Game ball lacing

Abstract

A game ball including a casing and a lacing. The casing has a laced region. The lacing is coupled to the laced region of the casing. The lacing has an exposed surface comprised of an outer material that is compressible, resilient, and tactile. The outer material has a modulus of elasticity of between 14 and 170 kg/cm2 and a tensile strength between 100 and 650 kg/cm2. At least a portion of the lacing can have an exposed pebbled surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a laced game ball. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved lacing for a laced game ball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Laced game balls, such as footballs, are well known and are included among the most popular game balls in the United States. Footballs typically include an inner inflatable air bladder and an outer casing having a longitudinally extending, elongate slot. The air bladder is inserted into the casing through the slot and secured within the outer casing by a lacing. The lacing resembles a shoelace and typically is made of one or more leather strips, braided fibers, or braided fibers having an outer latex coating. When assembled, the lacing generally outwardly extends from the casing forming a number of raised ridges that facilitate grasping and passing of the football. The lacing further facilitates a player's ability to impart a spin onto the football during passing thereby producing a spiral trajectory of the ball. The spiral trajectory generally improves the distance of a thrown football.

[0004] In football, as in many other sports, the gripping and tactile characteristics of the ball can considerably affect the performance of the participating players. In particular, the lacing of a football significantly contributes to the football's gripping and tactile characteristics, and, not surprisingly, to the player's ability to pass the ball accurately and for distance. The lacing also typically plays a role in the player's ability to catch or to hold on to the football. Further, because football games are typically played outdoors, in unpredictable and inclement weather conditions including rain, sleet and snow, the player's ability to adequately grip the ball is particularly dependent upon the gripping and tactile characteristics of the ball and the lacing.

[0005] Lacings on earlier football designs typically included leather strips or braided fibers, such as cotton fibers. These lacing materials sufficiently enclosed the slot and retained the bladder within the outer casing, but they generally did not wear well, could become slippery when wet, and portions of the lacings could be shifted or dislodged during use. Existing lacings in more recent football designs are typically formed of braided fibers or extruded strands and include an outer layer of latex or plastic. The extruded lacings may have a knurled outer surface having indentations of less than 0.0015 inches, and typically less than 0.001 inches. Such existing lacings wear, and retain their position, well, but can be quite hard, and are relatively smooth and slippery, particularly in wet play conditions. These hard lacings often have durometer values on a Shore A hardness scale of greater than 75. Even when such lacings have a roughened exterior surface, such as the knurled lacings, they often remain quite slippery and difficult to grasp, particularly in wet conditions. Hard, relatively smooth or slippery lacings can contribute to poorly thrown passes, incompletions and fumbles. Others have attempted to solve these problems by significantly changing the shape of the football or by applying multiple sets of lacings to a football. These types of proposed solutions are radical departures from the design and look of a traditional American football. Not surprisingly, these types of radical design changes are not widely accepted, particularly in organized play.

[0006] Thus, there is a need for a lacing for a sports ball, such as a football, that improves the gripping and tactile characteristics of the sports ball without radically departing from the ball's traditional design. What is needed is a lacing that improves a player's ability to pass, catch or grip a ball. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a football and lacing that can be more readily thrown in a spiral trajectory. What is also needed is a football that can contribute to reducing the number of fumbles, incompletions and poorly thrown balls during the course of a game or a season, particularly during inclement weather.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a game ball including a casing and a lacing. The casing has a laced region. The lacing is coupled to the laced region of the casing. The lacing has an exposed surface comprised of an outer material that is compressible, resilient, and tactile. The outer material has a modulus of elasticity of between 14 and 170 kg/cm2 and a tensile strength between 100 and 650 kg/cm2.

[0008] According to a principal aspect of a preferred form of the invention, a game ball includes a casing and a lacing. The casing has a laced region. The lacing is coupled to the laced region of the casing. The lacing has an exposed surface. At least a portion of the exposed surface of the lacing has a pebbled texture.

[0009] According to another preferred aspect of the invention provides a game ball includes a casing and a lacing. The casing has a laced region. The lacing is coupled to, and generally surrounds the laced region of the casing. The lacing includes an inner substrate attached to an outer layer. The outer layer of the lacing has an exposed surface made of an outer material that is compressible, resilient, and tactile.

[0010] According to another preferred aspect of the invention provides a lacing for a sporting goods product. The lacing includes an inner substrate and an outer layer. The inner substrate is made of a high tensile strength material. The outer layer is coupled to the inner substrate. The outer layer is made of a material that is soft, compressible, resilient, and tactile. The material of the outer layer has a modulus of elasticity of between 14 and 170 kg/cm2 and a tensile strength between 100 and 650 kg/cm2.

[0011] This invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings described herein below, and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an American football in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the football of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a sectional, front perspective view of a lacing of the football of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an American football according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a sectional, front perspective view of a lacing of the football of FIG. 4.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a lacing in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a lacing in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a lacing in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a lacing in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a lacing in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a lacing in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 12 through 21 each include a top view of a portion of lacing with pebbled texture having pebble-like projections in accordance with additional alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein a separate embodiment of the pebble-like projections are illustrated in each of FIGS. 12 through 21.

[0024] FIG. 22 is a sectional view of a portion of a lacing in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 23 is a top view of a portion of a lacing in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 24 is a top view of a portion of a lacing in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an American football is indicated generally at 10. The football 10 is one example of a laced sports ball. The present application is directly applicable to all laced sports balls and other sporting goods products including, for example, footballs, rugby balls, soccer balls, basketballs, baseball mitts and volleyballs.

[0028] The football 10 is a generally prolate spheroidal shaped inflatable object having a major longitudinal dimension and a minor transverse dimension. The football 10 includes a casing 12, a bladder 14 and a lacing 16. The casing 12 is a prolate spheroidal shaped outer body preferably formed from four quarter sections (first and second quarter sections 18 and 20 are shown in FIG. 1) that are joined to one another along longitudinal seams (a first longitudinal seam 22 is also shown in FIG. 1). The casing 12, when assembled, has first and second end portions 24 and 26 separated by a central portion 28. The central portion 28 of the casing 12 includes a valve aperture 30 and a longitudinally extending slot 32 positioned in line with the first longitudinal seam 22 and between two parallel longitudinally extending rows of spaced apart lace holes 34. The casing 12 is typically made of leather, rubber or a synthetic polymeric plastic material. An outer surface of the casing 12 preferably includes a pebbled texture for enhancing the grip and improving the aesthetics of the football 10.

[0029] The bladder 14 is an inflatable air tube preferably having a prolate spheroidal shape. The bladder 14 is inserted into the casing 12 through the slot 32. The bladder 14 enables the football 10 to retain a predetermined amount of air thereby achieving the desired firmness to the football 10. The bladder 14 is typically made of latex, butyl rubber or other suitable material. The bladder 14 includes a valve 38 that extends through the valve aperture 30 of the casing 12 for access by a user. In an alternative embodiment, the casing 12 and the bladder 14 can be integrally formed together. In another alternative embodiment, the football can be formed without a bladder.

[0030] The lacing 16 is preferably a single elongate cord. Alternatively, the lacing 16 can include a plurality of cords. The lacing 16 is threaded through the lace holes 34 of the casing 12. The lacing 16 enables the two parallel longitudinally extending rows of spaced apart lace holes 34 to be drawn together thereby closing the slot 32 retaining the bladder 14 within the casing 12. When installed onto the football 10, the lacing 16 preferably includes two substantially exposed longitudinally extending segments 40 and eight substantially exposed transversely extending segments 42. In alternative preferred embodiments, other numbers of substantially exposed longitudinal and transverse segments 40 and 42 can be used. The longitudinal and transverse segments 40 and 42 of the lacing outwardly extend from the casing 12 to provide raised surfaces for a player to contact when passing, catching or holding onto the football 10. Players when passing the football 10 will typically place one or more of their fingertips onto the raised surfaces of the lacing 16 in order to throw a more accurate pass and to impart a spiral trajectory onto the thrown ball. In one preferred embodiment, an installed lacing 16 has a length of approximately 4.5 inches.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the lacing 16. The lacing 16 includes at least one elongate strand 44, an inner layer 46, and an outer layer 48. The strand 44 is formed of a high tensile strength material, preferably nylon. In alternative preferred embodiments, the strand or strands 44 can be formed of polyester, metal, braided fibers, a high tensile strength polymer or combinations thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, three strands 14 are included in a spaced apart configuration within the lacing 16. The strand 44 increases the tensile strength of the lacing 16 enabling the lacing 16 to withstand significant stresses during use without failing.

[0032] The inner layer 46 surrounds the strands 44 within the lacing 16. The inner layer 46 is formed of a pliable material, preferably vinyl or plastic. Alternatively, other materials can be used, such as, for example, a cloth, leather, a rubber, an elastomer or other polymers. The inner layer 46 is preferably formed with a generally uniform cross-sectional area resembling a flattened oval. Alternatively, the inner layer 46 can have a circular cross-section or other shapes. The strands 44 and the inner layer 46 are preferably produced as a co-extrusion. Alternatively, the strands 44 alone can be extruded and the inner layer 46 can be attached to, and substantially surround, the strands 44.

[0033] The outer layer 48 is a sheet of material that is preferably soft, compressible, resilient, tactile, porous and spongy. The outer layer 48 has an inner surface 50 and an outer surface 52. The inner surface 50 of the outer layer 48 is attached to, and preferably substantially surrounds, the inner layer 46. The outer layer 48 is preferably affixed to the inner layer 46. In other alternative embodiments, the outer layer 48 can be attached to the inner layer 46 through stitching, stapling, mechanical bonding, heat bonding or other conventional fastening means. The outer layer 48 provides the lacing 16, and in particular the exposed portions of the lacing 16, with a soft, tactile and resilient feel that enhances the player's ability to easily grip, throw, or retain the football 10 when contacting the lacing 16. The outer layer 48 of the lacing 16 is preferably made of a wet process polyurethane material. Alternatively, the outer layer 48 can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, a dry process polyurethane, a coagulated polyurethane, a rubber, a polyvinylchloride foam, other polymers, other elastomers, other foams or combinations thereof.

[0034] The material of the outer layer preferably has a durometer of between 10 and 75 on a Shore A hardness scale. Shore A durometer values provided in this specification are in accordance with ASTM Standard D 2240 entitled, “Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness.” In a particularly preferred embodiment, the material of the outer layer 48 has a durometer of between 20 and 70 on a Shore A hardness scale. Preferably, the material of the outer layer has a durometer value that is less than the durometer value of the material forming at least one of the inner layer 46 and the strand(s) 44, indicating that the material of the outer layer is softer than the material of at least one of the inner layer 46 and the stand(s) 44.

[0035] The material of the outer layer also preferably has a modulus of elasticity of between 14 and 170 kg/cm2 and a tensile strength of between 100 and 650 kg/cm2. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the material of the outer layer has a modulus of elasticity of between 30 and 110 kg/cm2 and a tensile strength between 450 and 600 kg/cm2.

[0036] The material of the outer layer also has a density of between 0.2 and 1.3 gr/cm3. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the outer layer 48 is formed of a wet process polyurethane having a density within the range of 0.35 to 0.65 gr/cm3. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the outer layer is formed of a coagulated polyurethane having a density within the range of 0.2 and 0.4 gr/cm3. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the outer layer is formed of a dry process polyurethane having a density within the range of 0.55 to 0.90 gr/cm3. Preferably, the material of the outer layer has a density that is less than the density of the material forming at least one of the inner layer 46 and the strand(s) 44.

[0037] In yet another alternative preferred embodiment, the inherent properties of the material of the outer layer 48 can fall outside of one or more of the above-listed ranges including the durometer range, the modulus of elasticity range, the tensile strength range, and the density range. Further, the outer layer 48 of the lacing 16 preferably has a white or a brown color. Alternative colors or combination of colors are also contemplated.

[0038] Unlike existing lacings that typically include a relatively hard, and often slippery, outer surface, the soft tactile outer layer 48 significantly improves the grip-ability of the lacing 16 thereby facilitating the player's ability to firmly grasp, throw or catch the football 10. The outer layer 48 of the lacing 16 provides an increased frictional interaction between the lacing 16 and the fingertips of the player. The soft tactile outer layer 48 also enhances the player's ability to impart a spin onto the football 10. The tactile, compressible and resilient outer layer 48 of the improved lacing 16 can also assist in reducing turnovers and incompletions and is well suited for inclement weather. Moreover, the lacing 16 provides the strength and durability of a traditional lacing with a soft, tactile outer surface that improves the overall feel, grip-ability and performance of the lacing 16. The lacing 16 is strong enough to withstand the stresses encountered during normal use without significantly wearing, fraying or elongating, while improving the overall feel of the lacing 16 to the user.

[0039] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the roughened texture or grain of the outer surface 52 of the lacing 16 includes a pebbled texture comprised of a plurality of pebble-like projections 54. The lacing 16 of FIGS. 4 and 5 is substantially similar to the lacing 16 of FIGS. 1 through 3. The pebble-like projections 54 provide the outer surface 52 of the lacing 16 with a pebbled texture that is substantially similar to the grip enhancing pebbled outer surface present on the casing of conventional footballs. The pebble-like projections 54 are preferably convex, rounded and spaced apart from one another. The pebble-like projections 54 further improve the player's ability to grip the football 10 and they also provide the lacing 16 with a unique appealing aesthetic. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the outer surface 52 of the lacing 16 can have a pebbled texture comprised of a plurality of concave pebble-like indentations. In other embodiments, the outer surface 52 can be cross-hatched, grainy, grooved or otherwise irregular to roughen the texture of the lacing 16.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 12 through 21, additional preferred embodiments of the pebbled texture on the outer surface 52 of a portion of the ball lacing 16 are illustrated. Within the context of the present invention, the term “pebbled texture” refers to a surface having a plurality of prominences or projections separated by valleys or indentations. The term “pebbled texture” is a broad category, or genus, of surface contours that includes pebble-like projections in a large variety of different shapes. FIGS. 12 through 21 represent several specific species, or examples, of pebble-like projections.

[0041] In FIG. 12, one preferred embodiment of the pebbled texture includes a plurality of irregularly shaped pebble-like projections 54. In alternative preferred embodiments, the pebbled texture includes a plurality of pebble-like projections formed in alternative shapes including generally partially spherically shaped pebble-like projections 60 (FIG. 13), generally oval-shaped pebble-like projections 62 (FIG. 14), generally triangular-shaped pebble-like projections 64 (FIG. 15), generally square-shaped pebble-like projections 66 (FIG. 16), generally rectangular shaped pebble-like projections 68 (FIG. 17), generally diamond-shaped pebble-like projections 70 (FIG. 18), generally pentagon-shaped pebble-like projections 72 (FIG. 19), generally octagon-shaped pebble-like projections 74 (FIG. 20), and generally decagon-shaped pebble-like projections 76 (FIG. 21). In other alternative preferred embodiments, the pebbled texture can include a plurality of pebble-like projections having additional alternative shapes, such as, for example, circular, heptagonal, hexagonal, other polygonal shapes, other irregular shapes, other curved shapes, and combinations thereof. Still further, in other alternative preferred embodiments, the pebbled texture can include a plurality of other types of three-dimensional pebble-like shapes, such as, for example, frustoconical shapes, conical shapes, pyramid-shapes, truncated pyramid-shapes, cylindrical shapes, cubic shapes, and combinations thereof.

[0042] The plurality of pebble-like projections, such as, for example, pebble-like projections 60-74, forming the pebbled texture can be generally evenly spaced in a consistent pattern across the outer surface 52, or a portion thereof. Alternatively, the plurality of pebble-like projections, such as, for example, pebble-like projections 60-74 forming the pebbled texture can be randomly or inconsistently spaced apart, or arranged, about the outer surface 52 of the lacing 16, or a portion thereof. In other alternative embodiments, a first portion of the outer surface can have a pebbled texture comprised of a consistent pattern of generally evenly spaced pebble-like projections, and a second portion can have a pebbled texture comprised of randomly or inconsistently spaced apart pebble-like projections.

[0043] Moreover, the size and type of the pebble-like projections forming the pebbled texture can vary across the outer surface 52, or from one lacing, or lace segment, to another. For instance, the longitudinal segments 40 of the lacing 16 can have one type, or species, of pebble-like projections forming the pebbled texture, while one or more of the transverse segments can include a different type, or species, of pebble-like projections forming the pebbled texture. The size of each of the pebble-like projections is preferably less than the width of the lacing. In some embodiments of the pebble-like projections, the maximum length and the maximum width of the pebble-like projections define an aspect ratio that is between 0.2 and 5.0. In other particularly preferred embodiments, the length and width of the pebble-like projections define an aspect ratio of between 0.33 and 3.0.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 22, the height and spacing of the pebble-like projections 54 or indentations (or valleys) can also vary. As indicated on FIG. 22, the height of the pebble-like projection 54 refers to the distance between the top of the pebble-like projection and the bottom of the valley 55 (or the space separating adjacent pebble-like projections). The height is measured along a line or plane extending perpendicular to the exposed outer surface of the lacing. The height of each pebble-like projection 54 is within the range of 0.002 to 0.250 inches. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the height of the pebble-like projections 54 fall within the range of 0.003 to 0.100 inches. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the minimum height of the pebble-like projections is at least 0.004 inches. In yet other preferred embodiments, the minimum height of the pebble-like projections can be at least 0.005 inches, at least 0.006 inches, and at least 0.010 inches.

[0045] Similarly, as also indicated in FIG. 22, the width of the valley (such as a valley 55) or spacing between adjacent pebble-like projections can also vary, falling within the range of 0.005 to 0.250 inches. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the width of the valleys 55 can be within the range of 0.008 to 0.100 inches. Further, the general shape of the valleys 55 can also vary. FIG. 22 illustrates a generally U-shaped valley 57, a generally V-shaped 59, and a generally hemi-spherically-shaped valley 61. Other shapes and shape combinations can also be used.

[0046] The pebble-like projections 54 are preferably embossed, using a suitable stamping or rolling device under pressure and/or temperature, onto the outer surface 52 of the outer layer 48. Alternatively, the pebble-like projections 54 can be applied to the outer surface 52 via injection or compression molding. This results in the pebbled texture created by the formation of the plurality of pebble-like projections on the surface.

[0047] In another alternative preferred embodiment, the pebbled texture can be applied to the outer surface of virtually any type of lacing, such as, for example, a urethane or latex impregnated cloth lacing, a braided fiber lacing, a plastic lacing, a rubber lacing, a leather lacing, a one-piece lacing, or a multi-piece lacing. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the pebble-like projections 54 are included on one of either the transverse segments 42 and the longitudinal segments 40. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the pebble-like projections are formed onto a portion of the outer surface 52 of the lacing 16.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, in an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer layer 48 is attached to, and substantially covers, an outer (otherwise exposed) side 56 of the inner layer 46 of the lacing 16. In this embodiment, the soft, compressible, resilient and tactile outer layer 48 can be positioned on the outer side 56 of the lacing 16 while the remaining surfaces of the inner layer 46 of the lacing 16 are substantially uncovered by the outer layer 48. Placement of the outer layer 48 onto the outer side 56 of the inner layer 46 reduces the amount of material used to form the lacing 16. Moreover, placement of the outer layer 48 onto only the outer side 56 of the inner layer 46 reduces the overall thickness and weight of the lacing 16. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the outer surface 52 of the outer layer 48 includes a pebbled texture.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 7, another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The outer layer 48 is placed onto an outer surface 56 of the inner layer 46 and onto an inner surface 58 of the inner layer 46 leaving the remaining surfaces of the lacing substantially uncovered. In this preferred embodiment, the thickness of the lacing 16 is substantially unchanged from the preferred embodiment of the lacing 16 of FIGS. 1 through 3. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the outer surface 42 of the outer layer 48 includes a pebbled texture.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 8, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. A lacing 116 includes a substrate 146 and an outer layer 148. The outer layer 148 is substantially similar to the outer layer 48. The substrate 146 is a conventional lacing formed from a known lacing material, such as, for example, woven cloth, unwoven cloth, urethane or latex impregnated carrier cloth, nylon, plastic, braided fibers, rope, metal wire, leather, or a combination thereof. The lacing 116 has a circular cross-sectional shape. Other cross-sectional shapes are also contemplated. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the outer layer 148 includes a pebbled outer surface or a pebbled texture.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, additional preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. The lacing 216 is formed of a single continuous material that is soft, compressible, resilient and tactile. The material of the lacing 216 is substantially similar to the material of the outer layer 48. The lacing 216 can be formed in a circular or oval cross-sectional area. Other cross-sectional shapes are also contemplated. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an outer surface 252 of the lacing 216 includes a pebbled texture.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 11, another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. A lacing 316 is shown in a shape resembling an assembled lacing. The lacing 316 preferably includes two longitudinal lace segments 318 and eight transverse lace segments 320. In other preferred embodiments, other numbers and combinations of longitudinal and transverse lace segments 318 and 320 can be used. Each lace segment 320 can be formed to outwardly extend from the longitudinal lace segments 318 curve downward and then back toward the longitudinal lace segments. The lacing 316 can be molded as a single piece resembling an assembled lace. Alternatively, the longitudinal and transverse segments 318 and 320 can be formed separately and subsequently connected to each other to form the lacing 316. The lace segments 320 are configured to attach to the football 10 at the lace holes 34 (see FIG. 1). The lacing 316 is substantially similar to the lacing 16 of FIGS. 1 through 3. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lacing 316 includes an outer layer 348 with a pebbled texture.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, in other alternative preferred embodiments, the outer surface 52 of the lacing 16 can include a plurality, or pattern of, substantially two-dimensional markings 80 imprinted, or otherwise placed, on the lacing 16 to approximate a pebbled texture. Referring to FIG. 23, the markings 80 can include a plurality of irregularly shaped closed loops applied to the outer surface 52 of the lacing 16. Referring to FIG. 24, a plurality of polygonal shaped (octagonal shaped) markings 80 can be applied to outer surface of the lacing. The markings 80 are not considered to be a pebbled texture, but rather, simulate or approximate, a pebbled texture. Unlike the pebbled texture, the markings 80 leave the outer surface 52 of the lacing 16 with a generally smooth surface, which is generally free of indentations or projections. The markings 80 either add no indentations or raised surfaces to the outer surface, or add only indentations or raised surfaces of substantially negligible depth or height. In other alternative preferred embodiments, the markings 80 can be formed into other shapes or pattern, such as generally two-dimensional versions of the shapes described above for the pebble-like projections.

[0054] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, numerous departures therefrom can be contemplated by persons skilled in the art, for example, the lacing can be a generally longitudinally ridge outwardly extending from the casing of the football. An outer layer of the ridge can be formed of a soft, compressible, tactile and resilient material, and an outer surface of the ridge can include a pebbled texture. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing description but only by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A game ball comprising: a casing having a laced region; and a lacing coupled to the laced region of the casing, the lacing having an exposed surface, at least a portion of the exposed surface of the lacing having a pebbled texture.

2. The game ball of claim 1, wherein the entire exposed surface of the lacing includes the pebbled texture.

3. The game ball of claim 1, wherein the pebbled texture comprises a plurality of spaced apart pebble-like projections.

4. The game ball of claim 3, wherein the plurality of projections are selected from the group consisting of irregularly shaped pebble-like projections, hemi-spherically shaped projections, generally oval shaped projections, generally triangular shaped projections, generally square shaped projections, generally rectangular shaped projections, generally diamond shaped projections, generally pentagon-shaped projections, other polygonal shaped projections, conical projections, frustoconical projections, cylindrical projections, pyramid-shaped projections, cubic projections, and combinations thereof.

5. The game ball of claim 3, wherein the plurality of projections are arranged in a generally evenly spaced pattern across at least a portion of the exposed surface.

6. The game ball of claim 3, wherein the plurality of projections are randomly arranged across at least a portion of the exposed surface.

7. The game ball of claim 3, wherein the plurality of projections are generally of equal size.

8. The game ball of claim 3, wherein the plurality of projections include projections of two or more different sizes.

9. The game ball of claim 3, wherein each of the pebble-like projections has a maximum length and a maximum width, and wherein the maximum length and the maximum width define an aspect ratio of within 0.2 and 5.0.

10. The game ball of claim 9, wherein the aspect ratio is within 0.33 and 3.0.

11. The game ball of claim 4 wherein the lacing includes at least one longitudinally extending segment and a plurality of transversely extending segments, wherein the plurality of projections on the longitudinally extending segment have a first shape, and wherein the plurality of projections on the transversely extending segment have a second shape.

12. The game ball of claim 4, wherein the entire exposed surface of the lacing includes a plurality of pebble-like projections.

13. The game ball of claim 4, wherein the lacing further comprises an inner substrate and an outer layer, wherein the outer layer includes the exposed surface, and wherein the inner substrate is formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a woven cloth, a non-woven cloth, a urethane impregnated cloth, at least one nylon strand, at least one polyester strand, a metal wire, a plastic, a vinyl, a polymer, a latex, a rope, a leather strip and a combination thereof.

14. The game ball of claim 12 wherein the outer layer is made of an outer material selected from the group consisting of a wet process polyurethane, a dry process polyurethane, a coagulated polyurethane, a polyvinylchloride foam, a rubber, a polymeric material, an elastomeric material, and a combination thereof.

15. A game ball comprising: a casing having a laced region; and a lacing coupled to the laced region of the casing, the lacing having an exposed surface and a plurality of spaced-apart projections extending over at least a portion of the exposed surface, the spaced-apart projections defining a plurality of valleys, the projections having a height of between 0.002 and 0.250 inches.

16. The game ball of claim 15, wherein the projections are pebble-like projections.

17. The game ball of claim 16, wherein the height of the pebble-like projections range between 0.003 and 0.100 inches.

18. The game ball of claim 16, wherein the pebble-like projections have a height of at least 0.004 inches.

19. The game ball of claim 16, wherein the pebble-like projections have a height of at least 0.005 inches.

20. The game ball of claim 16, wherein the pebble-like projections have a height of at least 0.010 inches.

21. The game ball of claim 16, wherein the entire exposed surface of the lacing includes the pebble-like projections.

22. The game ball of claim 16, wherein the plurality of pebble-like projections are selected from the group consisting of irregularly shaped pebble-like projections, hemi-spherically shaped pebble-like projections, generally oval shaped pebble-like projections, generally triangular shaped pebble-like projections, generally square shaped pebble-like projections, generally rectangular shaped pebble-like projections, generally diamond shaped pebble-like projections, generally pentagon-shaped pebble-like projections, other polygonal shaped pebble-like projections, generally conical pebble-like projections, generally frustoconical pebble-like projections, generally cylindrical pebble-like projections, generally pyramid-shaped pebble-like projections, generally cubic pebble-like projections, and combinations thereof.

23. The game ball of claim 16, wherein the plurality of pebble-like projections are arranged in a generally evenly spaced pattern across at least a portion of the exposed surface.

24. The game ball of claim 16, wherein the plurality of pebble-like projections are randomly arranged across at least a portion of the exposed surface.

25. The game ball of claim 16, wherein each of the pebble-like projections has a maximum length and a maximum width, and wherein the maximum length and the maximum width define an aspect ratio of within 0.2 and 5.0.

26. The game ball of claim 25, wherein the aspect ratio is within 0.33 and 3.0.

27. The game ball of claim 15, wherein the plurality of projections are spaced apart by a plurality of valleys, and wherein each valley has a width of between 0.005 and 0.250 inches.

28. The game ball of claim 15, wherein each valley has a width of between 0.008 and 0.100 inches.

29. The game ball of claim 15, wherein the valleys have a transverse cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of generally U-shaped, generally V-shaped, generally hemi-spherically shaped, irregularly shaped and combinations thereof.

30. A game ball comprising: a casing having a laced region; and a lacing coupled to the laced region of the casing, the lacing having an exposed surface, at least a portion of the exposed surface of the lacing having a set of markings generally configured to be a generally two-dimensional simulation of a pebbled texture.

31. The game ball of claim 30, wherein the entire exposed surface of the lacing includes the markings.

32. The game ball of claim 30, wherein the markings are selected from the group consisting of irregularly shaped markings, generally circular markings, generally oval markings, generally triangular markings, generally square markings, generally rectangular markings, generally diamond shaped markings, generally pentagon-shaped markings, other polygonal shaped markings, and combinations thereof.

33. The game ball of claim 30, wherein markings are arranged in a generally evenly spaced pattern across at least a portion of the exposed surface.

34. The game ball of claim 30, wherein the markings are randomly arranged across at least a portion of the exposed surface.

35. The game ball of claim 30, wherein the markings are generally of equal size.

36. The game ball of claim 30, wherein the markings include projections of two or more different sizes.

37. A game ball comprising: a casing having a laced region; and a lacing coupled to the laced region of the casing, the lacing including an outer material and an inner substrate coupled to the outer material, the outer material having an exposed surface that is compressible, resilient, and tactile, the outer material having a density of between 0.2 and 1.3 gr/cm3 and a durometer of between 10 and 75 on a Shore A hardness scale,

38. The game ball of claim 37, wherein the inner substrate includes an intermediate material and at least one strand of high tensile strength material.

39. The game ball of claim 38, wherein at least one of the intermediate material and the strand of high tensile strength material has a density that is greater than the density of the outer material.

40. The game ball of claim 38, wherein the intermediate material has a durometer value on the Shore A hardness scale that is greater than the durometer value of the outer material.

41. The game ball of claim 37, wherein the outer material has a durometer value on the Shore A hardness scale of within the range of 20 to 70.

42. The game ball of claim 37, wherein the outer material has a density of between 0.35 to 0.65 gr/cm3.

43. The game ball of claim 37, wherein the outer material has a density of between 0.2 to 0.4 gr/cm3.

44. The game ball of claim 37, wherein the outer material has a density of between 0.55 to 0.90 gr/cm3.

45. The game ball of claim 37, wherein the intermediate material is selected from the group consisting of a vinyl, a plastic, other polymers, a leather, a cloth, a rubber, an elastomer, and combinations thereof.

46. The game ball of claim 38, wherein the at least one strand of high tensile strength material is selected from the group consisting of a nylon strand, a polyester strand, a fiber, a wire, a polymer, and combinations thereof.

47. The game ball of claim 37 wherein the outer material has a modulus of elasticity of between 30 and 110 kg/cm2 and a tensile strength between 450 and 600 kg/cm2.

48. The game ball of claim 37 wherein the outer material is selected from the group consisting of a wet process polyurethane, a dry process polyurethane, a coagulated polyurethane, a polyvinylchloride foam, a rubber, a polymeric material, an elastomeric material, and a combination thereof.

49. The game ball of claim 37 wherein at least a portion of the exposed surface includes a pebbled texture.

50. The game ball of claim 49, wherein the pebbled texture comprises a plurality of pebble-like projections selected from the group consisting of irregularly shaped pebble-like projections, hemi-spherically shaped pebble-like projections, generally oval shaped pebble-like projections, generally triangular shaped pebble-like projections, generally square shaped pebble-like projections, generally rectangular shaped pebble-like projections, generally diamond shaped pebble-like projections, generally pentagon-shaped pebble-like projections, other polygonal shaped pebble-like projections, generally conical pebble-like projections, generally frustoconical pebble-like projections, generally cylindrical pebble-like projections, generally pyramid-shaped pebble-like projections, generally cubic pebble-like projections, and combinations thereof.