Abstract: A muscle training apparatus capable of generating a force is disclosed. The muscle training apparatus includes a second support shell, a force-generating unit and an elastic covering unit. The second support shell is spherical and has a second containing space. The force-generating unit is disposed and fixed in the second containing space of the second supporting shell for generating a force. The elastic covering unit covers the second support shell to have a soft surface. The muscle training device can generate a force in a specific direction and intensity by the force-generating unit.

Abstract: A muscle training apparatus with muscle strength detecting function includes a first supporting shell, a plurality of membrane pressure-sensing units, an arithmetic processing unit and an elastic covering unit. The first support shell is spherical and has a first outer surface and a first containing space. The membrane pressure-sensing unit is disposed on the first outer surface of the first support shell. The arithmetic processing unit is disposed in the first containing space and electrically connected to the membrane pressure-sensing unit. The elastic covering unit covers the first support shell.

Abstract: A medicine ball comprises a cover made of a sheet of aramid fibers, having an exterior surface and an interior surface, that each comprise a coating of a polychloroprene compound. The coating is spread unevenly and is calendered across both the exterior surface of the cover and the interior surface of the cover. The exterior surface of the cover is embossed, which in addition to vulcanization, provides extra grip strength. The ball further comprises an interior space, which is filled with crushed pieces of ethylene vinyl acetate foam and rocks.

Abstract: A ball for small-sided play having the same characteristics as a standard soccer ball, but with reduced rebound and no added filler is disclosed.

Abstract: A sports ball having a high-performance cover formed from a plurality of panels with attached foam backing. The panels may be stitched together at stitch lines which are 2-4 mm from the edges of each of the panels. During manufacturing, before compression is applied, foam attached to outer layers for each of the panels may be a distance 2-6 mm away from the stitch lines. Foam attached on the inside of the sports ball may provide support and a robust round shape for manufacturing of a high performance sports ball.

Abstract: An athletic training device for training athletes is provided. The athletic training device comprises a training ball having an outer cover and an inner air bladder. A predetermined amount of silicon is positioned between the outer cover and the inner air bladder wherein the silicon covers a least a portion of the inner air bladder.

Abstract: A sports ball having a high-performance cover formed from a plurality of panels with attached foam backing. The panels may be stitched together at stitch lines which are 2-4 mm from the edges of each of the panels. During manufacturing, before compression is applied, foam attached to outer layers for each of the panels may be a distance 2-6 mm away from the stitch lines. Foam attached on the inside of the sports ball may provide support and a robust round shape for manufacturing of a high performance sports ball.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a soccer ball and a method of making a soccer ball. The method comprises the steps of forming a pair of molded semi-hemispheric core halves from an elastomer material, connecting the edges of the core halves together, permanently affixing the edges of the core halves together to form one sphere, applying adhesive to the surface of the sphere, cutting a surface material to a desired shape, applying adhesive to the back side of the surface material, applying the back of the surface material to the surface of the sphere, and allowing the adhesive to cure until the surface material is permanently affixed to the sphere. The synthetic material is cut into a predetermined shape to match the shape of a predetermined template prior to affixing the surface material to the core.

Abstract: A spherical sport ball may include a casing that includes first and second substantially hemispherical panel components. Each substantially hemispherical panel component may be a unitary structure having a central panel and a plurality of polygonal peripheral panels adjacent to the central panel. In addition, the first substantially hemispherical panel component may be joined with the second substantially hemispherical panel component at a non-linear, circumferential seam between peripheral panels of the first hemispherical panel component and peripheral panels of the second hemispherical panel component.

Abstract: A method of making a game ball having a carcass comprising a foamed intermediate layer and a plurality of raised seams made from an outer layer is disclosed. The foamed intermediate layer may be formed from two sheets of foamed material. The sheets are shaped to have leaves that can be folded into the shape of a hemisphere with no gaps between adjacent leaves. The sheets are placed around a bladder, an outer layer is placed around the sheets, and the combination is heat molded. The seams are not made from strips of seam material placed on the outer layer of the carcass.

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 sport ball may include a casing that forms an exterior surface of the sport ball. The casing may incorporate a plurality of joined panels, including a closure panel. In addition, the ball may include a backing layer located radially inward of the closure panel, the backing layer extending beyond a peripheral boundary of the closure panel and at least partially overlapping with one or more panels adjacent to the closure panel. The backing layer may also include an opening located radially inward of the closure panel, the opening being smaller than the surface area of the closure panel. Also, the ball may include a bladder located radially inward of the backing layer, the bladder including a valve for introducing fluid into the ball, the valve extending through the opening and through the closure panel.

Abstract: A sportsball includes a barebone ball and an outer ball cover. The barebone ball includes an inflatable bladder body and a ball casing. The ball casing, which is formed in an integrated structure, has an outer circumferential surface, an inner circumferential surface to define an interior cavity to fittingly enclose the bladder body therein, and a plurality of pre-formed channels integrally and indently formed on the outer circumferential surface, such that the ball casing and the bladder body enclosed therewithin form a one piece integrated semi-product of the sportsball. The outer ball cover comprising a plurality of outer cover panels overlapping on the outer circumferential surface of the ball casing at a position that edges of each of the outer cover panels are aligned with the corresponding pre-formed channels respectively.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a plurality of panels having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the first surface forming a majority of an exterior surface of the ball. In addition, the sport ball may include an interior layer secured to the second surface of the panels and forming substantially all of an interior surface of the ball to retain a fluid within the ball, the interior layer extending between the panels to join the panels together. Further the sport ball may include a valve secured to the interior layer.

Abstract: A spheroidal ball includes a body having three grooves that define divisions on the ball. The ball includes a first color and a second color that contrasts with the first color. The second color may be applied in various regions, areas, or sections of the ball to enhance the visibility of the ball in use.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing, a bladder, and a component. The casing forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of the ball, and the bladder is located within the casing. The bladder includes a pocket that projects toward a center of the sport ball, and the pocket defines a cavity. The component, which may be an electronic device or a counterweight, is located within the pocket. In some configurations, the bladder may include a valve that is located on an opposite side of the bladder from the pocket and component.

Abstract: In some aspects, the invention relates to a inflation independent sports ball comprising a foam core 15 and an outer covering 10, wherein the sports ball is selected from the group consisting of a football, a basketball, a volleyball and a soccer ball, wherein the sports ball 5 is devoid of an inflatable air bladder. In other aspects, the invention relates to a sports ball having a diameter and comprising a synthetic leather outer covering 10 at least partially covering a polyurethane foam core 15, wherein the foam core further comprises at least one internal compartment and a cylindrical body spanning at least part of the length of the diameter of the sports ball. In other aspects, the invention relates to a sports ball having an outer covering and a foam core, wherein the foam core 15 is not filled with foam entirely throughout its internal volume, but rather includes space for air.

Abstract: There is provided a sports ball capable of relieving the pain of the hands suffered from impact on the ball and having a soft feel and high flexibility. The sports ball comprises a spherical hollow rubber bladder (2) inflated with air injected into it, a fabric tape reinforcement layer (3) formed by winding a narrow adhesive-impregnated fabric tape (7) around a central spherical portion (6) of the rubber bladder about each of three axes of the rubber bladder with the exception of opposite spherical end portions (5) of the rubber bladder, whereby the fabric tape reinforcement layer is formed as orthogonal lap windings of the fabric tape over substantially all of the spherical surface of the rubber bladder, to provide a fabric tape wound ball core, and surface panels (4) adhered with adhesive to the fabric tape reinforcement layer on the rubber bladder, after vulcanization and forming of the fabric tape wound ball core.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing, an intermediate layer, and a bladder. In manufacturing the sport ball, a panel element of the casing and the bladder may be located in a mold, and a polymer foam material of the intermediate layer may be injected into an area between the bladder and the panel element. In addition, edges of panel element may be heatbonded to each other to join the panel elements and form seams of the casing.

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 sport ball may incorporate a casing that includes a plurality of panels joined at a plurality of seams, at least a first panel of the plurality of panels having (a) a first layer including a polymer material and positioned to form a portion of an exterior surface of the ball, (b) a second layer including a polymer foam material and positioned inward and adjacent to the first layer, and (c) a third layer positioned inward and adjacent to the second layer, the first panel of the casing defining one or more indentations in the exterior surface, the first layer being bonded directly to the third layer at the one or more indentations, wherein the one or more indentations include a first indentation. The first indentation may extend through substantially all of a thickness of the first panel, and the first indentation may have a substantially squared cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing having a plurality of panels forming an external exposed surface of the ball, wherein adjacent panels abut one another at seams. A substantial majority of the seams may each be formed by a first panel having a first edge and a second panel having a second edge abutting the first edge of the first panel at an interface, and a reinforcing strip affixed to a first internal surface of the first panel with a first thermal bond and to a second internal surface of the second panel with a second thermal bond, the reinforcing strip extending across the interface between the first panel and the second panel.

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 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 sport ball may include a casing and a bladder. The casing includes a plurality of panels having edge areas joined to each other with bonds, and the edge areas project toward an exterior of the ball. The bladder is located within the casing. In another aspect, the casing includes a first panel and a second panel that each have an exterior surface facing outward and an opposite interior surface facing inward. The interior surface of the first panel is bonded to the interior surface of the second panel to form a seam that joins the first panel and the second panel together. A method of manufacturing the casing may include forming thermal bonds between the panels.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing that incorporates a plurality of joined panel elements, which include a first panel element with a first edge and a second panel element with a second edge. The first edge and the second edge are welded to each other. In some configurations, the first panel element has a first edge with a projection that extends outward from the first edge, the second panel element has a second edge that is located adjacent to the first edge, and the projection of the first edge is located between the second edge and the bladder. In another configuration, the first edge and the second edge are formed to have rounded configurations. The sport ball may also include an intermediate layer and a bladder within the casing.

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 sport ball may include a casing and a bladder located within the casing. The casing may include a plurality of panel elements joined to each other with welds, and portions of the panel elements that include the welds may project toward an interior of the ball. A method of manufacturing a sport ball may include providing a plurality of casing elements that include a thermoplastic polymer material. Edges of the casing elements are welded to each other to join the casing elements. The casing elements may then be turned inside-out through an aperture formed by at least one of the casing elements, and the aperture may be sealed.

Abstract: Surface panels of a sports ball are arranged to facilitate bending of their outer peripheral edge portions into an arc, without reducing strength of an elastic member, to define a groove at a seam between adjacent panels. Panels are adhered through the elastic members to a body defining a ball core with high adhesion strength. The panels have sheet material backed by an elastic member, each panel having an arched portion formed by bending inwardly an outer peripheral edge portion of each panel with a radius of curvature more than the thickness of the panel, after formation of many apertures in an inner peripheral edge portion of the elastic member. Lower edges of the arched portions of adjacent panels abut each other. A groove is defined at seams between adjacent panels, and the panels are adhered to a ball core body by adhering the elastic members to the body.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing, a bladder, and a valve. The casing forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of the ball. The bladder is located within the casing for enclosing a pressurized fluid, and the bladder may be formed from a material that includes a first layer of thermoplastic polymer material and a second layer of a barrier material. The valve is for introducing the fluid to the bladder, and the valve is secured to the bladder and accessible from an exterior of the casing. A tie layer may be located between the flange and a surface of the bladder to join the flange to the bladder.

Abstract: A seamless laminated basketball has a carcass and multiple outer covers attached to an outer surface of the carcass. Each outer cover has a thin portion formed around a peripheral edge of the outer cover and seamlessly connected to the thin portions of adjacent outer covers. As widths of the thin portions of the outer covers change, widths of recessed ball channels of the seamless laminated basketball change accordingly. Molds for manufacturing the carcass do not have to be remade or changed. Therefore, the seamless laminated basketball has simplified manufacturing processes and lowered manufacturing cost. Moreover, the outer covers are seamlessly connected to one another, which provides the laminated basketball an intact appearance. Furthermore, the connected outer covers prevent each other from peeling away from the carcass.

Abstract: A game ball, which may be a soccer ball or a variety of other types of ball. The game ball includes a plurality of pentagonal panels, with each of the pentagonal panels having five convex edges. The game ball also includes a plurality of hexagonal panels, with each of the hexagonal panels having three substantially linear edges and three concave edges. The pentagonal panels and the hexagonal panels are connected along abutting concave edges and convex edges, and the hexagonal panels are connected each other along abutting linear edges.

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 method of manufacturing a multi-layer outer panel for a game ball includes three-dimensionally forming a top layer of an outer panel, as well as one or more backing materials disposed underneath the top layer, into a shape substantially corresponding to the surface of the ball. Multi-layer outer panels are then attached to or interconnected to surround an inflatable bladder, thereby producing a game ball while minimizing overstretching of the outer material or the backing material and improving resistance of the outer panels to delamination.

Abstract: An inflatable ball includes interconnected first and second half ball bodies. The first half ball body has a first half ball wall with first inner and outer wall surfaces, and a first rib structure formed as one piece with the first half ball wall and projecting from one of the first inner and outer wall surfaces. The first half ball wall has a through hole extending through the first inner and outer wall surfaces, and a first annular connecting edge interconnecting circumferential ends of the first inner and outer wall surfaces. The second half ball body has a second half ball wall with second inner and outer wall surfaces, and a second rib structure projecting from one of the second inner and outer wall surfaces. A valve unit is attached to the first half ball body in connection with the through hole.

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 sport ball may have a plurality of panels that are joined at seams to form a casing. The panels may include a thermoplastic polymer material applied to an interior side of the panels, and the thermoplastic polymer material may be heat-activated to extend across the seams. The ball may further include a bladder within the casing and an intermediate layer located between the casing and the bladder. The thermoplastic polymer material may also be heat-activated to bond with the intermediate layer or casing.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing that incorporates a plurality of joined panel elements, which include a first panel element with a first edge and a second panel element with a second edge. The first edge and the second edge are welded to each other. In some configurations, the first panel element has a first edge with a projection that extends outward from the first edge, the second panel element has a second edge that is located adjacent to the first edge, and the projection of the first edge is located between the second edge and the bladder. In another configuration, the first edge and the second edge are formed to have a rounded configurations. The sport ball may also include an intermediate layer and a bladder within the casing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inflatable ball (1) for footballing and recreational activities. It is based on a new geometric model. It considers the use of unrolled folding curved surfaces—cylindrical surfaces—to create spherical three-dimensional structures—domes and geoids—to replace the current structures that make use of plane geometrical figures such as the truncated icosahedron. It is a configuration that corresponds to a ball (1) with 12 faces or panels (2), 24 edges (3) and 14 vertices, six are type (A) and eight are type (B), which takes advantage of the curvature of solids to replicate a warped, spherical figure and moulds are not needed to make them. That is, with the advantage that it can be made based on development of surfaces.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing that forms an exterior surface of the sport ball. The casing may incorporate a plurality of joined panels, including a closure panel. In addition, the ball may include a backing layer located radially inward of the closure panel, the backing layer extending beyond a peripheral boundary of the closure panel and at least partially overlapping with one or more panels adjacent to the closure panel. The backing layer may also include an opening located radially inward of the closure panel, the opening being smaller than the surface area of the closure panel. Also, the ball may include a bladder located radially inward of the backing layer, the bladder including a valve for introducing fluid into the ball, the valve extending through the opening and through the closure panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable ball, in particular a soccer ball, having an outer shell comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the panels are interconnected by seams and each panel comprises at least one pseudo-seam extending over at least a part of the outer surface of the panel.

Abstract: Balls for team and individual sports include a motion graphic that provides enhanced perception of ball rotation. The motion graphic is typically defined with a visual characteristic that contrast with a ball casing. The motion graphic includes first and second termination portions that are coupled by a connection region. The first and second termination portions are symmetrically situated with respect to a longitudinal axis and are asymmetric with respect to axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The motion graphic and the ball casing can be provided with substantially opposite colors selected to exhibit similar or substantially the same reflectivities.

Abstract: A spheroidal ball includes a body having three grooves that define divisions on the ball. The ball includes a first color and a second color that contrasts with the first color. The second color may be applied in various regions, areas, or sections of the ball to enhance the visibility of the ball in use.

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: The present invention relates to inflatable neoprene bladders and method of manufacturing inflatable neoprene bladders. The invention also relates to inflatable articles having an inflatable neoprene bladder wherein the article has an idealized shape and superior resiliency and air retention. Finally, the invention relates to sportsballs and gameballs having an inflatable neoprene bladder.

Abstract: An inflatable ball includes interconnected first and second half ball bodies. The first half ball body has a first half ball wall with first inner and outer wall surfaces, and a first rib structure formed as one piece with the first half ball wall and projecting from one of the first inner and outer wall surfaces. The first half ball wall has a through hole extending through the first inner and outer wall surfaces, and a first annular connecting edge interconnecting circumferential ends of the first inner and outer wall surfaces. The second half ball body has a second half ball wall with second inner and outer wall surfaces, and a second rib structure projecting from one of the second inner and outer wall surfaces. A valve unit is attached to the first half ball body in connection with the through hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a ball (1), especially a soccer ball, comprising the steps: a) Producing a flat, level base material (2), constructed in at least two layers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) which comprises a cover layer (3) and at least one material layer (4, 5, 6, 7) below said cover layer; b) Cutting out panels (8) of the desired shape from the base material (2); c) Applying the panels (8) to a carrier body (9), especially to a ball bladder. In order to provide a more uniform hardness to the ball across the extend of the circumference, the invention proposes that before, during or after step b) at least the edge region (10) of the panel (8) is heated and a reforming of the edge area (10) takes place, such that the side of the panel (8) which is covered by the cover layer (3) takes on a convex shape (11) in the edges area (10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a ball.

Abstract: A spheroidal ball includes a body having three grooves that define divisions on the ball. The ball includes a first color and a second color that contrasts with the first color. The second color may be applied in various regions, areas, or sections of the ball to enhance the visibility of the ball in use.

Abstract: Sporting items such as soccer balls include a casing region and a graphic region that are defined by enhanced-visibility colors (EVCs) that are substantially complementary. Such EVCs can be selected to avoid colors associated with color confusion in color deficient individuals. In addition, such colors can be selected based on total reflectances to obtain a predetermined luminance contrast. EVCs can be selected based on separations of color coordinate locations using CIE chromaticity coordinates or CIE L-a-b coordinates or otherwise selected. Color selection can include consideration of anticipated viewing backgrounds in a general setting, or colors can be customized for a particular location and particular illumination conditions.

Abstract: A sport ball may have a plurality of panels that are joined at seams to form a casing. The panels may include a thermoplastic polymer material applied to an interior side of the panels, and the thermoplastic polymer material may be heat-activated to extend across the seams. The ball may further include a bladder within the casing and an intermediate layer located between the casing and the bladder. The thermoplastic polymer material may also be heat-activated to bond with the intermediate layer or casing.