CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority of the following U.S. Provisional Patent Application: No. 60/571,772, filed May 17, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is directed to a training basketball having indentations shaped to form to the contours of the fingertips of a right or left hand. The indentations are positioned on the basketball in such a manner to teach proper basketball shooting techniques. DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART [0003] Many skills are required to be an effective basketball player. Such skills include the shooting and passing of a basketball. Inexperienced players often have incorrect placement of the palm and fingertips on the basketball. As a result, such players often miss shots or lose control of the ball when passing. [0004] Thus, one area that must be mastered is the position of the hand on the ball such that the palm is arched. Additionally, the fingertips of each hand must be placed on the ball in a location so that the hand covers the optimum amount of surface while keeping the palm of the hands off the basketball. Proper positioning of the hands and fingertips on the basketball provides a higher degree of balance and suitable rotation of the basketball which generates a more reliable shot. [0005] Devices have been previously proposed in the art to circumvent the hand positioning problem. For example, U.S. Publication No. 2003/0181266 to Sowders suggests a basketball shooting aid that visually informs the athlete as to proper grip, the release of the shot and the arc in rotation of the basketball during flight. To attain this, Sowders states that his invention essentially comprises a new and improved basketball shooting aid having surface configurations of various designs, configurations and colors. The designs, configurations and colors are for the purpose of sending immediate feedback to the athlete as to whether the shot was executed properly. [0006] Additionally, U.S. Patent No. 5,833,233 to Strug suggests a training device that is contoured to a basketball player's hand and is releasably engageable with said hand. The device in Strug spaces the palm of a basketball player's hand from the basketball such that only the fingertips contract the surface of the ball. [0007] Therefore, there is a need for an improved training device which provides tactile feedback to the user such that the user can effectively positions his/her hands and fingertips on the ball to consistently result in an accurate shot. In this manner, by providing a training basketball of the claimed invention, a person may be taught improved basketball skills. SUMMARY The present invention provides a training basketball to assist in the proper shooting of a basketball. The training basketball includes a basketball having indentations for placing fingertips of a hand within the indentations. Moreover, the indentations are between 0.1 and 2 millimeters deep; made of a material having a coefficient of friction sufficient to provide grip to a fingertip; and include a right middle finger indentation located along the largest latitudinal axis. [0008] The present invention also includes a spherical carcass mold for forming a training basketball comprising ten projections, wherein six projections are generally aligned in a plane and four projections are generally perpendicular to the plane. [0009] The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing a training basketball comprising heating an inflated rubber-covered bladder within a spherical carcass mold. The spherical carcass mold comprises ten projections, wherein six projections are generally aligned in a plane and four projections are generally perpendicular to the plane. [0010] The present invention also provides of method teaching a person to shoot a basketball comprising providing a training basketball wherein the training basketball comprises indentations for placing fingertips of a hand within the indentations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES [0011] For a detailed understanding and better appreciation of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. FIG. 1 is a perspective-side view the training basketball for a right handed person; FIG. 2 is a top-down view of the front of a training basketball for a right handed person; FIG. 3 is a top-down view of the bottom of the training basketball for a right handed person; FIG. 4 is a top-down view of the left side the training basketball for a right handed person; FIG. 5 is a top-down view of the right side of the training basketball for a right handed person; FIG. 6 is a top-down view of the front side of the training basketball for a right handed person; FIG. 7 is a top-down view of the back side of the training basketball for a right handed person; FIG. 8 is a perspective-side view of a training basketball for a left handed person; FIG. 9 is a top-down view of the top of the training basketball for a left handed person; FIG. 10 is a top-down view of the bottom of the training basketball for a left handed person; FIG. 11 is a top-down view of the left side of the training basketball for a left handed person; FIG. 12 is a top-down view of the right side of the training basketball for a left handed; FIG. 13 is a top-down view of the front side of the training basketball for a left handed; FIG. 14 is a top-down view of the back side of the training basketball for a left handed; FIG. 15 is a length-wise-cross-sectional view of an indentation's depth; FIG. 16 is a width-wise-cross-section view of an indentation's depth. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0012] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a right-handed person holding a training basketball 30. The training basketball 30 has eight panels, separated by rubber channels 20. The front half of the training basketball 30 includes a first panel 22, a second panel 24, a third panel 26, and a fourth panel 28 (not shown). The back half of the training basketball 30 includes a fifth panel 32, a sixth panel 34, a seventh panel 36, and an eighth panel 38 (not shown). The training basketball 30 further includes indentations or cavities for the placement of the fingertips of the right hand on the cover of the training basketball 30. The positioning of the indentations or cavities on the training basketball 30 is such that when the fingertips are placed within the indentations, the palm of the right hand faces away from the user and towards the basketball goal, which is further explained below. The indentation corresponding to the thumb has the largest length and width. The indentations corresponding to the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger have a length and width that is smaller than the thumb's length and width. In addition, the indentation corresponding to the pinky finger has a length and width that is smaller than the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger's length and width. In an alternative embodiment, the indentations are of the same length, width, and depth. In a still further embodiment, the indentations are of varying lengths, widths, and depths. In training basketballs designed for children, the lengths and widths of the indentations should be proportionally smaller than the length and widths of a training basketball for an adult. Additionally, in training basketballs designed for adult females, the lengths and widths of the indentations should be proportionally less than the length and widths of a training basketball for adult male. The indentation surface may further include such shapes and forms, as rectangular, round, corrugated etc. to provide for a better placement and grip of the fingertips. [0013] FIG. 2 is a top-down view of the training basketball 30 for a right-handed person. In engaging the training basketball 30, a right-handed person would place their right thumb within a right thumb indentation 40, their right index finger within a right index finger indentation 42, their right middle finger within a right middle finger indentation 44, their right ring finger within a right ring finger indentation 46, their right pinky finger within a right pinky finger indentation 48, and their left thumb within a left thumb indentation 50. The right middle finger indentation 44 is centered about the largest latitudinal radius of the training basketball 30. The left thumb indentation 50, the right index finger indentation 42, the right middle finger indentation 44, the right ring finger indentation 46, and the right pinky finger indentation 48 are within the second panel 24 of the training basketball 30. The right thumb indentation 40 is within the third panel 26. [0014] The right thumb indentation 40 has a length between 2 centimeters and 4 centimeters, preferably between 2.5 centimeters and 3.5 centimeters, most preferably 3.3 centimeters. The right thumb indentation 40 has a width between 1.5 centimeters and 3 centimeters, preferably between 2 centimeters and 2.5 centimeters, most preferably 2.3 centimeters. The right index finger indentation 42, the right middle finger indentation 44, and the right ring finger indentation 46 have a length between 2 centimeters and 4 centimeters, preferably between 2.5 centimeters and 3.5 centimeters, most preferably 3.0 centimeters. The right index finger indentation 42, the right middle finger indentation 44, and the right ring finger indentation 46 have a width between 1.5 centimeters and 3 centimeters, preferably between 1.75 centimeters and 2.5 centimeters, most preferably 2.0 centimeters. The right pinky finger indentation 48 has a length between 2 centimeters and 4 centimeters, preferably between 2.5 centimeters and 3.5 centimeters, most preferably 2.8 centimeters. The right pinky finger indentation 48 has a width between 1.0 centimeters and 2.5 centimeters, preferably between 1.5 centimeters and 2.0 centimeters, most preferably 1.8 centimeters. [0015] Preferably, at least a portion of the right thumb indentation 40 and a portion of the left thumb indentation 50 are within a latitudinal radius. The shape of the right thumb indentation 40 and the shape of the left thumb indentation 50 point in substantially parallel longitudinal radii, i.e., their respective shapes point in a direction such that their longitudinal radii are more parallel than perpendicular. In an alternative embodiment, the left thumb indentation 50, the right index finger indentation 42, the right middle finger indentation 44, the right ring finger indentation 46, and the right pinky finger indentation 48 are within any one of the panels. In this alternative embodiment, the right thumb indentation 40 is within the next panel counter-clockwise from the panel containing the left thumb indentation 50, the right index finger indentation 42, the right middle finger indentation 44, the right ring finger indentation 46, and the right pinky finger indentation 48. In a still further embodiment, the left thumb indentation 50, the right index finger indentation 42, the right middle finger indentation 44, the right ring finger indentation 46, and the right pinky finger indentation 48 are within more than one panel. [0016] FIG. 3 is a top-down view of the bottom of the training basketball 30 for a right handed person rotated counter-clockwise 180° about its longitudinal axis from the position illustrated in FIG. 2. In engaging the training basketball 30 a right handed person would place their left pinky into a left pinky indentation 58, their left ring finger into a left ring finger indentation 56, and their left middle finger into a left middle finger indentation 54. The left pinky indentation 58 is within the eighth panel 38, the left ring finger indentation is within the seventh panel 36, and the left middle finger indentation 54 is within the sixth panel 34. The left middle finger indentation 54 is within a panel that is three clockwise panels from the panel containing the left thumb indentation 50, the right index finger indentation 42, the right middle finger indentation 44, the right ring finger indentation 46, and the right pinky finger indentation 48. The left index fmger indentation 56 is within a panel that is clockwise- adjacent from the panel containing the left middle fmger indentation 54. The left pinky indentation 58 is within a panel that is clockwise-adjacent from the panel containing the left index finger indentation 56. In an alternative embodiment, the left pinky indentation 58, the left ring finger indentation, and the left middle finger indentation are within any three adjacent panels. [0017] The left thumb indentation 50 has a length between 2 centimeters and 4 centimeters, preferably between 2.5 centimeters and 3.5 centimeters, most preferably 3.3 centimeters. The left thumb indentation 50 has a width between 1.5 centimeters and 3 centimeters, preferably between 2 centimeters and 2.5 centimeters, most preferably 2.3 centimeters. The left index finger indentation 52 (not shown in FIG. 3), the left middle finger indentation 54, and the left ring finger indentation 56 have a length between 2 centimeters and 4 centimeters, preferably between 2.5 centimeters and 3.5 centimeters, most preferably 3.0 centimeters. The left index finger indentation 52, the left middle finger indentation 54, and the left ring fmger indentation 56 have a width between 1.5 centimeters and 3 centimeters, preferably 1.75 centimeters and 2.5 centimeters, most preferably 2.0 centimeters. The left pinky fmger indentation 58 has a length between 2 centimeters and 4 centimeters, preferably 2.5 centimeters and 3.5 centimeters, most preferably 2.8 centimeters. The left pinky finger indentation 58 has a width between 1.0 centimeters and 2.5 centimeters, preferably between 1.5 centimeters and 2.0 centimeters, most preferably 1.8 centimeters. [0018] FIG. 4 is a top-down view of the left side of the training basketball 30 for a right handed person, rotated clockwise 90° about its latitudinal axis from the position illustrated in FIG. 3. In engaging the training basketball 30, a right handed person would place his/her fingers within the indentation as described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and placing their left index finger within the left index finger indentation 52. The indentations are located as described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and the left index finger indentation 52 is located within the fifth panel 32. The left index finger indentation 52 is within the panel that is two clockwise panels from the panel containing the left thumb indentation 50, the right index finger indentation 42, the right middle finger indentation 44 (not shown), the right ring finger indentation 46 (not shown), and the right pinky finger indentation 48 (not shown). For reference purposes, FIG. 4 illustrates the first panel 22, the second panel 24, the third panel 26, the fourth panel 28, the sixth panel 34, the seventh panel 36, and the eighth panel 38. [0019] FIG. 5 is a top-down view of the right side of the training basketball 30 for a right handed person, rotated clockwise 180° about its longitudinal axis from the position illustrated in FIG. 4. The right index fmger indentation 46 and the right pinky finger indentation 48 are within the second panel 24. [0020] FIG. 6 is a top-down view of the front side of the training basketball 30 for a right handed person, rotated clockwise 90° about its longitudinal axis from the position illustrated in FIG. 5. The right thumb indentation 40 is within the third panel 26. The left pinky finger indentation 58 is within the eighth panel 38. The left ring finger 56 is within the seventh panel 36. [0021] FIG. 7 is a top-down view of the back side of the training basketball 30 for a right handed person, rotated clockwise 180° about its longitudinal axis from the position illustrated in FIG. 6. The right index finger indentation 42, the right middle finger indentation 44, and the right index finger indentation 46 are within the second panel 24. The left index finger indentation 52 is within the fifth panel 32. [0022] With reference to FIGs. 8 through 14, a left-handed training basketball is illustrated. FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective-side view of a left-handed person holding a left- handed training basketball 60. FIG. 9 illustrates a top-down view of the top of the left- handed training basketball 60. FIG. 10 is a top-down view of the bottom of the left-handed training basketball 60, rotated counter-clockwise 180° about its longitudinal axis from the position illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a top-down view of the left side of the left-handed training basketball 60, rotated clockwise 90° about its latitudinal axis from the position illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a top-down view of the right side of the left-handed training basketball 60, rotated clockwise 180° about its longitudinal axis from the position illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a top-down view of the front side of the left-handed training basketball 60, rotated clockwise 90° about its longitudinal axis from the position illustrated in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a top-down view of the back side of the left-handed training basketball 60, rotated clockwise 180° about its longitudinal axis from the position illustrated in FIG. 13. The locations of the indentations within FIGs. 8 through 14 are the mirror image as disclosed with reference to FIGs. 1 through 7. The disclosure of the size and shape of the indentations of FIGs. 8 through 14 is the same as the disclosure with reference to FIGs 1 through 7. [0023] The length-wise cross section of an indentation's depth is illustrated in FIG. 15. The indentation's depth illustrated in FIG. 15 is representational of all of the indentations' depths of the training basketball 30 and the training basketball 60. Preferably, the depths of the indentations are uniform, while the lengths of the indentations vary. The width-wise cross section of an indentation's depth is illustrated in FIG. 16. The indentation's depth illustrated in FIG. 16 is representational of all of the indentations' depths of the training basketball 30 and the training basketball 60. Preferably, the depths of the indentations are uniform, while the widths of the indentations vary. The surface of the indentation is recessed from the outer surface of the training basketball, and generally convex, as the surface of the indentation follows the shape of the training basketball. The indentations are preferably recessed to a depth from about 1.6 millimeters to about 0.1 millimeters. More preferably, the indentations are recessed to a depth from about 1 millimeter to about 0.03 millimeters. Most preferably, the indentations are recessed to a depth from about 0.75 millimeters to about 0.3 millimeters. In an alternative embodiment, the surface of the indentations are pocked in a manner similar to the outer surface of a conventional basketball. [0024] The training basketball of the present invention may comprise a laminated basketball. Laminated basketballs typically include an interior bladder, an intermediate layer of monofilament strands wrapped around the bladder, a carcass comprised of a pair of elastomeric hemispheres molded over the winding layer with exteriorly extending ribs defining panel areas and panels of leather secured within the spaces by an adhesive. The panels have "skived" or beveled edges so that the panel edge is even with the projecting carcass rib to create a seam area. [0025] The training basketball of the present invention may instead comprise a molded rubber construction. These basketballs typically have a multi-layer structure which includes an air bladder wrapped with windings and an outer cover comprised of rubber molded over the windings. The outer cover of a molded rubber basketball may be formed with various features which tend to simulate somewhat the overall appearance of a basketball of traditional construction. For example, one of the features incorporated into basketballs with molded rubber covers is the simulation of the eight panels and carcass ribs of a laminated basketball. The simulated panels of the molded basketball are divided by shallow, narrow, square notch shaped grooves which represent the laminated areas of a laminated construction basketball. [0026] In one embodiment, the training basketball includes a molded rubber basketball having an air bladder which forms an envelope within which the air used to inflate the training basketball is retained. The air bladder for use in the present invention is of the type conventionally used in the manufacture of molded rubber basketballs. The air bladders may be formed of butyl rubber or butyl and natural rubber compounds and is fitted with a valve for introducing air into the ball to inflate and pressurize the structure. [0027] Wound over the air bladder is a layer of monofilament polymer strands which help the training basketball retain its spherical shape and size while under the stresses of inflation and play. The monofilament windings applied to the bladder may be made of polyester or nylon and may be coated with an adhesive such as a solution of latex rubber for bonding to the air bladder. [0028] Disposed over the monofilament windings is a layer of cover material which forms the exterior surface of the ball. The cover material may be natural or synthetic rubber molded into a single piece cover layer, thereby incorporating the winding layer and air bladder into a unitary structure of the ball. [0029] In one embodiment, the training basketball of the present invention includes an inflatable bladder, a plurality of cover panels having indentations for a player to place his fingers and thumb within, and rubber channels which separate adjacent cover panels. [0030] The inflatable bladder may be manufactured from conventional bladder materials, such as butyl rubber or natural rubber or combinations thereof. For example, the bladder may be made from 80% butyl rubber and 20% natural rubber. In an alternative example, the bladder may be made from non-woven polyurethane basketball leather. Other combinations may also be used in forming the rubber. [0031] The bladder is inflated and placed in a vulcanizing or curing mold where the bladder is cured at temperatures ranging from about 100°C and 200°C. After curing, the inflated bladder is wound with reinforcing thread which forms a layer of windings. The layer of windings may be formed from nylon thread. The thread may be coated with latex or adhesive. [0032] Flat sheets or panels of rubber are then laid over the wound bladder. The rubber panels can be natural and/or butyl rubber, sponge rubber, or any combinations thereof. The rubber completely covers the wound bladder. [0033] The inflated rubber-covered bladder could then be placed in a spherical carcass mold where it is heat molded at temperatures of about 100°C to 200° C to form the carcass. During the molding process, the rubber panels fuse to each other and to the windings and form an integral outer rubber layer on the carcass. [0034] The inside surface of the carcass mold includes extending projections which form inwardly extending grooves in the outer rubber layer. The grooves are formed in the areas which will form the channels and indented areas for placing the fingers and thumbs of a player's hands on the completed training basketball. Preferably the indentations are placed far enough away from the seams such that the integrity of the seam is not compromised and the basketball retains air. The indentations are preferably of a size, shape, and position such that the basketball retains it shape (i.e. air) during ordinary use. [0035] After the carcass is removed from the carcass mold, panels of cover material are laid over the carcass between the grooves. Each cover panel has the shape of one of the areas of the carcass which is bounded by the channel grooves. One or more of the cover panels further include cutouts or openings having the shapes and contours of fingers and thumbs in which the player will place his/her fingers and thumbs during training or playing. Adjacent cover panels are separated over the channel areas of the carcass. The cover panels may be any conventional cover material such as, for example, leather, synthetic leather, rubber, or combinations thereof. The outer surface of each cover panel can also have pebbled texture. Each cover panel may also include a fabric backing which is coated with adhesive before being applied to the carcass. The carcass may also be coated with adhesive. [0036] Strips of channel material are laid in the gaps between adjacent cover panels and into the channel grooves. Strips of channel material may also be placed in the indented areas of the outer rubber layer where the fingers and thumbs of the player's hands are placed on the cover panel. The thickness of the strips may vary accordingly depending on the size of the player's hands. The material of the channel strips has good grippability and a relatively high coefficient of friction. The channel material is advantageously selected to match the grip and feel of the cover panels so that the channels do not provide slippery areas on the surface of the ball. In addition, the color of the channel material may contrast with the color of the cover to provide visible evidence of the channels. For example, the channels may be colored black. One example of suitable channel material may be urethane-coated microfiber. The bottom surface of the material is advantageously coated with adhesive to adhere the material to the carcass until the final molding step which is described below. [0037] Alternatively, the strips of channel material can be laid into the grooves of the carcass before the cover panels are applied. The cover panels are then applied to the carcass between the channels. [0038] The training basketball is completed by placing the inflated carcass with the cover panels and channel strips into a spherical mold which has the shape of the final ball. The ball is heat molded at temperatures of about 30°C to 70°C to bond the cover panels and the channels to the carcass and to each other. The final molding step can provide the desired shape to the outer surfaces of the channels. [0039] The grooved and indented areas of the training basketball serve a functional purpose. One aspect of ball control is the ability to readily impart a desired amount of backspin to the ball when a basket is attempted. Imparting backspin is considered to be of high importance in helping direct a ball into the basket which first makes contact with the backboard or rear portion of the hoop of the basketball goal. In this instance, backspin is converted into downward motion of the ball upon contact with the backboard, thereby urging the ball into the goal. In handling the ball in preparation for passing the ball to another player or shooting the ball in an attempt to score a basket, the player will align his hands within the indented areas of the training basketball and perpendicular to the intended line of flight of the ball. With the areas aligned in this manner, the player is able to place fingers and thumbs within the grooved areas to obtain greater leverage for imparting backspin and, therefore, superior control of the ball. In contrast, the outer surface of conventional basketball limits the grip and feel of the basketball allowing for less leverage and control of the ball when a shot is attempted. [0040] Once the player has placed his fingers and thumbs within the indented areas of the training basketball, the player may shoot the basketball towards the goal. The training basketball teaches the player proper placement of fingers and thumbs on the basketball to generate proper rotation and backspin. [0041] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale where some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. [0042] Although making and using various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not delimit the scope of the invention.