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 sports ball includes an inflatable bladder, a ball pocket and a ball carcass. The ball pocket has an interior cavity receiving the inflatable bladder therein, wherein the ball pocket has a plurality of panel guidelines protruded from an outer surface of the ball pocket to define a predetermined number of guiding contours between at least two adjacent panel guidelines. The ball carcass includes a plurality of carcass panels, wherein each of the carcass panels has a peripheral edge and a flat bottom surface defined within the peripheral edge, wherein the bottom surface of each of the carcass panels is entirely affixed to the ball pocket at a position that the peripheral edge of each of the carcass panels is fittingly aligned with the corresponding panel guidelines so as to fittedly affix on the corresponding guiding contours to form a sportsball in a stitch-less manner.

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 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: 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 present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing balls made of a vegetable laminate by sewing, sewing/stamping or glueing/stamping for the practice of sports. For producing the ball, the lined vegetable laminate (7), together with the bi-polymer air chamber (4), is subjected to a process comprising the steps of assembling (23), sewing (24), glueing (25) or compression molding (26). The vegetable laminate (2) is obtained by formulating/dyeing (14) the polyisoprene (8), spreading (15) same on the natural substrate (16) or recycled substrate (17), and vulcanizing (18), so as to produce the lined vegetable laminate (7) with a lining (9) made of polyisoprene (8) with natural filaments (10) or recycled filaments (11), impregnating (12) and final vulcanizing (13). The chamber (4) is obtained through the formulation (19) and a first immersion (20) in a polyisoprene polymer (8), a second immersion in 2-methyl-butadiene-1,3 polymer (21), vulcanization (18), and finally the valve (22) is glued.

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: 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 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: 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, 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: 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 game ball, such as a soccer ball, having a cover comprised of one or more cover panel blanks and one or more reinforcement material blanks, is provided. The cover panel blanks and reinforcement material blanks are heat bonded together so that the free edges and interior panel boundaries of the cover panel blanks are aligned with the reinforcement material blanks.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing and a bladder. The casing may form at least a portion of an exterior surface of the ball. The bladder may be located within the casing and formed from a plurality of polymer bladder elements joined along abutting edges to form a sealed and valveless structure that encloses a pressurized gas. In some configurations, the bladder may be at least partially formed from an ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane material.

Abstract: A ball with an inflation device includes a ball body and an inflation unit disposed in the ball body. The ball body has a reinforcement cavity on an inner wall thereof to accommodate the inflation unit and communicate with the inflation unit for air inflation. The inflation unit has an inflation body coupled to the reinforcement cavity of the ball body. An air chamber is formed between the ball body and the inflation body. The inflation body has an air inlet, an inflation inlet and leakage-proof members respectively coupled to the air inlet and the inflation inlet. The inflation inlet communicates with the inside of the ball body. When in use, the user presses down the air inlet of the press portion with his/her finger, the air in the air chamber will pass the leakage-proof member into the ball body. When the user releases his/her finger, the leakage-proof member is used to stop the air in the inner space of the ball body from leakage. Outer air enters the air chamber through the air inlet.

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 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: Customizable articles and a method of customization are disclosed. The method produces customizable articles having a graphic or pigment arrangement sandwiched between a film transfer layer and an exterior surface of the customizable articles. The process involves aligning a customizable article and a graphical transfer assembly on a press assembly, heating the press assembly, and applying pressure to the customizable article using the press. After removing the customizable article from the press assembly, the process comprises removal of the carrier layer and inspection of the resulting customizable article.

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 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: 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: This document provides methods and materials for securely retaining electronic components within an inflatable object. For example, basketballs having a boot structure for securely retaining one or more electronic components (e.g., a sensor and/or a battery) within the basketball are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates on one hand to a celluloid-free table-tennis ball, preferably having a diameter of 38.5 to 48 mm, a weight between 2.0 and 4.5 grams, and a shell thickness (approximately) between 0.20 mm and 1.30 mm, where the shell is composed of plastic, whose principal component is an organic non-crosslinked polymer, which in its main chain has not only carbon atoms but also heteroatoms; and on the other hand also to a process of manufacturing a table-tennis ball of this kind, where mostly in a first step two or more shell parts are manufactured, these shell parts are joined in a subsequent step.

Abstract: Provided are: a sheet-like ball material including a fibrous base material, and an elastic polymer cover layer that is laminated on a surface of the fibrous base material, in which continuous pebbles and discontinuous valleys are formed on a surface of the cover layer, the valleys discontinuously formed are formed at average intervals of 0.5 to 3 mm, the valley has a depth of 50 to 500 ?m, a vertical projected area of each valley is 1 to 5 mm2, and a total area of the vertical projected area of each valley accounts for 3 to 30% relative to a surface area of the elastic polymer cover layer; a ball used for volleyball or beach volleyball including the sheet-like ball material, which is excellent in the controllability for all types of ball plays such as tossing and serving in the smoothness of the attenuation degree in the ball speed of the ball during flight of the ball, and in the design, e.g.

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 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: 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: 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 ball assembly and the corresponding method used to manufacture the ball assembly. The ball assembly has free-flowing material. The free-flowing material is confined by an inner shell. The inner shell is clear enough so that the free-flowing material can be viewed through the material of the inner shell. The inner shell is encapsulated in a much thicker outer shell. The outer shell is made of a high-resiliency polymer. The outer shell provides the ball assembly with the ability to bounce. Furthermore, the outer shell is preferably clear so that the free-moving material in the center of the ball assembly can be directly viewed through the structure of the ball assembly.

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: 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 sportsball includes a ball carcass having an air cavity therein, wherein the ball carcass includes two ball shells, each of the ball shells having an outer surface, a plurality of channels indented on the outer surface to form a plurality of panel contours thereon, and a contouring edge defining a starting point at one of the channels to continuously extend from the channel to another the adjacent channel until the contouring edge is extended back to the starting point, wherein the two ball shells are integrally bonded with each other to form the ball carcass that the contouring edges of the ball shells are alignedly linked to form a common edge of the ball carcass, such that the common edge of the ball carcass, which is a molding line thereof, also forms as the channels of the ball carcass to invisible the molding line thereat.

Abstract: A foam game ball is provided which is adapted to absorb water and includes holes along the length of the ball so as to allow centrifugal force to cause the water to be expelled through the holes when the ball is saturated with water and thrown or kicked. The ball further includes a core, such as a hollow bladder with a non-absorbent outer surface, with an average specific weight less than the specific weight of the foam when fully saturated with water.

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: This invention refers to the structure for a ball or ball cover that comprises a plurality of interconnected panels comprising first and second groups of panels which combined form a sphere. The first group of panels define at least two different surface areas of the ball or ball cover disposed at polar extremes on the surface of the sphere and the second group of panels define an area of the surface in the form of a ring, with at least three undulations and disposed in the equatorial zone of the surface of the ball or ball cover, creating a separation between the polar extremes defined by the first group of panels; whereby the width of the ring is modified to improve the sphericity of the ball or ball cover and obtaining a ball of a selected measurement (C).

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 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 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: 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 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: 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: Inflatable sportsballs such as volleyballs, soccer balls, basketballs, and footballs are disclosed having various volume/weight, surface area/weight, and or cover layer/carcass thickness ratios. Such sportsballs are particularly suitable for youth.

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: 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: 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: 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 having an inflatable ball shell within which is found an inflatable inner ball partially filled with an inner ball gas and partially filled with a liquid that is held in the center of the inflatable ball shell by an inflatable support when the inflatable inner ball, the inflatable ball shell and the inflatable support are inflated. The ball exhibits an eccentric and unpredictable motion unless a concomitant spin is appropriately applied to it and the motion of the ball is primarily determined by movement of the liquid within the inflatable inner ball. The inflatable support can be a donut-shaped chamber having an inner radius which is substantially the same as, and may be attached to, an outer radius of the inflatable inner ball. Alternatively, the inflatable support can be three or more elastic spherical shells attached to the inflatable inner ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas filling-type ball for sports which has excellent non-slip property and sufficient mechanical strength such as surface abrasion resistance, and which can be particularly suitably used in a field of a material for a ball such as a basketball, American football, or rugby ball. The present invention relates to a ball used for any one of basketball, handball, rugby ball, and American football, comprising a sheet having formed thereon a cover layer including substantially continuous pebbles and hemispherical valleys adjoining the pebbles formed on a surface of a base fabric, in which: a height difference between the pebbles and the valleys is 50 to 1,000 ?m, a vertical projected area of each of the adjoining valleys is 3 to 30 mm2, and an average distance between the valleys is 0.5 to 3 mm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a panel of the ball for ball game, said panel has the folding portion and the opposite folding portion on its periphery, which are opposite to each other and made of the same continuous material. The folding portion and the opposite folding portion of said leather panels have the good engaging property and difficult to separate with each other during usage because they are made of the same material. The panel has simple manufacturing process and low production cost, making the ball for ball game comprising above panels have good using properties, simple manufacturing process and low production cost.