Abstract: A sports ball comprising a cover disposed about a bladder is provided. The cover comprises an outer substrate and defines an outer substrate surface and a feature surface. The outer substrate surface defines a plurality of plateau sections. The feature surface is radially spaced apart from the outer substrate surface and further defines a plurality of indentations and a plurality of protrusions. Each indentation has an indentation terminus disposed on the feature surface and radially spaced apart from the outer substrate surface by an indentation depth. The protrusions are positioned on the plateau sections, and each protrusion has a protrusion terminus disposed on the feature surface and radially spaced apart from the outer substrate surface by a protrusion height. At least one protrusion is positioned less than a predetermined distance of about 1.0 millimeters from at least one of the indentations, thereby acting as a wickerbill on the ball.

Abstract: The present invention is an exercise device comprising a substantially spherical member having a substantially flat portion, wherein a cavity is accessible from the substantially flat portion through a recess, wherein a lip is formed between the recess and the cavity.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided for use in connection with at least one bodyweight exercise. The device has a grip handle and a forearm support at substantially a perpendicular arrangement with the grip handle, allowing a user to grasp the grip handle and simultaneously place a forearm into the device. A curved finger shield region covers the grip handle and a curved forearm region covers the forearm support. The curved finger shield region and the curved forearm region form a contiguous curved surface with a substantially perpendicular transition between the two, such that a user grasping the grip handle and simultaneously resting their forearm on the forearm region, can support at least a portion of their body weight on either one of the curved finger shield regions or the curved forearm region.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a resilient compression member configured to be placed between inner thighs of a user and resist a compressive force from the user, and a resilient tension member comprising a grip component configured to hold the resilient tension member in place on outer thighs of the user. The resilient tension member is configured to couple to opposing sides of the compression member, form a first portion of a loop around the compression member and the outer thighs of the user, and resist a tensile force from the user. The exercise device further includes an extension member configured to connect with opposing ends of the tension member to form a second portion of the loop.

Abstract: A sports ball is provided. The sports ball may include a bladder and a cover disposed about the bladder, wherein the cover includes a plurality of adjoining panels and defines an exterior surface. The cover further defines a plurality of channels extending radially inward from the exterior surface. The plurality of channels includes a plurality of peripheral channel segments and a plurality of interior channel segments. The plurality of peripheral channel segments each define a peripheral seam between adjoining ones of the plurality of panels. Each channel of the plurality of interior channel segments is provided within a central region of one or more of the panels and divide the exterior surface into a plurality of open polygonal portions.

Abstract: A sports ball is provided and may include an interior bladder and a cover disposed about the interior bladder. The cover may comprise a plurality of adjoining panels. The cover may further define an exterior surface comprising a plurality of plateau sections and a plurality of indentations extending radially inward from the exterior surface. The plurality of indentations may include a plurality of peripheral channels or seams and a plurality of interior channels. Each seam has a seam length and the plurality of seams has a first aggregate deboss length. Each interior channel has a channel length and the plurality of interior channels has a second aggregate deboss length. Collectively, the seams and interior channels have an aggregate feature length, which is defined as a sum of the first aggregate deboss length and the second aggregate deboss length. The aggregate feature length is greater than 800 centimeters.

Abstract: An inflatable sports ball having a bladder and a cover disposed about the bladder in provided. The cover may have an exterior surface that defines a plurality of plateau sections, a first plurality of indentations, and a second plurality of indentations that cooperate to define a topographical arrangement across the exterior surface. Each of the first plurality of indentations has a first indentation depth, a first indentation width, and a first maximum aspect ratio. The first maximum aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of the first indentation width to the first indentation depth. The second plurality of indentations has a second indentation depth, a second indentation width, and a second maximum aspect ratio. The second maximum aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of the second indentation width to the second indentation depth. The second maximum aspect ratio is greater than the first maximum aspect ratio.

Abstract: A generally spherical basketball defining a center point and including a carcass having an outer surface and a cover assembly positioned over the outer surface of the carcass. The cover assembly includes at least one cover panel. The cover panel has an outer surface including a valley base surface and first and second sets of spaced-apart projections. Each of the projections of the first and second sets of spaced-apart projections include first and second outermost surfaces, respectively. The first set of projections have an average height measured in a radial direction from the center point within the range of 0.2 to 2.0 mm from the valley base surface to the first outermost surface. The second set of projections have an average height measured in a radial direction from the center point within the range of 15 to 175 ?m from the valley base surface to the second outermost surface.

Abstract: A sports ball (10), such as a football (12), has outer panels (14) of leather. The outer panels (14) have embossed pebbles (16) to enhance grip. Each outer panel (14) is formed by embossing the pebbles (16) on a segment (54) forming one or more of the outer panels (14) after the segment (54) has been cut from the unembossed full hide or half hide from which it comes. This provides great advantages in flexibility and consistency of manufacturing in addition to improved performance such as grip and aerodynamics.

Abstract: Universal throwing and hitting food vessel. In one embodiment, a throwing and hitting toy to receive a foodstuff includes a closed end having a substantially planar bottom, an elastically flexible body with a bottom end having a first thickness and a second thickness that is generally greater than the first thickness, and an outwardly flared rim. Typically, the top end is aligned about 0.75 inches above the closed end. The result is an improved device and method for supporting a food product and subsequently providing variable flight patterns upon throwing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball, in particular a soccer ball, comprising: a shell with a plurality of panels on an outside of the shell, wherein the plurality of panels are arranged in such a way that there is a gap between two adjacent panels, and wherein the gap is at least partly filled with a filling material.

Abstract: A sport ball includes a casing that includes a plurality of joined panels and defines a cavity. The casing includes at least a first panel having (a) a first layer positioned to form a portion of an exterior surface of the sport ball, (b) a second layer disposed adjacent to the first layer, and (c) a third layer disposed adjacent to the second layer. The first panel defines a first indentation and a second indentation spaced apart from the first indentation. The first indentation has a first depth and the second indentation has a second depth that is less than the first depth. The sport ball also includes a bladder disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: A sports ball comprising a cover having an outer substrate surface is provided. The cover may include plurality of panels, wherein each panel has a respective panel surface. The panel surfaces of the respective panels collectively comprise the outer substrate surface of the cover. A surface texture is disposed upon and additively applied to the outer substrate surface. The surface texture is disposed on the respective panel surfaces in customizable, panel-specific, predefined panel arrangements. The surface texture defines surface profile that includes an alternating and repeating series of land areas and raised portions, wherein each raised portion is positioned between a plurality of land areas. The raised portions extend from the outer substrate surface and are formed from a dimensional ink, wherein each of the plurality of raised portions has a terminus that is spaced apart from the outer substrate a height of greater than about 0.05 millimeters (mm).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided, which includes a plurality of elongated strands having joinder regions uniting adjacent strands at a distance along a length of an outer perimeter of the elongated strands, the elongate strands being configured to couple together for a distance along their lengths. The elongated strands form a surface of a mesh when the joinder regions are coupled. The apparatus may further include a manducable protrusion coupled to the mesh and extending a distance away from an exterior surface of the mesh.

Abstract: An elastic spheroid structure includes a hollow elastic spheroid body having an elastic spheroid shell, a receiving space formed inside the elastic spheroid shell, and a through opening passing through the elastic spheroid shell and being in air communication with the receiving space. The through opening has a first predetermined shape, the through opening has a first middle portion and a plurality of first extending portions extended outwardly from the first middle portion, and the first predetermined shape of the through opening is formed by connecting the first middle portion and the first extending portions. The elastic spheroid structure further includes a solid elastic cover body disposed inside the through opening of the hollow elastic spheroid body and a connection layer disposed inside the through opening and connected between the elastic spheroid shell and the solid elastic cover body.

Abstract: A sport ball includes a casing formed from a plurality of panels joined together at a plurality of seams. Each of the plurality of panels has (a) a first layer formed from a polymer material and positioned to form a portion of an exterior surface of the sport ball; (b) a second layer formed from a polymer foam material and positioned inward and adjacent to the first layer; (c) a third layer positioned inward and adjacent to the second layer; and a thickness. The first layer of at least one of the plurality of panels defines a first indentation therein. The first layer is bonded directly to the third at the first indentation, and the first indentation extends through an entirety of the thickness. The sport ball also includes a bladder located within the casing.

Abstract: A football having a prolate spheroidal shape including longitudinally spaced apart first and second ends. The football is capable of being analyzed under computational fluid dynamics analysis, and includes upper and lower central regions. Each positioned between first and second upper and lower end regions, respectively. The football further includes a bladder, a cover, a plurality of boundary layer trip mechanisms coupled to the upper and/or lower central regions, and a lacing coupled to the upper central region. The analysis includes first and second configurations. The first configuration is conducted on the football with the trip mechanisms, and the second configuration is conducted on the football without the trip mechanisms. The first and second configurations provide first and second drag coefficients, respectively. The first coefficient is at least 3 percent lower than the second coefficient. The length of the upper and lower central regions is defined by the lacing.

Abstract: A volleyball cover is made of six equal panel sections. Each panel section is divided into two cover panels, making a total of twelve cover panels on the volleyball. Each cover panel has a plurality of dimples arranged in a uniform pattern across the cover panel. Cover panels are separated by very shallow skiving.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game ball having one or more grip zones that have greater frictional interaction compared to the outer surface of the game ball. The grip zones are made by stitching of a coated thread upon at least one cover panel to create the grip zone. The grip zone formed from the coated thread enhances the handling characteristics and playability of the resulting game ball.

Abstract: A basketball is disclosed that includes a plurality of indentations formed in the outer surface of the basketball, indicating where the hands of a shooter should be positioned. The indentations are formed with a material having a higher density that the surrounding material to keep the basketball balanced.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game ball and methods for stitching a thread with a high coefficient of friction upon a stripe member present on the game ball. At least one stitching is thus formed upon the stripe member. The stitching formed from the thread enhances the grip and/or spin characteristics of the resulting game ball, improving handling and playability.

Abstract: An inflatable sports ball includes an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer includes a bladder that defines an air chamber, and a valve that is mounted to the bladder and that is in fluid communication with the air chamber. The outer layer includes a casing that surrounds the bladder, and an inflation inlet that is formed in the casing and that is in fluid communication with the valve. The casing includes a plurality of panels stitched to each other, and a plurality of fabrics woven to at least one of the panels in such a manner that the fabrics project from an outer surface of the at least one of the panels.

Abstract: A prolate spheroidal inflatable game ball in the form of a football is provided with a segmented panel having stripes formed by attaching stripe pieces to adjacent segments. In one embodiment, the stripe pieces have beveled edges and the edges of adjacent segments have corresponding beveled edges. The component pieces of the panel can be joined to the stripe pieces using stitching to securely fasten the components of the segmented panel together. A segmented panel of this construction can allow different materials having different characteristics to be used for various portions of the segmented panel.

Abstract: A leather-based cover material for an inflatable sports ball that consists of a composite of a thin external layer, a filler, and an internal liner. The thin external layer is dimpled by using positive/negative embossing plates to create pebble projections on an exterior side and voids on the other or interior side. The interior side is coated with a filler material that fills the voids. The cover material is completed by attaching a liner layer to the cured filler material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game ball having one or more grip zones that have greater frictional interaction compared to the outer surface of the game ball. The grip zones are made by stitching of a coated thread upon at least one cover panel to create the grip zone. The grip zone formed from the coated thread enhances the handling characteristics and playability of the resulting game ball.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game ball and methods for stitching a thread with a high coefficient of friction upon a stripe member present on the game ball. At least one stitching is thus formed upon the stripe member. The stitching formed from the thread enhances the grip and/or spin characteristics of the resulting game ball, improving handling and playability.

Abstract: A ball includes a ball body having a spherical surface, and at least one projection extending from the surface of the ball body. The projection extends in such a manner that the projection forcibly separates a laminar boundary layer generated on the surface of the ball body, and transitions the laminar boundary layer to a turbulent boundary layer.

Abstract: A training game ball is described having cues for visually indicating the rotational alignment of the ball when it is thrown. If the ball is improperly thrown so that the axis of rotation does not stay perpendicular to the direction of flight, then the rotational alignment cue line will appear to wobble as the ball travels. The ball also has a rotational speed cue formed from a plurality of spaced panels arranged parallel with the alignment cue. If the ball is thrown with a high rotational speed, the panels will appear to the player as a solid line. Still further, the ball also includes hand alignment cues for assisting a player in properly positioning his or her hands for throwing the ball. Each of the cues may have a different appearance, so that they may be visually distinguished.

Abstract: A sport ball may incorporate a casing that includes a plurality of joined panels. At least one of the panels may have a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The casing defines at least one indentation in the exterior surface, and the first layer is bonded to the third layer adjacent to the indentation. In some configurations, the casing may also define at least one indentations in a surface of the third layer, which may correspond in location with the indentation in the exterior surface. Additionally, the sport ball may include an intermediate structure and a bladder located within the casing.

Abstract: A recreational object comprises a hollow spherical member comprising a center and a plurality of apertures. A plurality of hollow arm members is configured to be joined to the spherical member at the apertures in which the arms joined to the spherical member are balanced about the center. The arm members each comprise a channel for enabling air passage through the arm and into the spherical member in which the air passage affects a flight speed and a rotational speed of the recreational object passing through air.

Abstract: A ball amusement device including an outer shell of transparent or semi-transparent plastic or elastomer or plastomer having good bounce characteristics, and at least one liquid within the shell. The outer shell may be configured to reduce the transparency to light through the ball.

Abstract: A game ball as provided having a central passage capable of holding a beverage container and an elongated raised symbol gripping portion. The central passage is circular in shape and uniform in diameter and shares a longitudinal axis with the game ball. In one aspect of the invention, the game ball may be used as an insulated beverage container receptacle and is comprised of central fins that define the base for which the container may rest. The raised symbol gripping portion allows a user to impart rotational movement, or spiral action, when a ball is thrown.

Abstract: A protective cover for covering an inflatable ball body includes: a flexible surrounding wall capable of forming a receiving space that is substantially ball-shaped and that is adapted to receive a ball, the surrounding wall having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface being adapted to contact intimately an external surface of the ball when the ball is in an inflated operative state, the surrounding wall having at least one first opening extending through the inner and outer surfaces, the first opening having a size sufficient for access of the ball when the ball is deflated.

Abstract: A ball amusement device including an outer shell of transparent or semi-transparent plastic or elastomer or plastomer having good bounce characteristics, and at least one liquid within the shell. The outer shell may be configured to reduce the transparency to light through the ball.

Abstract: A textured surface for improving grip on plectra and other hand-held implements. A series of parallel ridges serve to frictionally engage thumb and forefinger surfaces and “lock” the grip in place.

Abstract: A basketball having an outer surface and including a first set of channels formed into the outer surface of the basketball. The basketball further includes a bladder, a carcass and at least one cover panel. The carcass covers the bladder and has an outer surface that defines a second set of channels. The cover panel(s) is positioned over the carcass and over at least one of the channels of the second set of channels. The cover panel(s) generally conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the carcass such that the cover panel defines at least one groove in the outer surface of the basketball corresponding to the channels of the second set of channels. The depth of the groove is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.

Abstract: A training game ball is described having cues for visually indicating the rotational alignment of the ball when it is thrown. If the ball is improperly thrown so that the axis of rotation does not stay perpendicular to the direction of flight, then the rotational alignment cue line will appear to wobble as the ball travels. The ball also has a rotational speed cue formed from a plurality of spaced panels arranged parallel with the alignment cue. If the ball is thrown with a high rotational speed, the panels will appear to the player as a solid line. Still further, the ball also includes hand alignment cues for assisting a player in properly positioning his or her hands for throwing the ball. The hand alignment cues include finger positioning pads, which are positioned sufficiently close together about the circumference of the ball to allow even a small youth's hand to easily reach a finger positioning pad from any position of the ball.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a leather-like sheet having excellent water absorbability (sweat absorbability, defined the same hereinafter), providing a natural leather-like touch, and suitably used as a ball covering or a non-slip covering, without lowering surface wear resistance. An aspect of the invention is directed to a leather-like sheet including a base material having an entangled fiber sheet; and a porous elastic resin layer laminated on a surface of the base material. The porous elastic resin layer has a concave-convex surface. The concave-convex surface of the porous elastic resin layer includes a projection having a top surface and a side surface, and a recess having a bottom surface contiguous to the side surface. The top surface of the projection has openings with a diameter from 10 to 500 nm at a density of 1,000 openings/mm2 or more.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided, which includes a plurality of elongated strands having joinder regions uniting adjacent strands at a distance along a length of an outer perimeter of the elongated strands, the elongate strands being configured to couple together for a distance along their lengths. The elongated strands form a surface of a mesh when the joinder regions are coupled. The apparatus may further include a manducable protrusion coupled to the mesh and extending a distance away from an exterior surface of the mesh.

Abstract: New designs for a sports ball comprising at least two polygonal panels and having an improved performance and uniformity. Each panel has doubly-curved edges that curve along and across the surface of the sphere. The panels are p-sided curved polygons, where p is an integer greater than 1. The single panels, in an imagined flattened state, have curved edges where each edge curves inwards, outwards or undulates in a wave-like manner. The edges are arranged so each individual panel is without mirror-symmetry and the edge curvatures are adjusted so the panel shape can be varied to achieve more uniform panel stiffness as well as economy in manufacturing. The ball also has a possible shape-induced spin due to the panel design and the overall rotational symmetry of the design.

Abstract: A football comprising an inflatable bladder integrally molded with raised areas which are intended to be exposed, and exterior panels which are adhered to the bladder to span the spaces between them. The raised areas or ridges are formed to extend outward from the exterior panels and provide a raised grip area. By bonding the exterior panels to the bladder directly, stitching and lacing are eliminated to simplify construction and manufacture. The football is provided with a plurality of raised areas to provide more grip areas than the single lace area of a traditional football. Each of the raised ridges are contoured to more closely follow the shape of a thrower's hand as it grasps the ball and thereby providing greater contact area and better control.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet material exhibiting an appearance excellent in three dimensional feel in combination with sufficient abrasion strength of the surface, cushioning property and non-slipping property and advantageously used as the surface material of balls for basketball and the like. The sheet material has a base fabric and a coating layer of a polymer covering the surface of the base fabric, where the coating layer has substantially continuous protrusions and hemispherical depressions formed adjoining the protrusions on a surface, the depressions have a color tone different from a color tone of the protrusion and a gloss brighter than a gloss of the protrusion, a vertical projected area of the depression is 3 to 30 mm2, an average distance between the depressions is 0.5 to 3 mm, and a height difference between the protrusion and the depression is 50 to 1,000 ?m.

Abstract: Tugball is a field sport that combines the best elements of tug-of-war, rugby and American football without their disadvantages. Tugball requires simple equipment to play, namely a tugball which is a ball constrained within a harness containing tug-ropes. Each player also wears a flag belt having pull away type flags like those used in flag football. In tugball, kicking, running and throwing are allowed to advance the ball towards an opponents' goal. The game is started with a tug-off, i.e. a tug-of-war type contest with the winning team receiving possession of the ball. Forward motion of the ball carrier is stopped by pulling flags which avoids the inherently dangerous activity of tackling. The field size needed to play the game is substantially smaller than that required by rugby or American football. Therefore, the game of tugball well suited for play in crowded urban areas.

Abstract: A basketball having an outer surface and including a first set of channels formed into the outer surface of the basketball. The basketball further includes a bladder, a carcass and at least one cover panel. The carcass covers the bladder and has an outer surface that defines a second set of channels. The cover panel(s) is positioned over the carcass and over at least one of the channels of the second set of channels. The cover panel(s) generally conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the carcass such that the cover panel defines at least one groove in the outer surface of the basketball corresponding to the channels of the second set of channels. The depth of the groove is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.

Abstract: In an inflatable ball, a substance is conveyed within its inner chamber which sticks to the inner surface subtending a small portion of the entirety of that inner surface. A rubber based catalyst is a particularly suitable substance because, when cured, it remains soft and pliable, enhancing its ability to remain adhered to the inner surface of an inflatable ball and to conform to the shape of that surface whether or not the ball is inflated. A heavy substance such as lead shot or stainless steel balls can be embedded into the liquid material prior to curing to increase the weight. Any substance embedded into the liquid material is introduced through the valve and port of the inflatable ball.

Abstract: Ball structures, such as basketballs, are formed to include regions with different and distinct tactile characteristics or “feel.” Such ball structures may include a cover member divided into plural panels that are separated by channels. The exterior surface of one or more of these panels may include regions having different textures. One region, which extends over a central portion of the panel, includes raised elements, such as raised ribs or other structures, that may extend at least 0.5 mm outward from a base surface of the cover member.

Abstract: A play ball comprising an outer casing having two adjacent openings, a vent and a balloon is provided. The outer casing is substantially non-porous. An uninflated balloon is inserted into the outer casing through an opening. During inflation of the balloon, air from within the outer casing is vented. A handle is attached to the outer casing through the adjacent openings in the casing. The handle is stretchable and can be in the form of an elastomeric band.

Abstract: Ball structures, such as basketballs, are formed to include regions with different and distinct tactile characteristics or “feel.” Such ball structures may include a cover member divided into plural panels that are separated by channels. The exterior surface of one or more of these panels may include regions having different textures. One region, which extends over a central portion of the panel, includes raised elements, such as raised ribs or other structures, that may extend at least 0.5 mm outward from a base surface of the cover member.

Abstract: A novelty article comprises a flexible and waterproof display carrying membrane that is elastically stretchable and contoured to define at least a portion of the shape of the novelty article. The flexible and waterproof display carrying membrane has at least one inner display layer and at least one outer transparent gripping layer disposed over the inner display layer. The inner display layer includes a fabric layer and a graphic design that is formed on a surface of the fabric layer and that is visible through the outer transparent gripping layer.

Abstract: A takraw ball is woven from takraw ball strips of springy material having soft material pads mounted into recesses in a strip face, the pads are, at least in part, bounded by strip face parts which function to lend stiffness to the strip, and/or protect pad edges and/or assist in mounting pads onto the strips.