Adidas International Marketing B.v.

Molten Corporation

Other

Adidas International B.v.

Yoshihisa Okimura

Hideomi Shishido

Shigeo Doi

Hans-Peter Nürnberg

Haruhusa Taniguchi

Harufusa Taniguchi

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.

Three-dimensional panels for a game ball and related methods

Methods of forming three-dimensional panels for a game ball

The ball for a ball game of the invention includes a fabric layerhaving a spherical 12-hedron where twelve right pentagonal fabric piecesare sewn together. The marginal edges of the fabric piece being folded by 90 degrees, and the marginal edges are sewn together with a sewing machine. The fabric layer is then reversed through cross-like slitsformed in the fabric layer in a location opposite to a valve opening(also formed in the fabric layer) in such a manner that the marginal edges are located on an inner side of the fabric layer. After the bladder is accommodated within the fabric layer through the closure hole, the holeis closed by a patch. Onto a surface of the fabric layer, there is adhered the panels. Thereby, the ball for a ball game having no unevenness and soft feeling is attained.

Ball for ball game and method for manufacturing the same

The ball for a ball game of the invention includes a fabric layer () having a spherical 12-hedron where twelve right pentagonal fabric pieces () are sewn together. The marginal edges of the fabric piece being folded by 90 degrees, and the marginal edges are sewn together with a sewing machine. The fabric layer is then reversed through cross-like slits () formed in the fabric layer in a location opposite to a valve opening () (also formed in the fabric layer) in such a manner that the marginal edges are located on an inner side of the fabric layer. After the bladder is accommodated within the fabric layer through the closure hole (), the hole () is closed by a patch. Onto a surface of the fabric layer, there is adhered the panels. Thereby, the ball for a ball game having no unevenness and soft feeling is attained.

A ball for a ball game includes an elastic bladder having the form of a spherical hollow body into which compressed air is charged, a reinforced layer formed on a whole surface of the bladder, and a plurality of leather panels bonded onto the reinforced layer directly or through a cover rubber layer, wherein a peripheral edge portion of the leather panel is folded toward an inside and a thickness adjusting member for eliminating a difference in step caused by the folding of the leather panel is caused to be bonded onto the back of the leather panel surrounded by the folded portion of the leather panel.

Ball for ball game

Ball game ball

A ball for a ball game includes a bladder made of a spherical elastic air-impermeable material in a hollow spherical shape and filled with air; a spherical flexible shape-maintaining frame body containing the bladder and having openings; and skin panels in a surface skin layer and having edges contacting one another on the frame body, wherein at least the edges of the skin panels are adhered to the frame body.

Growing community of inventors

Hiroshima, Japan

Yoshihisa Okimura