Abstract: In an aspect, an apparatus is provided and includes an air-tight object having an outer layer, an inner layer, and a cover, and a light module. The opacity of the outer layer is greater than the opacity of the inner layer. The outer layer defines a first aperture and a second aperture. The inner layer and the cover define a first interior region. The inner layer defines a second interior region. The light module is encapsulated within the first interior region and is configured to send light through the inner layer, through the second interior region of the air-tight object, and through the second aperture of the outer layer, wherein the cover is disposed between the light module and the outer layer.

Abstract: In an aspect, an apparatus is provided and includes an air-tight object having an outer layer, an inner layer, and a cover, and a light module. The opacity of the outer layer is greater than the opacity of the inner layer. The outer layer defines a first aperture and a second aperture. The inner layer and the cover define a first interior region. The inner layer defines a second interior region. The light module is encapsulated within the first interior region and is configured to send light through the inner layer, through the second interior region of the air-tight object, and through the second aperture of the outer layer, wherein the cover is disposed between the light module and the outer layer.

Abstract: In an aspect, an apparatus is provided and includes an air-tight object having an outer layer, an inner layer, and a cover, and a light module. The opacity of the outer layer is greater than the opacity of the inner layer. The outer layer defines a first aperture and a second aperture. The inner layer and the cover define a first interior region. The inner layer defines a second interior region. The light module is encapsulated within the first interior region and is configured to send light through the inner layer, through the second interior region of the air-tight object, and through the second aperture of the outer layer, wherein the cover is disposed between the light module and the outer layer.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods related to recreational balls with illuminated surfaces are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an air-tight object having an outer layer and an inner layer. The opacity of the outer layer is greater than the opacity of the inner layer. The outer layer defines an aperture. Additionally, a light module is configured to send light from an interior of the air-tight object through the aperture of the outer layer.

Abstract: A pocket stabilizer for maintaining the spacing between the sidewalls of a lacrosse rim, comprising: a pair of ears each including an upper helix, a lower lobe and a medial segment disposed therebetween. The upper helix of the pair define a first dimension corresponding to a first sidewall spacing and the lower lobes of the pair define a second dimension corresponding to a second sidewall spacing. A stabilizing member is disposed between and integrates the medial segments of the pair of ears. The pocket stabilizer is placed within the pocket of the lacrosse head and slid downwardly into the throat such that the lower lobes and medial segments are wedged between the sidewalls of the lacrosse head rim to retain the shape of the rim and prevent plastic deformation thereof while the lacrosse head is not in use.

Abstract: The ball of the present invention is characterized by including at least one skin layer having water absorbability. The at least one skin layer may be formed of a water absorbent material, or may be formed so as to include a surface portion and a water absorbent outer skin adhered to at least a part of the surface portion. According to the ball of the present invention, a ball for competitions that can easily maintain water absorbency is provided while remaining durable even when used for a long time and not requiring man-hours during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A spinnagle pet toy is taught which comprises at least three equally displace appendages projecting out from a central hub. The pet toy appendages may include weighted ends to facilitate angular rotation of the pet toy. The pet toy weighted ends may include cavities, but all preferably weighted equally.

Abstract: Transformable unmanned vehicles and related methods are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a body having, a first cap, a second cap spaced from the first cap, and a plurality of segments radially spaced relative to a longitudinal axis of the body. The segments are movable relative to the first cap and the second cap. The vehicle includes a payload supported by the first cap. An actuation system moves the segments relative to the first cap and the second cap to transform the body between a first configuration and a second configuration different than the first configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cellulose acetate table tennis balls and to processes for forming the cellulose acetate table tennis balls. Cellulose acetate may be provided as a flake or powder and then may be melt extruded to a sheet or pellet. The sheet may be soaked and a plurality of coupons may then be cut from the sheet. The coupons may be melt extruded to form hemispheres and then two hemispheres may be adhered to each other to form a sphere. The pellets may be injection molded to form hemispheres and then two hemispheres may be adhered to each other to form a sphere. The cellulose acetate table tennis balls are free of celluloid but meet the International Table Tennis Federation standards for table tennis balls.

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: A light transmission system for a light emitting game ball provides light passageways extending outwardly from an elongate cavity within the game ball adapted for containing an elongate light source. The shape of each passageway at the exterior surface of the ball is substantially different from the shape of the corresponding joining aperture formed by the intersection of the passageway and the cavity.

Abstract: A transparent polyurethane ball contains polyvinylchloride decorative shapes which cling temporarily to the interior surface of the ball.

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 inner tube having paper strips, which are made of rayon fibers of natural pulp having a rayon structure and capable of being decomposed by biological agents when the ball is worn out, arranged into abutted parallel pairs and respectively bonded to the front side, back, top, bottom, left and right sides of the spherical rubber body thereof with latex adhesive evenly in multiple layers to reinforce the structural strength, assuring even distribution of wall thickness and enhancing ball durability.

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: A soft seamless acrylonitrile bladder having excellent air permeability combined with good bounce characteristics for inflatable balls obtained by latex dipping process. The said process involves dipping hot molds in a coagulant bath of calcium nitrate and water and later dipping the dried, coagulant coated formers in a compounded latex bath of carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene latex, the dip being single or multiple depending upon the desired wall thickness. The said latex dipping process allows low manufacturing cost, high productivity and low rejection rate bladders having uniform weight varying from 500 mg/inch.sup.2 to 1.5 g/inch.sup.2, modulus varying from 17 to 20 Kg/Cm.sup.2, tensile strength of 150-180 Kg/Cm2 and elongation at break 650-750%.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for recharging depleted pressurized balls that uses pressurized gas is disclosed. A pressure vessel includes a cylindrical shell with a closed end and a spaced apart and opening top connected by a wall to form a charging chamber. The vessel may be pivotally secured to a base. A port in the outer wall, closed end, or top of the vessel permits gas entry and exit for charging. The chamber is filled with an appropriate number of discharged balls and then is sealed and charged with high pressure gas having a molecular weight heavier than air. The chamber is monitored to determine when the balls have reached a desired internal pressure. Once the balls reach the desired internal pressure they are removed.

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 play ball having a high bounce capacity of at least 20 vertical feet and as much as 50 or 75 vertical feet is formed of a solid, elastomer thermoplastic polyurethane having a wall thickness of 3-5 mm, containing gas at a pressure preferably greater than 0.65 kfg/cm2.

Abstract: A soft seamless acrylonitrile bladder having excellent air permeability combined with good bounce characteristics for inflatable balls obtained by latex dipping process. The said process involves dipping hot molds in a coagulant bath of calcium nitrate and water and later dipping the dried, coagulant coated formers in a compounded latex bath of carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene latex, the dip being single or multiple depending upon the desired wall thickness. The said latex dipping process allows low manufacturing cost, high productivity and low rejection rate bladders having uniform weight varying from 500 mg/inch2 to 1.5 g/inch2, modulus varying from 17 to 20 Kg/Cm2, tensile strength of 150-180 Kg/Cm2 and elongation at break 650-750%.

Abstract: A bouncy ball includes anomalies which, when bounced upon, causes the ball to bounce irregularly. The anomaly may comprise a solid protrusion formed integrally with an outer skin of the ball or a separate plug filled into a pocket formed in the outer skin. The shape of the protrusion may be partially spherical. The solid protrusion may also include elongate grooves, flat surfaces or any other desired shape, such as a star. The bouncy ball may also include a secondary bladder with inflatable anomalies. The secondary bladder is coupled to a generally spherical inner tube which may be formed with grooves to receive the secondary bladder. Outer skins may be coupled over the secondary bladder and inner tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ball body which essentially comprises a transmitting hollow inner bladder. A recessed socket for accommodation of a vibration-powered luminous body is provided on the transmitting hollow inner bladder. A superficial layer is further wrapped on outside surface of the transmitting hollow inner bladder, which has transmitting areas provided thereon. When the ball body is played to produce vibration, the vibration-powered luminous body is lightened and light is scattered out through the transmitting hollow inner bladder and the transmitting areas on the superficial layer so as to increase more fun in playing the ball and diversified functions of toy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bladder for an inflatable ball including structure for receiving an electronic device therein. The structure facilitates at least one of cushioning, positioning, locating, and supporting the electronic device. The structure cushions reaction forces arising from a foot strike to the bladder and/or provides a restoring force to the electronic device subsequent to a foot strike to maintain the device in its predetermined position.

Abstract: A play ball having a high bounce capacity of at least 20 vertical feet and as much as 50 or 75 vertical feet is formed of a solid, elastomer thermoplastic polyurethane having a wall thickness of 3-5 mm, containing gas at a pressure preferably greater than 0.65 kfg/cm2.

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: A soft seamless acrylonitrile bladder having excellent air permeability combined with good bounce characteristics for inflatable balls obtained by latex dipping process. The said process involves dipping hot moulds in a coagulant bath of calcium nitrate and water and later dipping the dried, coagulant coated formers in a compounded latex bath of carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene latex, the dip being single or multiple depending upon the desired wall thickness. The said latex dipping process allows low manufacturing cost, high productivity and low rejection rate bladders having uniform weight varying from 500 mg/inch2 to 1.5 g/inch2, modulus varying from 17 to 20 Kg/Cm2, tensile strength of 150-180 Kg/Cm2 and elongation at break 650-750%.

Abstract: A ball suitable for water games includes a gel section only comprising a gel, an outer elastic shell section provided above an exterior surface of the gel section, and a floating enhancement section in the interior of the ball adjacent the gel section and including a plastic material and a gas. The ball may have both bouncing and floating properties.

Abstract: A game ball includes two molded semi-spherical members each having an outer peripheral portions, and the peripheral portions of the molded semi-spherical members may be engaged with each other and welded or secured together to form the game ball. One of the molded semi-spherical members may include a valve for selectively inflating the game ball. Either of the molded semi-spherical members includes a pattern formed on the outer peripheral portion. The peripheral portions of the molded semi-spherical members may be welded together with such as ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A lacrosse ball that meets generally accepted rules on the construction of lacrosse balls (e.g., size, weight, and bounce height), but provides a more impact-absorbing surface than conventional lacrosse balls. One embodiment provides a lacrosse ball including a shell made of a first material and a layer of second material disposed on the shell, wherein the second material has a specific gravity lower than that of the first material. Another embodiment provides a lacrosse ball including a core made of a first material and a layer of second material disposed on the core, wherein the second material has a specific gravity lower than that of the first material. Another embodiment provides a lacrosse ball including a core made of a first material and a layer of second material disposed on the core, wherein the second material has a specific gravity higher than that of the first material.

Abstract: A bladder shell for inflatable balls having a layer of blended synthetic latex and natural rubber latex compounded with an anti-oxidant, an activator, an accelerator, a thickening agent, a wetting agent, and a stabilizer etc. to form a low air permeability and high bounce bladder shell having thickness of between 0.25 mm to 3.0 mm. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of the bladder shell that includes dipping former in a bath of blended natural rubber latex and synthetic latex.

Abstract: An inflatable resilient ball for use in a sport in which a vehicle impacts the ball to cause movement of the ball. The ball includes an inner inflatable bladder and an outer layer substantially encasing the inner inflatable bladder. The inner inflatable bladder is formed of a material layer substantially impermeable to gas and liquid. The outer layer is formed of a durable fabric material resilient to high impact. The inflatable resilient ball has a diameter of at least approximately three feet.

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 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 bladder shell for inflatable balls having at least a pair of layers of compounded synthetic latex and compounded natural rubber latex or at least a layer of blended synthetic latex and natural rubber latex compounded with anti-oxidant, activators, accelerators, thickening and wetting agents, stabilizers etc. to form a low air permeability and high bounce bladder shell having thickness of between 0.25 mm to 3.0 mm. The present invention also defines a process for the preparation of the bladder shell comprising formation of at least a layer of natural rubber latex and a synthetic latex each. The process of the present invention comprises dipping the former in not only a natural rubber latex bath but also in the synthetic latex bath. In an another embodiment, the process comprises dipping the former in the bath comprising blended natural rubber latex and synthetic latex.

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: The present invention is a street hockey ball for use in games on hard surfaces. The ball has a core of a low rebound material, and a hard, tough covering material. This invention provides for the height of contact between the ball and the stick to approximate the height of contact between the hockey puck and the stick, and the weight of the ball is likewise designed to approximate a puck. In this way the ball of the present invention simulates the feel and action of a hockey puck, for example providing ice hockey players with a viable training device off the ice.

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 squeezable plaything which resembles an animal-like or humanoid figure having appendages projecting therefrom. The plaything includes a hollow core molded of resilient plastic material shaped to resemble the figure and provided with an orifice which renders the core collapsible. Enveloping the core and generally conforming to the figure and its appendages is an outer shell formed of flexible transparent plastic film material. Injected into the core through the orifice is a charge of oil which when the plaything is squeezed and deformed, oil and air are then discharged through the orifice into confined spaces between the shell and the core. And when the plaything is released to recover its shape, the oil and air are then sucked back through the orifice into the core. These actions generate squishing sounds, as if the figure were walking on soft mud.

Abstract: An improved, precision shooting, safety oriented, high speed projectile (10) comprising a non-toxic, soft, hollow, capsule (12) formed of a plurality of portions joined together at at least one seam line (14), said seam line (14) being the weakest point of the capsule (12), with the greatest length of the capsule (12) alignable along the length of a gun barrel, whereby said capsule (12) will generally consistently impact on an essentially predetermined portion of the capsule (12) relative to the centerline of the initial direction of flight of the capsule and a colored, non-toxic, fill material disposed in said capsule (12) for ejection therefrom, the angle of at least one seam line (14) being generally consistent relative to the centerline of the initial direction of flight, upon rupture of said capsule (12) at at least one seam line (14) upon impact of said projectile (10) on a soft solid target. The capsule (12) is preferably elastic gelatin.

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

Abstract: An inflatable ball for ball games comprises an outer ball having interconnected parts consisting of twelve equilateral pentagons (1) and twenty equiangular hexagons (2). Each pentagon (1) is enclosed by five hexagons (2) and at the location of the connection between a pentagon (1) and a hexagon (2) the sides connected to one another are of equal length. In order to minimize, and preferably reduce to zero, the difference in stress in the material of the hexagons (2) and pentagons (1) when the ball is in the inflated state, each of the hexagons (2) has three sides (a) of relatively great length connected to a pentagon (1), and three sides (b) of relatively small length connected to a hexagon (2), the length of the short sides (b) being at least 0.69 times the length of the long sides (a). Preferably, b=0.839 a.

Abstract: A ball comprising a hollow sphere which has an inner diameter of about 1.23 inches and an outer diameter of about 1.88 inches and a thickness of about 0.325 inches. The sphere is fabricated of an elastomeric material weighing between about 50 and 60 grams, and a compression between about 0.170 and 0.220 and a drop rebound of about 50-53 inches.

Abstract: A paint ball including a paint ball shell and an axis extending through the shell to define first and second poles. The paint ball shell fractures in a predetermined pattern upon the receipt of a fracturing force to form fracture lines from the point of impact circumferentially toward the first pole and from the point of impact circumferentially toward the second pole.

Abstract: A ball structure (1) is disclosed which comprises three panels (2, 3, 4) of identical shape which can be joined to form a spherical ball. The panels (2, 3, 4) can be cut from a template and their shape is adapted to minimize wastage of a substrate material cut according to a pattern provided by the template.