Statement of Related Cases

[oooi] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Pat. Application SN 62/564,025, which was filed on September 27, 2017 and which is incorporated by reference herein.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a ball designed to be kicked, primarily, in use.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Association football, more commonly referred to as "soccer" or "football" (the latter outside of the U.S.), is considered to be the world's most popular sport. It is estimated that more than 250 million players in over 200 countries play the game, and it is followed by an estimated 4 billion fans.

[0004] A round ball (hereinafter referred to as "soccer ball") is used to play the game (hereinafter referred to as "soccer"). Field players use their feet or head to strike the soccer ball, although they may also use their torso, typically to receive the ball. One player—the goalkeeper— is permitted to contact the ball with their hands or arms.

[0005] The structure of a modern soccer ball typically includes twenty regular hexagonal panels and twelve regular pentagonal panels. The panels are stitched together along abutting edges, and an internal, inflated bladder causes each panel to bow outward, thereby inducing a substantially spherical shape to the soccer ball.

[0006] Fans of the game admire shots in which spin is imparted to the ball, causing it move in non-linear fashion, curving, bending, knuckling, or swerving, often in dramatic fashion. The scientific principle known as the "Magnus effect" explains the aforementioned behavior. When a soccer ball is kicked, the direction the ball is kicked, in combination with any imparted spin, causes the ball to follow a particular path. According to the Magnus effect, the air flow around the ball, given its direction of travel and spin, enables the ball to travel either a relatively straight path, a curved path, or a combination thereof, in which the ball initially travels relatively straight and then curves.

[0007] Less accomplished soccer players are likely to desire to be able to strike a ball and cause it to move in the aforementioned non-linear trajectories like more skilled players. However, doing so is challenging and takes quite a bit of practice. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a ball that can be readily kicked into non-linear motion, even by a novice.

Summary

[0008] The present invention provides a ball that can be readily kicked along a nonlinear path. The overall outer dimension of a ball in accordance with the present teachings is quite similar to that of a conventional soccer ball. However, relative to a conventional soccer ball, embodiments of the invention include modifications to the surface of the ball, by way of a novel panel design. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention weigh, as a

percentage, considerably less than a conventional soccer ball. Each of these factors results in a ball that more readily bends, curves, dips, and/or swerves when struck than a conventional soccer ball.

[0009] Embodiments of the invention provide a ball comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the panels include an embossed region (or a debossed region, depending on one's perspective). That is to say, the panels include a marginal region situated near the perimeter of each panel, the surface of which being relatively "higher" than the surface of a relatively "lower" central region, the latter of which comprises the major portion of each panel. As used herein, the terms "higher" and "lower" refer to relative distances of the surface of each of these regions from the center of the ball. Thus, a (relatively) higher surface is a surface that is further from the center of the ball than a (relatively) lower surface.

[ooio] In some embodiments, the marginal region extends laterally to the perimeter of panel, and completely surrounds the central region. In some embodiments, the marginal region mirrors the shape of the panel at its "outer" edge (i.e., the edge at the perimeter of the panel) and at its "inner" edge (i.e., the edge that defines the perimeter of the central region). Thus, in such embodiments, the panel, the marginal region, and the central region all define the same shape. In some other embodiments, the inner edge does not mirror the shape of the panel, such that neither the marginal region nor the central region will have the same shape as the panel.

[ooii] In the illustrative embodiment, the ball is structured from a plurality of hexagonal-shaped panels and a plurality of pentagonal-shape panels, each including an embossed marginal region, as discussed above, which mirrors the shape of the respective panel (hexagonal or pentagonal). In the illustrative embodiment, the hexagonal-shape panels are twenty in number and the pentagonal-shape panels are twelve in number. [0012] Furthermore, a ball in accordance with the illustrative embodiment weighs less than a conventional soccer ball. This is due, at least in part, to the material from which the panels are made. In the illustrative embodiment, the panels consist of EVA foam.

[0013] In a first embodiment, the invention provides a ball comprising a plurality of panels, the panels defining an outer surface of the ball, each of the panels having a marginal region and a central region, wherein the marginal region is embossed relative to the central region.

[0014] In a second embodiment, the panels of the first embodiment have a polygonal shape. In a third embodiment, the panels of the second embodiment comprise hexagonal- shape panels and pentagonal-shape panels. In a fourth embodiment, the panels of the third embodiment include twenty hexagonal-shape panels and twelve pentagonal-shape panels. In a fifth embodiment, the panels of the first through fourth embodiments are made of EVA foam.

[0015] In a six embodiment, at least some of the panels of embodiments one through five have a first shape, and for those panels having the first shape, the marginal region thereof defines a form having the first shape and the central region thereof defines a form having the first shape. In a seventh embodiment, not all of the panels of the sixth embodiment have the first shape, and at least some panels not having the first shape have a second shape, and for those panels having the second shape, the marginal region thereof defines a form having the second shape and the central region thereof defines a form having the second shape.

[0016] In an eighth embodiment, the marginal region of embodiments one through seven surrounds the central region, thereby defining the perimeter of the central region. In a ninth embodiment, each of the panels of embodiments one through eight abut other panels along adjacent sides thereof, and the panels are attached to one another at the adjacent sides. In a tenth embodiment, the ball of embodiments one through nine has a weight that is a range of about 45 to 55 percent of the weight of an equivalent-size conventional soccer ball.

[0017] In an eleventh embodiment, applicable to embodiments one through five and eight through ten, the marginal region has a first shape and the central region has a second shape and the panel has a third shape, and wherein the first shape and the second shape are different than the third shape. In a twelfth embodiment, the marginal region of embodiments one through eleven is higher than the central region by an amount in a range of about 0.5 to about 2.5 millimeters. [0018] In a thirteenth embodiment, the ball comprises a plurality of polygonal panels, which panels define the outer surface of the ball, each of the panels having a marginal region and a central region, wherein the marginal region is embossed relative to the central region, and wherein the polygonal panels consist of EVA foam. The ball further comprises a bladder that is disposed radially inward of the plurality of polygonal panels, and valve that is in fluidic communication with the inside of the bladder for delivering air to the bladder to inflate the ball.

[0019] In a fourteenth embodiment, the panels of the thirteenth embodiment comprise twenty hexagonal-shape panels and twelve pentagonal-shape panels. In a fifteenth embodiment, for each hexagonal-shape panel of the fourteenth embodiment, the marginal region defines a hexagonal shape and the central region defines a hexagonal shape. In a sixteenth embodiment, for each pentagonal-shape panel of the fifteenth embodiment, the marginal region defines a pentagonal shape and the central region defines a pentagonal shape. In a seventeenth embodiment, the ball of embodiments fourteen through sixteen has a weight that is a range of about 45 to 55 percent of the weight of an equivalent-size conventional soccer ball.

[0020] In an eighteenth embodiment, the ball comprises a first plurality of panels having a hexagonal-shape and a second plurality of panels having a pentagonal-shape, the first and second plurality of panels defining an outer surface of the ball, each of the panels having a marginal region and a central region, wherein :

(a) the marginal region is embossed relative to the central region,

(b) for each panel of the first plurality, the marginal region defines a hexagonal shape and the central region defines a hexagonal shape, and

(c) for each panel of the second plurality, the marginal region defines a pentagonal shape and the central region defines a pentagonal shape.

The ball further comprising a bladder having a spherical shape, wherein the bladder is disposed radially inward of the outer surface of the ball, and a valve, wherein the valve is in fluidic communication with an inside of the bladder and deliver gas to the inside of the bladder to inflate the bladder and the ball. In a nineteenth embodiment, the panels of the eighteenth embodiment consist essentially of EVA foam. And in a twentieth embodiment, the ball of the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments has a weight that is a range of about 35 to 65 percent of the weight of an equivalent-size conventional soccer ball. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] FIG. 1 depicts an orthogonal projection of ball 100 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2A depicts a plan view of a hexagonal-shape panel of the ball of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 2B depicts a side cross-sectional view along the line A-A of the hexagonal panel of FIG. 2A.

[0024] FIG. 3A depicts a plan view of a pentagonal-shape panel of the ball of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 3B depicts a side cross-sectional view along the line B-B of the pentagonal panel of FIG. 3A.

[0026] FIG. 4A depicts a first alternative embodiment of a hexagonal-shape panel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

[0027] FIG. 4B depicts a second alternative embodiment of a hexagonal-shape panel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

[0028] FIG. 4C depicts a third alternative embodiment of a hexagonal-shape panel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

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

[0030] FIG. 4E depicts a non-polygonal-shape panel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

Detailed Description

[0031] The terms appearing below are defined for use in this disclosure and the appended claims:

• "conventional soccer ball" means a soccer ball, typically made of leather, and having a size in accordance with the following sizing convention :

Size 3 : circumference: 23-24 inches (58-61 centimeters); weight: 300-320 grams; Size 4: circumference: 25-26 inches (63.5-66 cm); weight: 350-390 grams;

Size 5 : circumference: 27-28 inches (68.6-71 cm); weight: 410-450 grams.

• "embossed" means a region that is raised relative to another portion of a surface; it does not reference a technique, it simply refers to a change in "height," which, in the context of the present invention, means a change in radial distance from the center of the ball. Additional definitions appear in context throughout this disclosure.

[0032] Embodiments of the invention provide a soccer-like ball. The ball is intended to be kicked while in use, but it may of course be thrown as well.

[0033] FIG. 1 depicts an orthogonal projection (pentagonal face) of ball 100 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Ball 100 has a plurality of hexagonal panels 102 and a plurality of pentagonal panels 104, collectively referenced herein as "polygonal panels." In the illustrative embodiment, ball 100 takes the form of a spherical truncated icosahedron, having twenty regular hexagonal-shape panels 102 and twelve regular pentagonal-shape panels 104. The ball's shape is actually closer to that of a sphere than a truncated icosahedron, since the polygonal panels bulge due to the pressure of the gas (e.g., air, etc.) within the ball. Ball 100 is therefore described as having a "substantially spherical shape," wherein, as used in this disclosure and the appended claims, this phrase refers to and acknowledges any slight deviation from spherical that results when a ball, such as ball 100 comprising planar surface panels, is inflated.

[0034] Like the illustrative embodiment, many modern conventional soccer balls include twenty regular hexagonal-shape panels and twelve regular pentagonal-shape panels. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, there are a number of other panel geometries that can be (and have been) used for soccer balls. For example, the number of panels on World Cup soccer balls has decreased over the years from 32 to 14 to 8 to 6. And, in some soccer balls, the panels are not even polygons. In various embodiments, ball 100 can be structured in any of such arrangements. See, e.g. , Swart, D., "Soccer Ball Symmetry," Proc. Bridges 2015 : Mathematic, Music, Art, Architecture, Culture, p. 151-158. Available at http://archive.bridgesmathart.org/2015/bridges2015-151.pdf

[0035] In the illustrative embodiment, the panels are individual, discrete pieces of material that are attached to one another to form ball 100. In the illustrative embodiment, the polygonal panels are sewed to one another, by stitching 105, such as nylon thread. The panels may, however, be attached using adhesives or in other ways known in the art. In some other embodiments, one or more of the panels are formed together; that is, they are not discrete, and include, for example a "fake" seam so that they appear to be distinct panels. In such embodiments, these groupings of panels are attached to one another to form the ball. Such embodiments may include "fake" stitching.

[0036] In the illustrative embodiment, the polygonal panels comprise ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. However, the polygonal panels may be constructed of other materials commonly used in the construction of kicked balls such as, without limitation, other foams, plastic, rubber, and various types of resins. Typically, the panels a re molded by any one of a number of different molding processes known in the art.

[0037] Ball 100 includes an internal, substantially gas-tight bladder (not depicted), to ensure that the ball holds gas (e.g. , air, etc.) pressure. In some embodiments, the bladder comprises butyl or latex. The bladder accounts for a large portion of the weight of ball 100. In fact, depending on the material from which the panels are made, the bladder may well account for more than 50% of the weight of the ball. Ball 100 further includes an inflation valve, such as a ball valve, (not depicted), that receives an inflation needle for adding air, as required . Such bladders, valves, and needles are well known in the art.

[0038] Additionally, in some embodiments, there is a fabric lining, such as polyester, located radially inward of the panels.

[0039] In some embodiments, the panels have a flat planar profile, while in some other embodiments, the panels are formed such that they are slightly curved, wherein the curve matches the curve of the surface of the assembled ball .

[0040] Standard soccer balls come in various sizes and weights, typica lly targeted to different age groups. For example, size 3 (j unior) is targeted to ages 8 and younger, size 4 (youth) is targeted to ages 8 to 12, and size 5 (adult) is targeted to ages 13 and older. See the definition of "conventional soccer ball" for additional details.

(Nike® brand size cha rt; https://www. nike. com/us/en_us/c/size-fit-guide/soccer-ball-sizing- chart) .

[0041] In various embodiments, ball 100 may be made in all such standard

circumferences, as well as other intermediate circumferences, or circumferences larger than that of a size "5. " In the illustrative embodiment, ball 100 has a size that is intermediate between size "4" and "5;" that is, a size "4.5".

[0042] Although embodiments of ball 100 have the shape of a conventional soccer ball, they weigh considerably less than a comparably sized soccer ball. More particularly, in various embodiments, the weight of ball 100 will be in the range of about 35 to 65 percent of the weight of a comparably sized conventional soccer ball, and more typically in the range about 45 to 50%. For example, in the illustrative embodiment, ball 100 has a size "4.5" based on the standard scale. That is, ball 100 has a circumference that falls between that of a size "4" and a size "5" conventional soccer ball. In particular, whereas the upper limit of circumference for a size "4" ball is 26 inches (66 cm), and the lower limit of circumference for a size "5" ball is 27 inches (68.6 cm), the circumference of ball 100 at a size "4.5" is 26-6/8 inches (67.9 cm). And while a conventional soccer ball of comparable size (circumference) would have a weight of about 400 grams, ball 100 at size 4.5 has a weight of about 193 grams. This is about 48% of that of a comparably sized conventional soccer ball. In conjunction with the surface modification to its panels, as discussed below, the reduced weight of ball 100 enables it to be more readily kicked or thrown in non-linear motion (bend, swerve, curve, dip, etc.).

[0043] FIGs. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3C depict, for the illustrative embodiment of ball 100, additional detail of its polygonal panels. More particularly, FIGs. 2A and 2B depict, via respective plan and cross-sectional side views, hexagonal panel 102, and FIGs. 3A and 3B depict, via respective plan and cross-sectional side views, pentagonal panel 104.

[0044] In the illustrative embodiment, hexagonal-shape panel 102 has an overall thickness Th and includes six sides 206 of equal length, Lh. Pentagonal-shape panel 104 has an overall thickness T _p and includes five sides 306 of equal length, L _p . The length of the sides of panels 102 and 104 will of course vary with the circumference of ball 100. For the illustrated twenty, regular hexagonal-shape panels and the twelve, regular pentagonal- shape panels, the lengths Lh and L _p will typically be in a range of about 30-45 mm. Of course, if the panels have a different shape, or if there are a different number of panels, then the length of the sides of the panels could differ significantly from the aforementioned range. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine the length of the sides of the panels for any specific panel geometry and layout.

[0045] Thicknesses TV, and T _p of respective panels 102 and 104 are equal for a given embodiment and in the range of about 4 to 8 millimeters (mm).

[0046] In the illustrative embodiment, each polygonal panel has a raised or

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

[0047] Width, Wh, of marginal region 208 of hexagonal-shape panel 102, as measured at surface 210 of the marginal region, is in the range of about 6 to 12 mm. The variation in width, as implied by the stated range, may be uncorrelated to the size or other structural attributes of the ball. However, in some embodiments, the variation in width is correlated to physical attributes of the ball, such as its circumference, the number of panels used, the shape of the panels, etc. The same range applies for width, W _p , of marginal region 308 of pentagonal-shape panel 104, as measured at surface 310 of marginal region 308.

[0048] In some embodiments, walls 216 and 316 rise vertically (i.e. , 0° taper) .

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

[0049] Since, in the illustrative embodiment, the outermost edge of respective marginal regions 208 and 308 define or are coincident with the perimeter of respective panels 102 and 104, all adjacent panels are attached at abutting marginal regions thereof.

[0050] Furthermore, in the illustrative embodiment, the marginal region completely surrounds the central region; for example, marginal region 208 completely surrounds central region 212. In some other embodiments, such as the embodiment of hexagonal- shape panel 402A depicted in FIG. 4A, there are "breaks" in the marginal region, such that the marginal region is discontinuous.

[0051] In the illustrative embodiment, the "outer" edge of the marginal region (i. e. , the edge of the marginal region at the perimeter of the panel) as well as the "inner" edge of the marginal region (i. e. , the edge that defines the perimeter of the central region) mirrors the shape of the panel (i. e. , "hexagonal" shape for panel 102). Thus, panels 102 and 104, respective marginal regions 208 and 308, and respective centra l regions 212 and 312 all define the same shape, which is hexagonal and pentagonal, respectively. In some other embodiments, such as the embodiment of hexagonal-shape panel 402B depicted in FIG. 4B, the inner edge 422B of the marginal region 408B does not mirror the shape of the panel ; it's circular, not hexagonal . Of course, the inner edge can have a shape other than circular while still differing from the shape of the panel .

[0052] As previously noted, in the illustrative embodiment, the outermost edge of respective ma rginal regions 208 and 308 define the perimeter of respective panels 102 and 104. As such, all adjacent panels are attached at a butting marginal regions thereof. In some other embodiments, such as the embodiment of hexagonal-shape panel 402C

depicted in FIG. 4C, the outermost edge 424C of marginal region 408C does not extend to perimeter 426C of panel 402C. As such, adjacent panels 402C do not attach to one another at marginal region 408C, but rather to the panel (i.e. , at the level of central region 412C) . Consequently, in addition to the surface modification that results from the presence of marginal region 408C, channels are now created between marginal regions of adjacent panels.

[0053] FIG. 4D depicts hexagonal-shape panel 402D, which includes the features of panel 402B : that is, inner edge 422D of marginal region 408D does not mirror the shape of the panel) and a lso includes the features of panel 402C : that is, outermost edge 424D of marginal region 408D does not extend to perimeter 426D of the panel.

[0054] FIG. 4E depicts non-polygonal-shape panel 402E. Like all other panels in accordance with the present teachings, panel 402 includes embossed marginal region 408E and lower central region 412E.

[0055] Those skilled in the art, in light of present disclosure, will be able to develop a wide variety of other panel configurations with others shapes, or sizes, or surface

modifications, etc., that are consistent with the present teachings.

[0056] Example. An embodiment (size "4.5") of ball 100 was fabricated from the following materia ls and with the following dimensions :

Circumference of Ball :

Weight of Ball :

Material of construction :

Overall panel thickness :

Number of regular hexagon panels :

Circum-diameter (DCCh) :

Length of side (Lh) :

Width of marginal region (Wh) :

Height of marginal region (HMh)

Number of regular pentagons :

Circum-diameter (DCC _P ) :

Length of side (L _p ) :

Width of marginal region (W _p ) :

Height of marginal region (HM _P ) [0057] Other than in the Example, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantity or size, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are understood to be approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties to be obtained in ways that will be understood by those skilled in the art. Generally, this means a variation of at least +/- 15%.

[0058] Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges encompassed therein. For example, a range of "35 to 65" is intended to include all sub-ranges between, and including, the recited minimum value of about 35 and the recited maximum value of about 65; that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than about 35 and a maximum value of equal to or less than about 65.