WO2008036189A2 - Panel configuration for a game ball - Google Patents

Panel configuration for a game ball Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008036189A2
WO2008036189A2 PCT/US2007/019883 US2007019883W WO2008036189A2 WO 2008036189 A2 WO2008036189 A2 WO 2008036189A2 US 2007019883 W US2007019883 W US 2007019883W WO 2008036189 A2 WO2008036189 A2 WO 2008036189A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
edges
panels
hexagonal
game ball
linear
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/019883
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008036189A3 (en
Inventor
Richard Avis
Chris S. Page
Geoffrey C. Raynak
Original Assignee
Nike, Inc.
Nike International, Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nike, Inc., Nike International, Ltd. filed Critical Nike, Inc.
Priority to CN200780035146.8A priority Critical patent/CN101516455B/en
Priority to EP07838140.7A priority patent/EP2063967B1/en
Priority to BRPI0718487-5A priority patent/BRPI0718487A2/en
Publication of WO2008036189A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008036189A2/en
Publication of WO2008036189A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008036189A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B41/00Hollow inflatable balls
    • A63B41/08Ball covers; Closures therefor

Definitions

  • a soccer ball also referred to as a football, is the primary article of equipment used in the game of soccer.
  • the traditional soccer ball conventionally includes a paneled casing that surrounds an inflatable bladder.
  • the casing is formed of a plurality of durable, wear-resistant panels that are stitched together along abutting edges to form a closed surface.
  • the bladder is located on the interior of the casing and formed of a . material that is substantially impermeable to air.
  • the bladder also includes a valved opening, accessible through the casing, to facilitate inflation. When inflated, the bladder expands and places an outward pressure upon the casing, thereby inducing the casing to take a substantially spherical shape, but not necessarily a perfectly spherical shape.
  • Some soccer balls may also include a lining, which may include foam or a textile, between the bladder and the casing.
  • the panels that form the casing of the traditional soccer ball correspond to the various faces of a regular, truncated icosahedron.
  • An icosahedron is a polyhedron having twenty faces.
  • regular when applied to an icosahedron, denotes a configuration wherein each of the twenty faces is an equally-dimensioned, equilateral triangle.
  • a regular icosahedron therefore, includes twenty equilateral triangular faces and twelve vertices that are formed where points of five triangular faces meet.
  • a regular, truncated icosahedron is a regular icosahedron, as described, wherein each of the twelve vertices are removed (i.e., truncated) to form a pentagonal face. The remaining portions of the original twenty faces become equilateral hexagons. Accordingly, a regular, truncated icosahedron is a polyhedron having thirty-two faces, twelve of which are equilateral pentagons and twenty of which are equilateral hexagons, and sixty vertices formed where the points of three faces meet.
  • the traditional soccer ball casing is modeled on the regular, truncated icosahedron and includes thirty-two panels: twenty equilateral hexagonal panels and twelve equilateral pentagonal panels. The panels are stitched together along abutting edges.
  • the internal pressure imparted by the bladder causes each panel of the traditional soccer ball to bow outward, thereby inducing a substantially, but not perfectly, spherical shape in the soccer ball.
  • the bladder is inflated, the area of contact between the bladder and casing is greater for the hexagonal panels than the pentagonal panels. This difference leads to the hexagonal panels bearing more stress from the bladder and may result in non-uniform deformation characteristics for the casing.
  • Whether the ball is struck on a hexagonal panel or a pentagonal panel can, therefore, affect the subsequent path and velocity of the soccer ball.
  • the difference in stress described above may also result in uneven wear between the hexagonal panels and the pentagonal panels.
  • the seams between the hexagonal panels may bear greater stress than the seams between hexagonal and pentagonal panels.
  • Various examples of the invention involve a substantially spherical game ball that includes a plurality of pentagonal panels and a plurality of hexagonal panels.
  • the pentagonal panels have first edges, and at least one of the first edges has a non-linear configuration.
  • the hexagonal panels have second edges, and at least one of the second edges has a non-linear configuration.
  • the pentagonal panels and the hexagonal panels are connected along abutting first edges and second edges, and the hexagonal panels are connected to each other along abutting second edges.
  • the first edges having the non-linear configuration may be convex, and the second edges having the non-linear configuration may be concave, with the abutting second edges being substantially linear.
  • the first edges having the nonlinear configuration may be concave, and the second edges having the non-linear configuration may be convex, with the abutting second edges are substantially linear.
  • the game ball may include at least one decagonal panel having a shape of two of the hexagonal panels.
  • three of the second edges of each of the hexagonal panels may have the non-linear configuration, and three of the second edges of each of the hexagonal panels may be substantially linear.
  • a length of a chord of each of the second edges with the non-linear configuration may be greater than a length of the second edges that are substantially linear.
  • the length of the chord may be in a range of 1.10 and 1.30 times a length of the second edges that are substantially linear, or the length of the chord may be approximately 1.19 times a length of the second edges that are substantially linear.
  • Figure 1 is an elevation view of a game ball in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of a hexagonal panel of the game ball.
  • Figure 3 is a plan view of a pentagonal panel of the game ball.
  • Figure 4 is a plan view of the hexagonal panel and pentagonal panel joined along abutting edges.
  • FIG. 5A-5C depict various configurations for the pentagonal panel
  • Figure 6 is a plan view of a bridged panel.
  • Figure 7 is an elevational view of a game ball that incorporates the bridged panel.
  • Figure 8 is a plan view of another configuration of a hexagonal panel and a pentagonal panel.
  • a game ball 100 is depicted as having an outer casing that includes twenty hexagonal panels 110 and twelve pentagonal panels 120. Panels 110 and 120 are joined together along abutting edges and form substantially all of an outer surface of ball 100.
  • hexagonal panels 110 may each have the configuration of an equilateral hexagon
  • hexagonal is utilized herein to denote that hexagonal panels 110 exhibit a generally six-sided structure
  • pentagonal panels 120 may each have the configuration of an equilateral pentagon
  • pentagonal is utilized herein to denote that pentagonal panels 120 exhibit a generally five-sided structure.
  • panels 1 10 and 120 may have straight edges, curved edges (i.e., concave or convex), combinations of straight and curved edges, and edges of different lengths. In general, however, hexagonal panels 110 will have a generally six-sided structure and pentagonal panels 120 will have a generally five-sided structure.
  • An individual hexagonal panel 110 is depicted in Figure 2 as having three edges 111 that alternate with three edges 112.
  • Each hexagonal panel 110 also includes six vertices 113 located at an intersection (i.e., vertex) of adjacent edges 111 and 112.
  • each of edges 111 have a substantially straight configuration
  • each of edges 112 are curved or arced inward to impart a concave configuration.
  • the inward curve of edges 112 is depicted as being an arc (i.e., a section of a circle), but may also be formed to have other curved shapes. In some configurations, the inward curve may incorporate straight sections or other non-regular configurations. Accordingly, the configuration of the inward curve of edges 112 may vary significantly.
  • edges 111 may have a length that is identical to a length of chords 114, edges 111 are depicted as being shorter than chords 114. More particularly, each chord 114 is depicted as having a length that is approximately 1.19 times the length of each edge 111. In some configurations, the relative difference between the lengths of edges 111 and chords 114 may vary. For example, the length of each chord 114 may be in a range of 1.10 and 1.30 times the length of each edge 111, or the length of each chord 114 may be in a range of 1.01 and 1.50 times the length of each edge 111. In some configurations, the length of each edge 111 may even be greater than or equal to the length of each chord 114. Accordingly, the relative lengths of edges 111 and chords 114 may vary significantly.
  • edges 112 and chords 114 may also vary. Each edge 112 is depicted as having a length of that is approximately 1.026 times the length of each chord 114. In some configurations, the relative difference between the lengths of edges 112 and chords 114 may vary. For example, the length of each edge 112 may be in a range of 1.001 and 1.50 times the length of each chord 114. Accordingly, the relative lengths of edges 112 and chords 114 may vary significantly.
  • edges 111 may have a length of 39.0 millimeters
  • chords 114 may have a length of 46.3 millimeters
  • the radius of curvature in edges 112 may be 60.5 millimeters.
  • An individual pentagonal panel 120 is depicted in Figure 3 as having five edges 122 and six vertices 123 located at an intersection (i.e., vertex) of adjacent edges 122.
  • Each of edges 122 are curved or arced outward to impart a convex configuration.
  • the outward curve of edges 122 is depicted as being an arc (i.e., a section of a circle), but may also be formed to have other curved shapes. In some configurations, the outward curve may incorporate straight sections or other non-regular configurations. Accordingly, the configuration of the outward curve of edges 122 may vary significantly. In general, however, the outward curve of edges 122 will have a shape that is complementary to the shape of in the inward curve of edges 112, thereby facilitating the mating and joining of edges 112 and 122, as described in greater detail below.
  • chords 124 are shown, for purposes of reference, as dashed lines between vertices 123 that bound each of edges 122.
  • the length of chords 124 is substantially equal in length to chords 114. Whereas chords 114 are located on the exterior of hexagonal panels 110, chords 124 extend through the interior portions of panels 120.
  • pentagonal panels 120 may vary depending upon the desired size of ball 100. More particularly, as ball 100 increases in size, the dimensions of pentagonal panels 120 may increase proportionally. As an example, however, chords 124 may have a length of 46.3 millimeters, and the radius of curvature in edges 122 may be 60.5 millimeters.
  • each of panels 110 and 120 is depicted in Figure 4.
  • panels 110 and 120 are arranged such that edges 122 extend into the concave area formed by edges 112 and abut edges 112. Stitching, adhesives, or bonding operations, for example, are then utilized to join edges 112 and 122 to form a seam.
  • each of panels 110 and 120 may include additional material that extends around each of panels 110 and 120 to form flanges that are sewn together.
  • each of panels 110 and 120 may include an additional five millimeters of material that forms the flanges, and the flange material of each panel 110 and 120 may be turned toward an interior of ball 10 and sewn. Accordingly, a variety of techniques may be utilized to join panels 110 and 120.
  • ball 100 may also include any or all of a foam layer, a latex layer, a textile layer, and a bladder within the casing formed by panels 110 and 120.
  • the foam layer may be located adjacent to an interior surface of the casing to enhance the overall pliability and cushioning of ball 100.
  • the thickness of the foam layer may range from 0.5 millimeters to 4.5 millimeters, for example, and suitable materials include a variety of polymer foams, such as polyolefin foam.
  • the latex layer may be located adjacent the foam layer and opposite panels 110 and 120 to provide enhanced energy return.
  • the textile layer is positioned adjacent the latex layer and may be formed of natural cotton textiles, polyester textiles, or textiles that incorporate both cotton and polyester fibers.
  • the bladder is the inner-most layer of ball 100 and is formed of a material that is substantially impermeable to air, including natural rubber, butyl rubber, or polyurethane.
  • the bladder may also include a valved opening (not depicted) that extends through the textile layer, latex layer, foam layer, and casing to facilitate the introduction of pressurized air. When inflated the proper pressure, the bladder expands, thereby inducing ball 100 to take a substantially spherical shape.
  • ball 100 includes twenty hexagonal panels 110 and twelve pentagonal panels 120. Whereas edges 112 of hexagonal panels 110 curve inward or otherwise have a concave configuration, edges 122 of pentagonal panels 120 curve outward or otherwise have a convex configuration.
  • An advantage of this configuration relates to the overall sphericity of ball 100. In comparison with the hexagonal panels of the traditional soccer ball, hexagonal panels 1 10 have lesser area due to the concavity in edges 112. Similarly, in comparison with the pentagonal panels of the traditional soccer ball pentagonal panels 120 have greater area due to the convexity in edges 122.
  • the area of contact between the bladder and casing of the traditional soccer ball is greater for the hexagonal panels than the pentagonal panels. This difference leads to the hexagonal panels of the traditional soccer ball bearing more stress from the bladder and may result in non-uniform deformation characteristics for the casing.
  • the area of contact is more equal because of the reduced area of hexagonal panels 110 and the increased area of pentagonal panels 120. That is, hexagonal panels 110 and pentagonal panels 120 experience more equal stresses, which induces ball 100 to take a more spherical shape.
  • this configuration has the potential to substantially equalize the stiffness associated with each of hexagonal panels 110 and pentagonal panels 120.
  • the more equal stresses in hexagonal panels 110 and pentagonal panels 120 also serves to equalize the stresses experienced by seams between panels 110 and 120.
  • the seams between the hexagonal panels of the traditional soccer ball may bear greater stress than the seams between hexagonal and pentagonal panels.
  • the stresses at the seams between panels 110 and 120 are more equal, thereby reducing the probability of failure in the seams.
  • the more uniform stress may also result in more even wear between hexagonal panels 110 and pentagonal panels 120.
  • Another advantage of ball 100 relates to the deflection of panels 110 and 120. More particularly, the more equal stresses and stiffness causes the deflection of panels 110 . to be substantially equal to the deflection of panels 120 upon the application of a force to the exterior of ball 100. That is, a force applied to the center of one of panels 110 will cause a deflection that is substantially equal to the deflection caused by an indentical force applied to a center of one of panels 120.
  • the stresses and stiffnesses induced in hexagonal panels 110 and pentagonal panels 120 are substantially equal, thereby resulting in more uniform deformation characteristics for the casing. Whether the ball is struck on one of hexagonal panels 110 or one of pentagonal panels 120, the more uniform deformation (which is caused by more uniform stresses and stiffness) may cause the subsequent path and velocity of ball 100 to be similar regardless of where ball 100 is struck.
  • edges 112 and chords 114 may vary significantly, and this relative length has an effect upon the concavity of 112 and the convexity of edges 122.
  • pentagonal panel 120 is depicted as including a line 125 that extends from a center of pentagonal panel 120 to one of vertices 123.
  • a line 126 is depicted that represents a radius associated with one of edges 122.
  • a length of line 126 is greater than a length of line 125.
  • another configuration of pentagonal panel 120 is depicted as including line 125 and line 126.
  • the length of line 126 is equal to the length of line 125, and pentagonal panel 120 takes on a substantially spherical shape.
  • pentagonal panel 120 is depicted as including line 125 and line 126.
  • a length of line 126 is less than a length of line 125.
  • the radius of curvature associated with edges 122 may be modified within the scope of the present invention to impart different shapes to pentagonal panels 120, including the shape discussed at length above, a substantially circular shape, or a shape wherein edges 122 bow outward significantly.
  • a bridged panel 130 is depicted as having the configuration of two seamlessly-joined hexagonal panels 110, thereby forming a decagonal (i.e., ten-sided) panel.
  • ball 100 includes twenty hexagonal panels 1 10 and twelve pentagonal panels 120. Each of edges 111 of hexagonal panels 110 abut and are joined with other edges 111 from other hexagonal panels 110.
  • Bridged panel 130 which is formed of unitary (i.e., one piece) construction, eliminates the seam between two adjacent hexagonal panels 110. As depicted in Figure 7, six bridged panels 130 may be incorporated into ball 100 so as to replace two adjacent hexagonal panels 110.
  • bridged panels 130 are located in a front portion, a rear portion (not depicted) that is opposite and behind the front portion, two side portions, and upper and lower portions of ball 100. Accordingly, ball 100 may incorporate six bridged panels 130. In some configurations, ball 100 may only incorporate between one and ten bridged panels 130.
  • FIG. 8 Another panel configuration is depicted in Figure 8 and includes a hexagonal panel 110' and a pentagonal panel 120'.
  • Hexagonal panel 110' has three edges 111' that alternate with three edges 112'. Whereas each of edges 111' has a substantially straight configuration, each of edges 112' are curved outward to impart a convex configuration.
  • Pentagonal panel 120' has five edges 122' that curve inward to impart a concave configuration.
  • twenty hexagonal panels 110' and twelve pentagonal panels 120' may be used in a manner that is similar to ball 100.
  • two of hexagonal panels 110' may be bridged (i.e., joined to exhibit a seamless configuration) in a manner that is similar to bridged panel 130.

Abstract

A game ball, which may be a soccer ball or a variety of other types of ball. The game ball includes a plurality of pentagonal panels, with each of the pentagonal panels having five convex edges. The game ball also includes a plurality of hexagonal panels, with each of the hexagonal panels having three substantially linear edges and three concave edges. The pentagonal panels and the hexagonal panels are connected along abutting concave edges and convex edges, and the hexagonal panels are connected each other along abutting linear edges.

Description

PANEL CONFIGURATION FOR A GAME BALL
BACKGROUND
[01] A soccer ball, also referred to as a football, is the primary article of equipment used in the game of soccer. The traditional soccer ball conventionally includes a paneled casing that surrounds an inflatable bladder. The casing is formed of a plurality of durable, wear-resistant panels that are stitched together along abutting edges to form a closed surface. The bladder is located on the interior of the casing and formed of a . material that is substantially impermeable to air. The bladder also includes a valved opening, accessible through the casing, to facilitate inflation. When inflated, the bladder expands and places an outward pressure upon the casing, thereby inducing the casing to take a substantially spherical shape, but not necessarily a perfectly spherical shape. Some soccer balls may also include a lining, which may include foam or a textile, between the bladder and the casing.
[02] In mathematical terms, the panels that form the casing of the traditional soccer ball correspond to the various faces of a regular, truncated icosahedron. An icosahedron is a polyhedron having twenty faces. The term regular, when applied to an icosahedron, denotes a configuration wherein each of the twenty faces is an equally-dimensioned, equilateral triangle. A regular icosahedron, therefore, includes twenty equilateral triangular faces and twelve vertices that are formed where points of five triangular faces meet. A regular, truncated icosahedron is a regular icosahedron, as described, wherein each of the twelve vertices are removed (i.e., truncated) to form a pentagonal face. The remaining portions of the original twenty faces become equilateral hexagons. Accordingly, a regular, truncated icosahedron is a polyhedron having thirty-two faces, twelve of which are equilateral pentagons and twenty of which are equilateral hexagons, and sixty vertices formed where the points of three faces meet.
[03] The traditional soccer ball casing is modeled on the regular, truncated icosahedron and includes thirty-two panels: twenty equilateral hexagonal panels and twelve equilateral pentagonal panels. The panels are stitched together along abutting edges. The internal pressure imparted by the bladder causes each panel of the traditional soccer ball to bow outward, thereby inducing a substantially, but not perfectly, spherical shape in the soccer ball. When the bladder is inflated, the area of contact between the bladder and casing is greater for the hexagonal panels than the pentagonal panels. This difference leads to the hexagonal panels bearing more stress from the bladder and may result in non-uniform deformation characteristics for the casing. Whether the ball is struck on a hexagonal panel or a pentagonal panel can, therefore, affect the subsequent path and velocity of the soccer ball. The difference in stress described above may also result in uneven wear between the hexagonal panels and the pentagonal panels. Also, the seams between the hexagonal panels may bear greater stress than the seams between hexagonal and pentagonal panels.
SUMMARY
[04] Various examples of the invention involve a substantially spherical game ball that includes a plurality of pentagonal panels and a plurality of hexagonal panels. The pentagonal panels have first edges, and at least one of the first edges has a non-linear configuration. The hexagonal panels have second edges, and at least one of the second edges has a non-linear configuration. The pentagonal panels and the hexagonal panels are connected along abutting first edges and second edges, and the hexagonal panels are connected to each other along abutting second edges.
[05] The first edges having the non-linear configuration may be convex, and the second edges having the non-linear configuration may be concave, with the abutting second edges being substantially linear. As an alternative, the first edges having the nonlinear configuration may be concave, and the second edges having the non-linear configuration may be convex, with the abutting second edges are substantially linear. In some configurations, the game ball may include at least one decagonal panel having a shape of two of the hexagonal panels.
[06] In further configurations, three of the second edges of each of the hexagonal panels may have the non-linear configuration, and three of the second edges of each of the hexagonal panels may be substantially linear. A length of a chord of each of the second edges with the non-linear configuration may be greater than a length of the second edges that are substantially linear. For example, the length of the chord may be in a range of 1.10 and 1.30 times a length of the second edges that are substantially linear, or the length of the chord may be approximately 1.19 times a length of the second edges that are substantially linear. [07] The advantages and features of novelty characterizing various aspects of the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To gain an improved ■understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to the aspects of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[08] The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[09] Figure 1 is an elevation view of a game ball in accordance with the present invention.
[10] Figure 2 is a plan view of a hexagonal panel of the game ball.
[11] Figure 3 is a plan view of a pentagonal panel of the game ball.
[12] Figure 4 is a plan view of the hexagonal panel and pentagonal panel joined along abutting edges.
[13] Figures 5A-5C depict various configurations for the pentagonal panel
[14] Figure 6 is a plan view of a bridged panel.
[15] Figure 7 is an elevational view of a game ball that incorporates the bridged panel.
[16] Figure 8 is a plan view of another configuration of a hexagonal panel and a pentagonal panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[17] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various game balls in accordance with various examples of the invention. The game balls are depicted as having an exterior panel configuration that is suitable for soccer balls. Concepts associated with the exterior panel configuration may also be applied to other types of game balls, including volleyballs, baseballs, and softballs, for example. Accordingly, the concepts discussed herein may be applied to a wide range of game ball types. [18] With reference to Figure 1, a game ball 100 is depicted as having an outer casing that includes twenty hexagonal panels 110 and twelve pentagonal panels 120. Panels 110 and 120 are joined together along abutting edges and form substantially all of an outer surface of ball 100. Although hexagonal panels 110 may each have the configuration of an equilateral hexagon, the term "hexagonal" is utilized herein to denote that hexagonal panels 110 exhibit a generally six-sided structure. Similarly, although pentagonal panels 120 may each have the configuration of an equilateral pentagon, the term "pentagonal" is utilized herein to denote that pentagonal panels 120 exhibit a generally five-sided structure. As discussed in greater detail below, panels 1 10 and 120 may have straight edges, curved edges (i.e., concave or convex), combinations of straight and curved edges, and edges of different lengths. In general, however, hexagonal panels 110 will have a generally six-sided structure and pentagonal panels 120 will have a generally five-sided structure.
[19] An individual hexagonal panel 110 is depicted in Figure 2 as having three edges 111 that alternate with three edges 112. Each hexagonal panel 110 also includes six vertices 113 located at an intersection (i.e., vertex) of adjacent edges 111 and 112. Whereas each of edges 111 have a substantially straight configuration, each of edges 112 are curved or arced inward to impart a concave configuration. The inward curve of edges 112 is depicted as being an arc (i.e., a section of a circle), but may also be formed to have other curved shapes. In some configurations, the inward curve may incorporate straight sections or other non-regular configurations. Accordingly, the configuration of the inward curve of edges 112 may vary significantly.
[20] A plurality of chords 114 are shown, for purposes of reference, as dashed lines between vertices 113 that bound each of edges 112. Although edges 111 may have a length that is identical to a length of chords 114, edges 111 are depicted as being shorter than chords 114. More particularly, each chord 114 is depicted as having a length that is approximately 1.19 times the length of each edge 111. In some configurations, the relative difference between the lengths of edges 111 and chords 114 may vary. For example, the length of each chord 114 may be in a range of 1.10 and 1.30 times the length of each edge 111, or the length of each chord 114 may be in a range of 1.01 and 1.50 times the length of each edge 111. In some configurations, the length of each edge 111 may even be greater than or equal to the length of each chord 114. Accordingly, the relative lengths of edges 111 and chords 114 may vary significantly.
[21] The relative lengths of edges 112 and chords 114 may also vary. Each edge 112 is depicted as having a length of that is approximately 1.026 times the length of each chord 114. In some configurations, the relative difference between the lengths of edges 112 and chords 114 may vary. For example, the length of each edge 112 may be in a range of 1.001 and 1.50 times the length of each chord 114. Accordingly, the relative lengths of edges 112 and chords 114 may vary significantly.
[22] The dimensions of hexagonal panels 110 may vary depending upon the desired size of ball 100. More particularly, as ball 100 increases in size, the dimensions of hexagonal panels 110 may increase proportionally. As an example, however, edges 111 may have a length of 39.0 millimeters, chords 114 may have a length of 46.3 millimeters, and the radius of curvature in edges 112 may be 60.5 millimeters.
[23] An individual pentagonal panel 120 is depicted in Figure 3 as having five edges 122 and six vertices 123 located at an intersection (i.e., vertex) of adjacent edges 122. Each of edges 122 are curved or arced outward to impart a convex configuration. The outward curve of edges 122 is depicted as being an arc (i.e., a section of a circle), but may also be formed to have other curved shapes. In some configurations, the outward curve may incorporate straight sections or other non-regular configurations. Accordingly, the configuration of the outward curve of edges 122 may vary significantly. In general, however, the outward curve of edges 122 will have a shape that is complementary to the shape of in the inward curve of edges 112, thereby facilitating the mating and joining of edges 112 and 122, as described in greater detail below.
[24] A plurality of chords 124 are shown, for purposes of reference, as dashed lines between vertices 123 that bound each of edges 122. In general, the length of chords 124 is substantially equal in length to chords 114. Whereas chords 114 are located on the exterior of hexagonal panels 110, chords 124 extend through the interior portions of panels 120.
[25] The dimensions of pentagonal panels 120 may vary depending upon the desired size of ball 100. More particularly, as ball 100 increases in size, the dimensions of pentagonal panels 120 may increase proportionally. As an example, however, chords 124 may have a length of 46.3 millimeters, and the radius of curvature in edges 122 may be 60.5 millimeters.
[26] The manner in which panels 110 and 120 are joined to form a seam between panels
110 and 120 is depicted in Figure 4. In general, panels 110 and 120 are arranged such that edges 122 extend into the concave area formed by edges 112 and abut edges 112. Stitching, adhesives, or bonding operations, for example, are then utilized to join edges 112 and 122 to form a seam. In some configurations of ball 100, each of panels 110 and 120 may include additional material that extends around each of panels 110 and 120 to form flanges that are sewn together. For example, each of panels 110 and 120 may include an additional five millimeters of material that forms the flanges, and the flange material of each panel 110 and 120 may be turned toward an interior of ball 10 and sewn. Accordingly, a variety of techniques may be utilized to join panels 110 and 120.
[27] The manner in which panels 110 are joined to each other is similar. In general, two panels 110 are arranged such that edges 111 abut each other. Stitching, adhesives, or bonding operations, for example, are then utilized to join edges 111. As with the joining of panels 110 and 120, flanges (i.e., additional material) may also be utilized to facilitate joining.
[28] Although not depicted, ball 100 may also include any or all of a foam layer, a latex layer, a textile layer, and a bladder within the casing formed by panels 110 and 120. The foam layer may be located adjacent to an interior surface of the casing to enhance the overall pliability and cushioning of ball 100. The thickness of the foam layer may range from 0.5 millimeters to 4.5 millimeters, for example, and suitable materials include a variety of polymer foams, such as polyolefin foam. The latex layer may be located adjacent the foam layer and opposite panels 110 and 120 to provide enhanced energy return. The textile layer is positioned adjacent the latex layer and may be formed of natural cotton textiles, polyester textiles, or textiles that incorporate both cotton and polyester fibers. The bladder is the inner-most layer of ball 100 and is formed of a material that is substantially impermeable to air, including natural rubber, butyl rubber, or polyurethane. The bladder may also include a valved opening (not depicted) that extends through the textile layer, latex layer, foam layer, and casing to facilitate the introduction of pressurized air. When inflated the proper pressure, the bladder expands, thereby inducing ball 100 to take a substantially spherical shape.
[29] Based upon the above discussion, ball 100 includes twenty hexagonal panels 110 and twelve pentagonal panels 120. Whereas edges 112 of hexagonal panels 110 curve inward or otherwise have a concave configuration, edges 122 of pentagonal panels 120 curve outward or otherwise have a convex configuration. An advantage of this configuration relates to the overall sphericity of ball 100. In comparison with the hexagonal panels of the traditional soccer ball, hexagonal panels 1 10 have lesser area due to the concavity in edges 112. Similarly, in comparison with the pentagonal panels of the traditional soccer ball pentagonal panels 120 have greater area due to the convexity in edges 122. As discussed in the Background section above, the area of contact between the bladder and casing of the traditional soccer ball is greater for the hexagonal panels than the pentagonal panels. This difference leads to the hexagonal panels of the traditional soccer ball bearing more stress from the bladder and may result in non-uniform deformation characteristics for the casing. In ball 100, however, the area of contact is more equal because of the reduced area of hexagonal panels 110 and the increased area of pentagonal panels 120. That is, hexagonal panels 110 and pentagonal panels 120 experience more equal stresses, which induces ball 100 to take a more spherical shape. In addition, this configuration has the potential to substantially equalize the stiffness associated with each of hexagonal panels 110 and pentagonal panels 120.
[30] The more equal stresses in hexagonal panels 110 and pentagonal panels 120 also serves to equalize the stresses experienced by seams between panels 110 and 120. As discussed in the Background section above, the seams between the hexagonal panels of the traditional soccer ball may bear greater stress than the seams between hexagonal and pentagonal panels. By equalizing the stresses in panels 110 and 120, the stresses at the seams between panels 110 and 120 are more equal, thereby reducing the probability of failure in the seams. Similarly, the more uniform stress may also result in more even wear between hexagonal panels 110 and pentagonal panels 120.
[31] Another advantage of ball 100 relates to the deflection of panels 110 and 120. More particularly, the more equal stresses and stiffness causes the deflection of panels 110 . to be substantially equal to the deflection of panels 120 upon the application of a force to the exterior of ball 100. That is, a force applied to the center of one of panels 110 will cause a deflection that is substantially equal to the deflection caused by an indentical force applied to a center of one of panels 120. By providing ball 100 with the shapes for panels 110 and 120 discussed above, the stresses and stiffnesses induced in hexagonal panels 110 and pentagonal panels 120 are substantially equal, thereby resulting in more uniform deformation characteristics for the casing. Whether the ball is struck on one of hexagonal panels 110 or one of pentagonal panels 120, the more uniform deformation (which is caused by more uniform stresses and stiffness) may cause the subsequent path and velocity of ball 100 to be similar regardless of where ball 100 is struck.
[32] As discussed above, the relative lengths of edges 112 and chords 114 may vary significantly, and this relative length has an effect upon the concavity of 112 and the convexity of edges 122. With reference to Figure 5 A, pentagonal panel 120 is depicted as including a line 125 that extends from a center of pentagonal panel 120 to one of vertices 123. In addition, a line 126 is depicted that represents a radius associated with one of edges 122. In this example, a length of line 126 is greater than a length of line 125. With reference to Figure 5B, another configuration of pentagonal panel 120 is depicted as including line 125 and line 126. In this example, the length of line 126 is equal to the length of line 125, and pentagonal panel 120 takes on a substantially spherical shape. With reference to Figure SC, pentagonal panel 120 is depicted as including line 125 and line 126. In this example, a length of line 126 is less than a length of line 125. Accordingly, the radius of curvature associated with edges 122 may be modified within the scope of the present invention to impart different shapes to pentagonal panels 120, including the shape discussed at length above, a substantially circular shape, or a shape wherein edges 122 bow outward significantly.
[33] With reference to Figure 6, a bridged panel 130 is depicted as having the configuration of two seamlessly-joined hexagonal panels 110, thereby forming a decagonal (i.e., ten-sided) panel. As discussed above, ball 100 includes twenty hexagonal panels 1 10 and twelve pentagonal panels 120. Each of edges 111 of hexagonal panels 110 abut and are joined with other edges 111 from other hexagonal panels 110. Bridged panel 130, which is formed of unitary (i.e., one piece) construction, eliminates the seam between two adjacent hexagonal panels 110. As depicted in Figure 7, six bridged panels 130 may be incorporated into ball 100 so as to replace two adjacent hexagonal panels 110. Given the orientation of ball 100 in Figure 7, bridged panels 130 are located in a front portion, a rear portion (not depicted) that is opposite and behind the front portion, two side portions, and upper and lower portions of ball 100. Accordingly, ball 100 may incorporate six bridged panels 130. In some configurations, ball 100 may only incorporate between one and ten bridged panels 130.
[34] Another panel configuration is depicted in Figure 8 and includes a hexagonal panel 110' and a pentagonal panel 120'. Hexagonal panel 110' has three edges 111' that alternate with three edges 112'. Whereas each of edges 111' has a substantially straight configuration, each of edges 112' are curved outward to impart a convex configuration. Pentagonal panel 120' has five edges 122' that curve inward to impart a concave configuration. When incorporated into a ball, twenty hexagonal panels 110' and twelve pentagonal panels 120' may be used in a manner that is similar to ball 100. Furthermore, two of hexagonal panels 110' may be bridged (i.e., joined to exhibit a seamless configuration) in a manner that is similar to bridged panel 130.
[35] The above discussion discloses various configurations of a game ball with a panel configuration that includes various hexagonal panels and pentagonal panels. In contrast with the straight-sided panels of a traditional soccer ball, the game balls disclosed above have curved or otherwise concave and convex sides that equalize stresses in the panels. Advantages of the equalized stresses include greater sphericity, more equal deflection, more equal stresses in seams between panels, and more even wear.
[36] The invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to aspects of the invention, not to limit the scope of aspects of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed is:
1. A substantially spherical game ball comprising: a plurality of pentagonal panels, each of the pentagonal panels having first edges, at least one of the first edges having a non-linear configuration; and a plurality of hexagonal panels, each of the hexagonal panels having second edges, at least one of the second edges having a non-linear configuration, the pentagonal panels and the hexagonal panels being connected along abutting first edges and second edges, and the hexagonal panels being connected to each other along abutting second edges.
2. The game ball recited in claim 1 , wherein the first edges having the non-linear configuration are convex, and the second edges having the non-linear configuration are concave.
3. The game ball recited in claim 2, wherein the abutting second edges are substantially linear.
4. The game ball recited in claim 1, wherein the first edges having the non-linear configuration are concave, and the second edges having the non-linear configuration are convex.
5. The game ball recited in claim 4, wherein the abutting second edges are substantially linear.
6. The game ball recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one decagonal panel having a shape of two of the hexagonal panels.
7. The game ball recited in claim 1, wherein three of the second edges of each of the hexagonal panels have the non-linear configuration, and three of the second edges of each of the hexagonal panels are substantially linear.
8. The game ball recited in claim 7, wherein a length of a chord of each of the second edges with the non-linear configuration is greater than a length of the second edges that are substantially linear.
9. The game ball recited in claim 7, wherein a length of a chord of each of the second edges with the non-linear configuration is in a range of 1.10 and 1.30 times a length of the second edges that are substantially linear.
10. The game ball recited in claim 7, "wherein a length of a chord of each of the second edges with the non-linear configuration is approximately 1.19 times a length of the second edges that are substantially linear.
11. A substantially spherical game ball comprising: a plurality of pentagonal panels, each of the pentagonal panels having five convex edges; and a plurality of hexagonal panels, each of the hexagonal panels having three substantially linear edges and three concave edges, the pentagonal panels and the hexagonal panels being connected along abutting concave edges and convex edges, and the hexagonal panels being connected each other along abutting linear edges.
12. The game ball recited in claim 11, further comprising at least one bridged panel having a shape of two of the hexagonal panels.
13. The game ball recited in claim 11, wherein a length of a chord of each of the concave edges is greater than a length of the linear edges.
14. The game ball recited in claim 11, wherein a length of a chord of each of the concave edges is in a range of 1.10 and 1.30 times a length of the linear edges.
15. The game ball recited in claim 11 , wherein a length of a chord of each of the concave edges is approximately 1.19 times a length of the linear edges.
16. A substantially spherical game ball comprising: a plurality of pentagonal panels, each of the pentagonal panels having five convex edges; a plurality of hexagonal panels, each of the hexagonal panels having three substantially linear edges and three concave edge, a length of a chord of each of the concave edges being greater than a length of the linear edges; and at least one bridged panel having a shape of two of the hexagonal panels, the pentagonal panels and the hexagonal panels being connected along abutting concave edges and convex edges, and the hexagonal panels being connected each other along abutting linear edges.
17. The game ball recited in claim 16, wherein the length of the chord is in a range of 1.10 and 1.30 times the length of the linear edges.
18. The game ball recited in claim 16, wherein the length of the chord is approximately 1.19 times the length of the linear edges.
19. The game ball recited in claim 16, wherein the bridged panel is the two of the hexagonal panels joined along the linear edges in a seamless configuration.
20. A substantially spherical game ball including a plurality of panels connected along abutting edges, the plurality of panels comprising: six bridge panels that include two hexagonal portions, each of the hexagonal portions having three concave edges and three substantially linear edges, the hexagonal portions being seamlessly joined along two of the one first edge of the first hexagonal portion and one first edge of the second hexagonal portion; eight hexagonal panels having three concave edges and three substantially linear edges; and twelve pentagonal panels having five convex edges.
21. The game ball recited in claim 20, wherein a length of a chord of each of the concave edges of the hexagonal panels is greater than a length of the linear edges of the hexagonal panels.
22. The game ball recited in claim 20, wherein a length of a chord of each of the concave edges of the hexagonal panels is in a range of 1.10 and 1.30 times a length of the linear edges of the hexagonal panels.
23. The game ball recited in claim 20, wherein a length of a chord of each of the concave edges of the hexagonal panels is approximately 1.19 times a length of the linear edges of the hexagonal panels.
24. A substantially spherical game ball having an outer cover formed substantially from a plurality of panels, the panels consisting of: twelve pentagonal panels having five convex edges; and twenty hexagonal panels having three concave edges and three substantially linear edges, the pentagonal panels and the hexagonal panels abutting each other such that the convex edges join with the concave edges and the linear edges join with each other.
25. The game ball recited in claim 24, wherein each concave edge is adjacent to two linear edges.
26. The game ball recited in claim 24, wherein at least two of the hexagonal panels are seamlessly joined to form a bridged panel.
27. The game ball recited in claim 24, wherein a length of a chord of each of the concave edges is greater than a length of the linear edges.
28. A game ball comprising: a plurality of panels joined along abutting edges to form an exterior surface of the game ball, the panels including a pentagonal panel with at least one convex edge and a hexagonal panel with at least one concave edge; and an inflatable bladder located within the panels for enclosing a pressurized fluid, wherein a first force applied to a center of the pentagonal panel causes a deflection of the center of the pentagonal panel, and a second force equal in magnitude to the first force and applied to a center of the hexagonal panel causes a deflection of the center of the hexagonal panel, the deflection of the center of the pentagonal panel being equal to the deflection of the center of the hexagonal panel.
29. The game ball recited in claim 28, wherein the edges of the pentagonal panel are all of substantially identical shape.
30. The game ball recited in claim 28, wherein the hexagonal panel has three concave edges and three substantially linear edges.
31. A substantially spherical game ball comprising: a plurality of substantially circular panels having first edges; and a plurality of hexagonal panels, each of the hexagonal panels having second edges, at least one of the second edges having a non-linear configuration, the circular panels and the hexagonal panels being connected along abutting first edges and second edges, and the hexagonal panels being connected to each other along abutting second edges.
32. The game ball recited in claim 31, wherein the abutting second edges are substantially linear.
33. The game ball recited in claim 31, further comprising at least one decagonal panel having a shape of two of the hexagonal panels.
34. The game ball recited in claim 31, wherein three of the second edges of each of the hexagonal panels have the non-linear configuration, and three of the second edges of each of the hexagonal panels are substantially linear.
35. The game ball recited in claim 34, wherein a length of a chord of each of the second edges with the non-linear configuration is greater than a length of the second edges that are substantially linear.
PCT/US2007/019883 2006-09-20 2007-09-13 Panel configuration for a game ball WO2008036189A2 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN200780035146.8A CN101516455B (en) 2006-09-20 2007-09-13 Panel configuration for a game ball
EP07838140.7A EP2063967B1 (en) 2006-09-20 2007-09-13 Panel configuration for a game ball
BRPI0718487-5A BRPI0718487A2 (en) 2006-09-20 2007-09-13 PANEL SETUP FOR A GAME BALL

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/524,088 2006-09-20
US11/524,088 US7862458B2 (en) 2006-09-20 2006-09-20 Panel configuration for a game ball

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008036189A2 true WO2008036189A2 (en) 2008-03-27
WO2008036189A3 WO2008036189A3 (en) 2008-05-29

Family

ID=39004786

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2007/019883 WO2008036189A2 (en) 2006-09-20 2007-09-13 Panel configuration for a game ball

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (3) US7862458B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2063967B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101516455B (en)
BR (1) BRPI0718487A2 (en)
WO (1) WO2008036189A2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008122370A1 (en) * 2007-04-05 2008-10-16 Hyperball Company A new kind of football with improved roundness

Families Citing this family (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102004056951B4 (en) * 2004-11-25 2009-01-15 Uhlsport Gmbh Ball cover, in particular for footballs
US7862458B2 (en) * 2006-09-20 2011-01-04 Nike, Inc. Panel configuration for a game ball
US8708847B2 (en) * 2008-06-27 2014-04-29 Nike, Inc. Sport ball casing and methods of manufacturing the casing
DE102009016287B3 (en) * 2009-04-03 2010-11-04 Adidas Ag ball
USD671707S1 (en) 2009-12-22 2012-12-04 Eat the Ball Holding GmbH Bread product
US8579743B2 (en) 2010-01-05 2013-11-12 Nike, Inc. Sport balls and methods of manufacturing the sport balls
US8328642B2 (en) * 2010-06-16 2012-12-11 Zynga Inc. Game based incentives for commerce
US20140274504A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-09-18 Russell Brands, Llc Inflation-Independent Ball with Cover
US9863136B2 (en) * 2013-08-02 2018-01-09 The Regents Of The University Of California Archimedean cages, polyhedra, and nanotube structures and methods
USD747416S1 (en) * 2014-07-31 2016-01-12 Tangle Inc Lighted soccer ball
WO2017176979A1 (en) 2016-04-06 2017-10-12 Under Armour, Inc. Sports ball
US10443237B2 (en) * 2017-04-20 2019-10-15 Samuel J. Lanahan Truncated icosahedra assemblies
US10343027B2 (en) * 2017-10-23 2019-07-09 Tsung Ming Ou Sportsball and manufacturing method thereof
USD883075S1 (en) * 2019-04-26 2020-05-05 Royal Finishing Company, Ltd. Finial
EP4106890A1 (en) * 2020-02-21 2022-12-28 NIKE Innovate C.V. Sports ball with staggered surface features
EP4157472A1 (en) 2020-05-26 2023-04-05 NIKE Innovate C.V. Inflatable sports ball with restriction structure
CN112190889B (en) * 2020-09-27 2021-10-29 厦门元保运动器材有限公司 Preparation method of imitation hand machine sewn ball and imitation hand machine sewn ball prepared by preparation method

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3726830C1 (en) * 1987-08-12 1988-12-22 Uhl Sportartikel Karl Ball cover, especially for footballs
DE19905046A1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2000-08-31 Faiz Shah Sports ball e.g. football of edge-joined panels comprizes first and second groups of panels all shaped to give greater seam join length for superior ball behavior.
DE19905044A1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2000-08-31 Faiz Shah Ball for e.g. football of interconnected panels employs large-area panels in suggested pentagon and elongated X shape stitching together along extended edge lines.
US20030203779A1 (en) * 2002-04-24 2003-10-30 Nike, Inc. Game ball with bridged panels
DE202004011143U1 (en) * 2004-07-16 2005-12-08 Puma Aktiengesellschaft Rudolf Dassler Sport ball case

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4830373A (en) * 1987-12-16 1989-05-16 Rudolf Dehnert Soccer ball
DE4434751C2 (en) * 1994-09-29 1996-10-17 Montero Jose Ball cover
DE19541395C2 (en) * 1995-11-07 1998-01-22 Uhlsport Gmbh Ball cover, in particular for soccer balls
DE19629727C2 (en) * 1996-07-23 1998-07-30 Jose Montero Ball cover
USD422040S (en) * 1996-09-06 2000-03-28 Pastime Sports, Inc. Game footbag
JP3088356B2 (en) * 1997-08-12 2000-09-18 和秀 吉川 Stained glass and method for producing the same
DE19904771A1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2000-08-31 Faiz Shah Sports ball cased in edge-joined panels uses pentagon and hexagon panel pairs which toothe together for stitching and superior play.
NL1014429C1 (en) * 2000-02-18 2001-08-22 Hans Veltman Three dimensional jigsaw, has football shape assembled from hexagon and pentagon shaped spherical pieces
KR200307316Y1 (en) * 2002-12-03 2003-04-26 주병한 Practice soccer ball
KR100563980B1 (en) * 2004-01-19 2006-03-29 주식회사 앤에스 스포츠 Soccer Ball
US20070004542A1 (en) * 2005-07-01 2007-01-04 Ns Sports Co., Ltd. Soccer ball
US7862458B2 (en) * 2006-09-20 2011-01-04 Nike, Inc. Panel configuration for a game ball

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3726830C1 (en) * 1987-08-12 1988-12-22 Uhl Sportartikel Karl Ball cover, especially for footballs
DE19905046A1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2000-08-31 Faiz Shah Sports ball e.g. football of edge-joined panels comprizes first and second groups of panels all shaped to give greater seam join length for superior ball behavior.
DE19905044A1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2000-08-31 Faiz Shah Ball for e.g. football of interconnected panels employs large-area panels in suggested pentagon and elongated X shape stitching together along extended edge lines.
US20030203779A1 (en) * 2002-04-24 2003-10-30 Nike, Inc. Game ball with bridged panels
DE202004011143U1 (en) * 2004-07-16 2005-12-08 Puma Aktiengesellschaft Rudolf Dassler Sport ball case

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008122370A1 (en) * 2007-04-05 2008-10-16 Hyperball Company A new kind of football with improved roundness

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2063967A2 (en) 2009-06-03
US8133139B2 (en) 2012-03-13
EP2063967B1 (en) 2016-08-24
US20120135828A1 (en) 2012-05-31
WO2008036189A3 (en) 2008-05-29
US20080070727A1 (en) 2008-03-20
US8632430B2 (en) 2014-01-21
BRPI0718487A2 (en) 2013-12-03
CN101516455A (en) 2009-08-26
CN101516455B (en) 2013-04-17
US20110070982A1 (en) 2011-03-24
US7862458B2 (en) 2011-01-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2063967B1 (en) Panel configuration for a game ball
EP1497002B1 (en) Game ball with bridged panels
US10398944B2 (en) Sport ball with indented casing
US9821195B2 (en) Sport ball casing and methods of manufacturing the casing
US20210038947A1 (en) Non-inflatable sports balls
US6971965B1 (en) Ball for ball game and method for manufacturing the same
US9457239B2 (en) Sport ball casing with integrated bladder material
US7503861B2 (en) Sportsball and method of manufacturing same
US8926459B2 (en) Sport balls and methods of manufacturing the sport balls
EP2948223B1 (en) Sport ball bladder with a pocket
US7601085B2 (en) Sports ball and method of manufacturing
US11833397B2 (en) Inflatable sports ball with restriction structure
CN201211416Y (en) Surface layer of sports ball

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 200780035146.8

Country of ref document: CN

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 07838140

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

REEP Request for entry into the european phase

Ref document number: 2007838140

Country of ref document: EP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2007838140

Country of ref document: EP

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: PI0718487

Country of ref document: BR

Kind code of ref document: A2

Effective date: 20090316