SWERVABLE BALL

Abstract

The ball includes a plurality of polygonal panels that are attached to one another, each such panel having a marginal region and a central region, wherein the marginal region is raised or elevated relative to the central region. By virtue of its material of construction, the weight of the ball is about half that of an equivalent-sized conventional soccer ball. As a consequence of its configuration and weight, the ball can be readily kicked to follow a bending, curving, dipping, and/or swerving trajectory.

Claims

1. A ball comprising a plurality of panels, the panels defining an outer surface of the ball, each of the panels having a marginal region and a central region, wherein the marginal region is embossed relative to the central region.

2. The ball of claim 1 wherein the panels have a polygonal shape.

3. The ball of claim 1 wherein the panels comprise hexagonal-shape panels and pentagonal-shape panels.

4. The ball of claim 3 wherein the panels include twenty hexagonal-shape panels and twelve pentagonal-shape panels.

5. The ball of claim 1 wherein the panels comprise EVA foam.

6. The ball of claim 1 wherein at least some of the panels have a first shape, and for those panels having the first shape, the marginal region thereof defines a form having the first shape and the central region thereof defines a form having the first shape.

7. The ball of claim 6 wherein not all of the panels have the first shape, and at least some panels not having the first shape have a second shape, and for those panels having the second shape, the marginal region thereof defines a form having the second shape and the central region thereof defines a form having the second shape.

8. The ball of claim 1 wherein the marginal region surrounds the central region, thereby defining the perimeter of the central region.

9. The ball of claim 2 wherein each panel abuts other panels along adjacent sides thereof, and the panels are attached to one another at the adjacent sides.

10. The ball of claim 1 wherein the ball has a weight that is a range of about 45 to 55 percent of the weight of an equivalent-size conventional soccer ball.

11. The ball of claim 1 wherein the marginal region has a first shape and the central region has a second shape and the panel has a third shape, and wherein the first shape and the second shape are different than the third shape.

12. The ball of claim 1 wherein the marginal region is higher than the central region by an amount in a range of about 0.5 to about 2.5 millimeters.

13. A ball comprising: a plurality of polygonal panels defining an outer surface of the ball, each of the panels having a marginal region and a central region, wherein the marginal region is embossed relative to the central region, and wherein the polygonal panels consist of EVA foam; a bladder, wherein the bladder is disposed radially inward of the plurality of polygonal panels, wherein the bladder comprises a material that is substantially impermeable to air; and a valve, wherein the valve is in fluidic communication with an inside of the bladder and is physically adapted to enable air to be delivered to the inside of the bladder to inflate the ball.

14. The ball of claim 13, wherein the panels comprise twenty hexagonal-shape panels and twelve pentagonal-shape panels.

15. The ball of claim 14 wherein, for each hexagonal-shape panel, the marginal region defines a hexagonal shape and the central region defines a hexagonal shape.

16. The ball of claim 14 wherein, for each pentagonal-shape panel, the marginal region defines a pentagonal shape and the central region defines a pentagonal shape.

17. The ball of claim 14 wherein the ball has a weight that is a range of about 45 to 55 percent of the weight of an equivalent-size conventional soccer ball.

18. A ball comprising: a first plurality of panels having a hexagonal-shape and a second plurality of panels having a pentagonal-shape, the first and second plurality of panels defining an outer surface of the ball, each of the panels having a marginal region and a central region, wherein: (a) the marginal region is embossed relative to the central region, (b) for each panel of the first plurality, the marginal region defines a hexagonal shape and the central region defines a hexagonal shape, and (c) for each panel of the second plurality, the marginal region defines a pentagonal shape and the central region defines a pentagonal shape; a bladder having a spherical shape, wherein the bladder is disposed radially inward of the outer surface of the ball; and a valve, wherein the valve is in fluidic communication with an inside of the bladder and is physically adapted to enable gas to be delivered to the inside of the bladder to inflate the bladder and the ball.

19. The ball of claim 18, wherein the first and second plurality of panels consist essentially of EVA foam.

20. The ball of claim 18 wherein the ball has a weight that is a range of about 35 to 65 percent of the weight of an equivalent-size conventional soccer ball.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 depicts an orthogonal projection of ball 100 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2A depicts a plan view of a hexagonal-shape panel of the ball of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 2B depicts a side cross-sectional view along the line A-A of the hexagonal panel of FIG. 2A.

[0027] FIG. 3A depicts a plan view of a pentagonal-shape panel of the ball of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 3B depicts a side cross-sectional view along the line B-B of the pentagonal panel of FIG. 3A.

[0029] FIG. 4A depicts a first alternative embodiment of a hexagonal-shape panel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

[0030] FIG. 4B depicts a second alternative embodiment of a hexagonal-shape panel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

[0031] FIG. 4C depicts a third alternative embodiment of a hexagonal-shape panel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

[0032] FIG. 4D depicts a fourth alternative embodiment of a hexagonal-shape panel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

[0033] FIG. 4E depicts a non-polygonal-shape panel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The terms appearing below are defined for use in this disclosure and the appended claims: [0035] conventional soccer ball means a soccer ball, typically made of leather, and having a size in accordance with the following sizing convention: [0036] Size 3: circumference: 23-24 inches (58-61 centimeters); weight: 300-320 grams; [0037] Size 4: circumference: 25-26 inches (63.5-66 cm); weight: 350-390 grams; [0038] Size 5: circumference: 27-28 inches (68.6-71 cm); weight: 410-450 grams. [0039] embossed means a region that is raised relative to another portion of a surface; it does not reference a technique, it simply refers to a change in height, which, in the context of the present invention, means a change in radial distance from the center of the ball.
Additional definitions appear in context throughout this disclosure.

[0040] Embodiments of the invention provide a soccer-like ball. The ball is intended to be kicked while in use, but it may of course be thrown as well.

[0041] FIG. 1 depicts an orthogonal projection (pentagonal face) of ball 100 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Ball 100 has a plurality of hexagonal panels 102 and a plurality of pentagonal panels 104, collectively referenced herein as polygonal panels. In the illustrative embodiment, ball 100 takes the form of a spherical truncated icosahedron, having twenty regular hexagonal-shape panels 102 and twelve regular pentagonal-shape panels 104. The ball's shape is actually closer to that of a sphere than a truncated icosahedron, since the polygonal panels bulge due to the pressure of the gas (e.g., air, etc.) within the ball. Ball 100 is therefore described as having a substantially spherical shape, wherein, as used in this disclosure and the appended claims, this phrase refers to and acknowledges any slight deviation from spherical that results when a ball, such as ball 100 comprising planar surface panels, is inflated.

[0042] Like the illustrative embodiment, many modern conventional soccer balls include twenty regular hexagonal-shape panels and twelve regular pentagonal-shape panels. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, there are a number of other panel geometries that can be (and have been) used for soccer balls. For example, the number of panels on World Cup soccer balls has decreased over the years from 32 to 14 to 8 to 6. And, in some soccer balls, the panels are not even polygons. In various embodiments, ball 100 can be structured in any of such arrangements. See, e.g., Swart, D., Soccer Ball Symmetry, Proc. Bridges 2015: Mathematic, Music, Art, Architecture, Culture, p. 151-158. Available at http://archive.bridgesmathart.org/2015/bridges2015-151.pdf

[0043] In the illustrative embodiment, the panels are individual, discrete pieces of material that are attached to one another to form ball 100. In the illustrative embodiment, the polygonal panels are sewed to one another, by stitching 105, such as nylon thread. The panels may, however, be attached using adhesives or in other ways known in the art. In some other embodiments, one or more of the panels are formed together; that is, they are not discrete, and include, for example a fake seam so that they appear to be distinct panels. In such embodiments, these groupings of panels are attached to one another to form the ball. Such embodiments may include fake stitching.

[0044] In the illustrative embodiment, the polygonal panels comprise ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. However, the polygonal panels may be constructed of other materials commonly used in the construction of kicked balls such as, without limitation, other foams, plastic, rubber, and various types of resins. Typically, the panels are molded by any one of a number of different molding processes known in the art.

[0045] Ball 100 includes an internal, substantially gas-tight bladder (not depicted), to ensure that the ball holds gas (e.g., air, etc.) pressure. In some embodiments, the bladder comprises butyl or latex. The bladder accounts for a large portion of the weight of ball 100. In fact, depending on the material from which the panels are made, the bladder may well account for more than 50% of the weight of the ball. Ball 100 further includes an inflation valve, such as a ball valve, (not depicted), that receives an inflation needle for adding air, as required. Such bladders, valves, and needles are well known in the art.

[0046] Additionally, in some embodiments, there is a fabric lining, such as polyester, located radially inward of the panels.

[0047] In some embodiments, the panels have a flat planar profile, while in some other embodiments, the panels are formed such that they are slightly curved, wherein the curve matches the curve of the surface of the assembled ball.

[0048] Standard soccer balls come in various sizes and weights, typically targeted to different age groups. For example, size 3 (junior) is targeted to ages 8 and younger, size 4 (youth) is targeted to ages 8 to 12, and size 5 (adult) is targeted to ages 13 and older. See the definition of conventional soccer ball for additional details. (Nike brand size chart; https://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/size-fit-guide/soccer-ball-sizing-chart).

[0049] In various embodiments, ball 100 may be made in all such standard circumferences, as well as other intermediate circumferences, or circumferences larger than that of a size 5. In the illustrative embodiment, ball 100 has a size that is intermediate between size 4 and 5; that is, a size 4.5.

[0050] Although embodiments of ball 100 have the shape of a conventional soccer ball, they weigh considerably less than a comparably sized soccer ball. More particularly, in various embodiments, the weight of ball 100 will be in the range of about 35 to 65 percent of the weight of a comparably sized conventional soccer ball, and more typically in the range about 45 to 50%. For example, in the illustrative embodiment, ball 100 has a size 4.5 based on the standard scale. That is, ball 100 has a circumference that falls between that of a size 4 and a size 5 conventional soccer ball. In particular, whereas the upper limit of circumference for a size 4 ball is 26 inches (66 cm), and the lower limit of circumference for a size 5 ball is 27 inches (68.6 cm), the circumference of ball 100 at a size 4.5 is 26- 6/8 inches (67.9 cm). And while a conventional soccer ball of comparable size (circumference) would have a weight of about 400 grams, ball 100 at size 4.5 has a weight of about 193 grams. This is about 48% of that of a comparably sized conventional soccer ball. In conjunction with the surface modification to its panels, as discussed below, the reduced weight of ball 100 enables it to be more readily kicked or thrown in non-linear motion (bend, swerve, curve, dip, etc.).

[0051] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3C depict, for the illustrative embodiment of ball 100, additional detail of its polygonal panels. More particularly, FIGS. 2A and 2B depict, via respective plan and cross-sectional side views, hexagonal panel 102, and FIGS. 3A and 3B depict, via respective plan and cross-sectional side views, pentagonal panel 104.

[0052] In the illustrative embodiment, hexagonal-shape panel 102 has an overall thickness T.sub.h and includes six sides 206 of equal length, L.sub.h. Pentagonal-shape panel 104 has an overall thickness T.sub.p and includes five sides 306 of equal length, L.sub.p. The length of the sides of panels 102 and 104 will of course vary with the circumference of ball 100. For the illustrated twenty, regular hexagonal-shape panels and the twelve, regular pentagonal-shape panels, the lengths L.sub.h and L.sub.p will typically be in a range of about 30-45 mm. Of course, if the panels have a different shape, or if there are a different number of panels, then the length of the sides of the panels could differ significantly from the aforementioned range. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine the length of the sides of the panels for any specific panel geometry and layout.

[0053] Thicknesses T.sub.h and T.sub.p of respective panels 102 and 104 are equal for a given embodiment and in the range of about 4 to 8 millimeters (mm).

[0054] In the illustrative embodiment, each polygonal panel has a raised or embossed marginal region surrounding a lower central region, with the central region encompassing most of the surface area of a panel. Specifically, hexagonal-shape panel 102 includes marginal region 208 having surface 210 and central region 212 having surface 214, wherein surface 210 is elevated above surface 214 by an amount HM.sub.h, defining wall 216. Similarly, pentagonal-shape panel 104 includes marginal region 308 having surface 310 and central region 312 having surface 314, wherein surface 310 is higher than surface 314 by an amount HM.sub.p, defining wall 316. Heights HM.sub.h and HM.sub.p, which are typically but not necessarily equal for a given embodiment of ball 100, are in the range of about 0.5 to 2.5 mm.

[0055] Width, W.sub.h, of marginal region 208 of hexagonal-shape panel 102, as measured at surface 210 of the marginal region, is in the range of about 6 to 12 mm. The variation in width, as implied by the stated range, may be uncorrelated to the size or other structural attributes of the ball. However, in some embodiments, the variation in width is correlated to physical attributes of the ball, such as its circumference, the number of panels used, the shape of the panels, etc. The same range applies for width, W.sub.p, of marginal region 308 of pentagonal-shape panel 104, as measured at surface 310 of marginal region 308.

[0056] In some embodiments, walls 216 and 316 rise vertically (i.e., 0 taper). However, in some other embodiments, these walls do taper. As an example of an embodiment of such a taper, and referring to hexagonal-shape panel 102 for the purposes of illustration, the width of marginal region 208, as measured at surface 210 (i.e., the top of wall 216) may be slightly less than the width of that marginal region when measured at the base of wall 216. The taper is a maximum of about 45. The taper is typically, but not necessarily, the same for walls 216 and 316 for a given embodiment of ball 100.

[0057] Since, in the illustrative embodiment, the outermost edge of respective marginal regions 208 and 308 define or are coincident with the perimeter of respective panels 102 and 104, all adjacent panels are attached at abutting marginal regions thereof.

[0058] Furthermore, in the illustrative embodiment, the marginal region completely surrounds the central region; for example, marginal region 208 completely surrounds central region 212. In some other embodiments, such as the embodiment of hexagonal-shape panel 402A depicted in FIG. 4A, there are breaks in the marginal region, such that the marginal region is discontinuous.

[0059] In the illustrative embodiment, the outer edge of the marginal region (i.e., the edge of the marginal region at the perimeter of the panel) as well as the inner edge of the marginal region (i.e., the edge that defines the perimeter of the central region) mirrors the shape of the panel (i.e., hexagonal shape for panel 102). Thus, panels 102 and 104, respective marginal regions 208 and 308, and respective central regions 212 and 312 all define the same shape, which is hexagonal and pentagonal, respectively. In some other embodiments, such as the embodiment of hexagonal-shape panel 402B depicted in FIG. 4B, the inner edge 422B of the marginal region 408B does not mirror the shape of the panel; it's circular, not hexagonal. Of course, the inner edge can have a shape other than circular while still differing from the shape of the panel.

[0060] As previously noted, in the illustrative embodiment, the outermost edge of respective marginal regions 208 and 308 define the perimeter of respective panels 102 and 104. As such, all adjacent panels are attached at abutting marginal regions thereof. In some other embodiments, such as the embodiment of hexagonal-shape panel 402C depicted in FIG. 4C, the outermost edge 424C of marginal region 408C does not extend to perimeter 426C of panel 402C. As such, adjacent panels 402C do not attach to one another at marginal region 408C, but rather to the panel (i.e., at the level of central region 412C). Consequently, in addition to the surface modification that results from the presence of marginal region 408C, channels are now created between marginal regions of adjacent panels.

[0061] FIG. 4D depicts hexagonal-shape panel 402D, which includes the features of panel 402B: that is, inner edge 422D of marginal region 408D does not mirror the shape of the panel) and also includes the features of panel 402C: that is, outermost edge 424D of marginal region 408D does not extend to perimeter 426D of the panel.

[0062] FIG. 4E depicts non-polygonal-shape panel 402E. Like all other panels in accordance with the present teachings, panel 402 includes embossed marginal region 408E and lower central region 412E.

[0063] Those skilled in the art, in light of present disclosure, will be able to develop a wide variety of other panel configurations with others shapes, or sizes, or surface modifications, etc., that are consistent with the present teachings.

Example

[0064] An embodiment (size 4.5) of ball 100 was fabricated from the following materials and with the following dimensions: [0065] Circumference of Ball: 67.9 cm [0066] Weight of Ball: 193 gr [0067] Material of construction: EVA foam [0068] Overall panel thickness: 5 mm [0069] Number of regular hexagon panels: 20 [0070] Circum-diameter (DCC.sub.h): 82 mm [0071] Length of side (L.sub.h): 41 mm [0072] Width of marginal region (W.sub.h): 9 mm [0073] Height of marginal region (HM.sub.h): 1.5 mm [0074] Number of regular pentagons: 12 [0075] Circum-diameter (DCC.sub.p): 69.8 mm [0076] Length of side (L.sub.p): 41 mm [0077] Width of marginal region (W.sub.p): 9 mm [0078] Height of marginal region (HM.sub.p): 1.5 mm

[0079] Other than in the Example, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantity or size, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are understood to be approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties to be obtained in ways that will be understood by those skilled in the art. Generally, this means a variation of at least +/15%.

[0080] Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges encompassed therein. For example, a range of 35 to 65 is intended to include all sub-ranges between, and including, the recited minimum value of about 35 and the recited maximum value of about 65; that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than about 35 and a maximum value of equal to or less than about 65.

[0081] It is to be understood that the disclosure describes a few embodiments and that many variations of the invention can easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure and that the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the following claims.