US3863923A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inflated game ball
Assignee: HUTCH SPORTING GOODS Inc
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Filing: 1973-05-14
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Granted: 1975-02-04
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Expires: 1993-05-14
Abstract
Abstract The outer surface of an inflated ball, such as a basketball, is composed of a plurality of side sectors and a pair of diametrically opposed end sectors, wherein the side sectors are defined by side cover panels, of conventional color, and wherein the end sectors are defined by a plurality of end cover panels which embody ''''team'''' or ''''school'''' colors. The balls are adapted to be fabricated and placed in inventory with side cover panels only, that is, without end cover panels. When an order is received for a ball having particular team colors, appropriately colored end cover panels are selected from stock and applied to the end sectors for thereby completing the ball.
Inventors
- 👤 John W Anderson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 02:16
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B41/00; A63B41/08; A63B39/00; A63B39/06; A63B43/00; A63B43/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
An inflatable game ball comprising an inflatable bladder having a plurality of upstanding ribs thereon defining a plurality of side panel receiving depressions therebetween at the sides of the ball and a plurality of separate end panel receiving depressions at the opposite ends of the ball, said ribs including a rib at each end of the ball extending in a circular path and defining closed circular areas at each of the ends of the ball, and further ribs subdividing said circular areas into a plurality of smaller end panel receiving depressions, a plurality of side cover panels secured in said side panel receiving depressions, said side panels all terminating at their opposite ends at said ribs defining the circular areas, and said end panel receiving depressions being devoid of end cover panels whereby desired end panels may be subsequently secured in the end panel receiving depressions to economically produce a ball having a desired appearance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
An inflatable game ball comprising an inflatable bladder having a plurality of upstanding ribs thereon defining a plurality of side panel receiving depressions therebetween at the sides of the ball and a plurality of separate end panel receiving depressions at the opposite ends of the ball, said ribs including a rib at each end of the ball extending in a circular path and defining closed circular areas at each of the ends of the ball, and further ribs subdividing said circular areas into a plurality of smaller end panel receiving depressions, a plurality of side cover panels secured in said side panel receiving depressions, said side panels all terminating at their opposite ends at said ribs defining the circular areas, and said end panel receiving depressions being devoid of end cover panels whereby desired end panels may be subsequently secured in the end panel receiving depressions to economically produce a ball having a desired appearance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
114 words
A ball as in claim 2, wherein the ribs comprise a pair of circumferentially extending ribs extending about diametral portions of the ball spaced 90* from one another and intersecting each other at the centers of the opposite end areas, a pair of elliptically shaped ribs spaced approximately 45* from one of said pair of circumferentially extending ribs and intersecting at their opposite ends one of the circumferentially extending ribs on opposite sides thereof, said points of intersection of the elliptical ribs with said one circumferentially extending rib lying within the circular areas at opposite ends of the ball, and the portions of the ribs lying within said circular areas comprising said further ribs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A ball as in claim 1, wherein said circular areas include end cover panels of different colors.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-03 | 1978-08-05 | 1979-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-03 | 1982-08-05 | 1983-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-03 | 1986-08-05 | 1987-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |