Abstract: A training program for improving hitting of a baseball enhancing a batter's tracking skills to a plurality of pitched baseballs. The training program provides a set of baseballs which includes a plurality of patterned baseballs and at least one conventional baseball. Each of the patterned baseballs includes a cover with a perceptible pattern provided thereon, such as a generally elliptical marking conforming to a seam disposed on the cover of the baseball as well as a generally circular marking disposed within the elliptical marking. An instructor or the like detects an audible response from the batter of the color of the pitched baseball as perceived by the batter when the baseball enters the batter's hitting zone.

Abstract: This disclosure includes street hockey balls for use in games and/or training on off-ice surfaces (e.g., paved asphalt, paved concrete, and/or the like). The present hockey balls can be configured to emulate the bounce or rebound characteristics of a hockey puck on ice. For example, versions of the present hockey balls can include a core of a low rebound material and a covering or coating of a hard, tough material. Versions can have a weight greater than that of a hockey puck to facilitate strength training by which a player's wrist, shoulder, back and hand strength and endurance can be improved, and/or can have a height selected to simulate the feel of a hockey puck while still being low enough to facilitate speed or stickhandling training by which a player's stick speed or stickhandling skills can be improved.

Abstract: There is provided a baseball including an inner core, and an outer core covering an outer circumferential surface of the inner core, the inner core being formed to have a dimension of 20% or more and 80% or less of an outer diameter of the inner core and the outer core of the baseball, and having a dynamic viscoelasticity loss coefficient (tan ?) of 0.3 or less, the outer core being formed to have a thickness of 10% or more and 40% or less of the outer diameter of the inner core and the outer core of the baseball, and having an elastic modulus of 1.5 MPa or less. As a result, there can be obtained a baseball that achieves a high level of safety when the baseball hits against a human body and achieves a hit distance equal to and longer than that of a ball for hardball.

Abstract: A baseball capable of being tested under ASTM F1887-09 wherein the baseball is projected at a strike plate at a speed of approximately 60 mph to measure the COR of the baseball. The baseball includes a core formed of a diene-based rubber composition, at least one layer of yarn surrounding the core, and a cover assembly surrounding the one layer of yarn. The core has a diameter of less than 2.0 inches and a weight less than 1.5 ounces. The baseball has a circumference of less than 9.5 inches and a weight of less than 5.5 ounces. The baseball has an initial COR value when tested in accordance with ASTM F1887-09 and a second COR value measured after the baseball has undergone at least 60 impacts of approximately 60 mph against the strike plate. The second COR value is greater than 95 percent of the initial COR value.

Abstract: A ball training system for pitchers for effectively improving the pitching abilities of a baseball or softball pitcher. The ball training system for pitchers generally includes a ball training device including a core having a first side and a second side, an exterior cover surrounding a portion of the core, a plurality of seams attached to the exterior cover, a first cover attached to the first side of the core, and a second cover attached to the second side of the core. The first side and the second side of the core are each preferably planar and parallel to one another. When the ball training device is properly thrown by a pitcher, the ball training device's flight is substantially smooth and if the improperly thrown the ball training device will wobble inflight.

Abstract: A laminar ball includes a spherical rubber core member, a reinforcing thread layer formed of a mixture of threads and latex and surrounding the spherical rubber core member to have the latex be bonded with the spherical rubber core member, an outer rubber layer surrounding the reinforcing thread layer and bonded with the latex and having intersected reinforcing ribs, a rubber surface layer bonded to the outer rubber layer, and a plurality of grooves defined in the rubber surface layer corresponding to the reinforcing ribs.

Abstract: Sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, casings for sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, and methods for enhancing visual acuity of a soccer ball are described. In embodiments, the sporting ball has an exterior with a substantially spherical surface including a first pole opposing a second pole and an equator circumferentially intermediate the first pole and the second pole. Additionally, in embodiments a first exterior region of a first color may include a first hub section oriented at the first pole generally opposite a second hub section oriented at the second pole on the substantially spherical surface. The first hub section may have one or more first hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator, and the second hub section may have one or more second hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator. Further, in embodiments, the sporting ball may have a second exterior region of a second color.

Abstract: A baseball includes a core comprised of coconut fiber, rubber, and solvent; and a cover sewn on the core by stitches. The coconut fiber having a predetermined percentage by weight is crushed, the rubber having a predetermined percentage by weight is gelled, the coconut fiber and the rubber are mixed with the solvent having a predetermined percentage by weight, and the mix is subjected to molding, heating, and cooling to produce the core.

Abstract: A baseball includes an inner core, and an outer layer covering the outer circumferential surface of the inner core. The inner core has a surface hardness of not less than 60 and not more than 80 in Asker C hardness, and has an elastic modulus of not less than 0.6 MPa and not more than 1.0 MPa. In this way, a baseball can be obtained which can achieve a trajectory comparable to that of a ball for hardball after hitting and which can achieve an impact force comparable to a ball for rubber-ball baseball.

Abstract: A baseball, softball or the like includes a ball core and a plurality of carcass panels attaching on the outer surface of the ball core. Each of the carcass panels, which is cut into a predetermined shape, has a main portion and an edge portion formed along a peripheral edge of the main portion, wherein each of the carcass panels is attached on the outer surface of the ball core without stitching with other the carcass panels at a position that the carcass panels are attached in an edge-to-edge manner, such that the carcass panels form an outer shell at the ball core in a thread-less manner.

Abstract: A baseball includes a core comprised of coconut fiber, rubber, and solvent; and a cover sewn on the core by stitches. The coconut fiber having a predetermined percentage by weight is crushed, the rubber having a predetermined percentage by weight is gelled, the coconut fiber and the rubber are mixed with the solvent having a predetermined percentage by weight, and the mix is subjected to molding, heating, and cooling to produce the core.

Abstract: There is provided a baseball including an inner core, and an outer core covering an outer circumferential surface of the inner core, the inner core being formed to have a dimension of 20% or more and 80% or less of an outer diameter of the inner core and the outer core of the baseball, and having a dynamic viscoelasticity loss coefficient (tan?) of 0.3 or less, the outer core being formed to have a thickness of 10% or more and 40% or less of the outer diameter of the inner core and the outer core of the baseball, and having an elastic modulus of 1.5 MPa or less. As a result, there can be obtained a baseball that achieves a high level of safety when the baseball hits against a human body and achieves a hit distance equal to and longer than that of a ball for hardball.

Abstract: Sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, casings for sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, and methods for enhancing visual acuity of a soccer ball are described. In embodiments, the sporting ball has an exterior with a substantially spherical surface including a first pole opposing a second pole and an equator circumferentially intermediate the first pole and the second pole. Additionally, in embodiments a first exterior region of a first color may include a first hub section oriented at the first pole generally opposite a second hub section oriented at the second pole on the substantially spherical surface. The first hub section may have one or more first hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator, and the second hub section may have one or more second hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator. Further, in embodiments, the sporting ball may have a second exterior region of a second color.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports ball (1) comprising a core (2) and a cover (3) formed from a plurality of panel segments (4). One or more of said panel segments have an outer face covered with a woven fabric (7), preferably denim. The panel segments are connected at joints (6) and said woven fabric is attached to said outer face at said joints. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a sports ball.

Abstract: The invention provides a game ball, useful for children's safety, which can be detected far enough away a distance by a vehicle-onboard radar. The invention provides a game ball wherein a reflector member 12 is disposed within a spherical shell 13, the diagonal distance of the reflector member coincides with the inner diameter of the spherical shell, the reflector member has a shape constructed by combining three regular polygon plates 11A, 11B, 11C, the center angle of one side thereof being an integral submultiple of 90°, in such a manner that the centers of the three regular polygon plates are coincident and that the three regular polygon plates are perpendicular to each other, and a surface of said reflector member 12 is imparted with electromagnetic wave reflectivity.

Abstract: The invention provides a ball having a resilient higher density plastic outer cover layer over a lower density plastic core and a bat including a handle and a head, the head having a hitting surface and a back surface, the hitting surface having an elongate and substantially planar hitting surface and the back surface being similarly elongate and having a raised spine running along its elongate axis. The invention is characterised in that the bat is formed from plastic or composite material and has a central cavity, and a target article (set of stumps) includes a weighted base and a panel, the panel being formed from a flexible resilient material and the base including a slot into which the panel may be inserted and thereby retained in an upright position. The panel and slot are adapted such that when struck by an object the panel is free to vibrate.

Abstract: A ball includes a core and a surface cover that is formed by sewing together two shape-mated covering pieces. Each covering piece has a close-to-edge area defining inboards an inward circumferential zone in which spaced through apertures are defined. The through apertures are circumferentially distributed along the inward circumference of the close-to-edge area. The close-to-edge area has an outward circumference forming a turn-back section. The turn-back section is foldable over and attached to itself by adhesives so as to form a smooth and regular outer circumference of the covering piece. When the surface cover of the ball is completely sewn, a sewn portion between the two covering pieces shows a smooth and regular configuration so that no secondary finishing of the sewn portion of the covering pieces is needed. The manufacturing time of the ball can thus be shortened and the manufacturing costs reduced.

Abstract: A game ball is disclosed that includes a polymer foam layer processed with an inert fluid blowing agent, such as nitrogen. The polymer foam may be a polyolefin material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylvinylacetate, and the inert fluid blowing agent may have a relatively high-purity. The polymer foam may be manufactured with a process that includes impregnating a polymer with the inert fluid blowing agent and expanding the polymer by heating the polymer above a softening temperature of the polymer, reducing a fluid pressure surrounding the polymer, and cooling the polymer. The game ball may be a soccerball, football, or volleyball, for example, that includes the polymer foam.

Abstract: A ball includes a core and a surface cover that is formed by sewing together two shape-mated covering pieces. Each covering piece has a close-to-edge area defining inboards an inward circumferential zone in which spaced through apertures are defined. The through apertures are circumferentially distributed along the inward circumference of the close-to-edge area. The close-to-edge area has an outward circumference forming a turn-back section. The turn-back section is foldable over and attached to itself by adhesives so as to form a smooth and regular outer circumference of the covering piece. When the surface cover of the ball is completely sewn, a sewn portion between the two covering pieces shows a smooth and regular configuration so that no secondary finishing of the sewn portion of the covering pieces is needed. The manufacturing time of the ball can thus be shortened and the manufacturing costs reduced.

Abstract: An instructional ball having a football-shaped body shaped as an ellipsoid having a longitudinal axis and a generally circular transverse cross section and a core.

Abstract: A non-skid lacrosse ball for gripping a lacrosse head and a netting attached to the lacrosse head is provided. The non-skid lacrosse ball is a spherical ball having one or more non-skid surfaces formed substantially thereacross. In one embodiment, the non-skid surface is a textured surface comprised of relatively small surface structures that are integral parts of the spherical ball. Furthermore, both the non-skid surface and the spherical ball are comprised of an elastomer material.

Abstract: A spherical ball, for projection through the air to deviate from an expected trajectory, has a first hemisphere (12) and a second hemisphere (14). The surfaces (52, 54) of the first hemisphere (12) and the second hemisphere (14) are generally smooth, except for the provision of a simulated seam (53) which gives the ball the appearance of a baseball. An insert (40) of felt-like material is provided in the second hemisphere (14) with the surface of the insert (40) flush with the surface (54) of the hemisphere (14). When the ball is projected along the plane of the line (16) between the hemispheres (12, 14), it will deviate from that plane in the direction of the first hemisphere (12). The ball is manufactured by locating the insert (40) in a mould (60) and injecting polyurethane foam (64) into the mould (60) with the insert (40) bonding with the foam, (64).

Abstract: A game ball having a cover formed from a crosslinkable thermoplastic polyurethane is disclosed. Various types of game balls are described, including golf balls and softballs. By selective exposure to radiation, the thermoplastic polyurethane cover is crosslinked and its hardness is increased. Typically, increases in hardness values of at least 2 units on the Shore D scale are realized upon exposure to 3.5 Mrads of gamma radiation.

Abstract: Balls are provided for use in baseball or softball, including, for example, a solid sphere, an outer shell of a foamed material, covering the solid sphere, and a material covering the outer surface of the shell. Methods for making a ball and a ball core are also described.

Abstract: A game ball having a hollow core structure which is resistant to permanent denting or “oil canning” when struck with a bat. The game ball also has a higher moment of inertia due to its hollow construction and consequently has a lower spin rate making it more suitable for play in confined areas and for use by lower skilled players. The core of the ball is formed from a thermoset elastomeric material and the wall thickness of the game ball ranges from 10 to 36 mm.

Abstract: A baseball (softball) includes a core and a pair of surface layers which are configured to enclose the core, wherein each of the surface layers is formed with an outer row of holes and an inner row of holes, the holes being formed in alternate order, and a needle with a thread is passed through the holes to stitch the two surface layers together thereby causing the thread to pull a portion between the holes and a circumferential edge of the surface layers to curve inwardly thereby forming a ridge, whereby the baseball is easy to manufacture and low in cost.

Abstract: A baseball pitching training device providing students of pitching with one or more tactile surfaces, preferably on the seam, thus providing the with tactile input for development of the students proprioceptive senses. In addition, finger placement indicia may be provided, preferably on the cover of the baseball, to indicate a proper finger placement orientation for one or more baseball pitches. The tactile surface(s) and finger placement indicia provide tactile stimuli and instruction for several different types of pitches for either right handed or left handed students.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game ball and method for making the same. The game ball has an ionomeric cover which includes a combination of ionomeric crosslinks and covalent crosslinks. The game ball cover is superior in at least one of cut resistance and scuff resistance to a conventional cover that does not have covalent crosslinks but is otherwise substantially identical in composition. The game ball cover of the invention is particularly useful for improving the durability of golf balls to be struck with sharp-grooved clubs.

Abstract: A baseball pitching training device providing students of pitching with one or more tactile surfaces, preferably on the seam, thus providing the with tactile input for development of the students proprioceptive senses. In addition, finger placement indicia may be provided, preferably on the cover of the baseball, to indicate a proper finger placement orientation for one or more baseball pitches. The tactile surface(s) and finger placement indicia provide tactile stimuli and instruction for several different types of pitches for either right handed or left handed students.

Abstract: A game ball comprising a spherical core and two-piece cover. The cover includes two figure eight-shaped pieces adhesively attached to the core. Furthermore, each figure eight-shaped piece may be separately stitched around the edges, given the appearance of a stitched ball once the cover pieces are in place. Preferably, the stitching pattern is a traditional herringbone pattern. Also provided is a process for making a game ball. This process comprises providing a spherical core and cover material comprising two stitched figure eight-shaped pieces. The stitched figure eight-shaped pieces are placed around the core using an adhesive.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game ball and method for making the same. The game ball has an unneutralized terpolymer resin cover that has been irradiated. The unneutralized terpolymer resin includes ethylene, acrylic or methacrylic acid, and a third component selected from the group of lower alkyl acrylates and lower alkyl methacrylates. The irradiated unneutralized terpolymer resin cover is superior in at least one of cut resistance and scuff resistance to a cover substantially identical in composition but which has not been irradiated. The game ball cover of the invention is particularly useful for improving the durability of golf balls to be struck with sharp-grooved clubs.

Abstract: A fast-curing polyurethane coating system for a game ball is described herein. The coating system comprises a mixture of a polyol, an isocyanate, a solvent and a surprisingly high level of catalyst which accelerates the curing process. The coating is a two-part polyurethane system which is preferably applied by spraying. The coating is particularly well-suited for use on golf balls, and also can be applied to other game balls such as softballs, baseballs, and cricket balls.

Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a solid core, an intermediate layer, and a cover, the solid core or the cover is provided with a plurality of protrusions penetrating into the intermediate layer. Provided the protrusions are spaced apart a distance X (mm) and have a length L (mm), those protrusions satisfying L≦X≦5L account for at least 60% of the entire protrusions. The protrusions penetrating into the intermediate layer optimizes the buckling phenomenon whereby the ball is improved in flight performance, control and feel.

Abstract: A game ball having a cover formed from a crosslinkable thermoplastic polyurethane is disclosed. Various types of game balls are described including golf balls and softballs. By selective exposure to radiation, the thermoplastic polyurethane cover is crosslinked and its hardness is increased. Typically, increases in hardness values of at least 2 units on the Shore D scale are realized upon exposure to 3.5 Mrads of gamma radiation.

Abstract: A curve ball is provided by a sphere having a non-perforated outer surface formed by a pair of hemispheres joined at an equator and having a pole axis extending through the center of the sphere perpendicularly to the plane of the equator. One of the hemispheres has at least one arcuate groove. The ball curves toward the groove when thrown in a direction along and coincident with the plane of the equator and spinning about the pole axis.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover consists of an outer layer and an inner layer having a lower hardness than the outer layer. The cover inner layer is formed with a plurality of recesses in its outer surface and the cover outer layer is formed over the cover inner layer in such a manner that the cover outer layer penetrates into the recesses in the cover inner layer to form protrusions. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the protrusions at their base accounts for 2-45% of the surface area of an imaginary smooth cover inner layer. The protrusions have a height corresponding to 30-100% of the thickness of the cover inner layer where no recesses are formed. The ball receives a reduced spin and travel a distance upon driver shots, but receives an increased spin and is easy to control upon iron or sand wedge shots.

Abstract: A game ball for permitting throwing of curve balls. The game ball includes a resilient inner sphere and an outer covering enclosing the inner sphere. The outer covering has a smooth region and a dimpled region that has a plurality of dimples.

Abstract: A tethered ball construction 10 including an inner spherical core member 30 connected to one end of a tether member 40 wherein the core member 30 is dimensioned to be captively engaged by two hollow hemispherical members 20, 21, adapted to be releasably connected to one another. Differently constructed and dimensioned core members 30 will provide different flight characteristics to the tethered ball construction 10.

Abstract: The lazer ball is a foamed ball or projectile which glows under particular lighting conditions and which can be fired through a standard air gun, such as a paint ball gun. The lazer ball can be prepared from any suitable foam material which is capable of being molded or extruded into a spherical shape, is compressible when pressure is applied to it and can return to its original shape when pressure is released. Other properties of the lazer ball include a density of between about 11.0 to about 15.0 pcf, a skin thickness of between about 0.015 and about 0.025" and a shore "A" durometer of between about 35.0 and 45.0. A preferred foam material is an integral skin urethane foam system. Standard foam systems may require chemical modification in order to meet the required surface properties.

Abstract: A ball for warmup and therapy having a solid homogeneous body of molded elastomeric material of a size easily grasped in the palm of the hand, a weight of between 1-1.7 pounds, a hardness of 50-70 Shore A durometer and a percentage rebound of 65-90%. For therapy and warmup, the ball is generally used by grasping the ball in the palm of the hand and throwing or tossing this at a desired distance and angle, preferably using a full overhand motion, and catching the ball with any preferred hand as it bounces back to the user. This process is repeated as many times as the user is allowed, able or feels comfortable with.

Abstract: A multi-piece double ball construction is described in which there is: a first piece of durable material having an essentially linear shape along its middle section and terminating at a first end in a first essentially hourglass shaped section and at a second end in a second essentially hourglass shaped section; a second piece of durable material having an essentially hourglass shape essentially similar in size to the hourglass shape of the first hourglass shaped section; a third piece of durable material having an essentially hourglass shape essentially similar in size to the hourglass shape of the second hourglass shaped section; a first deformable core positioned between the second piece of durable hourglass shaped material and the first hourglass shaped section of the first piece; a second deformable core positioned between the third piece of durable hourglass shaped and the second hourglass shaped section of the first piece; first stitching for securing the second piece of durable hourglass shaped materi

Abstract: An amusement device for young children includes a cloth housing secured about a core such that peripherally distributed portions of the housing are relatively farther from the core and/or peripherally distributed gaps are defined between the housing and the core. In a preferred embodiment, the cloth housing is formed to assume a first geometric shape, which is substantially pyramidal, and the core is formed to assume a second, discrete geometric shape, which is substantially spherical.

Abstract: A ball has a core formed from a sponged and vulcanized mixture of rubber and cork. Methods for making a ball and a ball core are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating a ball comprising the steps of supporting a spherical core with unlaced covers thereover. Rotating the core upon a first axis to move a portion of the covers through a lacing zone. Lacing the portion of the cover moved through the lacing zone. Rotating the core upon a second axis to move an additional portion of the cover through the lacing zone. Lacing the additional portion of the cover moved through the lacing zone.

Abstract: A softball has a high end synthetic leather stitched cover formed from a low density non-woven fiber mat impregnated with polyurethane. The softball, which can be formed to meet association specifications, has a circumference of 11 or 12 inches and a cover to core weight ratio significantly less than 0.1, typically in the range of 0.08-0.16, while meeting durability requirements. The cover preferably has a thickness of 0.045-0.065 inches. Because a greater weight concentration is in the core of the ball, the ball has improved playability characteristics over conventional balls having heavier synthetic leather covers, while exhibiting a sound comparable to that of a leather covered softball when struck with a bat.

Abstract: A weighted training ball for baseball and softball batting training which has a solid body of molded elastomeric material and a regulation circumference of between approximately 9-16 inches. The body is weighted to have a greater than regulation weight of between approximately 7.5-20 ounces. The body is also softer than regulation baseballs and softballs, with a type A-2 Shore durometer of between approximately 40-70.