Patent Application
20180333615
The spiked ball relates to balls having an uneven surface or uneven surface layer, more particularly, balls have a non-smooth, tactile surface.
Ball games are a popular form of play. Most conventional balls follow specific and standardized guidelines with dull and unexciting designs. The present invention proposes a novel design of the ball to enhance the pleasure of recreational ball games.
In one general aspect a spiked ball includes am inflatable ball having an outer surface and a series of protrusions on the outer surface. Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. For example the series of protrusions may include a tear-dropped shape mass that includes a base having a relatively flat bottom adhered to the outer surface and a narrow tip extending away from the outer surface. The narrow tip may be straight relative to a central axis of the ball or it may have a curve such that it appears more as a tail.
The base of each tear-dropped shaped mass may be in contact with the base of each adjacent tear-dropped shaped mass to completely cover the outer surface. Alternatively, the base of each tear-dropped shaped mass may be a discrete distance from the base of each adjacent tear-dropped shaped mass thereby exposing portions of the outer surface of the inflatable ball.
Each tear-dropped shaped mass deposited on the outer surface may be a polymer with elastic properties (elastomer), such as, for example, rubber, silicon rubber, polyisoprene or polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, etc. The inflatable ball may be made from thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber or polyvinyl chloride or other suitable materials.
The series of protrusions may appear as a layer of spikes covering the outer surface. The spikes may have different colors configured as a pattern or design.
The inflatable ball can have a fill valve. As another feature, there may be an illumination device inside the inflatable ball.
The inflatable ball may be spherical, a spheroid or any other suitable shape, such as, for example, an American style football.
In another general aspect, the spiked ball may include a first layer that includes a hollow sphere having a smooth outer surface and a second layer of more than one globule deposited or dropped onto the outer surface of the sphere. Each globule may appear as a tear-drop shaped mass having a relatively flat base and a narrow tip, the base of each tear-drop shaped mass adheres to the smooth outer surface with the narrow tip extending away from the outer surface.
Embodiments may include one or more of the above or following features. For example, the second layer may be a continuous layer completely covering the first layer thereby adding additional structural integrity. There may also be a lighting device inside the first layer.
In still another embodiment, a spiked globe may be used in a decorative lamp, that includes a translucent or transparent sphere having a relatively smooth outer surface and more than one tear-drop shaped spike attached to the outer surface, each spike having a relatively flat base and a narrow tip extending away from the outer surface, an illumination device or light source inside the sphere and an electrical lighting circuit having a power source and a switch, the lighting circuit being electrically connected to the light source to turn it on and off.
Embodiments may include one or more of the above or following features. For example, a base can be attached to the sphere. In addition, the lighting circuit may be enclosed within the base.
The following drawings show some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
Referring to
The spikes 102 can be made of a softer elastomer such with a high degree of elasticity. This elasticity of the protruding spikes 102 gives the ball 100 a unique tactile feel and provides a surface for gripping that is different than any other ball. The protruding spikes 102 cause the ball 100 to contact or “grab” the ground to create a unique bounce. The spikes 102 may be straight or curved relative to a central axis of the ball 100.
The inner pressurized ball 104 can be made of any inflatable ball structure but typically would not be a balloon or other material that could puncture easily. The inner ball 104 should maintain its own integral structure and pressure to be a product that maintains durability and long life. However, in other embodiments the spikes 102 are a complete layer that provides additional structural integrity.
The manufacturing technique to make the spiked ball can incorporate an automatic or semi-automatic process that applies silicon spikes to the round ball. A “drop” process may be used to produce the spiked ball. In the drop process, a highly viscous elastomer globule is deposited onto the outer surface. The high viscosity globule creates the tail-shaped appearance as it leaves a dispensing device and is deposited onto the ball. The ball is then continuously rotated to deposit each of the spikes in continuous rows or layers as desired.
In addition to a unique tactile surface the spikes allow for a unique visual appearance. Unique patterns can be created using a pixel approach to design. For example, the ball can have stripes, X patterns or triangles. With computer assistance, the spikes may appear as faces, words or other designs may be created.
The ball can be of any size based on the size of the inner ball. Smaller balls may have a solid inner core, but hollow cores are preferred with balls greater than 2 inches in diameter. Otherwise, the additional weight could cause a potentially dangerous impact with a person or could cause damage to another object.
The electrical (illumination) circuit may be in the base 712 of the lamp. In another embodiment, an electrical power circuit is enclosed within an inflated spiked ball. The power circuit has a motion sensor such that the light source is only illuminated when the ball receives an impact or is otherwise moved or in motion. In this embodiment, the circuitry can be made extremely durable so that the ball can be bounced or thrown without damage.
Numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention. However, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in details, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement or addition of materials that are understood to be within the scope of the invention.
