Three-dimensional panels for a game ball and related methods
First Claim
1. A multi-layer outer panel for forming an outer layer of a game ball which is inflatable by air, a plurality of the multi-layer outer panels being interconnected for forming the outer layer, and the outer panel comprising:
- (a) a top layer comprising a first material and having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the top layer dimensioned to substantially correspond to a section of a surface of the game ball; and
(b) at least one backing layer comprising a second material and having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the at least one backing layer dimensioned to substantially correspond to the section of the surface of the game ball, the outer surface of the at least one backing layer configured to connect with the inner surface of the top layer,wherein the top layer and the at least one backing layer are preformed into an arcuate shape having a radius of curvature RP, and the top layer and the at least one backing layer are adapted to have a radius of curvature corresponding to a radius of the game ball in an inflated state PA, wherein the radius of curvature RP is smaller than the radius PA.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a multi-layer outer panel for a game ball includes three-dimensionally forming a top layer of an outer panel, as well as one or more backing materials disposed underneath the top layer, into a shape substantially corresponding to the surface of the ball. Multi-layer outer panels are then attached to or interconnected to surround an inflatable bladder, thereby producing a game ball while minimizing overstretching of the outer material or the backing material and improving resistance of the outer panels to delamination.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A multi-layer outer panel for forming an outer layer of a game ball which is inflatable by air, a plurality of the multi-layer outer panels being interconnected for forming the outer layer, and the outer panel comprising:
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(a) a top layer comprising a first material and having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the top layer dimensioned to substantially correspond to a section of a surface of the game ball; and (b) at least one backing layer comprising a second material and having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the at least one backing layer dimensioned to substantially correspond to the section of the surface of the game ball, the outer surface of the at least one backing layer configured to connect with the inner surface of the top layer, wherein the top layer and the at least one backing layer are preformed into an arcuate shape having a radius of curvature RP, and the top layer and the at least one backing layer are adapted to have a radius of curvature corresponding to a radius of the game ball in an inflated state PA, wherein the radius of curvature RP is smaller than the radius PA. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An outer layer for a game ball which is inflatable by air, a plurality of multi-layer outer panels being interconnected for forming the outer layer, and each outer panel comprising:
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(a) a three-dimensional top layer comprising a first material and having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the three-dimensional top layer dimensioned to substantially correspond to a section of a surface of the game ball; and (b) at least one three-dimensional backing layer comprising a second material and having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the at least one three-dimensional backing layer dimensioned to substantially correspond to the section of the surface of the game ball, the outer surface of the at least one three-dimensional backing layer connected to the inner surface of the three-dimensional top layer, wherein the three-dimensional top layer and the at least one three-dimensional backing layer of each outer panel are preformed into an arcuate shape having a radius of curvature RP, and the three-dimensional top layer and the at least one three-dimensional backing layer of each outer panel are adapted to have a radius of curvature corresponding to a radius of the game ball in an inflated state PA, wherein the radius of curvature RP is smaller than the radius PA. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A game ball comprising:
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(a) a substantially air-impermeable bladder having a substantially spherical shape; (b) a plurality of panels, each panel comprising; (i) a three-dimensional top layer comprising a first material and having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the three-dimensional top layer dimensioned to substantially correspond to a section of a surface of the game ball; and (ii) at least one three-dimensional backing layer comprising a second material and having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the at least one three-dimensional backing layer dimensioned to substantially correspond to the section of the surface of the game ball, the outer surface of the at least one three-dimensional backing layer connected to the inner surface of the three-dimensional top layer, wherein the three-dimensional top layer and the at least one three-dimensional backing layer of each panel are preformed into an arcuate shape having a radius of curvature RP, and the plurality of panels are attached to form an outer layer of the game ball surrounding the substantially air-impermeable bladder, wherein a radius of the game ball in an inflated state PA exceeds the radius of curvature RP, wherein the connection between the outer surface of the at least one three-dimensional backing layer and the inner surface of the three-dimensional top layer forms an interface between the three-dimensional top layer and the at least one three-dimensional backing layer such that the outer layer is substantially free of mechanical stress at the interface. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification