Patent ID: 7585236
Filing Date: 2009-09-08
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A basketball having an outer surface and comprising: a first set of channels formed into the outer surface of the basketball, the first set of channels defining a plurality of cover panel attachment regions and defining a first pattern; a bladder; a carcass covering the bladder, the carcass having an outer surface defining a second set of channels; and at least two cover panels positioned over the carcass and at least one of the cover panels extending over at least one of the channels of the second set of channels, the at least two cover panels generally conforming to the shape of the outer surface of the carcass such that at least one of the cover panels defines at least one groove in the outer surface of the basketball corresponding to the at least one channel of the second set of channels, the depth of the groove being greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm, the at least one groove defining a second pattern that is different and largely spaced apart from the first channel pattern.