Soccer ball with motion graphic
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorsTodd Smith, Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
Life of this patent
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AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorsTodd Smith, Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
Estimating the term…
Balls for team and individual sports include a motion graphic that provides enhanced perception of ball rotation. The motion graphic is typically defined with a visual characteristic that contrast with a ball casing. The motion graphic includes first and second termination portions that are coupled by a connection region. The first and second termination portions are symmetrically situated with respect to a longitudinal axis and are asymmetric with respect to axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The motion graphic and the ball casing can be provided with substantially opposite colors selected to exhibit similar or substantially the same reflectivities.
A ball, comprising:
A ball, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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The disclosure pertains to graphics that permit enhanced perception of object motion, including rotation, particularly for balls used in team and individual athletics.
Improved athletic performance has been made possible by significant advances in athletic training, training aids, nutrition, equipment and apparel. Even amateur athletes have easy access to world class training programs and trainers, and sophisticated training methods and equipment are widely available to all. Athletes can also find equipment, uniforms, shoes, and apparel that are both stylish and functional. Advances in injury prevention and treatment reduce periods of inactivity. As a result, today's athletes, both professional and amateur, can have long athletic careers in which performance is consistently high.
Athletic apparel and safety equipment are two areas in which significant improvements have been made. For example, head gear for team and individual athletics has incorporated strong, lightweight materials, and designs have been realized that tend to safely dissipate energy received when the headgear is struck. Advanced athletic apparel provides temperature control, comfort, and freedom of motion under even the most demanding conditions.
FIGS. 1A-1C are representative planar views of a representative motion graphic.
FIGS. 2-3 include spectral transmittances of contrasting color pairs suitable for defining a motion graphic.
FIG. 4 is a representation of an additional exemplary motion graphic defined in part by curved arcs.
As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” The described systems, apparatus, and methods described herein should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combinations thereof, nor do the disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.
Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus can be used in conjunction with other systems, methods, and apparatus. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like “produce” and “provide” to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms will vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art.
In examples described below, motion graphics are provide that are associated with visual cues for the assessment and estimation of spin or other rotation of a ball such as, for example, a soccer ball or other sporting object. Such motion graphics can be based on hue, saturation, or value (HSV) or other color coordinates of areas defined on an exterior surface. Black and white or contrasting color areas can be used and solid or patterned areas can be used. For example, a particular gray level can be provided as a uniform gray field, or as a plurality of black elements that provides a gray appearance. Conventional logos and colors can be incorporated into such motion graphics, or can be provided in addition to one or more motion graphics.
Balls with special arrangements: with means for improving visibility, e.g. special markings or colours
Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38: football
Apparatus for physical training, gymnastics, swimming, climbing, or fencing
Term ended 2 Feb 2024 (estimated)