Patent ID: 8740734
Filing Date: 2014-06-03
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A basketball comprising: a bladder; a layer of windings placed over the bladder; and a carcass covering the layer of windings, the carcass having an outer surface defining first and second sets of channels, the outer surface of the carcass being substantially uncovered such that the outer surface of the carcass is also the outer surface of the basketball, the first set of channels defining a conventional basketball channel pattern, the conventional basketball channel pattern including first and second great circles intersecting at approximately 90 degree angles at first and second diametrically opposed points on the outer surface of the basketball, and two generally elliptical curved shaped channels symmetrically spaced apart from the first great circle and intersecting the second great circle, the second set of channels define a pattern that is substantially different from the conventional basketball channel pattern and at least a portion of the second set of channels are spaced apart from the first set of channels, the second set of channels including a plurality of spaced apart channels, and each of the channels extending generally longitudinally about the outer surface of the basketball from near the first diametrically opposed point to near the second diametrically opposed point, the second set of channels numbering at least ten channels and less or equal to forty channels, the depth of the second set of channels being greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm, wherein the basketball is configured for organized, competitive play.