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Game ballRelated Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Projectile, Per Se; Part Thereof Or Accessory Therefor, Having Hollow Core Or Bladder Enclosed Within Cover (e.g., Basketball, Soccer-ball, Tennis Ball, Etc.)Game ball description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070049434, Game ball. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE [0001] The present disclosure relates, in various exemplary embodiments, to an improved game ball, especially a basketball. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to an inflatable sports ball or game ball, such as a basketball, which has at least two, but no more than seven panels, and non-intersecting channels or ribs. BACKGROUND [0002] Inflatable game balls can be produced by several different processes. In particular, a basketball comprises a multi-layer structure which includes a generally spherical interior air bladder which is wound with monofilament strands to create a winding layer overlying the air bladder. A carcass is then formed, or molded, over the winding layer. [0003] The carcass is of substantially uniform thickness defining a spherical outer surface with a carcass circumference. Ribs project outwardly from, and extend curvilinearly around, the carcass outer surface. Typically, each rib is raised about 0.75-1.50 mm above the surface of the carcass. [0004] The ribs define a plurality of separated surface areas or panels. Generally, the carcass is divided into eight panel surface areas. Panels may be laminated onto the outer surface of the carcass in the separated surface areas. The thickness of the panels is typically greater than the thickness of the ribs, so that the ribs, while projecting above the carcass surface, are slightly recessed below the panel exterior surface. The edge portions of the panels may be beveled or "skived" so that the panel edge will be flush with the projecting carcass rib when laminated. [0005] When finished, the laminated basketball has a spherical shape, with each carcass rib and opposing skived panel edge portions defining a channel or a seam. Typically, the channel or seam is 4.75-9.52 mm wide. The exact size or shape of this area can be varied, according to performance and aesthetic considerations. [0006] The construction of a basketball as described above generally results in a ball exhibiting substantially uniform characteristics such as grip, feel, hardness, abrasion resistance, durability, resilience, compressibility, etc. In particular, the channel on a basketball generally enhances the player's ability to grip the ball. However, where channels intersect, there is a large smooth spot which reduces the player's ability to grip the ball and also affects the rebound of the ball. Basketballs known in the art generally have three channels or ribs which intersect with each other and eight panels. [0007] A basketball generally has a circumference of 72 to 77 centimeters and a weight of 510 to 624 grams. It is inflated at pressures of 7 to 9 psi. By way of comparison, a volleyball has a circumference of 65 to 67 centimeters and a weight of 260 to 280 grams. It is inflated at pressures of 4.3 to 4.6 psi. Under NCAA specifications, a volleyball must have 12 or more panels and at least one-third of its surface must be white or light in color. A water polo ball has a circumference of 65 to 71 centimeters and a weight of 400 to 450 grams. It is inflated at pressures of 12 to 14 psi. Under NCAA specifications, a water polo ball must be yellow or gold in color. The panels on a volleyball and water polo ball are both defined by intersecting channels. A soccer ball has a circumference of 68 to 71 centimeters and a weight of 397 to 475 grams. It is inflated at pressures of 8.8 to 16.2 psi. A soccer ball typically has 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons. Separately, no hexagon or pentagon will extend between a left end and a right end of the ball. As a group, not all hexagons/pentagons will extend between a right side and a left side of the ball. [0008] A tennis ball is much smaller in size compared to a basketball. Under International Tennis Federation rules, a tennis ball has a diameter of 6.5 cm to 7.3 cm and a weight of 65.0 to 594 grams. The outer cover of a tennis ball is made of fabric and must be yellow or white. Though containing an air bladder and inflated, a tennis ball is not inflatable by the user. A baseball and softball are also smaller in size compared to a basketball. Per NCAA and MLB specifications, a baseball has a circumference of 22 to 24 centimeters and a weight of 141 to 149 grams. It is formed by winding yarn around a small core, covering with two pieces of horsehide or cowhide, and stitching 108 stitches across the seam. Per NCAA specifications, a softball has a circumference of 30 to 31 centimeters and a weight of 177 to 199 grams. It is made in generally the same way as a baseball. Baseballs and softballs are also not inflatable. [0009] There is a need for a game ball with improved grip, feel, control, and performance, such as a basketball. BRIEF DESCRIPTION [0010] Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are game balls which have at least two, but no more than seven panels. In specific embodiments, the game ball is a basketball. The basketball comprises a spherical interior air bladder. A winding layer overlies the air bladder. A carcass is then formed over the winding layer. The outer surface of the carcass has one or more non-intersecting ribs which define a plurality of panels. The carcass thickness in the rib is greater than the carcass thickness in the panels. A plurality of panels is provided and each panel is placed in a panel area. The basketball has at least one right side and at least one left side. The basketball also has one or more non-intersecting channels. The basketball has at least two, but no more than seven panels. [0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the basketball has seven panels. In specific embodiments, one panel is located wholly within a right end of the ball and one panel is located wholly within a left end of the ball. In other specific embodiments, four panels are uniformly placed around the surface of the ball. [0012] In another exemplary embodiment, the basketball has six panels. In specific embodiments, a plurality of panels extend from a right end of the ball to a left end of the ball and a plurality of panels extend from a right side of the ball to a left side of the ball. [0013] In another exemplary embodiment, the basketball has five panels. In one embodiment, four panels are uniformly placed around the surface of the ball. In another embodiment, each panel extends across the surface of the ball from a right end of the ball to a left end of the ball. [0014] In another exemplary embodiment, the basketball has four panels. In specific embodiments, one channel runs along an equator of the basketball. In other embodiments, the panels are placed uniformly around the basketball. In other embodiments, one panel is located wholly within a right end of the ball and one panel is located wholly within a left end of the ball. In other embodiments, each panel extends across the surface of the ball from a right end of the ball to a left end of the ball. [0015] In another exemplary embodiment, the basketball has three panels. In specific embodiments, two of the three panels have substantially the same shape and dimensions. Each non-intersecting channel may extend across the surface of the ball between a right side and a left side of the ball. [0016] In another exemplary embodiment, the basketball has two panels. In specific embodiments, the two panels have substantially the same shape and dimensions. [0017] In other embodiments, the panels are skived and/or follow the tapered surface of the channel, so that the skived panel edge is substantially flush with the exterior face of the rib. [0018] In still another embodiment, the panels comprise a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, rubber, and a composite material. In other embodiments, each panel has a pebbled texture which increases grip. [0019] Additional non-limiting features of the disclosure will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] The following is a brief description of the drawings, which are presented for the purposes of illustrating the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and not for the purposes of limiting the same. Continue reading about Game ball... Full patent description for Game ball Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Game ball patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Game ball or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Game ball with non-intersecting channels or ribs Next Patent Application: Robot and manipulator Industry Class: Games using tangible projectile ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Game ball patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.19373 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Medical: Surgery , Surgery(2) , Surgery(3) , Drug , Drug(2) , Prosthesis , Dentistry 174 |
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