Soccer ball and method of making same

#This invention relates to soccer balls, more particularly to balls which can be substituted for conventional soccer balls, and to the method of producing them.

#The sporting goods industry strives to improve the equipment available for each sport and soccer is no exception. There are a number of problems associated with conventional soccer balls due to their structure. First, they are not well suited for indoor use since they can readily break windows and other fragile items. Additionally, conventional soccer balls require a considerable amount of space in order to play since the balls can travel long distances. Further, it is difficult for a beginner to attain and maintain control over the ball, particularly when kicked or thrown toward him at high velocity. It is also difficult for a beginning goalkeeper to catch and hold onto a ball when kicked at him.

#Conventional soccer balls can also cause pain and/or injury when they strike the face or other sensitive parts of the body. The potential for this is particularly high for goalkeepers. The chances for such an injury and the attendant pain are increased in cold weather. The likelihood of such an occurrence is also higher for young children who have not yet developed good hand-eye coordination.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the spherical center portion of the ball (core) made by inserting cotton batting into a plastic sheet or bag. This represents the first stage in the preferred embodiment of the ball of this invention.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interior of the ball after the center portion has been covered with multi-strand yarn.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interior of the ball after the yarn layer has been covered with tape.

#The present invention is predicated on the discovery that, by proper selection of materials and the proper manufacturing technique, balls both softer and having a lower coefficient of elastic restitution, but having the general appearance, size, shape and characteristics of conventional soccer balls, can be produced. However, the balls of the subject invention require less space in which to play since the balls do not travel as far when kicked. Additionally, there is less danger to limb and property since the balls have a lower coefficient of elastic restitution, reducing the likelihood of broken windows and injury to individuals struck by the balls.

#As used herein, the coefficient of elastic restitution (e) is the relative degree to which a ball vertically rebounds from a hard, flat surface when dropped without spin from a specified height. It is calculated according to the following equation: ##EQU1##

#Accordingly, a value of 1.0 would represent an object which bounces to a height equal to that from which it was dropped and a value of 0.0 represents an object which does not bounce at all.