Abstract: An inflatable game ball including a carcass, a cover and at least one thin member. The cover has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the cover is coupled to the carcass. At least one recess is formed into the outer surface of the cover. At least one thin member is coupled to the cover at the at least one recess. The member substantially fills the recess. The member has inner and outer portions. The outer portion is formed of a highly gripable material.

Abstract: A basketball game ball (20) comprising an outer cover (22) having nine to twelve cover panels and preferably ten cover panels separated by a plurality of channels (26) extending between and in abutment with the panels.

Abstract: A panel that is used in forming the panel portions of recreational sport balls, and methods for the production thereof, are provided. The panels may be affixed to an inflatable bladder and include a base layer of polymeric material and a covering layer bonded thereto. The base layer may be bonded to a substrate layer of nonwoven cloth. The covering layer includes at least one conditioning agent that is either a water repellant agent to reduce water and sweat absorption, or an antistatic agent to repel dirt and dust, but may include both agents. The conditioning agent(s) may penetrate into the outer surface of the base layer to form the covering layer bonded thereto. Alternatively, the base layer may resist penetration by the conditioning agent(s) such that the covering layer is bonded to the surface of the base layer. The covering layer may further include an anti-bacterial agent.

Abstract: An intermediate construction ball pocket includes an inflatable bladder having a valve stem extended therefrom and a fabric made construction ball pocket which has a receiving cavity defined therein for receiving the inflatable bladder therein and a valve hole provided therein for the valve stem extended to an exterior of The ball pocket bladder, wherein The ball pocket bladder is arranged to retain a true roundness shape of the inflatable bladder after inflation. The ball pocket bladder is capable of disposing in a ball carcass of a stitching ball, so as to pop up and support the ball carcass after the inflatable bladder is inflated. Therefore, intermediate construction ball pocket is adapted for retaining the roundness of the stitching ball and enhancing the softness thereof.

Abstract: Chemoluminescent illuminators are used to provide night visible game equipment, notably, croquet and bocce. The balls are hollow metal spheres having plural openings and light stick receptors to retain the light stick in the ball. Light emitted from the light stick escapes from the opaque balls through the openings. The interior surface of the sphere may be treated in a variety of ways to increase light scattering within the hollow interior to define an integrating sphere. Different colored illuminators are provided to mark different balls as relating to different players. Wickets preferably comprise elongate chemoluminescent illuminators that are held in proximity to conventional wickets with torsional springs or with loops formed in the wickets. Wicket holders may also be provided to assist with directly supporting the chemoluminescent illuminators that are used as wickets.

Abstract: An improved soccer ball having a floating bladder and the method of manufacturing same. The soccer ball comprises a spherical rubber bladder and an outer cover of machine stitched multiple hexagonal and pentagonal pieces to form an outer cover for inserting the bladder therein. In between the bladder and the outer cover is a vulcanized web of thread and adhesive. This web-like material supports the outer panel coating an resists stress applied to the ball. The outer surface of the bladder is also coated with the silicon-releasing chemical before winding. The resulting ball is placed in a vulcanizing mold. A floating bladder in vulcanized web separated by silicone release material is the result.

Abstract: An enhancing inner structure of an inflating ball with an outer layer has a round inflated inner tire by inflating an inflatable inner tire which is processed in advance by a separating agent. Then the inflated inner tire is wound by fabrics to form with an enhancing layer. Then, the enhancing layer is enclosed by a plurality of piece-like structures to be as an outer layer. The fabrics are mixed with foamed soft sponge rubber. Then the outer layer is seamed. Then the whole ball structure is heated. Since the foaming material on the outer surface of the enhancing layer is non-viscous in normal temperatures, and the inner tire is processed in advance with a separating agent; thereby, when the air in the tire is released; the inner layer and the enhancing layer will separate naturally.

Abstract: An intermediate construction ball pocket includes an inflatable bladder having a valve stem extended therefrom and a fabric made construction ball pocket which has a receiving cavity defined therein for receiving the inflatable bladder therein and a valve hole provided therein for the valve stem extended to an exterior of the ball pocket bladder, wherein the ball pocket bladder is arranged to retain a true roundness shape of the inflatable bladder after inflation. The ball pocket bladder is capable of disposing in a ball carcass of a stitching ball, so as to pop up and support the ball carcass after the inflatable bladder is inflated. Therefore, intermediate construction ball pocket is adapted for retaining the roundness of the stitching ball and enhancing the softness thereof.

Abstract: Sports balls are provided having a reinforced carcass with a resilient layer. The sports balls exhibit good durability and softness.

Abstract: A game ball is formed by molding a carcass in the final shape of the ball, spraying a mold surface with cover material, inserting the carcass into the mold, and molding the cover material onto the carcass.

Abstract: The invention is a game ball comprising a plurality of panels that are connected along abutting edges. The panels include at least one bridged panel that is formed of two integrally-connected, non-equilateral hexagonal portions. In addition to the bridged panels, the game ball includes equilateral pentagonal panels and non-equilateral hexagonal panels. Each hexagonal portion and each hexagonal panel includes three long edges and three short edges. A ratio of a length of each short edge to a length of each long edge is at least 0.069.

Abstract: A basketball apparatus having a ball body with a plurality of slots extending circumferentially around the ball body and a plurality of elastic rings removably received within the plurality of slots. The plurality of elastic rings extend circumferentially around the ball body. The ball body has a first pole area and a second pole area. Each of the elastic rings has a thickness at the pole areas that is less than a thickness between the pole areas. Each of the elastic rings extends outwardly of the outer surface of the ball body. Each of the plurality of elastic rings has a textured outer surface.

Abstract: An inflatable game ball includes an inflatable bladder, a winding layer surrounding the bladder, a rubber inner carcass layer surrounding the winding layer, and a cellular outer carcass layer surrounding the inner carcass layer. During manufacture of the game ball, the bladder is first inflated. A plurality of yarns are wound around the inflated bladder to form the winding layer, on which the inner carcass layer is molded. A plurality of patches are interconnected by stitching to form a bag that has an opening. The bag is reversed, and the bladder is deflated so that an assembly of the bladder, the winding layer, and the inner carcass layer can be inserted into the reversed bag via the opening. The opening in the bag is then closed by stitching so as to form the outer carcass layer on the inner carcass layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laminated membranes formed by multi-layer processing techniques including alternating layers of thermoplastic urethane and a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol. The membranes are characterized in that hydrogen bonds are formed between the layers of thermoplastic urethane and the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol. The membranes are characterized in that hydrogen bonds are formed between the layers of thermoplastic urethane and the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A variable-weight ball that is particularly useful for the development of motor skills in children of all ages is disclosed. A first inflatable bladder filled with a first gas and a second inflatable bladder filled with a second gas are disposed within an outer casing. The relative weight of the ball can be adjusted by using gases of different densities in the first and second bladders and by adjusting the amount of gas in each bladder.

Abstract: An intermediate construction ball pocket includes an inflatable bladder having a valve stem extended therefrom and a fabric made construction ball pocket which has a receiving cavity defined therein for receiving the inflatable bladder therein and a valve hole provided therein for the valve stem extended to an exterior of The ball pocket bladder, wherein The ball pocket bladder is arranged to retain a true roundness shape of the inflatable bladder after inflation. The ball pocket bladder is capable of disposing in a ball carcass of a stitching ball, so as to pop up and support the ball carcass after the inflatable bladder is inflated. Therefore, intermediate construction ball pocket is adapted for retaining the roundness of the stitching ball and enhancing the softness thereof.

Abstract: A basketball game ball (20) comprising an outer cover (22) having nine to twelve cover panels and preferably ten cover panels separated by a plurality of channels (26) extending between and in abutment with the panels.

Abstract: An inflatable sportsball with cushion layer includes an inflatable ball carcass defining a shape of the sportsball and a ball cover for covering the ball carcass to provide uniform softness and roundness. The ball carcass is an integral hollow ball body, which includes an inner inflatable rubber bladder, a winding thread layer that surrounds the rubber bladder with a reinforcing thread, an outer rubber layer surrounding the winding thread layer in such a manner that the outer rubber layer, the winding thread layer and the rubber bladder are integrally fused into a single fusion layer, wherein the ball carcass further includes a plurality of seam channels integrally and spacedly raised from an outer surface thereof and panels of foaming layer which are positioned between the seam channels and sandwiched between the outer rubber layer and the inner rubber layer fused on top of the winding thread layer.

Abstract: A game ball is formed by molding a carcass in the final shape of the ball, spraying a mold surface with cover material, inserting the carcass into the mold, and molding the cover material onto the carcass.

Abstract: A basketball constructed to include an inflatable inner tube, a leather cover, a carcass laminated in between the inner tube and the leather cover, and a thread layer bonded between the inner tube and the carcass, the carcass having a plurality of longitudinally grooved partition ribs formed integral with the outer surface thereof, each longitudinally grooved partition rib having protruding grains disposed in flash with protruding grains of the leather cover, the leather cover being formed of multiple panels of leather cover respectively adhered to the carcass and abutted against each of the longitudinally grooved partition ribs.

Abstract: An exercise ball has a bladder, a yarn lining wound on an outer face of the bladder, an air layer formed between the outer face of the bladder and the yarn lining, a cloth lining wrapped on the yarn lining, an adhesive layer applied on an outer surface of the cloth lining, a sponge lining securely attached to the cloth lining by the adhesive layer, and an outer surface securely engaged with the sponge lining. With the provision of the air lining and the sponge lining, the exercise ball is able to maintain its softness.

Abstract: An inflatable sportsball with cushion layer includes an inflatable ball carcass defining a shape of the sportsball and a ball cover for covering the ball carcass to provide uniform softness and roundness. The ball carcass is an integral hollow ball body, which includes an inner inflatable rubber bladder, a winding thread layer that surrounds the rubber bladder with a reinforcing thread, an outer rubber layer surrounding the winding thread layer in such a manner that the outer rubber layer, the winding thread layer and the rubber bladder are integrally fused into a single fusion layer, wherein the ball carcass further includes a plurality of seam channels integrally and spacedly raised from an outer surface thereof and panels of foaming layer which are positioned between the seam channels and sandwiched between the outer rubber layer and the inner rubber layer fused on top of the winding thread layer.

Abstract: An inflatable sport ball, such as a basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a volley ball or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism for inflating or more likely adding pressure to the ball. The mechanism is a self-contained, manually operable pumping chamber which is inside of the ball and which is operable from outside of the ball to compress the chamber and. pump ambient air into the ball.

Abstract: An inflatable sportsball with cushion layer includes an inflatable ball carcass defining a shape of the sportsball and a ball cover for covering the ball carcass to provide uniform softness and roundness. The ball carcass is an integral hollow ball body, which includes an inner inflatable rubber bladder, a winding thread layer that surrounds the rubber bladder with a reinforcing thread, an outer rubber layer surrounding the winding thread layer in such a manner that the outer rubber layer, the winding thread layer and the rubber bladder are integrally fused into a single fusion layer, wherein the ball carcass further includes a plurality of seam channels integrally and spacedly raised from an outer surface thereof and panels of foaming layer which are positioned between the seam channels and sandwiched between the outer rubber layer and the inner rubber layer fused on top of the winding thread layer.

Abstract: An inflatable sportsball with cushion layer includes an inflatable ball carcass defining a shape of the sportsball and a ball cover for covering the ball carcass to provide uniform softness and roundness. The ball carcass is an integral hollow ball body, which includes an inner inflatable rubber bladder, a winding thread layer that surrounds the rubber bladder with a reinforcing thread, an outer rubber layer surrounding the winding thread layer in such a manner that the outer rubber layer, the winding thread layer and the rubber bladder are integrally fused into a single fusion layer, wherein the ball carcass further includes a plurality of seam channels integrally and spacedly raised from an outer surface thereof and panels of foaming layer which are positioned between the seam channels and sandwiched between the outer rubber layer and the inner rubber layer fused on top of the winding thread layer.

Abstract: A basketball formed with a molded cover having tactile indicia for determining the orientation and position of the molded panel areas of the basketball. The indicia associated with the panel areas include wide depressed areas formed in the cover material of the molded rubber basketball and extending longitudinally with channels formed within the basketball cover.

Abstract: A sports ball includes an inflatable bladder, a plurality of first and second lining sheets, and a cover. The first lining sheets substantially cover the bladder to form a first lining. At least a portion of one first lining sheet overlaps at least a portion of another first lining sheet to define a first overlapped region. The first lining includes at least one first overlapped region. The second lining sheets substantially surround the first lining to form a second lining. At least a portion of one second lining sheet overlaps at least a portion of another sheet lining sheet to define a second overlapped region. The second lining includes at least one second overlapped region. The second lining is shifted with respect to the first lining to minimize overlapping of the first and second overlapped regions. The cover is coupled to and substantially surrounding the second lining.

Abstract: A sportsball includes a ball cover, a bladder disposed in the ball cover, and a stress absorbing layer provided between the ball cover and the bladder. The ball cover has a valve hole provided thereon and consists of a plurality of panels each having a predetermined shape connected edge to edge to form a roundness shape. The bladder includes a rubber bladder ball, an exterior web layer integrally adhered on an outer surface of the bladder ball, and a valve stem which is mounted on the bladder ball and is outwardly extended through the valve hole of the ball cover for air inflation. The stress absorbing layer consists of a plurality of sheets each has a predetermined shape corresponding to the shape of the panel and each sheet is attached to an inner surface of the panel of the ball cover to provide a uniform thickness of the ball cover.

Abstract: A sportsball includes a ball cover, a bladder disposed in the ball cover, and a stress absorbing layer provided between the ball cover and the bladder. The ball cover has a valve hole provided thereon and consists of a plurality of panels each having a predetermined shape connected edge to edge to form a roundness shape. The bladder includes a rubber bladder ball, an exterior web layer integrally adhered on an outer surface of the bladder ball, and a valve stem which is mounted on the bladder ball and is outwardly extended through the valve hole of the ball cover for air inflation. The stress absorbing layer consists of a plurality of sheets each has a predetermined shape corresponding to the shape of the panel and each sheet is attached to an inner surface of the panel of the ball cover to provide a uniform thickness of the ball cover.

Abstract: A variable-weight ball that is particularly useful for the development of motor skills in children of all ages is disclosed. A first inflatable bladder filled with a first gas and a second inflatable bladder filled with a second gas are disposed within an outer casing. The relative weight of the ball can be adjusted by using gases of different densities in the first and second bladders and by adjusting the amount of gas in each bladder.

Abstract: A game ball includes an inflatable bladder and a floating cover which can move relative to the bladder. The bladder is surrounded by a cloth liner which serves to retain the shape of the bladder. A second bladder or layer of elastomeric material surrounds the cloth liner and is movable relative to the cloth liner. A second cloth liner surrounds the second bladder, and the cover is adhesively attached to the second cloth liner.

Abstract: A basketball formed from overlying layers includes a carcass layer with recessed curvilinearly extending seam areas. Ribs longitudinally follow the recessed seam areas and extend outwardly therefrom. Panels are mounted to the carcass between the ribs.

Abstract: A kick-strengthening practice soccer ball is given a little extra weight but preferably softened also for enhance shock absorption when kicked. The practice ball has an inflatable bladder, a carcass of tough durable material, and an intermediary sheath of substantially non-stretchable, flexible material for restraining expansion of the bladder when inflated to pressure. Thus the sheath thereby reduces the outward pressure on the carcass while also increasing the dimensional stability of the ball. A shock-absorbing weighting material interposed between either the bladder and sheath or sheath and carcass. The weighting material accounts for between about 4% and 40% of the total weight of the practice ball when inflated to pressure. If a nominal average weight for a standard matchball is taken to be between 14 to 16 ounces, the weighting material adds an additional increment from anywhere between about 1 and 10 ounces.

Abstract: An American football includes a ball cover including four elliptical cover pieces sewn edge to edge together, wherein each cover piece comprises an outer elliptical cover skins, an elliptical inner lining for supporting between the outer cover skin, and an air layer having an predetermined elliptical shape disposed between the outer cover skin and the inner lining, and an inflatable bladder disposed within said ball cover for propping up said ball cover after inflation. So, a predetermined volume of air is provided in the air layer for increasing the elasticity of the outer cover skin, so as to increase the softness of the American football with lower manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A ball for a ball game includes a bladder made of a spherical elastic air-impermeable material in a hollow spherical shape and filled with air; a spherical flexible shape-maintaining frame body containing the bladder and having openings; and skin panels in a surface skin layer and having edges contacting one another on the frame body, wherein at least the edges of the skin panels are adhered to the frame body.

Abstract: A medallion ball comprising a bladder fabricated of an air impervious elastomeric material in a spherical configuration; a carcass coupled to the exterior surface of the bladder with a recess formed in the carcass; and a medallion positionable in a central region of the recess with the medallion having an exterior surface with indicia.

Abstract: An inflatable sports ball has a body with a multiplicity of discrete panels joined together at seams along respective adjacent edges by stitching, preferably machine stitching, to define a volume, and an inflatable bladder disposed within the volume, with a valve extending through an aperture defined in the body outer surface. Each ball panel is formed of a multi-layer laminate consisting of an outer layer of synthetic polymeric material, an intermediate layer of expanded synthetic polymeric material and a woven fabric, and an inner layer of woven fabric. A method for manufacturing an inflatable sports ball using a stitching machine to join pairs of panels at a seam along respective adjacent edges is also described.

Abstract: A basketball, which is more durable and has a softer feeling to reduce the painful during ball passing and shooting, especially suitable for children, training players and amateur players, includes a spherical bladder carcass and a plurality of cover panels. The bladder carcass has a plurality of projection ribs integrally protruded and extended thereon to define eight leaf shape panel recesses surrounding by the ribs. Each of the cover panel has a shape of each of the panel recesses adapted to adhere in the eight panel recesses respectively. Each of the cover panels includes a cover layer and an additional cushion layer made of foam material having a top surface integrally adhered to the lining layer and a bottom surface for adhering a lining cloth thereto, wherein each side of the cushion layer is inwardly inclined for fitting in the respective panel recess.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inflatable sports ball uses a stitching machine to join pairs of panels at a seam along respective edges. The inflatable sports ball has a body with a multiplicity of discrete panels joined together at seams along respective adjacent edges by stitching, preferably machine stitching, to define a volume, and an inflatable bladder disposed within the volume, with a valve extending through an aperture defined in the body outer surface. Each ball panel is formed of a multi-layer laminate consisting of an outer layer of synthetic polymeric material, an intermediate layer of expanded synthetic polymeric material and a woven fabric, and an inner layer of woven fabric.

Abstract: A medallion ball comprising a bladder fabricated of an air impervious elastomeric material in a spherical configuration; a carcass coupled to the exterior surface of the bladder with a recess formed in the carcass; and a medallion positionable in a central region of the recess with the medallion having an exterior surface with indicia.

Abstract: A basketball includes an inflatable bladder and a cover that surrounds the bladder. An outer surface of the basketball is substantially smooth, devoid of any seams, lines, stitching, raised or indented surface indicia, corrugation, stippling, or other surface irregularities, besides an air intake and release valve, discernable through the feel. The size and weight of the basketball may meet the specifications of at least one of the NBA, NCAA, WNBA or Youth Basketball.

Abstract: A game ball including a carcass and a plurality of thin cover panels which have a substantially uniform thickness. The carcass is shaped so that the outer surface of the ball has a plurality of lobes even though the cover has a uniform thickness. The carcass has an outer surface which includes a plurality of generally spherical portions, channels between adjacent spherical portions, and recessed surface portions between each channel and the adjacent spherical portions.

Abstract: A ball has a wall of elastomeric material defining a cavity. The cavity contains a filling which comprises a plurality of substantially closed cells. The pressure in the cavity is substantially atmospheric pressure. The substantially closed cells fill a peripheral part of the cavity adjoining the inner side of the wall, or the cavity is substantially filled with the substantially closed cells. The substantially closed cells have elastomeric walls. At least some of the substantially closed cells are separate hollow bodies. The hollow bodies are microspheres.

Abstract: A basketball includes a ball bladder, a plurality of cloth pieces, and a plurality of rubber patches. The ball bladder has an outer surface, which is formed with a rib network that divides the outer surface of the ball bladder into a plurality of areas and that has a top surface. Each of the areas has a periphery along which an annular recess is formed. The cloth pieces are adhered to and cover entirely the areas, respectively. Each of the cloth pieces has a periphery, which extends into the recess in the corresponding area and which abuts against the rib network. The rubber patches are adhered to and cover entirely outer surfaces of the cloth pieces, respectively. Each of the rubber patches has a periphery, which abuts against the rib network and which has an outer surface that is flush with the top surface of the rib network to define a groove network in an outer surface of the basketball along the rib network.

Abstract: An inflatable sports ball has a body with a multiplicity of discrete panels joined together at seams along respective adjacent edges by stitching, preferably machine stitching, to define a volume, and an inflatable bladder disposed within the volume, with a valve extending through an aperture defined in the body outer surface. Each ball panel is formed of a multi-layer laminate consisting of an outer layer of synthetic polymeric material, an intermediate layer of expanded synthetic polymeric material and a woven fabric, and an inner layer of woven fabric. A method for manufacturing an inflatable sports ball using a stitching machine to join pairs of panels at a seam along respective adjacent edges is also described.

Abstract: A pressureless tennis ball comprises a novel core which is formed from a compound containing rubber and a plastomer defined as a copolymer of ethylene and one or more alkenes.

Abstract: A compound ball simulates the performance of a regulation size baseball, softball, and golf ball. It is formed of spherical outer and inner shells dimensioned to abut one another or to provide a spacing between them. The outer shell is formed of molded polymeric material with circular apertures spaced over its surface. The inner shell is gas filled and resiliently rebounds in response to being compressed by the outer shell upon deformation of the outer shell in response to being hit, as by a bat or club. The apertures in the outer shell permit air to pass trough the apertures when the compound ball is in flight. The inner shell provides mass and impact rebound within the outer shell for simulating the action of a regulation ball when thrown, caught, hit or impacts an object. The outer shell may also contain raised dimpling to impart greater aerodynamic drag on the compound ball, further limiting its flight and range, or altering its performance.

Abstract: A medallion ball comprising a bladder fabricated of an air impervious elastomeric material in a spherical configuration; a carcass coupled to the exterior surface of the bladder with a recess formed in the carcass; and a medallion positionable in a central region of the recess with the medallion having an exterior surface with indicia formed.

Abstract: A game ball comprises an inflatable carcass, panels of cover material secured to the carcass so that portions of the carcass are not covered with cover material, and pieces of material having good grippability which are secured to the portions of the carcass which are not covered by the cover material. The laid-in material can form channels or a logo on the ball.

Abstract: A game ball having a high end synthetic leather cover formed from a non-woven fiber mat impregnated with polyurethane. In one embodiment, the game ball is a football and the fibers in the backing of the cover material have a denier of about 0.1 or less. In another embodiment, the game ball cover has a dual layer coating to impart to the cover good pebble retention. The first layer has a Shore A hardness of at least about 65, and the second layer surrounding the first layer has a Shore A hardness lower than the hardness of the first layer. The game ball, which can be formed to meet association specifications, has properties of softness and durability comparable to those of a genuine full grain leather game ball.