SPORTING BALL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

Abstract

A sporting ball includes a ball core unit, a main body unit and an outer covering unit. The ball core unit includes a spherical cork body, and a rubber layer covering the cork body. The main body unit includes a yarn layer having at least one piece of yarn wrapped around the ball core body, and a rubber film layer fixedly covering the yarn layer and being immovable relative to the yarn layer. The outer covering unit fixedly covers an outer surface of the main body unit. A method of manufacturing the sporting ball is also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of Taiwanese Utility Model Patent Application No. 108202387, filed on Feb. 26, 2019.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to a sporting ball, more particularly to a baseball or a softball, and a method of making the sporting ball.

BACKGROUND

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional baseball 1 includes a ball core 10 made of cork, a elastic layer 11 encasing the ball core 10 and made of rubber, a ball coat 12 formed with yarn wrapped around the elastic layer 11, a waterproof layer 13 encasing the ball coat 12 and being made of a waterproof material, and a outer layer 14 encasing the waterproof layer 13. The outer layer 14 includes two leather pieces 141, and a stitch 142 stitching together the leather pieces 141 by edges of the leather pieces 141 such that the leather pieces 141 cover an outer surface of the waterproof layer 13. Specifically, the waterproof layer 13 prevents the ball coat 12 from becoming damp or being filled with water, which helps maintain the shape and center of mass of the baseball 1.

As the waterproof layer 13 is formed by welding together two shell portions 131, if the production quality or the quality of the material of the shell portions 131 is poor, joints between the shell portions 131 may break apart during use of the conventional baseball 1 causing the shell portions 131 to separate, or the shell portions 131 themselves may crack. Furthermore, since there is no substantial connection between the ball coat 12 and the waterproof layer 13, there may be relative angular displacement between these two layers. Any of the above situations may result in an undesirable change to the structure of the conventional baseball 1, changing the center of mass and shape thereof and negatively impacting the feel in hand and the service life of the conventional baseball 1.

SUMMARY

Therefore, the object of the disclosure is to provide a sporting ball that can alleviate at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art and a method for manufacturing the same.

According to one aspect the disclosure, a sporting ball includes a ball core unit, a main body unit and an outer covering unit.

The ball core unit includes a spherical cork body, and a rubber layer covering the cork body.

The main body unit includes a yarn layer having at least one piece of yarn wrapped around the ball core unit, and a rubber film layer fixedly covering the yarn layer and being immovable relative to the yarn layer.

The outer covering unit fixedly covers an outer surface of the main body unit.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for manufacturing a sporting ball includes:

• • a preparing step to prepare a ball core unit that includes a spherical cork body and a rubber layer covering the cork body;
  • a wrapping step to wrap at least one piece of yarn around the ball core unit repeatedly to form a yarn layer;
  • a covering step to cover the yarn layer with a liquid rubber resin and to dry the liquid rubber resin to form a rubber film layer that fixedly covers the yarn layer and that is immovable relative to the yarn layer; and
  • a stitching step to stitch together a plurality of leather strips by edges of the leather strips to form a stitch such that the leather strips cover an outer surface of the film layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a partially sectional view of a conventional baseball;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating joining of a waterproof shell and a outer covering layer of the conventional baseball

FIG. 3 is a partially sectional view of a first embodiment of a sporting ball according to the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating an outer covering unit of the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a partially sectional view of a second embodiment of a sporting ball according to the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of a third embodiment of a sporting ball according to the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of a method for manufacturing a sporting ball according to the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a process the first embodiment of the method;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a second embodiment of a method for manufacturing a sporting ball according to the disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic view, illustrating semi-finished sporting balls with anti-stick powder layers manufactured by the second embodiment of the method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that where considered appropriate, reference numerals or terminal portions of reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements, which may optionally have similar characteristics.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a first embodiment of a sporting ball according to the disclosure includes a ball core unit 2, a main body unit 3, and an outer covering unit 4. It should be noted that as a baseball and a softball are structurally similar and only differ in sizes thereof, the sporting ball of the disclosure may be used as either a baseball or a softball. The size of the sporting ball may be adjusted according to official regulations, which is well known to those skilled in the art, and thus the difference between baseballs and softballs would not be further discussed in the disclosure.

The ball core unit 2 includes a spherical cork body 21, and a rubber layer 22 covering the cork body 21. The ball core unit 2 has significant mass, and is less susceptible to deformation. The rubber layer 22 has elasticity and thus can absorb impact, preventing the ball core unit 2 from permanently deforming due to large impact, which keeps the overall shape and center of mass of the sporting ball constant.

The main body unit 3 includes a yarn layer 31 having at least one piece of yarn 310 wrapped around the ball core body 2, and a rubber film layer 32 fixedly covering the yarn layer 31 and immovable relative to the yarn layer 31. The film layer 32 of the main body unit 3 is formed by solidifying liquid rubber resin. The yarn layer 31 takes up the largest portion of volume of the sporting ball in this embodiment, and is a main structure of the sporting ball. The yarn layer 31 is an elastic structure formed by the yarn 310 wrapped repeatedly around the ball core body 2 until a certain thickness is built. As long as the structure of the yarn layer 31 is not disrupted or water does not infiltrate the yarn layer 31, the original feel in hand of the sporting ball may be maintained. The film layer 32 infiltrates into the yarn layer 31, which reduces the possibility of the film layer 32 peeling off the yarn layer 31.

The outer covering unit 4 includes a plurality of leather strips 41, and a stitch 42 stitching together the leather strips 41 by edges of the leather strips 41 such that the leather strips 41 cover an outer surface of the main body unit 3. In this embodiment, the outer covering unit 4 includes two leather strips 41.

Since the outer covering unit 4 is formed with the two leather strips 41, even if the edges of the leather strips 41 are stitched together, there exists a gap between the two leather strips 41 which moisture can enter the sporting ball through. However, since the yarn layer 31 and the ball core unit 2 are both encased by the film layer 32, moisture cannot penetrate further into the yarn layer 31 and the ball core unit 2 of the sporting ball to affect the shape, mass, center of mass, or the elastic coefficient of the sporting ball. Furthermore, since the rubber film layer 32 infiltrates into the yarn layer 31 and is immovable relative to the yarn layer 31, the feel in hand of the sporting ball is more easily maintained. All of the above serves to lengthen the service life of the sporting ball according to this disclosure.

In official matches, the mass and size of the ball used is strictly regulated. In the Chinese Professional Baseball League, for example, the baseball used must weigh between 5 ounces and 5.25 ounces, and have a circumference of between 9 inches and 9.25 inches. In the first embodiment, by preventing absorption of moisture into the sporting ball, increase of the mass or circumference of the sporting ball is prevented, allowing the measurements of the sporting ball to remain within the range stated by the regulations of official matches, as well as helping players gain familiarity with a ball with stable characteristics.

Referring to FIG. 5, a second embodiment of a sporting ball according to the disclosure is similar to the first embodiment, and differs from the first embodiment in that the main body unit 3 further includes an anti-stick powder layer 33 formed on an outer surface of the film layer 32 and disposed between the film layer 32 and the outer covering unit 4. Further referring to FIG. 10, during production, the semi-finished sporting ball with the rubber film layer 32 has a degree of stickiness that may cause the semi-finished sporting balls to stick to each other. The anti-stick powder layer 33 can prevent the semi-finished sporting balls from sticking to each other, which makes the manufacturing process smoother.

Referring to FIG. 6, a third embodiment of a sporting ball is similar to the first embodiment, and differs from the first embodiment in that at least a portion of the stitch 42 penetrates the film layer 32 of the main body unit 3, which further secures the leather pieces 41 to the main body unit 3.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a first embodiment of a method of manufacturing a sporting ball according to the disclosure includes a providing step 71, a wrapping step 72, a covering step 73, and a stitching step 74.

In the preparing step 71, the ball core unit 2 is prepared. The ball core unit 2 includes the spherical cork body 21 and the rubber layer 22 which covers the cork body 21.

In the wrapping step 72, the yarn 310 is wrapped around the ball core unit 2 repeatedly to form the yarn layer 31 to form a semi-finished product 31′ (see FIG. 8) that includes the yarn layer 31 covering the ball core unit 2.

In the covering step 73, the liquid rubber resin is applied to the yarn layer 31 and dried to form the rubber film layer 32 that fixedly covers the yarn layer 31 and that is immovable relative to the yarn layer 31. In this embodiment, the liquid rubber resin is applied to the yarn layer 31 by soaking the semi-finished product 31′ made in the wrapping step 72 in the liquid rubber resin, such that the liquid rubber resin infiltrates into the yarn layer 31 before being dried. In other embodiments, in accordance with the practical requirements of manufacturing methods, the liquid rubber resin may be applied via spraying or dipping and is not limited to the above method. After the liquid rubber resin is applied to the yarn layer 31, the liquid rubber resin layer is heated under a temperature between 80° C. and 100° C., and thus is solidified to form the film layer 32. The higher temperature serves to speed up the solidification process, but if left at room temperature, the liquid rubber resin should solidify in about 1 minute naturally.

In the stitching step 74, the leather strips 41 is stitched together by edges of the leather strips 41 to form the stitch 42 such that the leather strips 41 cover the outer surface of the film layer 32. In some embodiments of the method, at least a portion of the stitch 42 penetrates the film layer 32 to make the third embodiment of the sporting ball.

Referring to FIG. 9, a second embodiment of a method for manufacturing a sporting ball according to the disclosure is similar to the first embodiment of the method, and further includes a coating step 73′ between the covering step 73 and the stitching step 74. In the coating step 73′, the outer surface of the film layer 32 is coated with an anti-stick powder to form the anti-stick powder layer 33. The anti-stick powder may be, for example, cornstarch powder. The second embodiment of the method makes the second embodiment of the sporting ball.

In sum, the film layer 32 infiltrating into the yarn layer 31 and being immovable relative to the yarn layer 31 prevents moisture from penetrating into the yarn layer 31 and the ball core unit 2 of the sporting ball and prevents the sporting ball of the disclosure from experiencing irreversible change in shape, mass, elastic coefficient, or center of mass. Thus, the sporting ball of the disclosure has consistent feel in hand and lengthened service life.

In the description above, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that one or more other embodiments may be practiced without some of these specific details. It should also be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” an embodiment with an indication of an ordinal number and so forth means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in the practice of the disclosure. It should be further appreciated that in the description, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of various inventive aspects, and that one or more features or specific details from one embodiment may be practiced together with one or more features or specific details from another embodiment, where appropriate, in the practice of the disclosure.

While the disclosure has been described in connection with what are considered the exemplary embodiments, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. A sporting ball comprising: a ball core unit including a spherical cork body, and a rubber layer covering said cork body;a main body unit including a yarn layer that has at least one piece of yarn wrapped around said ball core unit, and a rubber film layer that fixedly covers said yarn layer and that is immovable relative to said yarn layer; andan outer covering unit fixedly covering an outer surface of said main body unit.

2. The sporting ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein said film layer infiltrates into said yarn layer.

3. The sporting ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main body unit further includes an anti-stick powder layer formed on an outer surface of said film layer and disposed between said film layer and said outer covering unit.

4. The sporting ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein said outer covering unit includes a plurality of leather strips, and a stitch stitching together said leather strips by edges of said leather strips such that said leather strips cover an outer surface of said main body unit.

5. The sporting ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein said outer covering unit includes a plurality of leather strips, and a stitch stitching together said plurality of leather strips by edges of said leather strips such that said leather strips cover an outer surface of said main body unit, at least a portion of said stitch penetrating said film layer of said main body unit.

6. The sporting ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein said film layer of said main body unit is formed by solidifying liquid rubber resin.

7. A method for manufacturing a sporting ball, comprising: a preparing step to prepare a ball core unit that includes a spherical cork body, and a rubber layer covering the cork body;a wrapping step to wrap at least one piece of yarn around the ball core unit repeatedly to form a yarn layer;a covering step to cover the yarn layer with a liquid rubber resin and to dry the liquid rubber resin to form a rubber film layer that fixedly covers the yarn layer and that is immovable relative to the yarn layer; anda stitching step to stitch together a plurality of leather strips by edges of the leather strips to form a stitch such that the leather strips cover an outer surface of the film layer.

8. The method of making a sporting ball as claimed in claim 7, wherein said covering step is to infiltrate the liquid rubber resin into the yarn layer before being dried.

9. The method of making a sporting ball as claimed in claim 8, wherein said covering step is to apply the liquid rubber resin to the yarn layer using one of the methods of soaking, spraying and dipping.

10. The method of making a sporting ball as claimed in claim 7, wherein said covering step is to dry the liquid rubber resin by heating under a temperature between 80° C. and 100° C. so as to solidify the liquid rubber resin on the yarn layer.

11. The method of making a sporting ball as claimed in claim 7, further comprising, after said covering step, a coating step to coat an outer surface of the film layer with an anti-stick powder to form an anti-stick powder layer.

12. The method of making a sporting ball as claimed in claim 7, wherein said stitching step is to make at least a portion of the stitch penetrate the film layer.