Abstract: A football having a body formed of a foam material an oblate spheroid contour being substantially symmetrical about a major axis and a minor axis. An outwardly opening groove is formed in the outer surface of the body and extends circumferentially about the minor axis. A soft, resilient plastic ring is seated in the groove. The ring has a weight in the range of approximately one-third to approximately the weight of the foam body. Shallow dimples are formed on the outer surface of the body with the dimples arranged in a plurality of rows extending along the major axis of the body. Each row has a number of dimples located on a compound curve which passes through a meridian at the minor axis of the body, has loops on opposite sides of the meridian and terminates at the meridian at opposite ends of the body. The diameters of the dimples decrease from the largest diameters located adjacent the minor axis of the body to the smallest diameters adjacent the ends of the body along the major axis.

Abstract: A missle such as a ball incorporating a weighted mass having selected optimum for a given mass, velocity, spin and size while simultaneously making I as large as possible. The optimum selected weighted mass creates the desired in-flight path of the missile which experiences less perturbation so that missile precession and nutation is suppressed. In one form, the missile includes an elliptical spheroid such as a football having the selected weighted mass provided in an enclosure or covering with a hollow shell having a cavity containing an air volume. A cushion material such as foam is carried on opposite ends of the ball separating the shell from the covering. A band is disposed about the enclosure and shell midsection coaxially disposed with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the elliptical spheroid.

Abstract: A ball game construction includes a spherical shell including a symmetrical path of openings directed through the shell to enhance deflection in a predictable manner in throwing of the ball. A modification of the invention includes raised seams in continuous communication between the openings, wherein the openings may alternatively be configured of a "C" shaped configuration. A modification of the invention includes a fluid bladder contained within the shell for selective filling of a semi-spherical portion of the shell for enhanced manipulation of the ball and deflection thereof in flight. Further, various plugs may be positioned within the openings, and wherein the seam portion may be formed as a hollow tube to receive various raised positions thereof.

Abstract: A multi-mode playball whose components are a shaped casing of flexible material having an opening therein that is closable by a drawstring whose end portions, when the string is drawn, then extend from the closed opening, and a toy balloon, which in its uninflated state is insertable into the casing and when then inflated stretches to conform to the shape of the casing to create a pneumatic playball. The playball is operable in any one of three modes, the first being a ball mode in which the end portions of the drawn string are inserted into the casing before the balloon is inflated and the resultant pneumatic ball can then be thrown, kicked and bounced. In the second or bop mode, the pneumatic ball is tethered by the end portion of the drawstring whereby the ball can then be punched back and forth.

Abstract: A football-like projectile having a central longitudinal bore includes a weighted insert in the bore to concentrate the weight of the projectile interiorly of the ball about the longitudinal axis. The insert is provided with a longitudinal flow passage to permit air flow hrough the insert and the bore when the ball is in flight.

Abstract: A signal-emitting golf ball, having a chamber formed into its outer surface as a manufacturing step after the ball has been formed into its generally spherical shape.The chamber is of a form providing a reception chamber for the signal-emitting means being placed inwardly of the ball's outer surface at a manufacturing stage in which the signal-emitting means are not subject to ball-shaping or prior manufacturing steps.A novel signal-emitting device, shock-activated in nature, is provided to be silent through the practice swinging, but automatically emits a sound upon the ball being struck, and it keeps sounding until the player finds it and wishes it silent for the next shot, although preferably the sound is dim enough and steady enough so as to not be a bother.

Abstract: A bowling ball wherein the weights of the inner core and the encapsulating mass are varied through the use of materials of preselected densities, for the purpose of manufacturing balls having a low moment of inertia. The instant invention accomplishes this by featuring an inner core having a minimum specific gravity of 0.1063 per pound of ball weight, and a construction wherein the volume ratio of the inner core to that of the encapsulating mass, in conjunction with the specific gravity ratio of the inner core to that of the encapsulating mass, yields a maximum moment of inertia (about the ball's vertical axis) of 0.318 in-ozs-sec.sup.2 per pound of ball weight. As the moment of inertia of a fixed weight ball is decreased, the translational kinetic energy increases and the rotational kinetic energy decreases.

Abstract: A balanced bowling ball having a core and a shell, and including a counterweight nugget positioned intermediate the bowling ball thumb and finger grip holes. The counterweight nugget comprises a non-metallic material, including refractory tungsten carbide suspended in a matrix of thermoplastic binder, having a density at least an order or magnitude greater than the density of the shell and core materials. The counterweight nugget is disposed within a depression on the core in one embodiment and in a depression in the shell in another embodiment. Alternative methods of manufacturing each embodiment and the material forming the counterweight nugget are also disclosed.

Abstract: The polar-lighted recreational ball is substantially symmetrical about an axis of the ball body and hasa opposing polar regions at opposite ends of the axis. Axially recessed lighting assemblies at each polar region project light outwardly from the ball through a light passage at the polar regions. An annular cushion collar surrounds each polar light passage to cushion axial impacts on the ball. A skewing member causes the lighting assemblies to skew laterally from the axis upon compression impact approximately along the direction of the axis. The skewing member and the lighting assemblies are located in a channel running through the ball at the axis; and the ball is ideally of a substantially ellipsoidal football shape.

Abstract: A pneumatic play ball that includes an outer casing of non-stretchable material having a slit therein, the configuration of the casing depending on the nature of the ball. The casing encases a balloon of stretchable material which when unconfined is capable of being inflated to assume a generally globular form, the balloon having an air-passage stem. In its uninflated state, the balloon is inserted into the casing through an open port created by dilating the slit, the stem then projecting out of the port. After the confined balloon is inflated by blowing air through its stem to cause the balloon to conform to the inner surface of the casing and to assume the same configuration, the stem is knotted to seal the balloon.

Abstract: A novelty ball is disclosed which is formed from a spherical shell of high density elastomeric polyurethane polymer. The polyurethane shell has a wall thickness sufficient to return the shell to its original shape following deformation. In one embodiment, the interior of the shell is hollow whereas in a second embodiment, the hollow interior is filled with a low density polyurethane foam. A flavoring can also be added to the polyurethane which is appealing to animals, such as dogs. The shell has a hardness ranging between approximately 35 and 60 Shore D as measured by the ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials) that 2240; an ultimate tensil strength between approximately 20 and 25 MPa (mega pascals) measured by ASTM test D412; an ultimate elongation ranging between approximately 500 and 600%; a tensil strength between approximately 6.9 and 16.5 MPa at 100% elongation; and between approximately 10.

Abstract: A trick ball is provided with a single polar operture in tubular communication with each of a plurality of equatorial apertures which permit the ingress and egress of air when the ball is thrown. The movement of air through the apertures effects both random and predictable erratic ball movement.

Abstract: A resiliently deformable toy ball which is soft and supple and provides an intriguing relaxing feeling when squeezed, and which possesses a low rebound percentage due to its resiliently deformable nature. The ball has a highly plasticized polymeric core which is resiliently deformable due to its highly plasticized state. The polymeric core is encased in a flexible polymer shell and both the core and the flexible shell are further encased in a strechable fabric outer cover.

Abstract: Generally there is described herein a game ball having a core, a plurality of layers of plastic bubble film, a layer of yarn and finally a cover. The result is a soft, lightweight "safe" ball, which feels and handles like a baseball.

Abstract: A football or other projectile is stabilized in flight by weighted material that responds to spinning of the football about its major axis by moving radially outward to become evenly distributed about that axis. In a preferred embodiment, two annular tubes, concentrically disposed about the major axis, encircle the ball at opposite sides of a plane containing the minor axis of the ball. The weighted material, in the form of beads, liquid, etc., is contained within the tubes and is flung radially outward as the ball spins.

Abstract: An inflatable rubber football is provided with softened ends by leaving the ends of the bladder free of the usual reinforcement wrappings.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system for improving ones golf game by using a practice club with a very small head to hit practice balls that are light weight and preferably are very small in diameter. The novel practice golf club has a head or ball-hitting surface which is much smaller than a conventional golf club, such as either surface having a width of about 3.5 cm (1.4 in.) or less or even about 1.5 cm (0.6 in.) or less or a convex surface having a radius of less than about 1.25 cm (0.5 in.) or even about 0.8 cm (0.3 in.) or less. The practice balls are much lighter and preferably smaller than a conventional golf ball, such as less than about 30 g, for example about 1.9 cm (0.75 in.) in diameter and about 1.5 g or about 1.27 cm (0.5 in.) in diameter and about 1 g. This invention includes as optional components of the system mat means and net means. The invention can be embodied in the form of an adaptor to convert a conventional golf club to have the type of ball-hitting surface described above.

Abstract: A ball structure utilizing a plurality of annular elements or disk-like members placed in side-by-side disposition with one another. Each of the members are constructed of soft, flexible, foam material. The side-by-side members are bound together at one place to cause compression of the foam material. The side-by-side members are bound at a second place along each of the annular members substantially opposite to the first binding place. Such dual binding causes compression of the soft flexible foam material forming the annular members into a ball.

Abstract: A hollow tennis ball which comprises a hollow core of elastic material which encloses an interior space, and a layer of substantially felt-like material which is applied to the outer surface of the hollow core. The overall weight of the hollow tennis ball is between 30 and 50 grams. The pressure in the interior space is from 0 to 0.4 kg/cm.sup.2 higher than atmospheric pressure. The thickness of the hollow core is between 2.2 and 3.0 mm. The forward deformation of the hollow tennis ball is from 10.0 to less than 11.5 mm under loading force of 3.5 and 18 pounds. The return deformation is from 13.5 to less than 14.0 mm after it has deformed to 2.54 cm under a loading force of 18 pounds.

Abstract: A resiliently deformable toy ball which is soft and supple and provides an intriguing relaxing feeling when squeezed, and which possesses a low rebound percentage due to its resliently deformable nature. The ball has a highly plasticized PVC core which is resiliently deformable due to its highly plasticized state. The PVC core is encased in a flexible polymer shell and both the core and the flexible shell are further encased in a stretchable fabric outer cover.

Abstract: A weighted ball includes essentially only a metal center core, an outer cover, and an intermediate material disposed between the metal center core and the outer cover. A small amount of silicone rubber or a similar material may surround the metal center core for adhesively bonding the core to the intermediate material. In all respects to a user, other than weight, a weighted warmup ball is identical to a regulation ball of some kind, e.g., a softball; thus, a weighted ball according to the present invention is an ideal warmup device. Yet another novel aspect of the aspect of the present invention relates to the placement of indicia on the outer cover of a warmup ball according to the present invention which indicia are related to weight and/or added relate on some similar aspect of the ball.

Abstract: A golf putting practice system is disclosed which includes a spherical ball having the approximate weight and surface resiliency characteristics of a regulation golf ball but of increased diameter (in the range of 2 to 3 inches) but less than the diameter of a regulation golf putting hole and further wherein the surface thereof includes a pattern of dimples of configuration corresponding to that of a regulation golf ball but proportionately larger in accordance with the difference between the incrased diameter of the practice ball and the diameter of a regulation golf ball. The system further includes putting instructions prescribing certain putting drills based upon certain putting principles which drills utilize one or more practice balls to achieve proficiency of certain putting absolutes.

Abstract: The present invention takes the WIFFLE.RTM. BALL baseball into the darkness and allows for the continued play, without need of any complicated or expensive lighting equipment or the like. The standard WIFFLE.RTM. BALL baseball design is retained, and instead of traditional white plastic, a translucent plastic material is employed in the construction of the ball. Inserted into the ball for night play is an activated chemiluminescent light stick, such as those manufactured by, or under license from, the American Cyanamid Company and sold under the trademark CYALUME.RTM.. The light stick used herein is an elongated flexible tubular member, joined at its ends with a connecting piece forming a circular light-ring. The light ring is readily inserted into the cavity of the translucent WIFFLE.RTM. BALL baseball and retained therein without the need of any special attachments or further modifications. Under field testing, the thus modified NITELITE WIFFLE.RTM.

Abstract: An ellipsoidal-like ball comprises a capped, plastic beverage bottle emptied of its beverage; a pair of idential ellipsoid-like plastic end caps each disposed on a different end of the bottle; and a fastening arrangement interconnecting the pair of end caps to secure each of the pair of end caps to the bottle.

Abstract: The invention is a novelty ball having a multiplicity of extending flexible whisker-like protrusions. The whiskers are generally within the range of about 0.5 to 2.5 times the diameter of the ball. Materials of construction may vary but sponge rubber has been found to be very satisfactory for the ball and very small diameter surgical rubber tubing for the whiskers. As an example, a ball about 21/2 inches in diameter may have about 14 to 20 whiskers. The balls when thrown will travel straight but roll to a stop very rapidly due to the whisker action. They are particularly useful for teaching children throwing and catching skills and for juggling since, when in the air, they appear considerably larger than their actual diameter.

Abstract: A ball for throwing having a generally spherical shape and balance has an axis, first and second convex surfaces defined about the axis at opposite poles, and at least one groove having a non-uniform depth defined in the surface of the ball between the first and second convex surfaces. The groove is arranged to extend through the equatorial region of the ball, between the first and second convex surfaces.

Abstract: A variable-weight play ball having an inflatable inner bladder of elastomeric material disposed with a non-stretchable outer casing of flexible material to create a water region therebetween. The outer casing is provided with a valved water inlet through which water is introduced into the water region in an amount which depends on the desired weight of the ball. The inner bladder is provided with an air passage stem terminating in an air-inlet valve sealed to the outer casing and accessible from the ball exterior, thereby making it possible to blow up the inner bladder to the degree necessary to cause the water in the region to become evenly distributed therein to create a spherical water layer pressed between the bladder and the casing, the thickness of the layer determining the weight and play characteristics of the ball.

Abstract: A pile-surfaced toy ball is made by affixing to the exterior of a hollow rubber ball, such as a tennis ball, the inner end portions of stubs in closely spaced relationship by hotmelt, and when the hotmelt has set, the outer end portions of the stubs which can be of twisted strand rope or slit film in roll form can be fluffed by tumbling or combing to provide a dense pile surface. A tail such as of twisted strand rope can be attached to the ball during its manufacture by inserting in the core of the ball a knot on the end of the tail by movement through a slit in the core ball spread apart to enable the knot to pass into the interior of the ball by movement transversely of the length of the tail.

Abstract: A cover replicating the appearance, texture, and surface features of a regulation baseball enclosing a flexible, hollow, spherical core. The core is fabricated from a pair of substantially similar semispherical shells made of a homogeneous, waterproof composition and bonded one to another at the circumferential edges. The composition from which the core is formed includes by weight 30-40 percent styrene butadiene rubber, 16-20 percent natural rubber, 33-37 percent calcium carbonate, and 5-9 percent silica powder, as well as diphenyl guaniden, rubber cure accelerator, and traces of zinc oxide and sulfur. The outer diameter of the core is approximately 2.6-3.0 inches with a wall thicknesses in the range of approximately 0.08-0.16 inches. The core with the cover assembled thereon has a weight of approximately 2.5-3.5 ounces, less than that of a regulation baseball, and an outer diameter substantially equivalent thereto.

Abstract: This invention is a toy comprising a soft and flexible ball and a handle in the configuration of a loop. The loop is soft and flexible. The loop is constructed in a manner so that the ends fold back in a first keeper adjacent a second keeper. The ends of the loop and the keepers are embedded in a recess in the ball and the loop is forced through the ball. A person can play with the ball and be hit by the ball and loop and not be hurt because of the soft and flexible material of construction.

Abstract: A softball including a hollow spherical core and a leather cover. The core is formed from a mixture of low density polyethylene and ethylene acid copolymer in which the amounts of the low density polyethylene and the ethylene acid copolymer can be adjusted to vary the coefficient of restitution of the softball from 0.47 to 0.52 at a hardness of Shore D 43 to 51.

Abstract: A one-piece short distance golf ball has a dense outer skin and a cellular core structure. The golf ball is the same size as a conventional ball (approximately 1.68 inches in diameter), is approximately half the weight of a conventional ball (15-35 grams), and plays approximately half as far as a conventional ball. The short distance golf ball is a lively ball with a rebound between 50% and 80%. The golf ball comprises a foam-molded thermoplastic polymer (approximately 100 parts) and a filler (approximately 0.5 to 15 parts). The thermoplastic polymer is Surlyn, and the filler material is preferably glass bubbles having a density between 0.12 and 0.18 grams per cubic centimeter. In addition the golf ball may have a brambled surface which helps the ball resist the effects of cross winds.

Abstract: A composite game ball used for playing baseball, softball, and the like has a core portion including a plurality of cloth pieces, and a bag enclosing the cloth pieces. The core portion is generally spherically shaped. A yarn is wound about the core portion and a thread is subsequently wound about the yarn-wound core portion. A layer of adhesive coats the thread-covered yarn-wound core portion to form a ball body. A cloth cover encases the ball body. The ball has the general appearance, size, shape, and characteristics of the game ball it replaces but is softer and does not travel as far when hit.

Abstract: A bowling ball having a substantially large portion of the ball's weight concentrated toward the center of the ball, to form a bowling ball having a low moment of inertia. The ball comprises a solid inner core made from a mineral oxide such as lead oxide mixed with a binding resin such as polyester, an outer core surrounding the inner core and made from filled or unfilled elastomers such as polyurethane or polyester, and a low density syntactic foam cover encapsulating the outer core and made from polyurethane or other elastomers mixed with glass microballoons, and having a minimum Shore D hardness of 72 and a maximum specific gravity of 1. The inner core in conjunction with the outer core and cover has a calculated maximum moment of inertia of 0.184 in-ozs-sec.sup.2 per pound of ball weight, for providing a substantially high total kinetic energy output.

Abstract: A table-top golf game provides a game board, clubs, and balls, yielding a three-dimensional nature of play simulating that of conventional golf. The board has multi-textured surfaces as playing holes for golf, which include simulated greens, fairways, rough, water hazards and sand traps, and a plurality of tee areas located at varying distances from the greens in order to provide a variety of par three, four and five holes. The clubs have faces of varying angles to achieve shots of varying distances and heights; and, with the exception of the putter, the clubs are spring actuated and may be manipulated to cause various types of shots and trajectories of the game ball. The putter is manually actuated to provide maximum feel to the putting stroke. The ultra light balls have a density of only about 1.3 to 1.

Abstract: An elastic foam football 10 with lengthwise spiral grooves 20 increasing in width and depth towards the middle of the ball for improved handling.

Abstract: A tennis ball comprised of a shell and cover, the ball having increased deformation for beginner's play and being characterized by the ball being between 30 and 52 grams in weight and 5.0 to 7.6 centimeters in diameter. The wall thickness of the shell is between 1.2 and 2.8 millimeters.

Abstract: A soft and lightweight play ball for use by pre-school and small children, the ball having the configuration and external appearance of a relatively hard and heavy conventional athletic ball of a given type, such as a football or baseball. The play ball is effectively "dead" and almost free of bounce, hence it rebounds only slightly when striking a hard surface; and the ball is highly compressible, thereby making it possible for a small child to grasp, throw and catch the ball without difficulty. The play ball is constituted by a smooth, somewhat elastomeric casing including a polyvinyl plastic outer skin laminated to a stretchable inner reinforcing liner, whose shape and external appearance are similar to those of a conventional athletic ball, the squeezable casing enveloping a compressible core formed of shreds of soft, fibrous material material, whereby the fingers of the child grasping the ball press therein to provide a good grip despite the smoothness of the casing.

Abstract: A practice device comprising a ball suspended by a cord from a handle or from the shaft of a golf club for use in a set of drill steps intended to teach a proper golf swing. The control of the suspended ball necessitates concentration upon the utilization of centrifugal forces which are essential to a proper golf club swing.

Abstract: A plurality of granules of a hard synthetic resin and a soft synthetic resin are heated with a blowing agent to a temperature between the softening temperatures of the hard and soft resins for a predetermined time and are molded to form a ball. The resultant ball has a plurality of bubbles in the soft synthetic resin which surrounds the granules of hard synthetic resin and a suitable cover of leather or rubber is provided for the ball.

Abstract: A batting practice baseball has a circumference and a diameter in the range of from approximately 65% to approximately 90% of the circumference and diameter of a regular or official league baseball sanctioned for use in league games by Rule 1.09 of the Official Baseball Rules. Preferably, the circumference of the batting practice baseball is in the range of from 5.85 inches to 8.33 inches, and the outer diameter is in the range of from 1.86 inches to 2.65 inches. The weight of the batting practice baseball is the same as the weight of an official baseball; and the resilience of the batting practice baseball should be the same as or equivalent to the resilience of an official baseball. This is achieved by constructing the batting practice baseball with materials and with yarn tension sufficient to provide a coefficient of restitution in the range of from approximately 51.4% to approximately 57.8%.

Abstract: An inflated spherical playing ball having a diameter of 13 to 14 inches is provided for outdoor use and specially adapted for use in a game wherein the ball is kicked by players wearing ice or roller skates. By virtue of the critically selected diameter of the ball, it will travel when kicked in a trajectory having an initial angle of 5.degree. to 45.degree. above horizontal. By virtue of specialized inner and outer fiber windings and their particular bonded relationship to a scuff-resistant cover layer, the ball has sufficient strength to endure the rigors of repeated forceful impact under wet conditions. The cover layer includes a multitude of sections having equilateral pentagonal and hexagonal perimeters and the combined thickness of the bladder, windings and cover is between 5/32 and 7/32 inch. The ball weighs between 24 and 30 ounces.

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 bowling ball which has six weight receptacles arranged such that one receptacle is at the intersection of each of the mutually perpendicular X, Y, Z axes emanating from the center of the ball and the outer surface of the ball. A poly-vinyl-chloride cylinder lines each of the receptacles and inserts of predetermined weight can be inserted in various combinations into the receptacles. The weight receptacles are positioned in the ball such that one of the receptacles lies substantially equidistant from the finger holes of the bowling ball.

Abstract: A ball for use in an indoor or outdoor baseball-type game played by a small number of players in a playing field of limited size. The ball is pitched by a defensive player to an offensive player who tries to strike the ball with an elongated bat. The ball weighs less than 2 ounces and is made of a resilient, low mass material of generally spherical configuration with an outside diameter of at least 2 inches, and having a plurality of interconnecting concave indentations thereon. The width of each of the indentations is at least 1/8 inch. The bat contains a longitudinal bore in the ball striking end thereof, and the dimensions of the bore and the ball are such that when the end of the bat is pressed against the ball, the ball is forced into the bore and retained therein until removed by a player.

Abstract: A golf putting aid comprises a plastic molded body exhibiting a set of spaced wheels and a sighting device in the form of a simulated golf ball mounted to and between the wheels. The spacing between the wheels is such that the wheels can be stroked simultaneously by a putter, in which case the aid is propelled along a straight path. If not addressed correctly, the aid is propelled along a curved path, the curvature being indicative of the degree of incorrect putting. Weight members in the form of metal washers are provided on each wheel in order to improve the rolling characteristic of the golf putting aid.

Abstract: A tennis ball consisting of two identical hemispheres joined together and including small upstanding integral fingers molded into the outer surface of the ball to provide surface texture, and enable the ball to grip the surface of the racquet. Each hemisphere incorporates an integrally molded plug in the interior of the hemisphere for providing means for introducing pressure into the ball. One or both of the plugs are pierced by a needle during fabrication to provide a conduit for a needle valve inflating device. A cylindrical sphincter is placed around the inflation plug during manufacture to squeeze the plug and prevent the escape of air when the ball is inflated. The ball is manufactured by first injection molding the hemispheres and then placing the hemispheres in facing mold halves.

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: An elastic foam football 10 with lengthwise spiral grooves 20 increasing in width and depth towards the middle of the ball for improved handling.