Wilson Sporting Goods v Rawlings Sporting Goods

1

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS

EASTERN DIVISION

WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO. )

)

Plaintiff, ) Civil Action No.

)

v. ) Judge

)

)

RAWLINGS SPORTING GOODS )

COMPANY, INC. )

) (Demand for Jury Trial)

Defendant. )

)

COMPLAINT FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT

NOW COMES Plaintiff Wilson Sporting Goods Co. (Wilson), by and through its

counsel, and for its Complaint against Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. (Rawlings),

avers as follows:

THE PARTIES

1. Wilson is a Delaware corporation with its principal business offices located at

8750 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

2. On information and belief, Rawlings is a Delaware corporation with its

headquarters and principal place of business at 510 Maryville University Dr., Suite 110, St.

Louis, Missouri. Rawlings does business in, inter alia, the State of Illinois and the County of

Cook.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

3. This action arises under the Patent Laws of the United States, 35 U.S.C. 271,

281, and 284.

Case: 1:15-cv-06760 Document #: 1 Filed: 08/03/15 Page 1 of 38 PageID #:1

2

4. Jurisdiction over this action is founded upon 28 U.S.C. 1331, 1332 and 1338.

5. Venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. 1391 (a) and (b) and 28 U.S.C. 1400(b).

Defendant has sold infringing products in this District and routinely conducts business within

this District.

GENERAL ALLEGATIONS

6. On June 11, 2013, United States Patent No. 8,460,135 (hereinafter the 135

Patent), was duly and legally issued for a Game Ball Cover with Improved Stripes and/or

Logos. A true and correct copy of the 135 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit 1.

7. Wilson is the owner by assignment of the 135 Patent and has the right to bring

actions for infringement of the patent and to recover damages therefor.

8. One of the named inventors of the 135 Patent, Douglas G. Guenther, was an

employee of Wilson when the 135 Patent was filed.

9. In his capacity as a named inventor and during the application process for the

135 Patent, Mr. Guenther made declarations regarding the patentability of the invention

disclosure of the 135 Patent.

10. Mr. Guenther was also an employee of Wilson when the invention of the 135

Patent was placed into practice by Wilson in one of Wilsons most successful footballs, the

GST model.

11. The Wilson GST football includes white stripes on the football.

12. The white stripes of the Wilson GST football are formed of a more grippable

material than the rest of the football cover.

13. In 2014, Mr. Guenther became an employee of Rawlings. Mr. Guenthers current

title with Rawlings is Senior Director of Innovation & Product Development.


3

14. At the time Mr. Guenther commenced his employment at Rawlings, Rawlings did

not sell a football with highly grippable stripes as claimed in the 135 Patent.

15. After the commencement of Mr. Guenthers employment at Rawlings, Rawlings

began selling its model R-2 football in the United States, with stripes formed of more grippable

material than the rest of the football as claimed in the 135 Patent.

16. The Rawlings R-2 football competes directly for sales with the Wilson GST

football.

17. Rawlings made its R-2 football to look like the Wilson GST football, with the

highly grippable, stitched white stripes, in order to compete with Wilsons GST football:


4

18. On December 9, 2014, United States Patent No. 8,905,876 (hereinafter the 876

Patent), was duly and legally issued for a game ball with improved stripes. A true and correct

copy of the 876 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.

19. Wilson is the owner by assignment of the 876 Patent and has the right to bring

actions for infringement of the patent and to recover damages therefor.

20. In his capacity as a named inventor and during the application process for the

876 Patent, Mr. Guenther made declarations regarding the patentability of the invention

disclosure of the 876 Patent.

21. After the commencement of Mr. Guenthers employment at Rawlings, Rawlings

began selling its model R-2 football in the United States, with stripes formed of more grippable

material than the rest of the football as claimed in the 876 Patent.

FIRST CLAIM

22. Wilson hereby incorporates all of the averments contained in paragraphs 1

through 21 hereof as though fully set forth herein.

23. Rawlings has itself, or through its agents, infringed the 135 Patent literally and/or

under the doctrine of equivalents, by making, using, offering to sell and selling within the United

States and/or by importing into the United States footballs, marketed as the R2, which embody

and fall within the scope of the 135 Patent, and Rawlings will continue to so infringe unless

enjoined by this Court.

24. Rawlings infringement causes, or is likely to cause, Wilson competitive or

commercial injury, entitling Wilson to lost profits and/or other relief under 35 U.S.C. 284.

25. On information and belief, Rawlings had actual notice of the 135 Patent, and its

infringement is willful and deliberate. Rawlings knew about the 135 Patent and acted despite an

objectively high likelihood that its actions constituted infringement of a valid patent.


5

SECOND CLAIM

26. Wilson hereby incorporates all of the averments contained in paragraphs 1

through 25 hereof as though fully set forth herein.

27. Rawlings has itself, or through its agents, infringed the 876 Patent literally and/or

under the doctrine of equivalents, by making, using, offering to sell and selling within the United

States and/or by importing into the United States footballs, marketed as the R2 model, which

embody and fall within the scope of the 876 Patent, and Rawlings will continue to so infringe

unless enjoined by this Court.

28. Rawlings infringement causes, or is likely to cause, Wilson competitive or

commercial injury, entitling Wilson to lost profits and/or other relief under 35 U.S.C. 284.

29. On information and belief, Rawlings had actual notice of the 876 Patent, and

their infringement is willful and deliberate. Rawlings knew about the 876 Patent and acted

despite an objectively high likelihood that its actions constituted infringement of a valid patent.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Wilson Sporting Goods Co. prays for:

A. A preliminary and permanent injunction against Rawlingss continued

infringement of United States Patent No. 8,460,135;

B. A preliminary and permanent injunction against Rawlingss continued

infringement of United States Patent No. 8,905,876;

C. An award of damages for Rawlingss infringement;

D. An order trebling the amount of damages for intentional infringement;

E. An award of Wilsons costs, prejudgment interest, and attorneys fees and such

/ / / / /


6

other and further relief as this Court deems just and appropriate.

Dated: August 3, 2015

/s/ Jeffery A. Key_____________

Jeffery A. Key, Esq. (#6269206)

KEY & ASSOCIATES

500 N. Clark Street, Suite 500

Chicago, Illinois 60601

(312) 560-2148

[email protected]

Attorney for Plaintiff

Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

JURY DEMAND

Plaintiff hereby demands a trial by the maximum number of jurors permitted by law.

/s/ Jeffery A. Key________________

Jeffery A. Key, Esq. (#6269206)

Attorney for Plaintiff Wilson Sporting Goods Co.


EXHIBIT 1


c12) United States Patent Guenther et al.

(54) GAME BALL COVER WITH IMPROVED STRIPES AND/OR LOGOS

(75) Inventors: Douglas G. Guenther, Wheaton, IL (US); Kevin L. Krysiak, Chicago, IL (US); Ming Hsin Lee, Taipei (TW)

(73) Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co., Chicago, IL (US)

( *) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 942 days. This patent is subject to a terminal dis-claimer.

(21) Appl. No.: 12/220,569

(22) Filed: Jul. 25, 2008

(65) Prior Publication Data US 2008/0287230 AI Nov. 20, 2008

Related U.S. Application Data

(63) Continuation of application No. 11/404,986, filed on Apr. 14, 2006, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of application No. 10/325,421, filed on Dec. 20, 2002, now Pat. No. 7,029,407.

(51) Int. Cl. A63B 41108 (2006.01)

(52) U.S. Cl. USPC ............................ 473/597; 473/599; 473/603

(58) Field of Classification Search USPC ................. 473/595-597, 599, 603-605, 615,

473/574 See application file for complete search history.

28

26

111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 US008460 135B2

(10) Patent No.: US 8,460,135 B2 (45) Date of Patent: *Jun. 11, 2013

(56) References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 1,487,658 A 3/1924 Jensen .......................... 473/599 1,559,117 A 10/1924 Maynard ......................... 273/65 1,931,429 A 10/1933 Buckner et a!. ................. 273/65 2,011,760 A * 8/1935 Gallinant ...................... 473/596 2,182,053 A 12/1939 Reach ............................. 273/65 2,325,128 A * 7/1943 Grady ........................... 473/597 2,448,731 A * 9/1948 Park .............................. 473/596 3,917,271 A * 1111975 Lemelson et a!. ............ 473/573 3,953,030 A * 4/1976 Muchnick .................. 273/348.4 4,515,852 A 5/1985 Katabe eta!. ................. 428/246 4,822,041 A 4/1989 Molitor ........................... 273/60 4,867,452 A 9/1989 Finley . ............................ 273/65 4,869,504 A 9/1989 Kralik ............................. 273/65 4,928,962 A 5/1990 Finley ............................. 273/65 5,098,097 A 3/1992 Kennedy et a!. ................ 273/65 5,127,648 A 7/1992 Mallick . .......................... 273/65 5,133,550 A 7/1992 Handy ............................ 273/65 5,183,263 A * 2/1993 Kuebler ........................ 473/573 5,195,745 A * 3/1993 Rudell eta!. .................. 473/573 5,228,687 A 7/1993 Luecke eta!. .................. 273/65 5,310,178 A * 5/1994 Walker eta!. ................. 473/605 5,316,294 A * 5/1994 Turangan ...................... 473/573 5,383,660 A 111995 Adler eta!. ..................... 273/65 5,451,046 A * 9/1995 Batton .......................... 473/470 5,570,882 A * 1111996 Horkan ......................... 473/438 5,577,724 A 1111996 Gandolfo ........................ 273/65

(Continued) Primary Examiner- Steven Wong (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm- Terence P. O'Brien (57) ABSTRACT An inflatable game ball including a carcass, a cover and at least one thin member. The cover has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the cover is coupled to the carcass. At least one recess is formed into the outer surface of the cover. At least one thin member is coupled to the cover at the at least one recess. The member substantially fills the recess. The member has inner and outer portions. The outer portion is formed of a highly gripable material.

27 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets

10


5,681,233 5,888,157 5,931,752 5,941,785 5,984,812 6,200,239 6,500,082

US 8,460,135 B2 Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 6,520,877 B1* 6,634,970 B2 * A * 10/1997 Guenther et al. ............. 473/605 D505,462 s * A 3/1999 Guenther et al. ............. 473/604 D505,463 s *

A * 8/1999 Guenther et al. ............. 473/597 7,028,407 B2 * A 8/1999 Bartels .......................... 473/597 7,029,407 B2 * A 1111999 Sassak .......................... 473/596 8,168,026 B1* B1* 3/2001 Kennedy et a!. .............. 473/604 B1* 12/2002 Ou ................................ 473/599 * cited by examiner

2/2003 Yang ............................. 473/604 10/2003 Jiminez ......................... 473/597

5/2005 Horkan eta!. ............... D211712 5/2005 Horkan eta!. ............... D211712 4/2006 Ehrlich et al. .................. 30/526 4/2006 Lee eta!. ...................... 473/597 5/2012 Brown eta!. 156/245


U.S. Patent Jun. 11, 2013 Sheet 1 of7 US 8,460,135 B2

10

12 I 32

18

FIG. 1



FIG.2

42 10

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U.S. Patent Jun. 11, 2013 Sheet 3 of7

FIG.3 46 18

42 14

FIG.6

FIG.7

56

/

/

/

US 8,460,135 B2

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18

18

52

50


U.S. Patent Jun. 11, 2013 Sheet 4 of 7 US 8,460,135 B2

FIG.4 18 54

24

44

FIG.5 18

~- 24

44


U.S. Patent Jun. 11, 2013

FIG. a

57

14

Sheet 5 of7

118 / 10

US 8,460,135 B2

52

50



FIG.9

60

62

10



FIG.10

100

\ 60 20


US 8,460,135 B2 1

GAME BALL COVER WITH IMPROVED STRIPES AND/OR LOGOS

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

The present invention is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/404,986 filed on Apr. 14, 2006 entitled "Game Ball Cover With Improved Stripes And/or Logos," now abandoned which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/325,421 entitled "Game 10 Ball Cover With Improved Stripes And/or Logos," filed on Dec. 20, 2002 by Lee eta!., now U.S. Pat. No. 7,029,407.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 15

The present invention relates generally to a game ball. In particular, the present invention relates to a game ball includ-ing a cover and at least one sheet-like member coupled to the cover wherein the static coefficient of friction of an outer surface of the sheet-like member is greater than the static 20 coefficient of friction of an outer surface of the cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

2 control a ball, particularly during inclement weather. Further, it would be advantageous to provide football stripes, or game ball logos, trademarks or symbols that are more durable and peel resistant. It would also be advantageous to provide game ball logos, trademarks and/or symbols, which improve the gripping and tactile characteristics of the game ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an inflatable game ball including a carcass, a cover and at least one thin member. The cover has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the cover is coupled to the carcass. At least one recess is formed into the outer surface of the cover. At least one thin member is coupled to the cover at the at least one recess. The member substantially fills the recess. The member has inner and outer portions. The outer portion is formed of a highly grippable material.

According to a principal aspect of a preferred form of the invention, an inflatable football includes a cover and at least first and second stripes. The cover has an outer surface. At least first and second recesses are formed into the outer sur-face of the cover. The first and second stripes are coupled to the cover at the first and second recesses, respectively. The first and second stripes substantially fill the first and second recesses, respectively. Each of the first and second stripes has inner and outer portions. The outer portion of each of the first and second stripes is formed of an outer material that is

30 compressible, resilient and tactile.

Inflatable game balls, such as footballs, basketballs, vol- 25 leyballs and soccer balls, are well known and typically include an inner inflatable air bladder and an outer cover. The cover can be formed of one or more cover panels. Many footballs include covers with stripes. In fact, many organized football associations, such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association ("NCAA") and many state high school athletic associations, require stripes on their footballs. In particular, the NCAA requires footballs to include two l-inch white stripes that are three to three and one-quarter inches from the end of the ball and are located only on the two cover panels adjacent to the laces. The outer cover of footballs and other types of game balls also typically include trademarks, sym-bols and logos. The stripes, trademarks, logos and/or symbols

According to another preferred aspect of the invention a football includes a cover having an outer surface formed of a first material and at least first and second stripes coupled to the cover. Each of the first and second stripes has an outer

35 surface formed of a second material. The second material has greater tactility than the first material such that the outer surface of the first and second stripes is more easily grippable than the outer surface of the cover.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention on game balls can extend over a significant percentage of the outer surface area of the ball. 40 provides a method of manufacturing an inflatable game ball.

In football and basketball, as in many other sports, the gripping and tactile characteristics of the ball can consider-ably affect the performance of the participating players. In particular, the tactile characteristics of the outer surface of the game ball significantly effect the player's ability to catch, 45 pass or otherwise control the ball accurately and reliably.

Football stripes are commonly applied by painting or trans-ferring on a thin layer of paint, dye or other coating. These stripes typically have a smooth and slick outer surface which, particularly in inclement weather, can negatively affect the 50 players ability to catch, pass and otherwise control the ball. Many painted on or transferred on stripes are also susceptible to peeling and can wear easily. As a result, the appearance of many striped footballs overtime can be negatively affected by stripes that have partially worn or flaked off. Even premium 55 game balls using striping material that is less slick and more durable than typical striping material, result in stripes with outer surfaces that have lower tactility than the other portions of the ball. Logos, trademarks and other symbols commonly applied to the outer surface of game balls also can have a 60 smooth, slick outer surface and can flake or wear away easily.

Thus, there is a need for football stripes that have improved gripping and tactile characteristics, or frictional interaction with the hands of a user, without deviating or radically depart-ing from the ball's traditional design and organized play 65 equipment requirements. What is needed is football stripes that improves a player's ability to pass, catch or otherwise

The method includes the steps of obtaining a carcass, obtain-ing a cover having inner and outer surfaces, forming at least one recess into the outer surface of the cover, coupling the inner surface of the cover to the carcass, and substantially filling the recess with a thin member having an outer portion formed of an outer material that is compressible, resilient, and tactile.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention a game ball is configured for direct contact with a user's hands. The game ball includes a cover having an outer surface formed of a first material, and at least one sheet-like member fixedly coupled to the cover. The sheet-like member has an outer surface formed of a second material. The second mate-rial has a static coefficient of friction that is greater than the static coefficient of friction of the first material when mea-sured in accordance with the standard test method for static coefficient of friction of ASTM D1894-01.

This invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings described herein below, and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an American football in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.


US 8,460,135 B2 3

FIG. 2 is a top, partially exploded, perspective view of the football of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional of the football taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of the outer surface of the football within the circle 4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a portion of the outer surface of a football in accordance with an alternative preferred embodi-ment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a football stripe in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a football stripe in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a football in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.


FIG. 10 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a bas-ketball in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, an American football is indicated generally at 10. The footballlO is one example of an inflatable game ball. The present invention is directly applicable to other inflatable game balls, such as, for example, basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls and rugby balls. The game balls are configured to be contacted directly by the hands of one or more users, although the game balls can also be used by one or more gloved users.

The football 10 is a generally prolate spheroidal shaped inflatable object having a major longitudinal dimension and a minor transverse dimension. The football! 0 includes, a cover 12, a bladder 14, a lacing 16, four stripes 18 and a plurality of logos 20. The cover 12 is a prolate spheroidal shaped outer body preferably formed from first, second, third and fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 that are joined to one another along longitudinal seams 30. The longitudinal seam 30 con-necting the first and second cover panels 22 and 24 includes a longitudinally extending slot 32. The second cover panel 24 includes a valve aperture 34. In alternative preferred embodi-ments, the cover 12 can be formed of a single piece or of two, three, five or other numbers of cover panels. The cover 12 provides the balllO with a durable and grippable outer sur-face. The cover 12 is typically made of leather, rubber or a synthetic polymeric plastic material. An outer surface of the cover 12 preferably includes a pebbled texture for enhancing the grip and improving the aesthetics of the footballlO.

Referring to FIG. 2, first, second, third and fourth stripe recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 are formed into the first and second cover panels 22 and 24. The recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 are preferably formed by embossing or pressing the cover panels

4 0.2 to 2.0 millimeters. In a particularly preferred embodi-ment, the depth of the recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 is within the range of 0.5 to 1.0 millimeters. In yet another particularly preferred embodiment, the recesses have a depth within the range of0.65 to 0.8 millimeters.

The stripe recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 can be positioned at any position about the cover panels and can have any width or length dimension. Preferably, the position, width and length of the stripe recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 are located and sized

10 in accordance with stripe requirements of a particular athletic association requirement. For example, the NCAA requires two 1-inch white stripes that are three to three and one-quarter inches from the end of the ball and are located only on the two cover panels adjacent to the laces. Therefore, the stripe

15 recesses can be positioned and sized to correspond with the NCAA stripe requirements. Alternatively, the stripe recesses can be positioned and sized to match the stripe requirements of other organizations, such as state high school athletic associations.

20 In alternative preferred embodiments, the stripe recesses can be formed on any one or more of the cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28. In another alternative embodiment, the stripe recesses can be formed by milling, stripping or otherwise removing material from the outer surface of the cover panel to

25 form the recess. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the cover, including the cover panels, can be formed without recesses.

Referring to FIG. 1, the bladder 14 is an inflatable air tube preferably having a prolate spheroidal shape. The bladder 14

30 is inserted into the cover 12 through the slot 32. The bladder 14 includes a valve 37 that extends through the valve aperture 34 of the cover 12 for access by a user.

The lacing 16 is used to secure the first and second cover panels 22 and 24 and to close the slot 32. The lacing 16 also

35 provides raised surfaces for a player to contact when passing, catching or holding onto the footballlO.

Referring to FIG. 2, the stripe 18 is an elongate thin mem-ber sized and positioned to substantially fill one of the stripe recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42. The stripes 18 are also preferably

40 positioned and sized to match the position and size of the stripe recesses. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stripes 18 are sized to meet a specific association or organi-zation requirements for stripes, such as, for example, the NCAA and state high school associations. The stripes 18

45 are preferably formed with a thickness within the range of0.2 to 2.0 millimeters. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thickness of the stripes is within the range of 0.5 to 1.0 millimeters. In yet another particularly preferred embodi-ment, the thickness of the stripes 18 is within the range of0.65

50 to 0.8 millimeters. In another preferred embodiment, the thickness of the stripe 18 can be selected to substantially fill and slightly outwardly extend from cover panel. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 is applied directly to the outer surface of the cover or cover panel of the

55 football without a recess. In this embodiment, the stripe can outwardly extend from the outer surface of the cover or cover panel by a predetermined amount, such as, for example, 0.2 to 2.0mm. 22 and 24 to produce the recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42. By

embossing or pressing the cover panels to form the strip recesses, no cover panel material is removed, rather, the cover 60 panels are simply compressed under heat and/or pressure to produce the recesses. Embossing or pressing the cover panels enables the cover panels to retain their strength, structural integrity and durability. The recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 inwardly extend into the cover panels 22 and 24 from an outer 65 surface of the cover panels 22 and 24. The recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 preferably are formed with a depth within the range of

Each stripe 18 is permanently (not removeably) attached to one of the cover panels 22 and 24. Preferably, the stripe is attached to one of the cover panels through adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, chemical bonding, stitching, sewing, press-fitting, and combinations thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 is attached to the cover panel by stitching, or sewing, and adhesive bonding. An adhesive is applied to one or both of the inner surface of the stripe 18 and the exposed surface of the stripe recess. The stripe 18 is


US 8,460,135 B2 5

stitched or sewn at each end adjacent to the respective longi-tudinal seam 3 0. In one preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 is laid over a portion of the cover panel and stitched to the cover panel. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the cover panel is formed of two or more sub-panels. One side edge of the stripe is stitched to an edge of one of the sub-panels and another side edge of the stripe is stitched to an edge of another sub-panel. In this alternative preferred embodiment, the stripe does not fully overlap the cover or cover panel, rather the stripe serves as a portion of the cover panel. In this embodi- 10 ment, stitching of the edges is preferred, but the stripe and cover sub-panels can also be coupled through other conven-tional means, such as, for example, bonding, welting, adhe-sives, etc. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 can be applied to the stripe recess in a liquid state and then 15 allowed to cure.

6 carcass 48 includes the bladder 14, a windings layer 50 and a padding layer 52. The carcass 48 enables the football10 to retain its desired shape, and a predetermined amount of air thereby achieving the desired firnmess to the football10. The carcass 48 also improves the strength, reliability and feel of the ball10. In alternative preferred embodiments, the carcass can include other combinations of materials and layers. The stripe recess 42 (or stripe recesses 36, 38 or40) preferably has aU-shaped cross-section for receiving the stripe 18. In alter-native, preferred embodiments, the stripe recess can take other cross-sectional shapes, such as for example, polygonal, arcuate, irregular and combinations thereof.

The stripe 18 substantially fills the stripe recess 42. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 can partially fill the recess thereby providing a recessed outer surface. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 can fill the recess and slightly outwardly extend from the recess thereby providing a raised stripe look and feel to the ball.

FIG. 4 illustrates the cover 12 and the stripe 18 in greater

In a preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 includes outer and inner portions 44 and 46. The outer portion 44 is formed of a compressible, resilient and tactile (as in tacky) material, pref-erably, a polyurethane. In alternative preferred embodiments, the outer portion 44 can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, a polyvinylchloride, a rubber, a leather, a syn-thetic leather, an elastomer and combinations thereof. The stripe 18 is not formed of a hook and/or loop material, or a loose sand-like material that is glued to the cover 12. The outer portion 44 is preferably formed in a white color. Alter-natively, the outer portion 44 can be formed in any other color

20 detail. In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the outer portion 44 of the stripe 18 has a pebbled texture includ-ing a plurality of pebble-like projections 54. The outer surface of the cover 12 also preferably includes a pebbled texture and a plurality of pebble-like projections 55, which are substan-

25 tially similar to the pebble-like projections 54 of the stripe 18.

or color combination. In a preferred embodiment, the tactile characteristics and the frictional interaction of the outer por-tion 44 of the stripe 18 with the hands of a user are greater than 30 or equal to the tactile characteristics and frictional interaction of outer surface of the cover 12 or the cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 with the hands of a user. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the outer portion 44 of the stripe 18 is formed of a polyurethane or other highly grippable material and is used 35 on a ball1 0 having a leather, composite leather, or a synthetic leather material with less tactility (or tackiness).

The pebble-like projections 54 provide the outer surface of the stripe 18 with a pebbled texture that is substantially simi-lar to the grip enhancing pebbled outer surface present on the cover 12 of conventional footballs and basketballs. The pebble-like projections 54 are preferably convex, rounded and spaced apart from one another. The pebble-like projec-tions 54 further improve the player's ability to grip the foot-ball 10. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the outer surface 52 of the stripe 18 can include a plurality of concave pebble-like projections. Referring to FIG. 5, in an alternative preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the stripe 18 can be generally smooth and free of pebble-like projections. In other embodiments, the outer surface 52 can be cross-hatched, grainy, grooved or otherwise irregular to roughen the texture of the outer surface of the stripe 18.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, alternative preferred embodi-ments of the stripe 18 are illustrated. FIG. 6 illustrates one preferred alternative embodiment, wherein the stripe 18 is formed of one continuous material. The material is substan-

The inner portion 46 of the stripe 18 is a backing layer configured to strengthen and facilitate attachment of the stripe to the cover 12. The inner portion 46 is fixedly con- 40 nected to the outer portion through bonding, impregnation, or other conventional means. The inner portion 46 is preferably formed of a strong, tear resistant material, such as, a woven or unwoven fabric. The fabric of the inner portion 46 can be impregnated with a polymer, such as a latex.

The outer portion 44 of the stripe 18 improves the overall feel of the stripes and the ball, and increases the frictional interaction between the stripe 18 and the hands of the player. This increased frictional interaction enables the stripe 18 to improve or increase the gripability or tactility of the football 50 10, thereby improving a player's ability to pass, catch, hold

45 tially similar to the materials used for the outer portion 44 of the stripe 18 discussed above. Referring to FIG. 7, another alternative preferred embodiment of the stripe 18 is illus-trated. The stripe 18 can be multi-layered with the outer and

on to, and otherwise control the ball 10, particularly in inclement weather. The stripe 18 of the present invention eliminates the smooth and slick outer surface of the stripe present on many existing balls. The stripe 18 is also more 55 durable, more wear resistant and less susceptible to peeling than conventional football stripes. The stripe 18 is configured to withstand the stresses encountered during normal use with-out peeling or significantly wearing, and to improve the over-all feel of the stripe 18 and the ball10totheuser.Additionally, 60 the stripe 18 of the present invention improves the feel and playability of the ball without deviating from the traditional look of a game ball or the football requirements of athletic associations.

inner portions 44 and 46, as discussed above separated by an intermediate layer 56. The intermediate layer can be formed of any suitable material. The material of the intermediate layer 56 can vary from one ball to the next depending upon the desired characteristics of the stripe (compressibility, durabil-ity, softness, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 8, an alternative preferred embodiment of the stripe 18 applied to the cover panel 22 is illustrated. In this embodiment, a stripe 18 is attached directly to the outer surface of a portion of the cover 12 or one of the cover panels 22, 24, 26 or 28. The stripe 118 is substantially similar to the stripe 18 described above. The stripe 118 can be attached to the cover and cover panel by chemical, thermal, or mechani-cal bonding, stitching, sewing or other conventional means. The stripe 118 can be formed of the same materials as the stripe 18. The stripe 118 is shown as being formed of a single

FIG. 3 illustrates the football 10 in greater detail. The football10 is a multi-layered structure preferably including a carcass 48 and the cover 12. In one preferred embodiment, the

65 continuous material, alternatively, the stripe 118 can include a backing or multiple layers. The outer surface of the stripe 118 can be pebbled, smooth or have other outer surface con-


US 8,460,135 B2 7

figurations such as those described above for the stripe 18. The portion of the cover 12 or cover panel contacting the stripe is not recessed. As such the stripe 118 outwardly extends from outer surface of the cover 12 or coverpanel22. Each side of the stripe 118 preferably includes a tapered edge 57 in order to eliminate a shape raised corner edge.

The outer surface of the stripe 118 is preferably made of a material that is more tactile (or tacky), or has greater tactility (or tackiness), than the material the outer surface of the cover 12 or cover panel. The outer surface of the stripe 118 also has 10

a greater frictional interaction with the hands of a user than the outer surface of the cover 12. In other words, the material of the outer surface of stripe 118 is preferably formed of a material that is more grippable than the material of the outer 15 surface of the cover 12 or the cover panel. For example, the cover panel or cover 12 can be formed of a leather and the stripe 118 can be formed of a polyurethane. The stripes 118 are preferably formed with a thickness within the range of 0.2 to 2.0 millimeters. In a particularly preferred embodiment, 20 the thickness of the stripes 118 is within the range of0.5 to 1.0 millimeters. In yet another particularly preferred embodi-ment, the thickness of the stripes 118 is within the range of 0.65 to 0.8 millimeters.

8 higher static coefficient of friction than the static coefficient offriction of the material used to form the outer surface of the cover 12, or the cover panels. The static coefficient of friction is measured in accordance with ASTM Standard D 1894-01 entitled "Standard Test Method for Static and Kinetic Coef-ficients ofFriction ofPlastic Film and Sheeting" promulgated by ASTM International located at 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, Pa. 19428-2959.

In accordance with ASTM Std. D 1894-01, material samples are preferably trimmed to 2.5" widthx2.5" length. A metal sled is used having a size of approximately 2.5' lengthx 2.5'widthx0.25'thickness. The bottomofthe sled is lined with a high density foam (having a nominal density of0.25 g/cm3 ). Prior to testing, the sled is weighed. A plane or runway is also used and placed onto a smooth supporting base. The runway is formed of a metal. In one example, the runway is formed of 304 Stainless Steel having a #8 Mirror Surface. The runway is cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and dried with a soft, lint-free cloth. The sample to be tested is attached to the sled. The sled is pulled across the runway at a speed of152.4 mm per minute

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the present invention is also applicable to logos, trademarks or symbols applied to a game ball, such as, for example, the "Wilson" logo and trademark 20. The game ball can be a football, a basketball or any other type of game ball. In a preferred embodiment, the cover 12 includes a logo recess 58. The logo recess 58 is produced and has similar depth limitations as the stripe recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 described above. The logo recess 58 is positioned at a desired position(s) on the cover 12 and is formed to generally correspond to the shape of the logo 20 or any other desired 35 logo, trademark or symbol.

for a total distance of 200 mm. The initial force to start sled movement and the average force from the 25 mm distance to the 17 5 mm distance is recorded. The force measuring device

25 is capable of measuring frictional force to +1-5% of its value, and can be a spring gage, a universal testing machine, or a strain gage. The sled weight is then divided into the force values (force values divided by the sled weight) to obtain the

30 Static and Kinetic Coefficient of Friction values at the respec-tive sled positions. Five specimens are tested for each mate-rial.

The logo 20 is preferably similar to the stripe 18 discussed above. In a preferred embodiment the logo 20 includes outer and inner portions 60 and 62, which are similar in construc-tion and operation to the outer and inner portions 44 and 46 of 40 the stripe 18. The logo 20 can be single or multi-colored, and can be representative of any alpha-numeric or graphical image. The outer surface of the outer portion 60 of the logo 20 can be smooth, pebbled or have other types of three dimen-sional outer surface configuration. The logo 20 is preferably 45 connected to the cover 12 at the secondary recess 58 in a manner similar to the connection of the stripe 18 to the stripe recess 42.

The game balll 0 can be formed by first obtaining the cover 12 formed of one or more cover panels. The stripe recesses 42 50 and/or logo recesses 58 are then formed into the outer surface of the cover or cover panel. In a preferred embodiment, the recesses 42 and 58 are formed by embossing or pressing the outer surface of the cover. The cover or cover panel may have a pebbled texture before the formation of the recesses through 55 embossing or pressing. In alternative preferred embodiments, the recesses 42 and 58 can be formed by milling, stripping or other conventional means for removing material. The stripe 18 and/or logo 20 is laid-in to the corresponding recess 42 or 58 and secured through adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, 60 chemical bonding, stitching, sewing, press-fitting and com-binations thereof. If the cover 12 is formed of two or more cover panels, the cover panels can be connected together through stitching or other means, and the cover is then posi-tioned about the carcass. 65

The outer portion 44 of the stripe 18, and/or the outer portion 60 of the logo 20, is formed of a material that has a

In a preferred embodiment, the static coefficient of friction of the material used to form the outer surface of the game ball, such as the footballlO, is less or lower than the static coeffi-cient of friction of the material used to form the outer surface of the stripe 18 and/or the logo 20. Ina preferred embodiment, the static coefficient of friction of the material used to form the outer surface of the game ball, such as the footballlO, is equal to or less than 0.50, and the static coefficient offriction of the material used to form the outer surface of the stripe 18 and/or logo 20 is greater than 0.50. In other alternative pre-ferred embodiments, the static coefficient of friction of the material used to form the outer surface of the stripe 18 and/or the logo 20 is greater than 1.0, greater than 2.0, greater than 3.0, or greater than 3.5. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the static coefficient of friction of the material used to form the outer surface of the football! 0, is equal to or less than 1.00, and the static coefficient of friction of the material used to form the outer surface of the stripe 18 and/or logo 20 is greater than 1.00.

In an independent test, Applicants obtained static coeffi-cient of friction values for a variety of materials in accordance withASTM Standard No. D 1894-01, and as described above. The materials tested included a white single tone polyure-thane ("PU") material used to form stripes and/or logos on a football; a brown dual-tone PU material used to form part or all of the outer surface of a football; pieces of genuine leather used to form the cover or cover panels of a leather football; representative specimens of a Velcro loop material; repre-sentative specimens of a Velcro hook material; and a smooth plate of glass.

The results identified from testing the static coefficient of friction of five specimens of each of the above listed materials in accordance withASTM D 1894-01 are shown below.


US 8,460,135 B2 9

TABLE 1

STATIC COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION

Sam- White Brown Velcro Velcro ple PU PU Genuine Hook Loop No Material Material Leather Material Material

3.57 3.20 0.39 0.14 0.19 2 4.22 3.43 0.36 0.12 0.18

4.43 3.28 0.40 0.12 0.18 4 3.95 3.35 0.40 0.13 0.17

3.95 4.13 0.39 0.12 0.18 Avg. 4.02 3.48 0.39 0.13 0.18 Std. 0.32 0.37 0.02 0.01 0.00 Dev.

Smooth Plate of Glass

0.15 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.17 0.16 0.01

10

10 the remaining two of the first, second, third and fourth stripes being coupled to the second cover panel, the first and second cover panels each having exposed end regions and an exposed central region, the exposed end regions of the first cover panel being spaced apart from the exposed central region of the first cover panel by the two of the first, second, third and fourth stripes, and the exposed end regions of the second cover panel being spaced apart from the exposed central region of the second cover panel by the remaining two of the first, second, third and fourth stripes, the at least first, second, third and fourth stripes not extending over the third cover panel or over the fourth cover panel.

The white PU material is an example of the type of material that can be used under the present invention to form the outer surface of the stripe 18 and/or logo 20. Alternatively, the brown PU material can also be used to form the outer surface of the stripe 18 and/or the logo 20. Alternatively, other mate-rials can also be used, such as, for example, a polyvinylchlo-ride, a rubber, a leather, a synthetic leather, an elastomer and combinations thereof. The static coefficient of friction of such materials can vary, and can fall within the range of0.40to 5.0

2. The football of claim 1, wherein each of the at least first, 15 second, third and fourth sheet-like flexible stripes laterally

extends over at least a quarter of the circumference of the ball. 3. The football of claim 1, wherein the static coefficient of

friction of the second material used to form the outer surface of the at least one of the stripes is equal to or greater than 0.50

20 and the first material used to form the outer surface of the

or higher provided that the static coefficient of friction of the 25

material used to form the outer surface of the stripe 18 or the logo 20 is higher than the static coefficient of friction used to form the outer surface of the game ball.

cover has a static coefficient of friction that is less than 0.50. 4. The football of claim 1, wherein the static coefficient of

friction of the second material used to form the outer surface of the at least one of the stripes is greater than or equal to 1.0.

5. The football of claim 1, wherein the static coefficient of friction of the second material used to form the outer surface of the at least one of the stripes is greater than or equal to 2.0.

6. The football of claim 1, wherein the static coefficient of friction of the second material used to form the outer surface The genuine leather specimens listed in Table 1 were the

same leather that is used to produce the covers of leather footballs. It is important to note that the leather on leather footballs typically becomes more grippable over time as the leather is used and breaks in. Accordingly, the static coeffi-cient of friction value of genuine leather is anticipated to increase over time as the material is used. In contrast, the

35 static coefficient of friction other materials, such as the hook and loop materials is not expected to increase over time or use.

30 of the at least one of the stripes is greater than or equal to 3 .0. 7. The football of claim 3, wherein the static coefficient of

friction of the second material used to form the outer surface of the at least one of the stripes is greater than or equal to 1.0.

8. The football of claim 7, wherein the static coefficient of friction of the second material is greater than or equal to 2.0.


10. The football of claim 1, wherein the static coefficient of friction of the second material used to form the outer surface While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, numerous departures

therefrom can be contemplated by persons skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the forego-ing description but only by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

40 of the at least one of the stripes is equal to or greater than 1.0 and the first material used to form the outer surface of the

What is claimed is:

cover has a static coefficient of friction that is less than 1.0. 11. The football of claim 10, wherein the static coefficient

of friction of the second material is greater than or equal to 45 2.0.

1. An inflatable American football having a major longitu-dinal dimension and a minor transverse dimension, the foot-ball configured for direct contact with a user's hands, the football comprising:

a cover having an outer surface formed of a first material, 50 the cover including at least first, second, third and fourth cover panels; and

at least first, second, third and fourth sheet-like flexible, non fully circumferential and transversely extending non-circular stripes fixedly and non-removably coupled 55 to the cover, the at least first, second, third and fourth stripes having an outer surface formed of a second mate-rial, the second material having a static coefficient of friction that is greater than the static coefficient of fric-tion of the first material when measured in accordance 60 with the standard test method for static coefficient of friction of ASTM D1894-01, the frictional interaction between the outer surface of the at least one of the stripes and the hands of the user being greater than the frictional interaction between the outer surface of the cover and 65 the hands of the user, two of the first, second, third and fourth stripes being coupled to the first cover panel, and


13. A game ball configured for direct contact with a user's hands, the game ball comprising:

a cover having an outer surface formed of a first material; and

at least two sheet-like flexible, non fully circumferential and laterally extending members fixedly and non-re-movably attached to, and positioned over, the outer sur-face of the cover without forming a recess in the outer surface of the cover, the at least two members outwardly extending from the cover by at least 0.2 millimeters, the at least two members having an outer surface formed of a second material, the second material having a static coefficient offriction that is greater than the static coef-ficient of friction of the first material when measured in accordance with the standard test method for static coef-ficient of friction of ASTM D1894-01, the frictional interaction between the outer surface of the at least one member and the hands of the user being greater than the frictional interaction between the outer surface of the


US 8,460,135 B2 11

cover and the hands of the user, wherein the at least first and second stripes include first, second, third and fourth stripes, and wherein the cover includes first second third and fourth cover panels, and wherein t~o of th~ first, second, third and fourth stripes are connected to the first cover panel, and wherein the remaining of the first, second, third and fourth stripes are connected to the second cover panel.

14. The football of claim 1, wherein the second material of the at least one of the stripes is selected from a group consist- 10 ing of a polyurethane, a polyvinylchloride, a rubber, a leather, a synthetic leather, an elastomer and combinations thereof.

12 at least two members having an outer surface formed of a second material, the second material having a static coefficient offriction that is greater than the static coef-ficient of friction of the first material when measured in accordance with the standard test method for static coef-ficient of friction of ASTM D1894-01, the frictional interaction between the outer surface of the at least one member and the hands of the user being greater than the frictional interaction between the outer surface of the cover and the hands of the user, wherein the at least one member has an inner portion, and wherein the inner portion includes a backing layer. 15. The football of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the

at least one of the stripes includes an exposed surface having a pebbled texture.

21. The game ball of claim 1, wherein at least one of the 15 cover panels defines an aperture for facilitating inflation.

22. The football of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least first, second, third and fourth stripes includes at least one tapered edge.

16. The football of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the stripes has a thickness between the range of0.2 to 2.0 milli-meters.

17. The football of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the stripes has a thickness between the range of0.5 to 1.0 milli-meters.

23. The football of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first 20 second, third and fourth stripes has an inner portion, and

wherein the inner portion includes a backing layer. 18. The football of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the

stripes is coupled to the cover in a method selected from the group consisting of adhesively bonded, thermally bonded, chemically bonded, stitched, sewn, and combinations thereof.

~4. An .inflat~ble American football having a major longi-tudmal d1mens10n and a minor transverse dimension the football configured for direct contact with a user's hand~ the

25 football comprising: ' a cover including a plurality of cover panels, the cover

panels having an outer surface formed of a first material at least one of the cover panels being formed of at leas~ first and second sub-panels; and


a cover having an outer surface formed of a first material and ' 30

at least two sheet-like flexible, non fully circumferential and laterally extending members fixedly and non-re-movably attached to, and positioned over, the outer sur-face of the cover without forming a recess in the outer surface of the cover, the at least two members outwardly 35 extending from the cover by at least 0.2 millimeters, the at least two members having an outer surface formed of

at least first and second sheet-like flexible, non fully cir-cumferential and transversely extending stripes, each of the stripes including side edges, one of the side edges of the first stripe being fixedly and non-removably coupled to the first sub-panel and the otherofthe side edges of the first stripe being fixedly and non-removably coupled to the second sub-panel such that the first stripe does not fully overlap the outer surface of the cover panel, the at least first and second stripes having an outer surface formed of a second material, the second material having a static coefficient of friction that is greater than the static coefficient of friction of the first material when measured in accordance with the standard test method for static coefficient offriction of ASTM D1894-0l the frictional interaction between the outer surface of the at least one of the stripes and the hands of the user being greater than the frictional interaction between the outer surface of the cover and the hands of the user.

a second material, the second material having a static coefficient of friction that is greater than the static coef-ficient of friction of the first material when measured in 40 accordance with the standard test method for static coef-ficient of friction of ASTM D1894-01, the frictional interaction between the outer surface of the at least one member and the hands of the user being greater than the frictional interaction between the outer surface of the 45 cover and the hands of the user, wherein the at least one sheet-like member is at least first and second stripes, wherein each of the at least first and second stripes include at least one tapered edge.

25. The football of claim 24, wherein the side edges are coupled to the first and second sub-panels in a manner

50 selected from the group consisting of stitching, bonding, adhesives and combinations thereof.


a cover having an outer surface formed of a first material and '

at least two sheet-like flexible, non fully circumferential and laterally extending members fixedly and non-re-movably attached to, and positioned over, the outer sur-face of the cover without forming a recess in the outer surface of the cover, the at least two members outwardly extending from the cover by at least 0.2 millimeters, the

26. The football of claim 24, wherein the static coefficient of friction of the second material used to form the outer surface of the at least one of the stripes is greater than or equal

55 to 1.0. 27. The football of claim 24, wherein the outer surface of

the at least one of the stripes includes an exposed surface having a pebbled texture.

* * * * *


EXHIBIT 2


c12) United States Patent Guenther et al.

(54) GAME BALL COVER WITH IMPROVED STRIPES

(71) Applicant: Wilson Sporting Goods Co., Chicago, IL (US)

(72) Inventors: Douglas G. Guenther, Wheaton, IL (US); Kevin L. Krysiak, Chicago, IL (US); Ming Hsin Lee, Taipei (TW)

(73)

( *)

Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co., Chicago, IL (US)

Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. This patent is subject to a terminal dis-claimer.

(21) Appl. No.: 13/866,196

(22) Filed: Apr. 19, 2013

(65)

(63)

(51)

(52)

Prior Publication Data

US 2013/0231206 Al Sep. 5, 2013 Related U.S. Application Data

Continuation of application No. 12/220,569, filed on Jul. 25, 2008, now Pat. No. 8,460,135, and a continuation of application No. 11/404,986, filed on Apr. 14, 2006, now abandoned, and a continuation-in-part of application No. 10/325,421, filed on Dec. 20, 2002, now Pat. No. 7,029,407.

Int. Cl. A63B 41108 A63B 43/00 U.S. Cl.

(2006.01) (2006.01)

CPC ............... A63B 41108 (2013.01); A63B 43/008 (2013.01); A63B 2243/0037 (2013.01); A63B

2243/007 (2013.01)

28

26

111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 US008905876B2

(10) Patent No.: US 8,905,876 B2 (45) Date of Patent: *Dec. 9, 2014

USPC ............................ 473/597; 473/599; 473/603 (58) Field of Classification Search

CPC .... A63B 41/08; A63B 43/002; A63B 43/008; A63B 2243/007

USPC .......... 473/595-597, 599, 603-605, 615, 574 See application file for complete search history.

(56) References Cited U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

1,487,658 A 1,559,117 A 1,931,429 A 2,011,760 A 2,182,053 A 2,194,674 A * 2,325,128 A

3/1924 Jensen .......................... 473/599 10/1924 Maynard ......................... 273/65 10/1933 Buckner eta!. ................. 273/65 8/1935 Gallinant ...................... 473/596

12/1939 Reach ............................. 273/65 3/1940 Riddell ......................... 473/597 7/1943 Grady ........................... 473/597

(Continued) Primary Examiner- Steven Wong (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm- Terence P. O'Brien

(57) ABSTRACT An American football is configured for direct contact with a user's hands and includes first and second transversely extending stripes and a plurality of cover panels. The cover panels have an outer surface formed of a first material. One of the cover panels is formed of first, second and third sub-panels. One of the side edges of the first and second stripes is fixedly coupled to one of the first and second sub-panels, respectively, and the other of the side edges of the first and second stripes is fixedly coupled to one of the second and third sub-panels, respectively. The stripes having an outer surface formed of a second material. The second material has a static coefficient of friction that is greater than the static coefficient of friction of the first material when measured in accordance with the standard test method for static coefficient offriction of ASTM D1894-0l.

20 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets

10


(56)

2,448,731 3,917,271 3,953,030 4,515,852 4,822,041 4,867,452 4,869,504 4,928,962 5,098,097 5,127,648 5,133,550 5,183,263 5,195,745 5,228,687 5,310,178 5,316,294

References Cited

US 8,905,876 B2 Page 2

5,383,660 5,451,046

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 5,570,882 5,577,724

A 9/1948 Park .............................. 473/596 5,681,233 A 1111975 Lemelson et a!. ............ 473/573 5,888,157 A 4/1976 Muchnick .................. 273/348.4 5,931,752 A 5/1985 Katabe eta!. ................. 428/246 5,941,785 A 4/1989 Molitor ........................... 273/60 5,984,812 A 9/1989 Finley ............................. 273/65 6,200,239 A 9/1989 Kralik ............................. 273/65 6,500,082 A 5/1990 Finley ............................. 273/65 6,514,164 A 3/1992 Kennedy et a!. ................ 273/65 6,520,877 A 7/1992 Mallick ........................... 273/65 6,634,970 A 7/1992 Handy ............................ 273/65 D505,462 A 2/1993 Kuebler ........................ 473/573 D505,463 A 3/1993 Rudell eta!. .................. 473/573 7,029,407 A 7/1993 Luecke eta!. 273/65 8,168,026 .................. 8,460,135 A 5/1994 Walker et al . ................. 473/605

A A A A A A A A A B1 B1 B1* B1 B2 s s B2 B1 B2 *

A 5/1994 Turangan ...................... 473/573 * cited by examiner

111995 Adler eta!. ..................... 273/65 9/1995 Batton .......................... 473/470

1111996 Horkan ......................... 473/438 1111996 Gandolfo ........................ 273/65 10/1997 Guenther et a!. ............. 473/605 3/1999 Guenther et a!. ............. 473/604 8/1999 Guenther et a!. ............. 473/597 8/1999 Bartels .......................... 473/597

1111999 Sassak .......................... 473/596 3/2001 Kennedy et a!. .............. 473/604

12/2002 Ou ................................ 473/599 2/2003 Parrett .......................... 473/603 2/2003 Yang ............................. 473/604

10/2003 Jiminez ......................... 473/597 5/2005 Horkan eta!. D211712 5/2005 Horkan eta!. ............... D211712 4/2006 Lee eta!. ...................... 473/597 5/2012 Brown eta!. 156/245 6/2013 Guenther et a!. ............. 473/597


U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 2014 Sheet 1 of7 US 8,905,876 B2

FIG.1

10

12 I 32

18



FIG.2

12 36

38 10

28

26



10

FIG.3 46 18 /

12

52

50

42 14

FIG.3A 27 22 29

FIG.6

FIG.7 44

56

46

/18

=



FIG.4 18 54

24

44

FIG.5 18

~-"

24

44


U.S. Patent Dec. 9, 2014

FIG.8

57 22

14

Sheet 5 of7

118 /

US 8,905,876 B2

10

52

50



FIG.9

60

62

10



FIG.10

100

\ 60 20


US 8,905,876 B2 1

GAME BALL COVER WITH IMPROVED STRIPES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/220,569 filed on Jul. 25, 2008, which is a continuation application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/404,986 filed on Apr. 14, 2006, now abandoned, 10 which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/325,421 filed on Dec. 20, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,029, 407.

2 that improve a player's ability to pass, catch or otherwise control a ball, particularly during inclement weather. Further, it would be advantageous to provide football stripes, or game ball logos, trademarks or symbols that are more durable and peel resistant. It would also be advantageous to provide game ball logos, trademarks and/or symbols, which improve the gripping and tactile characteristics of the game ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an inflatable game ball including a carcass, a cover and at least one thin member. The cover has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the cover is coupled to the carcass. At least one recess is formed

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 15 into the outer surface of the cover. At least one thin member is

The present invention relates generally to a game ball. In particular, the present invention relates to a game ball includ-ing a cover and at least one sheet-like member coupled to the cover wherein the static coefficient of friction of an outer 20 surface of the sheet-like member is greater than the static coefficient of friction of an outer surface of the cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

coupled to the cover at the at least one recess. The member substantially fills the recess. The member has inner and outer portions. The outer portion is formed of a highly grippable material.

According to a principal aspect of a preferred form of the invention, an inflatable football includes a cover and at least first and second stripes. The cover has an outer surface. At least first and second recesses are formed into the outer sur-face of the cover. The first and second stripes are coupled to

Inflatable game balls, such as footballs, basketballs, vol-leyballs and soccer balls, are well known and typically include an inner inflatable air bladder and an outer cover. The cover can be formed of one or more cover panels. Many footballs include covers with stripes. In fact, many organized football associations, such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association ("NCAA") and many state high school athletic associations, require stripes on their footballs. In particular, the NCAA requires footballs to include two l-inch white stripes that are three to three and one-quarter inches from the end of the ball and are located only on the two cover panels adjacent to the laces. The outer cover of footballs and other types of game balls also typically include trademarks, sym-bols and logos. The stripes, trademarks, logos and/or symbols

25 the cover at the first and second recesses, respectively. The first and second stripes substantially fill the first and second recesses, respectively. Each of the first and second stripes has inner and outer portions. The outer portion of each of the first and second stripes is formed of an outer material that is

30 compressible, resilient and tactile. According to another preferred aspect of the invention a

football includes a cover having an outer surface formed of a first material and at least first and second stripes coupled to the cover. Each of the first and second stripes has an outer

35 surface formed of a second material. The second material has greater tactility than the first material such that the outer surface of the first and second stripes is more easily grippable than the outer surface of the cover.

on game balls can extend over a significant percentage of the 40 outer surface area of the ball.

In football and basketball, as in many other sports, the gripping and tactile characteristics of the ball can consider-ably affect the performance of the participating players. In particular, the tactile characteristics of the outer surface of the 45 game ball significantly affect the player's ability to catch, pass or otherwise control the ball accurately and reliably.

Football stripes are commonly applied by painting or trans-ferring on a thin layer of paint, dye or other coating. These stripes typically have a smooth and slick outer surface which, 50 particularly in inclement weather, can negatively affect the player's ability to catch, pass and otherwise control the ball. Many painted on or transferred on stripes are also susceptible to peeling and can wear easily. As a result, the appearance of many striped footballs overtime can be negatively affected by 55 stripes that have partially worn or flaked off. Even premium game balls using striping material that is less slick and more durable than typical striping material, result in stripes with outer surfaces that have lower tactility than the other portions of the ball. Logos, trademarks and other symbols commonly 60 applied to the outer surface of game balls also can have a smooth, slick outer surface and can flake or wear away easily.

Thus, there is a need for football stripes that have improved gripping and tactile characteristics, or frictional interaction with the hands of a user, without deviating or radically depart- 65 ing from the ball's traditional design and organized play equipment requirements. What is needed is football stripes

According to another preferred aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing an inflatable game ball. The method includes the steps of obtaining a carcass, obtain-ing a cover having inner and outer surfaces, forming at least one recess into the outer surface of the cover, coupling the inner surface of the cover to the carcass, and substantially filling the recess with a thin member having an outer portion formed of an outer material that is compressible, resilient, and tactile.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention a game ball is configured for direct contact with a user's hands. The game ball includes a cover having an outer surface formed of a first material, and at least one sheet-like member fixedly coupled to the cover. The sheet-like member has an outer surface formed of a second material. The second mate-rial has a static coefficient of friction that is greater than the static coefficient of friction of the first material when mea-sured in accordance with the standard test method for static coefficient of friction of ASTM D1894-0l.

This invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings described herein below, and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an American football in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.


US 8,905,876 B2 3


FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the football taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a sectional view of the cover of the football taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alter-native preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of the outer surface of the football within the circle 4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a portion of the outer surface of a football in accordance with an alternative preferred embodi-ment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a football stripe in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a football stripe in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a football in accordance with

4 inwardly extend into the cover panels 22 and 24 from an outer surface of the cover panels 22 and 24. The recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 preferably are formed with a depth within the range of 0.2 to 2.0 millimeters. In a particularly preferred embodi-ment, the depth of the recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 is within the range of 0.5 to 1.0 millimeters. In yet another particularly preferred embodiment, the recesses have a depth within the range of0.65 to 0.8 millimeters.

The stripe recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 can be positioned at 10 any position about the cover panels and can have any width or

length dimension. Preferably, the position, width and length of the stripe recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 are located and sized in accordance with stripe requirements of a particular athletic association requirement. For example, the NCAA requires

15 two 1-inch white stripes that are three to three and one-quarter inches from the end of the ball and are located only on the two cover panels adjacent to the laces. Therefore, the stripe recesses can be positioned and sized to correspond with the

another alternative preferred embodiment of the present 20 NCAA stripe requirements. Alternatively, the stripe recesses can be positioned and sized to match the stripe requirements of other organizations, such as state high school invention.


athletic associations. In alternative preferred embodiments, the stripe recesses

can be formed on any one or more of the cover panels 22, 24, FIG. 10 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a bas-ketball in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

25 26 and 28. In another alternative embodiment, the stripe recesses can be formed by milling, stripping or otherwise removing material from the outer surface of the cover panel to form the recess. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the cover, including the cover panels, can be formed without

30 recesses. Referring to FIG. 1, the bladder 14 is an inflatable air tube

preferably having a prolate spheroidal shape. The bladder 14 is inserted into the cover 12 through the slot 32. The bladder 14 includes a valve 37 that extends through the valve aperture

Referring to FIG. 1, an American football is indicated generally at 10. The footballlO is one example of an inflatable game ball. The present invention is directly applicable to other inflatable game balls, such as, for example, basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls and rugby balls. The game balls are configured to be contacted directly by the hands of one or more users, although the game balls can also be used by one

35 34 of the cover 12 for access by a user.

or more gloved users.

The lacing 16 is used to secure the first and second cover panels 22 and 24 and to close the slot 32. The lacing 6 also provides raised surfaces for a player to contact when passing, catching or holding onto the footballlO.

Referring to FIG. 2, the stripe 18 is an elongate thin mem-ber sized and positioned to substantially fill one of the stripe recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42. The stripes 18 are also preferably positioned and sized to match the position and size of the stripe recesses. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the

45 stripes 18 are sized to meet a specific association or organi-zation requirements for stripes, such as, for example, the NCAA and state high school associations. The stripes 18 are preferably formed with a thickness within the range of0.2 to 2.0 millimeters. In a particularly preferred embodiment,

The football 10 is a generally prolate spheroidal shaped inflatable object having a major longitudinal dimension and a 40 minor transverse dimension. The football! 0 includes, a cover 12, a bladder 14, a lacing 16, four stripes 18 and a plurality of logos 20. The cover 12 is a prolate spheroidal shaped outer body preferably formed from first, second, third and fourth cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 that are joined to one another along longitudinal seams 30. The longitudinal seam 30 con-necting the first and second cover panels 22 and 24 includes a longitudinally extending slot 32. The second cover panel 24 includes a valve aperture 34. In alternative preferred embodi-ments, the cover 12 can be formed of a single piece or of two, three, five or other numbers of cover panels. The cover 12 provides the balllO with a durable and grippable outer sur-face. The cover 12 is typically made of leather, rubber or a synthetic polymeric plastic material. An outer surface of the cover 12 preferably includes a pebbled texture for enhancing the grip and improving the aesthetics of the footballlO.

Referring to FIG. 2, first, second, third and fourth stripe recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 are formed into the first and second cover panels 22 and 24. The recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42 are preferably formed by embossing or pressing the cover panels

50 the thickness of the stripes is within the range of 0.5 to 1.0 millimeters. In yet another particularly preferred embodi-ment, the thickness of the strips 18 is within the range of0.65 to 0.8 millimeters. In another preferred embodiment, the thickness of the stripe 18 can be selected to substantially fill

55 and slightly outwardly extend from cover panel. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 is applied directly to the outer surface of the cover or cover and of the football without a recess. In this embodiment, the stripe can outwardly extend front the outer surface of the cover or cover

60 panel by a predetermined amount, such as, for example, 0.2 to 2.0mm. 22 and 24 to produce the recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42. By

embossing or pressing the cover panels to form the strip recesses, no cover panel material is removed, rather, the cover panels are simply compressed under heat and/or pressure to produce the recesses. Embossing or pressing the cover panels 65 enables the cover panels to retain their strength, structural integrity and durability. The recesses 36, 38, 40 and 42

Each stripe 18 is permanently (not removeably) attached to one of the cover panels 22 and 24. Preferably, the stripe is attached to one of the cover panels through adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, chemical bonding, stitching, sewing, press-fitting, and combinations thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 is attached to the cover panel by


US 8,905,876 B2 5

stitching, or sewing, and adhesive bonding. An adhesive is applied to one or both of the inner surface of the stripe 18 and the exposed surface of the stripe recess. The stripe 18 is stitched or sewn at each end adjacent to the respective longi-tudinal seam 3 0. In one preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 is laid over a portion of the cover panel and stitched to the cover panel. Referring to FIG. 3A, in another alternative preferred embodiment, the cover panel 22 is formed of two or more sub-panels 23 and 25. One side edge 27 of the stripe 18 is stitched to an edge 29 of one of the sub-panels 23 and another 10

side edge 31 of the stripe 18 is stitched to an edge 33 of another sub-panel 25. In this alternative preferred embodi-ment, the stripe 18 does not fully overlap the cover 12 or cover panel22, rather the stripe 18 serves as a portion of the cover 15 panel 22. In this embodiment, stitching of the edges is pre-ferred, but the stripe and cover sub-panels can also be coupled through other conventional means, such as, for example, bonding, welting, adhesives, etc. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 can be applied to the stripe recess 20 in a liquid state and then allowed to cure.

In a preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 includes outer and inner portions 44 and 46. The outer portion 44 is formed of a compressible, resilient and tactile (as in tacky) material, pref-erably, a polyurethane. In alternative preferred embodiments, 25 the outer portion 44 can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, a polyvinylchloride, a rubber, a leather, a syn-thetic leather, an elastomer and combinations thereof. The stripe 18 is not formed of a hook and/or loop material, or a loose sand-like material that is glued to the cover 12. The 30 outer portion 44 is preferably formed in a white color. Alter-natively, the outer portion 44 can be formed in any other color or color combination. In a preferred embodiment, the tactile characteristics and the frictional interaction of the outer por- 35 tion44 of the stripe 18with the hands of a user are greater than or equal to the tactile characteristics and frictional interaction of outer surface of the cover 12 or the cover panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 with the hands of a user. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the outer portion 44 of the stripe 18 is formed of 40 a polyurethane or other highly grippable material and is used on a ball1 0 having a leather, composite leather, or a synthetic leather material with less tactility (or tackiness).

The inner portion 46 of the stripe 18 is a backing layer configured to strengthen and facilitate attachment of the 45 stripe to the cover 12. The inner portion 46 is fixedly con-nected to the outer portion through bonding, impregnation, or other conventional means. The inner portion 46 is preferably formed of a strong, tear resistant material, such as, a woven or unwoven fabric. The fabric of the inner portion 46 can be 50 impregnated with a polymer, such as a latex.

The outer portion 44 of the stripe 18 improves the overall feel of the stripes and the ball, and increases the frictional interaction between the stripe 18 and the hands of the player. This increased frictional interaction enables the stripe 18 to 55 improve or increase the gripability or tactility of the football 10, thereby improving a player's ability to pass, catch, hold on to, and otherwise control the ball 10, particularly in inclement weather. The stripe 18 of the present invention eliminates the smooth and slick outer surface of the stripe 60 present on many existing balls. The stripe 18 is also more durable, more wear resistant and less susceptible to peeling than conventional football stripes. The stripe 18 is configured to withstand the stresses encountered during normal use with-out peeling or significantly wearing, and to improve the over- 65 all feel of the stripe 18 and the ball1 0 to the user. Additionally, the stripe 18 of the present invention improves the feel and

6 playability of the ball without deviating from the traditional look of a game ball or the football requirements of athletic associations.

FIG. 3 illustrates the football 10 in greater detail. The football10 is a multi-layered structure preferably including a carcass 48 and the cover 12. In one preferred embodiment, the carcass 48 includes the bladder 14, a windings layer 50 and a padding layer 52. The carcass 48 enables the football10 to retain its desired shape, and a predetermined amount of air thereby achieving the desired firnmess to the football10. The carcass 48 also improves the strength, reliability and feel of the ball10. In alternative preferred embodiments, the carcass can include other combinations of materials and layers. The stripe recess 42 (or stripe recesses 36, 38 or40) preferably has aU-shaped cross-section for receiving the stripe 18. In alter-native, preferred embodiments, the stripe recess can take other cross-sectional shapes, such as for example, polygonal, arcuate, irregular and combinations thereof.

The stripe 18 substantially fills the stripe recess 42. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 can partially fill the recess thereby providing a recessed outer surface. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the stripe 18 can fill the recess and slightly outwardly extend from the recess thereby providing a raised stripe look and feel to the ball.

FIG. 4 illustrates the cover 12 and the stripe 18 in greater detail. In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the outer portion 44 of the stripe 18 has a pebbled texture includ-ing a plurality of pebble-like projections 54. The outer surface of the cover 12 also preferably includes a pebbled texture and a plurality of pebble-like projections 55, which are substan-tially similar to the pebble-like projections 54 of the stripe 18. The pebble-like projections 54 provide the outer surface of the stripe 18 with a pebbled texture that is substantially simi-lar to the grip enhancing pebbled outer surface present on the cover 12 of conventional footballs and basketballs. The pebble-like projections 54 are preferably convex, rounded and spaced apart from one another. The pebble-like projec-tions 54 further improve the player's ability to grip the foot-ball 10. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the outer surface 52 of the stripe 18 can include a plurality of concave pebble-like projections. Referring to FIG. 5, in an alternative preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the stripe 18 can be generally smooth and free of pebble-like projections. In other embodiments, the outer surface 52 can be cross-hatched, grainy, grooved or otherwise irregular to roughen the texture of the outer surface of the stripe 18.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, alternative preferred embodi-ments of the stripe 18 are illustrated. FIG. 6 illustrates one preferred alternative embodiment, wherein the stripe 18 is formed of one continuous material. The material is substan-tially similar to the materials used for the outer portion 44 of the stripe 18 discussed above. Referring to FIG. 7, another alternative preferred embodiment of the stripe 18 is illus-trated. The stripe 18 can be multi-layered with the outer and inner portions 44 and 46, as discussed above

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Wilson Sporting Goods v Rawlings Sporting Goods