AND METHOD FOR TRAINING

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to a lightweight ball for indoor and in-home exercise and/or play and, in particular, to a lightweight ball for developing ball handling skills indoors without damage to the interior of a household room.

BACKGROUND

[002] Athletes who play sports that include hitting or kicking a ball tend to spend many hours training. There are many devices to facilitate training, such as balls attached to bungee cords, balls attached to fulcrums, rolling half-spherical balls and rebounding nets. These devices are often used outdoors or in an indoor stadium or other training space. When such devices are used in most indoor settings, damage to walls, ceilings, other structural components - as well as to related objects, such as lamps, pictures, windows, drinking glasses, etc. - can occur.

[003] As an alternative and in order to limit the possibility of damage, the athlete could use a balloon or beach ball indoors. The exterior of balloons and beach balls do not replicate the exterior of an actual sports ball. Also, the valve, balloon knot and shape can cause the balloon or beach ball to spin lopsidedly and out of balance.

[004] What is needed is a ball that has a shape and weight that allows for an accurate simulation of real ball handling, while limiting the potential damage the ball can do in an indoor environment such as a house.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[005] One embodiment relates to a method of training for a sport that utilizes a training ball that simulates a regulation ball (i.e. a ball that meets predetermined standards set by a governing body) but that is lighter in weight. In one embodiment, a user trains indoors with a first ball having an inner bladder or balloon and an exterior layer extending about the inner bladder, the inner bladder having an inflation port that is adapted to extend through the exterior layer for filling the inner bladder with a gas, the first ball having a first weight that is sufficiently light to be used in a normal household setting. After training with the first ball, the user then trains indoors with a second ball having an inner bladder and an exterior layer extending about the inner bladder, the inner bladder having an inflation port that is adapted to extend through the exterior layer for filling the inner bladder with a gas. The second ball has a second weight that is heavier than the first weight and is sufficiently light to be used in a normal household setting.

[006] The method may include various optional steps and features incorporated either alone or in combination with other optional features. In one approach, after training with the second ball, the user then trains indoors with a third ball having an inner bladder and an exterior layer extending about the inner bladder, the inner bladder having an inflation port that is adapted to extend through the exterior layer for filling the inner bladder with a gas, the third ball having a third weight that is heavier than the second weight and that is sufficiently light to be used in a normal household setting.

[007] At least one of the first and second balls may include an exterior surface that is roughened, textured, indented and/or shaped to enhance performance of the ball. The first and second balls may simulate and be about the same outer dimension as a corresponding regulation ball. The first, second and third balls may simulate and be about the same outer dimension as a corresponding regulation ball. The inner bladder of at least one of the balls may secure onto an interior surface of the outer layer of the corresponding ball. At least one of the bladders may be a lightweight inflatable balloon.

[008] A variety of different materials may be used. As examples only, the balloon may be made of Mylar. The outer layer may be made from spun high-density polyethylene fibers, or a material that is at least partially permeable to air.

[009] In another embodiment, a method of training for a sport utilizes a training ball that simulates a regulation ball but that is lighter in weight than the regulation ball. A user trains indoors with a training ball having an inner bladder and an exterior layer that extends about the inner bladder, the inner bladder being a lightweight balloon and having an inflation port that is adapted to extend through the exterior layer for filling the inner bladder or balloon with a gas, the ball having a first weight that is sufficiently light to be used in a normal household setting without damaging the contents of the household. The training ball simulates at least one of the dimensions, feel, and movement of a regulation ball. [010] The training ball may be inflated by blowing into a straw that is in gaseous communication with the inner bladder or balloon, as one example, although other methods of inflating a bladder known in the art may be employed.

[Oil] In another embodiment, a method of training for a sport utilizes a training ball that simulates a regulation ball but that is lighter in weight. A user trains with a training ball having an inner bladder and an exterior layer extending about the inner bladder, the inner bladder having an inflation port that is adapted to extend to be accessible from the exterior layer for filling the inner bladder with a gas, the first ball having a weight that is sufficiently light to be used in a normal household setting, wherein the exterior surface of the exterior layer simulates the surface of the regulation ball.

[012] In this embodiment, as with the others, the training ball may include an exterior surface that is roughened, textured, indented and/or shaped to enhance performance of the training ball. The training ball may replicate the outer dimension of a corresponding regulation ball. The inner bladder of the training ball may be secured onto an interior surface of the outer layer of the corresponding ball. The bladder may be lightweight inflatable balloon.

[013] Again, the disclosed concept includes variations, and the optional features noted above may be added to embodiments of the invention, either alone or in various combinations as appropriate.

[014] A further understanding of the nature and advantages will become apparent by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[015] Fig. 1 illustrates a training ball according to one embodiment of the invention in which the ball has multiple panels, an inflation port to fill an inner bladder, and indicia printed thereon;

[016] Fig. 2. is a view of the ball of Fig. 1 in which the inner bladder is exposed for illustrative purposes and an inflation stem is shown extended so that the bladder may be inflated;

[017] Fig. 3 illustrates one embodiment of an uninflated inner bladder; [018] Fig. 4 illustrates panels that may be sewn together to form an exterior covering of the training ball; and

[019] Fig. 5 illustrates the training ball of Fig. 2 after inflation and with the inflation port tucked into exterior surface of the ball.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[020] In one embodiment of the invention, a ball according to the present invention is designed for indoor and in-home use as it is a regulation-sized, spherical ball that weighs slightly heavier than a latex balloon. Alternatively, the ball can also be used competitively in a game or sport.

[021] In a preferred embodiment, the ball is constructed of two or more layers of material that are designed to spin, balance and physically react similarly to a real soccer or volleyball. In one embodiment, the ball is inflated with a standard drinking straw that is inserted into a self-closing valve on the inflation port, the inner bladder being, in one embodiment, a balloon of Mylar or Mylar-type material. The ball is filled with air, nitrogen, helium or other gas that, in combination with materials and/or ball construction, produce a desired "gravity" or weight.

[022] Considering the drawings of a presently preferred embodiment, a training ball 10 includes an inner a bladder 12 that has an inflation port 14 tucked within opening 15. The inflation port 14 may be pulled out from opening 15 for inflation or deflation of the ball 10 (Fig. 2). The inflation port 14 allows the bladder 16 (Figs. 2, 3) to be filled with air, nitrogen, helium or other gas, as desired. The port 14 includes a valve, which may be visible or not depending on the manufacturer and material(s) used. As noted, a straw or other device may optionally be inserted into the port 14 to facilitate inflation by blowing into the bladder. If a straw, it may optionally be custom-made for use with the ball.

[023] The ball 10 may also include design and visuals that may be, for example, lines (printed, molded, intruded or extruded) or other shapes, that give a visual reference to the user and/or give the ball balanced properties when the ball is spinning. In Fig. 1, lines 16 may be imprinted on or molded into the exterior surface of outer layer 18 of the ball. Although the lines 16 are shown to extend about the circumference in a straight manner, the lines may alternatively be curved and/or another shape. Alternatively, the lines 16 may be seam lines connecting multiple panels to form the exterior surface of the ball. Indicia 17 which, in this case, is a printed colored dot, may be included to give the user a visual effect that may enhance the training such as, for example, allowing the user to better view the spin of the ball during use.

[024] The ball is best produced through a material formation device. This could be but not limited to plastic injection molding, foam molding, vulcanization or other technique specific to manufacturing that accomplishes the size and weight

requirements of the training system.

[025] The outer layer 18 of the ball 10 may have measurements that match the circumference of an actual sports ball. That is, as just one non-limiting example, the training ball may have a circumference of 68-70cm to correspond to the

circumferences of a regular sports ball. The weight of the ball may be varied. There could be, for example, a set of balls that have weights between less than 1 ounce up to about 8 ounces to simulate different levels of "gravity." The outer layer 18 is typically made of a lightweight synthetic woven material, or other suitable lightweight material.

[026] In one specific embodiment, the training ball 10 includes a heat seamed, 4- panel inner bladder 16 that inflates to about 70cm in circumference. The bladder 16 is made of a material such as Mylar or other material suitable for a bladder. The exterior may be a sewn, 6-panel outer shell that is about 70cm in circumference when the bladder is inflated. One non-limiting example of a suitable exterior surface is one made of Tyvek 1443R, although other types of Tyvek or synthetic woven materials or other suitable materials may be used.

[027] In another non-limiting embodiment, the inner bladder has an uninflated dimension of about 7 inches or 17.5 centimeters at its widest point, and a length of about 14 inches or 35 centimeters, not including the length of the inflation port. The inner bladder is then inflatable to a circumference of about 70 cm.

[028] The inflatable bladder 16 is lightweight, and includes an inflation valve or port 14 that is a self-closing. The valve typically does not add any significant weight to the ball and does not alter the balance of the spin of the ball. The outer surface 20 of the bladder is situated within the outer layer 18. The bladder may optionally be secured within the outer layer 18 with adhesive, for example, applied at point 22 and/or at other locations on the bladder.

[029] The exterior surface of outer layer 18 may also include designs and/or visuals, such as lines 16.. For example, the exterior surface may include lines (printed, molded, intruded or extruded), that give a visual reference to the user and/or give the ball balance properties when the ball is spinning. The exterior surface may also include printed indicia that, for example, assists the user in seeing the ball or a portion thereof.

[030] Fig. 4 illustrates a panel of portions 30a-f which, when sewn or otherwise manipulated and secured forms an exterior layer 18. The precise nature of each of the panels 30a-f may vary for different types of balls and/or the desired properties of the ball. For example, the exterior surface of the outer layer 18 may be roughened and/or have shapes extending from or indented into the surface. The surface may mirror the surface of the type of ball it seeks to replicate, having an external surface that appears to be a soccer ball, a volleyball, or whatever type of ball of the sport for which the user is training.

[031] In one embodiment, using the ball would simulate playing with an actual sports ball (e.g. a soccer ball) in a low-gravity environment. Being lightweight and having a low gravity motion, the ball may "float" when hit or kicked, and give the user(s) time to react and adjust their movements for increased skill training, fitness and/or physical therapy, for example. In that regard, various embodiments of a training ball according to the present invention may have different weights. As the user(s) increases skill level, the user may use a heavier ball with less "low-gravity" effect. This brings the weight of the ball closer to a real regulation sports ball. So, for example, whereas a regulation soccer ball may be 16 ounces in weight, for example, a training ball according to the present invention may range from about 0.3 ounces to about 8 ounces. The heavier ball may more closely replicate an actual soccer ball, but still be lighter in weight and more suitable than an actual soccer ball for training indoors.

[032] Considering the invention further, an athlete is provided with a "reduced- gravity" ball that allows the user to more easily react to the ball' s movement and accelerating skills than a regulation ball. A training system may be provided to coach the user through a series of drills and fitness exercises with the ball. The "anti- gravity" ball may come in several weights that train the user by gradually using heavier balls that have more "gravity." In one embodiment, the training ball is safe indoors, similar to playing with a balloon but having an outer surface that better simulates an actual playing ball. In this respect, balls according to the present invention may be used by athletes, coaches, military instructors, fitness seekers, and/or persons with injuries or disabilities. The training ball may lead to rapid improvement of ball-handling skills, hand-eye coordination, and/or fitness, may be used in physical therapy. Embodiments of the invention may be adapted to be used indoors during inclement weather.

[033] Considering an American football version of a training ball, as just one non-limiting example, the training ball may have a circumference of 22 inches and 1 1 inches tip-to-tip to correspond to the circumferences of a regular football. In one embodiment, using the ball would simulate playing with an actual football in a low- gravity environment. Being lightweight and having a low gravity motion, the ball may "float" when hit or kicked, and give the user(s) a simulated but accurate ball reaction and spin of an actual kicked football in a field goal or punting situation. For instance, whereas a regulation football (e.g. a football that conforms to regulations as to dimension and/or weight) may be 14 ounces in weight, for example, a training ball according to the present invention may range from about 0.3 ounces to about 8 ounces. A heavier training ball may more closely replicate an actual football, but still be lighter in weight and more suitable than an actual football for training indoors.

[034] In another embodiment, the exterior of the ball can be customized through printing on the outer shell. The printing may be done with a printer or by hand. In one example, the exterior of the ball includes an outline drawing and a user then uses markers, crayons or other marking devices to customize the appearance of the ball themselves, analogous to coloring in a coloring book.

[035] Embodiments may be more buoyant in air than the corresponding regulation ball. That is, for example, a football version of the present invention may be more buoyant in air than a regulation football of the same dimension. This can give the ball an "anti -gravity" effect. The buoyancy may be as great as neutral - in which case the "anti -gravity" effect would be pronounced. But most embodiments will have less-than-neutral buoyancy in air, such that the ball will fall to the ground when dropped, but may fall more slowly than a regulation ball. The buoyancy can be controlled by, for example, the type of gas(es) used to fill the inner balloon.

Consequently, the ball may be made to have significant hang time (e.g. filled with helium or other lighter-than-air gas or mix of gasses) or less hang time (e.g. filled with air), as desired. As a further alternative, the ball may be designed to have a buoyancy approximately the same as a regulation ball to simulate the rise and fall of a regulation ball.

[036] One particular embodiment includes an inner balloon made of Mylar or other acceptable material, and an outer layer. The balloon, when fully inflated, would have a diameter greater than that of the outer layer. But the outer layer constrains the degree to which the balloon can be inflated. Consequently, there is a surplus of material in the inner balloon. This may alter the surface of the outer layer, and provide unique cushioning or other properties when the ball is kicked or hit.

[037] The training balls of the present invention may be provided in conjunction with an instructive or training video, provided on a DVD, online, or the like. The instructive video may present tips, tricks, drills, and/or other material useful to the end user. Consequently, the present invention encompasses using the ball in conjunction with a training video.

[038] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the disclosed principles may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the scope is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.