Game Ball with Non-Slip Layer and Its Manufacture Method

Abstract

A game ball with non-slip layer includes a plurality of f stretchable panels, and marginal edges of the panels connected and sealed together to form a ball surface, and the ball surface having in inflating hole to inflate air into an inflatable bag formed inside the panels; and a non-slip mesh layer covered around an outer surface of the ball surface to provide improved handing and playable characteristics.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

This is a non-provisional application that claims priority to U.S. provisional application, application No. 62/289,954, filed Feb. 2, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to any reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a game ball, and more particularly to a game ball with non-slip layer covered around an outer surface of the game ball to provide improved handing and playable characteristics.

Description of Related Arts

Nowadays, game balls, such as football, baseball, and basketball, are very popular in the current market, wherein the game balls are made of different kinds of materials in order to satisfy with customers' need. On the other hand, the game balls, such as water-proof game balls, are customized-made to use in specific playing environment, such as beaches, parks, or playgrounds.

A conventional clothes-made game ball is provided and very common in the current market. The clothes-made game ball is light in weight and cheap in cost, so people from all ages can play with this game ball, and especially for the child and the elder, they won't get hurt by hitting by the clothes-made game ball. However, the clothes-made game ball has the following disadvantage. The clothes-made game balls are not suitable to use in the wet environment. While the clothes-made game balls are played in the wet environment, the water is easily absorbed into a surface of the clothes-made game ball, so that the clothes-made game ball will become very heavy. In addition, since the water is retained in the surface of the clothes-made game balls, the surface of the clothes-made game balls will become very slippery, so it is hassle for the player to catch and throw the water-soaked game balls. Therefore, people will spend too much time to pick up the slippery clothes-made game ball. Furthermore, the surface of the clothes-made game ball is easy to damage during playing. For example, while the clothes-made game balls contact with the ground floor, the friction between the surface of the clothes-made game balls and the ground floor will cause scratches on the surface thereof, so after long-time frequently using, the clothes-made game balls are easily broken and damaged, and then people may frequently bought new game balls to replace the damaged game balls.

Moreover, another improved leather-made game ball is also very popular in the market. The structure of the leather-made game ball is stronger than the clothes-made game ball, so the leather-made game balls cannot be easily damaged during playing. In addition, the surfaces of the leather-made game balls have better friction resistance than the clothes-made game ball, so the leather-made game ball won't be easily slip out during playing while the water contacts with the surface of the leather-made game ball. However, the leather-made game balls have the several disadvantages. The cost of the leather-made game ball is higher than the clothes-made game ball, so the price thereof is relatively expensive. In addition, due to the leather is harder than the clothes, specific machines are required for manufacturing the leather-made game ball. On the other hands, the structures of the leather-made game balls are harder than the clothes-made game balls. It is worth to mention that the leather has less flexibility than the clothes, and the bouncing forces of the leather-made game balls are less than that of the clothes-made game ball, so people usually get hurt by hitting from the leather-made game ball, and at the same time, people lose lots of fun when playing the game balls with less bouncing forces.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The invention is advantageous in that it provides a game ball with non-slip layer covered around an outer surface of a ball surface of the game ball to provide improved handing and playable characteristics.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a game ball with non-slip layer comprising a plurality foam-like stretchable panels and marginal edges of the panels connected and sealed together to form a ball surface, wherein the non-slip layer can be selectively attach or detach on the outer surface of the game ball to provide better friction thereon.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a game ball with non-slip layer, wherein the non-slip layer can be a non-slip detachable bag which can be selectively cover on different portions of the water sport goods or water toys, such as pool noodles, kickboards, surfboards, water guns, etc.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a game ball with non-slip layer, wherein the non-slip layer can be attached on surfaces of water sport goods or water toys in order to increase the friction of the surfaces.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a game ball with non-slip layer, wherein the non-slip layer can be customized-made, so the non-slip layer can be designed as, a mesh, star-like or heart-like, non-slip layer.

Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appended claims.

According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by a game ball with non-slip layer comprising;

a plurality of stretchable panels, and marginal edges of the panels connected and sealed together to form a ball surface; and

a non-slip mesh layer attached on the ball surface to provide improved handing and playable characteristics.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the present invention comprises a manufacturing method of a game ball with non-slip layer comprising steps of:

1. Preparing a plurality of stretchable panels having marginal edges;

2. Attaching non-slip layers on an outer surface of each of the stretchable panels;

3. Sealing each of the stretchable panels along the marginal edges in an edge-to-edge manner to form a ball surface;

4. Putting a bladder inside the ball surface to form a game ball with non-slip layer.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game ball with non-slip layer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of stretchable panels of the game ball with non-slip layer according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a non-slip layer according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the non-slip layer is attached on an outer surface of a stretchable panel.

FIG. 4 is an alternative mode of a non-slip layer bad according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a manufacturing method of a game ball with non-slip layer according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an alternative mode of a manufacturing method of a game ball with non-slip layer according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 2B of the drawings, a game ball with non-slip layer according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the game ball comprises a plurality of stretchable panels 10, marginal edges 11 provided on edges of stretchable panels 10 sealed together to form a ball surface 100, a non-slip layer 12 attached on the ball surface 100 to improve the friction of the ball surface 100, and a bladder 13 received inside the ball surface 100.

Preferably, there are four pieces of stretchable panels 10 are sealed with each other, within each of the stretchable panels 10 comprises a pair of marginal edges 11. The stretchable panels 10 comprise a first to fourth stretchable panels 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, wherein the structures of the four stretchable panels 10 are identical. The first stretchable panel 10A comprises a pair of marginal edges 11A, and the second stretchable panel 10B comprises a pair of marginal edges 11B, and the third stretchable panel 10C comprises a pair of marginal edges 11C, and the fourth stretchable panel 10D comprises a pair of marginal edges 11D.

As shown in FIG. 2, the non-slip layer 12 is attached on each of the stretchable panels 10 of the ball surface 100 by stitching, gluing, hot melting technology, etc., wherein the non-slip layer 12 can be made of durable and flexible materials in order to improve the hardness of the ball surface 100 of the game ball. Preferably, the non-slip layer 12 can be a mesh layer attached on the stretchable panels 10 of the game ball to provide better friction force of the ball surface 100. Moreover, non-slip layer 12 with different color and patterns can be customized based on the customers' needs. For example, cartoon images or pictures can be printed on the non-slip layer 12 to not only increase the friction force of the ball surface 100, but also improve aesthetic effects of the game ball. Furthermore, the mesh of the non-slip layer 12 can be designed as heart-like or star like meshes.

Accordingly, one of the pair of the marginal edges 11A of the first stretchable panel 10A is sealed with one of the pair of the marginal edges 11B of the second stretchable panels 10B. And, the other of the pair of the marginal edges 11A of the first stretchable panels 10A is sealed with one of the pair of the marginal edges 11D of the fourth stretchable panels 10D, so as to connect the first stretchable panels with the second and fourth stretchable panels. In addition, the other of the pair of the marginal edges 11B, 11D of the second and fourth stretchable panels 10B, 10D are sealed with the pair of the marginal edges 11C of the third stretchable panels 10C respectively, so as to connect the third stretchable panel 10C with the second and fourth stretchable panels 10B, 10D. On the other hand, the first to fourth stretchable panels 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are sealed with each other to form the ball surface 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ball surface 100 comprises an inflating hole 101 to inflate air into the bladder 13. In addition, the bladder 13 comprises a inflation unit 131 arranged align with the inflating hole 101 to communicate with the ball surface 100, so the air can be inflated into the bladder 13 through the inflating hole 101 and the inflation unit 131. It is worth to mention that the inflation unit 131 is made of elastic and flexible material materials, and a diameter of the inflating unit 131 of the bladder 13 is slightly larger than a diameter of the inflatable hole 101. Therefore, when the bladder 13 is received inside the ball surface 100, the inflating unit 131 is deformed and passed through the inflatable hole 101 of the ball surface 100, and after the inflating unit 131 is passed through the inflatable hole 101, the inflating unit 131 reinstates to its original shape, and is locked on the inflatable hole 101, so the bladder 13 can be remained at a fixed position without sliding inside the ball surface 100. Therefore, the inflation unit 131 of the bladder 13 is not only used to inflate the bladder, but also used to affix the bladder 13 at a fixed position.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, an alternative mode of the non-slip layer 12 according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein a structure of the game ball in this alternative mode is the same, excluding a configuration of the non-slip layer 12. In this alternative mode, the non-slip layer 12 is a non-slip layer bag 12′ having an bag opening 121′, and the game ball can be put inside the non-slip layer bag 12 through the bag opening 121′. On the other hand, the non-slip layer 12′ and the game ball are two separated items. Preferably, the non-slip layer 12′ is a non-slip detachable bag which can be selectively cover on the ball surface 100 of the game ball. Therefore, the player can use the game ball individual without non-slip layer 12′ in a normal playing environment, and after the non-slip layer 12′ is coved on the ball surface 100′ of the game ball, the game ball with non-slip layer 12′ can be used in wet and moist environment. It is worth mentioning that the non-slip layer bag 12′ is made of elastic materials, so when the non-slip layer bag 12′ is not in use the non-slip layer bag 12′ can be folded and stored in a compact size. And, when the game ball is putting inside the non-slip layer bag 12′, the non-slip layer bag 12′ is expanded to closely overlap on the outer surface of the ball surface 100.

A shape of the non-slip layer bag 12′ is shaped like the game ball. In order to deposit the game ball into the non-slip layer bag 12′, a diameter “w” of bag opening 121′ of the non-slip layer bag 12′ is changed while the game ball is depositing inside the non-slip layer bag 12′, wherein a maximum value of the diameter “w” of bag opening 121′ is slighting larger than a sectional radius “W” of the game ball. If the diameter “w” of the bag opening 121′ of the non-slip layer bag 12′ is much more larger than the diameter of the sectional radius “W” of the game ball, the non-slip layer bag 12′ is covered on the outer surface of the ball surface in an un-tightly state. Otherwise, the game ball cannot be received inside the non-slip layer bag 12′ if the diameter “w” of bag opening 121′ is smaller than the sectional radius “W” of the game ball.

Accordingly, the non-slip detachable layer 12 can be attached on different portions of sport goods to improve the friction force thereof. For example, the non-slip detachable layer 12′ can be attached on handles of rackets in order to increase the friction force during the players are holding on the handles thereof. And, the non-slip detachable layer 12 can be attached on surfaces of the Frisbee or snowboards. Especially in the water sport goods or toys, such as noodle, handles of the water guns and water paddles, kickboards, surfboards and drive toys, the non-slip layer 12 can be applied thereon to provide better friction forces while the water sport goods are contacted with water during playing.

Referring to FIG. 5 of the drawings, a manufacturing method of the game ball with non-slip layer according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the manufacturing method comprising steps of:

1. Preparing a plurality of stretchable panels 10 having a plurality of marginal edges 11;

2. Attaching non-slip layer 12 on each of the stretchable panels 10;

3. Sealing each of the stretchable panels 10 together along the marginal edges 11 to form a ball surface 100;

4. Putting a bladder 13 inside the ball surface to form a game ball with non-slip layers 12.

In step 1, the number of the stretchable panels 10 is four, and each of the stretchable panels 10 comprises a pair of marginal edges 11.

Accordingly, the stretchable panels 10 comprise a first to fourth stretchable panels 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, wherein structures of the four stretchable panels are identical. The first stretchable panel 10A comprises a pair of marginal edges 11A, and the second stretchable panel 10B comprises a pair of marginal edges 11B, and the third stretchable panel 10C comprises a pair of marginal edges 11C, and the fourth stretchable panel 10D comprises a pair of marginal edges 11D.

In step 2, the non-slip layer 12 is attached on each of the stretchable panels of the ball surface 100 by stitching, gluing, hot melting technology, etc., wherein the non-slip layer 12 can be made of durable materials in order to improve the life-span of the ball surface 100 of the game ball.

In step 2, the non-slip layer 12 can be a mesh layer. Moreover, the non-slip layer with different color and patterns of 12 can be customized based on the customers' needs. For example, cartoon images or pictures can be attached on the non-slip layer 12 to not only increase the friction force of the ball surface 100, but also improve aesthetic effects of the game ball. Furthermore, the mesh of the non-slip layer 12 can be designed as heart-like or star like meshes.

In step 3, one of the pair of the marginal edges 11A of the first stretchable panel 10A is sealed with one of the pair of the marginal edges 11B of the second stretchable panels 10B. And, the other of the pair of the marginal edges 11A of the first stretchable panels 10A is sealed with one of the pair of the marginal edges 11D of the fourth stretchable panels 10D, so as to connect the first stretchable panels with the second and fourth stretchable panels. In addition, the other of the pair of the marginal edges 11B, 11D of the second and fourth stretchable panels 10B, 10D are sealed with the pair of the marginal edges 11C of the third stretchable panels 10C respectively, so as to connect the third stretchable panel 10C with the second and fourth stretchable panels 10B, 10D. On the other hand, the first to fourth stretchable panels 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are sealed with each other to form the ball surface 100.

In the step 4, the ball surface 100 comprises as inflatable hole 101, and the bladder 13 comprises an inflating unit 131, wherein the inflating unit 131 can be interlocked with inflatable hole 101 to connect the ball surface 100 and the bladder 13.

Referring to FIG. 6 of the drawings, a manufacturing method of a game ball with non-slip layer according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the manufacturing method comprises the steps of:

1. Preparing a plurality of stretchable panels 10 having marginal edges 11;

2. Sealing each of the stretchable panels 10 together along the marginal edges 11 to form a ball surface 100;

3. Putting a bladder 13 inside the ball surface to form a game ball; and

4. Putting the game ball inside a non-slip layer bag 12′ through a bag opening 121′.

In step 1, the number of the stretchable panels 10 is four, and each of the stretchable panels 10 comprises a pair of marginal edge 11.

Accordingly, the stretchable panels 10 comprise a first to fourth stretchable panels 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, wherein structures of the four stretchable panels are identical. The first stretchable panel 10A comprises a pair of marginal edges 11A, and the second stretchable panel 10B comprises a pair of marginal edges 11B, and the third stretchable panel 10C comprises a pair of marginal edges 11C, and the fourth stretchable panel 10D comprises a pair of marginal edges 11D.

In step 2, one of the pair of the marginal edges of the first stretchable panel 10A is sealed with one of the pair of the marginal edges 11B of the second stretchable panels 10B. And, the other of the pair of the marginal edges 11A of the first stretchable panels 10A is sealed with one of the pair of the marginal edges 11D of the fourth stretchable panels 10D, so as to connect the first stretchable panels with the second and fourth stretchable panels. In addition, the other of the pair of the marginal edges 11B, 11D of the second and fourth stretchable panels 10B, 10D are sealed with the pair of the marginal edges 11C of the third stretchable panels 10C respectively, so as to connect the third stretchable panel 10C with the second and fourth stretchable panels 10B, 10D. On the other hand, the first to fourth stretchable panels 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are sealed with each other to form the ball surface 100.

In the step 3, the ball surface 100 comprises as inflatable hole 101, and the inflatable bag 13 comprises an inflating unit 131, wherein the inflation unit 131 can be interlocked with inflatable hole 101 to connect the ball surface 100 and the inflatable bag 13. And, the bladder 13 can be inflated through the inflatable hole 101 and the inflation unit 131.

In step 4, the non-slip layer bag 12′ and the game ball are two separated items. Preferably, the non-slip layer 12′ is a non-slip detachable bag which can be selectively cover on the ball surface 100 of the game ball.

In the step 4, the non-slip layer bag 12′ is made of elastic materials and shaped like a game ball, so when the non-slip layer bag 12′ is not in use the non-slip layer bag 12′ can be folded and stored in a compact size. And, when the game ball is putting inside the non-slip layer bag 12′, the non-slip layer bag 12′ is expanded to closely overlap on the outer surface of the ball surface 100.

In order to deposit the game ball into the non-slip layer bag 12′, a diameter “w” of bag opening 121′ of the non-slip layer bag 12′ is changed while the game ball is depositing inside the non-slip layer bag 12′, wherein a maximum value of the diameter “w” of bag opening 121′ is slightly larger than a sectional radius “W” of the game ball.

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A game ball with non-slip layer, comprising:

a plurality of stretchable panels, and marginal edges of said panels connected and sealed together to form a ball surface; and

a non-slip layer covered around an outer surface of said ball surface to provide improved handing and playable characteristics.

2. The game ball with non-slip layer, as recited in claim 1, wherein each one of said stretchable panel has a pair of marginal edges edge-to-edge sealed with the marginal edges of the other said stretchable panel.

3. The game ball with non-slip layer, as recited in claim 1, wherein said non-slip layer is a mesh layer.

4. The game ball with non-slip layer, as recited in claim 1, wherein said non-slip layer is made of elastic materials

5. The game ball with non-slip layer, as recited in claim 1, wherein said non-slip layer is made of durable materials.

6. The game ball with non-slip layer, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a bladder having an inflation unit received inside said ball surface to form a game ball, wherein said inflation unit is communicated with a inflating hole of said ball surface to allow the air being inflated inside said bladder through said inflation unit and said inflating hole respectively.

7. The game ball with non-slip layer, as recited in claim 6, said inflation unit is locked on said inflating hole to retain said bladder at a fixed position.

8. A manufacturing method of a game ball with non-slip layer comprising steps of:

a. Preparing a plurality of stretchable panels having a plurality of marginal edges;

b. Attaching a non-slip layer on each of said stretchable panels;

c. Sealing each of said stretchable panels together along the marginal edges to form a ball surface;

d. Putting a bladder inside said ball surface to form a game ball with non-slip layers.

9. The manufacturing method of the game ball, as recited in claim 8, wherein each one of said stretchable panel has a pair of marginal edges edge-to-edge sealed with said marginal edges of the other said stretchable panel.

10. The manufacturing method of the game ball of claim 8, wherein in said step (b), said non-slip layer is a mesh layer.

11. The manufacturing method of the game ball of claim 8, wherein in said step (b), said non-slip layer is made of elastic materials

12. The manufacturing method of the game ball of claim 8, wherein in said step (b), said non-slip layer is made of durable materials.

13. The manufacturing method of the game ball of claim 8, wherein in said step (d), said bladder comprises an inflation unit received inside said ball surface to form a game ball, wherein said inflation unit is communicated with a inflating hole of said ball surface to allow the air being inflated inside said bladder through said inflation unit and said inflating hole respectively.

14. The manufacturing method of the game ball of claim 13, wherein in said step (d), said inflation unit is locked on said inflating hole to retain said bladder at a fixed position.

15. A manufacturing method of a game ball with non-slip layer comprising steps of:

a. Preparing a plurality of stretchable panels having marginal edges;

b. Sealing each of said stretchable panels together along said marginal edges to form a ball surface;

c. Putting a bladder inside said ball surface to form a game ball; and

d. Putting the game ball inside a non-slip layer bag through a bag opening.

16. The manufacturing method of the game ball, as recited in claim 15, wherein each one of said stretchable panel has a pair of marginal edges edge-to-edge sealed with said marginal edges of the other said stretchable panel.

17. The manufacturing method of the game ball of claim 15, wherein in said step (c), said bladder comprises an inflation unit received inside said ball surface to form a game ball, wherein said inflation unit is communicated with a inflating hole of said ball surface to allow the air being inflated inside said bladder through said inflation unit and said inflating hole respectively.

18. The manufacturing method of the game ball of claim 18, wherein in said step (c), said inflation unit is locked on said inflating hole to retain said bladder at a fixed position.

19. The manufacturing method of the game ball of claim 15, wherein in said step (d), said non-slip layer bag is a mesh bag.

20. The manufacturing method of the game ball of claim 15, wherein in said step (d), said non-slip layer bag is made of elastic materials

21. The manufacturing method of the game ball of claim 15, wherein in said step (d), said non-slip layer bag is made of durable materials.

22. The manufacturing method of the game ball of claim 15, wherein in said step (d), a diameter of said bag opening is slightly larger than a sectional radius of the game ball.

23. The manufacturing method of the game ball of claim 15, wherein in said step (d), said non-slip layer bag is tightly overlapped on an outer surface of said ball surface of the game ball.