Patent Grant
10252118
During a game of basketball, the basketball is repeatedly bounced, such as when the basketball is being dribbled, or such as when the basketball being bounce-passed. It is essential that the bounce characteristics of the basketball be substantially consistent and uniform, regardless of what portion of the basketball is being bounced against another surface.
Valve 16 facilitates inflation of bladder 14. Valve 16 is secured to the exterior of bladder 14 and comprises an inflation tube 30 that extends through bladder 14, windings 26, and the elastomeric layer 28. Valve 16 is configured to allow air to enter the bladder 14 through use of an inflation needle (not shown) and, when removed, retain the air within the bladder 14.
In the example illustrated, receptacle 18 is formed from a flexible and resiliently stretchable material. In one implementation, is formed from the same material as bladder 14. In other implementations, receptacle 18 may be formed from other flexible resiliently flexible materials. As a result, upon being inflated to a recommended pressure for use of basketball 10, receptacle 18 squeezes about electronics insert 20 and plug 24 to assist in securing electronics insert 20 and possibly plug 24 in place. In yet other implementations, receptacle 18 may alternatively be formed from a rigid or inflexible material such that receptacle 18 does not change in shape, dimension or proportion in response to inflation of bladder 14. In other implementations, the receptacle 18 can be formed of compositions of materials that provide varying levels of flexibility, resiliency, or rigidity. The specific composition can be adjusted to match the characteristics of the insert (e.g. the weight, size, and position of the insert 20) to provide the most accurate transmission of signals from the electronics 40. In one implementation, a lubricant can be used between the receptacle 18 and the insert 20. The lubricant can be used to facilitate independent movement of the insert 20 and the receptacle 18 during use, if desired. The lubricant can also be used to facilitate the insertion of the insert 20 within the receptacle 18. In other implementations, the lubricant can be omitted.
In the example illustrated, receptacle 18 extends partially into the interior of bladder 314. In the example illustrated, receptacle 18 is located directly opposite to the valve 16 and inflation tube 30. As a result, receptacle 18 offsets the opposite weight of valve 16 and inflation tube 30. In one implementation, receptacle 18, electronics insert 20 and plug 24 have a weight substantially matching the weight of valve 16 and inflation tube 30 to provide balance to ball 14. In other implementations, receptacle 18 as well as the contained electronics insert 20 and plug 24 are formed so as to project into the interior of bladder 14 at other locations relative to valve 16 and inflation tube 30.
Electronics insert 20 comprises a single body, member or unit inserted through mouth 36 of receptacle 18 into cavity 32 where insert 20 is retained. As shown by
Potting compound 44 comprises a mass of solid compound at least substantially encapsulating, if not completely encapsulating, electronics 40. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “encapsulate” or “encapsulating” refers to a body or mass of material that contacts and closely conforms to the shape of the item being encapsulated which occurs as a result of the mass of material by being applied to the item being encapsulated while in a liquid, amorphous or gelatinous form, where the mass subsequently solidifies while about and against the item being encapsulated. The term “substantially encapsulate” or “substantially encapsulating” refers to the mass of material about and in close conformal contact with at least three sides of the item being encapsulated. The term “completely encapsulate” or “completely encapsulating” refers to the mass of material surrounding and enclosing on all sides the item being encapsulated.
In one implementation, potting compound 44 comprises a solidified mass of previously amorphous, gelatinous or liquid material. In one implementation, potting compound 44 comprises a polyurethane, silicone or other solidified polymer. In one implementation, potting compound 44 comprises a thermosetting plastic or silicone rubber gel. In one implementation, potting compound 44 comprises a low glass transition temperature potting compound to inhibit breakage of solder bonds during solidification.
Potting compound 44, when solidified or hardened, forms an encapsulating body 48 encapsulating electronics 40. Encapsulating body 48 is sized and shaped to fit within cavity 32 of receptacle 18. In the example illustrated, encapsulating body 48 has an outer profile or shape that substantially matches the outer profile or shape of cavity 32 so as to restrict or limit movement of body 48 within cavity 32. In the example illustrated in which cavity 32 is cylindrical, body 48 is also cylindrical. In other implementations, encapsulating body 48 may have other shapes when cavity 32 also has the same other corresponding shapes. For example, in one implementation, rather than comprising a cylinder having a circular cross-section, cavity 32 may alternatively comprise a cylinder having an oval cross-section or a polygonal cross-section. In yet another implementation, cavity 32 can be spherical or oblong. In still other implementations, cavity 32 may have other shapes. In still other implementations, encapsulating body 48 has other shapes or configurations, not necessarily matching the internal shape of cavity 32. In yet other implementations, an external surface of encapsulating body 48 may have one of a projection or detent, wherein the internal surface of cavity 32 has the other of the projection or detent. In such an implementation, at least one of the projection and detent resiliently flex to allow the projection to be snapped into the detent to facilitate securement and retention of body 48 and insert 20 within cavity 32 of receptacle 18.
In the example illustrated, potting compound 44 completely encapsulates electronics 40 but for one or more electrical conductors 50, in the form of electrical filaments, wires or traces extending from electronics 40 extending within and through potting compound 44 from within body 48 out of body 48. In the example illustrated, potting compound 44 solidifies while against and in contact with the electrical conductors 50 to seal against and about electrical conductors 50. In other implementations, a bore or other path is formed through body 48 for the passage of electrical conductors 50. Electrical conductors 50 facilitate electrical connection of electronics 40 to battery 46. In an alternative implementation, the electronics insert 20 can be formed without the potting compound 44. The electronics 40 can be coupled to one or more components of the ball such that the receptacle 18 is not used. In another alternative implementation, the electronics 40 can be inserted into the receptacle without the use of potting material. The receptacle can be sized to receive the electronics 40. The electronics 40 be inserted into a receptacle in a press-fit arrangement. In another implementation, the receptacle 18 can be configured to readily receive the electronics, then upon inflation the receptacle can be drawn tightly about the electronics.
Battery 46 comprises a source of power for electronics 40. Battery 46 extends external to body 48 at one axial end of body 48. In one implementation, battery 46 has an end portion encapsulated by potting compound 44 so as to be joined to body 48. In another implementation, battery 46 is welded, fused, bonded, adhered, fastened, retained or otherwise joined to an external surface of body 48. As will be described hereafter, in yet other implementations, battery 46 is completely encapsulated by potting compound 44 within body 48, but for any electrical conductors extending from battery 46 to locations external of body 48. In still other implementations, battery 46 may be independent of insert 20, not fixedly or connected to body 48 so as to be carried as a single unit with body 48. For example, in other implementations, battery 46 may have an electrical terminal or contact in electrical connection with an external electrical terminal or contact of body 48.
In one implementation, battery 46 is a non-rechargeable battery. In yet another implementation, battery 46 is rechargeable. In one implementation, battery 46 is rechargeable via a charging port extending through plug 24 into contact with a charging contact or terminal of battery 46. In yet another implementation, battery 46 is configured for wireless or inductive charging. In another implementation, battery 46 may be charged through one or more of bladder 14, windings 26 and the layer of elastomeric material 28.
Plug 24 comprises a member received within cavity 32 between insert 20 and an exterior of basketball 10. Plug 24 assists in protecting insert 20. In the example illustrated, plug 24 is formed from a resiliently compressible material, such as a foam or a rubber, absorbing impacts of basketball 10. In one implementation, plug 24 further provides an additional seal inhibiting the intrusion of moisture or other contaminants into the interior of cavity 32. In yet other implementations, plug 24 may other sizes, shapes or configurations and may be formed from incompressible materials. For example, in other implementations, plug 24 may comprise a flat panel or a three-dimensional panel serving as a cover or flap over cavity 32 between cavity 32 and one or more of windings 26 and/or cover layer 28. In another implementation, receptacle 18 and electronics insert 20 of basketball 10 can be formed without a plug.
Windings 26 comprise a layer of wound reinforcing thread wound about or over bladder 14. In one implementation, prior to the application of cover layer 28, the reinforcing thread may be further coated or covered with a viscous material, such as a latex or adhesive. In one implementation, the reinforcing thread is passed through a viscous adhesive material prior to being wound about bladder 14. In one implementation, the thread forming windings 26 are formed of a high tensile strength material, such as nylon 66. In other implementations, the thread are material forming windings 26 may comprise other materials, such as a polyurethane, other elastomeric materials, and nylon/urethane combinations. In one implementation, windings 26 can be comprised of 2100 meters of 210 denier Nylon thread. In some implementations, selected portions of the layer of windings 26 are translucent or transparent. The threads form windings 26 that reinforce bladder 14 and retain the generally spherical shape of bladder 14. In an alternative embodiment, the basketball can be formed without a layer of windings. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the layer of windings can be formed through one or more segments of adhesive tape, or similar material.
Elastomeric layer 28 comprises a layer of elastic material over and about windings 26. In one implementation, the elastomeric layer 28 comprises a natural rubber, a butyl rubber, a sponge rubber, a styrene-butadiene rubber (sbr), a foamed elastomeric material or a combination thereof as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,233. In one implementation, elastomeric layer 28 is formed by laying panels or sheets of material over windings 26 and by molding or fusing the panels into a continuous integral unitary homogenous layer over windings 26. In another implementation, elastomeric layer 28 is formed by injection molding or other fabrication techniques. It is common for a portion of the elastomeric material of the elastomeric layer 28 to impregnate, bond to, or otherwise engage the layer of windings 26. In one implementation, the material of the elastomeric layer 28 is a sponge rubber. As shown by
As shown by
In one implementation, electronics are directly attached to the bladder wall. In yet another implementation, electronics are attached to the bladder wall by being positioned within a receptacle which is itself attached to the bladder wall. In one implementation, electronics are part of an insert which is inserted into the receptacle which is attached to the bladder wall. In such implementations, the electronics may be positioned within the receptacle, attached to the bladder wall, while the bladder wall is a generally flat panel and prior to the bladder wall being joined to other panels to form an unmolded bladder. In other implementations, the electronic media positioned in the receptacle, attached to the bladder wall, while the bladder wall is part of an unmolded spherical bladder (after the panels have been joined to form the unmolded spherical bladder). In yet another implementation, the electronic may be positioned within the receptacle, attached to the bladder wall, while the bladder wall serves as part of the spherical bladder and after the spherical bladder has been molded. In each of the above described examples, the attachment of the electronics 40 to the bladder wall (at some stage of the formation of bladder 14) occurs prior to the formation of the elastomeric layer 28, allowing the elastomeric layer 28 to be subsequently formed so as to continuously extend across and over the electronics 40.
As indicated by block 106, an elastomeric layer, such as elastomeric layer 28, is formed over the bladder 14 while the electronics 40 are within the bladder 14 formed by the bladder wall. In one implementation, the elastomeric layer 28 directly extends over the electronics 40 within the bladder 14. In one implementation, elastomeric layer 28 directly extends over and across the mouth 36 of the receptacle 18 containing the electronics 40. In one implementation, the elastomeric layer 28 is formed over windings, such as windings 26, which also extend over the bladder and over the electronics within the bladder. As will be described hereafter, in other implementations, the elastomeric layer may be formed over and across an opening in the windings, the opening in the windings communicating with the receptacle and the contained electronics. In one implementation, the elastomeric layer can be formed by locating multiple distinct panels or elastomeric layer portions over the bladder, and over windings or over the windings and the receptacle communicating opening in the windings.
As indicated by block 108, the elastomeric layer, the bladder and the windings are molded in a carcass-forming mold while the electronics are within the bladder. In one implementation, the bladder and the overlaid portions of the elastomeric layer are inserted into a spherical carcass-forming mold, wherein heat and/or pressure are applied to mold the material or materials of the cover layer. In one implementation, the molding results in the different layer panels or portions being fused into a continuous integral unitary homogenous layer to form a carcass. In another implementation, the overlaid portions of the elastomeric layer are applied to the wound bladder before being placed into the carcass-forming mold. In another implementation, the cover layer is molded by injection molding or other fabrication techniques.
In one implementation, during the molding of elastomeric layer 28 (the carcass molding), the exterior surface of the elastomeric layer is molded or shaped to include valleys defined by inner edges of the cover layer that form the grooves or channels of the basketball 10. In another implementation, during the molding of the elastomeric layer 28 (the carcass molding), the exterior surface of the elastomeric layer is molded with a plurality of outwardly projecting ribs that define cover panel placement locations. In one implementation in which elastomeric layer also serves as the exterior surface of the basketball, the outer or exterior surface of the elastomeric layer can be formed with a plurality of pebbled projections or pebbling between the valleys to facilitate gripping. In some implementations, the basketball may include additional outer panels, wherein method 100 results in the formation of what is referred to as a carcass, wherein the molded elastomeric layer is the outer surface of the carcass.
During carcass molding, heat is applied to the layer or layers of material forming the elastomeric layer 28. Although the heat applied during the carcass molding process is sufficient to fuse and/or melt at least portions of the panel or portions forming the elastomeric layer, such sheet is insufficient to damage the electronics within the bladder. In one implementation, the elastomeric layer 28 is formed of sponge rubber that is initially applied as uncured rubber with a foaming agent. During the carcass molding process, the foaming agent is activated to form sponge rubber. Because the elastomeric layer (and the carcass) is molded while the electronics are within the bladder, electronics may be encased and covered by the continuous and uniform elastomeric layer that extends about a majority if not substantially all of the spherical outer surface of the basketball. The continuity and uniformity of the elastomeric layer about a substantially all of the outer surface of the basketball shields the enclosure and electronics within the bladder to reduce any impact that the enclosure and the electronics within the bladder may have upon the bounce characteristics of the basketball when portions of the basketball adjacent the electronics are undergoing impact.
Block 114 of method 110 identifies the step of inflating the unmolded bladder while the electronics are within the receptacle 18. Such inflation occurs after spherical bladder has been formed from one or more panels fused or welded to one another. As indicated by block 112, electronics are inserted into the receptacle prior to such inflation.
As indicated by block 116, the unmolded spherical bladder is molded (see
As indicated by block 118, windings, such as windings 26 described above, are applied over the molded bladder. In one implementation, the windings are applied over and across a top the receptacle with the electronic contained therein. As indicated by block 130, an elastomeric layer, such as elastomeric layer 28, is formed over the windings while the electronics are within the receptacle. As indicated by block 122, elastomeric layer is then molded while electronics are within the receptacle.
In one implementation, the unmolded spherical bladder is formed by a single panel folded panel having adjacent portions sealed or joined to one another. In one implementation, the receptacle 18 is attached to one of the multiple panels (see bladder panel 800 in
As indicated by block 126, the unmolded spherical bladder is molded (see
As indicated by block 128, windings, such as windings 26 described above, are applied over the molded bladder. In one implementation, the windings are applied over and across a top the receptacle with the electronic contained therein. As indicated by block 130, an elastomeric layer, such as elastomeric layer 28, is formed over the windings while the electronics are within the receptacle. As indicated by block 132, elastomeric layer is then molded while electronics are within the receptacle.
Electronic insert 220 is similar to electronics insert 20 except that potting material 44 completely encapsulates electronics 40 and battery 46. Encapsulating body 48 completely encloses and surrounds electronics 40 and battery 46, wherein electrical conductor 50 between electronics 40 and battery 46 is also completely encapsulated within body 48. As a result, body 48 offers additional protection for battery 46.
Electronics receptacle 318 is similar to electronics receptacle 18 except that electronics receptacle 318 has a different shape. In the example illustrated, electronics receptacle 318 comprises a spherical cavity 332. In yet other implementations, electronics receptacle 318 may have other sizes and shapes.
Electronics insert 320 is similar to electronics insert 220 except that the potting material 44 is shaped so as to form encapsulating body 348 which corresponds to the shape of cavity 332. Similar to cavity 332, body 348 has a spherical outer shape or profile, limiting movement of insert 320 within cavity 332. In the example illustrated, due to the spherical shape of receptacle 318, cavity 332 as a mouth 324 which is smaller in size than the maximum internal dimensions of cavity 332 and which is smaller in size than the maximum outer dimensions of insert 320. During insertion of insert 320 into cavity 332, mouth 336 resiliently flexes or stretches to accommodate insert 320. Upon resiliently returning to and unstressed state, mouth 336 moves about body 348 and returns to a size smaller than the maximum outer dimension of body 348 to assist in retaining insert 320 within cavity 332.
Plug 324 is similar to plug 24. Plug 324 extends between body 348 and the exterior of ball 310. In the example illustrated, plug 324 is formed from a resiliently compressible or soft material to absorb impacts with ball 310 such that less forces are transmitted to insert 320. In the example illustrated, plug 324 further seals insert 320 within cavity 332. In the example illustrated, plug 324 has a reduced thickness as compared to plug 24 as mouth 336 assists in retaining insert 320 within cavity 332. In other implementations, plug 324 may have a larger thickness or may be configured similar to plug 24.
In some implementations, plug 24 or 324 may be omitted, may be supplemented with or may be replaced with one or more materials filled over body 48 or 348. For example, in one implementation, cavity 32 or cavity 332 is filled with a fluid filler material that at least partially immerses, in one implementation completely submerses, insert 220 or insert 320. In one implementation, the fluid filler material is chosen so as to solidify about insert 220 or insert 320 through curing or thermosetting. In yet other implementations, the fluid filler material remains in a fluid state, sealed within cavity by an additional plug or by additional outer layers of ball 10 or 310.
Electronics insert 420 is similar to electronics insert 220 except that potting material 44 does not encapsulate a battery, but encapsulates electronics 40. In the example illustrated, insert 420 additionally comprises an external electrical contact pad or terminal 449 which is electrically connected to electronics 40 by electrical conductor 441. In the example illustrated, potting material 44 completely encapsulates electronics 40 and is solidified about electrical conductor 450 to seal against electrical conductor 450. In other implementations, a bore or other passage is formed within body 448, wherein electric conductor 450 extends through and within the bore or other passage to terminal 449. Terminal 449 facilitates electrical power transfer between battery 446 and electronics 40 across terminal 439 and conductor 450.
Battery 446 is similar to battery 46 except that battery 446 is distinct and independent, or separable, from insert 420. Battery 446 is inserted into cavity 432 prior to insertion of insert for 20. In another implementation, battery 446 is inserted into cavity 432 after insertion of insert for 20 into cavity 432. Battery 446 comprises electrical contact pad or terminal 441 which is configured for electrical contact with terminal 449 of insert 420 when both are inserted into cavity 432. In the example illustrated, terminals 441 and 449 rest against and in contact with one another. Electrical power is transmitted across terminals 441 and 449 to electrical conductor 450 and ultimately to electronics 40. Because battery 446 is independent of insert 420, battery for 46 may also be replaced independent of insert 420, allowing the use of insert 420 to be continued with a replacement battery.
Ball 510 is similar to ball 210 except that ball 510 comprises electronics insert 520 in lieu of electronics insert 220 and battery 246. Those remaining components of ball 510 which correspond to components of ball 210 are numbered similarly.
Insert 520 is similar to insert to 20 except that insert 520 additionally comprises inductive coil 552. Inductive coil 552 comprises an electrically conductive line such as an electrically conductive metal wire, trace or the like which serves as a secondary coil to facilitate inductive charging of battery 546. In the example illustrated, inductive coil 552 extends from and is electrically connected to battery 546 (either directly or through electronics 40), wherein inductive coil 552 forms windings or loops within the mass of potting material 44 (shown with stippling) proximate to or along a portion of body 48 which is proximate to or adjacent to plug 24 and the exterior of ball 510. In such an implementation, potting material 44 completely encapsulates inductive coil 552 to protect coil 552. In another implementation, inductive coil 552 alternatively extends along an outer surface of encapsulating body 48 for closer proximity to an exterior basketball 510 and for enhanced inductive charging.
Battery 546 comprises a rechargeable battery. In the example illustrated, battery 546 comprises a battery configured to be inductively recharged utilizing coil 552 as a secondary inductive charging coil. During such recharging, ball 510 is positioned adjacent to an inductive charger having a primary inductive charging coil which creates an electromagnetic field that encompasses coil 552. In one implementation, the material and configuration of the primary coil and coil 552, serving as a secondary coil, have matched or substantially matched resonant frequencies to enhance the rate at which battery 546 is inductively charged. In another implementation, the primary coil of the inductive charger and coil 552 may have different resonant frequencies.
Unlike elastomeric layer 28, elastomeric layer 628 is not the outer surface of the basketball, but is instead the outer surface of a carcass. Elastomeric layer 628 is similar to elastomeric layer 28 described above except that elastomeric layer 628 is alternatively shaped or molded to include outwardly or radially projecting walls, ribs or dividers 621 in place of valleys 54. Dividers 621 partition the exterior of elastomeric layer 628 into cover panel recesses, cavities or channels receiving outer cover panels 660. In one implementation, dividers 621 can include an outer curved surface that forms grooves in the outer surface of the dividers 621. In another implementation, the outer surface of the dividers 621 can be formed to include a plurality of pebbled projection or pebbling. In such an implementation where outer cover panels 660 extend over elastomeric layer 628, the formation of pebbles in elastomeric layer 628 may be omitted. As with elastomeric layer 28, portions of elastomeric layer 628 can be translucent or transparent in some implementations. In one implementation, those portions of elastomeric layer 628 forming one or more of dividers 621 are transparent or translucent to allow light to pass through dividers 61 while other portions of cover layer 628 are opaque or have different light transmissive properties.
Outer cover panels 660 comprise panels of material secured within the channels or cavities formed by dividers 621 along an exterior of basketball 610. In one implementation, cover panels 660 are formed from a wear-resistant, resilient material having a high coefficient of friction value (or a high level of grip-ability), such as leather, synthetic leather, rubber, polyurethane, thermoplastic material, thermoset material, or other synthetic polymeric materials and the like. Cover panels 660 include at least two cover panels 660 and less than or equal to sixteen cover panels 660. In some implementations, the cover panels can number eight, ten or twelve cover panels 660. The cover panels 660 include peripheral edges that extend to dividers 621. The cover panels are configured for impact with one or more playing surfaces and for contact with players. In one implementation, the exterior surface of such cover panels 660 include a pebbled texture. Each cover panel may additionally comprise the fabric backing coated with an adhesive prior to being secured to elastomeric layer 628 which may also be alternatively coated with an adhesive. In some implementations, at least portions of one or more of cover panels 660 are translucent or transparent. In another implementation, cover panel 660 can be one cover panel surrounding the carcass.
The backing is configured to increase the tensile strength of the cover panels 660. The backing is made of a soft material, preferably a felt-like fabric. Alternatively, the backing can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, other woven or unwoven fabrics, plastic, an elastomer, a rubber, and combinations thereof. The backing is preferably configured to contact the outer surface of the carcass 29. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the cover panels 660 can be formed without a backing. In one implementation, peripheral regions of the backing (and/or the outer layer of the cover panels 660) can be skived (tapered or thinned out) to produce a recess in the outer surface of the basketball 10 near the dividers 621. In another implementation, the cover assembly 14 can be connected directly to the bladder 12 or to the layer of windings 14.
Strips 725 comprise elongate bands, tubes, cords or the like secured within valleys 54 and extending upwardly along adjacent opposite sides of cover panels 660. The material of strips 725 have good grippability and relatively high coefficient of friction. In one implementation, material of the strips 625 is chosen to match grip and feel of cover panels 660 so that the grooves 723 of the basketball 710 do not include areas of reduced gripability on the surface of basketball 710. The color of the material of strips 625 can contrast the color of the cover panels 660 provide visible evidence of grooves 723. In one implementation, strips 625 are black. In one implementation, strips 625 comprise urethane-coated microfiber having a thickness of about 1.5 mm. In one implementation, the bottom of such strips 325 is coated with adhesive so as to adhere to cover its 28 (or carcass) during a final molding step. In one implementation, the material strips 625 is translucent or transparent.
In the example illustrated, basketball 710 is formed according to method 120 shown in
Cover portion 762 extends across the mouth of receptacle 18 to contain electronics 20 within receptacle 18. In one implementation, cover portion 762 comprises a flap which is pivoted to an open position allowing electronics 20 to be inserted through the mouth of receptacle 18, wherein the flap is returned to cover the inserted electronics 20. In implementations where electronics 20 are inserted into receptacle 18 prior to molding of bladder 14, such molding of bladder 14 may result in the flap forming portion 762 to become fused or sealed to adjacent portions of bladder 14 over electronics 20 within receptacle 18. In other implementations, the unmolded bladder 14 has an opening through which electronics 20 are inserted into receptacle 18, wherein during molding of bladder 14, the material of bladder 14 melts and flows to fill the opening so as to form cover portion 762. In yet other implementations, basketball 760 may omit cover portion 762, wherein windings 26 extend across the mouth of receptacle 18 to contain electronics 20 within receptacle 18.
As shown by
As shown in
The two clamshell mold halves (one of which is shown) of the bladder-forming mold 814 are positioned about the preliminary inflatable body 812. The mold halves of the bladder-forming mold 814 are heated to apply heat to the preliminary inflatable body 812. In some implementations, during the application of heat, body 812 is further inflated through inflation needle 813 to a greater extent, forcing body 812 against the interior molding surfaces of mold halves 814. In the example illustrated, the molding of preliminary inflatable body 812 occurs while electronics insert 20 is being retained within receptacle 18. In the example illustrated in which a plug 24 is additionally inserted into receptacle 18 above the inserted electronics insert 20, the heat applied during molding of body 812 at least partially melts and fuses adjacent portions of the plug 24 and body 812 (the unmolded bladder) to form a unitary, continuous structure over and across receptacle 18. As disclosed above with respect to
In one implementation, prior to the application of cover layer 28, the reinforcing thread may be further coated or covered with a viscous material, such as a latex or adhesive. In one implementation, the reinforcing thread is passed through a viscous adhesive material prior to being wound about bladder 14. In one implementation, the thread forming windings 26 comprises nylon 66. In other implementations, the thread are material forming windings 26 may comprise other materials.
As further shown by
As shown by
A basketball that incorporate electronics into an already molded carcass or a completed basketball has many drawback. Such constructions typically include a stand-alone plug that is inserted into the mouth of a receptacle on either the completed molded carcass or on the completed basketball. Since such plugs are positioned at or near the outer surface of the ball, the plugs negatively affect the rebound consistency of the basketball. The rebound height of such balls can be lower when bounced on or near the plug than when bounced at other locations about the ball. Further, overtime, the plug can loosen and project outward from the carcass or the cover panel, resulting in a high spot on the basketball. Such high spot or projection can cause premature wear and negatively affect the performance of the ball including bouncing, shooting and passing of the basketball. The loosened and/or outwardly projecting plug can allow any lubricant that may be used within the receptacle or housing to seep out of the receptacle further negatively affecting the playability of the basketball.
Basketballs produced in accordance with the implementation of the present invention avoid overcome these drawbacks, because windings 26 and elastomeric layer 28 continuously extend about basketball 10 while the same time continuously extending across electronics insert 20, resulting in more consistent and uniform bounce performance or bounce characteristics across its entire outer circumferential surface when different portions of the outer circumferential surface are undergoing impact. Outer cover panels 626 further enhances such bounce consistency. In particular, the bounce characteristics or rebound characteristics of basketball 10, when the exterior circumferential portion 56 of basketball 10 is directly impacting another surface, such as a blacktop, floor, backboard or rim, will be closer to the bounce characteristics or rebound characteristics of basketball 10 when other exterior circumferential portions of basketball 10, such as portions proximate valve 16, portions adjacent to logo or other exterior circumferential portions, are directly impacting the same surface.
In the example illustrated, outer circumferential surface region 910 is the outer portion of basketball 710 that is most representative of a substantial majority of the outer surface of basketball 710. Because outer circumferential surface region 910, amongst all the other regions of basketball 710, is farthest away from the extraneous supported structures of basketball 710, valve 16 and receptacle 18 (and electronics insert 20), surface region 910 is most likely to have bounce characteristics that differ from the bounce characteristics of region 906 by the largest extent. As a result, bounce uniformity or consistency may be most suitably measured by comparing bounce characteristics of regions 906 and 910, regions that are most likely to exhibit the greatest disparity amongst the different outer portions of basketball 710.
Bounce consistency or uniformity of basketball 710 may be determined by bouncing each of regions 906 and 910 upon a base or basketball surface BS. In one implementation, bounce consistency uniformity is determined based upon rebound characteristics of basketball 710 pursuant to Rule 1, Section 16, Article 7 of the 2014 & 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Rules or Rule 1, Section 12, Article 2 of the NFHS Basketball Rules Book. As shown by
As further shown by
To ensure consistency at different inflation levels of basketball 710, the above test is carried out at a plurality of different inflation pressures of basketball 710 within the recommended inflation range for basketball 710. In one implementation, the recommended inflation pressure for basketball 710 is provided in the packaging of basketball 710 and/or is stamped, embossed and/or printed upon basketball 710. In one implementation, basketball 710 has a recommended inflation pressure range of between 6 pounds per square inch (psi) and 8 psi. In one implementation, the aforementioned test is carried out with basketball 710 inflated to each of inflation pressures of 6 psi, 7 psi and 8 psi.
As described above, the overlapping of receptacle 18 with cover layer 28 and, in the tested example, windings 26 and outer panels 660, disperses or spreads out forces acting upon the point of impact of basketball 710 such that the bounce characteristics of basketball 710 when in orientation 930 more closely resemble the bounce characteristics of basketball 710 when in orientation 920. When basketball 710 is tested according to the above-described test, at each of a plurality of different inflation pressures, basketball 710 exhibits a rebound height delta (the absolute value difference between H21 or H22 and H1) that is no greater than 0.6 inches for a majority of the different inflation pressures.
In one test of example basketball 710, basketball 710 was inflated to each of inflation pressures 6 psi, 7 psi and 8 psi. For a majority of such different inflation pressures, the rebound height delta of basketball 710 at the respective inflation pressure did not exceed 0.5 inches. The rebound height delta of basketball 710 at the respective inflation pressures also did not exceed 0.6 psi. Below is Table 1 reflecting bounce uniformity or consistency of an example basketball 710. The basketball 710 used for Table 1 was formed with the electronics insert 20 inserted within the receptacle 18 before forming or molding of the bladder 814 and before the molding of the carcass. Similar testing was also performed upon basketball 740, where electronics insert 20 was inserted into receptacle 810 after molding of bladder 14 rather than before the molding of bladder 14, but before the molding of the elastomeric layer 28 to form the carcass. Table 1 compares the results of the testing of basketballs 710 and 740 with the results of the same test applied to an official Wilson® NCAA® Game Ball.
By way of contrast, as illustrated by Table 2 below, basketballs similar to basketball 710, but not having receptacle 18 overlapped by elastomeric layer 28 or windings 26, provided with a rubber cap or plug through an opening in the elastomeric layer 28, exhibited greater rebound height deltas across a majority of different recommended inflation pressures for the basketball. Such basketball had the electronics inserted into the ball after the molding of the bladder and after molding of the carcass.
Table 3 below illustrates the results of the test measuring a stiffness of the basketball. The stiffness test identifies the amount of force needed to deflect the basketball at the sensor. The test was carried out by positioning the basketball in a universal testing machine, wherein the force is applied by a flat plate in contact with the surface of the basketball directly overlying the sensor and receptacle 18.
As illustrated in Table 3 above, each of basketballs 710 and 740, inflated to 7 psi, required 19 lbf or less force to deflect 1 cm, very similar to the 18.1 lbf to deflect the Wilson® NCAA® Game Ball at the sensor when inflated to the same 7 psi. As further illustrated in Table 3 above, each of basketballs 710 and 740, inflated to 8 psi, required 20 lbf or less force to deflect 1 cm, very similar to the 19.1 lbf to deflect the Wilson® NCAA® Game Ball at the sensor when inflated to the same 8 psi.
As further illustrated in Table 3 above, the amount of force required to deflect the basketball is substantially similar regardless of what part of the basketball is undergoing compression or deflection. Each of basketballs 710 and 740, inflated to 7 psi, required a first amount of force to deflect the basketball 1 cm in orientation 920 and a second amount of force to deflect the basketball 1 cm in orientation 930, wherein the first and second amount of force where no greater than 0.4 lbf of one another. Each of basketballs 710 and 740, inflated to 7 psi, required a first amount of force to deflect the basketball 2 cm in orientation 920 and a second amount of force to deflect the basketball 2 cm in orientation 930, wherein the first and second amounts of force were no greater than 1.0 lbf of one another.
Each of basketballs 710 and 740, inflated to 8 psi, required a first amount of force to deflect the basketball 1 cm in orientation 920 and a second amount of force to deflect the basketball 1 cm in orientation 930, wherein the first and second amount of force were no greater than 0.7 lbf of one another. Each of basketballs 710 and 740, inflated to 8 psi, required a first amount of force to deflect the basketball 2 cm in orientation 920 and a second amount of force to deflect the basketball 1 cm in orientation 930, wherein the first and second amounts of force where no greater than 1.5 lbf of one another.
Opening 1015 facilitates insertion or positioning of electronics insert 20 and optional plug 24 into receptacle 18 after bladder 14 has been wound with windings 26, prior to the forming and molding of elastomeric layer 28 to form the carcass. In one implementation, during winding of the bladder, the filaments about bladder 14 are configured to not cover portions of bladder 14 opposite to mouth 36, leaving a gap which serves as opening 1015. In another implementation, the programming of the winding machine is configured to provide a much lower density of filaments are windings across mouth 36, allowing electronics insert 20 to be pushed through the lower density of windings or allowing the lower density of windings to be pushed aside or severed for insertion of electronics insert 20.
As shown by
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.
The present application is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 120 from of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/212,932 filed on Mar. 14, 2014 by Thurman et al. and entitled BASKETBALL ELECTRONICS SUPPORT, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, which is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 14/071,384 filed on Nov. 4, 2013, which claims priority to provisional application No. 61/724,668 filed on Nov. 9, 2012, provisional application No. 61/798,738, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, provisional application No. 61/788,304, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, provisional application No. 61/799,851, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, provisional application No. 61/800,972 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, and provisional application No. 61/891,487 filed on Oct. 16, 2013.
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