Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
473596000 | Having handle or surface configuration for enhancing user`s handgrip thereon | 25 |
20080287230 | Game ball cover with improved stripes and/or logos - 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 grippable material. | 11-20-2008 |
20080305900 | Game Ball - 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. | 12-11-2008 |
20090325740 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES VISIBLE UPON GRASPING BY A USER - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
20090325741 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
20090325742 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
20100099521 | Football with Inflatable Bladder Having Integral Grip Areas - A football comprising an inflatable bladder integrally molded with raised areas which are intended to be exposed, and exterior panels which are adhered to the bladder to span the spaces between them. The raised areas or ridges are formed to extend outward from the exterior panels and provide a raised grip area. By bonding the exterior panels to the bladder directly, stitching and lacing are eliminated to simplify construction and manufacture. The football is provided with a plurality of raised areas to provide more grip areas than the single lace area of a traditional football. Each of the raised ridges are contoured to more closely follow the shape of a thrower's hand as it grasps the ball and thereby providing greater contact area and better control. | 04-22-2010 |
20100285910 | Inflatable play ball - A play ball comprising an outer casing having two adjacent openings, a vent and a balloon is provided. The outer casing is substantially non-porous. An uninflated balloon is inserted into the outer casing through an opening. During inflation of the balloon, air from within the outer casing is vented. A handle is attached to the outer casing through the adjacent openings in the casing. The handle is stretchable and can be in the form of an elastomeric band. | 11-11-2010 |
20100317471 | GAME BALL - 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. | 12-16-2010 |
20120264552 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES - 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. | 10-18-2012 |
20150031481 | GAME BALL - The present disclosure relates to a game ball and methods for stitching a thread with a high coefficient of friction upon a stripe member present on the game ball. At least one stitching is thus formed upon the stripe member. The stitching formed from the thread enhances the grip and/or spin characteristics of the resulting game ball, improving handling and playability. | 01-29-2015 |
20150045159 | PEBBLE COVER FOR A SPORTS BALL - A leather-based cover material for an inflatable sports ball that consists of a composite of a thin external layer, a filler, and an internal liner. The thin external layer is dimpled by using positive/negative embossing plates to create pebble projections on an exterior side and voids on the other or interior side. The interior side is coated with a filler material that fills the voids. The cover material is completed by attaching a liner layer to the cured filler material. | 02-12-2015 |
20080287230 | Game ball cover with improved stripes and/or logos - 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 grippable material. | 11-20-2008 |
20080305900 | Game Ball - 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. | 12-11-2008 |
20090325740 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES VISIBLE UPON GRASPING BY A USER - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
20090325741 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
20090325742 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
20100099521 | Football with Inflatable Bladder Having Integral Grip Areas - A football comprising an inflatable bladder integrally molded with raised areas which are intended to be exposed, and exterior panels which are adhered to the bladder to span the spaces between them. The raised areas or ridges are formed to extend outward from the exterior panels and provide a raised grip area. By bonding the exterior panels to the bladder directly, stitching and lacing are eliminated to simplify construction and manufacture. The football is provided with a plurality of raised areas to provide more grip areas than the single lace area of a traditional football. Each of the raised ridges are contoured to more closely follow the shape of a thrower's hand as it grasps the ball and thereby providing greater contact area and better control. | 04-22-2010 |
20100285910 | Inflatable play ball - A play ball comprising an outer casing having two adjacent openings, a vent and a balloon is provided. The outer casing is substantially non-porous. An uninflated balloon is inserted into the outer casing through an opening. During inflation of the balloon, air from within the outer casing is vented. A handle is attached to the outer casing through the adjacent openings in the casing. The handle is stretchable and can be in the form of an elastomeric band. | 11-11-2010 |
20100317471 | GAME BALL - 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. | 12-16-2010 |
20120264552 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES - 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. | 10-18-2012 |
20150031481 | GAME BALL - The present disclosure relates to a game ball and methods for stitching a thread with a high coefficient of friction upon a stripe member present on the game ball. At least one stitching is thus formed upon the stripe member. The stitching formed from the thread enhances the grip and/or spin characteristics of the resulting game ball, improving handling and playability. | 01-29-2015 |
20150045159 | PEBBLE COVER FOR A SPORTS BALL - A leather-based cover material for an inflatable sports ball that consists of a composite of a thin external layer, a filler, and an internal liner. The thin external layer is dimpled by using positive/negative embossing plates to create pebble projections on an exterior side and voids on the other or interior side. The interior side is coated with a filler material that fills the voids. The cover material is completed by attaching a liner layer to the cured filler material. | 02-12-2015 |
473597000 | Grip-enhancing means comprises closure or seam of casing or cover or comprises simulation of such closure or seam (e.g., lacing of football casing, etc.) | 14 |
20090325743 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES AND/OR RIDGES - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
20100062883 | FOOTBALL INCLUDING INDICIA TO IMPROVE VISIBILITY - A prolate spheriodal ball includes first and second ends and first and second mid regions between the first and second ends and the tranverse axis, respectively. The ball is colored with a first color. First and second tips at first and second ends are colored to contrast with the first color. First and second mid regions include colored regions that are colored to contrast with the first color. The peripheries of the contrasting colored regions are continuous around the ball. | 03-11-2010 |
20100261562 | Football with Aerodynamic Lace - Lace designs for footballs are provided. The laces have geometries that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the football during flight. Additionally, the placement of the laces on the football is selected to maximize aerodynamic performance of the football during flight. | 10-14-2010 |
20120071283 | Stitchingless baseball, softball or the like and manufacturing method thereof - A baseball, softball or the like includes a ball core and a plurality of carcass panels attaching on the outer surface of the ball core. Each of the carcass panels, which is cut into a predetermined shape, has a main portion and an edge portion formed along a peripheral edge of the main portion, wherein each of the carcass panels is attached on the outer surface of the ball core without stitching with other the carcass panels at a position that the carcass panels are attached in an edge-to-edge manner, such that the carcass panels form an outer shell at the ball core in a thread-less manner. | 03-22-2012 |
20120142464 | Enhanced Grip Game Ball - A game ball with a cover having an outer surface that is formed of a first material. A second material, which is easier to grip than the first material, is affixed to the cover and positioned to resemble the seam of a conventional game ball. Preferably, the cover is formed from at least two panels that are coupled together along a seam. An outer surface of each panel is formed from the first material, and the second material is affixed to each panel adjacent to the seam. The invention also includes a baseball or softball with a cover having an outer surface formed of a first material, and a second material that is affixed to the outer surface in the same location as the seam on a conventional baseball or softball. The second material enhances a player's ability to grip the ball. | 06-07-2012 |
20120149508 | GAME BALL HAVING OPTIMALLY POSITIONED GROOVES AND/OR RIDGES - A football having first and second ends and including a bladder, a cover and a lacing. The cover is disposed over the bladder and defines channels. The cover has an outer surface and includes a plurality of ridges. The height of the ridge is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm. The football includes an upper central region positioned between first and second upper end regions, and a lower central region positioned between first and second lower end regions. The lacing is coupled to the upper central region. The ridges extend over the upper central region, the first and second upper end regions, and the first and second lower end. The lower central region is formed without ridges. The lacing has a first length and the lower central region has a second length that is generally equal to the first length. | 06-14-2012 |
20120289369 | LAUNCHABLE FLYING DEVICE - A launchable or throwable flying device that comprises a tapering tube or hollow truncated cone shape with a front aperture that is larger in diameter than the rear aperture. Various aerodynamic and design features are designed to optimize the device's performance in flight, such as (but not limited to) a tail section that induces the device to tack into the wind when thrown. | 11-15-2012 |
20130059683 | BASKETBALL HAVING GROOVED SEAMS - A basketball including a carcass, cover panels, and cover strips. The carcass has an outer surface defining a first set of channels and cover panels regions between the first set of channels. The panels are respectively positioned over the panel regions and are spaced apart from each other. The strips are positioned over the channels. The strips have inner and outer surfaces extending between first and second sidewalls. The strips have a thickness that is measured radially from a centerpoint from the inner to the outer surface, and a width that is measured from the first to the second sidewall. At least one groove is formed into the outer surface. The groove has a width that extends between 20 to 70 percent of the width of the strip and has a maximum depth from the outer surface that is at least 50 percent of the maximum thickness of the strip. | 03-07-2013 |
20130095963 | Molded Game Ball and Process of Making the Same - A molded game ball and process for making the same. The game ball comprises a molded outer cover having a mold line that mimics the seam of a conventional game ball and a raised stitch pattern presented along said mold line. The game ball is made by forming an outer cover in a mold that has a pattern that is positioned to mimic the inverse of the pattern of a seam of a conventional game ball. Material is then injected into an interior volume enclosed by the outer cover to form an inner core that permanently bonds with the outer cover. The outer cover of the game ball has a stitch pattern that mimics the stitching and seam of a conventional stitched game ball. | 04-18-2013 |
20130231206 | GAME BALL COVER WITH IMPROVED STRIPES - An American football is configured for direct contact with a user's hands and includes first and second transversely extending stripes and a plurality of cover panels. The cover panels have an outer surface formed of a first material. One of the cover panels is formed of first, second and third sub-panels. One of the side edges of the first and second stripes is fixedly coupled to one of the first and second sub-panels, respectively, and the other of the side edges of the first and second stripes is fixedly coupled to one of the second and third sub-panels, respectively. The stripes having an outer surface formed of a second material. The second material has a static coefficient of friction that is greater than the static coefficient of friction of the first material when measured in accordance with the standard test method for static coefficient of friction of ASTM D1894-01. | 09-05-2013 |
20140024483 | Football With Aerodynamic Lace - Lace designs for footballs are provided. The laces have geometries that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the football during flight. Additionally, the placement of the laces on the football is selected to maximize aerodynamic performance of the football during flight. | 01-23-2014 |
20140066238 | MOLDED GAME BALL - A baseball or softball comprising a cover having an outer surface that is formed of a first material. A second material that is easier to grip than the first material is affixed to the cover in the same location as the seam on a conventional baseball or softball. The ball's outer surface is molded and stitchless, meaning that the outer covering is not made by stitching panels together. While the ball may be stitchless, it may have simulated, molded stitches. The second material, when positioned on a planar surface, comprises a continuous strip having two generally semicircular ends each integral with a pair of opposed concave sides (e.g. a FIG. | 03-06-2014 |
20150031482 | GAME BALL WITH GRIP ZONES - The present disclosure relates to a game ball having one or more grip zones that have greater frictional interaction compared to the outer surface of the game ball. The grip zones are made by stitching of a coated thread upon at least one cover panel to create the grip zone. The grip zone formed from the coated thread enhances the handling characteristics and playability of the resulting game ball. | 01-29-2015 |
20160144244 | GAME BALL WITH GRIP ZONES - The present disclosure relates to a game ball having one or more grip zones that have greater frictional interaction compared to the outer surface of the game ball. The grip zones are made by stitching of a coated thread upon at least one cover panel to create the grip zone. The grip zone formed from the coated thread enhances the handling characteristics and playability of the resulting game ball. | 05-26-2016 |