Play ball

• US 5,354,053 A
• Filed: 07/01/1993
• Issued: 10/11/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: BMC Toys Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Kransco
• Inventors: Hsieh, Frank, Ratner, Donald, Feinsinger, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Marlo, George J.
• Application Number:
  US08/086,617
• Time in Patent Office: 467 Days
• Field of Search: 273/65 R, 273/65 E, 273/65 ED, 273/65 EE, 273/65 EF, 273/65 EG, 273/58 K, 273/58 J, 40/327
• US Class Current: 473/596
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0025 Football American football A63B2243/007
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 41/08 Ball covers; Closures therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 59/02 by mechanical means, e.g. pressing B29C59/007 takes precedence; embossing expanded porous articles B29C44/5627
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 22/02 Inflatable articles
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2995/0021 Multi-coloured
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2022/02 Inflatable articles balls B29L2031/54 ; inner tyres B29L2023/245
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/54 Balls

Abstract

A play ball having visually distinctive colored patches distributed over its exterior. Portions of the ball exterior may be uncovered with patches, and have a color distinct from the color of patches. Regions of different tactile patterns are impressed on the ball, and these regions may match all or parts of differently colored patches. A method of making a game ball with patches on its exterior.

Claims

1. An inflatable ball including an outer surface of elastomer material extending thereabout, said surface having bonded thereto irregularly shaped patches of substantial surface area distributed thereabout, said patches being distinctly colored and significantly different from each other in color, significantly different tactile patterns on said surface of the ball and said patches, with at least some tactile patterns generally corresponding in surface area and shape to that of selected patches to provide a variety of distinguishable gripping regions on a striking and attractive appearing ball which enables a user to rapidly grip the ball at the gripping regions preferred and selected by the user.

2. The ball of claim 1, wherein said outer surface of the ball also includes background regions encompassing said patches, and said background regions having different tactile patterns thereon.

3. The ball of claim 2 which further includes elongate colored seam-simulating channels extending thereover crossing both patches and background regions of the ball.