TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sports training device. In particular, although by no means exclusively, the invention relates to a sports training device for practicing ball sports including football, American football (gridiron), soccer, rugby league, rugby union, tennis, golf, hockey, hurling and cricket.

BACKGROUND

Many sports involve interacting with (e.g., throwing and/or striking) a ball. Broadly speaking, ball sports can be broken up into two distinct groups: team sports and individual sports. In team sports, such as football and soccer, players need to pass the ball to one another, whilst participants of individual sports, for example golf, do not.

Common to all ball sports, however, is the need for athletes to repetitively practice the correct technique of propelling the ball, in order to develop the appropriate muscle memory and biomechanical schemas.

It is often the case that a team sport athlete may not have access to a team-mate to kick or throw the ball with. In addition, tennis players and golfers may not have access to the required court or course. In such cases, participants will often resort to hitting or kicking a ball against a wall or into a practice net. Such endeavours typically result in the player wasting a significant amount of time retrieving the ball and/or setting it up - time that might otherwise be better spent on practicing the sport.

Against this backdrop, elastically tethered balls have been provided for practicing rudimentary skills common to both bat and ball and racquet and ball games. For example, tennis balls attached to vertical stakes have been used since the early 1900s. More recently, footballs connected to elastic bungee cords have become a popular way for budding footballers to learn the basic techniques. A problem with such existing tethered balls, however, lies in the replication of ball flight associated with a particular game. For example, existing tethered footballs fail to accurately reproduce or cater for the levels of spin and rotation imparted on a ball during a typical sports game or match. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a sports training device that ameliorates the disadvantages of known sports training devices or at least provides the consumer with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure attempts to make a sports training device that comprises, or is used in conjunction with, a ball, in which the ball is able to perform in an analogous way to a ball used during a typical sports game or match. For example, by reproducing the characteristics (e.g. feel and behaviour of the ball) such as catering for rotation imparted on a ball during use.

The present disclosure provides a sports training device comprising a ball and a rotatable coupling located inside the ball, the rotatable coupling being configured to rotatably connect the ball to a tether, such that, in use, the ball is permitted to rotate relative to the tether.

It is understood that the meaning of the term “tether”, in the context of this application, is an element that a user can hold, or otherwise engage, so as to restrict movement between the user and the ball. The tether may be a flexible element, such as a rope or chain. The tether may be a rigid element, such as a rod or shaft. The tether may be extensible (e.g., able to be stretched or extended) or inextensible. The tether may be elastic (e.g., able to resume its normal shape after being stretched or compressed) or non-elastic.

When an untethered ball is propelled in the air, in what is known as “free flight” condition, the ball may freely rotate. In the present application, the rotatable connection allows the ball to spin relative to the tether as it is propelled to and from the player. As such, the ball of the sports training device can closely imitate the behaviour of a ball in “free flight” condition.

As the ball is permitted to rotate relative to the tether, the transferal of torsional forces to the tether (associated with rotation of the ball) can be minimised. This is advantageous for preventing the tether from becoming tangled, rendering the device unusable.

An advantage of locating the coupling inside the ball is that it enables an axis of rotation of the coupling to be aligned with a centre of gravity of the ball. In practice, a ball in “free flight” will typically spin about an axis that extends through the centre of gravity. It can therefore be appreciated that aligning the axis of rotation of the coupling with the centre of gravity of the ball may more closely replicate the behaviour of a ball in “free flight”. A further advantage of locating the coupling inside the ball is that it shields the coupling from impact which may otherwise result in damage to the coupling and/or injury to the user.

The rotatable coupling may comprise a pair of elements configured to rotate relative to each other. A first element may be configured to be connected to the ball. A second element may be configured to be connected to the tether.

The rotatable coupling may also restrict translatory movement of the first and second elements relative to each other. Suitably, one of the elements may revolve without moving the other element. The movement of one of the elements relative to the other may be described as being a swivel motion. The elements may revolve around a single axis. The elements may revolve between 0° and 360 ^e about the axis. For example, as a bearing. However, it is also envisaged that the elements may revolve around multiple axes. For example, as a universal joint or a “ball and socket” type joint. A “ball and socket” type joint comprises a ball element and a socket element. If a “ball and socket” type joint is adopted, a cap may be positioned relative to the socket element such that it restricts translational movement of the ball element with respect to the socket element.

Suitably, the rotatable coupling may provide a substantially frictionless rotatable connection between the ball and the tether. To this end, a lubricant may be placed between the elements. However, it is also envisaged that materials may be selected to reduce the coefficient of friction between the elements. Suitably, the coefficient of friction may be less than 0.4. Optionally, the coefficient of friction may be between 0.04 and 0.1 . Examples of materials with low coefficient of friction include nylon (PA6), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyurethane (PE).

The ball may comprise a cover that defines an interior of the ball. The cover may be spherical (e.g., round) or ovoid (e.g., egg shaped). A plurality of segments or panels may be joined together (e.g., stitched, glued or moulded) to form the cover.

The cover may comprise an opening into the interior of the ball.

The coupling may be accessible through or extend from the opening in the cover.

The sports training device may further comprise a bushing that reduces frictional resistance between the coupling or tether and the cover. It is desirable to reduce frictional resistance as this helps the ball rotate more easily and therefore more closely imitate the behaviour of a ball in “free flight” condition. The bushing may be located inside the opening in the cover.

The bushing may extend at least partly around a perimeter edge of the cover that defines the opening. The bushing may extend entirely around the perimeter edge of the cover.

The bushing may be a tube. The tube may be moulded. The tube may extend through the opening in the cover.

The sports training device may further comprise a support member located within the interior and configured to hold the coupling relative to the cover.

Suitably, the support member is configured to hold the coupling in alignment with the opening.

An advantage of holding the coupling in alignment with the opening is that the axis of rotation of the coupling can be fixed relative to the ball which maintains consistency of the ball’s rotational behaviour.

The support member may include a recess, the coupling being at least partly accommodated within the recess. Accommodating the coupling within the recess may serve to shield the coupling from external impact forces applied to the ball during use. Suitably, the coupling is entirely accommodated within the recess. For example, an external surface of the coupling may be flush or recessed with respect to an outer surface of the support member. In another example, the external surface of the coupling may be proud of the outer surface of the support member. In the latter example, the coupling is considered partly accommodated within the recess.

The coupling may comprise a body that is shaped and sized to conform to the recess. The coupling may be configured to be frictionally received within the recess so as to be retained therein, in part or entirely, by frictional forces.

The coupling may comprise a stem that extends from the body and at least partly into the opening of the cover. Suitably, the stem extends through the opening. The stem may be hollow such that a part of the tether can be received therein. The hollow stem may comprise an internal wall that can restrict translatory movement of the tether in a region proximal to the opening of the cover. The stem may be received within the aforementioned bushing to reduce frictional resistance between the stem and the cover when the stem is rotated relative to the ball. The body may be rotatably mounted to the support.

Alternatively, the body may be fixedly mounted to the support.

The support member may include engagement features configured to engage with the body to limit rotation of the body within the recess. For example, a detent.

The body may be permanently mounted to the support. For example, by moulding the body within the support, or by using adhesives, e.g., glue, or permanent fasteners, e.g., rivets.

The body may be semi-permanently mounted to the support. For example, using stitches.

The body may be removably mounted to the support. For example, using hook and loop fasteners, e.g., Velcro®, or removable fasteners, e.g., screws or bolts.

Removably mounting the body to the support facilitates ease of repair and/or replacement of the body and the support.

The rotatable coupling may include an attachment portion that is configured to attach to the tether.

The attachment portion may be provided as an aperture within the stem or the body. In this arrangement, an end of the tether may be threaded through the aperture and attached to itself to form a loop. Alternatively, the end of the tether may be threaded through the aperture and tied to form a knot that is greater in size than the aperture such that movement of the knot through the aperture is restricted. It is also envisaged that a separate component that is greater in size than the aperture may be attached to the end of the tether.

The attachment portion may comprise a hook or loop which extends through the stem of the coupling. The end of the tether may be attached to the hook or loop.

The ball may further comprise an inflatable bladder. The support member may be located between the cover and the inflatable bladder.

The support member may be formed from a compressible material. Providing a support member made from a compressible material minimises the reaction force felt by the user when impacting the ball which may result in the ball’s playing characteristic (feel and behaviour) more closely resembling that of a standard sports ball.

The ball may be ovoid in shape. Ovoid balls are elongate and define longitudinal poles. Examples of such balls include rugby balls (union and league), American footballs (gridiron) and Australian Rules footballs.

The opening in the cover may be located at a longitudinal pole thereof.

The ball may be spherical in shape. Examples of such balls include tennis balls, soccer balls and golf balls.

The ball may comprise a substantially solid core. In the context of this application, a “substantially solid core” refers to a core that is self-supporting, e.g., is not pressurised. Examples of such balls include cricket balls and hurling balls. In some embodiments, the substantially solid core may comprise a liquid or gel.

Suitably, the support member may form at least part of the solid core. By providing the support member as part of the solid core, the playing characteristic (feel and behaviour) of the ball can more closely resemble that of a standard sports ball.

The sports training device may further comprise an elastic tether that is adapted to be secured to a user, such that, in use, with the tether connected to the coupling and to the user, application of an external force to the ball by the user results in the ball being propelled away from the user with the tether imparting a biasing force onto the ball to thereby return the ball thereto. The use of an elastic tether is preferred so as to apply a return force onto ball. However, inelastic tethers may also be preferred in certain situations in which a return force on the ball is less desirable or not desired.

The sports training device may also comprise a harness for securing the tether to a user. Suitably, the harness secures to a torso (e.g., chest or waist) of the user. Securing the harness to the torso of the user frees the limbs to interact with the ball.

The harness may comprise an adjustment element for adjusting the length of the tether. For example, a reel that can pay-out the tether or pay-in the tether or both. The harness may comprise a locking element for locking the tether at a particular length.

The harness may comprise a releasable connection for releasably connecting to the tether.

The present disclosure also provides a rotatable coupling for connecting a ball to a tether, the coupling being adapted to be mounted inside the ball and being configured to rotatably connect the ball to the tether so as to permit rotation of the ball with respect to the tether.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sports training device according to an embodiment of the invention, showing a rotatable coupling that rotatably connects a football to a tether;

Figure 2 is a cut-away perspective view of the encircled region A of Figure 1 , showing the coupling mounted within a support member in an interior of the football;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling and support member of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the coupling of Figure 3, showing the coupling in an assembled configuration ready for insertion into the support member;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising the coupling and the support member shown in Figure 3;

Figures 6A and 6B are images illustrating an example of how the assembly shown in Figure 5 can be mounted to the football, in which the assembly is contained within a pouch that is attached to an inner surface of a cover of the football, where Figure 6A is a side view and Figure 6B is a top perspective view of the pouch and football cover (shown inverted, e.g., inside out);

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a sports training device according to another embodiment of the invention, showing a rotatable coupling that rotatably connects a cricket ball to a tether; Figure 8 is an exploded cut-away side view of the sports training device of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view a core of the ball of Figure 8; and

Figures 10A and 10B are images illustrating the assembled core shown in Figure 9, where Figure 10A is a top view; Figure 10B is a side view.

Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments, although not the only possible embodiments, of the invention are shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 to 8 broadly relate to a sports training device comprising a ball that is adapted to connect to a tether. Specifically, the sports training device comprises a coupling that is located within the ball, the coupling providing a rotatable connection between the ball and the tether.

Figures 1 to 5 relate to a first embodiment of the invention in the form of a sports training device 10 used in the context of an ovoid shaped football 12. This embodiment is particularly suited to balls that have an inflatable bladder. Non-limiting examples of such balls include footballs, soccer balls, rugby balls, gridiron balls, volleyballs, and the like.

With specific reference to Figures 1 to 5, the sports training device 10 includes a football 12 having a cover 14 (see Figure 2) that defines interior and exterior surfaces of the football 12. As shown in Figure 2, a hole 18 located at a longitudinal pole of the football passes through the cover 14.

As illustrated, the cover 14 comprises several leather segments that are stitched or otherwise joined together so as to extend completely around the periphery of the football 12. It is understood, however, that in other embodiments the cover 14 may be a unitary cover formed from a single piece of material.

As best shown in Figure 2, in an interior of the football 12 is a cavity 16, in which an inflatable bladder 19 is located. The bladder 19 is shown partially inflated in Figure 2 for schematic purposes. When fully inflated, the bladder 19 presses against an inner surface of the cover 14. The bladder thus supports the ball 12 (including supporting to maintain its external profile). In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the cavity 16 itself may be filled with a pressurised gas.

A rotatable coupling 20 is located within the cavity 16. The coupling 20 connects the football 12 to an external tether 22. In use, the tether 22 is held by or otherwise secured to a user of the sports training device 10 - thus restricting maximum travel of football 12 from the user and providing a means for returning the football 12 to the user during practice of kicking or throwing the football 12.

As best shown in Figure 3, the rotatable coupling 20 comprises: a stationary element 24; a movable element 26 and a cap 28.

The movable element 26 comprises a ball 26a and a loop of cord 26b extending from the ball 26a. The moveable element 26 is made from POM (acetal). Ends of the cord 26b are embedded within the ball 26a during an injection moulding process. However, it is also envisaged that the ends of the cord 26b may be secured to the ball 26a by any other means known in the art, e.g., using adhesives or fasteners.

The stationary element 24 comprises a body 24a that is cup shaped and defines an opening 24b in which the movable element 26 can be received therein. The stationary element 24 is made from PA6 (nylon). The body 24a is an open structure with a cage-like appearance. The body 24a comprises a ring 24c with a plurality of ribs 24d that depend therefrom and taper towards an apex 24e of the body 24a. There are gaps between adjacent ribs 24d such that the opening 24b is visible through the gaps between each of the ribs 24d. The stationary element 24 also comprises a stem 24f that extends from the apex 24e of the body 24a. The stem 24f has a central passage that communicates with the opening 24b of body 24a. In other words, the stem 24f is hollow. The central passage allows a loop of cord 26b of the movable element 26 to be threaded therethrough (as will be described in the sections that follow). The ring 24c has a plurality of notches 24g into which deformable tabs 28b on the cap 28 can be resiliently retained (as will be described in the sections that follow).

The cap 28 comprises a central cylindrical plug 28a with a plurality of deformable tabs 28b radially projecting therefrom. The cap 28 is made from PA6 (nylon). The plug 28a is sized such that it can be inserted into the opening 24b provided the deformable tabs 28b are aligned with the notches 24g on the body 24a. Inserting the plug 28a into the opening 24, compresses the deformable tabs 28b against an inner wall of the notches 24g so as to frictionally and resiliently secure the cap 28 relative to the stationary element 24. It can be appreciated that the cap 28 and body 24a limit the moveable element’s 26 translatory movement.

A support member 30 is configured to hold the coupling 20 in alignment with the hole 18 in the cover 14. The support member 30 is made from PUR (flexible polyurethane foam). The support member 30 has a dome-shaped construction having an internal side wall 30a that defines a central recess 30b. The recess 30b is sized and shaped to frictionally receive the stationary element 24. The support member 30 has a plurality of engagement elements, in the form of protrusions 30c, arranged around the side wall 30a. The protrusions 30c are configured to be alignable with the gaps between adjacent ribs 24d. When the stationary element 24 is inserted into the central recess 30b, the protrusions 30c limit rotational movement of the stationary element 24 relative to the support member 30 about its longitudinal axis. In other words, the protrusions 30c act as detents.

When the rotatable coupling 20 is assembled, the ball 26a of the moveable element 26 is positioned within the opening 24b and the loop of cord 26b is pulled through the central passage of the stem 24e. The cap 28 is then resiliently secured to the body 24a, as described above, so as to form the rotatable coupling 20 that is shown in Figure 4. The rotatable coupling 20 is then inserted into the recess 30b in the support member 30 and frictionally retained therein, as described above, to form an assembly that is shown in Figure 5.

The assembly can be mounted to the inner surface of the cover 14. The assembly may be releasably mounted to the inner surface of the cover 14, for example, using hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) or removable fasteners, e.g., screws or bolts.

Figures 6A and 6B show an example of how the assembly (comprising rotatable coupling 20 and support member 30) can be mounted to the inner surface of the cover 14. In this example, the assembly is contained within a pouch 40 having an external surface with a plurality (four) Velcro® strips 42 attached thereto. The Velcro® strips 42 may be attached to the external surface of the pouch by any means known in the art, for example stitched or glued. A plurality (four) of corresponding Velcro® strips 44 are attached to inner surfaces of the segments of the football cover 14. In Figures 6A and 6B, the football cover 14 is shown inverted, e.g., inside out. The Velcro® strips 44 may be attached to the inner surface of the segments of the football cover 14 by any means known in the art, for example stitched or glued. When the Velcro® strips 42 of the pouch 40contact the corresponding Velcro® strips 44 on the inner surface of the cover 14, the hooks and loops of the Velcro® strips will releasably engage with each other. Once the pouch 40 is attached to the cover 14, the cover is unturned, e.g., reverted from being inside out.

In another example, the Velcro® strips 42 are attached directly to the support member 30.

In other words, the pouch 40 is dispensed with.

In another example, the support member 30 is attached to the cover 14 using fasteners that use a friction fitting such as press studs.

Alternatively, the assembly may be permanently mounted to the inner surface of the cover 14, for example, by moulding assembly to the cover 14, or by using adhesives or permanent fasteners, e.g., rivets. For example, the support member 30 is adhered, e.g., glued, to the cover 14. In another example, the support member 30 may be attached to the cover 14 using stitches.

It is desirable for the means of mounting the assembly inside the ball be sufficient to limit movement of the assembly with respect to the ball.

The loop of cord 26b of the movable element 26 can be threaded through the opening 18 in the cover 14 of the football 12, such that it projects therefrom. In some embodiments, the loop of cord 26b may instead be housed within the opening 24b of the stationary element 24 and is accessible through the hole 18 in the cover 14.

A bushing, in the form of a tube (not shown), may be inserted through the opening 18 such that it surrounds the loop of the cord 26b. The tube maintains a minimum diameter of the opening 18 so as to minimise frictional resistance between the cord 26b and the ball when the ball is rotating. The tube may project from the cover 14. Suitably, the tube projects between 1 cm and 7 cm from the cover 14. As can be appreciated, materials and dimensions of the tube should be selected in order to provide sufficient stiffness and strength to prevent the opening 18 from closing. It is also desirable for the tube to be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction. Suitable materials include nylon and PTFE.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable coupling 20 is located at a longitudinal pole of the ball 12. This pole corresponds to the point of impact where a football would typically be kicked. As such, it may be desirable for the support member 30 to be formed from a compressible material such as PUR (flexible polyurethane foam). The compressible material allows the support member 30 to compress and absorb impact energy when a user strikes the football 12. In effect, the compressible material allows the support member 30 to react similar to the cover 14 and bladder 19 when struck, such that the playing characteristics of the football 12 are not negatively affected or altered by the provision of the rotatable coupling 20.

An alternative embodiment of the invention, in the form of sports training device 110 used in the context of a spherical shaped ball 112, will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 10.

The sports training device 110 has the same features as the sports training device 10 but with the reference numbers starting with the prefix 1 . For clarity, similar components and functional analogues will be described using similar terminology and numerical references. This embodiment is particularly suited to hard balls that have a solid core. Non-limiting examples of such balls include hockey balls, hurling balls, cricket balls, baseballs and the like.

With specific reference to Figures 7 and 8, the sports training device 110 includes a cricket ball 112 having a cover 114 that defines interior and exterior surfaces of the ball 112. A hole 118 passes through the cover 114. As illustrated, the cover 114 comprises two leather segments that are stitched or otherwise joined together so as to extend completely around the periphery of the ball 112. It is understood, however, that in other embodiments the cover 114 may be formed from a greater or lesser number of segments or alternatively provided as a unitary cover formed from a single piece of leather or leather-like material.

As best shown in Figure 8, in an interior of the ball 112 is a cavity 116, in which a solid core 130 is located. The core 130 provides hardness and structure to the ball 112. The core 130 can be, for example, formed form materials including cork and rubber. For soft round sports balls, such as tennis balls, hockey balls, base balls and soft balls, the core 130 is made from PUR (flexible polyurethane foam).

It is contemplated that the core 130 and the cover 114 may be integrally formed as a moulded component.

The core 130 is formed from a pair of hemispheres 130a, 130b.

As shown in Figure 9, a first hemisphere 130a has an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a recess 130c. An opening 130d extends through the first hemisphere 130a and communicates with the recess 130c. The inner surface of the first hemisphere comprises a plurality of engagement elements, in the form of protrusions 130e. The protrusions 130e are configured to be alignable with the gaps between adjacent ribs 124d of a stationary element 124 of a rotatable coupling 120. The protrusions 130e and gaps between adjacent ribs 124d function in a similar manner to that as described with reference to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-6.

A second hemisphere 130b has an outer surface and an inner surface with a hub 130f projecting from the inner surface.

When the pair of hemispheres 130a, 130b are assembled together their respective inner surfaces define a closed cavity therebetween.

The rotatable coupling 120 is located within the cavity 116 of the ball 112. The coupling 120 connects the ball 112 to an external tether 122. In use, the tether 122 is held by or otherwise secured to a user of the sports training device 110 - thus restricting maximum travel of 112 from the user and providing a means for returning the ball 112 to the user during practice of hitting or throwing of the ball 112.

The rotatable coupling 120 comprises a stationary element 124 and a movable element (not shown). The rotatable coupling 120 essentially operates in a similar manner to the rotatable coupling 20 of the first embodiment (as described with reference to Figures 1-6) with the exception that there is no cap.

In use, the rotatable coupling 120 is located in the closed cavity of the core 130.

To assemble the device 110, the movable element is first positioned in the opening 124b of the stationary element 124. The hub 130f of the second hemisphere 130b is then inserted into the opening 124b to imprison the movable element therein. The hub 130f is sized and shaped to be frictionally retained in the opening 124b. It can be appreciated that the hub 130f acts in a similar manner to the cap 28, of the sports training device 10, in that it limits the translatory movement of the moveable element. The first hemisphere is then placed over the second hemisphere with the protrusions 130e aligned with the gaps between adjacent ribs 124d of the stationary element 124. Once aligned, the first hemisphere can be pushed onto the stationary element 124 so as to frictionally secure the two components. It can be appreciated that the protrusions 130e act in a similar manner to the protrusions 30c, of the sports training device 10, in that they limit rotational movement of the stationary element 124 relative to the first hemisphere 130a about an axis. In other words, the protrusions 130e act as detents.

Figures 10A and 10B show the assembled core 130. The first and second hemispheres 130a, 130b are fused together, for example, using adhesive. Figure 10B shows the seam 140 that is formed between the first and second hemispheres 130a, 130b when they are fused together. Alternatively, the first and second hemispheres 130a, 130b are formed around the rotatable coupling 120 in a mould, for example by injection moulding.

In some embodiments, the protrusions 130e may not be present and instead the stationary element 124 is able to rotate relative to the first hemisphere 130a. In such an arrangement, the moveable element may be fixedly secured to the stationary element 124 or even dispensed with altogether. With regard to the latter, the tether may be connected to the stem 124f directly. For example, the end of the tether may be inserted inside the central passage of the stem 124f and permanently secured thereto. The end of the tether may be permanently secured by any means known in the art, such as by crimping, welding, fusing or adhering. It is also envisaged that the end of the tether may be releasably secured to the stem 124f by any means known in the art, for example by using a fastener, such as a grub screw.

Whilst the coupling 120, described above, has been described in relation to cricket balls. However, it is understood that this arrangement is suitable for any other round ball such as tennis balls, hockey balls, hurling balls, baseballs and softballs. It is understood that the coupling 120 may also be suitable for use with inflatable balls such as footballs.

Similarly, the coupling 20 as previously described for use with inflatable balls such as footballs may also be suitable for use with hard balls such as cricket balls.

Whilst the coupling 20, described above, has been described in relation to use with ovoid balls it is understood that the coupling 20 may also be suitable for use with round balls such as tennis balls, hockey balls, baseballs and softballs.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the scope of the following claims. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative of the scope of protection, and not restrictively. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the example methods and materials are described herein.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, e.g. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.