| Game ball with non-intersecting channels or ribs -> Monitor Keywords |
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Game ball with non-intersecting channels or ribsRelated Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Projectile, Per Se; Part Thereof Or Accessory Therefor, Comprising Casing Or Cover Having Stitched Seam Or Laced Closure; Blank For Such Casing Or Cover (e.g., Casing Of Baseball, Etc.), For Distensible Bladder (e.g., Casing Of Football, Etc.)Game ball with non-intersecting channels or ribs description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070049433, Game ball with non-intersecting channels or ribs. 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 or sports ball. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to an inflatable sports ball or game ball, such as a basketball, which has 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 panel areas. 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. Basketballs known in the art generally have three channels or ribs which intersect with each other and these channels are generally smooth compared to the panel surfaces. 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. Consequently, there is a need for a ball which improves the grip, feel, control, and performance of a game ball, such as a basketball. BRIEF DESCRIPTION [0007] Disclosed herein are game balls which have non-intersecting ribs or channels. The game ball 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 panel areas. The carcass thickness in the rib is greater than the carcass thickness in the panel areas. A plurality of panels is provided and each panel is placed in a panel area. In other embodiments, the game ball has one or more non-intersecting channels. [0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the game ball comprises a plurality of channels. Each channel forms a closed loop which runs across the surface of the ball from a right side to a left side and back to the right side. The closed loop of each channel defines a panel area inside the loop. The remaining surface of the game ball outside the closed loops of the channels also defines a panel area. The channels do not intersect with each other. [0009] In another exemplary embodiment, the game ball comprises four channels. Each channel forms a closed loop which runs from a right side of the game ball to a left side of the game ball and back again and defines a panel area inside the loop. The four panel areas inside the loop have substantially the same shape and dimensions. The channels do not intersect with each other. The area outside the four channels also defines a fifth panel area. Panels are provided for each panel area. [0010] In a further exemplary embodiment, the game ball comprises two channels. Each channel forms a closed loop which extends across the surface of the ball between a right side and a left side of the game ball. The two channels define three panel areas. Panels are provided for each panel area. [0011] In an additional exemplary embodiment, the game ball has only one channel. The channel extends across the surface between a right side and a left side of the ball at least six times and defines two panel areas. In a still further embodiment, the channel extends between a right side and a left side of the ball eight times. Each panel area has substantially the same shape and the same dimensions. Two panels are provided and each panel is placed in a different panel area. [0012] 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. [0013] 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. [0014] 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 [0015] 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. [0016] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a prior art basketball. [0017] FIG. 2 is a front view of a prior art basketball. [0018] FIG. 3 is a right side view of a prior art basketball. [0019] FIG. 4 is a left side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a game ball according to the present disclosure. [0020] FIG. 5 is a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a game ball according to the present disclosure. Continue reading about Game ball with non-intersecting channels or ribs... Full patent description for Game ball with non-intersecting channels or ribs Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Game ball with non-intersecting channels or ribs 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 with non-intersecting channels or ribs or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Basketball having grippable apertures for one-handed dunking Next Patent Application: Game ball Industry Class: Games using tangible projectile ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Game ball with non-intersecting channels or ribs patent info. 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