristics.

Abstract: Balls comprised of (1) a generally spherically shaped center portion or core prepared from a piece(s) of material, such as a rag or sheet rubber, (2) cohesive tape at least partially covering this center portion, (3) yarn covering the cohesive tape-covered center portion, (4) additional tape (preferably cohesive) substantially completely covering this yarn layer, and (5) a synthetic cloth cover (preferably a double knit polyester). The cover is preferably formed of two figure eight-shaped cloth pieces which have short lines imprinted thereon extending inwardly from the perimeter of each cloth piece such that when the two cloth pieces are joined, corresponding short lines on each cloth piece are aligned such that they either intersect or would intersect if extended thereby simulating the stitching utilized in the construction of conventional baseballs and the like.

Abstract: Balls comprised of a (a) generally spherical-shaped center portion prepared from (1) a rolled-up piece of cloth, (2) preferably several wraps of yarn over the rolled-up cloth, and (3) preferably adhesive tape partially encasing the cloth and yarn, (B) yarn wound about this center portion, (C) adhesive tape substantially covering the yarn, and (D) a synthetic cloth cover (preferably a double knit polyester). The balls of this invention have substantially the same size, shape and performance characteristics (particularly the aerodynamic characteristics) of the balls they are meant to replace, i.e., baseballs or softballs, when thrown or hit; but are softer and lighter allowing for their use in congested areas--they do not travel as far when hit--and by or with young children who are more susceptible to injury with hard balls.