WIND TOLERANT BALL

Abstract

The ball is a thin-walled hollow sphere that includes an array of apertures with dimples in a pattern that are concentric to the aperture array. Dimples are provided on the exterior surface of the ball between the apertures with the pattern and dimensions of the dimples varying based on proximity to the apertures. Internal protuberances are provided on the interior surface of the hollow ball such that the interior surface also manages aerodynamic airflow through the ball. Channels are also provided around each of the apertures within the ball which may intersect proximate dimples or be spaced therefrom. The ball also includes apertures having converging and diverging sidewalls that form a venturi shape to increase inflow air into the apertures and outflow air out of the apertures. Finally, the ball also maintains a weight:diameter ratio within a fixed range.

Claims

1. A ball, comprising: a shell comprising a hollow core, a diameter, a weight, a thickness between an exterior surface and an interior surface and a weight: diameter ratio between the weight and the diameter, wherein the weight is between 27 and 52 grams, wherein the diameter is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches and wherein the weight:diameter ratio is between 9.3 and 20.8; a plurality of apertures within the exterior surface; and a plurality of dimples on the exterior surface, wherein each dimple comprises a perimeter edge along the exterior surface and a depression recessed a dimple depth from the perimeter edge into the exterior surface.

2. The ball of claim 1, wherein the perimeter edge of each of the plurality of dimples further comprise a circumferential shape and a dimple diameter, wherein the depression of each of the plurality of dimples further comprises a hemispherical shape, and wherein a group of dimples from the plurality of dimples concentrically surround at least one of the plurality of apertures.

3. The ball of claim 2 further comprising a circumferential channel surrounding at least one of the apertures, wherein the circumferential channel comprises a pair of opposing edges along the exterior surface and a base recessed a channel depth from the opposing edges into the exterior surface of the shell, wherein the circumferential channel intersects a respective set of dimples from the group of dimples concentrically surrounding the aperture, wherein the opposing edges are spaced by a channel width, wherein the channel width is less than the dimple diameter of the respective set of dimples, and wherein the channel depth is no greater than the dimple depth of the respective set of dimples.

4. The ball of claim 1 further comprising a circumferential ring surrounding at least one of the apertures, wherein the circumferential ring comprises a pair of ring edges along the interior surface and a sidewall spacing the pair of ring edges by a ring width, wherein the sidewall comprises a curvature between the pair of ring edges and protrudes a ring height to a ring peak within the hollow core of the shell.

5. The ball of claim 1, wherein the shell further comprises a pair of opposing poles and an equator equidistant from each of the opposing poles, wherein a first aperture from the plurality of apertures is centered on a first of the opposing poles, wherein a second aperture from the plurality of apertures is centered on a second of the opposing poles, wherein a first group of apertures from the plurality of apertures are aligned along a first line of latitude between the first pole and the equator, wherein a second group of apertures from the plurality of apertures are aligned along a second line of latitude between the first line of latitude and the equator, wherein a third group of apertures from the plurality of apertures are aligned along a third line of latitude between the second pole and the equator, and wherein a fourth group of apertures from the plurality of apertures are aligned along a fourth line of latitude between the third line of latitude and the equator.

6. The ball of claim 5, wherein the first group of apertures and the third group of apertures each consist of 5 apertures equally spaced around the first line of latitude and the third line of latitude, respectively, and wherein the wherein the second group of apertures and the fourth group of apertures each consist of 10 apertures equally spaced around the second line of latitude and the fourth line of latitude, respectively.

7. The ball of claim 1 further comprising an ink indicia printed on the exterior surface, wherein the ink indicia comprises a center region having first ink depth, a middle region having a second ink depth, and an outer region having a third ink depth, wherein the second ink depth is less than the third ink depth and greater than the first ink depth.

8. The ball of claim 1, wherein a group of dimples from the plurality of dimples comprise a proximal set of dimples and a distal set of dimples, wherein the proximal set of dimples are situated proximate to a corresponding aperture, and wherein the distal set of dimples are spaced a distance away from the proximal set of dimples opposite from the corresponding aperture.

9. The of ball claim 8 further comprising a middle set of dimples between the proximal set of dimples and the distal set of dimples, wherein at least one of the dimple diameter and the dimple depth of the second distal set of dimples are unequal to the respective dimple diameter and the respective dimple depth of at least one of the proximal set of dimples and the distal set of dimples.

10. The ball of claim 1, wherein each of the apertures further comprises an exterior edge and an interior edge connected by a sidewall, wherein the exterior edge connects to the exterior surface, wherein the interior edge connects to the interior surface, wherein the sidewall comprises a first segment, a second segment and an inflection between the first segment and the second segment, wherein the first segment is angled between the inflection and the exterior edge, and wherein the second segment is angled between the inflection and the interior edge.

11. The ball of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of protuberances on the interior surface of the shell, wherein each protuberance comprises a perimeter base along the interior surface and a peak protruding a height from the perimeter base into the hollow core.

12. The ball of claim 1, wherein a group of dimples from the plurality of dimples respectively comprise a plurality of sets of dimples concentrically surrounding a corresponding aperture from the plurality of apertures, wherein a proximal set of dimples from the plurality of sets of dimples is proximate to the corresponding aperture, wherein a distal set of dimples from the plurality of sets of dimples are spaced a distance away from the proximal set of dimples opposite from the corresponding aperture, wherein the proximal set of dimples of at least one group of dimples is more proximate to the corresponding aperture than the proximal set of dimples of at least one other group of dimples is to the other corresponding aperture, wherein at least one group of dimples comprises a circumferential offset between adjacent dimples in each set of dimples, and wherein each of the circumferential offsets are radially aligned with one another.

13. A ball, comprising: a shell comprising a hollow core, a diameter, a thickness between an exterior surface and an interior surface exterior surface; a plurality of apertures within the exterior surface; a plurality of dimples on the exterior surface, wherein each dimple comprises a circumferential perimeter edge along the exterior surface, a dimple diameter and a depression recessed a dimple depth from the perimeter edge into the exterior surface, and wherein a group of dimples from the plurality of dimples concentrically surround a corresponding aperture from the plurality of apertures; and an ink indicium printed on the exterior surface, wherein the ink indicium comprises a first region having first ink depth, a second region having a second ink depth, and an third region having a third ink depth, and wherein the second ink depth is less than the third ink depth and greater than the first ink depth.

14. The ball of claim 13 further comprising a circumferential channel surrounding at least one of the apertures on the exterior surface and a circumferential ring surrounding at least one of the apertures on the interior surface, wherein the circumferential channel comprises a pair of opposing edges along the exterior surface and a base recessed a channel depth from the opposing edges into the exterior surface of the shell, wherein the circumferential channel intersects a respective set of dimples from the group of dimples concentrically surrounding the aperture, wherein the opposing edges are spaced by a channel width, wherein the channel width is less than the dimple diameter of the respective set of dimples, wherein the channel depth is no greater than the dimple depth of the respective set of dimples, wherein the circumferential ring comprises a pair of ring edges along the interior surface and a sidewall spacing the pair of ring edges by a ring width, wherein the sidewall comprises a curvature between the pair of ring edges and protrudes a ring height to a ring peak within the hollow core of the shell, wherein the shell further comprises a weight and a weight: diameter ratio between the weight and the diameter, wherein the weight is between 27 and 52 grams, and wherein the diameter is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches and wherein the weight:diameter ratio is between 9.3 and 20.8.

15. The ball of claim 13, wherein the shell further comprises a pair of opposing poles and an equator equidistant from each of the opposing poles, wherein a first aperture from the plurality of apertures is centered on a first of the opposing poles, wherein a second aperture from the plurality of apertures is centered on a second of the opposing poles, wherein a first group of apertures from the plurality of apertures are aligned along a first line of latitude between the first pole and the equator, wherein a second group of apertures from the plurality of apertures are aligned along a second line of latitude between the first line of latitude and the equator, wherein a third group of apertures from the plurality of apertures are aligned along a third line of latitude between the second pole and the equator, and wherein a fourth group of apertures from the plurality of apertures are aligned along a fourth line of latitude between the third line of latitude and the equator.

16. The ball of claim 13, wherein each group of dimples from the plurality of dimples comprise a plurality of sets of dimples, wherein a proximal set of dimples from the plurality of sets of dimples is proximate to the corresponding aperture, wherein a distal set of dimples from the plurality of sets of dimples are spaced a distance away from the proximal set of dimples opposite from the corresponding aperture, wherein the proximal set of dimples of at least one group of dimples is more proximate to the corresponding aperture than the proximal set of dimples of at least one other group of dimples is to the other corresponding aperture, wherein at least one group of dimples comprises a circumferential offset between adjacent dimples in each set of dimples, and wherein each of the circumferential offsets are radially aligned with one another.

17. A ball, comprising: a shell comprising a hollow core, a diameter, a thickness between an exterior surface and an interior surface exterior surface; a plurality of apertures within the exterior surface; a plurality of dimples on the exterior surface, wherein each dimple comprises a circumferential perimeter edge along the exterior surface, a dimple diameter and a depression recessed a dimple depth from the perimeter edge into the exterior surface, wherein a group of dimples from the plurality of dimples respectively comprise a plurality of sets of dimples concentrically surrounding a corresponding aperture from the plurality of apertures, wherein a proximal set of dimples from the plurality of sets of dimples is proximate to the corresponding aperture, wherein a distal set of dimples from the plurality of sets of dimples are spaced a distance away from the proximal set of dimples opposite from the corresponding aperture, wherein the proximal set of dimples of at least one group of dimples is more proximate to the corresponding aperture than the proximal set of dimples of at least one other group of dimples is to the other corresponding aperture, wherein at least one group of dimples comprises a circumferential offset between adjacent dimples in each set of dimples, and wherein each of the circumferential offsets are radially aligned with one another; and a circumferential channel surrounding at least one of the apertures, wherein the circumferential channel comprises a pair of opposing edges along the exterior surface and a base recessed a channel depth from the opposing edges into the exterior surface of the shell, and the circumferential channel intersects a respective set of dimples from the group of dimples concentrically surrounding the corresponding aperture.

18. The ball of claim 17 further comprising an ink indicium printed on the exterior surface, wherein the ink indicium comprises a center region having first ink depth, a second region having a second ink depth, and an third region having a third ink depth, wherein the second ink depth is less than the third ink depth and greater than the first ink depth, wherein the shell further comprises a weight and a weight: diameter ratio between the weight and the diameter, wherein the weight is between 27 and 52 grams, and wherein the diameter is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches and wherein the weight:diameter ratio is between 9.3 and 20.8.

19. The ball of claim 17 further comprising a circumferential channel surrounding at least one of the apertures on the exterior surface and a circumferential ring surrounding at least one of the apertures on the interior surface, wherein the circumferential channel comprises a pair of opposing edges along the exterior surface and a base recessed a channel depth from the opposing edges into the exterior surface of the shell, wherein the circumferential channel intersects a respective set of dimples from the group of dimples concentrically surrounding the aperture, wherein the opposing edges are spaced by a channel width, wherein the channel width is less than the dimple diameter of the respective set of dimples, wherein the channel depth is no greater than the dimple depth of the respective set of dimples, wherein the circumferential ring comprises a pair of ring edges along the interior surface and a sidewall spacing the pair of ring edges by a ring width, wherein the sidewall comprises a curvature between the pair of ring edges and protrudes a ring height to a ring peak within the hollow core of the shell.

20. The ball of claim 17, wherein the shell further comprises a pair of opposing poles and an equator equidistant from each of the opposing poles, wherein a first aperture from the plurality of apertures is centered on a first of the opposing poles, wherein a second aperture from the plurality of apertures is centered on a second of the opposing poles, wherein a first group of apertures from the plurality of apertures are aligned along a first line of latitude between the first pole and the equator, wherein a second group of apertures from the plurality of apertures are aligned along a second line of latitude between the first line of latitude and the equator, wherein a third group of apertures from the plurality of apertures are aligned along a third line of latitude between the second pole and the equator, wherein a fourth group of apertures from the plurality of apertures are aligned along a fourth line of latitude between the third line of latitude and the equator, wherein the first group of apertures and the third group of apertures each consist of 5 apertures equally spaced around the first line of latitude and the third line of latitude, respectively, and wherein the wherein the second group of apertures and the fourth group of apertures each consist of 10 apertures equally spaced around the second line of latitude and the fourth line of latitude, respectively.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively show alternative embodiments of the exterior of the ball according to the invention described herein.

[0021] FIG. 1C is a detail view of the dimples on the exterior of the shell according to the invention described herein.

[0022] FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show alternative embodiments of the interior of the ball according to the invention described herein.

[0023] FIG. 2C is a detail view of the protuberances on the interior of the shell according to the invention described herein

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a ball parameter table of balls in the prior art and the ball according to the invention described herein.

[0025] FIGS. 4A-4D are illustrative cross-sectional views of alternative dimple and protrusion configurations according to the invention described herein.

[0026] FIG. 5A-5C are illustrative plan views of dimple and protrusion patterns according to the invention described herein.

[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B are detail views of the circumferential channel according to an embodiment of the invention described herein.

[0028] FIGS. 7 is an illustrative plan view of a ball with an alternative circumferential channel according to the invention described herein.

[0029] FIGS. 8A-8C are detail views of an aperture within the ball according to the invention described herein.

[0030] FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views of the interior surface of a ball with an alternative internal circumferential ring according to the invention described herein.

[0031] FIGS. 10A-10C are perspective views of a ball having alternative dimple patterns according to the invention described herein.

[0032] FIGS. 11A and 11B are top and bottom views, respectively, of a ball with preferred aperture pattern according to the invention described herein.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the ball wear indicator according to the invention described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0035] The ball according to the invention described herein includes a shell with a hollow core, a plurality of apertures within the shell and a plurality of dimples on the exterior of the shell between the apertures. Alternative embodiments of the ball may also include internal protuberances extending from the interior surface of the shell, channels within the exterior surface of the shell that surround each of the apertures and angled aperture sidewalls that increase the flow of air into and out of the hollow core. Regardless of the particular embodiment, the ball is designed to be marginally heavier than similar balls in the prior art such that the ball is less susceptible to windy conditions during use.

[0036] As particularly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ball 10 is a thin-walled sphere with shell 12 surrounding a hollow core 22, diameter (D.sub.S) and thickness (T.sub.S) between the exterior surface 26 and interior surface 28. Apertures 14 are spaced around the surface of the shell and are preferably circular in shape 38 with an exterior edge 50 within the exterior surface of the shell and an interior edge 52 within the interior surface of the shell. The opposing edges of the apertures are connected by a sidewall 54 extending the thickness of the shell. During use, air inflows and outflows through the various apertures as the ball travels through space. For example, as a ball travels through the air, at least some of the air is drawn through a first set of apertures into the hollow core as air within the core is drawn out from the another set of apertures.

[0037] As illustrated in the table shown in FIG. 3, USA Pickleball guidelines provide specific parameters for a balls weight 24, diameter (D) and thickness (T) and balls outside of the given ranges are nonconforming. Balls in the prior art fall squarely within the permitted weight range of twenty-two and one tenth grams and twenty-six and one half grams (22.1 g-26.5 g) and the permitted ball diameter range of two and eighty-seven hundredths of an inch and two and ninety-seven hundredths of an inch (2.87-2.97). Together, these permitted weight and diameter parameters establish a permitted weight:diameter ratio 30 range between seven and forty-forty hundredths and nine and twenty-three hundredths (7.44-9.23). In contrast to the balls in the prior art, it is an aspect of the ball described herein to be heavier with a higher weight:diameter ratio that may range between nine and three tenths and twenty and eight tenths (9.3-20.8). While maintaining this weight: diameter ratio, the ball according to the invention described herein can have a diameter between two and one half inches and three and one half inches (2.5-3.5) and a weight between twenty-seven grams and fifty-two grams (27 g-52 g). Accordingly, the ball described herein is heavier than balls in the prior art and less susceptible to wind while still maintaining similar bounce, compression and speed when used during a game of pickleball as intended.

[0038] Persons having an ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the weight of an object, such as a ball, can be altered in many fashions including changing materials and overall shape. Although the particular method of arriving at the aforementioned weight:diameter ratio is not intended to be limiting, one such method includes altering the relative thickness of the shell. For example, the wall thickness can be adjusted to add or subtract to the overall weight of the ball for a given diameter. According to the invention described herein, the wall thickness and ball diameter are designed in a way to assure the total mass of the ball is controlled. Furthermore, the number of apertures within the ball itself and relative dimensions of the dimples can also change the relative weight. The dimples are discussed in detail below and the preferred ball includes thirty-two (32) apertures as noted the table of FIG. 3.

[0039] The preferred wind tolerant ball according to the invention described herein has a thickness that ranges between sixty-two thousandths and one hundred and seventy-five thousandths of one inch (0.062-0.175). In the preferred embodiment of the ball, the weight is equal to thirty-two and six tenths of a gram (32.6 g), has a diameter equal to two and 9 tenths of an inch (2.9) and has a shell thickness equal to one hundred and six thousandths of an inch (0.106) which results in a weight:diameter ratio equal to eleven and twenty four hundredths (11.24).

[0040] On the exterior surface between the various apertures, dimples 16 are provided to further draw air around the ball and into the apertures within the shell. Each dimple includes a perimeter edge 32, which is preferably circumferential, and a depression 34 recessed a depth (R.sub.d) from the exterior surface of the shell. The depression may be a concave hemispherical shape 40 or take another geometric shape without departing from the inventive aspects of the ball described herein. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the shape of the perimeter edge of each dimple may not necessarily be circumferential and instead could be any number of other shapes.

[0041] Dimples may cover the entirety of the exterior surface of the ball but the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 include regionalized groups of the dimples surrounding a corresponding aperture that are spaced from one another on the exterior of the shell. Each group of dimples 36 concentrically surround each of the apertures within the ball and lands 72 on the exterior surface of the ball having no dimples space the groups from one another. Accordingly, the respective groups of dimples are spaced lengths (L.sub.1, L.sub.2 and L.sub.3) from the correspond aperture they surround. In either embodiment, the dimples help to direct airflow around the ball to reduce drag as well as promote airflow into and out of the holes in the ball making the ball fly through the freestream air with minimal adverse effects from prevailing wind speed and direction.

[0042] The dimples on the exterior of the shell are furthered patterned to include sets within each group that in the preferred embodiment change dimensions in relation to a particular sets' proximity to the corresponding aperture. More particularly, each series of dimples includes a proximal set 44 of dimples that are most proximate to the corresponding aperture, a distal set 48 of dimples that are most distal from the corresponding aperture and at least one middle set 46 of dimples that are positioned between the proximal and distal dimples. To promote proper airflow into and around the ball, at least some of the dimples differ in diameter (D.sub.d) or recess depth between the respective sets within in a group.

[0043] Like the dimples on the exterior surface of the shell, the preferred embodiment also includes protuberances 20 on the interior surface of the shell that project into the hollow core to manage airflow within the core of the ball in a similar fashion to the dimples on the exterior of the ball. The protuberances, best shown in FIG. 2C, each have a perimeter base 58 and a peak 60 that is spaced a height (H.sub.p) from the interior surface. As with the dimples discussed above, the protuberances cover the interior surface of the shell but can be regionalized into groups of protuberances 56 that surround a corresponding aperture with subsets that vary in dimension based on their proximity to the corresponding aperture. Thus, like the proximal, distal and middle sets of dimples, the protuberances can also be defined into a proximal set 62 of protuberances that are closest to a corresponding aperture, a distal set 66 of protuberances that are furthest away from a corresponding aperture and a middle set 64 of protuberances that are spaced between the proximal and distal protuberances.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5A, 5B and 5C which illustrate alternative dimple and protuberance patterns respectively positioned on the exterior and interior of a ball, the size of the dimples and protuberances preferably vary relative to their proximity to the corresponding apertures. FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C and the details below make particular reference to the relative dimensions of the perimeter and recessions of the dimples on the exterior of the shell but it will be appreciated that the same principles apply to the bases and peaks of the protuberances on the interior surface of the shell.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5A, the dimples may decrease in diameter from the proximal set to the distal set with the diameter of the proximal set being the largest and the diameter of the distal set being the smallest in a descending pattern 74a. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 5B, the dimples may increase in diameter from the proximal set to the distal set with the diameter of the proximal set being the smallest and the diameter of the distal set being the largest in an ascending pattern 74b. Further still, the dimples may have an irregular pattern 74c as shown in FIG. 5C with the diameter of the middle set and the proximal set being equal and both larger than the distal set. These relative diameters of the dimples vary based on proximity to the corresponding aperture and are preferably less than the diameter of the apertures. Accordingly, the preferred pattern is not fixed and can vary from embodiment to embodiment with the middle set being different from at least one of the proximal set and the distal set in either diameter or recess depth such that the dimensions are not uniform across all of the dimples within a group.

[0046] As the diameters of the dimples vary relative to their proximity to a corresponding aperture, the depth of the recession in the dimple can also vary. For example, the closest dimples to the aperture may be the shallowest (R.sub.d.sup.1) while the furthest dimples are the deepest (R.sub.d.sup.2) as shown in FIG. 4A. Alternatively, the dimples most proximate to the aperture may have the greatest depth and subsequently become shallower as the dimples are further spaced from the aperture.

[0047] Further still, in another alternative embodiment, the depth of the dimple may be the only dimension that changes relative to the dimple's proximity to a corresponding aperture. In this alternative embodiment, the diameter of the perimeter edge would remain the same while the depth changes. Similarly, another alternative embodiment may have dimples with unfirm depths wherein only the diameters vary relative to the dimple's proximity to the aperture. Finally, it will be appreciated that another embodiment may have uniform dimples that have the same dimensions across the surface of the ball and same pattern regardless of proximity to apertures within the hole. These alternative embodiments for the dimple patterns could be incorporated with protuberances having any one of the varying patterns discussed with reference to the dimples on the interior surface of the shell or the interior of the shell could be smooth, devoid of any protuberances.

[0048] It will be appreciated that the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are limited to a single dimple and protuberance groups surrounding one aperture and a person having an ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that these patterns will be extended across the surfaces of the ball to the other apertures therein. Thus, because apertures are spread across the entire surface of the ball, some dimples and protuberances may be included in multiple groups of dimples and protuberances based on proximity to adjacent apertures in some embodiments.

[0049] Lands are found between the adjacent dimples and protuberances on the exterior and interior of the shell. Considering the size of the dimples and protuberances vary, the spacing between the various sets will also vary such that the spacing between the proximal set, middle set and distal sets are all unequal. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, the lands formed by the spaces between the dimples, or protuberances, will vary relative to the dimensions of the perimeter of the dimples and the base of the protuberances. Collectively, the surface area of the apertures and the lands will form a first exterior surface area and first interior surface area of the ball while the recessions of the dimples and peaks of the protuberances respectively form a second exterior surface area and second interior surface area of the ball with the surface areas formed by the depressions and peaks which in the preferred embodiment is greater than the surface area formed by the lands and apertures. However, in embodiments with only regional dimples, the lands between the dimple or protuberance regions may be larger such that the surface area of the lands and apertures is greater than the surface area of the dimples or protuberances.

[0050] In the preferred embodiment of the ball described herein which combines the innovative dimple pattern with the innovative internal protuberances, it will be understood that the cooperative relationship between the dimples and the protuberances can be linked or disconnected without departing from the innovative aspects of each feature. For example, FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment with a uniform shell thickness where the depressions of the dimples recessed into the interior of the shell define the peaks of the protuberances. Alternately, FIGS. 4B and 4C show disconnected depressions and protuberances with peaks protruding from the interior surface. Because these protuberances are not formed by the recessed dimples, they may have a different pattern all together with the dimples being offset from the protuberances, such as illustrated in FIG. 4C. In an alternative embodiment, the interior of the shell can be a smooth surface devoid of any protuberances as illustrated in FIG. 4D.

[0051] As noted herein, the preferred ball includes the innovative exterior pattern as well as the innovative protuberances within the interior but it will be understood that each embodiment are in and of themselves distinct and inventive. For example, a ball with the inventive dimple pattern that is devoid of interior protuberances also improves over the balls in the prior art. Similarly, a ball having a uniform collection of dimples across the surface area of the exterior of the ball in combination with the interior protuberances offers an improvement over balls in the prior art.

[0052] In addition to the dimples within the exterior surface of the shell, channels 18 may also be provided. The circumferential channel is provided around the respective apertures to help promote turbulent flow over and into the holes, thereby reducing drag. Each channel includes a pair of opposing top edges 68 within the surface of the shell and a recessed base 70 that is recessed a channel depth (R.sub.c) from the opposing top edges within the exterior of the shell. As with the dimples and protuberances discussed above, the relative dimensions of the channel may vary based on the size of the ball and environmental conditions in which the ball is intended to be used, such as ball speed and wind conditions.

[0053] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the channel intersects with the series of dimples most proximate to the aperture and may have a channel depth that is equal to the dimple depth of the respective dimples. Alternatively, the channel depth may be less than or greater than the dimple depth such that the base of the channel does not need to align with the recessed portion of the dimples which it intersects. Regardless of the channel depth, in embodiments with a channel intersecting proximate dimples, the width of the channel (W.sub.c) between the opposing edges of the channel is less than the diameter of the dimples and the outer edge of each dimple protrudes outside the edges of the channel.

[0054] In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the channel may be removed from the dimples 78 and positioned at a location 76 between the outer periphery of the aperture and the proximate dimple without intersecting any of the dimples on the surface of the ball. In this embodiment, the space between the channel edges may be greater than, less than or equal to the diameter of any one of the dimples in comparison to the channels that intersect proximate dimples that cannot be wider than the diameter of the dimple.

[0055] In addition to impacting the airflow around and through the ball as explained above, the surface features described herein also have a deliberate impact on acoustic performance of the ball. The surface features include various elements, such as the dimples and a chamfer at the edge of the holes, to disrupt the laminar flow around the ball when struck with a paddle or racquet as well as when traveling through the air. One of the primary sources of the sound generated by the ball moving through the air is the shearing action of the air right at the edge of the hole which acts as a whistle. The hole edge treatment and surface dimples are effective in attenuating the sound generated by disrupting the boundary layer of air near the holes, and by eliminating the sharp edge of the holes. As well, the protrusions on the inner surface as described disrupt the air flow and attenuate any potential noise generated by air flowing out of the holes such that sound is further reduced in balls that have internal protuberances on the interior surface of the shell.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment of the apertures shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the sidewalls of each aperture increase the amount of air drawn into and out of the ball byway of angled segments that converge and diverge at an inflection. The sidewall of each aperture includes a first segment 54a extending from the exterior edge to an inflection 54c proximate to the midpoint of the sidewall and a second segment 54b extending from the interior edge to the inflection. Thus, the sidewall is not straight between the opposing edges and instead angles inward from the respective edges to the inflection.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment of the ball shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, additional structure and rigidity is provided to the ball byway of internal O-rings 80 surrounding at least a portion of the apertures. These O-rings provide thickening of ball around the edge of the apertures to mitigate the stress concentration and any propensity for cracks to start or propagate at the edge of the holes. Locating the O-rings on the inner surface of the ball add strength and stiffness without effecting the external surface dimple features or creating a raised feature on the outer surface of the ball that may affect flight and bounce characteristics of the ball.

[0058] As illustrated in the cross-sections shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, each O-ring includes an interior edge 82a proximate to the aperture the O-ring surrounds and an exterior edge 82bb radially spaced the ring width (R.sub.W) with from the interior edge. A single curved sidewall 84 connects the edges with a peak 86 that is spaced a ring height (R.sub.H) from the interior surface of the ball. In the preferred embodiment, the interior edge abuts the chamfer section of the aperture as particularly shown in FIG. 9B.

[0059] In another alternative embodiment of the ball shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C, the dimple patterns on the exterior of the ball are not uniform between each of the apertures such that the various groups are irregular 90 relative to at least one other group. Irregularity can be done locally to address a common failure mode where a crack may start at the local stress concentration attributed to local thinning of the wall due to the dimple pattern. A first irregularity 90a may be having proximal set of dimples 92a of one group of dimples 94a more proximately spaced to the corresponding aperture (S.sub.1) than the proximal set of dimples 92b of another group of dimples 94b to its respective aperture (S.sub.2) such that there is a large space 96 between the edge of the aperture and the proximal dimples (S.sub.1>S.sub.2). Another irregularity 90b may be having a circumferential offset 98 between adjacent dimples in the concentric sets of dimples surrounding each aperture to form a break 102 in the concentric pattern of the dimples wherein the circumferential offsets are radially aligned 104 with one another. This break therefore spaces at least one set of adjacent dimples in each concentric set an offset width (OS.sub.W) that is greater than the distance between the other adjacent dimples within the respective set.

[0060] Other irregularities 90c may be including the channel discussed above in select groups of dimples while not including the channel in other groups of dimples on the same ball or having less differing number of concentric sets of dimples within the groups 90d. The preferred ball includes a proximal set, distal set and at least one middle set between the proximal and distal set. However, the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B have groups of dimples with only a proximal set 106 and a distal set 108, without any middle set between. Thus, including one or more of these irregular patterns within one or more groups of dimples creates irregularity between the respective groups within the same ball without departing from the inventive aspects described herein.

[0061] Although a ball may include a dimple configuration with or without any of the above reference irregularities between the respective groups of dimples, the ball having the preferred aperture configuration discussed below includes the channel in the group of dimples surrounding the aperture at each pole, the increased space between the proximal set of dimples and the corresponding aperture and the circumferential offset in each group of dimples surrounding the apertures in each row of 5-apertures, and the increased space between the proximal set of dimples and the corresponding aperture in each row of 10-apertures. Thus, the various group of dimples include differing patterns.

[0062] As noted above, although a ball may have any number of apertures without departing from the inventive features described herein, the ball in the preferred embodiment includes thirty-two (32) apertures. In a more preferred embodiment these apertures are also equally spaced around the circumference of the ball. The ball includes an equator separating the ball into a first hemisphere 110a shown in FIG. 12A and a second hemisphere 110b shown in 12B which mirror one another. Each hemisphere has an aperture 112a, 112b centered at each respective pole 114a, 114b. One group of apertures 116a, 116b are spaced from the respective poles and respectively aligned along lines of latitude 118a, 118b between the pole and the equator on the mirrored hemispheres. Another group of apertures 120a, 120b are further spaced from the respective poles and aligned along other lines of latitude 122a, 122b between the first lines of latitude and the equator on the mirrored hemispheres. The group of apertures more proximate to the poles than the equator preferably includes a row of 5-apertures equally spaced around the respective lines of latitude while the other group of apertures more proximate to the equator than the poles include a row of 10-apertures equally spaced around the respective lines of latitude. Thus, the mirrored hemispheres are identical with 16 apertures on each hemisphere.

[0063] In another alternative embodiment of the ball particularly shown in FIG. 12, a wear-out indicator 124 may be included on the exterior surface of the ball to indicate to help players determine the useful life of the ball. As the ball surface wears down from normal play, the ink pattern of the surface of the ball will wear off and will provide a visual indication that the ball is worn down beyond reasonable limits and may need to be retired.

[0064] In the preferred embodiment, the wear-out indicator includes an ink indicium 126 printed on the exterior surface of the ball at different locations. Each indicia includes a center region 128 having first ink depth, a middle region 130 having a second ink depth, and an outer region 132 having a third ink depth. The second ink depth is less than the third ink depth and greater than the first ink depth such that the ink of each region will be rubbed off the ball during normal play at different rates. In practice, the outer region will wear-off first indicating slight degradation to the ball. Subsequently, the middle region will wear-off indicting more degradation to the ball. Finally, the center region which has the thickest depth of ink will wear-off indicting even more degradation to the ball. Based on this visible indicium, players can use their best judgement as to the life the ball and swamp out an older ball for a newer ball as they see fit.

[0065] Although multiple indicia are shown in the accompanying drawings, a single indicium may be used at a single location without departing from the invention described herein.

[0066] In addition, the gradient wear-off of the indicium between the distinct regions may be effectuated by other means beyond varying the ink depth. For example, the type of ink used within the various regions could provide the same functional ability and be used in place of varying the ink depth. The bull's eye pattern with a center, middle and outer region shown in the drawings can be replaced with other geometries without departing from the invention described herein which need only provide some gradient between the distinct regions. Furthermore, in a more distinct alternative embodiment an indicium with single region may be provided wherein wear-out is indicated by the rubbing off a single ink layer. Although this is less preferred as the contrast between regions provided, preferably at least two, provides a better visual indication as to the how worn out the ball may be.

[0067] The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to persons who are skilled in the art. As various modifications could be made to the exemplary embodiments, as described above with reference to the corresponding illustrations, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.