Ball

Abstract

This invention relates to a ball ( 1 ) which is manufactured to include a relatively rough surface ( 3 ) on one side of the ball and a relatively smooth surface ( 2 ) on the other side of the ball, wherein when the ball ( 1 ) is delivered through air the ball ( 1 ) deviates from an expected trajectory towards the smooth side.

1 . A ball for use in sport or recreation to be delivered through air, the ball is manufactured to include a smooth portion on one side of the ball having a relatively smooth surface, and a rough portion on the opposite side of the ball having a relatively rough surface, the smooth portion covering between 55 and 75% of the surface of the ball, a seam located entirely on the smooth portion which seam includes a plurality of rows of imitation stitches extending proud of the surface of the smooth portion, wherein when the ball is delivered through the air the ball deviates from an expected trajectory towards the side having the smooth surface.  
     
     
         2 . A ball according to  claim 1  having a core with the smooth portion and rough portion attached to the core by attaching means.  
     
     
         3 . A ball according to  claim 2  wherein the core is formed from elastomer.  
     
     
         4 . A ball according to  claim 2  or  3  wherein the core is formed from polyurethane.  
     
     
         5 . A ball according to  claim 2  wherein the core is formed from cork.  
     
     
         6 . A ball according to  claim 2 ,  3 ,  4  or  5  wherein the core is hollow.  
     
     
         7 . A ball according to  claim 2 ,  3 ,  4  or  5  wherein the core is solid.  
     
     
         8 . A ball according to any one of  claims 2  to  7  wherein the attaching means is a flexible adhesive solution.  
     
     
         9 . A ball according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the smooth portion covers 55% of the surface of the ball.  
     
     
         10 . A ball according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the smooth surface of the smooth portion is formed from a different material than the rough surface of the rough portion.  
     
     
         11 . A ball according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the smooth surface is formed from an elastomer or synthetic material.  
     
     
         12 . A ball according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rough surface is formed from nap or felt.  
     
     
         13 . A ball according to any one of  claims 1  to  9  wherein the smooth surface of the smooth portion and the rough surface of the rough portion are formed from the same material.  
     
     
         14 . A ball according to  claim 13  wherein the material is an elastomer, synthetic polyurethane or leather.  
     
     
         15 . A ball according to  claim 13  or  14  wherein the rough portion includes a plurality of dimples located across the rough surface.  
     
     
         16 . A ball according to  claim 15  wherein the size of the dimples range between 4 to 10 mm in diameter and 2 to 7.5 mm in depth.  
     
     
         17 . A ball according to any one of the preceding claims including a raised keel extending proud of the surface and around the perimeter of the surface of the ball, the keel being aligned with or parallel to a join between the smooth portion and the rough portion.  
     
     
         18 . A ball substantially as herein before described and illustrated.