Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02665866 2015-03-06
,
,
SPORTSBALL WITH IMPROVED SPIRAL ROTATION
[0001]
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an inflatable,
substantially oval or
oblong sportsball, such as a football, for competitive play. In particular,
the football is
configured so that it has improved spiral rotation when thrown, kicked, etc.
[0003] A football is an inflated oval ball made of a bladder encased
usually in leather,
rubber, or plastic. It is used for throwing and kicking in the games of rugby
and football,
such as American style or Canadian football.
[0004] A football has a generally prolate spheroid shape defined by a major
axis and
a minor axis, with lacing on one side of the ball. To obtain maximum distance
and/or
precision, a football is preferably thrown to rotate about its major axis.
Such spiral
rotation increases the stability of the football's flight path and the
distance traveled for a
given amount of energy. However, throwing a spiral is a somewhat difficult
skill to learn
and/or reproduce repetitively. A poorly thrown ball is evident in its wobbly
flight, travels
a shorter distance than could otherwise be obtained, is less accurate, and is
more
difficult to catch.
[0005] A sportsball that can enhance the distance thrown, kicked, etc.
and improve
the desired flight path, even when thrown, kicked etc. by one of lesser skill,
is desirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0006] Disclosed, in various embodiments, are non-uniformly configured
sportsballs,
such as perimeter weighted footballs. The sportsballs can spiral better when
launched,
thereby increasing their potential travel distance and/or accuracy. Methods of
making
and/or using such sportsballs are also disclosed.
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[0007] In
embodiments, a sportsball is disclosed having a major axis and a minor
axis. Two planes which are perpendicular to the major axis are located equally
distant
from the center of the major axis so as to divide the sportsball into a middle
portion and
two end portions. The middle portion has a middle portion weight and a middle
portion
length, and each end portion has an end portion weight and an end portion
length. The
ratio of (middle portion weight / middle portion length) to (end portion
weight / end
portion length) is at least 2, including 2.1.
[0008] In
further embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion weight / middle portion
length) to (end portion weight / end portion length) for the sportsball may be
at least 2.2,
at least 2.5, or from 2 to about 2.5.
[0009] In
still other embodiments, a sportsball is disclosed which has a major axis
and a minor axis. Two planes which are perpendicular to the major axis are
located
equally distant from the center of the major axis so as to divide the
sportsball into a
middle portion and two end portions. The middle portion has a middle portion
weight
and a middle portion length, and each end portion has an end portion weight
and an
end portion length. The ratio of the middle portion length to the end portion
length is
from about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion is at least
1.5 times
greater than the weight of one end portion.
[0010] In
further embodiments, the weight of the middle portion may be at least two
times greater, at least four times greater, about five times greater, or from
two times
greater to about five time greater, than the weight of one end portion.
[0011] In
still more embodiments, a football is disclosed which has a major axis and
a minor axis. Two planes which are perpendicular to the major axis are located
equally
distant from the center of the major axis so as to divide the football into a
middle portion
and two end portions. The middle portion has a middle portion weight and a
middle
portion length, and each end portion has an end portion weight and an end
portion
length. The ratio of the middle portion length to the end portion length is
from about 0.5
to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion is at least 45% of the
total weight of
the football.
[0012] In
further embodiments, the weight of the middle portion may be at least 50%,
at least 65%, or at least 70% of the total weight of the football.
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[0013] In
additional embodiments, a bladder for a sportsball is disclosed having a
major axis and a minor axis. Two planes which are perpendicular to the major
axis are
located equally distant from the center of the major axis so as to divide the
sportsball
bladder into a middle portion and two end portions. The middle portion has a
middle
portion weight and a middle portion length, and each end portion has an end
portion
weight and an end portion length. The ratio of (middle portion weight / middle
portion
length) to (end portion weight / end portion length) is at least 3.
[0014] In
other embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion weight / middle portion
length) to (end portion weight / end portion length) for the bladder may be at
least 5 or
at least 5.5.
[0015] In
still other embodiments, a bladder is disclosed which has a major axis and
a minor axis. Two planes which are perpendicular to the major axis are located
equally
distant from the center of the major axis so as to divide the bladder into a
middle portion
and two end portions. The middle portion has a middle portion weight and a
middle
portion length, and each end portion has an end portion weight and an end
portion
length. The ratio of the middle portion length to the end portion length is
from about 0.5
to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion is at least four times
greater than the
weight of one end portion.
[0016] In
further embodiments, the weight of the middle portion may be about five
times greater than the weight of one end portion.
[0017] In
yet other embodiments, a bladder is disclosed which has a major axis and
a minor axis. Two planes which are perpendicular to the major axis are located
equally
distant from the center of the major axis so as to divide the bladder into a
middle portion
and two end portions. The middle portion has a middle portion weight and a
middle
portion length, and each end portion has an end portion weight and an end
portion
length. The ratio of the middle portion length to the end portion length is
from about 0.5
to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion is at least 65% of the
total weight of
the bladder.
[0018] In
further embodiments, the weight of the middle portion may be at least 70%
of the total weight of the bladder.
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[0019] In alternative embodiments, a casing for a sportsball is disclosed
which has a
major axis and a minor axis. Two planes which are perpendicular to the major
axis are
located equally distant from the center of the major axis so as to divide the
casing into a
middle portion and two end portions. The middle portion has a middle portion
weight
and a middle portion length, and each end portion has an end portion weight
and an
end portion length. The ratio of (middle portion weight / middle portion
length) to (end
portion weight / end portion length) is at least 3.
[0020] In further embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion weight / middle
portion
length) to (end portion weight / end portion length) for the casing may be at
least 5 or at
least 5.5.
[0021] In still other embodiments, a casing is disclosed which has a major
axis and a
minor axis. Two planes which are perpendicular to the major axis are located
equally
distant from the center of the major axis so as to divide the casing into a
middle portion
and two end portions. The middle portion has a middle portion weight and a
middle
portion length, and each end portion has an end portion weight and an end
portion
length. The ratio of the middle portion length to the end portion length is
from about 0.5
to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion is at least four times
greater than the
weight of one end portion.
[0022] In further embodiments, the weight of the middle portion may be
about five
times greater than the weight of one end portion.
[0023] In yet further embodiments, a casing is disclosed which has a major
axis and
a minor axis. Two planes which are perpendicular to the major axis are located
equally
distant from the center of the major axis so as to divide the casing into a
middle portion
and two end portions. The middle portion has a middle portion weight and a
middle
portion length, and each end portion has an end portion weight and an end
portion
length. The ratio of the middle portion length to the end portion length) is
from about 0.5
to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion is at least 65% of the
total weight of
the casing.
[0024] In further embodiments, the weight of the middle portion may be at
least 70%
of the total weight of the casing.
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[0025]
Sportsballs, such as footballs comprising the above-mentioned bladder and/or
casing are also disclosed.
[0026] Some
methods of forming the disclosed bladder comprise adding a high-
density filler to the middle portion of the bladder. Other methods of forming
the
disclosed bladder comprise adding an extra layer to the middle portion of the
bladder,
wherein the extra layer is made of a material having a higher density than the
material
from which the bladder is made.
[0027] Yet
other methods of forming the disclosed bladder comprise: providing a first
bladder layer and a second bladder layer, the second bladder layer being
dimensioned
so as to fit inside the first bladder layer; joining the first bladder layer
and second
bladder layer using one or more seams so as to form at least one pocket; and
filling the
pocket with a high-density material.
[0028] Some methods of forming the disclosed casing comprise adding an extra
layer to the middle portion of the casing, wherein the extra layer is made of
a high-
density material that increases the weight of the middle portion of the casing
compared
to one end portion of the casing. Yet other methods of forming the disclosed
casing
comprise tapering the casing so the middle portion of the casing has a
thickness which
is greater than the thickness of one end portion of the casing. The tapering
may be at a
constant rate, or include a sharp transition.
[0029]
Disclosed in other embodiments is a sportsball having a major axis and a
minor axis. Two planes which are perpendicular to the major axis are located
equally
distant from the center of the major axis so as to divide the sportsball into
a middle
portion and two end portions. The middle portion has a middle portion weight
and a
middle portion length, and each end portion has an end portion weight and an
end
portion length. The ratio of (middle portion weight / middle portion length)
to (end
portion weight/ end portion length) is at least 2, including at least 2.1, or
at least 2.5.
[0030] The
middle portion length may be from about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches.
The ratio of the middle portion length to one end portion length may be from
about 0.5
to about 0.95.
CA 02665866 2009-05-12
[0031] To increase the weight of the middle portion, the middle portion may
comprise
a plurality of weighted strips surrounding a bladder. Each weighted strip may
have a
uniform thickness along its length and width.
[0032] Disclosed in other embodiments is a sportsball having a major axis
and a
minor axis. Two planes which are perpendicular to the major axis are located
equally
distant from the center of the major axis so as to divide the sportsball into
a middle
portion and two end portions. The middle portion has a middle portion weight
and a
middle portion length, and each end portion has an end portion weight and an
end
portion length. The ratio of the middle portion length to one end portion
length is from
about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion is at least 1.5
times greater
than the weight of one end portion.
[0033] The weight of the middle portion may also be at least four times
greater than
the weight of one end portion, or from at least two times greater to about
five times
greater than the weight of one end portion.
[0034] The ratio of (middle portion weight / middle portion length) to (end
portion
weight / end portion length) may be at least 2.
[0035] The middle portion length may be from about 2.5 inches to about 3.5
inches.
[0036] The middle portion may comprise a plurality of weighted strips
surrounding a
bladder. Each weighted strip may have a uniform thickness along its length and
width.
[0037] Also disclosed in embodiments is a sportsball having a major axis
and a
minor axis. Two planes which are perpendicular to the major axis are located
equally
distant from the center of the major axis so as to divide the sportsball into
a middle
portion and two end portions. The middle portion has a middle portion weight
and a
middle portion length, and each end portion has an end portion weight and an
end
portion length. The ratio of the middle portion length to one end portion
length is from
about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion is at least 45%
of the total
weight of the sportsball.
[0038] The weight of the middle portion may be at least 65%, or even 70%,
of the
total weight of the sportsball bladder.
[0039] The middle portion length may be from about 2.5 inches to about 3.5
inches.
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[0040] The middle portion may comprise a plurality of weighted strips
surrounding a
bladder. Each weighted strip may have a uniform thickness along its length and
width.
[0041] These and other non-limiting characteristics are more particularly
described
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] The following is a brief description of the drawings, which are
presented for
the purpose of illustrating the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and not
for the
purpose of limiting the same.
[0043] FIG. 1 is an exterior view of a typical American styled football.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the same football.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram of a football, football bladder,
or football
casing of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view from the top of a
sportsball of the
present disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 5 is a simplified cross-sectional view from one end of a
sportsball of the
present disclosure, i.e. along line A-A of FIG. 4.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates the thickness of one variation of a weighted
strip located in a
weighted football of the present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates the thickness of another variation of a weighted
strip located
in a weighted football of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] A more complete understanding of the components, processes and
apparatuses disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying
drawings. These figures are merely schematic representations based on
convenience
and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are, therefore, not
intended
to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof
and/or to
define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.
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[0051] Although specific terms are used in the following description for
the sake of
clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of
the
embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to
define or
limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following
description below, it
is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like
function.
[0052] The modifier "about" used in connection with a quantity is inclusive
of the
stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (for example, it
includes at
least the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular
quantity).
When used with a specific value, it should also be considered as disclosing
that value.
For example, the term "about 2" also discloses the value "2" and the range
"from about
2 to about 4" also discloses the range "from 2 to 4."
[0053] Current American styled footballs may be constructed with an
inflatable,
generally prolate spheroid shaped bladder. The bladder is covered by a cover
layer
usually made from four generally oval-shaped panels which are sewn, stitched,
or
seamed together along their edges. If desired, additional layers may be placed
between the bladder and the cover layer by the use of additional oval-shaped
panels.
For example, a foam layer and/or a cloth layer may also be present. One of the
seams
is not stitched along a central extent, thereby forming an opening to allow
the bladder to
be inserted within the cover layer during fabrication. After insertion, the
opening is
closed by the use of lacing and associated components, such as a lacing liner
placed to
prevent the lacing from contacting the bladder.
[0054] Another means of constructing a football is through molding.
Briefly, a
bladder is inserted into a molding assembly along with a seam material. The
molding
assembly applies heat and/or pressure to mold the seam material into a cover
layer
having outwardly projecting seams. Cover panels are then laid in the areas
between
seams and lacing is applied to finish the football. This method of
construction is more
completely described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0129188, the
disclosure of
which is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein.
[0055] FIG. 1 is an exterior view of a typical American football 10. FIG. 2
is a cross-
sectional view of the same football 10. The bladder 20 is inside the football
casing 50.
Surrounding the bladder 20 is a cloth liner 22, then a foam liner 24, then the
cover layer
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30. The cloth liner, foam liner, and cover layer are generally combined to
make a panel
34; four panels 34 make up the football casing 50 and are used to cover the
football 10.
The four panels are joined together by stitching at three edges and by a
combination of
stitching and lacing at the fourth edge. The lacing area includes the lacing
40, a patch
material 42 stitched to the underside of panels 34 through which lacing 40
penetrates,
and a tongue 44 located between the bladder 20 and the lacing 40 which has
penetrated the patch material 42. The lacing, patch material, and tongue cause
the
football to be asymmetrically weighted.
[0056] For purposes of this application, the term "weighted football"
refers to the
football without the lacing, patch material, and tongue. Put another way, the
term
"weighted football" refers to the combination of bladder and football casing
and excludes
the lacing, patch material, and tongue. The term "weighted football" also
excludes any
incidental weight due to air within the bladder. Weighted footballs are
generally
symmetrically weighted about the major axis of the football.
[0057] The term "bladder" refers to the balloon located inside a football
for the
purpose of containing air and the layer(s) that make up that balloon. Again,
the weight
of any air in the bladder would not be included.
[0058] The term "football casing" refers to the material which surrounds
the bladder,
excluding the lacing, patch material, and tongue. For example, the combination
of four
panels 34 is considered a football casing. As another example, when the
football is
made by molding, the cover layer having outwardly projecting seams plus the
cover
panels is considered a football casing.
[0059] The weighted footballs of the present disclosure are weighted so
that the
middle of the weighted football is significantly heavier than the ends. This
weight
distribution aids the spiraling motion of the football, enhancing stability
and traveling
distance. The concentration of weight in the middle increases the moment of
inertia
about the weighted football's major axis, which helps improve the rotation of
the football
around that axis.
[0060] Several standards for footballs are shown in the following Table 1:
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Table 1.
Standard Pee-Wee Junior Full Size NCAA NFL CFL
Football Size Football Football Football Football
Football
Minimum Minor 44.5 47 52.7 52.7 53.3 53.0
Axis
Circumference
(cm)
Maximum Minor 46 48.3 54 54.0 54.0 53.7
Axis
Circumference
(cm)
Minimum Major 60 64.6 70.8 70.5 71.1 70.5
Axis
Circumference
(cm)
Maximum Major 61.5 65.9 72.9 71.8 72.4 71.8
Axis
Circumference
(cm)
Minimum Length 24 25.7 27.6 27.6 27.9 27.9
(cm)
Maximum Length 25.5 26.7 29 28.4 28.6 28.6
(cm)
Minimum Weight 290 320 397 397 397 397
(g)
Maximum Weight 320 350 425 425 425 425
(g)
[0061] The minor axis may also be referred to as the short axis or the
girth. The
length refers to the length of the major axis, which may also be referred to
as the long
axis. Generally, the footballs of the present disclosure will still meet these
standards,
although differing in the weight distribution.
[0062] One method of making the weighted football of the present disclosure
is by
providing a bladder which is preferentially weighted in its middle portion.
FIG. 3 is a
cross-sectional diagram of a weighted football 100, football bladder 200, or
football
casing 300 of the present disclosure. All terms refer equally to the various
aspects of
the football, bladder, or casing.
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[0063] The football, bladder, or casing has a major axis 110, a minor axis
120, and a
generally elliptical cross-section. The major axis 110 and minor axis 120
intersect at the
center 130 of the football, bladder, or casing. The center 130 is also the
center of the
major axis and the minor axis. Two imaginary planes 140, 145 are perpendicular
to the
major axis 110 and are located equally distant from the center 130. The two
planes
divide the football, bladder, or casing into a middle portion 150 and two end
portions
160. The middle portion 150 has a middle portion weight 153, while each end
portion
160 has an end portion weight 163. The two planes can also be considered as
dividing
the major axis 110 into a middle portion length 155 and two end portion
lengths 165. In
other words, the lengths are measured parallel to the major axis. The two
planes 140,
145 are always located equidistant from the center 130 of the major axis. Put
another
way, the end portion lengths 165 are always the same. There are two ends 170
which
are included in the end portions. The circle formed by the intersection of the
minor axis
with the surface of the football, bladder, or casing defines a surface center
175.
[0064] The football bladder may be weighted by providing a middle portion
that has a
higher weight per length value than the end portions. In embodiments, the
football
bladder has a ratio of (middle portion weight / middle portion length) to (end
portion
weight / end portion length) that is at least 3. In further embodiments, the
ratio is at
least 5 or at least 5.5. In some embodiments, the ratio may be at least 7 or
even at
least 8.
[0065] Alternatively, the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion
length) for the
bladder is from about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion
is at least
four times greater than the weight of one end portion. In further specific
embodiments,
the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion length) is from about 0.5 to
about 0.95;
and the weight of the middle portion is about five times greater than the
weight of one
end portion. In yet further embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion length /
end portion
length) is from about 0.5 to about 0.7, or from about 0.8 to about 0.95.
[0066] In yet other embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion length / end
portion
length) for the bladder is from about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the weight of the
middle
portion is at least 65% of the total weight of the football bladder. In more
specific
embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion length) for the
bladder is
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from about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion is at least
70% of the
total weight of the football bladder. In other embodiments, the ratio of
(middle portion
length / end portion length) is from about 0.5 to about 0.7. In particular
embodiments,
the middle portion length is from about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches.
[0067] The
bladder, when properly inflated, provides the primary resilience to a
finished football. The bladder can be made from latex or butyl rubber and
fitted with a
valve stem (not shown) for introducing air into the ball as inflated pressure
to the
structure. Butyl rubber bladders retain air for longer periods of time and
offer an
excellent combination of contact quality and air retention. Latex bladders
tend to
provide better surface tension, give proper bounce, feel softer, and provide
same angle
rebounce characteristics. Natural latex rubber bladders usually offer the
softest feel and
response, but do not provide the best air retention because they contain micro-
pores.
Micro-pores are tiny holes that slowly allow air to escape. Balls with natural
rubber
bladders need to be reinflated (at least once a week) more often than balls
with butyl
bladders (stay properly inflated for weeks at a time) due to these micro-
pores. Some
balls use carbon-latex bladders, where carbon powder is added to the latex to
plug
some of the microscopic holes that are in pure latex bladders. Carbon latex
bladders
retain air longer than bladders made from latex rubber. Some manufacturers
also use
bladders made from multiple layers of polyurethane. The bladder can be of
appropriate
thickness as to reasonably protect against loss of air due to puncture,
temperature
change, or other foreseeable occurrences.
[0068] The
additional weighting of the middle portion of the football bladder can be
accomplished by several different means. Additional weight could be applied
by, for
example, adding a high-density filler, such as barium sulfate or a tungsten
powder, to a
polymer binder and forming the middle portion of the bladder from that high
density
polymer while the end portions are formed from a lower-density polymer.
Similarly,
additional strips, patches, or layers of higher-density material could be used
to form the
bladder. Some bladders are made as multi-layer concentric balloons (one
balloon
inside another balloon) which are joined to each other along seams that
parallel the
major axis. Additional seams could be used to form pockets within the bladder
between
balloons which are then filled with a high-density filler or liquid as well.
In particular
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=
embodiments, two or more weighted strips or patches are placed around the
middle
portion of the bladder. The weighted strips surround the bladder, or in other
words
extend around the circumference of the middle portion. The gaps between the
weighted
strips may be located at the seams of the bladder to allow for expansion as
the bladder
is inflated. The thickness of the weighted strips can vary, being thickest
near the middle
and tapering off as they progress towards an end 170 or end portion of the
bladder.
The tapering may be gradual (i.e. at a constant rate from surface center 175
to end 170)
or sharp (i.e., transitioning immediately from one thickness to a second
thickness, such
as near or at the intersection of the surface with the two planes 140, 145).
Generally,
the weighted strips have a uniform thickness along their entire length and
width.
[0069] The fact that the middle portion is weighted compared to the
end portions
should not be construed as requiring the middle portion to be evenly or
homogeneously
weighted throughout its entirety.
[0070] Another method of making the weighted football of the
present disclosure is
by providing a football casing which is preferentially weighted in its middle
portion.
Again, the football casing has the major axis 110, a minor axis 120, center
130, two
imaginary planes 140, 145, middle portion 150 and two end portions 160, middle
portion
weight 153, end portion weight 163, middle portion length 155, and two end
portion
lengths 165 as described in FIG. 3.
[0071] The football casing may be weighted by providing a middle
portion that has a
higher weight per length value than the end portions. In embodiments, the
football
casing has a ratio of (middle portion weight / middle portion length) to (end
portion
weight / end portion length) that is at least 3. In further embodiments, the
ratio is at
least 5 or at least 5.5. In other embodiments, the ratio may be at least 7 or
even at least
8.
[0072] Alternatively, the ratio of (middle portion length / end
portion length) for the
casing is from about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion
is at least
four times greater than the weight of one end portion. In further specific
embodiments,
the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion length) is from about 0.5 to
about 0.95;
and the weight of the middle portion is about five times greater than the
weight of one
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end portion. In yet further embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion length /
end portion
length) is from about 0.5 to about 0.7, or from about 0.8 to about 0.95.
[0073] In
yet other embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion
length) for the casing is from about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the weight of the
middle
portion is at least 65% of the total weight of the football casing. In more
specific
embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion length) for the
casing is
from about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion is at least
70% of the
total weight of the football casing. In particular embodiments, the middle
portion length
is from about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches.
[0074] The
cover layer of the football casing is generally made from different
materials, such as leather and composite material. Leather is generally used
by
professional athletes, and is considered best for grip, feel, and control. One
disadvantage of a leather cover on a football is that the ball can be damaged
if scraped
against a hard surface like asphalt or concrete. Composite footballs generally
attempt
to simulate the look and feel of a real leather ball. They can be made of
polyurethane
(PU) or polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), natural or synthetic rubbers, synthetic
composites,
microfiber composites, etc. Some advantages of a composite cover are that they
are
durable and less expensive than a leather cover. Synthetic leather can also be
made
by, for example, impregnating a fibrous mat made from nylon or polyester with
a coating
resin such as thermoplastic rubbers, natural rubber, polyether urethanes,
metallocene
polyethylenes, polyureas, PVC plastisols, EPDM rubber, and the like. Some
synthetic
leathers suitable for the cover layer include those described in U.S. Patent
No.
5,669,838, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference
herein.
[0075] The
foam layer and cloth layer may also be formed from materials known in
the art. For example, the foam layer can be made from styrene butadiene rubber
(SBR); polybutadiene rubbers; polyurethane foams; ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)
foams;
polypropylene foams; ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM); and combinations
and blends thereof.
[0076] The
additional weighting of the middle portion of the football casing can be
accomplished by several different means. Additional strips, patches, or layers
of higher-
density material, made by incorporating high-density fillers into a polymeric
binder, may
14
CA 02665866 2009-05-12
be placed as needed to change the weight distribution. The thickness of the
various
layers could vary, being thickest near the middle and tapering off as the
layer
progresses to an end 170 of the casing. The tapering may be gradual (i.e. at a
constant
rate from surface center 175 to end 170) or sharp (i.e., transitioning
immediately from
one thickness to a second thickness, such as near or at the intersection of
the surface
with the two planes 140, 145). Again, weighted strips may be part of the
football casing,
and the weighted strips surround the bladder. In embodiments, two or more
weighted
strips are used. Typically, four weighted strips are used as the football
casing is
generally made from four separate panels. A weighted strip is located on each
panel.
Generally, the weighted strips have a uniform thickness along their entire
length and
width.
[0077] Again, the fact that the middle portion is weighted compared to the
end
portions should not be construed as requiring the middle portion to be evenly
or
homogeneously weighted throughout its entirety.
[0078] A weighted football of the present disclosure could thus be made
from a
combination of: (a) weighted bladder plus normal football casing; (b) normal
bladder
plus weighted football casing; and (c) weighted bladder plus weighted football
casing.
Again, the weighted football has the major axis 110, a minor axis 120, center
130, two
imaginary planes 140, 145, middle portion 150 and two end portions 160, middle
portion
weight 153, end portion weight 163, middle portion length 155, and two end
portion
lengths 165 as described in FIG. 3. The middle portion of the weighted
football would
include the middle portion of the bladder and the middle portion of the
football casing.
[0079] In embodiments, the weighted football has a ratio of (middle portion
weight /
middle portion length) to (end portion weight / end portion length) that is at
least 2,
including 2.1. In further embodiments, the ratio is at least 2.2, at least
2.5, or from at
least 2 to about 2.5.
[0080] Alternatively, the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion
length) for the
weighted football is from about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the weight of the
middle portion is
at least 1.5 times greater than the weight of one end portion. In further
specific
embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion length) is from
about 0.5
to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion is at least 2 times
greater, at least
CA 02665866 2009-05-12
four times greater, or about five times greater than the weight of one end
portion. In
another embodiment, the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion length)
is from
about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion is from at least
2 times
greater to about five times greater than the weight of one end portion. In yet
further
embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion length) is from
about 0.5
to about 0.7, or from about 0.8 to about 0.95.
[0081] In
yet other embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion
length) for the weighted football is from about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the
weight of the
middle portion is at least 45% of the total weight of the weighted football.
In more
specific embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion
length) for the
casing is from about 0.5 to about 0.95; and the weight of the middle portion
is at least
50%, at least 65%, or at least 70% of the total weight of the weighted
football. In other
embodiments, the ratio of (middle portion length / end portion length) is from
about 0.5
to about 0.7. In particular embodiments, the middle portion length is from
about 2.5
inches to about 3.5 inches.
[0082]
FIGs. 4 and 5 illustrate a weighted football having both a weighted bladder
and a weighted football casing. FIG. 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view
from the top
(i.e. through the lacing) of the weighted football 100, while FIG. 5 is a
simplified cross-
sectional view from one end of the weighted football 100 along line A-A of
FIG. 4. The
bladder 200 has two seams 202 generally oriented at the top (i.e. where the
lacing 40 is
placed) and bottom. Two weighted strips 400 are placed around the bladder,
with the
gaps located with the bladder seams 202. As seen in FIG. 4, the weighted
strips 400
are located in the middle portion of the football, with imaginary planes 140,
145 shown
for reference. The football casing 300 surrounds the bladder, and is made from
four
panels 304. Each panel 304 includes a cloth liner 306, a foam liner 308, and a
cover
layer 310. Four weighted strips 400 are present, one on each panel, shown here
as
being attached to the cloth liner 306 on the side facing the bladder 200. The
gaps
between the weighted strips are located with the panel seams 302. However, the
weighted strips could be placed between any layer of the panel 304 as desired.
In
addition, not all layers in the panel 304 are required. For
example, in some
embodiments, no foam liner 308 is included.
16
CA 02665866 2009-05-12
[0083] The
weighted strips 400 can be considered part of the bladder or part of the
casing, depending on how the football is manufactured. For example, in some
embodiments, the bladder is made from a plurality of elastomeric layers, and
weighted
strips are located between adjacent elastomeric layers. For example, in a
bladder
made from four layers of polyurethane film, the weighted strips are placed
between the
second and third layers of film.
[0084]
FIGs. 6 and 7 show two variations of the weighted strip 400. In one variation
shown in FIG. 6, the weighted strip has a relatively constant thickness, with
the middle
height 402 being about equal to the end height 404. In the variation shown in
FIG. 7,
the weighted strip tapers towards each end of the football, with the middle
height 402
being greater than the end height 404.
[0085] The
weighted strip(s) may have a length of from about 3.0 to about 7.0
inches. The strip(s) may have a width of from about 1.5 inches to about 3.5
inches,
particularly a width of from about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, or about
2.75 inches.
The strip(s) may have a thickness of from about 0.01 inches to about 0.3
inches,
particularly about 0.05 inches. Each strip may have a weight of from about 5
grams to
about 25 grams, particularly from about 10 grams to about 20 grams. They are
used in
a quantity sufficient to add a weight of about 80 to about 90 grams to the
middle section
of the weighted football. Please note that the length and width orientations
for the
weighted strip do not necessarily correlate with the length and width
orientations for the
weighted football, bladder, or casing.
[0086] The
weighted strips, when used on the bladder, may more particularly have a
length of about 6 to about 7 inches and a width of from about 1.5 to about 2
inches.
Each strip may weigh about 20 grams.
[0087] The
weighted strips, when used on the football casing, may more particularly
have a length of about 3 to about 4 inches and a width of from about 1.5 to
about 2
inches. Each strip may weigh about 10 grams.
[0088] In
some particular embodiments, the weighted football uses two weighted
strips on the bladder and four weighted strips on the football casing.
17
CA 02665866 2009-05-12
[0089] The following example is provided to illustrate the weighted
footballs and
methods of the present disclosure. The examples are merely illustrative and
are not
intended to limit the disclosure to the materials, conditions, or process
parameters set
forth therein.
EXAMPLE
[0090] A weighted football bladder is made and is combined with a conventional
or
"normal" football casing. The football bladder has a major axis length of 11.5
inches
and a total weight of 166.4 grams. The end portion has a length of 4.0 inches
and a
weight of 24.0 grams. The middle portion has a length of 3.5 inches and a
weight of
118.4 grams. The football casing has a total weight of 196.4 grams. The
football itself
has a total weight of 410.0 grams. The discrepancy in weight is attributed to
the lacing
and components which are not considered for the weighted football.
[0091] Next, a weighted football casing is made and is combined with a
"normal"
football bladder. Again, the bladder has a total weight of 166.4 grams and the
weighted
casing has a total weight of 196.4 grams. The weight distribution of the
football casing
is the same as that of the weighted football bladder described above.
[0092] For the "normal" bladder and casing, it is assumed that the weight
is
distributed evenly along the length of the major axis. For the weighted
casing, it is
assumed that the weight is distributed in the same ratio as in the weighted
bladder.
Table 2 provides the various ratios for these weighted football bladders,
skins, and
footballs.
18
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Table 2.
Weighted Bladder or Weight per
Weighted Football Length Length Length
Casing Weight (g) (in) (cm) (g/cm)
_End 24 4 10.16 2.36
Middle Portion 118.4 3.5 8.89 13.32
Weight/Weight Ratio
(Middle/End) 4.93
Weight/Length Ratio
(Middle/End) 5.64
Length/Length Ratio
(Middle/End) 0.88
Weighted Bladder Casing Total
Weight per
plus Normal Football Bladder Weight Weight Length Length
Casing Weight (g) (g) (g) (cm) (g/cm)
End Portion 24 68.31 92.31 10.16 9.09
Middle Portion 118.4 59.77 178.17 8.89 20.04
Weight/Weight Ratio
(Middle/End) 1.93
Weight/Length Ratio
(Middle/End) 2.21
Length/Length Ratio
(Middle/End) 0.88
Normal Bladder plus Casing Total
Weight per
Weighted Football Bladder Weight Weight Length Length
Casing Weight (g) (g) (g) (cm) (g/cm)
End Portion 57.88 28.33 86.21 10.16
8.48
Middle Portion 50.64 139.75 190.39 8.89
21.42
WeightNVeight Ratio
(Middle/End) 2.21
Weight/Length Ratio
(Middle/End) 2.52
Length/Length Ratio
(Middle/End) 0.88
19
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[0093] The
weighted footballs and methods of the present disclosure have been
described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Obviously, modifications
and
alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding
detailed
description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiments be construed as
including
all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope
of the
appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
