Easier To Construct Sports Ball

Abstract

In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a sports ball is provided which exhibits a reduced need for stitching of the panels due to the use of panels having simulated seams formed by hot pressing. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention the panels are shaped having thicker central foam areas and thinner peripheral areas, thus rendering sewing easier.

1 . An object for sports play comprising:
 a plurality of exterior, stitched together panels sewn at their edges, configured to form a closed volume by said stitching;   an inflatable bladder occupying said closed volume; and   at least one exterior, stitched together panel being thicker in its center and thinner at its periphery.   
     
     
         2 . The object of  claim 1  in which all of the panels have a pentagonal shape. 
     
     
         3 . The object of  claim 2  in which there are 12 panels. 
     
     
         4 . The object of  claim 1  in which at least one of the exterior, stitched together panels simulates the presence of a larger plurality of panels with molded seams. 
     
     
         5 . The object of  claim 1  in which there is at least one pair of exterior, stitched together panels that includes a shape selected from the group consisting of pentagons or hexagons which share a single edge which is visible as a simulated seam. 
     
     
         6 . The object of  claim 1  in which all of said panels are thinner at their periphery than at their middle portions, whereby stitching is made easier and a softer ball results.