Compound safety ball
US6012997A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S273/20
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A compound ball simulates the performance of a regulation size baseball, softball, and golf ball. It is formed of spherical outer and inner shells dimensioned to abut one another or to provide a spacing between them. The outer shell is formed of molded polymeric material with circular apertures spaced over its surface. The inner shell is gas filled and resiliently rebounds in response to being compressed by the outer shell upon deformation of the outer shell in response to being hit, as by a bat or club. The apertures in the outer shell permit air to pass trough the apertures when the compound ball is in flight. The inner shell provides mass and impact rebound within the outer shell for simulating the action of a regulation ball when thrown, caught, hit or impacts an object. The outer shell may also contain raised dimpling to impart greater aerodynamic drag on the compound ball, further limiting its flight and range, or altering its performance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.