Patent Application
20230054667
The present disclosure generally relates to balls or projectiles used in sports, games, or play, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for modifying the appearance of seams provided on such balls.
Various types of balls are known for use in sports, games, or play. Some balls are fabricated by joining together multiple components which, when finally assembled, result in exterior seams. Basketballs, for example, may be constructed with a carcass, which may include an inflatable rubber bladder, bonded to an outer cover, which may include multiple panels. Adjacent panels are separated by gaps or seams, which can improve a user's ability to grip the ball.
Currently, the color of the seams provided on a ball is determined by the manufacturer. That color is often dictated by the materials used. For example, a basketball typically has black seams. Alternatively, the manufacturer may use color pigments in the materials, or add an additional color layer, to provide seams in colors other than black. Whether provided in black or another color, the color of the seams is permanent.
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a tape is provided for use with a ball having a seam, wherein the seam has a predetermined seam color. The tape includes an adhesive layer formed of an adhesive material configured to attach to the seam, and a carrier layer formed of a carrier layer material, wherein the carrier layer has a custom color that is different than the predetermined seam color.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of customizing a color of a seam of a ball is provided, wherein the seam has a predetermined seam color and includes a figure-eight seam, a first circumferential seam, and a second circumferential seam. The method includes applying a first segment of tape to the figure-eight seam, applying a second segment of tape to the first circumferential seam, and applying a third segment of tape to the second circumferential seam. Each of the first, second, and third segments of tape comprise an adhesive layer configured to attach to the seam, and a carrier layer formed of a carrier layer material, wherein the carrier layer has a custom color that is different than the predetermined seam color.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a kit includes a ball having a seam with a predetermined seam color, a first tape having a first tape adhesive layer and a first tape carrier layer, wherein the first tape carrier layer has a first custom color that is different from the predetermined seam color, and a second tape having a second tape adhesive layer and a second tape carrier layer, wherein the second tape carrier layer has a second custom color that is different from the predetermined seam color.
For a more complete understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatus, reference should be made to the embodiment illustrated in greater detail on the accompanying drawings, wherein:
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrated diagrammatically and in partial views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatus or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
Apparatus and methods are described herein that permit the color of a seam provided on a ball to be customized by an end user. In some examples of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided as a tape having a carrier layer and an adhesive layer. The carrier layer has a custom color that is different from the seam color. The carrier layer may also be formed of a carrier layer material that is highly conformable and resistant to aging, sun, water, oil, abrasion, impact, and rupture. In other examples of the present disclosure, a method is provided in which a tape is applied to the seams of a ball. In some methods, the ball is a basketball, and the tape is applied in multiple steps. In still other examples of the present disclosure, a kit is provided that includes a ball and one or more tapes. The ball is formed with seams, and a first tape is provided having a first custom color. A second tape and subsequent tapes may also be provided, wherein each additional tape has a unique color that is different from the seam color and the other tape colors.
Referring to
The carrier layer 22 is formed of a carrier layer material that is durable and that can maintain integrity over extended periods of use. For example, the carrier layer material is highly conformable and resistant to aging, sun, water, oil, abrasion, impact, and rupture. Additionally, the carrier layer material does not impact performance of the ball 20 during use. In certain examples, the carrier layer material is a soft polyvinyl chloride (SPVC) film, have a thickness of approximately 3-5 mils. The tape 40 may have a tape width W that substantially matches a seam width. For example, the tape width may be approximately 0.25 inches. The carrier layer 22 further may be provided in a custom color that is different from the predetermined seam color. For example, the custom color may be yellow, white, black, red, orange, light blue, dark blue, gray, purple, emerald green, Kelly green, brown, or other color.
Optionally, the method 100 may further include changing the appearance of the seams 30 to have a second custom color. Accordingly, the first, second, and third segments of tape 50, 52, 54, having the first custom color are removed, and first, second, and third segments of tape having a second custom color are applied to the seams 30.
In yet further examples, a kit 200 may be provided for that permits multiple custom colors to be applied. As best shown in
Where the kit 200 includes at least two tapes 220, 230, with each tape 220, 230 having a different custom color, it will be appreciated that each tape may be applied to only a portion of the seams 204 to provide a multi-colored seam appearance. That is, the first tape 220 may be applied to all, or portions of, a sub-set of the figure-eight seam 206, the first circumferential seam 208, and the second circumferential seam 210, while the second tape 230 is applied to the portions of the seams 204 not covered by the first tape 210.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. The description of certain embodiments as “preferred” embodiments, and other recitation of embodiments, features, or ranges as being preferred, is not deemed to be limiting, and the claims are deemed to encompass embodiments that may presently be considered to be less preferred. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended to illuminate the disclosed subject matter and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the claims. Any statement herein as to the nature or benefits of the exemplary embodiments is not intended to be limiting, and the appended claims should not be deemed to be limited by such statements. More generally, no language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter. The scope of the claims includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited therein as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the claims unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The description herein of any reference or patent, even if identified as “prior,” is not intended to constitute a concession that such reference or patent is available as prior art against the present disclosure.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63234401 | Aug 2021 | US |
