Ball for a ball sport

Abstract

Described are balls for a ball sport, wherein the ball includes at least one heating element.

Claims

1. A ball for a ball sport comprising: at least one heating element arranged inside the ball and substantially at a geometric center of the ball; and a regulator arranged inside the ball suitable for regulating a current for heating the at least one heating element in such a manner that a temperature of the ball substantially reaches a predetermined value, wherein the regulator constantly regulates the current provided to the at least one heating element when the ball is used from zero to a maximum available current.

2. The ball according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heating element is an electrically conductive fabric.

3. The ball according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heating element is a radiant heater.

4. The ball according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heating element is a conductive polymer.

5. The ball according to claim 1, wherein the ball is inflatable.

6. The ball according to claim 1, wherein the ball comprises a bladder in its interior and the at least one heating element is arranged on the bladder.

7. The ball according to claim 6, wherein the at least one heating element is a heating wire that is vapor-deposited or imprinted on the bladder or a wire mesh that is vapor-deposited or imprinted on the bladder.

8. The ball according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heating element is arranged within an outer casing of the ball.

9. The ball according to claim 1, wherein the ball comprises a valve that comprises a first end, which is arranged outside the outer casing of the ball and a second end, which is arranged within the outer casing of the ball, whereby the at least one heating element is arranged at the second end of the valve.

10. A ball for a ball sport comprising: at least one heating element arranged inside the ball and substantially at a geometric center of the ball; at least one electrical power source; and a regulator arranged inside the ball suitable for regulating a current for heating the at least one heating element in such a manner that a temperature of the ball substantially reaches a predetermined value, wherein: the at least one electrical power source provides an electrical current for heating the at least one heating element and with which it is electrically connected; and the temperature of the ball is a temperature of a filler gas of the ball or a temperature of the outer casing of the ball.

11. The ball according to claim 10, wherein the at least one electrical power source is arranged substantially opposite a valve of the ball.

12. The ball according to claim 10, wherein the at least one electrical power source is a battery or an accumulator battery.

13. The ball according to claim 10, wherein the at least one electrical power source can be charged by means of electromagnetic induction.

14. The ball according to claim 10, further comprising at least one electric generator that is configured to convert rotational energy and/or kinetic energy of the ball into current, which can be fed to the at least one heating element or the at least one electrical power source.

15. The ball according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined value ranges between 5 C. and 15 C.

16. The ball according to claim 10, wherein the regulator is a switch that is configured to automatically switch on the current for heating the at least one heating element when the temperature of the ball drops below a first predefined threshold value, and to automatically switch the current off when the temperature of the ball rises above a second predetermined threshold value.

17. The ball according to claim 10, wherein the at least one heating element, the at least one electrical power source, and the regulator are arranged in such a manner that a center of mass of the ball substantially coincides with the geometric center of the ball.

18. The ball according to claim 10, wherein the at least one heating element and/or the at least one electrical power source and/or the regulator are arranged in such a manner that a distribution of mass of the ball is substantially spherically symmetric.

19. The ball according to claim 1, wherein the regulator functions during usage of the ball regardless of an orientation or motion of the ball.

20. The ball according to claim 10, wherein, when the ball is used, the regulator constantly regulates the current provided to the at least one heating element from zero to a maximum available current.

21. A ball for a ball sport comprising: at least one heating element arranged inside the ball and substantially at a geometric center of the ball; at least one electrical power source; and a regulator arranged inside the ball suitable for regulating a current for heating the at least one heating element in such a manner that a temperature of the ball substantially reaches a predetermined value, wherein: the at least one electrical power source provides an electrical current for heating the at least one heating element and with which it is electrically connected; and the at least one electrical power source is arranged substantially opposite a valve of the ball.

22. A ball for a ball sport comprising: at least one heating element arranged inside the ball and substantially at a geometric center of the ball; at least one electrical power source; a regulator arranged inside the ball suitable for regulating a current for heating the at least one heating element in such a manner that a temperature of the ball substantially reaches a predetermined value; and at least one electric generator that is configured to convert rotational energy and/or kinetic energy of the ball into current, which can be fed to the at least one heating element or the at least one electrical power source, wherein: the at least one electrical power source provides an electrical current for heating the at least one heating element and with which it is electrically connected.

23. A ball for a ball sport comprising: at least one heating element arranged inside the ball and substantially at a geometric center of the ball; at least one electrical power source; and a regulator arranged inside the ball suitable for regulating a current for heating the at least one heating element in such a manner that a temperature of the ball substantially reaches a predetermined value, wherein: the at least one electrical power source provides an electrical current for heating the at least one heating element and with which it is electrically connected; and the predetermined value ranges between 5 C. and 15 C.

24. A ball for a ball sport comprising: at least one heating element arranged inside the ball and substantially at a geometric center of the ball; at least one electrical power source; and a regulator arranged inside the ball suitable for regulating a current for heating the at least one heating element in such a manner that a temperature of the ball substantially reaches a predetermined value, wherein: the at least one electrical power source provides an electrical current for heating the at least one heating element and with which it is electrically connected; and the regulator is a switch that is configured to automatically switch on the current for heating the at least one heating element when the temperature of the ball drops below a first predefined threshold value, and to automatically switch the current off when the temperature of the ball rises above a second predetermined threshold value.

25. A ball for a ball sport comprising: at least one heating element arranged inside the ball and substantially at a geometric center of the ball; at least one electrical power source; and a regulator arranged inside the ball suitable for regulating a current for heating the at least one heating element in such a manner that a temperature of the ball substantially reaches a predetermined value, wherein: the at least one electrical power source provides an electrical current for heating the at least one heating element and with which it is electrically connected; and when the ball is used, the regulator constantly regulates the current provided to the at least one heating element from zero to a maximum available current.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the following detailed description, embodiments of the invention are described referring to the following figures:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic overall representation of a heating element arranged in an interior of a ball, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic overall representation of a heating element arranged at the bladder of an inflatable ball, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3a is a top view of the bladder arranged in the inflatable ball of FIG. 2.

(5) FIG. 3b is a side view of the bladder arranged in the inflatable ball of FIG. 2.

(6) FIG. 4 is a schematic overall representation of a heating element hung on connecting elements on an inside of a ball, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 5 is a schematic overall representation of a heating element arranged in an inside of a bladder of a ball, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 6 is a schematic overall representation of a heating element, a power supply, and a switch arranged in an inside of a bladder of a ball, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

(10) In the following detailed description, certain embodiments of the invention are described with reference to a ball for a ball sport. The ball sport can be football (soccer), (beach) volleyball, basketball, tennis, golf, rugby or American football. However, the invention is not limited to these ball sports and can find application for balls of other ball sports.

(11) FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic overall representation of a ball 1 according to certain embodiments of the present invention. A heating element 2 is arranged in an interior region 2A of the ball 1. The heating element 2 is suitable to generate heat and to give off this heat to the ball 1, so that the temperature of the ball 1 increases. In some embodiments, the temperature of the ball 1 rises above the ambient temperature. The heating element 2 can, for instance, be operated electrically and be able to convert electrical current into heat. For example, the heating element 2 can be, but is not limited to, one or more heating wires or a wire mesh.

(12) In certain embodiments, the heating element 2 is a latent heat storage system. This comprises a phase change material (PCM) which delivers thermal energy upon a phase transition. The phase transmission solid-liquid is used most commonly here. Upon heating, the phase change material absorbs thermal energy via its melting point in the form of melting heat. Since the phase transition is reversible, the phase change material releases precisely the melting heat upon solidification. This heat can be used in order to supply the ball 1 with heat energy over a longer period of time.

(13) In additional embodiments, the heating element 2 may also be a conductive polymer. Conductive polymers are synthetics with electrical conductivity and heat up upon current flow. Examples of conductive polymers are polyacetylene, polyaniline and polyparaphenylene. Conductive polymers can easily be brought into the desired shape and, for example, applied as a film. For example, an electrically conductive polymer may be applied to a bladder 4 of the ball 1 as a film. A conductive polymer may also be an integral part, e.g. of an outer casing 5 of the ball 1.

(14) As shown in FIG. 1, the ball 1 may be filled with a material suitable as a filler 3, in order to hold the heating element 2 in its position. For example, the ball 1 may be filled with foam, a similar filler, or other cushioning material as a filler 3. In other embodiments, the ball 1 may be configured so that it is not fillable, such as where the ball 1 is made of solid material, such as a golf ball. In this case, a recess is provided in the interior region 2A of the ball 1, which receives the heating element 2.

(15) The filler 3 or the solid material simultaneously serves as a heat conductor to conduct the heat generated by the heating element 2 from the interior region 2A of the ball 1 to its surface 3A and makes sure that the ball 1 is heated evenly at the surface 3A, as well as the underlying layers where applicable. As a result, the heat conduction provided by the filler 3 or the solid material ensures that, at low ambient temperatures, the temperature of the ball 1 is prevented from falling so low that the characteristics of the ball 1 are influenced negatively and in an unpredictable manner.

(16) The filler 3 or the solid material may also provide cushioning to the ball 1. When practicing ball sports, balls are generally exposed to great acceleration forces. For example, a golf ball can reach relatively high speeds within a fraction of a second after teeing off. A football can also reach speeds of well over 100 km/h within a short period of time when kicked. The heating element 2 can be protected from these high accelerations by the surrounding filler 3 or the surrounding solid material. The filler 3 or the solid material may therefore be formed of materials having elastic and/or cushioning properties and/or having other properties that absorb the external forces.

(17) FIG. 2 shows a schematic overall representation of additional embodiments of the present invention, in which the heating element 2 is arranged at a bladder 4 of an inflatable ball 1. Inflatable balls normally comprise a bladder 4 that is located in their interior, which is airtight or gastight and can be charged with over pressure via a valve 8 (not shown in FIG. 2). The bladder 4 is normally arranged within an outer casing 5, which confers the necessary stability to the ball 1 and protects the substantially fragile bladder 4 from damage that may otherwise result from external forces that are applied to the ball 1.

(18) In these embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the heating element 2 is arranged on the outside (i.e. the side facing away from the geometric center of the ball 1) of the bladder 4. The heating element 2 is therefore located between the outer casing 5 and the bladder 4. Through this arrangement, the heating element 2 can give off heat both to the bladder 4 as well as directly to the outer casing 5, which allows the heating element 2 to quickly and efficiently heat the components of the ball 1 that are of importance for the characteristics of the ball 1.

(19) In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2, the heating element 2 may be, but is not limited to, an electrically conductive fabric, a heating foil, a conductive polymer, or a wire mesh. The heating element 2 may be connected to the bladder 4, for example by being stuck, sewn, or welded on. In some embodiments, the heating element 2 may be vapor-deposited or imprinted onto the bladder 4 as a heating wire or wire mesh.

(20) In some embodiments, the heating element 2 may also be arranged on the inside (i.e. the side facing the geometrical center of the ball 1) of the bladder 4. In these embodiments, the heating element 2 may be, but is not limited to, an electrically conductive fabric, a heating foil, or a wire mesh. The heating element 2 may be connected to the bladder 4, for example by being stuck, sewn, or welded on. In some embodiments, the heating element 2 may be vapor-deposited or imprinted on the inside of the bladder 4 as a heating wire or wire mesh.

(21) In other embodiments, the heating element 2 may also be connected with the outer casing 5 of the ball 1. In other words, the outer casing 5 of the ball 1 comprises the heating element 2. In such cases, the ball 1 may also be a bladderless ball, the outer casing 5 of which is airtight or gastight. The heating element 2 may be connected with the outer casing 5 (inside or outside) in the same manner as described above in relation to the bladder 4.

(22) The heating element 2 may also be integrated directly into the outer casing 5. For example, the outer casing 5 of the ball 1 may be made of panels (not shown in the figures), such as a football (i.e., soccer ball) for example, the outer casing 5 of may be made of pentagonal and hexagonal panels. The heating element 2 may then be integrated into at least one panel, for example as a heating wire, wire mesh, or electrically conductive fiber. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the heating element 2 may be integrated into a plurality of panels, wherein the panels are connected to form an electrical connection 11 (not shown in FIG. 2) between the heating elements 2 of adjacent panels.

(23) To form the electrical connections between the heating elements 2 adjacent panels, the panels may comprise electrically conductive contact surfaces, which establish the electrical connection 11 between the panels upon contact. The electrically conductive contact surfaces may be designed so that they e.g. interlock with one another, in order to guarantee a secure electrical contact. Alternatively, the panels can be connected by means of a wire.

(24) FIG. 3a shows a top view of a bladder 4 arranged within the ball 1, according to certain embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In these embodiments, the bladder 4 comprises six individual segments 6, which may be welded airtight or gastight. The bladder 4 may also be designed as a single piece. In these embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3a, heating wires 2 may be positioned on the surfaces of and/or within two of the segments 6. These heating wires 2 comprise the heating element 2. The heating wires 2 are configured with a substantially zigzag pattern. With such a pattern, excessive tensile strain on the heating wires 2 is therefore avoided, even with severe deformation of the ball 1 or insufficient air pressure of the bladder 4. The heating wires 2 may run along the outside or the inside of the bladder 4 and may be vapor-deposited or imprinted on the bladder 4. Instead of being positioned on the surfaces of and/or within two segments 6, the heating wires 2 may be positioned on the surfaces of and/or within several segments 6, for example along all segments 6, to provide uniform heat dissipation across the surface 3A of the bladder 4. In other embodiments, the heating wires 2 may be positioned on the surfaces of and/or within any suitable number of segments 6, including but not limited to any even or odd combination of segments 6, such as 1, 3, 4, or 5 segments 6.

(25) FIG. 3b shows a side view of a bladder 4, which is arranged within a ball 1, according to certain embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Here, the zigzag pattern of the heating wires 2 is particularly visible. Furthermore, a power source 7 is shown in FIG. 3, which is arranged within the bladder 4. The power source 7 is electrically connected to the heating wires 2 and provides the heating wires 2 with electrical current. The power source 7 is arranged opposite a valve 8 arranged on the bladder 4. The bladder 4 can be charged with over pressure via the valve 8. The opposing arrangement of power source 7 and valve 8 is used to counterbalance the respective weights so that the center of mass of the ball 1 substantially coincides with the geometric center of the ball 1, so that the ball 1 does not exhibit any or only a slight imbalance. The arrangement of the heating wires 2 on the opposing segments 6 of the bladder 4 also contributes to the relative alignment of the center of mass of the ball 1 and the geometric center of the ball 1.

(26) A charge level indicator may also be arranged at the valve 8, which indicates the charge level, i.e. the remaining electrical energy, of the power source 7. The charge level indicator may be an optical indicator, which comprises light emitting diodes (LEDs), for example. It may also be an acoustic charge level indicator, for instance a loud speaker or buzzer, which emits an acoustic signal when the charge level drops below a predetermined threshold charge level.

(27) In addition, the ball 1 shown in FIG. 3b may also comprise a regulator 10 (or a control unit), as illustrated in FIG. 6. The regulator 10 may be arranged at the valve 8 or the power source 7 for instance, depending on what is more favorable for a balanced distribution of mass of the ball.

(28) FIG. 4 shows a schematic overall representation of other embodiments of the present invention in which the heating element 2 is coupled to connecting elements 9 in the interior of the ball 1, according to certain embodiments of the invention. The connecting elements 9 hold the heating element 2 in position proximate the geometrical center of the ball 1. The suspension of the heating element 2 ensures that no shearing stress acts upon the heating element 2. Fewer or greater numbers of connecting elements 9 may be used instead of the three connecting elements 9 shown in FIG. 4. In these embodiments, the connecting elements 9 are directly connected with the outer casing 5, and the ball 1 does not comprise a bladder 4.

(29) The connecting elements 9 themselves, illustrated in FIG. 4, may also serve as heating wires 2 that heat the ball 1 when current is flowing therethrough. Alternatively, heating wires 2 may also be positioned along the connecting elements 9. In other embodiments, the connecting elements 9 are electrically conductive and provide the power supply 7 for the heating element 2, or the electric conductors that supply the heating element 2 with power from the power source 7 are positioned along the connecting elements 9.

(30) A regulator 10, which e.g. regulates the power supply 7 for the heating element 2, may principally be arranged at the heating element 2 in the various embodiments. In certain embodiments, a control unit may be used instead of a regulator 10. The regulator 10 or the control unit may comprise a CPU and a memory, so that a regulation or control algorithm can be executed. This can be a micro controller, on which the CPU and memory are integrated.

(31) A receiver, such as a radio module via which control commands for regulation and/or control of the heating elements 2 may be received, can principally be arranged at the heating element 2 in the various embodiments.

(32) Furthermore, a power source 7 that provides the heating element 2 with electrical current can principally be arranged at the heating element 2 in the various embodiments.

(33) FIG. 5 shows a schematic overall representation of other embodiments of the present invention in which the heating element 2 is located in the interior of the bladder 4 of a ball 1, according to certain embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the ball 1 comprises the bladder 4, which is arranged within the outer casing 5. The heating element 2 is held in position by means of four connecting four connecting elements 9 shown in FIG. 5.

(34) The connecting elements 9 themselves, illustrated in FIG. 5, may also serve as heating wires 2 that heat the ball 1 when current is flowing therethrough. Alternatively, heating wires 2 may also be positioned along the connecting elements 9. In other embodiments, the connecting elements 9 are electrically conductive and provide the power supply 7 for the heating element 2, or that electric conductors that supply the heating element 2 with power from the power source 7 are positioned along the connecting elements 9.

(35) FIG. 6 shows a schematic overall representation of additional embodiments of the present invention, in which the power supply 7 and the regulator 10 are shown in addition to the heating element 2.

(36) The regulator 10 regulates the power supply 7 of the heating element 2 between 0 ampere and 1 ampere, for example. The regulator 10 may be a continuous regulator 10, which regulates the current in a steplessly variable, or almost steplessly variable manner. The regulator 10 processes a measured temperature of the ball 1 as an input variable (also known as a control variable) and regulates the amperage of the current provided to the heating elements 2 as an output variable (also known as actuating variable). The regulator 10 constantly strives to set the amperage such that the measured temperature substantially evens out at a specific, predetermined value (also known as set point). The regulator 10 detects deviations from the predetermined value and counterbalances it.

(37) The preset value of the temperature, i.e. the target temperature, to which the regulator 10 is configured to adjust the temperature of the ball to match, may be set ex works. Alternatively, the user may set this value, for example via a switch 10 on the ball, e.g. at the valve 8. The user may set the value before, during, or after the use of the ball. In certain embodiments, the user may connect a cable, e.g. a USB cable, to the ball and then connect the ball with a computer, a smartphone, or a tablet computer, wherein the target temperature may be set by means of suitable software. In other embodiments, the ball may equipped with a radio module, for example a Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth LE), wireless local area network (WLAN), radio-frequency identification (RFID) or near field communication (NFC) module, so that the ball can communicate with an external device, such as a computer, a smartphone or a tablet computer. For instance, the ball could communicate a temperature, a pressure, or a charge level in this manner.

(38) If the measured temperature is, for example, smaller than the preset value, then the regulator 10 increases the amperage provided to the heating element 2. Correspondingly, the heating element 2 gives off a greater heat quantity. The temperature of the ball 1 increases and with it rises the measured temperature, which is processed by the regulator 10.

(39) If the measured temperature is above the preset value, then the regulator 10 reduces the amperage provided to the heating element 2. The heating element 2 gives off a lower heat quantity and the temperature of the ball 1 is lowered.

(40) Since the measured temperature follows the changes of the amperage slowly, the regulator 10 must react to the deviations in such a manner that the preset value is substantially reached as fast as possible, while also avoiding an overshot and thus an excessive oscillation around the set point.

(41) This goal is met, for example, by a so-called PID controller. The PID controller comprises three regulating parts, which respectively react differently to deviations. The P part (proportional controller) regulates the actuating variable proportionally to the deviation of the control variable from the set point. The I part (integral controller) integrates the deviation of the control variable over time and adjusts the actuating variable according to this integral. The D part (differential controller) sets the actuating variable corresponding to the slew rate of the deviation of the control variable. The three parts can be combined in parallel or series connection and thus result in a very adaptable regulator 10.

(42) A discontinuous regulator 10, such as a switch 10, can be used instead of a constant regulator 10. A switch 10 switches the power supply 7 for the heating element 2 on with the maximum current provided by the power source 7 when the measured temperature drops below the preset value. Correspondingly, a switch 10 switches the power supply 7 off when the measured temperature rises above the preset value. The switch 10 thus activates the heating element 2 and could also be described as an activator.

(43) In certain embodiments, the ball 1 (as shown in FIG. 6) comprises an outer casing 5 and a bladder 4 arranged therein. A heating element 2 is arranged between the bladder 4 and the outer casing 5. Alternatively, as set out above, the heating element 2 may also be arranged on the bladder 4 or on the outer casing 5 or integrated, vapor-deposited, or imprinted therein and/or thereon. The heating element 2 may, as set out above, be a heating wire, a wire mesh, a conductive polymer, or a heating foil. A power supply 7 is arranged on the inside of the bladder 4, which supplies the heating element 2 with power. The connection between the power supply 7 and the heating element 2 can, for example, occur along a valve 8 (not shown in FIG. 6) in the shape of wires or cables (not shown in FIG. 6).

(44) A regulator 10 is arranged opposite the power source 7. The regulator 10 is connected to the power source 7 via an electrical connection 11. This connection may, for example, be one or more wires or cables. The regulator 10 regulates the current entering the heating element 2 via the electrical connection 11.

(45) In other embodiments, the regulator 10 and the power source 7 are arranged on the same side of the ball 1 and a counterweight is arranged on the opposing side in order to avoid an imbalance of the ball 1. Principally, a counterweight may be used in any of the embodiments of the invention shown herein, in order to avoid an imbalance of the ball 1.

(46) In some embodiments, the electrical connection 11 is a wire, wherein the regulator 10 is electrically connected to the heating element 2 and thus regulates an electrical circuit that runs through the heating element 2. The closed electrical circuit runs from one pole (e.g. +) of the power source 7 via the heating element 2 to the regulator 10 and from it to a different pole (e.g. ) of the power source 7 via the electrical connection 11. When the regulator 10 regulates the current entry to zero, the electrical circuit is interrupted and current no longer flows, so that the heating element 2 is no longer provided with power. In the embodiments wherein the regular 10 is the switch 10 (i.e., a discontinuous regulator 10), the connection between the switch 10 and the heating element 2 may, for example, occur along a valve 8 (not shown in FIG. 6) in the shape of wires or cables (not shown in FIG. 6).

(47) The regulator 10 may be connected with a temperature sensor 12 via an electrical connection 13. The temperature sensor 12 may, as shown in FIG. 6, be arranged at the bladder 4 and measure the temperature of the bladder 4 or the temperature of the filler gas. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 12 may be directly integrated in the regulator 10 and not formed as a separate component part.

(48) Alternatively, instead of a temperature sensor 12, it can also be a pressure sensor, which measures the internal pressure of the ball. For example, if the internal pressure falls below a certain threshold value, then regulator 10 may cause the heating element 2 to heat up the air or the filler gas in the interior of the ball, in order to increase the internal pressure of the ball.

(49) In certain embodiments, the temperature sensor 12 may, for example, be a thermistor. This is a resistor, whose resistance has a negative temperature coefficient, i.e. that it conducts electrical current better at higher temperatures than at low temperatures. Such behavior is demonstrated by semiconductors, compound semiconductors, and certain alloys.

(50) In some embodiments, temperature sensor 12 may be a pyrometer, which is also described as being a radiation thermometer. It enables a non-contact determination of the temperature of an object by means of measuring the intensity and position of the emission peak of the heat radiation given off by the object. In these embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a pyrometer could thus perform a non-contact measurement of the temperature of the inside of a bladder 4.

(51) In these embodiments, the switch 10 is arranged opposite the power source 7. An imbalance of the ball 1 is hereby avoided or at least reduced, since the center of mass of the ball 1 substantially coincides with the geometric center of the ball 1. Also, the heating element 2 may be arranged in a sheetlike manner in the shape of a surface 3A of a sphere. This arrangement also reduces an imbalance. In other embodiments, the regulator 10 and the power source 7 are arranged on the same side of the ball 1 and a counterweight is arranged on the opposing side in order to avoid an imbalance of the ball 1. Principally, a counterweight may be used in any of the embodiments of the invention shown herein, in order to avoid an imbalance of the ball 1.

(52) In certain embodiments, the regulator 10, the power supply 7, and/or the temperature sensor 12 are designed as a single component part. In these embodiments, this single component part may be arranged opposite to e.g. the heating element 2 in the form of a radiant heater, in order to reduce or avoid an imbalance of the ball. In certain embodiments, the heating element 2, the regulator 10, the power supply 7, and the temperature sensor 12 may be designed as a single component part. In this case, it is advantageous to arrange the single component part substantially in the geometric center of the ball 1, in order to avoid an imbalance.

(53) The power source 7 shown in the embodiments may be batteries or rechargeable electric accumulators. In some embodiments, the ball 1 comprises an electric generator, in addition or as an alternative to the power source 7. The electric generator is positioned to convert kinetic energy and/or rotational energy of the ball 1 into current. This current is then fed either to the heating element 2 (if necessary via a regulator 10) or the accumulator 7. The regulator 10 may also distribute the current provided by the generator 7 among the heating element 2 and the accumulator 7 such that part of the generated current is fed to the heating element 2 and another part of the generated current is fed to the accumulator 7. This division may occur dynamically, for example depending on how large the deviation of the temperature measured inside the ball is from the desired (preset) temperature.

(54) The ball 1 may only comprise a generator, as described above, and no accumulator, as the power source 7. In such a case, the generator 7 alone represents the power source 7, which provides the heating element 2 with current (if necessary via a regulator 10).

(55) According to some embodiments, the ball 1 may be preheated before its use, for example before a football game. For this, the ball 1 could be heated from outside in a heating device, such as an oven. The ball 1 may also be connected to a charging device. For example, the ball 1 may be heated via the current applied from outside and the heating element 2, which also simultaneously charges the power supply 7, such as an accumulator. Furthermore, any combination of these heating concepts may be included with the ball 1. For example, the ball 1 may connected to a charging device inside a heating device.

(56) In as far as a characteristic is to be provided substantially in the description and the claims, this means that the characteristic concerned is to be provided while taking into account production tolerances and/or measuring accuracies and/or deviations caused through the use of the ball.

(57) In other embodiments, a cooling element may be used instead of a heating element 2, in order to cool the ball, e.g. at high ambient temperatures. Everything that has been explained in relation to a heating element 2 in this description correspondingly applies if the heating element 2 is replaced by a cooling element.

(58) The use of a cooling element instead of a heating element 2 is appropriate when a ball is used at high ambient temperatures. The characteristics of a ball 1 for a ball sport also change at high temperatures, for example in summer or in warm countries, in an undesired mannersimilar to the effects described above with regard to low temperatures. In particular, the ball becomes difficult to control. At high temperatures, the chemical characteristics in particular of the outer casing 5 of the ball 1 may change. Thus, for example, the contact characteristics between the football shoe and the ball 1 may be altered. The ball 1 could stick to the shoe and the deformation of the ball 1 would be greater, i.e. the ball 1 would be softer. The rebound behavior and the desired stiffness of the ball 1 may also change. A player could be irritated by such changes when kicking the ball.

(59) For example, such a cooling element may be a so-called Peltier element, which is based on the so-called Seebeck effect. A Peltier element comprises at least two semiconductors and cools down on one side upon current flow, while it heats up on the other side. A Peltier element may be arranged within the ball 1 such that the cooling side is arranged at the outer casing 5 and cools the ball 1 down, so that the ball 1 substantially maintains its characteristics at high temperatures.

(60) A further or additional possibility of cooling the ball 1 lies in the use of an evaporator. In an evaporator, a medium, e.g. water, changes its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous. The energy required for this is obtained from the heat of the surrounding environment. The evaporator thus cools down its surrounding environment. An evaporator arranged within the ball could thus cool the ball 1.

(61) The ball 1 may also comprise small openings, in order to discharge the steam generated by the evaporator.

(62) The evaporator may also be used in combination with a different cooling element. For example, the above described Peltier element may be arranged under the outer casing 5, so that the cooling side of the Peltier element rests against the outer casing 5. The heat of the warm side of the Peltier element may be dissipated by an evaporator.

(63) A cooling element may principally be arranged within the ball 1, as described above with regard to a heating element 2. The supply of power for the cooling element may occur in the same manner as described above with regard to a heating element 2. For this, the ball 1 can comprise a power source 7 that is arranged in the above described manner.

(64) The ball provided with a cooling element may comprise a regulator 10, which regulates the temperature of the ball 1 in the above described manner. For example, the regulator 10 may then provide the cooling element with current when the temperature of the ball rises above a certain threshold value. The ball 1 may be equipped with a temperature sensor 12, which for example measures the temperature of the outer casing 5, the bladder 4, and/or within the bladder 4. Alternatively or additionally, the ball 1 may be equipped with a pressure sensor. If, due to high outside temperature, the pressure of the air or the filler gas within the ball 1 rises above a certain threshold value, the regulator 10 then provides the cooling element with current, so that the temperature and thus the pressure of the air or the filler gas of the ball drops.

(65) In the following, further examples are described to facilitate the understanding of the invention:

(66) 1. Ball (1) for a ball sport, characterized in that the ball (1) comprises at least one heating element (2).

(67) 2. Ball (1) according to example 1, whereby the heating element (2) is an electrically conductive fabric.

(68) 3. Ball (1) according to example 1, whereby the heating element (2) is a radiant heater.

(69) 4. Ball (1) according to example 3, whereby the radiant heater (2) is arranged substantially at the geometric center of the ball (1).

(70) 5. Ball (1) according to example 1, whereby the heating element (2) is a conductive polymer.

(71) 6. Ball (1) according to one of the preceding examples, whereby the ball (1) is inflatable.

(72) 7. Ball (1) according to one of the preceding examples, whereby the ball (1) comprises a bladder (4) in its interior and the heating element (2) is arranged on the bladder (4).

(73) 8. Ball (1) according to example 7, whereby the heating element (2) is a heating wire that is vapor-deposited or imprinted on the bladder (4) or a wire mesh that is vapor-deposited or imprinted on the bladder (4).

(74) 9. Ball (1) according to one of the preceding examples, whereby the heating element (2) is arranged within an outer casing (5) of the ball (1).

(75) 10. Ball (1) according to one of the preceding examples, whereby the ball (1) comprises a valve (8) that comprises a first end, which is arranged outside the outer casing (5) of the ball (1) and a second end, which is arranged within the outer casing (5) of the ball (1), whereby the heating element (2) is arranged at the second end of the valve (8).

(76) 11. Ball (1) according to one of the preceding examples, comprising at least one electrical power source (7), which provides an electrical current for heating the heating element (2) and with which it is electrically connected.

(77) 12. Ball (1) according to example 10, whereby the power source (7) is arranged substantially opposite to a valve (8) of the ball (1), or in the geometric center of the ball (1).

(78) 13. Ball (1) according to example 11, whereby the power source (7) is a battery or an accumulator battery.

(79) 14. Ball (1) according to one of examples 11 to 13, whereby the power source (7) can be charged by means of electromagnetic induction.

(80) 15. Ball (1) according to one of the preceding examples, whereby the ball (1) comprises at least one electric generator that is suited to convert rotational energy and/or kinetic energy of the ball (1) into current, which can be fed to the heating element (2) and/or the power source (7).

(81) 16. Ball (1) according to one of the preceding examples, further comprising a regulator (10), which is suitable for regulating the current for heating the heating element (2) in such a manner that a temperature of the ball (1) substantially reaches a predetermined value.

(82) 17. Ball (1) according to example 16, whereby the predetermined value lies between 5 C. and 15 C., preferably between 8 C. and 12 C., further preferably at 10 C.

(83) 18. Ball (1) according to one of examples 16 to 17, whereby the regulator (10) is a switch that is suitable to automatically turn on the current for heating the heating element (2) when a temperature of the ball (1) falls below a first predefined threshold value, and automatically turn said current off when a temperature of the ball (1) rises above a second predetermined threshold value.

(84) 19. Ball (1) according to one of the examples 16 to 18, whereby the temperature is a temperature of the filler gas of the ball (1) or a temperature of the outer casing (5) of the ball (1).

(85) 20. Ball (1) according to one of the preceding examples, whereby the heating element (2) and/or the power source (7) and/or the regulator (10) are arranged in such a manner that the center of mass of the ball (1) substantially coincides with the geometric center of the ball (1).

(86) 21. Ball (1) according to one of the preceding examples, whereby the heating element (2) and/or the power supply (7) and/or the regulator (10) are arranged in such a manner that the distribution of mass of the ball (1) is substantially spherically symmetric.

(87) Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.