US20060148601A1 - Sportsball - Google Patents
Sportsball Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060148601A1 US20060148601A1 US11/027,996 US2799604A US2006148601A1 US 20060148601 A1 US20060148601 A1 US 20060148601A1 US 2799604 A US2799604 A US 2799604A US 2006148601 A1 US2006148601 A1 US 2006148601A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sportsball
- recited
- inflatable bladder
- layers
- predetermined amount
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 238000005187 foaming Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- ZWEHNKRNPOVVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-Butanone Chemical compound CCC(C)=O ZWEHNKRNPOVVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 105
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims description 43
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims 18
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 17
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000004840 adhesive resin Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920006223 adhesive resin Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002649 leather substitute Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920005830 Polyurethane Foam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002090 carbon oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- YACLQRRMGMJLJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N chloroprene Chemical compound ClC(=C)C=C YACLQRRMGMJLJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002894 organic compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005061 synthetic rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B41/00—Hollow inflatable balls
- A63B41/10—Bladder and cover united
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a ball, and more particularly to a sportsball which has a cushioned ball cover attached to an inflatable bladder to enhance the cushion effect of the sportsball by integrating the cushion layer of the ball cover with the rubber made inflatable bladder.
- a conventional sportsball such as a basketball, generally comprises a ball cover 10 P′ and an inflatable bladder 20 P′.
- the inflatable bladder 20 P′ is a carcass having a plurality of channels 21 P′ protruded thereon and the ball cover 10 P′ comprises a plurality of cover panels 11 P′, wherein the ball cover 10 P′ is attached on the carcass 20 P′ and the cover panels 11 P′ are aligned between the channels 21 P′.
- the ball cover 10 P′ is made of genuine leather or synthetic leather materials, such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), attached on the inflatable bladder 20 P′.
- PU polyurethane
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- the ball cover 10 P′ further provides an inner lining 13 P′ affixed on a bottom surface for adhering on the inflatable bladder 20 P′ so as to attach the ball cover 10 P on the inflatable bladder 20 P′.
- the inner lining 13 P′ is attached between the ball cover 10 P′ (i.e. the cover panels 11 P′) and the inflatable bladder 20 P′ (the carcass) he outer layer 11 P′.
- FIG. 1B of the drawings another kind of sportsball is illustrated, which comprises an inflatable bladder 20 P and a ball cover 10 P which comprises a plurality of cover panels attached on the inflatable bladder 20 P at the corresponding channels 21 P when the sportsball ball is a basketball, wherein each of the cover panel comprises an outer layer 11 P, an intermediate cushion layer 12 P, and an inner lining 13 P.
- the inflatable bladder 20 P is usually a spherical and elastic rubber-made membrane having a valve stem affixed thereon.
- the intermediate cushion layer 12 P is included in this sportsball for providing a cushion effect for the ball cover 10 P.
- FIG. 1C illustrates an alternative mode of the above sportsball as shown in FIG.
- each cover panel of the ball cover 10 P also provides with an inner lining 13 P while two side edges of the channels 21 P are inclined and arranged to fittedly adhere with the outer layer such that the ball cover 10 P is slightly protruded with respect to the channels 21 P in order to enhance the cushion effect of the ball cover 10 P.
- the inner lining layer 13 P substantially assists the ball cover 10 P to attach on the inflatable bladder 20 P
- a major drawback comes with such inner lining layer 13 P that its fiber nature affects the elasticity of the ball cover 10 P.
- the rubber material of the inflatable bladder 20 P is also an elastic material having cushion effect
- the inner lining layer 13 P substantially separates the inflatable bladder 20 P with the cushion layer 12 P that eliminates such elastic effect of the rubber made inflatable bladder 20 P.
- the only portion that substantially provides the cushion effect for the entire sportsball is merely limited to the cushion layer 12 P of the ball cover 10 P. Therefore, the conventional sportsball becomes less appealing in terms of player's comfort and controllability of the sportsball.
- a main object of the present invention is to provide a sportsball with improved cushion effect and a manufacturing method thereof, wherein a cushioned outer cover attached to an inflatable bladder to enhance the cushion effect of the sportsball by integrating the cushion layer of the ball cover with the rubber made inflatable bladder.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a sportsball having a better adhesive effect between the cushioned outer cover and the inflatable bladder so as to achieve better performance of the sportsball and reduce the manufacturing cost thereof.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a sportsball and the manufacturing method thereof, wherein a treatment agent is applied between the cushioned outer cover and the inflatable bladder for eliminating unwanted chemicals formed when adhering the ball cover with the inflatable bladder through conventional adhesive agent, so that the sportsball of the present invention provides enhanced adhesive strength and quality between the ball cover and the inflatable bladder, as well as between the outer cover and the cushion layer where the outer cover is made of synthetic material such as rubber.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a sportsball with improved cushion and a manufacturing method thereof that eliminates the need for introducing additional elements, such as a fabric layer or lining layer, to the sportsball for compensating the unstable adhesive quality occurred in conventional arts.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a sportsball with enhanced cushion effect without increasing the overall size of the sportsball.
- the present invention provides a sportsball which comprises:
- a ball cover which comprises a plurality of cover panels covering the inflatable bladder to form the sportsball, wherein each of the cover panels comprises an outer layer and a cushion layer integrally adhered with the outer layer in an overlapped manner, wherein the cushion layers and the inflatable bladder integrally form an integral cushion for the sportsball.
- the cushion layers are made of foaming material and the inflatable bladder is made of rubber
- a treatment agent is applied between attachment sides of the cushion layers of the cover panels and an outer surface of the inflatable bladder before adhering attachment sides of the cushion layers to said outer surface of the inflatable bladder.
- the present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a sportsball, comprising the steps of:
- each of the outer layers has a predetermined size and shape
- each of the cushion layers is cut into a predetermined size and shape corresponding to the outer layers
- FIG. 1A is a conventional sportsball, illustrating that the ball cover is made up by an outer layer and an inner lining.
- FIG. 1B is a conventional sportsball, illustrating that the ball cover is made up by an outer layer, a cushion layer, and an inner lining.
- FIG. 1C is a conventional sportsball, illustrating that the ball cover is made by an outer layer, a cushion layer, and an inner lining, wherein the three layers form a pop up structure.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sportsball according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the sportsball according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a method of manufacturing a sportsball according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 of the drawings a perspective view of a sportsball, such as a basketball, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, in which the sportsball comprises a ball cover 10 and an inflatable bladder 20 .
- the ball cover 10 having a stem hole 12 formed thereon, comprises a plurality of cover panels 11 , wherein each of the cover panels 11 comprises an outer layer 111 and a cushion layer 112 which is made of foaming material and integrally adhered with the outer layer 111 in an overlapped manner.
- Each of the cover panels 11 is formed by the outer layer 111 having a predetermined shape, such as that forming an elongated elliptical shape.
- each of the cushion layers 112 has the corresponding shape as that of the respective outer layer 111 so as to integrally and overlappedly attach underneath that respective outer layer 111 to form a particular cover panel 11 .
- the outer layer 111 of each of the cover panels 11 is made of leather, synthetic leather such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU), or rubber, which are capable of sustaining a substantial degree of impact while retaining sound flexibility for sophisticated ball control by a player.
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- PU polyurethane
- each of the outer layers 111 provides a plurality of protruding pebbles distributed all over an outer surface thereof, so as to facilitate the secure gripping and holding of the sportsball by the player.
- the inflatable bladder 20 has a valve stem 21 aligned with the stem hole 12 , wherein the ball cover 10 is attached on an outer surface 111 of the inflatable bladder 20 .
- the inflatable bladder 20 which is generally made of rubber or the like, has a predetermined shape.
- the valve stem 21 of the inflatable bladder 20 is aligned and attached with the stem hole 12 of the ball cover 10 , wherein a user is able to inflate the sportsball via the valve stem 21 and the stem hole 12 .
- the inflatable bladder 20 is inflated via the valve stem 21 , it is popped up to expand against the ball cover 10 to form an inflated sportsball.
- the inflatable bladder 20 has a plurality of channels 22 protruded thereon to define a plurality of attachment grooves 221 formed between each two channels 22 to form an inflatable bladder for basketball, wherein each of the cover panels 11 is fittedly attached on the respective attachment groove 221 .
- two inclined side edges 1121 of each of the cushion layers 112 can be cut inclinedly and also attached to the outer surface within the respective attachment groove 221 of the inflatable bladder 20 so that each of the cover panels 11 is slightly protruded along the channels 22 so as to enhance an overall attachment strength as well as the cushioning effect of the sportsball.
- each of the cover panels 11 further comprises an adhering agent 114 applied between its outer layer 111 and cushion layer 112 to permanently adhere the outer layer 111 with the cushion layer 112 to form the integral cover panel 11 which has an ability to sustain substantial impact while retaining optimal flexibility.
- the adhering agent 14 is also used to attach the cushion layer 112 to an outer surface of the inflatable bladder 20 so as to form the sportsball of the present invention.
- each of the cover panels 11 further comprises a treatment agent 115 which is applied between the cushion layer 112 and the inflatable bladder 20 (as well as between the cushion layer 112 and the outer layer 111 when it is made of rubber), wherein the treatment agent 115 should have a chemical property capable of preventing the formation of the above mentioned unwanted chemical substances.
- the treatment agent 115 comprises a predetermined amount of chloroprene rubber, a predetermined amount of solvent refined heavy naphtha, and a predetermined amount of MEK.
- the corresponding percentage of each of these elements is:
- MEK Metal Organic Ketone
- the treatment agent is to be stored in dry, cool area
- Boiling point approximately 95° C.
- the sportsball of the present invention does not utilize any inner lining for the adhesion between the inflatable bladder 20 and the cushion layer 112 and/or between the cushion layer 112 and the outer layer 11 when it is made of rubber.
- To eliminate of the inner lining and to enable the cushion layer 112 directly attached on the inflatable bladder 20 not only can reduce the cost of the lining material and the manufacturing step of securely attaching the lining layer to the cushion layer, but also can enhance the overall cushion effect of the sportsball that the elasticity of the inflatable bladder 20 , generally made of rubber, also provides cushion effect in addition to the foaming material of the cushion layer 112 . That is the cushion layer 112 and the inflatable bladder 20 forms an integral cushion layer.
- the inflatable bladder 20 also functions as a part of the cushion layer.
- the sportsball with better cushion effect according to the present invention is more easily and comfortable to grip and to play. Also, to reduce the manufacturing cost and selling price, the thickness of the cushion layer 112 can be reduce while a cushion effect as good as the conventional sportsball may still be provided.
- each of the outer layers 111 has a predetermined size and shape
- each of the cushion layers 112 is cut into a predetermined size and shape corresponding to that of the outer layer 111 ;
- step (4) further comprises the steps of:
- each of the cushion layers 112 has two inclined side edges 1121 attached on the outer surface of the inflatable bladder 20 within the respective attachment groove 221 so as to enhance an overall attachment strength of the sportsball as well as the cushioning effect thereof.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
A sportsball includes a ball cover and a rubber made inflatable bladder. The ball cover includes a plurality of cover panels, wherein each of the cover panels includes an outer layer and a cushion layer made of foaming material and integrally adhered with an outer surface of the inflatable bladder in an overlapped manner to cover the inflatable bladder to form the sportsball and the cushion layers and the inflatable bladder form an integral cushion for the sportsball.
Description
- 1. Field of Invention
- The present invention relates to a ball, and more particularly to a sportsball which has a cushioned ball cover attached to an inflatable bladder to enhance the cushion effect of the sportsball by integrating the cushion layer of the ball cover with the rubber made inflatable bladder.
- 2. Description of Related Arts
- Referring to
FIG. 1A of the drawings, a conventional sportsball, such as a basketball, generally comprises aball cover 10P′ and aninflatable bladder 20P′. For a basketball, theinflatable bladder 20P′ is a carcass having a plurality ofchannels 21P′ protruded thereon and theball cover 10P′ comprises a plurality of cover panels 11P′, wherein theball cover 10P′ is attached on thecarcass 20P′ and the cover panels 11P′ are aligned between thechannels 21P′. Theball cover 10P′ is made of genuine leather or synthetic leather materials, such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), attached on theinflatable bladder 20P′. In order to assist the adhesion capability between theball cover 10P′ and the rubber madeinflatable bladder 20P′, theball cover 10P′ further provides aninner lining 13P′ affixed on a bottom surface for adhering on theinflatable bladder 20P′ so as to attach theball cover 10P on theinflatable bladder 20P′. In other words, theinner lining 13P′ is attached between theball cover 10P′ (i.e. the cover panels 11P′) and theinflatable bladder 20P′ (the carcass) he outer layer 11P′. - Referring to
FIG. 1B of the drawings, another kind of sportsball is illustrated, which comprises aninflatable bladder 20P and aball cover 10P which comprises a plurality of cover panels attached on theinflatable bladder 20P at thecorresponding channels 21P when the sportsball ball is a basketball, wherein each of the cover panel comprises an outer layer 11P, anintermediate cushion layer 12P, and aninner lining 13P. Theinflatable bladder 20P is usually a spherical and elastic rubber-made membrane having a valve stem affixed thereon. Theintermediate cushion layer 12P is included in this sportsball for providing a cushion effect for theball cover 10P.FIG. 1C illustrates an alternative mode of the above sportsball as shown inFIG. 1B , wherein each cover panel of theball cover 10P also provides with aninner lining 13P while two side edges of thechannels 21P are inclined and arranged to fittedly adhere with the outer layer such that theball cover 10P is slightly protruded with respect to thechannels 21P in order to enhance the cushion effect of theball cover 10P. - Practically, conventional adhesive resin would not be applied between the
cushion layer 12P such as PU foam and the rubber material of theinflatable bladder 20P (carcass) because the adhesive resin would chemically react with the PU foaming material and the rubber material to form a certain amount of residual substance that deteriorates (sometimes severely) the adhesive performance of the resin. As a result, the cover panels 11P and the rubberinflatable bladder 20P fail to permanently and securely adhere together and thus adversely affect the life span and the performance of the sportsball. - Although the
inner lining layer 13P substantially assists theball cover 10P to attach on theinflatable bladder 20P, a major drawback comes with suchinner lining layer 13P that its fiber nature affects the elasticity of theball cover 10P. In addition, even though the rubber material of theinflatable bladder 20P is also an elastic material having cushion effect, theinner lining layer 13P substantially separates theinflatable bladder 20P with thecushion layer 12P that eliminates such elastic effect of the rubber madeinflatable bladder 20P. As a result, the only portion that substantially provides the cushion effect for the entire sportsball is merely limited to thecushion layer 12P of theball cover 10P. Therefore, the conventional sportsball becomes less appealing in terms of player's comfort and controllability of the sportsball. - Subsequently, in order to resolve this “by-product” of reducing elasticity and player's comfort of the additional
inner lining layer 13P, those skilled in the art have utilized a thicker outer layer 11P orthicker cushion layer 12P, for compensating the loss of elasticity as a result of theinner lining layer 13P. This solves some of the problems regarding the performance of the sportsball and restores the comfort, yet thicker outer layer 11P orcushion layer 12P is more expensive thanordinary ball cover 10P and the result is that the overall manufacturing cost and the ultimate selling price of such a sportsball are inevitably increased. Most importantly, thicker outer orcushion layer 11P, 12P or even theinner lining layer 13P itself increases the overall thickness of theentire ball cover 10P. As a result, the sportsball may not comply with the relevant professional ball games regulations. - A main object of the present invention is to provide a sportsball with improved cushion effect and a manufacturing method thereof, wherein a cushioned outer cover attached to an inflatable bladder to enhance the cushion effect of the sportsball by integrating the cushion layer of the ball cover with the rubber made inflatable bladder.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a sportsball having a better adhesive effect between the cushioned outer cover and the inflatable bladder so as to achieve better performance of the sportsball and reduce the manufacturing cost thereof.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a sportsball and the manufacturing method thereof, wherein a treatment agent is applied between the cushioned outer cover and the inflatable bladder for eliminating unwanted chemicals formed when adhering the ball cover with the inflatable bladder through conventional adhesive agent, so that the sportsball of the present invention provides enhanced adhesive strength and quality between the ball cover and the inflatable bladder, as well as between the outer cover and the cushion layer where the outer cover is made of synthetic material such as rubber.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a sportsball with improved cushion and a manufacturing method thereof that eliminates the need for introducing additional elements, such as a fabric layer or lining layer, to the sportsball for compensating the unstable adhesive quality occurred in conventional arts.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a sportsball with enhanced cushion effect without increasing the overall size of the sportsball.
- Accordingly, in order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a sportsball which comprises:
- an inflatable bladder having an air inlet valve stem; and
- a ball cover which comprises a plurality of cover panels covering the inflatable bladder to form the sportsball, wherein each of the cover panels comprises an outer layer and a cushion layer integrally adhered with the outer layer in an overlapped manner, wherein the cushion layers and the inflatable bladder integrally form an integral cushion for the sportsball.
- When the cushion layers are made of foaming material and the inflatable bladder is made of rubber, a treatment agent is applied between attachment sides of the cushion layers of the cover panels and an outer surface of the inflatable bladder before adhering attachment sides of the cushion layers to said outer surface of the inflatable bladder.
- Moreover, the present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a sportsball, comprising the steps of:
- (1) providing a plurality of outer layers, each of the outer layers has a predetermined size and shape;
- (2) providing a plurality of cushion layers, wherein each of the cushion layers is cut into a predetermined size and shape corresponding to the outer layers;
- (3) providing an inflatable bladder having a plurality of channels formed thereon to define a plurality of attachment grooves between each two channels;
- (4) attaching the outer layers with the cushion layers respectively to form a plurality of cover panels;
- (5) applying a treatment agent on an attachment side of each of the cushion layers of the cover panels;
- (6) applying an adhering agent on an outer surface of the inflatable bladder at the attachment grooves; and
- (7) attaching each of the cover panels to the respective attachment grooves, wherein the treatment agent is chemically reacted with the adhering agent such that the cover panels are integrally bonded with the foaming inflatable bladder in an overlapped manner to form an integral cushion for the sportsball.
- These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
-
FIG. 1A is a conventional sportsball, illustrating that the ball cover is made up by an outer layer and an inner lining. -
FIG. 1B is a conventional sportsball, illustrating that the ball cover is made up by an outer layer, a cushion layer, and an inner lining. -
FIG. 1C is a conventional sportsball, illustrating that the ball cover is made by an outer layer, a cushion layer, and an inner lining, wherein the three layers form a pop up structure. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sportsball according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the sportsball according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a method of manufacturing a sportsball according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 2 toFIG. 4 of the drawings, a perspective view of a sportsball, such as a basketball, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, in which the sportsball comprises aball cover 10 and aninflatable bladder 20. - The
ball cover 10, having astem hole 12 formed thereon, comprises a plurality ofcover panels 11, wherein each of thecover panels 11 comprises anouter layer 111 and acushion layer 112 which is made of foaming material and integrally adhered with theouter layer 111 in an overlapped manner. - Each of the
cover panels 11 is formed by theouter layer 111 having a predetermined shape, such as that forming an elongated elliptical shape. On the other hand, each of thecushion layers 112 has the corresponding shape as that of the respectiveouter layer 111 so as to integrally and overlappedly attach underneath that respectiveouter layer 111 to form aparticular cover panel 11. - According to the preferred embodiment, the
outer layer 111 of each of thecover panels 11 is made of leather, synthetic leather such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU), or rubber, which are capable of sustaining a substantial degree of impact while retaining sound flexibility for sophisticated ball control by a player. Typically, each of theouter layers 111 provides a plurality of protruding pebbles distributed all over an outer surface thereof, so as to facilitate the secure gripping and holding of the sportsball by the player. - The
inflatable bladder 20 has avalve stem 21 aligned with thestem hole 12, wherein the ball cover 10 is attached on anouter surface 111 of theinflatable bladder 20. Theinflatable bladder 20, which is generally made of rubber or the like, has a predetermined shape. The valve stem 21 of theinflatable bladder 20 is aligned and attached with thestem hole 12 of theball cover 10, wherein a user is able to inflate the sportsball via thevalve stem 21 and thestem hole 12. When theinflatable bladder 20 is inflated via thevalve stem 21, it is popped up to expand against the ball cover 10 to form an inflated sportsball. - Referring to
FIG. 2 toFIG. 3 of the drawings, according to the preferred embodiment, theinflatable bladder 20 has a plurality ofchannels 22 protruded thereon to define a plurality ofattachment grooves 221 formed between each twochannels 22 to form an inflatable bladder for basketball, wherein each of thecover panels 11 is fittedly attached on therespective attachment groove 221. - In order to enhance the attachment between the
cushion layer 112 and theinflatable bladder 20 and the cushioning effect of the sportsball, twoinclined side edges 1121 of each of the cushion layers 112 can be cut inclinedly and also attached to the outer surface within therespective attachment groove 221 of theinflatable bladder 20 so that each of thecover panels 11 is slightly protruded along thechannels 22 so as to enhance an overall attachment strength as well as the cushioning effect of the sportsball. - Thus, where the
outer layer 111 is made of leather, synthetic leather or rubber, each of thecover panels 11 further comprises an adheringagent 114 applied between itsouter layer 111 andcushion layer 112 to permanently adhere theouter layer 111 with thecushion layer 112 to form theintegral cover panel 11 which has an ability to sustain substantial impact while retaining optimal flexibility. Moreover, the adhering agent 14 is also used to attach thecushion layer 112 to an outer surface of theinflatable bladder 20 so as to form the sportsball of the present invention. - It is worth to mention that common adhering
agent 114, such as adhesive resin which has a predetermined adhesive ability, would chemically react the rubber and foaming material and produce a certain amount of unwanted chemical substances that, in the ordinary course of event, may deteriorate the adhesion quality between thecushion layer 112 made of foaming material and the rubber madeinflatable bladder 20 and thecushion layer 112 and theouter layer 111 when it is made of rubber. Accordingly, each of thecover panels 11 further comprises atreatment agent 115 which is applied between thecushion layer 112 and the inflatable bladder 20 (as well as between thecushion layer 112 and theouter layer 111 when it is made of rubber), wherein thetreatment agent 115 should have a chemical property capable of preventing the formation of the above mentioned unwanted chemical substances. - According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
treatment agent 115 comprises a predetermined amount of chloroprene rubber, a predetermined amount of solvent refined heavy naphtha, and a predetermined amount of MEK. The corresponding percentage of each of these elements is: - 60%-70% of chloroprene rubber—60%-70%;
- 34%-22% of solvent refined heavy naphtha; and
- 1%-2% of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
- Moreover, the chemical features and the environmental impact of the
treatment agent 115 are briefly outlined as follows: - Storage temperature—room temperature
- Handling/storage—the treatment agent is to be stored in dry, cool area
- Appearance—Light yellow liquid
- Boiling point—approximately 95° C.
- Odor—Distinct odor
- Specific gravity—0.800+/−0.005 (/15+/−1° C.)
- Solubility in Water: Insoluble
- Stability—stable at room temperature
- Condition to avoid—avoid contact to heat, spark, flames or other sources of ignition
- Thermal decomposition—carbon oxide and other unknown organic compounds
- In view of above, it is appreciated that the sportsball of the present invention does not utilize any inner lining for the adhesion between the
inflatable bladder 20 and thecushion layer 112 and/or between thecushion layer 112 and theouter layer 11 when it is made of rubber. To eliminate of the inner lining and to enable thecushion layer 112 directly attached on theinflatable bladder 20 not only can reduce the cost of the lining material and the manufacturing step of securely attaching the lining layer to the cushion layer, but also can enhance the overall cushion effect of the sportsball that the elasticity of theinflatable bladder 20, generally made of rubber, also provides cushion effect in addition to the foaming material of thecushion layer 112. That is thecushion layer 112 and theinflatable bladder 20 forms an integral cushion layer. In other words, theinflatable bladder 20 also functions as a part of the cushion layer. The sportsball with better cushion effect according to the present invention is more easily and comfortable to grip and to play. Also, to reduce the manufacturing cost and selling price, the thickness of thecushion layer 112 can be reduce while a cushion effect as good as the conventional sportsball may still be provided. - Referring to
FIG. 4 of the drawings, a method of manufacturing the above disclosed sportsball comprising the steps of: - (1) providing the plurality of
outer layers 111, each of theouter layers 111 has a predetermined size and shape; - (2) providing the plurality of cushion layers 112, wherein each of the cushion layers 112 is cut into a predetermined size and shape corresponding to that of the
outer layer 111; - (3) providing the
inflatable bladder 20 having the plurality ofchannels 22 formed thereon to define the plurality ofattachment grooves 221 between each twochannels 22; - (4) attaching the
outer layers 111 with the cushion layers 112 respectively to form the plurality ofcover panels 11; - (5) applying the
treatment agent 115 between the attachment side of each of the cushion layers of the cover panels and an outer surface of the inflatable bladder; - (6) applying an adhering
agent 114 on the outer surface of the inflatable bladder at the attachment grooves; and - (7) attaching each of the
cover panels 11 to therespective attachment grooves 221, wherein thetreatment agent 115 is chemically reacted with the adheringagent 114 such that thecover panels 11 are integrally bonded with theinflatable bladder 20 in an overlapped manner to form an integral cushion for the sportsball. - In addition, the step (4) further comprises the steps of:
- (4.1) applying resin as an adhering
agent 114 on each of the cushion layers 112 to integrally bind theouter layers 111 with the cushion layers 112 in an overlapped manner respectively; and - (4.2) applying a
treatment agent 115 on each of theouter layers 111 when theouter layer 111 is made of rubber. - In order to enhance the attachment between the
cushion layer 112 and theinflatable bladder 20 and the cushioning effect, as mentioned above, each of the cushion layers 112 has twoinclined side edges 1121 attached on the outer surface of theinflatable bladder 20 within therespective attachment groove 221 so as to enhance an overall attachment strength of the sportsball as well as the cushioning effect thereof. - One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.
- It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims (32)
1. A sportsball, comprising:
an inflatable bladder having an air inlet valve stem; and
a ball cover which comprises a plurality of cover panels each of which comprises an outer layer and a cushion layer integrally adhered with said outer layer in an overlapped manner, wherein attachment sides of said cushion layers of said cover panels are attached on an outer surface of said inflatable bladder to cover said inflatable bladder to form said sportsball and each of said cover panels said cushion layers and said inflatable bladder form an integral cushion for said sportsball.
2. The sportsball, as recited in claim 1 , wherein said inflatable bladder is made of rubber and said cushion layers are made of foaming material, wherein a treatment agent is applied between said attachment sides of said cushion layers of said cover panels and said outer surface of said inflatable bladder before adhering said attachment sides of said cushion layers to said outer surface of said inflatable bladder.
3. The sportsball, as recited in claim 1 , wherein said outer layers are made of rubber and said cushion layers of said cover panels are made of foaming material, wherein a treatment agent is applied between inner sides of said cushion layers and outer surfaces of said outer layers before adhering said inner sides of said cushion layers to said outer surfaces of said outer layers respectively.
4. The sportsball, as recited in claim 2 , wherein said outer layers are made of rubber and said cushion layers of said cover panels are made of foaming material, wherein said treatment agent is applied between inner sides of said cushion layers and outer surfaces of said outer layers before adhering said inner sides of said cushion layers to said outer surfaces of said outer layers respectively.
5. The sportsball, as recited in claim 1 , wherein said inflatable bladder has a plurality of channels protruded thereon to define a plurality of attachment grooves formed between each two of said channels, wherein said cover panels are fittedly attached on said attachment grooves respectively.
6. The sportsball, as recited in claim 2 , wherein said inflatable bladder has a plurality of channels protruded thereon to define a plurality of attachment grooves formed between each two of said channels, wherein said cover panels are fittedly attached on said attachment grooves respectively.
7. The sportsball, as recited in claim 3 , wherein said inflatable bladder has a plurality of channels protruded thereon to define a plurality of attachment grooves formed between each two of said channels, wherein said cover panels are fittedly attached on said attachment grooves respectively.
8. The sportsball, as recited in claim 4 , wherein said inflatable bladder has a plurality of channels protruded thereon to define a plurality of attachment grooves formed between each two of said channels, wherein said cover panels are fittedly attached on said attachment grooves respectively.
9. The sportsball, as recited in claim 2 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a predetermined amount of chloroprene rubber, a predetermined amount of solvent refined heavy naphtha, and a predetermined amount of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
10. The sportsball, as recited in claim 4 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a predetermined amount of chloroprene rubber, a predetermined amount of solvent refined heavy naphtha, and a predetermined amount of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
11. The sportsball, as recited in claim 6 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a predetermined amount of chloroprene rubber, a predetermined amount of solvent refined heavy naphtha, and a predetermined amount of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
12. The sportsball, as recited in claim 8 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a predetermined amount of chloroprene rubber, a predetermined amount of solvent refined heavy naphtha, and a predetermined amount of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
13. The sportsball, as recited in claim 2 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a 60%-70% of chloroprene rubber, a 34%-22% of solvent refined heavy naphtha and 1%-2% of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
14. The sportsball, as recited in claim 4 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a 60%-70% of chloroprene rubber, a 34%-22% of solvent refined heavy naphtha and 1%-2% of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
15. The sportsball, as recited in claim 6 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a 60%-70% of chloroprene rubber, a 34%-22% of solvent refined heavy naphtha and 1%-2% of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
16. The sportsball, as recited in claim 8 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a 60%-70% of chloroprene rubber, a 34%-22% of solvent refined heavy naphtha and 1%-2% of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
17. A method of manufacturing a sportsball, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing an inflatable bladder having an air inlet valve stem thereon;
(b) providing a plurality of outer layers, each of said outer layers has a predetermined size and shape;
(c) providing a plurality of cushion layers, wherein each of said cushion layers is cut into a predetermined size and shape corresponding to that of said respective outer layer;
(d) attaching each of said outer layers with said cushion layers respectively to form said cover panels;
(e) applying an adhering agent on an attachment side of each of said cushion layers of said cover panels; and
(f) attaching attachment sides of said cushion layers of said cover panels on an outer surface of said inflatable bladder to cover said inflatable bladder to form said sportsball and each of said cover panels said cushion layers and said inflatable bladder form an integral cushion for said sportsball.
18. The method, as recited in claim 17 , wherein said cushion layers which are made of foaming material are adhered on said outer surface of said inflatable bladder which is made of rubber, wherein the method further comprises a step of applying a treatment agent between the attachments sides of said cushion layers of said cover panels and said outer surface of said inflatable bladder to ensure integrally attachment of said cushion layers with said inflatable bladder in an overlapped manner to form said sportsball.
19. The method, as recited in claim 17 , wherein said outer layers are made of rubber and said cushion layers of said cover panels are made of foaming material, wherein the method further comprises a step of applying a treatment agent between inner sides of said cushion layers and outer surfaces of said outer layers before adhering said inner sides of said cushion layers to said outer surfaces of said outer layers respectively.
20. The method, as recited in claim 18 , wherein said outer layers are made of rubber and said cushion layers of said cover panels are made of foaming material, wherein the method further comprises a step of applying a treatment agent between inner sides of said cushion layers and outer surfaces of said outer layers before adhering said inner sides of said cushion layers to said outer surfaces of said outer layers respectively.
21. The method, as recited in claim 17 , wherein said inflatable bladder has a plurality of channels protruded thereon to define a plurality of attachment grooves formed between each two of said channels, wherein said cover panels are fittedly attached on said attachment grooves respectively.
22. The method, as recited in claim 18 , wherein said inflatable bladder has a plurality of channels protruded thereon to define a plurality of attachment grooves formed between each two of said channels, wherein said cover panels are fittedly attached on said attachment grooves respectively.
23. The method, as recited in claim 19 , wherein said inflatable bladder has a plurality of channels protruded thereon to define a plurality of attachment grooves formed between each two of said channels, wherein said cover panels are fittedly attached on said attachment grooves respectively.
24. The method, as recited in claim 20 , wherein said inflatable bladder has a plurality of channels protruded thereon to define a plurality of attachment grooves formed between each two of said channels, wherein said cover panels are fittedly attached on said attachment grooves respectively.
25. The method, as recited in claim 18 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a predetermined amount of chloroprene rubber, a predetermined amount of solvent refined heavy naphtha, and a predetermined amount of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
26. The method, as recited in claim 20 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a predetermined amount of chloroprene rubber, a predetermined amount of solvent refined heavy naphtha, and a predetermined amount of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
27. The method, as recited in claim 22 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a predetermined amount of chloroprene rubber, a predetermined amount of solvent refined heavy naphtha, and a predetermined amount of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
28. The method, as recited in claim 24 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a predetermined amount of chloroprene rubber, a predetermined amount of solvent refined heavy naphtha, and a predetermined amount of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
29. The method, as recited in claim 18 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a 60%-70% of chloroprene rubber, a 34%-22% of solvent refined heavy naphtha and 1%-2% of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
30. The method, as recited in claim 20 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a 60%-70% of chloroprene rubber, a 34%-22% of solvent refined heavy naphtha and 1%-2% of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
31. The method, as recited in claim 22 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a 60%-70% of chloroprene rubber, a 34%-22% of solvent refined heavy naphtha and 1%-2% of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
32. The method, as recited in claim 24 , wherein said treatment agent comprises a 60%-70% of chloroprene rubber, a 34%-22% of solvent refined heavy naphtha and 1%-2% of MEK (Methylethyl Ketone).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/027,996 US20060148601A1 (en) | 2004-12-31 | 2004-12-31 | Sportsball |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/027,996 US20060148601A1 (en) | 2004-12-31 | 2004-12-31 | Sportsball |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060148601A1 true US20060148601A1 (en) | 2006-07-06 |
Family
ID=36641302
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/027,996 Abandoned US20060148601A1 (en) | 2004-12-31 | 2004-12-31 | Sportsball |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060148601A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
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USD627358S1 (en) * | 2009-10-28 | 2010-11-16 | Pawel A. Woloszyn | Computer case |
US20120202627A1 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2012-08-09 | Nike, Inc. | Sport Ball |
US20130005521A1 (en) * | 2011-06-28 | 2013-01-03 | Nike, Inc. | Sport Ball Casing With Integrated Bladder Material |
US20130184105A1 (en) * | 2012-01-17 | 2013-07-18 | Marshaan Connell Johnson | Sport training ball |
US8622857B2 (en) | 2011-08-26 | 2014-01-07 | Jack Lo | Inflatable ball with rib structure |
US8708847B2 (en) | 2008-06-27 | 2014-04-29 | Nike, Inc. | Sport ball casing and methods of manufacturing the casing |
US20140256477A1 (en) * | 2011-05-31 | 2014-09-11 | Decathlon | Ball, particularly for basketball practice, and corresponding manufacture method |
DE102011111495B4 (en) * | 2011-08-30 | 2016-12-01 | Jack Lo | Inflatable ball with a rib structure |
US20170050089A1 (en) * | 2015-08-17 | 2017-02-23 | 2nd Skull, LLC | Impact dissipating ball |
US20200206582A1 (en) * | 2017-08-01 | 2020-07-02 | Molten Corporation | Ball |
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US9457239B2 (en) | 2008-06-27 | 2016-10-04 | Nike, Inc. | Sport ball casing with integrated bladder material |
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US9457525B2 (en) | 2008-06-27 | 2016-10-04 | Nike, Inc. | Sport ball casing and methods of manufacturing the casing |
US8708847B2 (en) | 2008-06-27 | 2014-04-29 | Nike, Inc. | Sport ball casing and methods of manufacturing the casing |
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DE102011111495B4 (en) * | 2011-08-30 | 2016-12-01 | Jack Lo | Inflatable ball with a rib structure |
US20130184105A1 (en) * | 2012-01-17 | 2013-07-18 | Marshaan Connell Johnson | Sport training ball |
US20170050089A1 (en) * | 2015-08-17 | 2017-02-23 | 2nd Skull, LLC | Impact dissipating ball |
US20200206582A1 (en) * | 2017-08-01 | 2020-07-02 | Molten Corporation | Ball |
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